Chapter 1: The sinner enters the scene.
Fuyuki's Holy Grail War, also called the Sentiment of Heaven, is a ritual that has been going on for two hundred years. Founded by the families of Tohsaka, Matou and Einzbern, the three founding families as a means of reaching Akasha, is currently considered a competition for something recognized as a possible Holy Grail.
Seven wise men are chosen by the Grail as Masters and with the support of the Grail allowed to summon seven Servants to do battle. The winning couple should suppose the Holy Grail and use it to grant a wish for each of them.
Its true purpose is indeed to use the seven Servants who return to the root as a way to form a way directly to it.
Saber, servant of the sword. Lancer, lance servant. Archer, bow servant. Rider servant of the Mount. Caster, Magecraft servant. Berserker, servant of madness. Assassin, servant of the shadows.
That fighting of Magus in the war of the Holy Grail, to have their wish granted.
Those 7 Servants maintain the balance of the Grail and also the path to the Akasha.
However, when one of the participants is a Demi-Servant, classified as an Anti-Hero, things become very interesting.
A sinner and a vigilante can destroy the world or save it. If only the Knight King and the Magus Killer can not kill them.
XXX
Turin, Italy (1991):
In the room of an elegant villa built on top of a small hill in the cleanest district of the south of Turin, three men stood opposite each other.
"The signs that have appeared on your right hand are called 'command seals'". One of them spoke, in a fluid voice and bearer as he addressed the other two, who wore priestly clothes that identified them as members of the Catholic Church.
"These are the proof that you have been chosen by the Holy Grail and the qualifications that grant you the right to control a Servant".
The person who had spoken was Tohsaka Tokiomi, current head of the Tohsaka family, one of the three founding families behind the infamous Fuyuki Grail Wars. He wore a red tuxedo with a white shirt and a blue ribbon tied around his neck. He had black hair, blue eyes and a goatee. The other two members consisted of Father Kotomine Risei, an old "friend" of the Tohsaka family and his son Kirei, to whom Tokiomi's words were addressed. Risei himself was an old man who had wrinkles on his face, eyes apparently closed, and combed his gray hair. Kirei himself had younger features on his face, brown eyes and a little more short brown hair.
Kirei had to admit that for a friend of his father, a pious man of cloth that would soon reach eighty, the eccentric Tokiomi was surprisingly young, perhaps a little older than Kirei himself. Although the feeling of composure and security that emanated spoke of experience Kirei had heard only from senior members of the Burial Agency.
In fact, it was not surprising, given that, even by the standards of Japanese Magi, Tohsakas were an old lineage that surprised, or rather intrigued. Kirei was the casual ease with which he had revealed his identity as Magus, how he should have been a fool to buy property so close to the Church so dramatically, and in particular to declare his status before the members of the Division burial of the "Holy Church", which followed a doctrine of extermination of the stigma of heresy, as Magecraft, and burying it in oblivion.
Typically, the Magi conspired and interacted only with other Magi, preferring the safety of the Magus Association to avoid clashing with the performers of both parties have agreed a "ceasefire" of sorts to keep the peace in the wake of the last war world. Even so it was a rare state of affairs in which members of the Holy Church and a Magus would gather the same building to discuss one of the most "blasphemous" rituals without anyone losing a limb.
The Tohsakas were an exception, however, having tried to maintain good relations with the church, especially with the Kotomine family. A relationship maintained thanks to generous donations that went in both directions from before the foundation of the Grail Wars.
Risei had met Tokiomi's grandfather and had overseen the previous Grail War, which had failed while it was rapidly becoming a trend. Now, in the decline of his years, he was quite anxious to see the ritual successful, and could not be happier when Kirei had come to him the night before. Revealing the outcrop pattern on the back of the hand that identified him as one of the "Masters" chosen by the Grail and immediately contacted Tokiomi.
"Does the Grail prefer people to choose?" He meditated during a pause in Tokiomi's explanation, not liking the way the older man was watching him.
"The three founding families: Einzbern, Matou and Tohsaka are always included among the participants" .Tokiomi confirmed with a nod, raising a hand to reveal a triple ring pattern "As the current heir of the Tohsaka family, I will participate in the next battle. "
Kirei said nothing, but stiffened inwardly, carefully watching the elder in front of him. While he doubted that his father would accept the meeting if Tokiomi meant an improper game. It did not matter that the man should have been a suicide to try anything at a distance spit by the Church, he never paid to be careful. "I'm curious about these 'Servants' you mentioned earlier." He mumbled a long time, carefully watching the old man before him. "Did you say that they were heroic spirits summoned and used as family members?"
"I know it may seem hard to believe, considering your upbringing." He noticed Tokiomi, sighs as if the idea itself were baffled even by him. "Summon seven warriors in the ranks of the Heroic Spirits that existed from the Age of Gods in the present and match them with the Seven Masters to face it in a bloody battle for supremacy." Then he nodded acknowledging the very fact he claimed. "This is very much what the Holy Grail war is".
"And you allow such a monstrosity?" Kirei asked, turning not only to Tokiomi. But also to his solemn-faced father, who until then had kept his silence. "In a place where thousands of citizens live?"
It was obvious that even before the cease-fire between the church and the Magus Association, all the Magi carried on their practices in secret to avoid drawing attention to themselves. In this modern era, where science and technology were quickly replacing Magecraft as the most widespread force on the planet. Revealing one's existence as a Magus was tantamount to suicide, even without taking into account the edicts of the Holy Church.
"From the third sentiment of heaven an agreement was made so that we in the Holy Church sent a supervisor to keep the potential damage from the war to a minimum". Risei intervened, surprising his son. "It is our duty not only to hide all traces of the existence of war, but also to make sure that even the wise men do it".
"Does the Church serve as an arbiter in a conflict between the Magi?" Kirei repeated, stunned by revelation, though of course he hid it well.
"It is precisely because it is a conflict between the Magi that we do it". Risei revealed: "As it is, there is no one in the Magi's Association qualified to act as an impartial arbiter because of political implications. There was simply no other way than to resort to an external authority like the Church." He nodded solemnly. "Also, since I am sure we are aware that we in the Holy Church can not turn a blind eye on a ritual involving a so-called" Holy Grail. "Although to be honest, we have conclusive evidence of Fuyuki's Grain differs from the sacred relic for some time. "
This certainly explained why the Grail Wars had been authorized to continue without opposition for so long the Church would not have remained idle in the face of such a treasure. Kirei had little doubt that, Master or not, he would be deployed to Fuyuki along with several other members of the Assembly of the 8th Sacrament to plunder the Grail out of the hands of the Magi, ceasefire be damned
"Still it's not like we could just ignore an all-powerful wish-granting device." Risei admitted with a worried frown. "Who knows what disaster could be caused if it were to fall into the wrong hands?"
"So, it's better that we make sure that, at a minimum, the Grail falls into the" right "hands like a B. plan." Tokiomi broke in and Kirei had no doubts about his mind about the hands of Tohsaka's head.
"While the Tohsaka are truly Magi, they have a long history of friendship with the Church". Risei continued, confirming his son's suspicions. "I can also guarantee Tokiomi-kun's character, and moreover his intentions for the Grail are clear."
"Reaching Akasha is the only desire of the Tohsaka family." Tokiomi has verified, as if Kirei had not already guessed it. "Unfortunately, Einzbern and Matou have both forgotten the desire we once shared."
"So I will participate in the next Holy Grail War to ensure the victory of Tohsaka Tokiomi, so". Kirei deduced, nodding to his father and a smile from Tokiomi.
"Obviously, on the surface, we will act as enemies fighting on the Grail." The elaborate head of Tohsaka, as if Kirei had not been able to figure it out on his own. "But beneath the surface, we will join forces to defeat the remaining five Masters and achieve a certain victory." He laughed while Risei nodded austerely. "Kirei-kun, you will be transferred from the Holy Church to the Magus Association, where you will become my apprentice."
"Official orders have already been issued." Risei confirmed, carrying a letter of notification that carried the joint signatures of both the Holy Church and the Association of Wizards, addressed to his only son.
"You will go to Japan and you will study the magic." Tokiomi continued quietly. "There, you will become a Magus strong enough to call a servant to fight in the Grail War in three years." He smiled at Kirei "So, do you have any other questions?"
"Only one of note;" Kirei admitted, turning to look Tokiomi in the eye for the first time. "What exactly is the will of the Grail in selecting the Masters?"
Tokiomi blinked, forehead wrinkled, Tohsaka's head that he had not foreseen such a question. Kirei had to admit that she felt a small explosion of satisfaction at having canceled the smug smile on the man's face. The moment was short, however, as Tokiomi soon regained his composure. "The Grail prefers to choose the Masters who need it most." He admitted, smiling quietly at Kirei, who shrunk as close as he was to what he had hit home.
"Does it mean that all the selected Masters have a reason to want the Grail?" The young Kotomine asked, trying to keep the tone of his voice, managing it only with the years of practice he had accumulated as a member of the 8th Sacrament.
"Not necessarily." Tokiomi replied, his contemptuous tone. "There have been cases in the past where command spells have appeared on people you would not expect to be chosen." He glanced at Kirei with a smile. "I understand, Kirei-kun, you're still baffled by the fact that YOU, of all people, have you been chosen? " He continued to mention Kirei. "Of course, it is surprising, considering that your only link with the Grail would be through your father in his role as Superintendent." Then he smiled confidently, as if something had just popped up on him. "No, perhaps it would be better to say that it is precisely the reason you were selected, perhaps the Grail anticipated that the Holy Church would support the Tohsaka family - in other words, the Grail is giving me two parts of seals of command, and because of this, he chose you as Master. "He smugly smiled at the young Kotomine. "This explanation satisfies you?"
He did not, but Kirei was not the kind of man who expressed his opinions about something, unless he implied the implementation of the Church's doctrine, in which case he was more than happy to get his "point". However, from the little he had managed to gather the arrogant personality of Tohsaka Head, it was clear to him that he would not have a more satisfying response from the man for the time being. So he opted to put it on hold to ask to know when they had to leave to make preparations.
"I have a small task to take care of the Clock Tower which requires me to stop in Britain first." Tokiomi has revealed: "You will travel to Japan before me, I have already informed my family and they are waiting for you".
"Understood." Kirei recognized, wondering exactly what kind of reception he, a former member of the Executive, could have received in the house of a Magus. He nodded to his father before taking his leave, leaving the villa and heading slowly toward the winding path at the top of the hill. The wind from the Mediterranean Sea rustled his hair as he lazily rubbed the back of his hand. The Command Spells that glowed red as blood in the, was deeply taken into account for the whole situation.
It had been some time since his wife's death, Claudia Kotomine-Hortensia. She was a terminally ill woman whom Kirei had met in church and married. She ... loved him wholeheartedly, even though her personality was cold. They also had a daughter together, little Caren, and Kirei hoped she could find some completeness in being a husband and father.
Unfortunately, Kirei has no happiness for his beautiful wife or daughter. Kirei was a disturbed man, he knew it too. He felt only joy whenever there was human suffering, and nothing else. This fact alone ... scared him.
One night, he confessed to his wife all his faults and that it did not matter, he could not love either she or Caren. He hopes that by talking about his problems to someone who knew he would not tell a soul, he would feel better. And maybe Claudia would have given him an answer. Instead, she killed herself to kill her, it would be sad for her death and she would then learn that he really loved her.
It had been sad, yes, but not for the reason why Claudia died believing. It was sad that he could not kill her alone.
Kirei had never been more shocked, disgusted and horrified by himself in all his life.
After this, he had sent little Caren to live with her relatives. He did not look back once, even when he cried he would come back. It was for the best, because even if he did not love her, he was worried about her staying with him ... Kirei was not sure what she would do to her.
"But why?" Kirei thought as he continued to rub the seals on his hand, "Why was I chosen?"
It did not matter. What mattered was that perhaps a purpose would eventually be provided to him.
The search for a purpose in life was the only thing he needed to continue living in this world ...
Three years later (Another Plane of Existence):
The Grail, as stated before, was corrupt, but a small part of him remained necontaminated. Mystic is in a bored mood, the heart of the Grail is a copy of his Reality Marble.
Just wait for the call of any Master to leave.
I call you ...
The Grail remains corrupt, not that anyone knew about it, except Mystic and the core of the Grail.
This explains why someone like Kotomine Kirei was chosen for this war.
Your self is under me, my destiny is in your sword.
He knew from the catalyst that Kotomine Kirei intended to summon a Hassan-I-Sabbah, or more specifically "Hundred Faces of Hassan", to serve Tohsaka Tokiomi and compete in the Holy Grail War.
According to the location of the Holy Grail, if you stick to this feeling, this reason, then answer.
But in the end, it was still the Grail choice. And because it was damaged, it was allowed to bend the rules slightly.
Here is my oath. I am the one who becomes all the good of the world of the dead, I am the one who exposes all the evil in the world of the dead.
More than a "hero" touched that mask. The guest of the Grail core touched that mask and is an honorary member of the Hassan-I-Sabbah guild.
An Anti-Hero is exactly what a troubled man like Kotomine Kirei needed.
You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, come from the circle of deterrence ...
Thus, the Grail chose the necessary Heroic Spirit ...
O keeper of balance!
And Mystic came out of the Grail core and got to know his Master.
Fuyuki City (1994):
Kotomine Kirei stood still and looked at the Servant in front of him as the smoke from the Summoning Array disappeared with a neutral expression on his face, but his mind was racing. Whoever was the Servant, was certainly not of Middle Eastern origin, nor was he dressed in ancient clothes.
No, the Servant in front of him was a two-meter-tall man. From its construction it can be said that it is at the peak of human force. Comparable to an elite church performer or an Olympic champion.
He wears a black combat suit with a high-tech nature.
On the suit, precisely on the arms, legs, spine there are Runes, from his limited knowledge on Runecraf, Kirei can say that they are extremely complex and powerful Runes.
Above the suit there are different protection: Spallacci, Armor, Armrests and Greaves.
All these protection that form an armor, have a skeletal design and are white-silver colored.
The head is covered by a white helmet, which hides every detail of the face. The helmet has a crimson visor in the shape of a Y. Over the helmet there are 5 small black horns that form a crown.
Many belts, belts and gray holster are present over the suit.
The multifunctional belt holds a large silver gun and a small arcane book.
The last accessory is a long white coat with a pointed hood. An interesting thing about the cape is its design seems to be made entirely of bird feathers or scales of a reptile.
The coat is decorated with gold embroidery on the edges and has an engraved coat of arms. A red vulture with a pair of sabers in its claws, under it there is a small magic circle with a gear on it.
Surely not Hassan-I-Sabbah ...
"I understand, you are my Master, I am Servant Mask, however, to respect the rules I have to ask you: are you calling me?" He said the man dressed in a bone armor.
"… Yup." Kirei replied after a moment, further absorbing this new development. What was happening? Was there something wrong with Catalyst?
"Okay, an irregular Servant for an abnormal Master," said Mask, looking at Kirei.
Then he confronted Kirei. "The contract is complete, maybe we are both disappointed with the respective war party partners, but I am sure we will win, then we will conquer the world!" Mask shouted, proclaiming his victory and the ambition to dominate the world.
"Um ..." Kirei murmured with eyes wide open from the Servant's confidence and ambition. Before Mask stopped and looked at the host of summons, identifying the mask of Hassan that Kirei had used as a catalyst.
Before he could contemplate it, the Servant approached the ground and took the mask of Hassan-I-Sabbah.
"I remember this mask, I stole it in the middle of one of my travels in the Middle East, it was part of my private collection of a Magus, specialized in controlling the scorpions, how did you get here?" Said the great man with the feathered cape.
"Who are you?" Kirei finally asked, turning the Servant Mask.
"Only a Vigilant who occasionally plays the hero"
