Black Zero 6

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" 'Sanguine'. Hopeful. Plus, point of interest, it also means 'bloody'." -Zoe Firefly

"I'm the devil; I'm here to do the devil's business." –Charles Manson

After a long flight and short train ride, Kiritsugu headed for the Hotel he wanted. Acting as if he knew the place, Kiritsugu walks through the lobby up to the elevator, up to the seventh floor. No one notices the man or cares as he clearly has a path in mind and thus has no need to be bothered. This is where his partner has been for three days, in room 73.

In the world of magi, his relation with Hisau Maiyu would be that of a pupil and a teacher. But to Kiritsugu, who viewed himself as a tool, he only saw her as a weapon, a second set of eyes. Nothing more. It is ironic, in many ways, that his potential grandson who bore his name had once held a relationship similar, yet vastly different with his various partners culminating in his final one known as Artemis. Where the grandfather saw Maiyu as a tool, the grandson saw Artemis as a partner. It shows the difference between the two of them. The old broken man saw himself and everyone around him, except his wife and child, as tools and disposables for his goals. The Grandson, however, saw himself as an instrument, something that played his part in a grand scheme that would go on long after his time.

As the original Kiritsugu knocked in a pre-arranged rhythm on the door of room 73, the door opened immediately, as if he had been expected. Skipping unnecessary greetings with a mere glance at each other, Kiritsugu enters the room and closed the door. Armed with the three days of preparation, Maiyu had done everything she could for her mentor and wielder. Maiyu also viewed herself as nothing more than a weapon for Kiritsugu to use. This was different than Artemis who worshipped Kiritsugu like a god or an idol. Both were willing to die for their Kiritsugu's but for different reasons. Maiyu would die because she saw herself as disposable; Artemis would die because she believed that the Black Knight's life was worth infinitely more than hers.

Maiyu and Kiritsugu have known each other for over 10 years. She was still a young girl when they met, but since then she stopped being a child anymore. She was a weapon, honed by Kiritsugu to use and discard at will. She is a woman who constantly saw the reality, and could sometimes give out an accurate judgment more merciless than even Kiritsugu. With her, Kiritsugu didn't have to be ashamed of his foul plays or detest his cruelty. This could put him to some sort of rest.

"The Tosaka mansion moved last night and the Master of Berserker has been moving erratically." Maiyu said as Kiritsugu passed her. "Please watch the records of it." She paused for a moment, but Kiritsugu said nothing. "Also, all the equipment has arrived."

"Understood. Show me what you have on the situation first." Kiritsugu said. Maiyu nodded and turned on the television. Her bat familiars had cameras strapped to them to prevent interference with magic. The illusions and camouflaged bounded fields of magi are often based on using suggestions on an observer, but that sort of things often forget about electronic-based counter measures. Video records are also helpful for re-watching as well as allowing for manipulating of the tape's speed allowing for a more detailed analysis of the situation.

The whole scene of the previous night between Assassin and the mysterious golden Servant is replayed before them. Raising an eyebrow, Kiritsugu watches the Servant with a skull mask unable to escape annihilation from the golden Servant.

"What do you make of it?" Kiritsugu asked

"I think it is going too well." Maiya replied "The time lag between Assassin's materialization and the attack of Tōsaka's Servant is too short. He was waiting for the attack. I could've accepted that he might have detected an intruder in spirit form, but his opponent is an Assassin who possesses the Presence Concealment ability. Tosaka must've been aware of the invasion prior to the act."

Kiritsugu nodded. Having been trained by him, Maiyu's conclusion was the same as Kiritsugu's.

"The more I think of it, the more it seems like an arrangement. Why would Tosaka expose his Servant like that if he had such a margin?" Maiyu pondered

Last night, Tosaka has left two clues to the other Masters, what his Servant looks like, and displaying what looks like a Noble Phantasm. Neither were enough to definitely identify the Servant, but that was a risk that should have been easy to avoid. If he was to bring down Assassin, he could have done it secretly.

"Displaying something he didn't have to show. That means he wanted to expose this to us." Miyu finished

"Possibly. Maiyu, what happened to the Master of Assassin?" Kiritsugu asked

"He went to the Church last night and has requested the supervisor's protection. It was Kotomine Kirei."

Hearing that name, Kiritsugu became suspicious. The most dangerous Master taken out so early and in such a way…"Maiya, send a familiar to watch over the Fuyuki Church. One will be fine for now."

Maiyu hesitated at that "... Is it alright? The Church is an area where aggressions between Masters are prohibited."

"Unless the priest supervisor doesn't find out." Kiritsugu countered "Stay at a reasonable distance and don't overdo it."

Maiyu nodded then took out the tape and replaced it with another one. "Berserker is moving at random in the old section of Fuyuki. His attacks are coming from all angles, and possess neither rhyme nor reason for the attacks. He doesn't stay long enough to feed on them. He just attacks, pauses for a bit then leaves. This is the only recording I have on him at the moment."

The film shows a construction worker sitting on a bench away from the other workers, near some shadows. The man wipes the sweat off his brow and pulls out his lunch to eat. Beside him are two thermoses with steam coming out from the containers. For a while, nothing happens, but then…the shadows near him flicker. The construction worker does not notice this at first, but then…something red glows in the shadows. The worker immediately straightens and slowly turns to where his instincts are warning him. He has enough time to see something black and indistinguishable raise an arm before he dies. The man doesn't even have enough time to scream before he is ripped in half across the chest. The creature stands over him for a moment, leans down, then flees before anyone has time to notice one of their own died.

Kiritsugu rewound the tape and played the attack slower, trying to figure out the reason for this…Nothing, there was no reason the man died, other than he was in the wrong place. Again and again he tried to analyze the attack and finally paused it after Berserker vanished.

"I don't understand. If it's not an attack to feed and strengthen, then what is the reason for it all?" He was mystified by all this and sat back to look at it form a new perspective. This was Berserker, was there ever a reason for its actions. Perhaps, perhaps this was how the Master maintained control. By letting it kill someone it alleviated the bloodlust and rage. Yes, the more he thought of it, the more it made sense. Perhaps rather than use a command seal to control Berserker, the Master used these victims to quell the rage. "Maiyu, have you marked where these attacks occurred?"

Maiyu nodded and held out a map of all known attacks. "It's not completely accurate, but the dates next to the locations are when the bodies were found. Considering the attack pattern, I doubt that Berserker was hiding any of the bodies."

Kiritsugu was about to agree when the words of Saber rang in his ears.

"Do not ever make assumptions about anyone. Nothing is as it seems in the Grail war Kiritsugu, be careful and do not underestimate anyone."

"No, there might be a pattern to it all, a reason or a ritual." Kiritsugu said grasping for straws. "Don't assume anything. This may not even be Berserker, but another Servant acting out the class."Maiyu looked at him, but nodded her head. It was possible that this…madness was merely feigned. Who knew what kind of Servant was summoned in this war…

And so they were left with nothing but questions for all their preparations they had made. Neither of them noticed that of the discarded, dropped, and scattered food and drink, one of the two thermoses was missing, stolen to feed a sick Master at the hands of a mad Servant. Kiritsugu turned off the TV, then resumed inspecting the equipment Maiya prepared. It was going to be a long morning, and Iri was scheduled to arrive in the Afternoon.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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The Light was looking much better than before. Brighter, warmer, better. Would there be praise from the Light? Oh, how wonderful that would be, to be graced by the Light's gratitude. Not that it should be expected. The Light was everything. The Light was everything and more. The shadows wanted to drain the Light and the Dark wanted to feed on the light. Oh, the Dark Ones thought they were clever, but the Light would not be harmed. Pains had been taken to hide the Light. None would find the Light, none would take the Light.

The Light was everything, all else was an obstacle. For the Light all would be done. All would be done for the Light. The Light had been pleased with the offerings, happily taking such paltry offerings with gusto. It was galling to think that these insignificant offerings were all that were available for the Light. The Light deserved better, the Light deserved it all. All offerings were for the Light, all the offerings everywhere were for the Light.

There must be a great offering for the Light out there. Something so grand, so magnificent, that it would have to be worthy for the Light. But where? Where could such an offering be? The shadows held only pitiful offerings, and the Dark Ones held none. So where was that offering? Tonight, Tonight a great search was needed. Find the offering, there had to be something in the land of Shadows that was worth it all. Something-

?

!

…the Light! The Light had reached out and touched, held a finger... The Light missed, hated to be left alone. Was it wrong? Was the Light lonely? But…but…the Light was everything. Ah, the Light wanted to find the offering too. Ah, so much to do, the Light wanted to go, but the carriage was gone. So, a new one must be made. Ah, that…thing would work.

Heedless of the damage done, Berserker reached over and ripped the decorative curtain from the window. The Mad Servant was spurred on by Minato's movement. Somehow, the boy had sensed his Servant and gripped a finger. The mad one was gleeful to say the least, for its 'Light' had favored him. And so, Berserker wrapped the curtain around him and made a sling in the back for his Master. The boy would be placed between the armor and the shield to protect him when the sunset.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I made it. I don't know how long it took to get out of there, but I'm out of that pit. Up here, up here in this place I am bathed in Light, the shouting voices are but whispers and the liquid, which I now see is red does not flow on me. The weight is still chained to my feet, but as long as I do not stumble I am free of that pit.

Save him

I still hear the voices, but they are finally being quiet. The sources must still be in that pit, but I have no time for them. Instead, I look around and see what it is I've climbed into.

Kiritsugu

If this is hell, it needs to work on the décor. It's a ruin. I think it was a throneroom or something, but the walls are shattered. I think there was some sort of painting on it, but most of the images have broken off. All I see is a bunch of figures in black. They look like they are fighting, that or it's just one figure that's fighting a lot. Hard to tell which is the truth since the vast majority of the painting on the wall is broken and fallen off, same with the ceiling. I have a feeling that this was once a grand place, but now…

The pillars in the room looked like they were covered with words, but they too are missing their things. In the middle of the room stands what I think was a throne, but made from a plant…then someone forgot to water it. It's nothing but a dead plant pure white and covered in thorns. Why anyone would sit in that is beyond me. I look around and see a suit of armor, scattered by the doorway. Like someone took a club to the suit. Around the suit is more of that red liquid, but it merely pools around the suit. Not like I want to go there, I nearly drowned in that fluid. No point going near any more. Well, I might as well try the door by the suit of armor and look around.

Save him

What the heck? The door isn't a door, just a wall that looks like a door. Arg, b*stards getting my hopes up. I run around, but don't see an actual exit. Well, the hell theory is making more and more sense. Alone forever in a ruined throne room, heh, I can see the irony in it. This is my kingdom, I rule all I survey…great. Looking around, I see two strange things that remain in this place. I think that's a horse, but it's mechanical.

And it breaths fire.

And it tried to take my head off with its hooves.

Great…my companion is a fake horse that wants to kill me. I'm in hell alright, at least it's chained to the wall.

The other thing is some sort of machine, it's big, black with red on two large extensions, but its held down with more links and chains then I can count and held in place with the most complicated lock ever…probably. Just looking at it and the lock changes shape into something completely different. No use getting that thing out and if it's chained down that much I'm not interested.

Well, if there's nothing else to do, I guess I can do some housekeeping…

I look at a pillar and see a piece on the ground that fits the missing part in the pillar perfectly. As soon as I do, something whispers in my head.

Oh to walk upon the blood stained ground,

as the Last Man with the Last Round.

What would I hear as the last Sound?

What secrets would be uncovered and found?

Would Death's grip on me finally be unbound?

I have waited long for the day,

when everyone's voice has a say.

Where governments and fools we slay,

choosing to walk what paths we may.

Till then I keep the pigs and wolves at bay.

In war, there is poetry, dance and song,

that tells the world what I did is wrong.,

But I am still steadfast and Strong.

Though this treacherous and lon

I shall show the errors to the throng

All who bear life fear the Reaper,

who's touch is an unwavering Seeker,

And follows us all our lives like a creeper.

So I see why they burrow themselves deeper,

but the Black Knight will act as the Sweeper

Okay, that was weird, and dare I say it? Morbid. Still, nothing else to do here other than housekeeping, twiddling my thumbs or falling back into the pit, guess I'll stick with housekeeping

Save him Kiritsugu

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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"So, this is the country Kiritsugu was born in..." Irisviel commented as she came off of the plane. Saber looked around and inhaled the familiar scent of this place. Yes, this was where it all started, where she had fought for the Grail twice, and rejected it on the second attempt. Where she had finally accepted that she had done all she could do as king and could finally live as a woman. It was here that she had agreed to stay by Shirou's side for as long as she could. It was here, and Shin Tokyo that she had raised her two children alongside the others. So many memories filled her head for a moment, then reality kicked in and she knew she was barred from that life if she continued her chosen path.

Shirou, she had to protect Shirou, or…Minato as he was in this case. If she was successful, he would never know her, never know that she even existed. But…she hardened her heart, because it was right. Saber would not try to relive the past, that was as wrong as trying to undo everything she had done as king. She was given an opportunity to change the past, so she would, in her own way. Though, right now Saber felt that she could really use Reiko or Eiko by her side.

"So, Saber? What did you think of the plane travel?" One step ahead down the runway, Irisviel asks the pondering Servant

"Nothing in particular. Though, the service seemed a little lacking" Saber said. Then again, she was used to executive private planes with Real Service and food made by Shirou.

There is no lie in her words. Her azure eyes are perfectly serene.

"Oh, too bad, I thought you would be more surprised and interested. Instead, you seem disappointed" Irisviel said a bit surprised. The King of Knights took flying planes in stride."Flying in the sky is nothing surprising for a Heroic Spirit?"

"Not exactly," Saber said not wanting to tell Irisviel the truth; instead she fell back to the way summoning works. "But as a Servant summoned in the present world, I have received information about this era. Also, as a Saber, I possess a skill dedicated to Riding, though not as strong as the Rider class. Presently, I would be able to fly this airplane and most other modern vehicles."

Hearing that, Irisviel's eyes widened "You…could pilot it?"

"Yes." Saber said proudly, "Probably better than the pilots who flew today. My riding skill applies to all vehicles and some beasts." Her Riding ability would allow the use of any vehicle save for phantasmal beasts and divine beasts. If needed, she could definitely handle modern tools like a car or a bike. Speaking of bikes…Saber was really looking forward to being on that motorcycle again.

"I'm still a little disappointed. You must be the first Servant ever to travel in a plane with a flesh and blood body." Iri huffed

Saber smiled, same old Iri "I apologize about that. I am not a good reference." After all, she had spent decades in the world with more advanced technology. Saber missed her little jet ski right now.

"Oh, it's fine. Don't worry. That isn't what I meant." Iri apologized.

Saber had…not wanted to reveal that she could turn Astral. It felt too…demeaning for what they had done in life, plus she was just used to not changing. Was it wrong to hang onto old habits? Besides, since all the Servants in this war were known, there was no reason to hide her existence, especially from Lancer. There was no way around it; her identity would be revealed the instant they fought. With Gae Dearg, he would reveal her sword with a single blow. No matter, as long as she did not forget to not rely on her magical armor, it was no issue. And she already knew about Gae Buidhe, so she would make sure not to be hurt by it.

"I am happy I could travel with you, Saber. I can't get tired of looking at you." Iri said

Saber smiled, "Ah, so am I." It was good to be with her friend once more.

Hiding a smile, Irisviel turns her head away. Saber finds that reaction suspicious, she remembers something about that Iri that nags the back of her head… "When you laugh like that, it makes me suspicious Iri. So, tell me frankly why it that is."

"It is not a problem if you always remain in physical form, really. I get to have fun choosing your clothes, like that." Iri said happily

Right, that was it. Iri was a lot like Rin when she was in her playful moods, always dressing her up in the weirdest things. Though, Shirou really did like the maid outfit, and the skimpy Santa outfit, and the ninja outfit, and the shrine outfit, and the…better stop thinking about that before she remembered the naked apr-

No, wait that, that was Kazehana's responsibility when she wore that outfit that time.

"I chose the clothes to balance with my appearance, maybe you do not like them?" Iri said nervously

"Ah, not at all." Oh no, she did not want to give out that little information to Iri, Saber was sure she would die of shame if Iri ever got her hands on Saber to dress up like a woman. "This costume allows me to move freely, and I was used to posing as a man." Was being the key word, it had been a long time since she dressed like a man. Still…Root help her if she ended up in some of those outfits again. Her dignity as a Knight and King would never survive.

They completed without delay the procedures to enter the country; it didn't take much time until they were allowed to get to the airport lobby. However, until they reached it, every single one of the officials on the way were astounded by Irisviel and Saber.

"As I thought... Is there something wrong with my clothes?" Iri asked

"It's fine, they're just not used to seeing such a beauty." Saber assured her

"Ara, you ahe such a silver tongue," Iri said, then whispered to her side, "Now if only I dressed you as a woman."

Saber felt something cold crawl up her back. Iri was reminding her of a combination of Kazehana, Uzume, and Rin. Not a good combination. Well, at least Altrouge wasn't thrown into the mix or Saber was sure that she would go insane. Still… 'Thankgodshe'smarried, thankgodshe'smarried, thank god she's married.'

"Let's go, Saber. It wouldn't do to distract everyone." Iri said aloud. Then whispered, "A black dress, white lace, a black ribbon in her hair…"

Saber was reeeeaaaaaly glad that Iri was married, but she was afraid Iri would try to take her like Rin.

Iri smiled as they exited the Airport "At last we are in Japan. We must enjoy ourselves as much as possible before the battle begins."

'As long as you don't play dress up.' Saber thought.

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As they drove into Fuyuki, the sun began to set coloring the sky in beautiful hues. "How lively..." Just as Saber remembered it, Iri's eyes lit up at the foreign sights. Iri had been stuck in that castle her whole life. This day was one of the few Iri would ever have to enjoy before…no, she would not fail, she would save Iri and give her countless days to enjoy.

"Iri, how about we…scout the area out." Saber said with a hint of mischief. "We could get to know the terrain, by experience."

"Ah, what a wonderful idea Saber! It would be a waste. After finally arriving to this distant country, we need to know what we are dealing with."

"Then let's have a look around over there." Pointing to a favorite shopping spot Saber remembered. "Hmm, suspicious. You think there might be a Servant in that shop?"

"Who knows." Iri said signaling for the driver to stop. With a quick use of magic, the driver forgot all about his passengers except that they had paid. "Let's go find out."

It was so different this time. In her previous run through the Fourth Grail, she always been watching for enemy Servants. Now, though she kept one eye out, the other eye was for fun an entertainment. Well…that and making sure Iri wasn't too focused on the various fashions. It took a bit of effort, but Saber was able to steer Iri down a different street before she came upon a certain…special interest store that focused on cosplay.

Even though the store might not be there yet, Saber had too many memories to risk it.

Last time, they didn't really have a harmony of a couple at a date. Last time Iri and Saber had just wandered aimlessly. They hadn't entered any shop to make any expense nor sit at a cafe terrace to rest.

This time, they were a whirlwind that made everyone stare. Iri was a bundle of energy that Saber had no difficulty keeping up with. Iri would jump from store to store taking in everything smiling laughing, staring dangerously at a white dress that Arika would have liked. Iri nearly leaped into a stuffed animal store and stared like a child at Christmas. After looking around wildly, Iri grabbed a large polar bear that she declared was for Illya. Saber looked around and stared when she saw a familiar lion doll. Saber remembered giving one to both Kiritsugu and Arika, and even one to Aurora to chase the nightmares away and dream of the magnificent beast. Though, Aurora had nearly choked on hers the first night…

Iri then grabbed that Lion and had it run up with the polar bear then handed it to Saber. Though she protested, lightly, Saber held onto that Lion with a death grip. Nothing short of Herakles was taking that out of her arms for some time. Iri was ecstatic when Saber introduced her to a crepe shop. Iri had tasted many different types of desserts, but the simple treat was like a goldmine to her. It was all moving like a whirlwind with Iri laughing and twirling in excitement.

All around them, the people could not help but smile as well drawn in by the good cheer of the simple pleasures in life. Iri was like a star that everyone saw and could not help but admire, and Saber was happy for her.

xxxxx

"... Hey, Saber, do you want to see the beach next?"

As Irisviel was unable to hide her excitement, the young woman disguised as a man nodded with a smile.

"Ah, that sounds nice." Saber agreed. Inwardly she was a bit nervous. She knew what to do, what she had to do, but it didn't make her enjoy it anymore. After a bit, she would sense Lancer's invitation, and from there, she would meet Iskander, Gilgamesh, and…Lancelot. She had sworn she would protect Irisviel. So she would protect Iri, even from her loyal Knight.

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The night had fallen, so it was time. Time for the Light to be escorted out, to find the perfect offering for the Light. Today required a much greater range, a much greater distance traveled. But the Light wished to go, so that was it. The Light was everything.

Berserker carefully placed the boy into the sling and locked the shield over him. It was a bit tight, but nothing would harm him. Only a bit or red hair stuck out from the above the shield. Nothing else showed, nothing else was vulnerable. With a mighty kick off, Berserker left the house behind and headed for where the air smelled strong, towards the ocean….

As Berserker dashed forward, a familiar spotted him, an insect in fact.

"Yooouuuu." A voice seethed. "I know you prince. You may hide your appearance but you can't hide your royal bearing. I see you Black Prince. I will not let you have my Jeanne." The frog faced figure pulled out his Noble Phantasm and began chanting. All around him, insects converged and formed into monsters. To describe them best, they looked like starfish, with spider mouths and spike everywhere. Hideous yes, but not the worst horrors the world might have ever seen. After all, Kiri cooked worse with Instant Ramen and hot water.

Read review, and let me know how many of you were drooling of the thought of Saber in those outfits.