The Youngest Campione

by bubbajack

EMIYA succeeded in his plan...He is reborn in a new universe with a new family for his efforts. With a chance to try again, can the former Counter Guardian become a true hero, like he always dreamed? However, there is more on the line than his ideals and humanity, for gods walk among men...and even darker things lurk in the shadows worse than any Heretic God. Harem! Rated T-M!

2. Chapter 2

The Youngest Campione

By: Bubbajack

Beta: Diller/William Wiltrose/Grammarly

Disclaimer: I do not own FSN or Campione.

Ch.2: Benefits of Friends…

---

Emiya had been going to school for about four years now, and so far, nothing particularly interesting had happened aside from making a small group of friends. Every day he would show up in class with a lunch he cooked himself, which he shared with his friends around lunchtime. Of his four friends he was closest to Yuri, the girl he'd saved on the first day. She was a quiet, serene girl that was always able to break the others up when their loud mouths or rough housing started to get on his nerves.

Yet when he awoke today, it was with a feeling of intense foreboding. Glancing at his clock he noted he shouldn't even have to be up for another hour. Yet this feeling persisted.

'What could it be?' he wondered.

Then he heard it. The sound of voices muffled by distance. Stealthily getting out of bed, he cocked the gun in his mind, preparing to trace Kanshou and Bakuya in case they were being robbed. Yet as he drew closer, he could identify the voices. It was his parents, and they were fighting…about him?

"Tell the truth Mayo, you had an affair with someone didn't you?" he heard his father ask.

A slap was heard moments later and his mother replied with venom in her tone "How dare you! How dare you try to deny your son and imply I slept around Genzou?!"

Sneaking up to the door he peeked around it just in time to see Genzou throw his arms up in exasperation and say "Well what am I supposed to think Mayo? I mean, he's so…so distant, so reserved. He doesn't even call me dad! It's just 'Old Man' this and 'Old Man' that."

"So because your son is a bit distant and disrespectful you want a divorce?" Mayo asked imperiously crossing her arms as raising a pencil-thin eyebrow.

Sighing, Genzou gave his wife a deadpan look, saying flatly, "That's not all and you know it. The spark is gone Mayo, don't try to deny it. When we married we were young and ambitious we fed off each other's enthusiasm to be the best at what we did. That led to friendship and lust which in turn resulted in Godou and us getting married."

Emiya noticed his mother frowning. But it wasn't an enraged sort of glare, but the kind that came from someone hearing an unsavory truth. 'So they married out of duty not because they actually loved each other like that…how pathetic. If it weren't for me and Shizuka, they probably wouldn't even be together.' Emiya thought.

Having heard enough, he made his presence known. Clapping as he came around the corner and saying snippily "Congratulations you two, I didn't think my opinion of you could sink any lower, but you managed it. Good job."

Seeing her son's cold demeanor and sardonic smile, Mayo knew he'd heard everything. She may not have been the greatest mother, but even she knew divorce didn't do anything good for young children. Not wanting him to think this was his fault, she said soothingly."

Seeing her son's cold demeanor and sardonic smile, Mayo knew he'd heard everything. She may not have been the greatest mother, but even she knew divorce didn't do anything good for young children. "Even if your father and I get divorced Godou-kun, I want you to know that this is not your fault. It won't change anything. We still love you."

This caused Emiya to throw his head back and laugh for a moment before saying "Of course nothing will change if you two get divorced. Shizuka and I barely see either of you as it is. So if you got divorced that wouldn't chance the status quo much now would it?"

Both the adults in the room winced as their son continued with his tirade, "You know what though, I'm kinda glad you're splitting up. Seeing as it means, I'll probably never have to see one of you at least. Maybe if Shizuka and I get really lucky, Jiji and Obāsan can get custody and Shizuka can have a healthy childhood."

"You ungrateful little-"Genzou began only to be cut to the quick by a sharp, dangerous glare from his son as he was struck speechless as Godou said "Shut up. Neither of you has any right, any at all to call anyone else ungrateful. You depend on me to keep this place clean and from both yourselves and Shizuka from starving to death. Not only that, but you always flake and expect Jiji and Obāsan to do things you two should be doing! Like being there for Shizuka when she spoke her first word. Even though I'm used to neither of you being around that doesn't mean you can just dump us on our grandparents because you don't want to deal with us!"

Shaking her head, Mayo replied "No, honey no, that's not it at all. You've got it all wrong."

"Oh really, because it seems like you love your jobs more than your family. And I can all but guarantee that because of that, you don't know the first thing about me." He retorted giving her a pointed look.

Mayo felt her guts burn and wreath in shame as she said weakly "That's not true."

"Is that so?" Godou asked in a tone that belied blatant disbelief. Deciding to humor her he said, "Then tell me, mom, what's my favorite type of music, favorite food, drink, hobby, color, or the names of my friends?"

"You have friends?" Genzou said in disbelief, causing his son to glare at him even as his wife punched him on the arm. Mayo then turned to her son and opened her mouth to answer…only to realize she didn't have a response. Not to a single question. They were such simple questions too. Questions every mother should know about their child…but she couldn't answer a single one.

Revelation hit her like a ton of bricks. 'I don't know the first thing about my ten-year-old son. I really am a horrible mother.

Choking back the bile in her throat she replied "I-I don't know."

Mayo watched as her son closed his eyes and shook his head in disappointment before saying coolly "I told you, you don't know the first thing about me. But, for the record mom; my favorite music is both Rock and Roll and Japanese Jazz. I have no particular likes or dislikes when it comes to food as long as it's well-made. I like drinking all kinds of tea. My hobbies include reading, playing chess, baseball, cooking, and practicing martial arts. My favorite colors are red, black and silver. And lastly, the names of my friends are Mariya Yuri, who is my best friend, and my other friends are Miura Kenji, Nakayama Tarou, and Rui Hanatarou."

Mayo let out a strangled squeak, she'd just learned more about her son in a few seconds than she'd known about him in his past ten going on eleven years of life. Several seconds after this she broke down crying. This enraged her husband who stalked forward threateningly saying "Now look what you've done, you've made your mother cry you good for nothing brat!"

Emiya scoffed not the least bit intimidated by his father's approach as he said; "Pff, you have no room to talk. You just accused her of sleeping around and basically told her you only married her because you got her pregnant. You're as much to blame here as me. Also-"

He didn't get to finish as his father lunged at him intent on disciplining him. In response, Emiya calmly stepped aside kicking his dad's leg out from under him, sending him toppling to the ground before delivering a swift hard kick to his solar plexus.

As his father gasped for air, he stared at him dispassionately and said "I was going to say, I know how to fight so don't bother attacking me. And you're too loud. Keep this up and you'll wake up Shizuka."

He then glanced at his mother who stared at him stunned as tears continued to stream from her eyes and said "I meant everything I said. Both of you have taken everything for granted. Your looks, which I have no doubt you both use to manipulate and undermine others to get what you want from your jobs. Your parents, who have as good as raised me and Shizuka in your stead as neither of you could is bothered to do so. Then there's' me, who you should have been protecting, encouraging, and guiding. Instead, I am treated as little more than an afterthought, one that acts as a live-in caretaker for the two of you-"

His voice was glacial and his eyes just as cold as he finished "I hope you get everything you deserve."

Mayo then watched as her son walked out of the kitchen, his back rigid, shoulders squared, his gait almost mechanical, not once did he look back. He stopped only briefly at the entrance to the kitchen to say "I personally could care less whether or not you two stay together…but part of me hopes you stay together. If only for Shizuka's sake."

Without another word, he left. After he had gone, Mayo looked down at her husband, who in turn looked up at her from his place on the floor. They stared at each other for a time each reflecting the sadness and pain in the others face. Finally, Mayo spoke in a broken monotone "We…we really messed up didn't we?"

Sitting up and wincing in pain as he did, Genzou replied "That, is an understatement dear."

Giving a mirthless laugh, Mayo replied "Dear? I thought you wanted a divorce?"

Standing up with another wince, Genzou answered his wife. "Well, I guess that was before my ten -year-old son threw everything I've done wrong as a parent for the past ten years in my face before he knocked me to the floor."

Mayo looked down in shame asking more herself than her estranged husband "How do we fix this? Can we even fix this?"

Taking a deep breath, Genzou put a hand on his wife's shoulder and gave a reassuring squeeze. This caused her to look up at him with tears in her eyes. Staring at her, he said gravely, "Before we go about fixing all the wrongs we've committed against our son, I think we need to fix ourselves first."

"Agreed, but how do we start?" Mayo asked.

"Marriage consoling?" Genzou offered with a shrug.

Mayo thought it over for a moment tapping her chin while staring into space like an empress deciding the fate of a nation on a whim. This was one of the reasons Genzou became attracted to her in the first place. She was always so calm, so confident. Finally, she nodded and said "Alright, but what about Godou? He practically resents us. How do we go about changing his mind? Do we shower him with attention or-"

Mayo stopped talking when she saw her husband shake his head no. After a moment, he said, "That wouldn't work. Kid's sharp as the edge of a katana. If we started taking an interest in him or smothering him with affection, he'd know something was up. We just need to take it slow with him. Be there for Shizuka more for starters."

"Yeah, I'm sure we've both saved up plenty of vacation time, maybe we should take some time off and really get to know the kids…We can fix this right?" she asked him.

"Yeah, of course, we can."

Mayo wasn't so sure, but she didn't voice it. Instead, she just smiled nodded, hoping her estranged husband was right.

---

Yuri knew something was wrong the moment she laid eyes on Godou that morning. He came into class giving off an air of danger, his shoulders hunched, his green eyes were sharp and angry. Something had clearly upset him. She shared a look with Kenji and the others. They too knew something was wrong with their friend.

"I think you s-should go talk to him Mariya-san," Rui said fear flecked in his tone.

Frowning she asked "Why me, why not Kenji-san?"

Scoffing and crossing his arms over his chest with a smirk, Kenji replied "Because Yuri, you're his closest friend. That's obvious to everyone but you and possibly him."

Yuri had to admit he had a point. Whenever the others were too rowdy, she could feel Kusanagi-san become agitated. Not wanting him to snap and say something he might regret, she would say a few words that would calm the others. He in turn would smile at her appreciatively and, on the first day when he forgot to pack a lunch, all three of them shared some of their lunch with him. The look that crossed his face was odd like he was touched but at the same time suspicious and unused to kindness from people he hardly knew.

The next day, he came in with a foot tall four layer bento box made of black lacquered wood and covered in mother of pearl. After eating the first layer of food, he offered the other three to them saying that he had 'misjudged the amount of food he needed for lunch.' She and the others knew that was a lie and that he had likely asked his parents to make a larger meal to share with them to pay them back from yesterday.

A feeling of euphoria passed through her as she took her first bite of food. Whichever of his parents cooked this did an excellent job! It was as if she was eating food from a five-star restaurant. Glancing around she noticed the others were equally enraptured in their meals, eating with animalistic gusto. Not one to forget her manners. However, she placed her chopsticks down for a moment and said "This food is great Kusanagi-san, is one of your parents a chef?"

Smirking he replied "No, but it's nice to know my cooking is appreciated."

All mouths, some still full of half-chewed food, dropped open at that pronouncement.

Swallowing his mouthful of rice, Kenji said, "Dude, you cooked this?"

"I did," Godou replied with a nod.

Frowning in thought Rui asked, "But why do you know how to cook so well?"

"My parents aren't around very much so I taught myself to be self-sufficient for me and my little sister's sake." He replied in a slightly frigid tone, clearly agitated with this line of questioning.

Thankfully the others were wise enough to realize this and drop the subject. However, they all knew that if Godou came into class in a foul mood, it was usually thanks to his parents' absence in his, and more importantly, his little sisters' life. That was another thing that made her and Godou closer than the others, they were both older siblings.

The others' being only children; didn't understand the feeling of protectiveness that comes from a young infant looking to you to protect them, but to also teach them, and put up a good example. Yuri imagined that in Godou's case, it went double or triple considering his parents constant absence. Despite being an older sister herself, Yuri couldn't imagine what it would be like if her parents all but abandoned Hikari and herself to their own devices. The fact that he could take care of himself and his little sister was a testament to his character in her eyes.

To see him hurting like he was right now made her heart ache for some unknown reason. She didn't like it. So, mustering up all the little courage and considerable compassion she had, she made her way over to her friend. Stopping a couple of feet from him, she called his name "K-Kusanagi-san?"

He neither turned around nor acknowledged her presence in any way. Thinking he didn't hear her she gently tapped him on the shoulder. She just managed to suppress a yelp from not only having her wrist snatched, but also the look of his face. He was very, VERY upset about something and it showed. His mouth was set into a thin line, his eyes were ringed black by a lack of sleep, yet were hardened and flinty like cut jade had been put in his eye sockets in place of eyes. The look of annoyance at being bothered this early in the morning vanished when he saw just who had tapped him on the shoulder.

Quickly schooling his features, he let her go and smiling sheepishly said "Sorry about that Mariya-san, you startled me."

Yuri, however, wasn't buying it. Gently taking his wrist in hand, she asked, "Is something wrong Kusanagi-san, did something happen between you and your parents at home this morning?"

He frowned slightly before smiling reassuringly and saying "It's nothing you need to worry about Mariya-san."

He attempted to pull his arm out of her grasp, only to find her grip had become vice-like. Looking into her eyes he found them to be full of a firm resolve as she said "K-Kusanagi-san! You helped me once, now let me r-return the favor-"Looking at the floor she finished with a barely audible mumble "Please?"

Sighing internally, he said, "Alright, it's like this Yuri, I was woken up an hour earlier than usual today by my parents arguing…they are planning on getting a divorce."

Yuri hid a gasp by covering her mouth as he continued "Yes, apparently my father thinks that just because I'm not the most polite or affectionate, that my mother had an affair. When I heard that; I decided to finally tell them what I really thought of them never being there for myself or Shizuka. How they took myself and my grandparents for granted, and how I basically thought they were terrible parents. Part of me feels they deserve it, another part of me though…I don't know if I did the right thing-Yuri?!" he asked startled.

He was startled because the chestnut haired girl had hugged him. Now usually, as a whole Japanese people were not overly affectionate especially in public. It was not taboo, per se, it's just that physical contact of any kind was considered rather intimate, and thus usually kept to private settings. So for Yuri to hug him like this was surprising. Add that fact that when he still trying to get over the mindset of not killing the people he came into contact with; an instinct ingrained into him due to his millennia as a Counter Guardian. Thus, it was no surprise he stiffened like a statue, unable to move, sans his hands which half-formed fists as if attempting to grasp the hilts of swords that were not there… This had never happened to Shizuka or his grandparents as he'd either seen it coming or initiated contact himself. But this time he was caught totally off guard.

Sensing something was wrong with her friend upon feeling him stiffen, she looked up from where her head was buried in his chest. What she saw confused her. Her friend had a pained look on his face, his eyes had a faraway look in them and he seemed to be opening and then clenching his jaw shut as if to prevent words from escaping. Worriedly she asked, "Kusanagi-san…Godou…is something wrong?"

Jerking his head from side to side he replied shakily "N-No Yuri. Let's go sit down, ok?"

Both were so preoccupied with their thoughts' they never noticed they called each other by their first names. They sat down, oblivious to the knowing smirks being shared by their friends. Kenji was going to make a comment on how close they were only to be stopped when Sensei clapped her hands, bringing order to the class.

Smiling at her students Alyssa said, "Good morning everyone."

As one the class chanted back "Good morning Evans-sensei!"

Smiling at her students, she said, "Today we'll have a student-teacher class. He'll be with us today to observe us and see what it's like to teach a class of young people. Please be nice to him. You can come in now!" She called towards the door.

Moments later, a young man in his early late teens or twenties with messy black hair and square framed glasses walked into the class wearing a black and white three piece suit. Emiya watched him keenly as he practically glided into the classroom on cat's paws, not wasting any movement, his breathing even. Yet these things weren't blatantly obvious, and his attire and kind smile made it even harder to detect such things.

He glances to his side to find Mariya staring at the man in confusion.

"You know him?" he muttered to her.

Nodding minutely Yuri replied "Yeah, he's a family friend who works for the government."

Looking back at the man he narrowed his eyes and said "Yet he comes in here under the pretenses of being a Student-Teacher and has some martial arts training…curious."

"Seriously?" Kenji asked.

Nodding while not taking his eyes off the man, the former Counter Guardian replied "Yes, he moves too smoothly. No movement is wasted in any movement he makes. Yet he tries to hide it under a disarming smile and clothes…he's probably a ninja." Emiya said at length.

He said this as, in his experience, any other martial artist wouldn't have bothered to hide their serene yet powerful aura that most of them attained through the practice of their skills.

"What do we do Godou?" Tarou asked his leader. He was the quietest of the group, introverted and rarely speaking. But when he chose to speak, he usually said something smart as he was quite observant due to most people not noticing him and saying things they shouldn't in front of him.

"We play it cool and keep an eye on him. He's got to be here for a reason, and I don't know about the rest of you, but I want to know what it is."

Seeing the others nod, he turned and tuned into what remained of the man's speech.

"-so I hope we can all get along, please treat me kindly." He finished with a bow.

As the man retreated to a chair situated in the corner of the room, his eyes flicked to Emiya's for a moment. The two locked gazes for a brief eternity, sizing each other up until the man smiled and gave him a polite little wave before sitting down.

'Oh, this guy's going down.' Emiya thought to himself.

---

The former Counter Guardian found himself increasingly annoyed as the day dragged on. As they worked on writing, he was being stared at. As they worked on math, and science, he was being stared at, during 'nap time' in which he meditated was being stared at. During lunch in which he and his friends commenced their ritual of sharing their meals, he was being stared at, judged and analyzed like germs on a Petrie dish under a microscope. By the time recess had rolled around he'd had quite enough of this man and decided to do something about it.

But he'd learned something important from the man's constant surveillance of him…he was here to monitor him specifically, why he didn't yet know, but he intended to find out. So, when the other's including Mariya made their way to the baseball field, he reluctantly had to decline.

"Sorry, everyone, but I just remembered, I need to take care of something important." He had told them before he headed off towards the old abandoned building near the swimming pool.

He never saw the concerned looks on his friends faces as he walked away, they shared a glance and Kenji asked "He's gonna confront that guy isn't he?"

Probably yeah." Rui said.

Looking at his friends Tarou asked, "Backup?"

Kenji thought it over for a moment before turning to Yuri and asking "What do you think Mariya, believe that we should follow him just in case?"

Jumping a bit at suddenly being addressed, the chestnut haired girl stuttered out "I-I think that might be a good idea."

As the quartet stealthily followed their leader, Kenji asked in a muted whisper "What else can you tell us about this guy Mariya, anything?"

"Ano, his name is Amakasu Touma. He like my dad works for the government, he's a family friend whose come around since I was small…and also, he likes dating Sims and manga." She whispered conspiratorially in the end.

The boys stifled a laugh at that and kept on moving, arriving only moments behind their friend just in time to see him enter the old dilapidated building near the swimming pool. Moments later, Amakasu-san appeared following him inside. Looking at each other they nodded before rushing forward, and, caught the door before it swung shut, sneaking inside behind the man.

---

Walking into what he assumed was the former swim club house turned into a storage shed if the dust, numerous crates, and old broken stalls were any indication, Emiya began to think of a plan. He had no doubt that the man had followed him in here which meant they were hidden from prying eyes. So he could easily take him out should he turn hostile. Seeing as he had both his age and magecraft on his side, the chances were good he could get the drop on the man if it came down to it.

Walking through the maze boxes he came to a vast open area that was, for the most part, devoid of crates. Putting his back to the wall of boxes he waited…and waited…and waited. Finally, he called into the gloom "You can come out now, I know you're there."

Some crates moved on his left, and for a moment, he thought Amakasu was going to appear from behind them, but no. Instead a couple of mice ran across the floor, kicking up miniscule clouds of dust. Refocusing his gaze forwards, he watched Amakasu casually emerge from the shadows. Walking forward with a kind smile on his face as if he were taking a walk in the park instead of in an abandoned rodent and insect infested building.

The two stared each other down for a moment, the younger with a scowl on his face and suspicion in his eyes, and the elder with polite interest shining behind bespectacled eyes. After a moment, the younger put his hands in his pockets and leaned against the wall of crates before saying "What do you want?"

"What makes you think I want anything from you Kusanagi-san and that I am merely wondering why you are heading into an abandoned building on campus?"

"Cut the crap!" He snapped His emotions from this morning along with being studied as a bug in a jar finally boiling over as he narrowed his eyes and continued. "We both know you've been watching me, I know you're not really a student-teacher thanks to Yuri and I can tell from experience that you've had martial arts training. So I'll ask again just who are you and what do you want?"

In response to his accusation, Amakasu's face became a blank slate for a moment before he smiled once again. This time it seemed much more genuine as he did. Still smiling he said "Excellent, excellent indeed Godou-kun. My employers will be very pleased to hear how astute you are."

Raising an eyebrow Emiya asked "Oh, and just who are your employers Amakasu-sensei?"

"Powerful people, that's all I'm at liberty to say," Amakasu replied giving the young boy an apologetic bow.

"Can I at least get the name of the organization you work for?" Emiya asked as he narrowed his eyes in thought.

Amakasu shrugged before saying "I guess that couldn't hurt. The organization I work for is called the History Compilation Committee Kusanagi-kun."

'History compilation committee…a Magic Association? What do these people want with Mariya? Emiya wondered.

Deciding to test the waters, he crossed his arms and asked, "So, what do these people want with Mariya and me?"

"Ah…I'm not at liberty to tell you what they want Mariya-san for I'm afraid. But, I can say they see great promise in your intellect and wish to see you succeed," Amakasu stated in that kind gentle voice of his.

"Just to be clear, you're refusing to tell me what some secret organization wants my friend for. Is that right?" he said in an all too even tone.

Amakasu suddenly felt like he was in the room with a falcon or a hawk as the boy's gaze was sharp and calm, yet calculating and challenging. Biting back the urge to swallow, Amakasu used the iron will that had been drilled into him from a young age to prevent himself from breaking into a cold sweat as he said."Yes, that's correct."

"Wrong answer. Trace on."

It was only due to more than a decades' worth of training that Amakasu Toma's body managed to react in time to a threat. Launching himself backward while simultaneously pulling the tanto styled wakizashi hidden up his sleeve to defend himself against the boy's sudden charge. He softened the impact against the crates and stopped the blades from cleaving into his torso at the same time.

By the time his mind caught up to what his body had done, he was already blocking another slash to his body by a pair of black and white blurs. As he just barely managed to avoid getting his throat slit by one blade he was forced to roll to avoid getting disemboweled. Straightening he got a good look at the swords for the first time.

They were stunning really. Each was a masterwork that perfectly mirrored the other. One was a cloudy white with a stripe of black running up its center. While its twin was inky black and covered in tortoiseshell hexagons, the only thing breaking the pattern was the stripe of white in the middle of the blade. Both of them possessed yin-yang symbols in their centers surrounded by blood red metal. Their grips were covered in black leather, and obscenely large crimson pommels topped off both blades.

They were splendid, immaculate…they were completely undamaged. He could hardly believe it, but his eyes weren't lying to him. Kusanagi's twin swords were still as flawless as when he summoned them in a flash of golden light. Glancing down at his own blade however, Amakasu grimaced. It looked as if it had been fed into a wood chipper. Its edge was all but destroyed, gouged out and chipped away by just a few blows, the blade itself was bent at a right angle, and the tip of the sword had been cut clean off.

'I might as well use this for a crowbar for all the good it does me now.' He thought wryly, casting it aside and holding his hands up submissively and saying "It appears you have me at a disadvantage Kusanagi-kun. I was unaware you were a magic user."

"Pff, it seems your committee isn't as knowledgeable as you think." He replied. Secretly, however, he was mildly impressed. While he was only reinforcing himself to be five times stronger and faster than an average human, Amakasu still managed to avoid getting cut to bloody ribbons even if it cost him his sword.

This was why he decided to give him one last chance.

Stepping forward slowly he thrust Kanshou forward. Placing the tip of the black blade against the bespectacled man's throat. He said in a menacing yet calm tone, "One last chance, tell me what you want Mariya for or you drown in a pool of your own blood."

He watched silently as Amakasu broke out into a light cold sweat. His Adam's apple scraping against the tip of Kanshou as he swallowed nervously before saying "I think I can do that now since I know yours a part of the magical community. The long short of it is, the Committee knows Mariya Yuri comes from a long line of Hime-Miko, those born with innate magical abilities. Her family has long been known to possess the art of Spirit Vision, the ability to access the memories of the Void- the memories of the planet itself." Amakasu clarified when he saw the boy didn't understand.

This need for clarification made the ninja dare to ask a question "Kusanagi-san if you don't mind my asking, just what God do you pay homage to get those blades?"

The result wasn't at all what he was expecting "Huh, what are you talking about? I used magic."

Nodding and nicking his throat on Kanshou's point in the process, Amakasu replied "Yes, I know but I'm curious as to which god you prayed to enact the miracle."

'So that's how magic works here? People pray to deities and they enact the miracle on their behalf? Seems even more dangerous than what we used back home if even half the myths about the gods and their fickleness are real. Emiya thought to himself.

The question was, how was he going to deal with this. He could lie and say he is a follower of some deity like Hephaestus. Or he could tell the truth, and quite possibly turn the magical world on its ear once they learned magecraft could be enacted without prayer to fickle deities. Carefully weighing his options, he came to a decision.

*Bong*

The sound of the bell which signaled the end of recess saved him from having to give his answer. Dropping Kanshou to his side he took a couple of steps back and regarded Amakasu for a moment before saying "We'll finish this discussion another time."

Rubbing his throat where he had received a few minor nicks, the ninja replied "Of course Kusanagi-kun. I should warn you though that once the Committee learns you can do magic, they will be even keener for you to join their ranks. Before, they just saw a very intelligent ten -year-old, a possible child prodigy. Once they find out you are also a magic user, they'll likely never stop hounding you until you join them."

Allowing the married twin swords to dissipate in his hands, the former Counter Guardian coolly regarded the ninja for a moment. Turning and heading towards the entrance, he said casually "If they bother me too much, I'll just kill them all."

"Eh, your joking right Kusanagi-san…right?" Amakasu asked. Yet he did not answer, nor did he look back…

---

"You're late Kusanagi-kun." Alyssa-sensei gently chided before adding "…and why are you covered in dust? Did you and your friends go sneaking off somewhere together? Because you all came back covered in dust and cobwebs."

Looking over at their usual table, he found his friends were also covered in dirt but were either refusing to meet his gaze or staring at him in god-like awe. That meant only one thing…

'They were in the building when I confronted Amakasu. Guess it wasn't just rats after all.' He thought to himself.

He would deal with them in a moment, first he had a slightly miffed teacher to placate. "Well you see Sensei-"He began, only to be cut off by Amakasu, who walked up from behind him and said "I apologize, Kusanagi-kun and his friends were showing me around campus. We all ended up getting a bit dirty when we decided to check out the abandoned clubroom near the swimming pool."

Frowning slightly, Alyssa told her understudy "You shouldn't have gone in there. That place is old, it could've collapsed at any minute and all manner of junk is stored in there from what I've been told. What if one of the children had gotten hurt?" she chastised.

Bowing at the waist, Amakasu offered numerous apologies to his senior teacher. But she merely waved them off and said "I guess it's fine, seeing as none of the kids got hurt but don't go in there again ok? It's dangerous."

Seeing the two nod she smiled and finished "Good, now back to your seats, both of you."

Putting on his most fearsome scowl as he turned around, he had to resist the urge to smirk as all of his friends paled more and more the closer he came to their table. After he had sat down, an oppressive silence hung over them all. Emiya felt slightly bad having to subject Mariya to this, but he knew one of them would break in a couple of seconds.

"Alright look, man, I know we shouldn't have followed you, but we're your friends and we were worried about you so-"

"Silence."

The word was spoken softly, but it had weight to it. So much so that Kenji's words died upon his lips. He gazed at his small circle of friends like a hawk for a moment, causing most of them to wince. He finally said, "I think we should all meet up after school and clear the air on a few things, agreed?"

As one, they all nodded. Nodding once himself, Emiya turned to Mariya, who was almost shaking like a leaf and said gently "Mariya, can we meet at your place? We can't go to mine for…reasons I told you earlier."

"Oh-OH, right. Of course Kusanagi-kun. You're all welcome at my house. My parents have wanted to meet you all anyway. Especially you Kusanagi-kun." She finished with a smile on her face.

Seemingly not hearing the last part as he was lost in his own thoughts, he nodded saying "It's settled then, we'll meet up at Mariya's after school. For now, let's just focus on getting through the rest of the school day."

---

When the school bell rang for the day, Emiya headed for the parking lot, intending to walk to Mariya's place as he didn't have a ride…or so he thought. When he reached the parking lot, he found Ichirou's silver Prius sitting there like it always was. Biting back a sigh, he thought 'I should've seen this coming.'

He walked to the door and opened it tossing his backpack in before hoping in himself. There was silence in the car for a moment before Ichirou said "You gave me quite a scare when I learned you walked to school by yourself Godou-kun. Then again, considering the morning you had, I guess you needed to clear your head hmm?"

Facing forward, he said coldly "I guess you could say that…If you expect me to apologize to them, you're barking up the wrong tree. They've had this coming for a long time and-"

He was cut off when Ichirou said "I agree, sad as it is to say, about my own daughter and son-in-law."

Emiya looked at his grandfather in surprise. He honestly expected to be told off, I mean his mother was the man's daughter after all.

Seeing the look on his face, Ichirou smirked slightly saying "You thought I'd be mad didn't you?" Ichirou sighed sadly, his mood souring before he said, "No, I don't blame you for snapping Godou-kun. I knew it would only be a matter of time until you did so if Mayo and Genzou didn't clean up their act."

Silence had pervaded the car for a moment before Emiya asked "So, how bad did they take it?"

Starting the car, Ichirou replied "Your mother is a balling mess. She's been on the phone with Chiyo ever since you left for school. If she expected sympathy, she didn't get much of it. I've always been the softer parent of the two of us while your grandmother excelled at being strict but fair."

The former Counter Guardian wasn't surprised. Obāsan always made it quite plain about how she felt her daughter and son-in-law were living their lives. He also had no doubt once she got through chewing her out, she would tell his Kaa-san that she needed to do some serious thinking and had a lot of making up to do.

Interrupting his thoughts Ichirou continued "When she heard Genzou-kun thought your mother had an affair, I had to stop her from going over there and beating him to death with a rolling pin. She settled for tearing him a new one over the phone instead."

He had no doubt both of his parents were waiting for him to come home so they could begin an apologetic tirade. But he really didn't want to deal with that right now, and he couldn't afford to either. Bigger things were going on than his parents realizing they were terrible parents. Looking out the windshield he noticed they were almost at Yuri's place. And so turning to the Kusanagi patriarch he said, "Could you drop me off at the shrine near the house Jiji? I'm meeting with my friends and one of them lives up there."

"Sure." He replied with a nod coming to a stop in front of the long stone steps leading up to the shrine. Putting the car in park he said, "You'll have to talk to them eventually you know?"

"Yeah, I do. Thanks for the ride Jiji." He said before getting out of the car.

'I know I need to talk to them Jiji, but the Old Man and Kaa-san can wait a bit. Right now, I've got some friends who saw something they shouldn't have. A mysterious man working for an even stranger organization that want Mariya and myself for something, and I don't know what it is. And that bothers me. It bothers me because if people want to use me that's fine, I'm used to being used…but no one is going to use my friends'.

Taking a breath, walked through the tori gate and began his climb up the steps. Upon reaching the top, he found a stone walkway in front of him lined with Toro, decorative stone lanterns. Off to his left was a Temizuya, purification font which visitors would use to cleanse one's hands and mouth. Further down on the same side were also smaller auxiliary shrines, and what he assumed was a building used for Noh theater or Kagura dance. There was also an Ema, a wooden plaque with which people could write down wishes on paper and post them on the board.

On his left was the administration office. It looked like it had been converted into a house big enough for several people to live in. Then, at the far end was a typical Japanese Shinto shrine. The entrance to the prayer hall in front of the shrine was flanked by stone Lion Dogs. Behind the prayer hall was the actual shrine where the statue or statues of the kami the shrine was dedicated to were kept. Not having met Yuri's parents yet and not wanting to seem rude or disrespectful, he walked over to the purification font and rinsed both his hands before scooping some into his mouth and swishing it around.

He heard footsteps approaching from behind him. They were too light to be and adults' and by the scent of sakura blossoms that was carried on the wind, he knew who was behind him, even before she spoke.

"Ano, what are you doing Kusanagi-kun?" A confused Mariya Yuri asked.

Holding up a finger so as to ask for a moment he swished the sanctified water in his mouth before spitting it out to the side. Straightening he turned to his hostess and replied "I didn't want to seem disrespectful to your parents, so I cleaned myself up a bit before coming inside."

Yuri smiled, touched by the gesture. Especially since none of the others had bothered to do so. She noticed something was off about him and it took her a moment to place it. It was his shoulders. They were less stiff than they usually were when they were in class together. He was still alert, she could tell that much. But now he didn't give off the feeling of danger like he was a cocked gun or a sword half drawn out of its sheath like he usually did.

'He seems more relaxed. Is it the serenity of the shrine, the fact that we know about his secret and he doesn't have to hide it or is it something else?' she wondered.

For his part, Emiya was feeling oddly euphoric and had been since he stepped through the Tori gate leading up to the Mariya temple. He didn't understand why he was feeling this way though. He was never a particularly chipper person even before he became a Beast of Alaya, only gaining momentary joy by helping someone else, and even that was fleeting. Yet after he cleansed himself in the font, he felt some of the tension leave his shoulders. The tension that had built up over centuries of guilt that weighed on him from being a Counter Guardian and all the lives he was forced to take, for the ideals he was made to betray.

'Something is going on…I'll add it to the mounting list.' He thought, before turning to Yuri and asking "Has everyone else arrived yet?"

Yuri nodded and led the way to the administrative office saying "Yeah, they went straight here. You're the last to arrive."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you wait or scare you earlier." He apologized.

Yuri smiled at him saying "That's alright. You were just worried about how we would react right?"

"More or less." He replied with a shrug.

Shaking her head at his usual aloofness, Yuri became solemn and muttered "Amakasu-san arrived too…What do you think these Committee people are going to do to us?"

"I don't know-" Yuri was stopped when she felt him gently take hold of her arm. Looking at him, she was surprised to find his gaze had become fierce and steely as he said "But I can tell you what they're not going to do. They're not going to dictate anything to either of us, and they're not going to take us anywhere or make us do anything we don't want to do."

"But-But Kusanagi-kun-" Yuri began, only to be spoken over, "No buts. I won't let anyone hurt you or our friends, Yuri."

She wanted to refute him. To tell him that taking on an entire shadow organization was tantamount to suicide, but the look in his eyes stopped her. There was something in his eyes just then that killed the words off in her throat. His eyes held such conviction and surety that she couldn't bring herself to refute. So instead, she just nodded in thanks and led him inside, silently glad he was here for her. If not for his assurances, she knew she would likely be distressing over the fact some shadow government had been monitoring her for signs of magical ability.

Her home was modest and simple, being on the grounds of a shrine, but Mariya liked it like that. Everything always seemed to move at such a fast pace away from the shrine. The technology was continually advancing at a rate that scared her, but here she didn't have to worry about the fast paced life everyone else lived. It was large enough for a family of four and, should a large gathering occur, such as during the holidays, the Noh Theater could be used.

But the house itself consisted of a foyer, a kitchen, a bathroom, a living room, and three bedrooms. One of which was currently being used as a nursery for her little sister Hikari. After taking off their shoes and putting slippers on, Emiya let Yuri led him down the hallway. It had wooden floors and the walls painted a warm peach color, and into the kitchen where her mother had just finished making a pot of tea for everyone.

"Kaa-san, Kusanagi-kun arrived. Kusanagi-kun this is my mom, Mariya Shiori." Yuri informed him semi nervously. She knew out of all her friends, her parents were keenest on meeting Godou.

When Mrs. Mariya turned around, he couldn't help but notice how much Yuri favored her. Except for her hair which was black she looked like a taller, and older version of her daughter in her mid to late thirties. She had the same facial structure, same kind brown eyes, and same elegance about her.

She smiled warmly at her daughter and Godou and said serenely "I know dear, I saw him purifying himself out the window. It's nice to finally meet you Kusanagi-kun and welcome to our home. Please, feel free to make yourself comfortable."

Bowing politely he replied "I apologize for all of us suddenly coming over like this ma'am. It was my idea, so I suppose I should have asked first."

"What a polite young man, I can see why Yuri speaks so highly of you," Shiori said with approval in her tone as her daughter turned into a red-faced stuttering mess.

I-No-Well yes, I mean-"

"Oh, speaks highly of me you say? And just what kind of things does Mariya-san say about me I wonder?" He asked teasingly, causing her face to turn crimson and for her words to become completely illegible.

"-Idon'tmeanforyoutothinkI-NotthatIdon'tImeanIdo,but…"

"Awe, my little flower has her first crush." Mrs. Mariya cooed.

Shaking her head left to right rapidly enough to make her hair swirl about her, Yuri denied red-faced, "NO I don't have a crush on Godou-kun!"

Not letting such an apparent chance to tease her pass him by, Emiya faked an injury while saying, "And here I thought we were close Yuri, my poor wounded heart!"

"W-We are friends Godou-kun, please don't believe that we aren't!" she said quickly afraid he might misunderstand the situation.

To her, Godou was her best friend, she just didn't know if she liked him like that quite yet. Then she noticed the smirk on his and her mother's faces and said blandly "Y-Your both teasing me aren't you?"

Making a small space between a clenched thumb and index finger Emiya replied "Only a little bit."

For some reason, she couldn't explain why that made her feel very relieved. Letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Yuri took the tray of tea and rice crackers her mother had made with a nod of thanks, saying "Come on Kusanagi-kun, the others are waiting."

"Right." He said with a nod, before turning to her mother and saying "It was nice meeting you, ma'am."

"You too Godou-kun," Shiori replied kindly.

After he had left, Shiori thought, 'Yuri-chan you may not realize it yet, but you have feelings of some kind for that boy. You didn't even notice calling him by his first name and adding Kun. Most people would be sure not to make that mistake.'

"You both remind me so much of your father and me when I was your age." She had said wistfully before she let out a happy sigh before she started preparing dinner for her family and several guests.

---

Amakasu sat in Mariya's living room, on a pillow situated around a little wooden table large enough to seat ten or so. It was a place he had been many times, but this time, it was different. This time, secrets were going to be revealed, but hopefully knowledge, and possibly new recruits for the Committee were going to be gained. It was a risky gambit and one that he, as a ninja trained in espionage from a young age didn't personally like. For he took to heart the old adage: "He who increases knowledge, increases sorrow."

Once one knows something, one cannot un-know it. Once one sees how dark the world truly is, and how deep the machinations of those in power went to keep things hidden, something was lost. Innocence was lost. Not just childhood innocence, no, more than that. If one looked too deeply their entire outlook on people, on right and wrong, on morality itself could be twisted. If they learned here what was done to keep those like themselves blissfully ignorant of what was truly going on around them…well, he honestly didn't know how they would react.

He didn't like it, but he received orders from the Four Families. They were the ruling body of the Committee itself, before coming over here: Mariya could wait, but he was to bring Kusanagi to them by any means necessary…any means necessary. Extortion, bribery, death threats, promises of power, he was authorized to do whatever he deemed necessary to bring Kusanagi to before the Four Families.

His head jerked up when he heard footsteps coming towards the living room from the kitchen. Moments later; Mariya-chan, carrying a tea tray laden with a teapot and rice crackers appeared, as well as Kusanagi-kun himself. Taking an empty seat directly across from him with Yuri occupying his left, the circle of pillows had been completed.

Silence reigned as cups full of green tea, as well as saucers laden with rice snacks, were passed around. Once everyone was served, Godou-kun cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention before saying "I'm sure you all have questions, and I'll do my best to answer them. However, I also reserve the right to pass on an issue at any given time should I feel it's too invasive. Understood?"

Seeing everyone nod he took a sip of tea before saying "Good, then let's begin. Kenji, you go first since I can practically feel your bubbling excitement and curiosity from here."

All but bouncing on his pillow, Kenji asked, "Are you like a Super Sentai or something man? Because it would be so cool if you were, and we could totally keep it a secret."

Giving a grimace, Emiya replied "No, I'm not a 'Super Sentai.' In fact, I rather dislike heroes in general."

Folding his arms over his chest Kenji asked "Well if you're not a Superhero then what are you?" His eyes suddenly widened and he asked almost fearfully "You're not a super villain are you?"

Shaking his head, Emiya replied "I'd consider myself more of an anti-hero than anything. Someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to actually protect people. Heroes don't kill, if it came down to it, I think I'd be willing to if it meant protecting you guys."

"So would you have actually killed Amakasu-san?" Rui asked squeamishly.

Looking said man right in the eyes he replied "If he had refused to tell me what I wanted to know? Maybe. Dead men can't talk so I wouldn't be able to learn anything about the people he works for if he were dead. But by the same token, I don't like the idea of someone reporting everything I do to some shadow government."

"Harsh man," Tarou commented.

Shrugging, Emiya replied "Real politics one-oh-one." He then took a sip of tea before saying "But enough dancing around the subject. We all know what you all really want to ask so just say it."

"You're a mage aren't you?" Tarou stated bluntly.

Nodding before taking a bite out of a rice cracker, he said, "Yes I am."

There it was out in the open now. Now he just had to wait and see how they reacted.

A grin split from ear to ear on Kenji's face and he began bouncing on his pillow again before he said "Our friend is a mage! This is so cool! I've got so many questions! Like how does the magic work, what can you do? Can you fly, throw around lightning and fire, summon monsters from other planes of existence, or control the dead?"

Waiting a moment to make sure Kenji was finished talking, Emiya replied "No, I can't do any of that."

"Awe~!" Kenji moaned.

Tarou, however, made a very astute observation. "You're a battlemage, you fight at close range, use magic to summon swords, and somehow make yourself stronger and faster than you should be able to be."

'That's more or less correct and prevents me from revealing any of my actual abilities.' The third-rate Magus thought.

Giving Tarou a nod of thanks that could also be taken as one of clarification he said, "That's correct. I am primarily a combatant."

Amakasu then asked a question "And how exactly does your magic work, Godou-kun?"

"Pass." He replied with a smirk.

Frowning slightly Amakasu asked, "It has nothing to do with an invocation to deities does it?"

He thought about saying pass again but decided against it, instead replying "No."

Rubbing his chin in thought Amakasu said to himself "Interesting, were you trained by some sort of hermetic mage?"

"Possibly." He retorted.

'Possibly meaning 'yes' and I'm not going to give you a straight answer.' Amakasu thought while nodding and narrowing down a mental list in his mind before asking "Did this mentor give you those blades you fought me with?"

"No."

Amakasu was silently relieved to hear that for those blades were infused with the magic of the highest order, they were [Divine]. He would question the sanity of a teacher to give them to a student so young. But still, the fact that he had acquired such weapons means his mentor must have contacts even if he or she didn't give them to Godou-kun personally. Such powerful mages were few and narrowed the list down even further.

"My turn to ask a question Amakasu-sensei, what exactly is the overall goal of this Committee of yours?"

Amakasu didn't see any harm in telling him that so he replied "To keep the existence of magic and other paranormal phenomena hidden from the general public."

He watched as Godou-kun nodded as if he already expected that answer. He then enquired "How exactly do they go about doing this? Control of the media? Memory alteration? Murder?"

The others blanched at the question, but Amakasu noted his questioner wasn't even fazed in the slightest. The ninja was beginning to wonder just what he had undergone to become so desensitized to killing. Shoving the thought out of his mind he answered "Primarily the first two, and they have been known to bribe people into silence. Should that not work however…they have been known to take more permanent measures."

'So they're a less brutal variation of the Clocktower, good to know.' Emiya thought before asking "Who leads your organization?"

"They are the Four Families. Each has been in control of a fourth of the Committee since the start of the Meiji era two-hundred years ago."

'So not only are they more docile, but they are not as old as the Clocktower.'

Finishing his tea, Emiya asked one more question. "Right then, I have one more question…just what do these people want with Mariya and I?" he finished.

"The Committee is relatively new compared to other magical organizations' that have been around since the Crusades or the Renaissance. Since we lack quantity when it comes to people with magical abilities, we seek to undermine it with quality. That is why we want Mariya. The original reason we wanted you Godou-kun is because you show signs of genius and that, just like magical aptitude, is rare and coveted. We would have and still will offer you advanced classes as it is clear that what you're learning now is child's play for you. " Amakasu explained.

"I see. Thanks, but no thanks, there's no way I'd abandon my friends, even if the work in class is boring as all hell. I think we all have plenty to think on for now. So let's call this meeting adjourned shall we?" Emiya inquired.

"Just, just one more thing Godou-kun," Amakasu said quickly, "You said you do not wish to abandon your friends, that's fine, but what would you, and they, say to a…student exchange program for a couple of months?"

A look of intrigue crossed his face and he looked ready to inquire further, but just then Shiori called into the living room, "Everyone, dinner is ready!"

'Based on current information, threat level currently set to low. Status set to change upon any relevant information gathered in the future. Amakasu's offer…requires thought.' He thought mechanically as he made his way into Mariya's dining room.

It was during a simple dinner of grilled fish, rice, and miso soup that Emiya first met Yuri's little sister, Mariya Hikari. She was Shizuka's age and wouldn't be starting school for another year. She looked very much like her sister except she wore her brown hair cut short, and she seemed far less shy as she insisted on clinging to his arm even while they ate dinner.

"While I appreciate the fact that you've taken a shine to me Hikari-chan, I'm having trouble eating."

"Hikari, let your sister's friend go and eat your dinner." Shiori told her youngest from across the table.

Turning to look at her mother for a moment, Hikari frowned, but nodded before letting go of his arm and turned back to her own meal sullenly. Not wanting her to think he was upset with her, he gently put a hand on her head and ruffled her hair like he often did with Shizuka before saying "Don't worry, I'm not mad or anything."

This caused the younger girl to smile and nod at him before returning to her plate.

Smiling at the exchange between the two Shiori noted "It seems you've gained an admirer Kusanagi-kun." As Hikari picked at her plate, occasionally shooting the older boy furtive glances.
Sighing he told the woman "Shizuka is the exact same way, always wanting to cling on me when I'm around. I don't know why kids like me so much."

"They probably feel the knightly aura you put out. Yuri-chan told me, how you protected her the first day in school, thank you for that." She said giving him a slight bow due to the fact that she was sitting at the table.
Waving away her thanks, and ignoring Yuri's indignant cry of "Kaa-san!" he replied "It's no trouble, I really can't stand bullies."

Suddenly, his cell phone buzzed in his pants pocket. Taking out the small silver and red device he flipped it open to find he had a message from Jiji. Opening it, he began to read…As he scrolled down his eyes widened. He promptly flicked it closed before saying "I'm very sorry Mrs. Mariya, but something came up and I need to leave."

He then made his way into the dining room and said the same thing to the others before heading into the foyer. He was in the midst of putting on his shoes, only to stop when he felt a hand on his shoulder and Yuri ask concernedly "Kusanagi-san, is something wrong?"

"No time to talk right now Yuri, my house is currently on fire." He replied distractedly before rushing out the door.

"Oh, I see-EH?! Yuri cried drawing the others to her.

Grabbing her by the shoulders, Kenji shook her while yelling "Oi, Mariya, what's going on, where'd Godou go?!"

"Kusanagi-kun…house…on fire." She managed between shakes.

"EH!" Kenji said dropping the chestnut haired girl in shock, before saying "C'mon everyone let's get down there, follow Godou!"

---

The moment he left the Mayuri's foyer, Emiya reinforced his legs as much as he could and then he took off down the stairs. He easily reaching thirty miles per hour in a second and putting spider-web cracks in the stone where his feet landed as he raced down the stairs and then down the street. The only thought in his mind was making sure Shizuka and his parents were ok.

Had anyone been looking away from the accident at the moment, they would have seen a black-haired ten -years-old seemingly appear out of thin air cracking the cement as he landed. And yet, he seemingly did no harm to himself, as he swiftly made his way towards the scene.

His house was a burnt to skeletal cinders, nothing of the house itself remained except for the shed where he kept his magecraft research due to it being placed so far away from the inferno.

He tried to get closer to look for his parents and sister only to be stopped by a fireman who said "Stay back we're not quite finished putting the fire out."

Giving the man a glare that could kill he said bluntly "I live here with my infant sister, mother, and father. What happened, are they ok?"

Clearing his throat to discreetly shake off the shiver of fear the boy sent through him, the fireman replied "Ah yes they're fine even though the house is a loss. They're just over there." He said pointing to an ambulance.

Wasting no time he rushed off before he could learn the cause of the fire. Upon reaching the ambulance, he found Jiji and Obasan standing off to the side looking relieved as his father put a supporting hand on his mother's shoulder. Mayo herself sat inside the vehicle while holding Shizuka, who was crying…crying for him.

"Onii-chan, Kaa-san, where is Onii-chan!" the little girl cried.

"Shh, Shizuka-chan, I'm sure your brother is on his way," Mayo said trying her best to placate the crying five-year-old.

"I'm right here Shizuka, don't worry." A familiar voice said.

All of their heads snapped to him and he just couldn't resist. He had to say, "What, was it something I said?"

The moment she heard his voice, Shizuka stopped crying. When she saw he was actually here, she started wriggling, attempting to get out of her mother's grasp all the while yelling happily "Onii-chan, are you alright?!"

He couldn't help but smirk at the sight. "Alright, alright, come here and stop that before you do what the fire couldn't and hurt yourself Shizuka." He had said before he lifted her into his arms. Holding her up to his eye level of before asking "Is that better?"

"Onii-chan," Shizuka said contently before looking up at him concernedly and saying "You ok?"

Smiling, he said softly, "I'm ok Shizuka, and I'm not going anywhere don't worry. You can rest easy, your Onii-chan is here."

Now in her big brother's arms, Shizuka knew nothing could hurt her. That, combined with the excitement and emotional turmoil from earlier, and it was no surprise that her eyes began to droop and then, moments later, soft snores could be heard. Once he was sure she was sleeping soundly, he looked to his assembled family and said in a way that would brook no argument "What happened?"

As if that were some sort of signal, Mayo broke down into silent sobs. Genzou's grip on his wife's shoulder tightened as she took a minute to pull herself together. Once she did, she explained "It was all my fault. I realized pretty much everything you said this morning was right…"

So you tried to burn down the house?" he asked, causing Genzou to frown at him for his remark.

"No-" She said imperiously "- first I made a few calls. I was all set up to run my commercial advertising business from home so I could be here for you and Shizuka more. Then, tried to cook dinner."

Throwing her hands up in defeat she all but cried "I don't know what happened! One minute, I was heating up oil to make a stir-fry, the next the pan is on fire and when I tried to put it out, it just spread!"

Emiya blinked owlishly at his mother and thought 'There's no way she didn't know about that. Even she should know that right?'

Taking a deep calming breath he asked "Kaa-san, did you by chance put water on a grease fire?"

Blinking in confusion, she asked "Of course I put water on it, how else does someone put a fire out when they don't have an extinguisher?"

The only thing preventing him from going off on a rant about stupidity, common sense, and kitchen safety at the moment was the fact that, not only was he holding Shizuka, but she was also asleep, and he didn't want her picking up any of the less than savory words he would have likely used. So instead, he took a deep shuddering breath, which caused his whole frame to shake slightly. Letting it out, he said in a flat, dead tone, "For future reference Kaa-san, you never put water on a grease fire, as it'll just make it spread. You use baking soda…baking soda. Do you understand?"

Mayo slowly nodded her head like a child who had just been given instructions, before glumly saying "What will we do now? Our house-"The charred skeletal remains of their house chose that moment to collapse-"Is gone."

"Well, I insured the house, but…" Genzou said.

"But what?" Mayo asked worriedly.

"I mainly focused on flood and earthquake insurance, not fires." He finished lamely.

Emiya couldn't help but deadpan "Well, this makes this situation all the more ironic doesn't it?"

The sound of various approaching feet were heard and seconds later all of his friends arrived on the scene.

"Hi guys, I got the fire if you've got the hot dogs and marshmallows." He quipped upon seeing them.

Mariya ever the bleeding heart asked, "Oh Kusanagi-kun what happened?"

Shrugging he replied "As it turns out, grease fire plus water equals raging inferno. Who knew right?"

"Your family ok boss?" Tarou asked.

Pointing a thumb behind him, he said, "That's Ichirou-Jiji, Chiyo-Oba-san, my Kaa-san, and the Old Man."

Looking down at the still sleeping girl in his arms he smiled softly and said "And this is my little sister Shizuka."

Taking a few tentative steps closer to her, while the others introduce themselves to his family, Yuri whispered "Awe, she's so cute! How old is she Kusanagi-kun?"

"A little over and five years old, and already a handful." He said with whispered pride.

A surprised look crossed Yuri's face. "Oh wow, really? And she's the same age as Hikari-chan. I bet they would make great friends."

Giving a grunt of approval he replied "I had similar thoughts as well."

"Ahem." The voice of his mother said from behind them, causing them both to turn to see her now sitting regally in the ambulance as if it were some kind of throne. Smiling at them both mischievously before saying "Who is your little friend Godou?"

"Kaa-san, this is Mariya Yuri. Yuri, this is my mother and my Old Man."

Sighing in exasperation Genzou said, "Would it kill you to call me dad for once brat?"

Shrugging he retorted "I dunno, probably."

Next to him Yuri suddenly bowed at the waist and said "N-Nice to meet you both."

Mayo smiled at the formal display. "My how cute. Your family runs the shrine up the road don't they?"

Straightening and nodding, Yuri replied "Yes ma'am."

Nodding once herself, Mayo said, "I thought so, and no need to be so formal dear. Call me Mayo if you want. I think it's good Godou has you for a friend, maybe it'll lighten him up a bit." She finished thoughtfully.

"Tch, what's that supposed to mean? And how the heck are we going to repair the house?" Emiya asked.

Both Mayo and Genzou opened their mouths to respond, only to shut them and look at one another for a moment before nodding. "I could call in a few favors and you father could cash in some investments," Mayo stated "We could probably make the house bigger and better than before if we wanted to."

"That won't be necessary Mrs. Kusanagi," A familiar voice to Emiya and his friends said, one that suddenly filled him with a sense of annoyance.

Striding up to the group with that insufferable easy-going smile plastered on his face was Amakasu Touma. Stopping in front of his parents he bowed in front of them briefly before introducing himself.

"Hello, I'm Amakasu Touma I work as a scout for a very select prestigious school in the mountains of Gunma. It is called Chichibu, and it is located inside the boundaries of Saitama prefecture. The people I work for have taken a particular interest in your son and as such, would like to pay to have your house rebuilt to your specifications."

Both Mayo and Genzou looked at one another and Genzou asked what he assumed was the obvious question "Excuse me Amakasu-san, but why does your school have an interest in our son?"

Slipping a hand into his coat pocket, he pulled out a folded sheaf of papers, giving it to the man while answering his question "Sir, your son is a child prodigy. He's already writing with Kanji, not needing to learn Hiragana first. He has done several other interesting things according to his teacher and we are very interested in having him as a student. So much so, that paying to have your house rebuilt is nothing."

Both Mayo and Genzou sat and looked through the sheaf of papers. 'All A's, can paint, meditates, cooks enough to feed both himself and his friends during lunch, is very active during recess playing baseball…' Mayo thought as she read realizing once again just how little she knew her son.

Turning to him she asked, "Godou is all of this right?"

Holding out a hand to look through the notes and giving them a quick once over, he replied with a shrug "Pretty much."

"Yes, in fact, thanks to him his friends are also excelling in all of their classes as well and have also been accepted into the same institution. We were just meeting at Mariya-chan's house to discuss how to proceed weren't we Godou-kun?" Amakasu asked while looking into his eyes.

Emiya narrowed his eyes understanding the hidden message "I'm willing to include your friends and rebuild your house. Now, you can either play ball with me or I reveal things you'd rather keep hidden."

Nodding, he replied "Yeah that's right. I trust there won't be any problems Amakasu-sensei? Such sudden transfers can be…messy."- "I'll see what your Committee wants but if they even think of putting my friends or family in danger, they're all dead."

Shaking his head and still smiling Amakasu replied "No there won't be any problems, I assure you."- "I know the Committee won't do anything as stupid as that."

"Good to know,"- "They had better not, or your head will roll."

Mayo and Genzou, who hadn't caught on to the byplay of the conversation, finally decided to speak up "You made this decision without asking us?"

Shrugging once again he replied "Well I would've involved you but we didn't exactly leave off on great terms this morning now did we?"

Both of his parents flinched at the reminder of what transpired earlier. For the first time since he arrived Ichirou spoke up "So you're going to some private school Godou-kun?"

"Yah, regular classes are kind boring so I'm hoping this new place will be at least a little challenging Jiji." He replied.

Frowning Chiyo replied "What about Shizuka? You know how attached she is to you. Also, Amakasu-san, how much will it cost to send Godou-kun to this school?"

Emiya looked down at the little girl in his arms before turning to Amakasu and asking "I'm assuming we'll be allowed home for the holidays and vacation like a regular school?"

Nodding Amakasu replied "Yes, of course, and it costs nothing, as this school only accepts the best and the brightest and merely wishes to see them reach their full potential. Room and board are all provided as standard as well as books and clothing."

When will he be heading to this new school, Amakasu-san?" Mayo asked.

"We would like to get Godou-kun and his friends acclimated as soon as possible so whenever he's ready we'll renting a car to drive to Gunma.

Handing the still sleeping Shizuka to his mother Emiya replied "Well then I guess I'll need to go get some new clothes after I empty some things from the shed."

"Of course, go right ahead. I'll be right here finalizing things with your parents." Amakasu said waving a hand toward the shed.

Motioning with his head for his friends to follow him, he led them to the shed which doubled as his workshop. Upon reaching the door, he put his palm flat on the door and ran prana through it causing it to glow blue slightly before fading. Turning to the others he said, "C'mon."

The others followed him inside the shed and once the door was closed behind them a blue magic circle appeared on the door before fading away. Causing Kenji to ask "Dude what was that?"

Walking deeper into his workshop, Emiya replied "Security, no one can enter this shed but me as they lack my unique magic signature. This place is also soundproof."

After saying this, he went to the benches he'd set up that had several objects hidden under white sheets. Snapping his fingers, the items under the sheets disappeared in a flash of golden light and golden motes. Leaving nothing but a flat surface and a leather journal, which sat next to a bin full of miscellaneous junk.

Sitting on a stool and opening the journal he flipped through it. It was a record of all of his research on the differences between his old world and this one, as well as Fusion Phantasms. In the weeks that followed since he had managed to successfully create the first one, he had discovered a set of rules regarding these combination weapons.

First, the two or more weapons being combined must either share similar history or bare similar characteristics'. (I.e., Gáe Bolg and Rule Breaker are both cursed weapons, and Excalibur and Caladbolg are 'Holy')

Second, two weapons that are completely diametrically opposed cannot be combined. (Ie, Excalibur and Clarent, for example, due to not only being used against one another in legend, but also due to one being Holy and the other Demonic.)

Third, Fusion Phantasms cannot be stored within the Blade Works, due to being combinations of legendary blades and not truly new weapons.

Lastly, Fusion Phantasms take longer to Trace, cost more Prana to be traced, and cost more prana for their abilities to be utilized, due to being combination weapons.

Tucking the journal into his waistband he turned to his friends and said "Well, it looks like Amakasu got us in the end huh?"

Huffing Kenji replied "Yeah sure looks like it man. So, we have to play by their rules then?"

"For now, but don't worry I've got you guy's back." The black-haired magus affirmed.

Smirking Kenji replied "And we have yours too dude, don't forget."

"Ano, maybe it won't be that bad?" Mariya said optimistically while Tarou nodded and Rui stayed quiet, thinking.

Kenji and Emiya looked at Yuri then looked at each other before saying dubiously "Doubtful."

Cracking his neck, Emiya hopped off the stool and headed for the door saying before glancing back and saying "You guy's ready for this?"

"Course we are," Kenji replied coming up on his left.

"Yeah, we can do this," Rui said from behind him on his left.

"I bet it'll be easy," Tarou said confidently next to Rui.

Coming to stand next to him on his right side, Yuri smiled at him saying "Lead the way Kusanagi-kun."

"Alright let's do this." He said leading the way back outside, ready to face whatever this so-called Committee could throw at them.

---

Not too surprisingly, Rui's, Kenji's, and Tarou's parent's let them go without incident after learning their sons had been accepted into some prestigious private school in the mountains. So, within hours, the five of them were packed and ready to take a spacious SUV on a three-hour ride to the Gunma mountains… there was just one problem…Shizuka didn't want him to leave, and neither did Hikari apparently.

"Onii-chan~ don't go!" Shizuka cried with tears in her eyes from her place next to her mother's side, not wanting him to leave her behind.

Hikari for her part, had tears in her eyes and a sour look on her face, as if she'd just sucked on a lemon. It was clear she was no less happy with the fact that her older sister and he were leaving than Shizuka was, she just wasn't being nearly as vocal about it.

Taking a deep breath, Emiya walked to the two of them and said "Now listen up you two. Mariya and I need to go, nothing is going to change that…but I can promise we'll come back."

Pulling some red string from the red shirt he was wearing he beckoned Yuri over before showing the thread to the two toddlers. Lightly tying the string around all of their left pinky fingers and saying "We promise to come back, but until then, you two are going to have to support each other ok?"

Yuri added her two cents "We'll be back soon enough, you'll see. Till then, promise to be good, ok you two?"

He watched as Shizuka and Hikari looked at each other nodded, before turning back to them and doing the same, seemingly finally grasping the gravity of the situation. He wished he could do more to give them some peace of mind, but he was short on time. However, it seemed to work as the two settled down, though they looked rather sullen. Ruffling both of their heads a little, he smiled at them and said "Be good, we'll be back for Christmas."

The two then made their way to the SUV where everyone else was already settled in. Getting into the back seat, the two settled in next to each other. Amakasu-san revved the engine and they were soon on their way to Gunma. Turning to him, she asked, "Do you think Shizuka and Hikari-chan are going to be ok?"

"They'll be okay." He replied. "I'm slightly more concerned about us. We're going into what amounts to the enemy controlled territory. They'll know the area and easily outnumber us. We need to be prepared."

"Y-You don't really think they would hurt us do you?" Yuri whispered to him.

Shaking his head, the former Counter Guardian replied "I don't know. But if it comes to violence leave it to me ok?"

"Right. But please don't do anything to provoke them Kusanagi-kun." Yuri pleaded.

"Yuri, when have I ever done such a thing?"

Seeing the deadpan look the chestnut haired shrine maiden was giving him, he just chuckled and said "Right. Well, I'm taking a nap wake me when we're there ok?"

He promptly closed his eyes and found himself on a barren hill of swords. Monolithic gears of wrought iron hung in a sky covered by smog, an infinite number of legendary swords impaled in the ground around him. Walking amongst his collection, he could see them staring at him mournfully out of the corner of his eye…those he failed the first time around...Sakura…Illya…Rin…His wife…he lost them all. He failed them all.

All he had left were imitations of steel, memories, and a firm resolve. To not fail anyone like that again. So he walked amongst his blades and he began planning for all manner of contingencies. Be it against a single warrior or an army, he would not fail again…he would not lose his friends to these people.

---

"Kusanagi-kun, Kusanagi-kun we're almost there," Yuri said while shaking him lightly.

Snapping his eyes open, he sat up from where he was leaning against the door and nodded. Looking out the window he found they were driving through a sparsely populated town. He didn't see phone lines or parks, the only thing of note was a small convenience store. They soon past the shop and drove up a road going further into the mountains. Ten or fifteen minutes later they came around the bend to find several buildings carved into the side of the mountain. The largest of them was ten stories tall with subsequent buildings being anywhere from nine to five stories high.

Pulling the SUV to a stop Amakasu-san said, "Welcome to Chichibu everyone." His eyes widened when he faced forward again as the current heads of the Four Families themselves as well as their heirs were waiting out front to greet them.

'Shit, this is bad. If Kusanagi sees them.' He thought.

"Oi, Amakasu, who are those people?" Godou asked him calmly.

Turning to face his young charge he said gravely "Those people Kusanagi-kun are the current heads and heirs of the Four Families. It would be wise if you showed them respect for they could make your life hell with but a gesture."

Glancing at Amakasu and then at the people standing in front of the building, Emiya quickly made up his mind. Unclipping his seatbelt, he said, "Wait here, I'm going to go have a chat with them."

He then gently opened the door and hopped out of the vehicle. The moment he hit the ground, he sent out a bounded field with the property of Structurally Grasping everything it came into contact with within a five hundred foot circumference before returning to him.

It gave him a headache when it came back to him, but he learned that the buildings were carved out of three-hundred-year-old stone two inches thick. That there were half a dozen snipers carefully hidden in the area that currently had him in their sights. And that one of the people over there had something incredibly powerful wrapped up in a sword bag, and finally another of his hosts seemed to be leaking copious amounts of od for some reason. Setting a bounded field around the SUV to keep it safe from fire, he walked forward calmly, with his hands in his pockets. All the while mentally loading and cocking the revolver in his mind.

Stopping a good twenty feet from them, he said, "I hear you're the people in charge. That true?"

A woman who looked to be in her early thirties with straight black hair kept in a formal bun wearing an ornate white silk kimono with various warding sigils woven into it with gold silk came forward. She said, "I am Seishuunin Ran, and head of the Seishuunin Family. And you are Kusanagi Godou correct?"

"I am, and I have to say, nice place you have here. But don't you think a sniper team to take out a ten year old is a bit much?"

He had to resist the urge to chuckle upon seeing the bug-eyed look the Heirs who were all a couple of years older than he was, were sporting.

Turning back to the woman who first spoke, Ran he thinks she said her name was, he said "If you'd like to call them off, we can talk like civilized people. Unless you'd rather send that girl and whatever is in her bag at me?" he asked.

Said girl upon closer inspection was the same age as him unlike the other heirs. She stepped forward with an air of child-like innocence about her saying "If that is what Kusanagi-san wants then Ena will fight him."

She was stopped by Ran who chastised "Ena-chan, that is no way to treat a guest who's just arrived."

Emiya then quipped "And having a sniper team on standby to blow my head off is?"

In response Ran nodded back to one of the other Heads, who muttered something their kimono. Turning back to him the Seishuunin Head replied "There, the snipers have been called off. Now perhaps you can tell us where you received those blades you used against Amakasu-san?"

Smirking Emiya replied "I found them a few years back."

Narrowing her eyes Ran Seishuunin hummed to herself in thought. Amakasu-san had called them and informed them of all the information he had on Kusanagi. From the swords he wielded, to his ability to increase his strength and speed, and most curiously, his seemingly unique ability to use magic without praying for the aid of a deity. Based upon what little they knew of him, there were only three possible choices on who his teacher was, and each was worse than the last.

The first choice was that his master was the Highest Witch of the Heavens, Alice Louise Goddodin. As her organization was known for accepting the bright and talented, and his parents were a well off investor and Social Advertiser. With both him and his parents working with the Witenagemot they would no doubt gain power rapidly. The second possible choice was Lucretia Zola, The Highest Ranked Witch on Earth. She was known to collect magical 'trinkets' such as grimoire's and other magical items. So it's quite possible he'd not only gained his weapons but also his knowledge of magic from her. The last possible choice however was not only the most frightening, but also the most plausible considering the weapons he used and the abilities he'd displayed thus far...

It was most likely that his master was none other than Lou Hao herself, and he was secretly a member of the Holy Cult of Five Mountains. If that was the case, and the Cult of Five Mountains were extending their influence to Japan, Ran was afraid there was nothing they could do as none could defy the will of a Campione. Still, she had to be sure. So she asked another question.

"Do the names Alice Louise Goddodin, Lucretia Zola, or Lou Hao mean anything to you Kusanagi-san?" Ran watched his face closely, looking for any sign of panic or recognition.

His face however, was a blank slate. Completely unreadable. Finally he deigned to answer saying "Hmm, I don't know if my master would want me revealing her name. She isn't someone you'd want to cross even on a good day."

Ran's insides froze. 'Is one of those three his teacher? Is it the Witenagemot, the Cult of Five Mountains, or has Lucretia Zola formed her own Magic Association in secret?'

Deciding to try a different tactic she made the boy a proposal. "Kusanagi-san, what would you say to a friendly spar with my granddaughter Ena?" Ran offered while motioning to the girl hold the sword bag.

She watched as he looked her up and down, sizing her up for a moment before shrugging and replying "Alright."

Ena then stepped forwards, and Emiya noted that unlike the other heirs' she was the same age as him. Unraveled her sword bag, she revealed a black taichi with brass accents that lay within. Unlimited Blade Works immediately tried to recreate the blade, and it did to a point. It copied its form, powers, and history. But he quickly realized Unlimited Blade Works would be able to only do so much as, not only was this a divine class weapon, but it was alive, actually sentient. Not like Caliburn, Gram, and other weapons that chose their wielder, but actually capable of thought and communication. He also knew its name: It was Ama no Tsurugi no Marakumo, the Grass Cutter, and one of the three imperial treasures of Japan.

No matter how hard he tried, he knew he couldn't copy the sentience in the blade. Still, he already had a few ideas on how to beat this girl and her divine sword, even as she squared off against him. Holding his arms outstretched at his sides, he said "Trace on."

His palms gripped Kanshou and Bakuya as they came into existence. A sudden gust of wind blew through the area, kicking up a small cloud of dust between them as it also messed up their hair. When the wind died down, Ena rushed forwards at incredible speed. Emiya sidestepped the first slash, then the second.

He was forced to block a stab at his chest with Bakuya, and he felt his entire arm shake from the impact. Turning on his heel, he swung at her with Kanshou, only for her to block the black falchion with her own blade, before being kicked in the stomach and forced back to where she started. It was just a short exchange, but he felt he had her measure now. He was just as strong and fast as Saber was with him as her master during the Fifth Heaven's Feel, provided she wasn't using her Prana Burst Skill. And so, taking that into account and the fact that she possessed a Divine weapon he put his plan to beat her into action.

Staring her down, he widened his already apparently flawed stance even further, baiting her to attack him…he wasn't disappointed. She came in hard and fast intending to stab him in the chest.

He smirked, that was exactly what he wanted. She saw his grin and tried to pull back, but it was far too late for that. Before she could move, the ground erupted around her revealing a golden chain buried in the earth. The chain wrapped around both the swordswoman and her blade like a serpent, coiling around her tightly and constricting her movement.

Emiya watched Ena struggle. At first she seemed confident, then that confidence slowly disappeared and a look of confusion set in. Finally, she stopped fighting and asked "What did you do to Ena, how did you cancel her Divine Possession from Grampsy through Marakumo?"

Dismissing Kanshou and Bakuya, he punched an enhanced fist into the earth and pulled up the other end of the chain. Holding it in his hand as he came forwards saying "Do, I just won obviously."

He then punched her 'lightly' on the chin, knocking her out. The only thing holding her upright was the golden chain binding her body. With a snap of his free hand, he dispelled the chain, allowing her to collapse in a heap. He was about to walk past her when he heard a voice. It was ancient and hard as iron. It asked him ["How, how could a normal human not only contain so much Steel, but also possess an artifact capable of stopping me, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi?"]

Glancing down at the Tachi, which lay flat on the earth, he replied "Because, I too am Steel. I am the bone of my sword. Steel is my body and fire my blood." He told it, quoting the first two lines of his personal aria.

The blade was quiet for a time before it said ["I see, I shall be watching you mortal. You are interesting."]

Giving the downed blade a respectful nod, he turned towards the still conscience members of the Four Families and said "Now, any questions?"

A red-head a few years older than him, likely in middle school at the moment, asked, "How did you beat Ena, what was that chain?"

Emiya discreetly sniffed the air for a moment before shooting back, "Why is a girl dressing in boy's clothes?"

She blinked in surprise before laughing and asking "How could you tell, most people can't."

Smirking he tapped his nose and replied "I could smell the blood. That time of the month huh?"

The red-head immediately blushed, and the older man in his early fifties leaned down and whispered into her ear, causing her to nod, and excuse herself, rapidly heading into the building. After she had left, Emiya said, "And then there were six. I'm just going to say this before any more of you disappear…if anything happens to my friends while there here, I'll kill all of you."

A studious looking blonde-haired boy wearing a light gray three-piece suit who reminded him very much of Issei took a non-threatening step forwards and said "Your friends will not be harmed Kusanagi-san. Like all of them, sans Yuri-san and yourself shall be working under me, Kuhoutsuka Mikihiko directly. You have my personal guarantee of that none of them will come to harm."

Emiya didn't know why, maybe it was because this boy reminded him of Issei, but he decided to trust his word. So he nodded and said "I'll keep you to it."

"This is utterly ridiculous!"

Emiya turned to see the girl who was always leaking od, a blonde-haired girl with amber eyes that was short and wearing one of those French caps on her head along with a dress. Locking eyes with her and raising an eyebrow Emiya replied "Oh, is it now?"

"Fuyuhime." The man next to her said warningly. From the way he said it, he could tell such a warning had been given many a time, meaning the girl in front of him had a hair-trigger temper.

"Grandfather, please forgive my breach of protocol, but this is utterly ridiculous! We are being attacked, insulted, and threatened by some no name hedge-mage! Are we not the four greatest families in Japan? Do we not deserve a certain amount of respect?"

The sound of laughter could be heard. They all turned to look at Kusanagi, who was wiping away a faux tear from his eye. Smirking at Fuyuhime he said, "Let me give you a bit of advice girl. Don't think you deserve people's respect just because of your name. If you want their respect, go out and earn it."

Scowling Fuyuhime retorted "How dare you speak to me as an equal you filthy commoner."

Maybe it was because this girl reminded himself too much of the Lords at the Clocktower in his original universe. But he soon found himself scowling as well and saying "I wouldn't act so high and mighty if I were you. Seeing as you can't even control the amount of life-force leaving your body at the moment."

Fuyuhime jerked as if she had just been struck. She then paled and looked at him in horror before asking "H-How?"

"How did I know?" he guessed. Seeing her nod he said, "I could tell from the moment I saw you, it was blatantly obvious to someone like me."

Fuyuhime winced. 'My condition was obvious to this hedge-mage? So does that mean he's encountered it before, and if so, does he know a cure?'

She was about to ask him just that when he shrugged and said "And here I was about to offer to fix your problem for you, but then you went and opened that rude mouth of yours. Now I don't think I will. In fact, I've got half a mind to take my friends and go home now."

Having a solution to her condition being dangled in front of her only for it to be snatched away made Fuyuhime do something desperate. She pointed a finger at him and said shakily "Y-You can't leave! We own you!"

Lowering his head and shaking it, the former Counter Guardian replied "That's where you're wrong. I'm willing to bet that Ena was your strongest warrior, yet I beat her easily." He walked closer to Fuyuhime and said in a dangerous whisper "As such, you have been tried, measured, and been found wanting."

Turning around, his voice returned to normal levels as he said "So I have no reason to stay here. You can't stop me, you can't beat me, and you can only do so much to hamper my parents financially before it becomes suspicious or annoying and I decide to do something about it. So this is-"

"Wait Kusanagi-san!" He turned to find the old man who had failed to warn Fuyuhime earlier walking up to him.

"Grandfather? What are you-" Fuyuhime gasped as in all her years, she had known her Grandfather, Renjou Ōkami, he had been a stiff, harsh man in public, yet loving towards his family. Her father once compared him to an unyielding wolf. One who lived to protect his pack. So to see him bow fully at the waist to someone who wasn't even a third his age shocked her.

"Please Kusanagi-san, help my granddaughter." He said facing the ground.

Now he was conflicted. On the one hand, his want to help people was acting up. Part of him, the part that couldn't deny heroes, didn't wish to leave the girl or her grandfather in the lurch. But the embittered part of him wanted nothing to do with these people, as they could be a danger to his friends.

Finally, he sighed and said "Fine, fine just stand up before you throw your hip out old man. I don't need that on my conscience."

Taking the joke for what it was, the Renjou head bowed deeper in both respect and thanks before straightening and stepping back.

Locking eyes with an embarrassed Fuyuhime, he said, "You are very lucky I don't want a hurt old man on my mind girl." He then got into her personal space and took her hand before she could say anything and said "Hush, I need to double check something. Trace on."

He structurally analyzed her, going deep. Past her flesh, nerves, organs, and bones, until he reached her very soul where he thought the problem lay. Sure enough, there they were fifty in all, and all of them inactive.

Letting go of her hand, he said, "It's as I thought. I can fix the problem quickly enough. I just need to complete an energy transfer ritual is all."

With a light haze of pink on her cheeks, Fuyuhime blinked owlishly before asking "Y-You need to transfer energy into me?"

"Yeah, but I only know of two ways of doing it. One neither of us are old enough for so it'll have to be the other one."

Nervously clearing her throat Fuyuhime asked, "What might that be?"

Rubbing the back of his head nervously he replied "You'll have to drink my blood."

A blatant look of distaste crossed the drill-haired girls face and asked "Isn't there any other way? What about the first one? Why can't we do that?"

Smirking he replied "Because I think we're both too young for sex." He shrugged and said "But if you wanna try a tantric ritual I'm all for it."

Her face the color of a tomato, the Renjou heiress stuttered out "N-No, that's ok."

The sound of someone clearing their throat caught the two's attention. Turning, both of them found Ran Seishuunin staring at them supporting a weak-kneed but awake Ena on her shoulder. She said, "If all that is required is an energy transfer, then I would suggest a kiss. But not here, let's get your friends and head inside first."

Emiya's eyes widened, he'd forgotten to lower the bounded field after taking down the snipers. Sheepishly doing so with but a thought, he soon heard several pairs of feet running his way.

"Kusanagi-kun! I asked you not to antagonize them!" Yuri said reaching him first.

"Yeah, but I never promised I would, now did I?" he retorted.

Yuri opened her mouth to refute him only to hear a familiar voice say "Ena is happy to see Yuri again."

Turning on her heel, Yuri found her childhood friend Ena being supported by her grandmother Ran. "Ena what are you doing here? What do you have to do with any of this?"

"Ena has much to tell her friend Yuri, but perhaps we could go inside first? Surely Yuri and her friends must be tired from such a long journey," the raven-haired Hime-Miko offered.

Yuri, looking very confused could merely nod as she was herded into the largest of the stone buildings.

They were all allowed to freshen up and were then escorted to an ornate room that all of the other people from earlier were already seated around. Taking an empty pillow next to Ena she faced her and asked "Ena-chan, what's going on?"

"Ena's family is one of the Four Families, one of the four families that runs the History Complication Committee." The raven-haired beauty told her friend.

Frowning, Yuri asked sounding hurt, "So all this time, you were only my friend because you thought I was a Hime-Miko?"

Ena shook her head frowning a bit herself. "Yuri knows Ena better than that. Ena befriended Yuri because she wished to be her friend, nothing more or less."

"Promise?" Yuri asked.

Ena smiled nodding "Ena promises."

Yuri then noticed that Kusanagi-kun and some blonde-haired girl were standing in the middle of the room. Looking to Ena she whispered "What's going on?"

"Kusanagi-san is doing an energy transfer on Fuyu-chan. He says it'll let her learn magic." Ena replied.

"Energy transfer…but doesn't that mean they'll need to k-kiss?" she asked sadly.

Glancing at her friend curiously Ena noted she was suddenly sitting rather rigidly roughly gripping her kimono in her lap with a hurt look on her face.

"Does-does Yuri like Kusanagi-san?" Ena asked tentatively.

Yuri opened her mouth to vehemently deny it, only to whisper "I don't know Ena-chan."

In response, Ena took her friend's hand in her own, offering her all her support as she was about to be forced to watch the boy she liked kiss someone else.

Emiya looked at Fuyuhime and asked "Are you ready?"

Looking away nervously she asked, "Why must so many people be present for this?"

"In case something goes wrong I suppose. Now I must warn you, once I fix your problem your feel incredibly hot and weak. Whatever happens, don't fall asleep ok?"

Swallowing and licking her lips nervously Fuyuhime nodded saying "You'd b-better be grateful, this is my first kiss you know!"

"Heh, mine too." He had said before he captured her lips, surprising her.

In order for the energy transfer to be effective, bodily fluids needed to be exchanged. Which means he needed to French kiss her. Her eyes widened as she felt his tongue enter her mouth. Seeing as this was her first kiss, he wanted her to enjoy it, so he gently put his arms around her thin waist, both to comfort and support her once her magic circuits turned on. That ended up being a good decision as he felt her knees soon grow weak and she grabbed onto the back of his head to keep herself upright, inadvertently deepening the kiss.

Fuyuhime felt as if her body was on fire! Every nerve was electrified and hypersensitive. His tongue sent little jolts down her spine. His strong arms wrapped around her slender frame, preventing her from falling over. She could feel her heart thrumming in her ears, her whole body felt flush and weak as she tried to keep upright by hanging onto his head but only deepened the kiss further. Finally after what seemed like an eternity of fire, pain, and bliss, she felt him lower her to the ground. Breaking the kiss and leaving only a small trail of saliva connecting their mouths.

Huffing she asked short of breath "I-Is it over? Did it work?"

"Yeah." He replied with a nod.

"Good." She then grabbed him by his shirt collar and kissed him again briefer but with no less intensity than before.

Upon pulling back, he said with a smirk, "The ritual is over you know? You don't need to kiss this filthy commoner again."

"I know, and that was just because I wanted to-to thank you. Now, I won't lose to the others anymore or feel inadequate anymore…all thanks…to you…" she said before drifting off to sleep with a contented smile on her face.

Turning to the shocked assembly of magi and mundane people he asked "So, now what?"

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Chapter length: 17,897 words – Date Completed: 5/13/15

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AN: Oh YEAAH! I completed this chapter more than a week ahead of schedule! That said I just want to cover a couple of things

#1: I got a second beta. He goes by William Wiltrose. (Give him a hello everyone) I figure between myself, a grammar checking computer program, Diller, and now William there is no way in hell this fic could have spelling errors. And if it still does? Fuck it, we did the best we could!

#2: The review turnout for the first chapter alone blew my friggin' mind! 111 reviews for the intro chap? That's crazy…can we do that again? "May I have some more, please sirs/madams' may I have some more?" Sorry, couldn't resist the reference. Ya'll rock! Thank you all so much.

#3: I'm sure some of you are wondering when Emiya is going to become a Campione…Chapter after next is the plan, but no plan survives contact with the enemy so we'll see ok?

#4: I have a forum set up to discuss this fic if you all want to use it. It bears the same name as this fic and is found under the Campione section.

#5: I went back and aged everyone up to stop all the complaints and in doing so, had to edit several scenes, I WILL NOT be doing something like this again as it takes away too much time from me working on the next chapter. So from now on, you'll all will have to live with the choices I make. In closing, I hope you enjoyed this chap and I'll see you all again in three weeks. Till then, Bubbajack, Diller, and William Wiltrose out!