The Wandering Servant

by euphoric image

It was bad enough that Kirei Kotomine was dragged into the Fourth Holy Grail War against his will. But what, pray tell, was he supposed to do with a Servant that refused to kill?

Kotomine Kirei's eyes briefly widened as the summoning was complete and he saw the Servant brought into the world by the Holy Grail. It was strong magic - even he could tell that. His eyes roamed over the figure standing on top of the magic circle, his trained eyes taking in every detail he can find.

Red hair. Violet eyes. A cross-shaped scar on the left cheek.

And a completely clueless expression on his face.

"Oro? Are you my Master?"

Kotomine frowned inwardly but gave a slight bow nonetheless. "Yes. My name is Kotomine Kirei. I am your Master. And you are?"

The man smiled. "My name is Kenshin Himura. I am the Assassin Class - " a distasteful expression flashed onto his face - "Servant."

Kotomine nodded. "I see. It is good to meet you, Assassin."

"Please, call me Kenshin," the man bowed his head.

"Do you not care that people may discover your identity?" From what Tokiomi has told Kotomine, Servants almost always try to hide their true identity for as long as possible. After all, once somebody knows who a Servant is, they could then strategize and plan against them using the old legends.

Kenshin chuckled. "Do not worry. Kenshin Himura is not a name you will find in any history book." He paused. "Besides, this unworthy one does not enjoy being called 'Assassin.'"

"Very well, Kenshin," Kotomine agreed. "Before we do anything else, allow me to reveal our sole task in this Holy Grail War."

"Oh? And what is that?" Kenshin asked innocently.

"We are to do everything in our power to ensure that Tokiomi Tohsaka, my own master, will get the Holy Grail," Kotomine said. "I hope you will not object."

Kenshin smiled. "What a coincidence. This one never did desire the Grail."

Kotomine found himself frowning once more. "You didn't? Then why did you answer the call?"

Kenshin's eyes unfocused briefly before his smile widened. "Because, Kotomine-dono, in the Holy Grail War, there are too many strong Servants and Masters fighting each other and not enough fighting to protect the weak."

Kotomine's eyebrows rose in interest. "So what you desire of this Holy Grail War. . . is to protect the weak?"

"That it is," Kenshin nodded.

Kotomine stared at the anomaly in front of him. "Very well," he finally said.

XxX

"What. . . what are you doing?" Kotomine asked in complete bewilderment.

Kenshin stared at him confusedly. "Is there a problem?"

"Why - " Kotomine closed his eyes. He opened them again to see the exact same scene. "Why are you doing the laundry?"

Kenshin stared down at the clothes he was washing by hand. "To get the clothes clean, of course."

"I know that. But, why?"

Kenshin shrugged. "Why not?"

"We. . . we have a washing machine."

XxX

Kotomine stared at Kenshin once more. "Kenshin, are you cooking?"

"Yes," came the absentminded reply.

Kotomine opened his mouth to speak but then thought better of it. "Never mind."

XxX

"Where is your Servant right now?" Tokiomi inquired.

"He's outside. Walking."

Tokiomi blinked. "Walking? Out in the open? I thought he was Assassin."

"He is," Kotomine confirmed. "He says that he enjoys the fresh air and the warmth of the sunlight. He goes on walks often."

Tokiomi shook his head in amusement. "Oh? What a strange Assassin."

Kotomine couldn't help but agree with that sentiment.

XxX

"I see," Kenshin rubbed his chin after Kotomine explained the plan to him. "I have faked my death several times before. It will not be too difficult to do so again."

Kotomine nodded. "Good."

"But I must ask," and for the first time Kotomine has seen him, Kenshin's expression turned entirely serious. "Why are you helping Tokiomi-dono? Do you not have any wish for yourself?"

Kotomine shook his head. "None. I didn't even want to be in the Holy Grail War."

"I see. And what does Tokiomi-dono desire?" Kenshin's stare pierced into Kotomine, and Kotomine felt as if there was a pressure on him; not magic, but rather, pure will.

"He wants to reach the Root," Kotomine answered truthfully.

"Ah, a genuine mage," and the serious expression melted away and a cheerful expression replaced it. "I'm glad. I had been slightly worried that he wished to overthrow the governments and rule the world."

"Why would you be worried about that?" Kotomine paused. "Did you have to fight someone like that back when you were alive?"

Kenshin was silent for a moment before giving a small, almost imperceptible nod. "His name was Makoto Shishio. And you won't find that name anywhere in the history books either." Kenshin smiled bitterly. "I guess, in the end, there is one similarity between us: we are nothing but nameless men."

Kotomine was at a loss for words. First a serious expression, then a bitter one. He wasn't even aware that Kenshin could make those expressions. He idly wondered how the battle between Makoto Shishio and Himura Kenshin must've gone, the sheer fighting spirit permeating the air and the pain on their faces as blood flowed freely from open wounds -

He abruptly stopped those thoughts. What had come over him?

XxX

"Alas! I have been slain!" Kenshin cried out as he fell down dramatically, his hand flying to his forehead. "Oro! The pain. The pain!"

Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes, stared down from above with slight disbelief and plenty of scorn. "Tch," he muttered. "Figures that a mongrel like him wouldn't even be able to die correctly." And he sent one more treasure aimed at Kenshin's heart to fully convince the watchers.

And if the mongrel happened to die, then oh well. It would be an accident. It wasn't as if Gilgamesh needed any assistance in winning the Holy Grail War and reclaiming his stolen treasure. And let the heavens help any who imply he did.

The Noble Phantasm struck and exploded in a dazzling flash of light. When the dust settled, there was nothing left.

And every observer left the scene that night, having no doubts that Assassin has perished.

They did, however, have doubts about the deceased Assassin's sanity.

XxX

Tokiomi watched from the window with wide eyes. Gilgamesh hadn't held back at all on his last shot. Assassin may actually be dead -

"I hope that was convincing enough, Tokiomi-dono," a voice said from behind him.

Tokiomi whirled around in surprise. Kenshin was there, absentmindedly brushing off bits of grass from his kimino. He smiled innocently as their gazes met.

"It was," Tokiomi said after he recovered from the shock before he chuckled. "It was very convincing, indeed."

"He's alive?" Gilgamesh growled as he materialized in a flash of golden light.

"Good evening, Archer-dono," Kenshin smiled in greeting. "I have to say, your Noble Phantasm is magnificent, that it is."

Gilgamesh smirked. "Oh? At least you recognize that fact. You may not be as unintelligent as I initially thought." Though it would be impossible not to be, he mentally added.

"This one is glad to hear that," Kenshin replied cheerfully. "I'll return to Kotomine-dono for now." And he reverted back to Spirit Form.

Tokiomi and Gilgamesh fell into a silence, staring at the spot where Kenshin had stood. "He was fast enough to evade my strike and disappear from my field of vision," Gilgamesh finally said. "I had genuinely thought he was dead."

"Kenshin Himura. . . he may be more powerful than we had thought."

They fell into a silence once more.

"His acting was dreadful though."

"Agreed."

XxX

"How was it?" Kotomine asked.

"It went perfectly," Kenshin responded. He glanced around himself uncertainly.

"Is there a problem?" The old overseer, Kotomine Risei, asked.

"Well. . . aren't we cheating right now? I mean, the Church is only supposed to grant sanctuary to Masters who lack a Servant, but I'm here, right now, in front of you, clearly alive. . ." Kenshin trailed off.

Risei laughed, a hearty sound that filled the room. "Aren't you supposed to be Assassin?"

The same distasteful expression flashed across Kenshin's face. "Yes, that I am. However, that doesn't change the fact that - "

"Oh, Assassin, relax," Risei grinned. "They'll never know, and even if they find out, what are they going to do? Kill me?" He chuckled. "Don't worry. This is the perfect plan for us to witness a miracle."

"I suppose so," Kenshin sighed. "In any case, I sensed the presence of four beings watching me when I faked my death."

"Only four, hmm?" Kotomine mused. "I had wished for all of them to witness it, but you can't have it all, I guess. Now that they believe that Assassin is dead, we are free to operate unobstructed in the darkness."

"The darkness, hmm?" Kenshin looked down for a moment before looking up with determination in his blue eyes. "I'm afraid not."

Both Kotomines paused. "Not?" Risei asked in disbelief. "Why not?"

"I told you already: I joined this war to protect the innocents from the slaughter of Master and Servants, that I did," Kenshin narrowed his eyes at them, and for just a second, Kotomine could've sworn that his eyes turned slightly gold. Then the feeling disappeared and Kenshin's eyes returned to their customary violet. "And I cannot protect anything if I am forced to hide away in the darkness. There is nothing you can say to change my mind besides using up one of your Command Seals."

"I see," Kotomine nodded before holding up his hand. "Then, by the power of my Command Seal, I command you to keep yourself hidden until I tell you otherwise."

Kenshin grunted as the Command Seal took effect. "Very well, Master. I shall do as you ask."

XxX

Kenshin hid in the shadows with a large frown on his face. There was a battle going on under him. The Saber-class, Lancer-class, and Rider-class Servants. And he was forced to do nothing but observe. He gritted his teeth.

"Heroic Spirits, born again through the Holy Grail, gather here and now! Those too craven to show themselves will draw the scorn of Iskandar, King of Conquerors!" Rider bellowed.

Kenshin blinked. That's a. . . rather direct statement to make. However, judging from the golden light particles consolidating into Gilgamesh, it worked. Unfortunately, Kenshin was forced to remain hiding. Unless. . .

Kenshin rubbed his chin thoughtfully before nodding. He turned to the man staring at him through a sniper scope, smiled, and nodded his head in thanks. That man had one of the oddest ki Kenshin has ever sensed. It seemed. . . regretful. Tired. But with a hint of determination in it. Whoever that man was, he had gone through a tragedy in his life. Broken, but not defeated.

He is also going to be Kenshin's excuse.

Kotomine, I have been discovered, Kenshin relayed over their telepathic link.

What? By whom?

I don't know his name, but he's currently staring at me through a sniper scope.

Kenshin felt a rush of anticipation from Kotomine. Kiritsugu Emiya. Do not engage in battle with him.

Understood. But Kotomine-dono, now that I have been discovered, there really is no point in me trying to keep myself hidden anymore, that there isn't.

Kenshin, only he is aware of you being alive. Stay hidden for now.

Kenshin sighed. Very well. I'll revert to Spirit Form to prevent anyone else from seeing me -

No don't!

It was too late. The second Kenshin entered Spirit Form, his Presence Concealment was canceled. Instantly, four heads turned his way as they sensed his presence.

Oro?

"You there! Who are you? Are you Caster?" Rider yelled at where Kenshin was hiding.

Kotomine-dono, what should I do?

Silence. Then: Don't think I don't know you did that on purpose.

Kenshin smiled innocently. I don't know what you're talking about.

Fine, Kotomine growled. You don't need to keep yourself hidden any longer. I release you from the effects of that Command.

Thank you, Kotomine-dono.

Kenshin navigated his way down next to the other Servants before manifesting in physical form. "Good evening," he greeted with a gentle smile. "I am Kenshin Himura, the Assassin-class Servant."

Their reactions were varied. Saber and Lancer both blinked in surprise before raising their guards. Archer stared down at him impassively. And Rider. . .

Rider simply let out a boisterous laugh. "Oh, I like this one. Kenshin, was it? How does joining my army for world conquest sound?"

"I'm afraid I have to pass," Kenshin said apologetically.

Rider let out a loud sigh. "Why is it that no one is willing to join me?" he bemoaned.

"We thought you were dead," Lancer narrowed his eyes at Kenshin, ignoring Rider.

Kenshin smiled. "Then you were mistaken, that you were."

"More importantly, why did you just casually reveal your name?" Saber asked. "Servants are supposed to hide their identities - unless they're Rider over there." She narrowed her eyes. "What are you playing at?"

"The name Kenshin Himura will not be found in any history books," Kenshin inclined his head. "I appreciate your concern, but knowing my true name will not impact anything."

Saber paused. "That is true; I have never heard of a Kenshin Himura before."

Lancer frowned in thought. "Must have been born after our time."

"Anyway, I admit I only have one motive for revealing myself tonight," Kenshin said. Saber, Rider, and Lancer all tensed up and readied their weapons. Kenshin simply smiled kindly. "A battle between Servants is dangerous, and it's best for you not to be around here when it goes down."

There was a collective moment of silence as they tried to decipher Kenshin's words. They traced Kenshin's line of sight to. . .

"Me?" Irisviel von Einzbern asked in bewilderment.

Kenshin nodded. "Yes. You are neither a Master nor a Servant; there is no reason for you to be out here right now."

"Wait," Saber cut in, utter confusion on her face. "What are you talking about?"

Kenshin tilted his head. "I am referring to the lady over there, Saber-dono. She came with you, did she not? You should get her out of the way. Archer-dono's attacks are very. . . explosive, and she could get caught in the crossfire."

Saber bristled. "I assure you, I'm able to protect Irisviel - "

"Really?" Kenshin asked doubtfully. "You are already unable to use your left hand. Brilliant strategy, by the way, Lancer."

Lancer nodded in thanks.

"You cannot fight other Servants and protect Irisviel-dono at the same time," Kenshin continued.

"Hey, Assassin - "

"Please, call me Kenshin."

Rider nodded. "Kenshin, even if you do not wish to join my army, would you be willing to step aside and relinquish your claim to the Holy Grail to me?"

Kenshin nodded. "Yeah, sure."

"Wait, what?" Rider blinked, clearly not expecting Kenshin to actually agree.

Kenshin, Kotomine said exasperatedly.

What?

You realize that - oh never mind. Forget it.

"I do not seek the Holy Grail," Kenshin explained. "I answered the Grail's summons for the sole purpose of protecting people from your battles."

Complete silence.

"Say. . ." Rider scratched his head confusedly. "You are Assassin, correct?"

"That I am," Kenshin confirmed.

"Okay, just making sure. You don't seem like an Assassin," Rider squinted at Kenshin. "Himura Kenshin, hmm? Well, if you truly do not desire the Grail, then there is no need for you to fight any of us, yes?"

"Correct. Unless, of course, your actions would harm innocents, in which case I'll step in, that I will."

Rider laughed. "Oh, I like you, Kenshin. I like you indeed - " His smile disappeared from his face as black particles began gathering together into a Servant with black armor and red light from behind its visor. "Boy, what are his abilities?"

"I. . ." The boy next to Rider spoke up, "I don't know."

"Hmm? What do you mean you don't know? You're a Servant, are you not?"

"That thing is definitely a Servant, but I can't read its status or anything about it," a hint of fear crept into the boy's voice.

"It appears it will be another difficult enemy," Irisviel said from behind Saber.

Saber nodded. "He has an ability that allows him to completely conceal his presence. But that isn't all. With the other five present, we have to be very careful."

"Oro?" Kenshin blinked. "Didn't you hear what I just told you all? I'm here to protect the weak, and Irisviel-dono certainly falls under that category."

"Gee, thanks," Irisviel muttered.

Saber narrowed her eyes. "Not only did we just meet you, but you are Assassin, a being that lives without honor or compassion."

Kenshin tensed imperceptibly. "Please, call me Kenshin," he requested once more. "And as for your other points - "

He was interrupted by the black Servant letting out a roar - Berserker, then - before Archer simply rained down several Noble Phantasms, sending tremors through the ground. When the dust cleared, Berserker stood there, unharmed.

"He's a nimble one," Rider observed. "That thing casually grabbed the first blade and used it to destroy the second spear."

"Ehh?" the boy asked in wonder. "I couldn't see anything!"

"You dare lay your filthy hands on my treasures?" Archer spoke, anger and disgust in his voice. "You must long for death, cur!" More golden portals expanded behind him, Noble Phantasms aimed and read to fire.

"But that's - that's impossible!" the boy yelped.

Saber and Irisviel gasped at the sight. Lancer simply raised his eyebrows in interest. Kenshin calmly observed the battle like he always did.

"Let's see how long your parlor tricks can keep you alive!" Archer shouted, the Noble Phantasms firing down upon Berserker.

Berserker dodged the first few, blocked several others before grabbing one out of midair and using it to deflect the rest of the Noble Phantasms. An explosion rippled through the ground, sending dust everywhere. From the dust came flying out two Noble Phantasms that cut through the light Archer was standing on, forcing him down to the ground.

"Fool. . ." The rage in Archer's voice was clear to all. "I belong to the heavens, yet you would have me tread the same soil as you?! Your impudence has guaranteed your death!" Archer spread his arms as golden portals, layers upon layers of them, formed in the sky. He was about to fire them before he suddenly looked off to the side. "You dare to order a king to withdraw? You have nerve, Tokiomi."

He waved a single arm and all the golden portals dispelled. "You were fortunate, mad dog." He then turned his gaze to the rest of the Servants. "Mongrels! By our next meeting, see that you've culled your numbers," he commanded. "Only a true hero is worthy of looking upon me." He gave one last derisive look before turning away and dematerializing in golden particles.

Archer was. . . rather arrogant, Kenshin realized.

Berserker's head suddenly whipped to face Saber. He began trembling, and Kenshin could sense his ki tense up. Then Berserker let out a furious howl and dashed over and picked up the light pole from the ground and rushed Saber.

"Irisviel, get back!" Saber readied her blade as Berserker leaped up and slammed the pole into her invisible sword. Said pole had turned red-and-black, and Saber's eyes widened before she deflected the pole and slammed her blade into Berserker, forcing him back.

"I see," Rider analyzed. "Whatever that thing touches becomes his Noble Phantasm."

Berserker rushed Saber again. Kenshin idly noted that her movements weren't as powerful and graceful as before. Her left hand must be giving her trouble.

"What are you?" Saber demanded.

Berserker didn't respond, instead charging once more. Saber deflected the first few blows but the last one knocked her briefly off balance. Berserker's pole swung around and was inches from striking her head -

When Lancer sliced the pole in half. "That's enough messing around, Berserker," he said as he stood up and turned around. "Saber has a prior engagement with me. If you insist on interfering, you'll have to face me."

Oh? Is this the code of chivalry Kenshin has heard about?

"Lancer. . ." Saber said.

"What are you doing, Lancer?" A new voice rang through the air. "This is your chance to defeat Saber."

Lancer narrowed his eyes. "I, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, will defeat Saber. I swear it on my honor! If you insist I kill her here, then I will first defeat that mad dog. Please, my Master!"

"With my Command Seal, I order you to - "

"My lord!" Lancer cried imploringly.

"Help Berserker kill Saber."

For one moment, nothing happened. Then Saber jumped back as Lancer simultaneously unleashed two swipes with his spears. All of his muscles were trembling, and Kenshin could feel his ki straining against the power of the Command Seal.

Berserker walked forward to stand next to Lancer. Enemy of his enemy is his friend, and all that.

"Saber, I'm sorry," Lancer whispered.

"Irisviel, I shall hold them here. While I do, you must run as far away as you can get," Saber took a step back as Berserker took a step forward, maintaining the distance between them.

Irisviel hesitated before shaking her head.

"Irisviel, please!"

"It's all right, Saber," Irisviel smiled. "Believe in your Master!"

Kenshin lifted up a finger. "If I may interrupt. . . Saber-dono, do not worry. I will keep Irisviel-dono safe, that I will."

Saber frowned. "What?"

"She is neither a Master nor a Servant," Kenshin placed his hand on the handle of his sword. "As such, I will protect her."

For some strange reason, that didn't seem to reassure Saber at all. "Irisviel, get away from him!"

"Eh? But Saber - "

"He's Assassin," Saber growled. "Their entire class revolves around lying, deceit, and manipulation."

"Oro?" Kenshin tilted his head. "Just like how the Archer class is made up of only archers?"

Lancer chuckled. "He's got you there, Saber."

"I assure you, I mean her no harm," Kenshin promised.

Saber hesitated, but before she could make up her mind, Rider charged. Lancer's eyes widened as he leaped out of the way in time, but Berserker was too slow and got run over. A new path was paved into the ground by Rider's charge and arcs of electricity sparked up randomly. Berserker struggled to get up before he dematerialized.

"Master of Lancer," Rider announced. "I know not from whence you're watching - "

"He's over there," Kenshin pointed off in the distance.

"What?! How did you know?!" the voice cried out.

"Your ki is nasty," Kenshin explained.

"I. . . don't know what you just said."

Rider clapped his massive hands together. "In any case, Master of Lancer, do not sully a fight between knights with your petty tricks."

"Petty - you realize that you're fighting in the Holy Grail War, right? A murder free-for-all where there are no rules? How am I sullying anything? I'm just going by the rule that there are no rules!"

"Have Lancer withdraw. If you insist on humiliating him further then I shall join Saber and Kenshin. Together, the three of us will annihilate your Servant."

"I'm only fighting to protect Irisviel-dono," Kenshin cut in, frowning mildly. "If Lancer-dono attacks her, then I shall join the fight, but unless otherwise, I'll simply observe."

"The two of us shall annihilate Lancer, then," Rider amended.

The voice hesitated for a moment before saying, "Withdraw, Lancer. That's enough for tonight."

"My thanks, King of Conquerors," Lancer inclined his head.

"No problem," Rider grinned.

Lancer and Saber shared a mutual glance before Lancer smiled and dematerialized. Chivalry. . . what a strange concept.

"Saber," Rider turned to address Saber. "Finish your battle with Lancer first. After that, I shall face the victor, be it you or Lancer."

Saber lifted her left hand. It was still shaking somewhat.

"King of Knights, goodbye for now! I hope I'll enjoy our next meeting as much as this one," Rider looked down. "Boy, you have anything nice to say to the lady?" Rider frowned before picking up the boy. He was unresponsive - clearly, the rampage had been too much for him. Rider sighed. "I do wish he'd man up a little." He grinned at Saber, who gave a little smile back.

"And Kenshin. . ." Rider turned his gaze onto him.

"Oro?"

"I do not know if you're telling the truth that you only wish to protect, but if you are, know that you have an ally here. I shall consider you an honorary member of my army. The enemy of. . . not me is my friend, I guess."

Kenshin smiled. "That's good to know."

Rider cracked his whip. Lightning crashed down as the bulls began pulling his chariot, and he flew off into the night sky. "Farewell!" he called.

And then it was only Kenshin, Saber, and Irisviel left.

"Assassin - "

"Kenshin," Kenshin insisted.

"Very well. Kenshin, do you speak the truth when you say your only purpose in this war is to protect?" Saber demanded.

Kenshin nodded. "Indeed. I have no wish for the Holy Grail, that I don't."

Saber still looked distrustful, but Irisviel walked up and laid her hand on Saber's shoulder. "Saber, it's fine. I trust him."

"You should listen to her," Kenshin suggested hopefully before he sighed heavily. "Please, stop doing that," he said, annoyed.

Saber blinked. "Stop what?"

"Not you." Kenshin directed his gaze upward. "Those two."

"Kiritsugu and Maiya," Irisviel breathed. "You can sense them?"

Kenshin nodded. "Their ki is very distinct."

"Ki?" Saber inquired. "You mean mana?"

Kenshin shook his head. "No. Ki is a person's will, their spirit, their emotions - their fighting spirit, so to speak."

Saber tilted her head. "I do not know what you're talking about."

Kenshin sighed. "No, I suppose you won't. Most people who wear heavy armor like yourself don't understand."

Saber paused, unsure if that was supposed to be an insult or not.

"At any rate, I suppose I shall take my leave now," Kenshin turned around before pausing. "Wait, before I go, why did you bring Irisviel-dono along with you? She's not your Master."

"My own Master doesn't seem to like me very much," Saber's expression darkened for a moment before lightening up. "It's fine though. I enjoy being with Irisviel."

Irisviel smiled at that. Kenshin, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes. "So what you're saying is that in this Holy Grail War, you're going to go around - with Irisviel-dono accompanying you?"

Saber nodded. "Yes."

"You realize, Saber-dono, that fights between Servants are dangerous, and Irisviel-dono can get hurt, correct?"

"I'll protect her," Saber responded.

"How are you supposed to do that when you're busy fighting a Servant? If the fight hadn't been defused tonight and a four way battle occurred, you would be too busy fighting the other Servants to protect Irisviel-dono, that you would," Kenshin tilted his head. "By taking Irisviel-dono along with you, you are endangering her life."

"I don't mind," Irisviel smiled. "I trust in Saber."

Kenshin held her gaze for a moment. "I see. It appears I will not be able to convince you."

Saber nodded. "You're right."

And Kenshin dematerialized, returning to Spirit Form.

Kenshin.

Yes?

Follow Saber.

Oro? Why?

I have a feeling it will be fruitful.

Very well. I had been planning on doing that anyways.

Kotomine paused. Why? he asked, already fearing the answer.

So I can protect Irisviel-dono from danger, of course.

Kotomine groaned.

XxX

"He was nice," Irisviel smiled. "I like him."

Saber narrowed her eyes. "He is Assassin. You can never trust them. Be careful around him."

Irisviel sighed. "Come on, Saber. What kind of Assassin would willingly reveal his presence and introduce himself?"

Saber hesitated. "I never said he was a good Assassin."

XxX

Kenshin suppressed a shiver as he stared down at Caster. Why were his eyes so big? What is he wearing? Why does his ki feel so disgusting?

Kotomine-dono, shall I follow Caster-dono?

Yeah. Just make sure to not be seen.

XxX

Fury. Pure, absolute fury. Kenshin could barely contain his rage as he stared at the children chained to the pillars. All were dead, and judging from their wounds, it had not been a painless death.

Kotomine-dono?

Yes?

I'll have to be seen.

What do you -

And Kenshin leaped into battle.

XxX

Caster was taken completely by surprise. He hadn't sensed Kenshin at all. Kenshin, for his part, didn't waste any time with talking, instead going straight for the kill - although it technically wasn't killing, since Caster was already dead.

His battojutsu, already at a godlike speed when he was alive, was even faster when he was a Servant. Before Caster could even lift up his tome, Kenshin's blade had already slammed into his ribs, crushing bone and dealing massive internal damage. For the first time in a long time, Kenshin cursed having a reverse-blade sword.

Before Caster could even regain his balance, Kenshin struck again. A sudden wind blew through the room as Kenshin's ki resonated with nature itself, and his blade moved faster than the eye can see.

Ryusosen

Bones cracked and internal bleeding occurred as Kenshin held nothing back. Caster was a monster. Kenshin would feel nothing when killing him.

Caster tried to swipe out with his hand. Too slow. Kenshin had already moved around in a graceful arc and his sword slammed into the back of Caster's skull. Caster cried out before red mist exploded upwards from the ground, blinding Kenshin.

Kenshin jumped back and closed his eyes, but it was already too late. Caster and his Master were already gone.

"Damn it!" Kenshin turned to look at the children. He had seen death before, but it has been a long time since he's seen such senseless brutality. It was cruel. It was inhumane.

Caster would pay.

XxX

"I would like to buy this please," Kenshin smiled at the cashier. His smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

The cashier hummed. "That would be 2000 yen."

Kenshin placed the appropriate amount of coins into the cashier's hand - Kotomine had given him a small amount - and walked out of the store, a shovel in hand.

XxX

"I see," Kotomine nodded when he received the information. "So that's what Caster's been up to. I'll tell Tokiomi. Good work, Kenshin."

"No," Kenshin whispered. "It wasn't good enough."

XxX

Kiritsugu, Maiya, Saber, and Irisviel all tensed up when they heard a loud knock.

Saber reached out with her senses. "It's Assassin," she frowned. "What is he doing?"

"Is he planning to attack?" Kiritsugu's hand dipped down to where his gun was holstered.

Irisviel shook her head. "He wouldn't."

Another knock.

"Should we let him in?" Maiya asked.

"I'll go," Saber announced. Her armor materialized over her black suit.

"Careful, Saber," Kiritsugu warned. "I don't trust his Master. Neither do I trust him."

Irisviel sighed. "Not you too? Kenshin was nice and polite. I don't know why you two dislike him so much."

"Because he's Assassin."

"Because he's Assassin."

Came the twin replies. Saber and Kiritsugu shared a mutual glance of agreement. While they may disagree on many things, this was one thing they had no problem concurring on.

XxX

"Hello, Kenshin," Saber greeted. "We meet again."

"Saber-dono," Kenshin inclined his head.

"What's wrong?" Saber asked. "You seem different from before."

"I. . . I fought Caster."

Saber's eyes widened.

"May we talk inside?" Kenshin gestured. "I would like to speak with your Master."

Saber hesitated before nodding. "Very well. Careful of the traps - there are quite a lot."

XxX

"Assassin," Kiritsugu said. They were standing in the hallway - Kiritsugu wasn't going to let Kenshin into the planning room. Irisviel and Maiya were still inside, with commands to run if they heard any sounds of fighting.

"Please, call me Kenshin. You must be Kiritsugu Emiya," Kenshin smiled. "I have a request for you."

"What is it?"

"Allow me to join forces with Saber-dono."

Kiritsugu blinked. "You want to do what now?"

"Caster, for some strange reason, has a fixation on Saber-dono. If I stay by Saber-dono's side, then meeting Caster will be assured," Kenshin explained.

"I see. And why do you want to meet Caster?" Kiritsugu asked.

Kenshin narrowed his eyes. "He hurt innocents. I wish to stop him. Unfortunately, I am unable to find him by myself, but if I am to remain with Saber, then he will come to us."

Saber paused. "Master, I am already at a disadvantage due to my left hand. Joining forces with another Servant to take down Caster would be optimal. It would be even better if you let us go out and look for Caster, but. . ." she shot Kiritsugu a dark look.

Kiritsugu ignored it. "I see. So Saber wasn't joking when she said that your goal was to protect people in this war." He chuckled bitterly. "Yet another fool with the illusion of honor and chivalry."

Saber bristled. "Master! What do you mean by that?"

"Knights like yourself pretend that there are right and wrong ways to fight, as though there is honor on the battlefield. They raise their swords and lay down their lives in the name of honor and glory." Kiritsugu shook his head. "I knew that Saber was like that, and Lancer indulging in such foolishness didn't surprise me, but I never expected an Assassin like you to believe in concepts like that as well."

Kenshin didn't say anything, instead watching Kiritsugu with an indecipherable expression.

"You pretend that you are doing something good - fighting for the weak, fighting for the innocent. But in the end, you are still nothing but a murderer who justifies yourself with illusions of honor and pride and the excuse of 'protecting others'."

"You are wrong!" Saber said forcefully. "They are not illusions - they are things that every warrior should strive for! In the act of taking another's life, you must do it with honor and pride, with law and principle - "

"You're right, Kiritsugu-dono," Kenshin cut in, utterly serious. "The sword is a weapon. The art of swordsmanship is learning how to kill. That is the truth." He tilted his head. "What Saber-dono says. . . it's all idealistic nonsense. Fighting with honor, fighting with pride. . . in a battle, there is no such thing. Only kill, or be killed."

Kiritsugu's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Oh? So there is a Servant out there whose head isn't filled with delusional fantasy - "

"But at the same time. . . even though that may be the truth doesn't mean we should follow it," Kenshin smiled. "It may be idealistic nonsense, but it is the thing that binds us fellow swordsmen together. Without honor, without pride, then we would truly be nothing but monsters inhabiting the flesh of men."

Kiritsugu sighed. "Of course."

"You are wrong on one point though," Kenshin placed his hand on the handle of his sword and Saber and Kiritsugu tensed up. "If I did kill people to save others, then I would be nothing but a hypocritical murderer. However, that's the thing."

He drew his sakabato. Identical expressions of confusion appeared on Saber and Kiritsugu's faces.

"The blade is on the wrong side," Saber scrunched her eyebrows together.

"A reverse-blade sword?" Kiritsugu frowned. "Why would you use such a weapon? Unless - " his eyes widened. "It can't be."

"It is," Kenshin smiled. "I have sworn an oath to never kill, and I have not taken the life of another in a very long time." Shishio didn't count. "My sword truly is nothing but a tool for protecting others."

"What?" Kiritsugu said in utter bewilderment.

"What?" Saber stared at Kenshin incredulously.

What?! Kenshin, are you serious?! Kotomine wanted to scream. Or punch something. Out of every hero in existence, why did he have to get this one?

Kenshin merely smiled. "Indeed. Now, about Caster. . ."

---

It seemed criminal that there were virtually no Rurouni Kenshin/Fate crossovers.

When I was watching Fate Zero, all the different philosophies made me wonder what would happen if Himura Kenshin was there with his own unique philosophy.

I can't really translate Kenshin's -dono. "Miss", "Mister", "Lady", and "Sir" just doesn't sound right, which is why I kept the -dono. Oro is also untranslatable, so I'll be keeping that as well.

As for Kenshin's abilities. . . I have no idea what to do. Would his Hiten Mitsurugi count as a Noble Phantasm? Should it be his Sakabato?

Once again, I'm still pretty new to Fate, so please tell me if I accidentally broke something. If I did, then I blame the wiki (for the record, the wiki said that teleportation was True Magic) and I'll try to fix it.

Thank you all for reading, and please review :)

euphoric