The doors to the great hall of the Einzberns opened to reveal their Head, Kairi smirking as he watched the scowl on Jubstacheit's face grow more intense.
"So you have decided to betray our goodwill as well..."
The necromancer seemed surprised by the Old Einzbern's statement. Lighting a cigar in a casual matter, he approached him before grabbing his Sawed-off Shotgun.
"I remember you telling me how you had me all figured out... back when we first met. You said you looked at all the right places, talked to all the right people. You knew about me and my past. For whatever reason, you thought that was enough to ask me for help. So I wonder..."
He raised his shotgun to aim at Acht threateningly, killing intent visible in his eyes behind the tinted glasses.
"Why the fuck would you possibly believe I would help you keep a father separated from his daughter?"
The Old Einzbern sighed disappointedly. In hindsight, Kairi Sisigou had been radically different from the Magus Killer in the way they approached their tasks. So much so that it had made him considerably easier to work with.
"That fact needn't and shouldn't have been revealed to you in the first place. It is regrettable that your personal views have such a large input on your choices, especially when said choices impede the realization of your wish."
"Yeah well, if my daughter really was returned to me in this world, she'd want nothing to do with a piece of shit that helped ruin another family anyway. She always was smarter than me." Kairi replied with a slight smirk, angering the old man even more.
"Such a dissappointment. It seems that whatever happens the Einzbern Family is fated to fight alone. No matter. Illyasviel's preparations are almost complete. She will grant us victory even without your aid, Necromancer. That being said, you must still pay the price for your betrayal."
Kairi scoffed. He had already been notified by Kiritsugu that Illya had been located and his Servant had already incapacitated most of the Homonculi in the manor. There was nothing left to actually threaten him with.
"That sounds nice and all but I reckon I shouldn't keep the others waiting anymore than I already have. I only came to see you on a whim and Kiritsugu has already found his kid. So if it's all the same to you, I'll be taking my leave."
Acht looked shocked for a moment before closing his eyes, taking a deep breath to calm himself.
"So it has come to this then. Fine. Leave. Begone from my sight but know that the matter is not settled. You can even destroy the entire family and things would not change. Illyasviel will fight. She will fight and she will do it for the glory of the Einzberns. That is unavoidable."
Kairi didn't waste anymore time as he turned to leave the great hall, closing the large door behind him with a deep sigh. He supposed it was fair. A man like him didn't often get chances like this. It would have been weird if everything suddenly worked out the way he wanted it to.
He made his way to the closest exit and through the woods where the group of Kiritsugu, his daughter and his Servant were waiting.
"Good, you made it. Did you get anything useful out of Acht?" Kiritsugu was the first to notice him as he spoke.
"Nothing much. It was more like giving out a formal resignation to your boss actually. He did however mention this one." He replied, pointing to Illya and Artoria raised a brow.
"He didn't seem to care much that we got her. Makes you think why he would go to such lengths to keep her locked up in the first place. In fact, he said that whatever happens wouldn't change anything for her. Not even their destruction would stop her from fighting in the Grail War."
Kiritsugu pondered this for a while before handing Illya over to Artoria. He then turned to look through the trunk of their car as everyone there observed him cautiously.
"Kiritsugu, what are you planning?" Artoria asked and the man finally found what he was looking for, proudly displaying it to the group. Kairi laughed when he realised just what exactly the Magus Killer was planning.
"So you really did mean it when you said you could drop the whole castle on me."
Without saying anything, Kiritsugu moved to stand at the edge of the cliff overlooking the Einzbern Castle before clicking the button on his detonator.
"Since it's all the same to him, he can go to hell for all I care."
And then the resulting explosions consumed the manor, destroying the foundations and making it collapse onto itself with everyone in it. The sound would be heard for miles, but they would be long gone by then. Even if someone found the remains, no one would care enough to salvage anything. The Einzberns were isolated from everyone that didn't know how to reach them anyway.
With a content sigh, he dropped the detonator on the ground and turned to Artoria, taking Illya in his arms again and heading towards the car.
"We're done here. Let's go home, Illya."
And so the once proud Einzbern Family came to an end.
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A couple days later, the local news reported an explosion that leveled an entire castle in the middle of the frozen tundra of Germany, a tragic event that most likely led to the deaths of the residents as several bodies were found at the wreckage.
This would normally be overlooked by everyone else in the world, what with the news barely mentioning the event in passing.
For Zolgen Makiri, or better known these days as Zouken Matou, this was a surprising turn of events to say the least. After a bit of digging on his part, he came to the conclusion that whoever destroyed the Einzberns must have been prepared thoroughly, the explosion most likely originating from the inside of the castle.
So someone they trusted then, or at least used to trust. He had closely observed Kariya's progress during the 4th Holy Grail War, enough to know that the woman he had abducted as part of his deal with Kotomine Kirei had not been a Master, even with the Saber Servant constantly at her side. Her appearance naturally betrayed that she had been an Einzbern Homonculus and most likely the Lesser Grail that they always provided.
Ah, there was one other person in this war that wasn't that Saber's enemy, wasn't there?
The Worm Magus cackled as he recalled the events of the war through the familiars he had scattered all around the city of Fuyuki.
Kiritsugu Emiya.
Yes, the Magus Killer's background coincided with the explosion that leveled the Einzbern grounds and he most likely did serve them as Saber's Master during the war.
Well, with the Einzberns gone his little project was now bound to be a success. He had already begun the process of implanting the shards of the destroyed Grail into Sakura with his worms. Without the resistance of a second Lesser Grail in the picture, naturally all of the Servants would go to Sakura upon their defeat. All that remained was to make sure the girl's mental state was adequately prepared by that time.
He glanced at the aforementioned girl from above his worm pit as she was once again being subjected to her 'training' and he smiled contently.
Things were progressing quite nicely indeed. All that was left for the meantime was to keep tabs on the Magus Killer. After all, he went after one of the founding families of the Grail system already. Who's to say he wouldn't bother finishing the job?
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The news also reached the ears of a certain priest that resided on the hill overlooking Fuyuki.
"This certainly is an interesting development, wouldn't you agree, King of Heroes?" Kirei Kotomine inquired before turning from the altar to observe the Golden King casually resting on one of the pews.
"It could pose a problem in the future. From what you've told me, it was their job to provide a vessel for the Grail to manifest during the war. Seeing how they most likely won't be able to do so, being dead and all..."
"A valid point indeed. However, I am certain that the Three Founding Families must have taken the necessary precautions to ensure that the Holy Grail War system isn't stopped simply because one of the families is no more."
"I guess we'll just have to wait and see then."
"Yes, I suppose so..."
Gilgamesh silently observed Kirei at that. He was hiding it well, but the man couldn't hide his true intentions from the King's eyes. His body language was exuding a calm and reserved aura, but the subtle twitches that would normally go unnoticed were instantly spotted by him.
The priest had most likely guessed whose work the elimination of the Einzberns had been. And he was elated by it.
The last time Kirei Kotomine had encountered Kiritsugu Emiya was after the end of the 4th Holy Grail War. He had seen the man walking aimlessly, desperately looking for survivors, merely a hollow shell of the man he had been obsessed with questioning.
His departure from the scene had meant that Kirei didn't get to see the man actually find someone he could save, and he most likely didn't care enough to do so in the first place.
He had found his answers and his reason for living. Settling the matter with Kiritsugu Emiya, or what was left of him in Kirei's eyes, would have been a waste of time.
But now, Kiritsugu Emiya had been on the move once more, with what was most likely a new purpose. Kirei would be lying if he said he wasn't interested and Gilgamesh could see that the priest wouldn't simply stand by and observe from a distance if the opportunity came up.
And so long as he didn't interfere with his little project, Gilgamesh would have no reason to stop Kirei from having his fun.
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Kiritsugu, Artoria and Illya arrived at their destination, leaving the car in the garage and heading towards the entrance of the Emiya Household.
Kairi had left the group a while back, proclaiming that he would only get in the way of what was supposed to be a family reunion but not before telling Kiritsugu that he would be glad to help with anything they needed, so long as he got paid. Artoria had scoffed at that, which only earned her another round of teasing by the two Magecraft users.
Illya had been relatively silent throughout the trip which was surprising to Artoria considering how excited she had been on their way to the airport. It was only after Kiritsugu told her of Shirou and everything that transpired during the end of the war that Illya grew more reserved.
Kiritsugu was worried that Illya had reacted poorly to both her mother's demise and to Shirou's circumstances, and while he did think it was possible that Illya disliked Shirou already, Artoria didn't know what to make of the situation.
After all, she never had the opportunity to spend time with Illya before the war, and as such didn't know her very well. She was however certain that whatever was bothering Illya had nothing to do with Shirou. The poor girl was most likely overwhelmed.
So it was with both great anticipation and trepidation that Kiritsugu opened the door to the Emiya Household and led everyone inside.
"Shirou, we're back." He called out from the living room and they all waited for the kid to make his appearance.
Artoria watched as Kiritsugu tried to keep himself from pacing around the room and Illya simply fiddled with the hem of her skirt. Honestly, she thought they were being overdramatic.
Taiga showed up first, much to Kiritsugu's suprise and she laughed awkwardly in response before greeting them.
"Yeah, Shirou's changing into a fresh set of clothes since our training got a bit too intense. He doesn't like eating lunch when he's all sweaty and stuff but he's actually really into the whole kendo... thing..." Taiga trailed off the moment she noticed Illya standing between Kiritsugu and Artoria and her brain shorted out as her mouth kept opening and closing in shock.
Did... Did Kiritsugu and Artoria leave so they could go kidnap some little girl?
Taiga's thoughts were interrupted when the youngest member of the Emiya Family finally showed himself.
"Fuji-nee, what's all the ruckus about?"
Shirou walked into the living room only to find himself staring at the group, and more importantly at the white haired girl that was standing between Kiritsugu and Artoria.
"Uh... Dad? Who's this?"
At Shirou's question, Kiritsugu took Illya's hand and led her to him, moving to their side as he knelt down to meet his eyes.
"Shirou, this is my daughter Illya."
Shirou remained silent as he studied the small girl in front of him while Taiga seemingly snapped out of her stupor.
"K-Kiritsugu had a daughter?!"
"Well yes, but certain circumstances prevented him from meeting with her. Until we were done with our business that is." Artoria calmly explained while everyone else stood silent. Taiga glanced at Kiritsugu and he nodded softly as if to confirm her words as fact.
"So this was the reason you both had to leave."
Kiritsugu and Artoria both turned to Shirou as he finally spoke.
"Honestly, I didn't know what to expect." Shirou continued as he shrugged nonchalantly and moved closer to Illya.
"Shirou?"
"I mean, you were being all secretive and stuff but if she was the reason, you should have told me sooner."
Kiritsugu's eyes never left Shirou's until the boy gave him a comforting smile.
"You're going to be living with us right?" he asked Illya and she looked up to meet Shirou's gaze.
"I'm Shirou. If you'd like you can call me your Big Brother."
Illya's eyes widened in surprise and she averted her gaze with a slight blush at the the boy's smile. Artoria and Kiritsugu beamed at the interaction before the man laughed joyously.
"Actually Shirou, this may come as a surprise to you but Illya is older than you."
"Huh? She doesn't look any older than me though. She's so small too!"
"Hey! You're not that tall yourself you know!" Illya retaliated as she stomped her foot down repeatedly in what could only be described as an adorable tantrum and Shirou took her hand in his to stop her.
"That's okay Big Sister. I'm sure you'll get taller eventually."
Kiritsugu and Artoria sweatdropped, fully expecting Illya to snap at the young Emiya only to be surprised as her face reddened even more.
"B-Big Sister?"
"Well yeah. Since you're older than me, it's okay if I call you that right?" Shirou tilted his head as he spoke and Illya couldn't meet his gaze.
"I... I suppose it's f-fine..."
"That's great. Now then, I guess I'll have to prepare some more food if we're all going to have dinner."
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The hours passed by and everyone enjoyed dinner immensely. Kiritsugu was surprised at the growth in Shirou's skills and Artoria was pleased to know that Shirou would be providing meals of even better quality in the future. Taiga had already gotten used to Shirou's skills in the culinary arts, however that didn't stop her from sighing with content when she was done with her plate. It also didn't distract her from fawning over how, in her words, adorable Kiritsugu's snowflake of a daughter was.
Illya initially seemed skeptical, being used to having meals prepared by experts or Homonculi that were designed for that purpose. Her inhibitions were washed away the moment she took her first bite. Shirou himself seemed pleased to know that his Big Sister was pleased with him, realising that he actually liked the idea of making Illya happy a lot.
When everyone was done and Taiga decided to go back to her family for the night, Kiritsugu and Artoria stayed behind while Shirou and Illya left to go play, much to the Einzbern's delight.
"Are you happy Kiritsugu?" Artoria suddenly asked and the Magus Killer met her gaze with a slight smile.
"Shirou and Illya seem to be getting along. And I'm proud of him for being able take care of himself while we were gone. I only wish Iri was here to see it..."
Artoria stood up and turned to look at the two kids happily playing in the yard with a solemn expression.
"Irisviel would be proud. I am certain of that. But..."
Kiritsugu raised a brow at that and stood as he moved towards his former Servant.
"But what?"
Artoria and Kiritsugu's eyes met and she sighed before turning to Shirou and Illya once more.
"Things are fine now sure, but from what Kairi Sisigou told us the Einzberns were certain that the next Grail War would be starting soon."
"But without them, there won't be a vessel for the Grail."
"And what if by removing the vessel from the picture we've created an even worse situation?"
Kiritsugu was silent. There was no way to be certain after all. The Holy Grail War's inner workings were only known to three, now two families. And of the two that remained only one would have the knowledge readily available.
"Artoria, both of us have seen what lies inside the Grail. And the destruction it has caused. If we put our minds to it I'm sure we can figure out a way to fix things for good."
"We?" she asked and turned to meet his gaze with a fierce look.
"You are dying, Kiritsugu. Whatever plans you may have for the Grail are no longer possible. You won't be around to see the next war even if it's fifty years early. And neither you or I can stop it before the next war starts."
Kiritsugu didn't know how to respond to that. He could already feel his muscles losing strength, even more than before their little trip to Germany. The dull ache in his chest also seemed to be more intense than before. He honestly couldn't tell how long he had before his condition worsened.
"You're aware of the situation. So I'm sure you're also aware of what their roles will have to be if we are to prevent another catastrophe." Artoria's words were heavy and the implications they carried didn't escape Kiritsugu's notice. His eyes widened and he turned to observe his son and daughter.
"They're still kids. I... I wanted a better life than this for them."
"Peace is a time of joy and happiness, yet the road to it is paved with hardship and sorrow."
She spoke with the experience of a leader, and Kiritsugu's attention was set on her as she seemed to be reminiscing about something. She finally looked up and spoke once more.
"Whatever future lies ahead for Shirou and Illyasviel, they will be forced to fight for it. We can either help them, or we can let them struggle on their own. That is our choice. And I finally have my purpose."
He buried his face in his hand and weighed in his options. He could spend every waking moment left in his years trying to find a way to end the Grail Wars, protecting Shirou and Illya from the horrors of the Moonlit World in the process. But Artoria was right. His efforts alone would never be enough. They would be forced into that life simply be being there.
The alternative would mean that they should sacrifice their happiness, their childhood, preparing for something that would shape them into monsters like he was. Like everyone in the world of mystics and Magecraft was. And then what? They stop the Grail and go on with their lives happily ever after?
He took one more look at them and his heart sank. Illya and Shirou were seemingly playing a game of soccer or something close to it considering there were only two of them. Shirou had the ball and Illya was chasing after him with a big smile on her face. They were both happy.
He hated himself for thinking about it, but the only thing he could do to help preserve that image was to prepare them for what was coming. At least that way they had a chance, a real chance to be happy after everything was over, even if they were part of a world that was sure to rob them of their innocence.
At least there would be a chance.
"All right. Remember that file you showed me about the other Masters?"
Artoria nodded and Kiritsugu lit a cigarette before taking a long drag from it.
"Tell me what you had in mind."
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Review Corner Time!
Toa Solaric: Initially when I first saw that Illya was being manipulated by Angra Mainyu in Iri's image at the end of Fate/Zero, I was surprised that it was never further explored. It's like his goal for her was to just make her hate Kiritsugu and yet it seems like his influence just stopped when Illya never quite got around to hating him. Even in UBW, the only route where she doesn't reconcile with Shirou in some way, she thinks of her Dad when Heracles falls to Gilgamesh. But I guess it's only a matter of who she can trust enough to open up about that here.
DragonTetho: Did you know that Leysritt was created just two years before the 5th War started as a means to protect Illya and also for the Dress of Heaven? I don't know about Sella but since Liz wasn't around at the time yet, it felt weird to me to include one without the other. Sorry to disappoint on that part.
thewookie1: Interesting analysis. It also surprises me that this has been the most discussed topic of the story so far but that is part of the fun of it I guess. Yes Archer Gil isn't affected by his life's memories as much as Caster Gil is but that is also easy to explain when considering how his greed and arrogance is such an integral part of Archer Gil's personality. It is likely that such intense behaviour wouldn't allow for his experiences to alter his personality in any impactful way. Or at least beyond what could still be considered reasonable in his eyes.
As always, hope you enjoyed and stay safe.
Next one is going to be big.