CHAPTER 8:
THE CHILD
Their sleep was disturbed by what sounded like a massive explosion in the early hours of the morning. As it was, they went back to sleep shortly thereafter. Harry was getting used to having Medusa in bed with him, and she was wearing her own sleeping gown, which she had picked up shopping yesterday.
However, they were roused from their sleep by the trill of the telephone. Grumbling, Harry went over, and picked it up. Few knew this number. "Who is it?" he grumbled.
"Harry, it is Risei Kotomine. I need to speak to you on a matter of no small importance. I'm sorry about the indecent hour, but it's a matter of urgency."
I hope so, Harry thought mutinously. Out loud, he said, "Okay, go ahead."
"You are aware of the spate of disappearances that have been happening lately? Sources have told us that this is due to Caster and his Master, Ryuunosuke Uryu. They have been abducting and murdering dozens of children as part of magecraft experiments. The Caster was described as male, with a French accent, with distinctive bulging eyes like an acute case of extreme exopthalmia."
Harry felt a chill of horror, sitting up in bed, now wide awake. "What? Is Zouken Matou privy to this?"
"Officially, no. We contacted him, and he disavowed knowledge of this. Ryuunosuke Uryu isn't based at his house, supposedly to avoid the Matou Mansion from being targeted. However, I had the distinct impression that he cares less for the loss of innocent life than he does about the fact that the secrecy of the Grail War is in jeopardy. While it is true that a number of Magi do use people in their experiments, they are generally more discreet. He also hinted that Caster has no interest in the Grail, save that it may grant him the one he seeks. Therefore, we are changing the rules of the Grail War. As Overseer, I am well within my purview to do so. Caster's atrocities may jeopardise this Grail War. Therefore, I will be announcing to the other Masters that the Grail War be suspended, until Caster and Ryuunosuke Uryu are dealt with, with the Servants and Masters to focus their attention on them. The Master whose Servant deals the decisive blow will gain an extra Command Seal. I am also suspending Caster and his Master's right to sanctuary, so you are fully released from your obligation to protect them, should they attempt to seek sanctuary. Zouken Matou will doubtless be furious."
"He can go fuck himself," Harry muttered. "Hey, by the way, Risei, I heard a massive explosion earlier this morning. What happened?"
"The Magus Killer happened. He evacuated the hotel that Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald was staying in, and once it was clear of everyone barring the Master of Lancer and his fiancée, demolished the building. A crude but rather lateral means of dealing with an enemy Master. However, I believe it was for nothing: when I made the announcement about Caster a few minutes ago, there were familiars from all Masters, barring that of Caster. I believe Kayneth to be still alive."
"Okay. By the way, Risei, am I permitted to track down Caster and Ryuunosuke myself? If they're going after children, I should go after them, in case they menace Sakura, or anyone else for that matter."
"Of course, but there would be no reward involved, at least as far as Command Seals are concerned. I am sure that the Church or possibly Tokiomi would recompense you."
"I don't need money. But if Tokiomi's willing to part with a magecraft book for Sakura that he wouldn't have given her otherwise…"
"I'll pass that on. Most of the children are from neighbouring towns, but what they are doing is abhorrent, and risks exposure of the Grail War and magic. If you can deal with Caster and Ryuunosuke yourself, we would be in your debt. However, do not do anything rash, as you have Sakura to look after. I would suggest teaming up with another Master-Servant pair for safety. Incidentally, Tokiomi wished to commend your friend, Hermione. He guessed that, given she was wearing sunglasses at night, those things were a type of Mystic Code. And she has a good rapport with a Berserker Servant."
Harry, after a moment's consideration, said, "The sunglasses were enchanted to allow me to watch what happened. I mean, I can't exactly waltz out to watch the battles myself."
"Is that all they do?"
"It's all they do for me," Harry said. "In any case, if I do team up with anyone's Servant to deal with Ryuunosuke and Caster, it won't be Tokiomi's. I'd probably piss him off. Besides, you and Tohsaka are colluding. Better I don't team up with you."
"Fair enough. But I assist Tokiomi in order to witness a true miracle with my own eyes, Harry. Tokiomi's intentions for the Grail are benign."
"Risei, I can't be sure of that. I'm glad the guy gave Sakura to me instead of Zouken Matou, I truly am grateful, but Magi are very Machiavellian as a matter of course. And my old teacher Mad-Eye Moody always taught me the benefits of constant vigilance. My intentions are to make sure as many people survive as possible. Are the Japanese Obliviators on standby in case shit gets bad?"
"Of course, but they'll take every opportunity to rub it in, as you well know. Magi and wizards do not get along," Risei said with a sigh…
Harry got sent a photo via email, with Risei Kotomine being no stranger to technology. Ryuunosuke, as he was in the photo, was a handsome young man with short red hair and a lazy smirk. He studied the picture as they had breakfast. He showed the picture to Sakura, saying that if she ever saw him or someone like him, to run away.
"So, the Overseer says that Ryuunosuke can't be given sanctuary?" Kariya asked as Sakura went off to read afterwards.
"Yeah. He claims sources told him about Caster. I'm willing to bet that said source is Assassin, somehow," Harry said.
"Nothing about the Servant himself or herself?" Medusa asked.
"No. Casters are at their strongest in their own territory as you know, and Caster was able to create that army of monsters," Harry mused. "I'll try a Point Me spell, but there's no guarantee that'd work on either Ryuunosuke or Caster. Risei claimed that the Servant, according to his sources, was male, spoke with a French accent, and had bulging eyes."
"That narrows it down." Medusa considered things, before she said, "This is only a guess at best, but given that description, the child killing, and the monsters summoned, it may be Gilles de Rais."
"Who?" Harry asked.
"An inspiration for Bluebeard," Kariya said. "Gilles de Rais was one of Joan of Arc's supporters. After she was executed by the English, he supposedly turned to the occult, became a serial killer of children. He was definitely put on trial and executed, though whether he was guilty is still debated to this day." He paled. "Shit. I just realised something."
"What?" Harry asked.
"The Saber we saw last night, that was King Arthur, right? But if you didn't know any better, wouldn't you mistake her for Joan of Arc?"
Harry nodded, getting what Kariya meant. "You think Caster, if he is Gilles de Rais, might mistake Arturia for Joan of Arc? Would that be a good thing or bad thing?"
"I doubt it'd be a good thing," Medusa said. "Gilles de Rais was obsessed with Joan of Arc. He may try increasingly desperate attempts to bring Arturia to his side. Of course, we're assuming that they're one and the same, based on Risei Kotomine's description and the disappearance of the children. And if Gilles de Rais was summoned as his 'Bluebeard' incarnation…then there's something possibly wrong with the Grail itself."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"No, I see what Medusa's getting at," Kariya said. "The Grail is only supposed to summon standard heroes. Okay, you're stretching it somewhat with the Hassan-i Sabbah and every other Assassin…and forgive me if I'm wrong, Medusa, but don't you fall under the anti-hero category too?"
"To my shame, though I thought my summoning was not due to any problem with the Grail, but rather, to my connection with Harry," Medusa said.
"Good point, but so is your point about Gilles de Rais. I studied the Grail Wars on Zouken's insistence before I left the family, though, and every previous war seemed fine. Well, except the last one, where the von Einzberns cheated, and tried to summon an eighth Servant. I don't know the details, only it didn't end well. The Servant didn't last long."
Before they could discuss the point, the phone rang. With an irritated sigh, Harry went over to it, and picked it up. "Black Library, Harry Potter speaking."
"Oh, Harry? It's me, Irisviel."
"Irisviel? Oh, hi, how are you?"
"Good. I'm a bit tired, but I'm sure you can guess that. I actually met your friend and Waver last night. Hermione seemed like a nice young woman. Actually, Harry, I wanted to ask you a favour. I need to ask you in person. So, can I meet you at the café just outside the sanctuary zone at ten? I also have information about Caster, information that I think you should pass on to the Overseer."
"Okay. I'll see you then…"
Medusa accompanied Harry, just in case Kiritsugu tried anything while Harry was meeting Irisviel. He soon found Irisviel, accompanied by Arturia, sitting at one of the outside tables at the same café he had met Hermione and Waver, along with their Servants, at.
As he approached, Harry erected privacy charms, before sitting down. "It's a pleasure to meet you both again."
"Indeed," Arturia said. The Servant looked troubled, but smiled warmly at Harry. "Your friend Hermione was a most pleasant person to meet. Though I have to wonder why she was wearing such dark glasses at night."
"They were enchanted. I actually watched part of the battle, because they sent footage to a communications mirror she gave to me. We can't actually communicate while she has them on, though, so I can't help her. I won't say your real name here, but it's an honour to meet you. I was surprised at who you were, but like Hermione said, it's an honour to meet you all the same."
"I thank you," Arturia said. "But perhaps we should get to the point. We know the identity of Caster. While my Master has forbidden our tracking him down for reasons of his own, Irisviel and I decided to bring the information to your attention. Kiritsugu was reluctant, but eventually agreed."
Irisviel nodded. "When we were driving home last night, we encountered Caster. He identified himself as Gilles de Rais, and believed Saber to be Jeanne d'Arc, or Joan of Arc."
"I can see why," Harry remarked.
"You do not seem surprised by this," Arturia noted.
Harry winced, while Medusa said, "The Overseer had sources who have found out about Caster and his Master's depravities, and described him. I was able to tentatively identify him. You confirmed what we suspected. Incidentally, Risei Kotomine also said that a familiar belonging to Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald was present during his announcement, which indicates that he survived the attempt the Magus Killer made on his life. It may be that he targets Kiritsugu, in spite of the truce."
Irisviel pursed her lips in thought. "I see. What do you intend to do about Caster?"
"What I can. I don't know how much I can do, but the Overseer has revoked sanctuary rights for Caster and his Master, Ryuunosuke Uryu, or Ryuunosuke Matou, I dunno what he answers to now. If they come knocking, Ophis and I will kill them. I'll try to track them down anyway."
"I thank you again, Harry," Arturia said, nodding.
Irisviel then said, "I also wanted to ask you a favour, Harry. When Kiritsugu first heard of you being appointed as the one in charge of the sanctuary area near the Black Library, he did substantial research on you. He was somewhat frustrated at the myth that sprang up around you, but he felt that you were a good choice for the role, high praise from my husband." A pensive look came over her face, before she admitted, "After I met you yesterday, and your daughter, I had an idea. Kiritsugu has dismissed this idea, because he does have doubts about your trustworthiness…but I believe otherwise."
"What idea is that?" Harry asked.
"As I said yesterday, I have a daughter, Illyasviel. We left her behind in Germany. And while I have faith in my husband and Saber's ability to win the Grail, a small part of me worries about Illya, that should we fail, my family will hold it against Kiritsugu, and forbid him from seeing her again. We entered this Grail War, amongst other things, to ensure that Illya does not have to participate in the next one, but if we fail, she will be forced to do so against our wishes. I was hoping you might be willing to, say, enchant a souvenir to act as a Portkey to Fuyuki, and keep Illya in your care until the Grail War is over."
Harry blinked. "Wait…did you say I was to look after your daughter, and that of the Magus Killer, until the Grail War is over?"
"Yes. Naturally, this would have to be done in secrecy, to avoid anyone taking Illya hostage."
"No geas contract?"
"Well, it's not until you actually have Illya."
Harry frowned. Was this woman insane, or merely naïve? Okay, he would be the person to trust, he guessed, but even so…and of course, getting Illya out from a Magus stronghold seemed insane. Enchanting a souvenir to act as a Portkey? That seemed too vague to work.
Harry then blinked. Could it be so simple? He then tried, albeit tentatively, calling out for the one entity who might be able to get Illya to Japan. "Fawkes?"
In a flash of flame and singing a beautiful song, Fawkes the Phoenix appeared. Harry had never actually tried summoning Dumbledore's Phoenix before. He had come to the Black Library on occasion of his own volition, the last time being shortly after Sakura's birthday. Sakura, naturally, had become enamoured with the magnificent bird. Thankfully, the privacy charms would have prevented Fawkes' rather spectacular entrance being noticed by onlookers.
"A Phoenix…" Arturia whispered in awe.
"Oh, how beautiful!" Irisviel said with a smile. "You know this Phoenix?"
"He used to be Dumbledore's familiar, or at least a companion," Harry said. "Fawkes saved my life more than a few times, and he can go virtually anywhere. Speaking of which…Fawkes?" The bird turned his attention to Harry, and nodded. "This is Irisviel von Einzbern, and Saber. Oh, and you haven't met Ophis yet."
"I believe we may have met before," Arturia said. "I recognise the plumage. Phoenixes are long-lived. You were one of my mentor's companions. Well met, old friend."
Fawkes nodded, but then turned his gaze to Harry expectantly. "Oh, right. Do you know where the von Einzbern castle in Germany is?" Another nod from the Phoenix. "Well, Irisviel here has a daughter called Illyasviel, one that she wants brought to Fuyuki. I'm sorry to ask you to act as a taxi service across continents. I'm sure you got sick of Dumbledore doing it."
Fawkes emitted a strange warbling trill that Harry recognised as the ancient bird chuckling. Irisviel then said, "Fawkes? Could you…wait a while? It's extremely early in the morning in Germany, so could you wait until…" Irisviel looked at her watch. "This evening to bring Illya to Japan? Bring her to Harry, I trust you. Oh, and I'd better write a letter for you to give to her, so she knows to trust you."
Fawkes nodded, though Harry got the idea he was annoyed at having to bring messages to Illya like a common post owl. However, he flew over to Arturia, and perched on her shoulder, trilling softly. "How long has it been?" Arturia murmured, gently stroking Fawkes as Irisviel, who had a pen and paper, was writing something out in German. "For you, it must have been centuries…but for I, it was less. Still, you are a very welcome sight. Fawkes was not the name I knew you as. What does it mean?"
"I think it's because he's like a Guy Fawkes effigy, blazing. Otherwise, I find it hard to believe that my mentor would name a Phoenix after a traitor."
Arturia winced. "So he is named for Guy Fawkes, one of the Gunpowder Plotters?"
"Yep. Though I once heard he was the last person to ever enter Parliament with honest intentions."
"That hardly seems humorous," Arturia said. Then again, given that she was once a monarch of Britain, perhaps her sympathies were with James I. Or maybe they weren't, but she just had a dim view of traitors in general. After a moment, she asked, "Ophis…I presume that is an assumed name…if I may be so bold as to ask your name?"
"I can tell you, as Harry has placed my name under Fidelius, and you cannot divulge the name. Only I can, as Secret Keeper. I am Medusa."
"Medusa, of the Gorgons?" Arturia asked. Irisviel even looked up briefly, astonished. "I see. A strange guardian of sanctuary, but I will trust you and Harry to enforce it."
After a few more minutes, Irisviel finished her letter, and handed it to Harry with a smile. "Here you are, Harry. Incidentally, call me at the Einzbern Castle when she's here." She wrote a number down on the card. "I'd like to hear from her, to make sure she is safe and sound."
"Okay, I'll let you know. She'll probably be glad to hear a familiar voice."
Irisviel nodded, but the sad smile she had stuck with Harry. As if this might be the last time she talked to her daughter. He wondered why…
CHAPTER 8 ANNOTATIONS:
Well, Harry's going to have to look after another Magus kid. I originally had Kiritsugu making the offer, before realising, that was way out of character. I thought, though, that Irisviel would have enough of an optimistic (and admittedly naïve) mindset and faith in Harry's goodness to trust him enough with her daughter. True, it means she doesn't trust her family, but she's well aware of what the von Einzberns will do to Illya if things go wrong (making her into the next Lesser Grail), so Iri sees this as trying to prevent Illya from falling prey to the same fate as Iri. She has faith enough in her husband and Arturia to win the Grail, but all the same, she has a nagging feeling that she should cover her bases, as Magi do anyway. Kiritsugu, of course, would not risk leaving Illya with Harry, which will have consequences in later chapters, but he will accept it, albeit not before threatening Harry should anything befall his daughter. As this story will predominantly be from the POV of Harry, with some Medusa in the future, he won't have a good impression of Kiritsugu.
That being said, with Fawkes by Harry's side, there'll be some more additions to the Black Library. I was going to bring a couple of characters in after the Grail War, but I think I might bring them in earlier. Who are they? Well, let's just say that they're sisters who will be familiar to anyone who has read Lupine Horror's Fate's Gamble.
Speaking of Fawkes, I was wondering how to bring Illya from Germany to Japan, because I wanted to do it during this Grail War (the thought of Illya and Sakura becoming childhood friends is too adorable to not do it, and Rin may get added to the mix). I dropped all those hints about Winky into earlier chapters, only to realise that Fawkes would be a better choice. I also wanted to give Fawkes a sense of having lived for far longer than Dumbledore, so I wrote in Arturia recognising him as one of Merlin's companions. That's probably not Nasuverse canon, but hey.
No numbered annotations.
