Disclaimer: I don't own Fate / Stay Night nor the characters therein but my original character, the rest of them are the property of Type-Moon.
Kiritsugu's Other Son
Author's Note : Hello again, things just made a 180 with since the last chapter was written. This time I got a few long and detailed reviews. I'll be honest, I was almost frustrated at first, since what you told me were harsh, curt, critical and true all at the same time. However, it also made me do some research, looking back into the background information related to the points you pointed out plot-wise. Now from my half-assed first choices in muddling through the tale, I was forced to think on my feet as I brainstormed to pick up ideas that weren't entirely original, yet just enough to make sense of the mess that I put myself in. So now I'll try my best to answer all the excellent questions that you had without spoiling too much.
The origin of Liu Yuuki is one thing that I'm afraid I can't fully reveal yet, since it's one of the major points of the plot. As the chapters go on, you'll begin to notice from time to time subtle hints that are pieces of a puzzle that'll all fit together. With that said, I would leave a vague hint for the hardcore fans that may be able to figure it out. Just consider the answer to this question : which character in the series has the ability to be nearly all-knowing of different times and events? For those who do figure it out, the next question on being how it happened should be worth continuing to read to find out.
For how Yuuki was able to trace, consider what I've revealed so far. The character had at least decent knowledge of the last war, making him a possible survivor from the event. Who's to say that he didn't have experiences similar to Shiro's that could've caused the ability to awaken? This is just one possible theory though, so don't put all your chickens in this basket yet.
As for how Yuuki was able to cut Kansho and Bakuya, that's actually something I'll be covering this chapter, the explanation not nearly as farfetched as you think. Shiro's trigger for jumping in to block Berserker's attack is also something that'll be addressed in this chapter, albeit it is a bit different, it being mine and not the canon story. As for Saber and Yuuki's recognition of one another, it's simply because they've met before. The when, where and how will be shown later. About Ilya's behavior, it wasn't that far off-character for her to say what she did, considering that she did warn Shiro in advance, and the number of companions with him didn't sit too well with her. Whew! I think I covered everything, at least for now. Feel free to correct me if I missed something. With that, here's chapter 4. Enjoy and review, thanks!
Chapter 4 : Strange Dreams, Stranger Encounter
As sounds of quiet breathing came from the sleeping Yuuki, his partner, sleeping in another futon next to him, began to move around strangely as unfamiliar images began to appear in her mind, which didn't make sense since Servants weren't known to dream.
(Caster's Dream)
As she opened her eyes, the first thing the magician Servant noticed was what seemed to be ruins around her, buildings were crumbled, some aflame with occasional sight of dead bodies with different kinds of wounds, cuts, bruises, and charred flesh all around her and she turned her head around slowly to find anything else distinguished.
She stopped at the sight of four figures from a viewable distance. She couldn't tell what they looked like entirely, but they seemed to be separated by pairs of two facing one another. She couldn't make out the faces of the either pair, but one of the pair who seemed to each be holding a sword had blonde hair and an outfit that reminded her of Saber. As the two took battle-ready stances, out of a corner came a short figure with black hair. As the two swordsmen charged at one another, the shorter figure ran towards them, seemingly wanting to stop the fight. The last thing that Caster saw was a huge flash of light that seemed to engulf the two charging figures and what appeared to be red around her, like fire.
(Dream Ends)
Caster then woke up in with a snap of her head out of stupor, sitting up and she turned to look at her current Master, still resting peacefully. She thought, 'What I just saw seemed to correlate with what Yuuki-kun's brother described as the last day of the last war, assuming that the blonde Servant I saw was Saber herself. But what was that boy that looked like Yuuki-kun doing there? And what was he doing running foolishly into an attack of two Servants? Looks like I'll have to ask him once he wakes up.' With that train of thought ended, she brushed the sleeping boy's hair gently with her hand, with a smile and what seemed to be a look of affection on her face.
Meanwhile, in Another Guest Bedroom
Rin, lying in her futon wit her eyes closed, but not yet asleep, called for her Servant as he phased in from hiding. She said, "Looks like both you and Yuuki-kun have been hiding quite a bit from me, Archer."
Archer was about to respond when Rin cut in before he did and said, "Forget about apologizing. I know you have your reasons for not telling me, but from now on, I expect you to tell me everything truthfully."
Archer nodded while Rin opened her eyes and turned towards him as she continued, "Now, as you're Emiya's future self, I'm sure you know about all of our enemies that we'll be fighting?"
Archer nodded and replied, "Yes, but I wasn't expecting the appearance of the boy with Caster. She revealed herself far too early, and her Master then was different as well. The scenario has changed so much from what I remembered that I'm not sure how helpful what I know would be."
Rin's face changed to a slight scowl and said in thought, "I see. So Yuuki-kun wasn't in the war that you remembered huh? That makes a little sense, since he seemed to know an awful lot for being a mere Master himself. You sure have seemed to have gone easy on him though huh?"
Archer's face had a smirk on his face as he replied, "So you've noticed. The true Kansho and Bakuya wouldn't have been sliced in half so easily by a cheap toy from a sci-fi movie. I didn't expect him to be able to trace though, so he surprised me with his attack. Still, it was impressive that he was able to catch me off guard and cut down two incomplete versions of my blades."
Rin said as her mind ran over what he just told her, "Well, I was more surprised to find two Masters with the ability to trace, especially to the extent that you did. In any case, I trust Yuuki-kun, especially since he has yet to give us any false information. We won't take any action, until this truce is over, understand?" Archer replied with a smirk on his face, "Of course, Rin."
Seeing the resemblance of her Servant to Shiro, Rin said with a blush on her face, her eyes looking away, "Anyway, let's get some sleep. You can guard me from out of sight until I call for you." With that, she turned away and closed her eyes, the shade of red yet to disappear. Archer's smirk remained on his face as he phased out.
At the Same Time, in Shiro's Bedroom
Lying in rest there was the main character himself, with Saber sitting next to him with her eyes closed, her concern for her Master overriding her own weariness. Meanwhile, it seemed the red-haired boy was dreaming, only of an event more recent.
(Shiro's Dream)
The new Master curtsied as she introduced herself, "Nice to meet all of you. My name is Illyasviel von Einzbern. And you're all going to die. BERSERKER!" On her command, Berserker's one working eye glowed a dangerous red as he began to attack, swinging his arm at our heroes, blade and all.
At what seemed to be the same time, Rin and Yuuki called at the Servants. "Archer!" "Caster-chan, Saber-chan, please!" The three simultaneously nodded, although in response to different people. Archer nodded as he ran quickly to grab Yuuki by the arm as he jumped back with him, putting them a safe distance away.
Caster and Saber nodded to each other, ready to back each other up as necessary as they both jumped back from the first missing blow. Immediately, Berserker picked up his blade and swung for the closest person besides her Master.
Saber began her swing with Invisible Air, as her other choice of noble phantasm would take too long to bring out right then and there. It seemed to be a stalemate for just a moment, and the scale tipped in Berserker's favor as he was much stronger, his blow seemingly inevitable. 'Can I… only watch as they all fought in my place?'
At that moment, Caster stepped forward slightly and immediately tried to use her force field to hold back Berserker's blow. She was able to slow the blow enough for the two to get away, but not enough to escape unscathed as the simple force of wind from the attack knocked the two back and off of their feet .'Am I not able to do anything?'
Berserker immediately went for a third attempt, the name of his Servant-class certainly fitting. Just as his next blow were about to hit the two Servants, Shiro ran forward, charging ahead as he yelled, "Konno! (Damn you)" As a result, he took the blow, screaming in pain and blood began to burst out of him. The last thing that he saw was red, and the shocked look on Saber's face.
(Dream Ends)
Shiro woke up in cold sweat as he snapped up from his futon, breathing hard. Saber, who's remained at his side the entire time, said, "So you're awake, Master."
Shiro nodded dumbly as he turned to her and said, "Yeah. You've been watching me the whole time huh? You didn't have to. You should get some rest yourself. Oh and, I know about the Master / Servant thing and all that, but don't call me that. Just call me Shiro."
Saber looked at Shiro in the eyes and replied, "Very well Shiro, I will comply as you asked. As for me, you don't need to worry about my welfare. What I do need to speak to you about however, is how you foolishly charged in to took Berserker's attack in my place. Even if Yuuki-kun's theory about my sheath implanted within you is true, you shouldn't run in recklessly without thinking like you did last night."
Shiro was about to retort when Saber cut in as she continued, "No Master, you need to understand this. Servants are summoned to fight each other, as we're far more powerful. You as a Master, should've and still should stand back while I handle the combat. If you insist on continuing your rash behavior, we won't be able to win the war, regardless of any temporary alliance we have with the others right now. Now before you say anything else, it IS already morning and the others have probably awakened as well. I suggest that you go speak with them while I stay in this room."
Shiro was snapped out of his train of thought and he replied, "Don't be ridiculous! I'm going to have breakfast with the others and you're going to join me!" He then dragged her towards the living room, ignoring her protests.
As they walked into the living room, Yuuki and Rin were already sitting at the meal table, sipping tea while Taiga turned to look at Shiro, with a look of anger on her face, ready to rip the boy a new one. "All right Shiro, you better have an explanation as to what Liu-san and Tosaka-san are doing here, and it better be good!" Noticing him holding the hand of Saber, she screeched with an angrier voice and said, "AH! Another girl? Are you building a harem in secret? Explain yourself now!" Said boy sighed at her guardian's antics, knowing it was going to be a long day.
