Fifth Morning (4)
"Tales of your mother, then? Well..."
A haunted and traumatized expression appeared on Saber's features.
"She drove in a manner that would have left even the most stalwart of knights trembling. It was as if a Berserker had been gifted a riding skill."
Rather than flinch or appear sheepish Illya practically glowed at the admission, eagerly inquiring, "Momma drove a car? That's incredible! Hey, Onii-chan, do you think you could teach me to ride a motorcycle in the future?"
Arturia's violent twitch went unnoticed by all except for Waver and Reines, Sella stating, "Such a simple and barbaric vehicle is ill-befitting of a woman of stature, Milady. You should instead-"
"Sure, I don't mind. You'll have to wait until I can track down and find another one though, since mine was destroyed."
"Oh, dammit...I forgot about that..."
Saber sighed in relief-
"That just means we have an excuse to buy one of the newest and bestest models yet, right?! C'mon, Onii-chan, it'll be fun!"
"Ok, I am fairly skilled with mechanical repairs and enhancements, if we have a good enough base perhaps we can make a motorcycle far beyond the specifications of this era's machines."
"Yay!"
-and promptly felt a harsh conflict of emotion.
On the one hand such a vehicle sounded...splendid. She remembered her chase of Iskandar during the Fourth War and while the situation had been dire the motorcycle itself was...well she could admit it to herself. It was fun.
But on the other gifting Irisviel's progeny with a vehicle of equal or superior make sounded a bit like giving Lancelot unrestricted access to a weapons depot. A situation that only Merlin would have found amusing on any level while everyone else gawked in dismay.
Yet the King of Knights wouldn't deny that Illyasviel seeming so excited and happy at the recollections of her mother brought a small smile to her face. She may not have been able to spare Irisviel from a painful death-whether she had been intended to die or not-but telling her friend's daughter of her more playful actions during the war brought a much needed sense of peace to what was still promising to be a nightmarish set of circumstances on the horizon.
And speaking of…
"Who's presence do we still wait upon, Lord El-Melloi II? You said an individual more qualified for this situation would be along soon to manage negotiations but they have yet to show."
The Magus shrugged, observing Shirou, Illya and Sella debate the benefits of a home motor pool enhanced through magecraft-and perhaps even true magic, somehow-as he replied, "He makes his own schedule. But I wouldn't worry, no doubt he's on his way as we-"
"OW!"
"-speak."
Saber blinked, the sight of none other than Rin Tohsaka picking herself off the ground after she came tumbling out of a tear in reality catching her off guard.
"Damn, now I know how that old asshole got his reputation...where did he-Saber?"
The King of Knights met the gaze of her one time ally of only a few hours, hiding a wince as the Magus, however briefly, scowled at her before deciding cool indifference was the way to handle things.
...The stench of resentment was something Saber well understood and even felt she somewhat deserved. Her inaction when the young woman's sister had been airing her grievances was easy to consider a betrayal of sorts.
But she had decided to follow the example of all others present, sensing that there was a great deal of context to matters. An assumption that had been proven true when Shirou had wordlessly asked her to let matters play out, Saber eventually relaxing somewhat when it became clear that the Matou had no intention of killing her whatsoever, despite her words and posturing.
…
She doubted Rin would see it that way.
"Oh. You're still alive, Tohsaka."
Saber promptly felt like smacking a palm against her face at Shirou's blunt, uncaring words.
"Yes, no thanks to you, Emiya."
The oriental Magus' tone carried enough vitriol to burn down a building, clear anger burning in her eyes as she rounded on the impassive Apostle, growling, "How long did we go to the same school, Emiya? And how long did you hide the existence of my sister being alive from me? You would have known full well who she was!"
Completely uncaring of the young woman's anger the male calmly responded, "Telling you of Sakura's survival would have defeated the point of faking her death. And I had no reason to think you cared. There was a year's time after the Fourth where you were the heir to your family name, you could have requested to meet with your sister and it would have been within your rights to do so. But it sounds as if you didn't."
Rin's voice was naught but a hiss.
"It wasn't as simple as you're making it out to be. It was never that simple. Magus culture-"
"Is quite cruel and destructive of family ties, is it not? We did just establish that, oh pupil of mine?"
All eyes turned to the portal as a towering figure stepped forth, all easygoing smile and confidant stride.
Saber raised an eyebrow at the man's abrupt appearance, remarking, "And who might you be?"
"Oh, just an elderly gentlemen looking to acquaint himself with his juniors, nothing particularly special."
Finding that answer more than slightly suspect Arturia glanced behind her to meet Illya's gaze-
-and immediately set herself on guard as the Homunculus had a harsh set to her jaw, crimson eyes narrowed at the towering male as he pleasantly grinned at both her and Shirou.
"Nothing particularly special? I find that statement somewhat dubious, Kaleidoscope. A True Magician is, by definition, something unique."
"Well you would know, wouldn't you? Being something of a newcomer to the scene yourself, young Einzbern-"
"Emiya."
Raising a regal eyebrow the Vampire seemed highly amused as the young woman crossed her arms and glared up at him, firmly stating, "My name is Illyasviel Emiya, not Illyasviel von Einzbern."
Zelretch openly chuckled at her words, remarking, "Decided to take up the name of the Magus Killer, did you?"
"No, I decided to adopt the name of my Papa. What do you want with us, Wizard Marshall?"
Sighing dramatically the Apostle grumbled, "Tough crowd today..." before placing his hands on the top of his cane, digging it into the ground as he announced, "Unless my estimations are far off the mark you've already been spoken to by Merem, correct?"
"And if we have?"
Shirou's first contribution to the conversation was as neutral as ever...but no one missed the minute shift of balance as he maneuvered himself in front of his sister, nor the way his open palms fell to his side, as if to grasp invisible handles.
It certainly wasn't missed by Waver, the Magus calmly but quickly maneuvering Reines behind him as he reached inside his jacket to grasp some unknown manner of Mystic Code, no doubt.
Saber offered an internal nod of approval at the action, even as she also readied herself for a hard fought battle at a moment's notice.
It seemed the Fourth War and the intervening years had given the one time scrawny and timid youngster an impressive backbone.
"Now now, no need to be all defensive. I'm not here to pick a fight."
Idly taking up position on a nearby rock outcropping the Apostle asked, "So how much did the Church's Burial Agency actually impart to you about the Alyesbury Ritual? And what were their terms in return for amnesty from all perceived crimes?"
Saber held her peace, unsure of just how much the Emiya line would be willing to impart to the older Vampire, both of their expressions neutral as they silently glanced at each other, Sella calmly standing by in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
"Before you answer, let me make one thing clear. I'm not here as a member of the Magus Association, I'm here as the Kaleidoscope and Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg. A man that very much enjoys being alive and would thus happily welcome any and all aid in stopping this ritual before it comes to fruition."
Shirou and Illya frowned at his words, the Homunculus knowing full well that of his many personality quirks being a liar was not one of them in the slightest.
But it was still a statement that would have to be taken on faith, that acquiescence wouldn't lead to further problems down the road...and Illya only trusted a handful of people at this point in time.
"You needn't worry about the Kaleidoscope's trustworthiness, young ones...in this matter-and this matter alone, I should stress-he is trustworthy and may be confided in."
"Ah, King of Rats! Been quite a while since we've last spoken, how have you been?"
Before any others present could speak up Zelretch reached into his coat's pocket, pulling out a sealed bag that he handed off to the 20th Ancestor's favored messenger who had strolled out of the wreckage as if he'd always been there.
"As well as can be, I suppose. It's hard for a Daemon to be 'unwell' and-oh my. Pepperoni? With melted cheese stuffed crust? Kaleidoscope, are you perhaps trying to sway my loyalties with such a gift?"
Saber blankly stared as the Left arm of the 20th Ancestor gleefully unzipped the package, pulling from within a warm and steaming slice of pie that the Daemon stared at hungrily.
"Hah! As if. It just never hurts to be in the good graces of one of the best informants in the world, wouldn't you agree?"
Reverently nibbling on the treat much like a rodent would the Daemon's reply was muffled by cheese and bread, "Urf nawt ave anyting tow wurry bout," while Illya sharply cleared her throat.
"Were you following and spying on us?"
Hastily swallowing a mouthful of pizza the Daemon reassured the irate Homunculus with, "I understand this would be hard for you to accept, young lady, but my presence here was meant only as a deterrent, not a threat or bit of insurance and certainly not to invade your privacy. Your areas of expertise and strengths would make many on the other side of the spectrum wary, perhaps wary enough to attempt an early assassination before you can join the inevitable battle during the Aylesbury Ritual. Were I close by perhaps my mere presence would be enough to ease tensions for fear of reprisal that could spiral out of control."
Illya didn't look particularly impressed, growling, "You're right, that is hard to accept. Don't we get a break from all of this now that the stupid Grail War is over?!"
Waver snorted and lit up a cigarette, wryly stating, "Trust me on this, Miss Emiya...the Grail War is just the opening chapter, as bizarre of a statement that may seem."
Zelretch nodded in seeming agreement, mentioning, "Those that survived the original series of wars often describe it as a speed bump on the path of life, a sharp and uneven event but ultimately one that faded with time. A base, if you will."
Illya scoffed, casually remarking, "And how many of those participants were basically born to participate in the war, hmm? Even the Matou and Tohsaka's had agendas to improve their craft beyond the realm of the Grail conflict...but not me. I was meant to fight, win and die, nothing else."
The King of Rats pointedly cleared his throat, wiping away the small crumbs surrounding his lips with dignified grace as he remarked, "While the young lady has a point, it is not the focus of this conversation. My Master took the initiative and offered full protection from any political or social fallout the aftermath of the Grail War would bring about. In exchange they would aid us during the upcoming Alyesbury ritual and help put a stop to it."
The Wizard Marshall nodded, remarking, "That's a fair deal, one I agree with. In fact, I believe we should conceal the fact that the young lady here is still supplying Servants with mana gained from the Fuyuki leylines, ensure that the source isn't cut off due to some meddling from less intelligent groups."
Sella finally seemed to have enough of the vague and distant conversation, stepping forward and demanding, "You have dodged around the heart of the matter for long enough and kept Milady waiting for an answer that doesn't seem forthcoming. Why are you here, Wizard Marshall?"
Zelretch blinked, obviously caught off guard by the maid's bold approach. For that matter, so was Illya.
"Sella? What are you doing?"
Waver and Reines blankly stared at the Homunculus, Shirou briefly flicking his eyes between the gathered group-
-and the Kaleidoscope chuckled, remarking, "The lady has a point, to business then. The purpose of my visit is to let you know of the true extent the Alyesbury Ritual has reached."
Illya frowned, replying, "We were told that it's gone beyond just the original Ancestors attending, with most Ancestors along with the Mage Association and Church also sending groups to intervene."
"You're right...but there's another factor that I'm fairly confident your brother will be able to help us with. You've heard of Altrouge Brunestud, correct?"
Illya frowned, remarking, "The Vampire in charge of the ones that wish to revive Dark Six, right? My studies weren't too focused on things the Einzberns figured I wouldn't live long enough to make use of."
Nodding to himself the Vampire added, "There's a bit of an important addition to Altrouge's faction that heavily tips the scales in her favor and more or less shuts down the effectiveness of the Humans that will be in attendance. She has the loyalty of the Beast of Gaia."
Illya blinked. And then blinked again.
"More to the point, I think your brother would be the perfect individual to remove the Beast from the battlefield and occupy its attention while we move on to deal with the rest of the other attendees."
Seeming supremely satisfied with his offered plan Zelretch spread his arms, asking, "So? What do you say?"
Quick update, in Thanksgiving, eating food, probably typos, see next chap bye
