Shinji yawned as the school bell rang and everyone started making their way out. Heading towards the roof, where Emiya and Sakura would be waiting for him, he thought about the exciting times up ahead. It all started when Emiya had been found standing above the smoking corpse of his grandfather, a wicked looking blade in his hand. Shinji would happily admit that Shirou was one of the few people who could scare him in submission because when he looked at the teen's eyes that night, those glowing silver eyes, he had felt as a maggot would before a titan. It wasn't the magic, he had been around that stuff all his life, no it was the presence, the sense of reality that Shirou could bring up with a though, the reality that soon enough, if he so wished, you'd be dead, skewered by a thousand blades that roared with the anger of their wielder, of their maker. When Shirou had asked him what he wanted the most, he answered simply "To live."
Now, years later, here he was. Thirty-four magical circuits of excellent quality, something his grandfather was happy to hide from him and planned to use them in case Sakura didn't work out. Honestly, the man disgusted Shinji in more ways that one would think. Willing to rape a young child, to use and abuse his own grandson, trying to turn him into a bloody psycho. Really, what did this guy think? That he would never be found out? What a joke. The Association only let him live because of his contributions to society, the Einzbern couldn't care less and the Toshaka's had no idea about who he really was. The second he had done anything to earn their ire, he would have been hunted down and killed. Funnily enough though, it wasn't any of them who managed to take his head but a teen the same age as Shinji. That allowed Shinji to dream, to think that he could actually be what he wants, and so started his process of becoming stronger and stronger until he reached the level of the man who saved him, only to keep realising the sheer difference in power.
He'd seen Shirou cut down men three times his age, with a whole lot more experience, like they were nothing. If it wasn't with arrows fired from random locations, then it was from his stupidly huge bow that shot swords like a gatling gun. Honestly, Shinji picked up the difference between the two. The random arrows were only used against people who Shirou couldn't be bothered by; people who meant nothing to him on the danger scale. The bow was only pulled out when the enemy managed to earn Shirou's respect enough to actually deem them worthy of his effort. One would think he was being arrogant yet when they looked at him, the only conclusion was for them to realise what a simple fact it was for Shirou. Why waste energy and effort on things that are irrelevant? No point. It was scary at first, but he got used to it, seeing him slaughter people like a monster of old.
But the real deal was when Shirou actually wielded the swords himself, something Shinji had only seen twice. Once with his grandfather, though granted that was merely watching Shirou standing over a dead body rather than using them. The second time was when he realised the impossibility that was Shirou Emiya. Normal people didn't move that way, they didn't twist in mid-air to dodge a rain of spells, they didn't bash through solid rock to get to their enemies, they didn't use swords to cut through people's souls and they sure as heck didn't pull out Noble Phantasm's like no one's business. That was the only time Shinji actually saw Shirou putting a good amount of effort and it terrified him. It was inhuman, it was monstrous, it was horrifying, it was Shirou Emiya the Second Magus Killer, the one who could cut through magical attacks like paper, he who could kill an Apostle Ancestor at the age of fifteen.
That doesn't matter though. It used to, and that was something Shinji used to take advantage of, because Shirou was also very popular in the normal world, but after a few years and some maturing, recommended by Sakura and Illya, Shinji was a lot more stable as a character and a person in society….for the most part. With everything happening and realising he had power, he started being a bit more protective of Sakura, now that he could protect her and when he realised Shirou was a bit of a dense idiot when it came to his own personal social like and social standing, he took on the role of a…shadow guardian, never doing anything in public but when backs where turned and people unsuspecting, Shinji struck with his water based attacks. Rumours of giant water snakes and other creatures made of liquid haunted the halls and a select few people had actual encounters with these things. While he wasn't the most advanced in a variety of magical spells, Shinji took the Matou name and decided he would make it great again, by using the concept his family stood on, Binding, and with it make waves in the Association. The funny thing was, Toshaka, the so-called Second Owner was too blind by arrogance to actually see him for what he is. Heck, she probably didn't even know his grandfather was dead!
Shinji sighed, amused at that thought. He was waiting for Sakura to finish getting dressed up, so they could meet up with Emiya and his sister half-way through. While they were in school, the little Emiya usually walked around town and what-not. People loved her and always gave her free stuff, though knowing that her brother was Shirou Emiya, the kid who was willing to help anyone of them probably helped. Hearing footsteps, he shook his head and glanced at his sister dressed in the standard school uniform. "Eh Sakura, let's get going. Don't want Emiya to think we left him alone and start crying."
Sakura shook her head in slight amusement, wondering how her Senpai could tolerate her brother sometimes. "Big brother, you know Senpai won't care if we're late. Now come, I want to hear what Illya has planned for tonight." The girls usually did something every night, either sleeping over in each other's house or going for walks in the park or whatever they desired really. Even though there was a physical size difference, and really Illya is older than Sakura, she tended to act more like a child and preferred that over acting like a "stuffy adult with bags under their eyes" as she so elegantly put it.
"Now now little sister, I wouldn't get too excited for that. Tonight, is the night we start the summons." With that Shinji lifted his right hand and with but a thought, the illusion spell dissipated to show of red markings, signifying the Command Seals of the Holy Grail War. Sakura did the same, her own command seals though where on her stomach and so they merely glowed through the white fabric, hidden by the uniform. "Oh right…Do you think we'll be alright, Big Brother?" Shinji snorted, "Oh we'll be more than alright Sakura. We'll be more than alright."
Scene Change
Shirou and Illya stood side by side, waiting for the Matou siblings to appear as per their daily routine. "Big brother, do you know which Servant you'll summon?" Shirou hummed, "Most likely, King Arthur since I have the same catalyst as dad." Illy nodded in understanding before grinning, "I'm going to summon Herakles in Berserker form!" Shirou sighted, "Illya, we talked about this. A Berserker Servant is a big strain and won't help your form." Illy pouted, not listening to Shirou, who shook his head. "We'll discuss this tonight, okay." Seeing her nod reluctantly, he smiled before ruffling her hair causing her to pout and try to beat his hand away.
Soon enough, the Matou's appeared and together, the two families made their way to school, Illya skipping away once they reached the gates. Shinji and Shirou stood in the back waiting for Sakura to join her friends, "So…tonight, eh?" Shirou nodded, contemplating the next few days, "It's going to be tricky I'm sure but if we stick together, we'll manage." Shinji snorted in amusement causing the red head to look at him with a raised eyebrow. "Please, I won't be surprised if we win by the third day." His answer caused Shirou to smirk, "Is that a challenge?" Shinji laughed out loud before shaking his head, "Sure if you want it to be."
Time Skip – Evening / Scene Change
Shinji cracked his neck as he prepared to summon his Servant
"Let death and darkness be the essence. Let blood and life be the foundation.
Let shadows be the colour I pay tribute to.
Let rise a blade against the king that shall fall.
Let the four cardinal gates close.
Let the void search me and find me worthy as the gates rotate.
Let it be declared now; your flesh shall serve under me, and my fate shall be with your shadow.
Submit to the temptation of the Holy Grail.
Answer, if you would submit to this will and this truth.
An oath shall be sworn here.
I shall attain the seat and rise above; I shall have dominion over all men. "
Scene Change
Sakura sighed nervously as she started the summoning
"Let grassy plains and open skies be the heart. Let hooves and wings beat in trust.
Let the winds roar as we ride through the night.
Let rise a roar that shall shake our enemy's heart.
We are the front gate to the earth.
Let wind touch me and find me worthy as we cross the sea.
Let it be declared now; your flesh shall serve under me, and my fate shall be with your stead.
Submit to the temptation of the Holy grail.
Answer, if you would submit to this will and this truth.
An oath shall be sworn here.
I shall ride with you across the world; I shall be by your side across this war."
Scene Change
Illy bounced in her place as she spoke the words
"Let anger and wrath be the only thing in mind. Let the roars of rage be heard across the skies.
Let them tremble in fear as we destroy their shield.
Let them beg for life as we take their life.
We are the breakers of the gates.
Let the chains break as we fight our way
Let it be declared now; your flesh shall serve under me, and my will shall be with your guide.
Submit to the temptation of the Holy grail.
Answer, if you would submit to this will and this truth.
An oath shall be sworn here.
I shall fight with you across the fields; I shall be your guide in your rage.
So, cloud your eyes with madness.
And tear them asunder.
As they face rage incarnate."
Scene Change
Shirou sighed as he raised his hand, summoning the servant.
"Let silver and steel be the essence of our soul. Let our cries be heard across the world.
Let steel clash with steel as Iron sharpens iron.
Let us lift the weak and make them strong.
We are the Guardians of the gate.
Let us raise our swords with pride.
Let it be declared now; your flesh shall serve under me, and my fate shall be with your sword.
Submit to the temptation of the Holy grail.
Answer, if you would submit to this will and this truth.
An oath shall be sworn here.
I shall protect this world with you as a shield; I shall be by your side across this war as a sword.
For to reach the ever-distant land, I will raise sword and shield."
A/N: Chants are changed quite a bit for very specific reasons. I figured that more personalised chants to the classes themselves were needed but also something extra for the expectant servants that will show up. Think you can guess who is gonna get who?
Also, this story is close to being done. I don't plan to go further than the Holy Grail war and neither do I plan to have any actively romantic couples here. The whole point is for Shirou to be OP in all skills except Eroge Protagonist.