Chapter 0
It is said that a Servant cannot be summoned onto this earth without the Holy Grail. In order to draw upon its power, one needs to be selected by the Grail. Usually, the Grail prioritises three participants from the three founding families; The Tohsaka family, the Matou family, and the Einzbern family. The remaining four participants are selected albeit randomly, with the only requirement being that one had to be a magus, or at least have some sort of magic circuit.
For Tohsaka Rin, just by virtue of coming from one of the three founding families was enough for her to receive her Command Seals some eighteen months after the conversation with Lord El-Melloi II. Luviagelita Edelfelt wasn't from three founding families, but was able to qualify thanks to her being a high-level magus.
It was during this time when Lord El-Melloi II summoned the both of them along with Shiro.
"As we discussed a year and a half ago, Luviagelita Edelfelt and Tohsaka Rin will participate in this War as Masters. Of course, all that is just a front so that I can work behind the scenes to dismantle the Greater Grail when it manifests," Lord El-Melloi II explained. "Bram Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri was led to believe that he was only going to face me alone in the War, and quickly found himself three more magi to shore up his forces after discovering of Tohsaka's and Edelfelt's participation and alliance with me. Of course, none of them have realised yet that I am not participating at all." Lord El-Melloi II continued.
"You mentioned about dismantling the Greater Grail as if it was a simple process, but what is the actual process behind the dismantlement?" Shiro asked.
"The answer is obvious, Emiya Shiro." Lord El-Melloi II said. "It is a simple process. You have to destroy it with overwhelming power."
"But I sense that things are far more complicated as you make it seem," Shiro replied.
"I see your observational skills have improved slightly," Lord El-Melloi II said. "Well then, here is where it gets complicated. I have to destroy the Greater Grail before its contents spill out onto the Lesser Grail," Lord El-Melloi II continued. "And as you and Tohsaka Rin have experienced first hand, the time frame between the Greater Grail manifesting and its contents spilling out is a very, very short time indeed," Lord El-Melloi II said. "On top of that, you need the Lesser Grail to be present in order for the Greater Grail to manifest. That is what our problem is right now."
Shiro, Rin, and Luvia could have sworn that the atmosphere was becoming very tense by this point.
"The Association planned to bring the Holy Grail back because the Matou house sent word that they possessed a vessel for the Lesser Grail's manifestation, and it is stored in a person by the name of Matou Sakura."
Shiro and Rin's eyes widened and they were stunned into silence.
"Wait, what?" Shiro finally said. His facial expression betrayed his distress.
"What did you just say?" Rin continued. Her turquoise eyes blazed with fury. "You knew this all along, right?" Rin's voice quivered as she tried to keep her anger under control.
Lord El-Melloi II sighed. "My agents sent me the information back then. They also told me that the two of you were acquainted. I figured that I should have refrained from telling you this sooner as the two of you might have rushed into saving your friend and end up jeopardising this undertaking."
Shiro's eyes flashed. "Of course I cannot just sit back and do nothing! You'd rather sacrifice Sakura's life so that you can dismantle the Grail?" Shiro had to use full restraint to avoid grabbing Lord El-Melloi II by the collar of his shirt.
"And you would rather sacrifice the lives of far many more people for the sake of one person?" Lord El-Melloi II replied. "Rest easy, Emiya Shiro, Tohsaka Rin. Matou Sakura is alive."
"Where is she?" Rin demanded.
"My agents found her comatose in Fuyuki City's hospital. If their observation is correct, Matou Zouken, who himself is participating in this War, put her in a comatose state in order to harvest prana from her."
At this point, Shiro and Rin were furious. It took much persuasion from Lord El-Melloi II and some more from Luviagelita to calm them down and follow the plan. Rin was reminded that she and Luviagelita had to summon a Servant as soon as possible before the other participants do. "In a one-on-one fight, the magi siding with Bram are not as good as Tohsaka Rin or Luviagelita Edelfelt alone. But if they all banded together, the both of you would eventually be overwhelmed. That is where you come in, Emiya Shiro."
"The ace in the pocket, right?" Shiro said.
"I experienced Emiya Kiritsugu's modus operandi in the Fourth War, and I figured that this is the best strategy we need to employ in order to ensure success in destroying the Greater Grail and for us to rescue Matou Sakura." Lord El-Melloi II said. "For now, Tohsaka Rin and Luviagelita Edelfelt, you need to summon a Servant tonight."
"Speaking of summoning, I sneaked into Bram's office a few days ago and found several catalysts in there." Luvia said.
"Definitely for his allies," Rin replied.
"Which was why I stole one of them" Luvia said with a grin, holding up a bronze coated ivory piece shaped like a part of a bow. "I'm planning to use this one for myself. So, what about you, Miss Gorilla? Where is your catalyst?"
Rin said nothing, instead she pointed to Shiro.
"Huh?"
"God, you're so clueless, Luvia. It's unbecoming of you" Rin said. "Shiro has my catalyst stored inside of him."
"Quit your lollygagging and let's get a move on" Lord El-Melloi II urged.
It wasn't long before Shiro cleared the storage house for the summoning ritual. He positioned himself on one side of the Magic Circle, and Rin on the other side. Lord El-Melloi II and Luvia stood further back watching intently.
"Are you absolutely sure that you are at your optimal condition to perform the summoning?" Shiro asked Rin.
"It is. I made sure that the time is correct this time. Also, since we both discovered that Avalon is implanted inside you, the catalyst is available. There is no doubt we will get the Servant we are looking for." Rin smiled at Shiro and steeled herself for the summoning ritual.
"Silver and iron to the origin.
Gem and the archduke of contracts to the cornerstone.
The ancestor is my great master Schweinorg.
The alighted wind becomes a wall.
The gates in the four directions close, coming from the crown, the three-forked road that leads to the kingdom circulate."
"Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill.
Repeat every five times.
Shatter once filled."
The room reverberated with a steady sound as the ritual progressed.
"I announce!
Your self is under me,
my fate is in your sword.
In accordance with the approach of the Holy Grail,
if you abide by this feeling, this reason, then answer!
Here is my oath.
I am the one who becomes all the good of the world of the dead,
I am the one who lays out all the evil of the world of the dead.
You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper of the balance!"
There was a burst of wind that kicked the dust up and about in the room. Everyone was temporarily stunned by the sudden wind and the subsequent flash of light. Then, as the dust settled, Shiro and Rin were the first to open their eyes, half-expecting to see a familiar face.
"Answer. Are you my Master?" A familiar, nostalgic voice echoed through the dust. When the dust settled, standing before Rin and Shiro, the familiar, beautiful figure of a swordsman in a blue battle outfit. Her stunning golden hair was tied in a familiar bun secured in a blue ribbon. Her sea green eyes held the proud, regal gaze of a king. There was no doubt in Shiro and Rin's mind as to who she is.
"Saber!" Shiro and Rin shouted in unison.
Saber could not believe the sight she saw. "Rin! Shiro!" Her excitement was hardly contained as she leapt forward and held Shiro and Rin tightly in an embrace. "I have missed the both of you!"
"So did we!" Rin replied excitedly.
"This is the legendary King Arthur?" Luvia asked dumbfoundedly.
"Myths and legends have long skewed the image of a hero for many reasons" Lord El-Melloi II replied. "Is it the optimal time for you to conduct your summoning?"
"Eh. Ah. Y-yes, I have ten more minutes!" Luvia stammered.
"Emiya, Tohsaka. Move aside. It is time for Edelfelt to perform her summons."
Saber was confused at this point. "Are we in yet another War?"
"Well, yes, and no." Lord El-Melloi II replied. "Pardon my intrusion, but I will explain everything after Edelfelt over here performs her summoning."
Luvia placed her catalyst on the ground next to the summoning circle and began her ritual.
"Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill.
Repeat every five times.
Shatter once filled."
Just like before, the room reverberated with a steady sound as the ritual progressed.
"I announce!
Your self is under me,
my fate is in your sword.
In accordance with the approach of the Holy Grail,
if you abide by this feeling, this reason, then answer!
Here is my oath.
I am the one who becomes all the good of the world of the dead,
I am the one who lays out all the evil of the world of the dead.
You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper of the balance!"
It was a similar situation as Rin's summoning ritual. A gust of wind, a blinding flash, and this time, before them stood a lean, yet muscular figure dressed in black tight-fitting calf hide and brandishing a large recurved bow made of ivory and coated with bronze, which appeared to be five feet long. His long brown hair was tied in a messy ponytail and his well chiseled face was clean shaven. His sky blue eyes were keen as if one was looking into the eyes of an eagle.
"Young lady, are you my master?" He asked Luvia, staring at her intently.
"Indeed I am. My name is Luviagelita Edelfelt. Feel free to call me any way you like."
"Hmmmmm. Edelfelt is fine by me." he said. "I am Servant Archer. Nice meeting you." Archer casually placed his hand on Luvia's head.
"W-w-what are you doing, you pervert?" Luvia shrieked.
"Ah? You're a virgin?" Archer replied nonchalantly.
Luvia's face was turning purple.
"And who're you?" Archer asked, pointing his bow towards Saber. "You strike me as a Servant and it baffles me that you and I have not engaged in battle."
"Indeed I am the Servant Saber and it appears that we are allies," Saber replied. "As such, I would appreciate it if we refrain from pointing weapons to each other."
"Ah. pardon me," Archer replied, putting his bow down and picking his nose, much to Luvia's disgust. "Indeed we are in a very strange situation. I believed that we should be fighting to the death."
Lord El-Melloi II stepped forward. "The both of you will join forces in doing so. By the way, my name is Lord El-Melloi II. The Master of Saber over there is Tohsaka Rin, and her husband Emiya Shiro is beside her. The goal of our alliance is to destroy the Holy Grail and end the Wars once and for all."
Archer seemed less than pleased. "As far as I am concerned, I wished to participate in more Wars, and your goal is something that is going to deny me of the chance to test my mettle against other warriors," Archer said, staring at Lord El-Melloi II. "Why should I pledge my bow to your cause if it is going to deny me of my wish?"
"Simply put, it is because the Holy Grail has been corrupted," Lord El-Melloi II replied. "And these Wars do nothing except to endanger the lives of innocents, which I hope someone like you might understand, although I don't know who you are." Lord El-Melloi II paused to look at Archer. "I am unaware of your identity, but I will not be so crude as to ask you to reveal yourself to us against your discretion-"
"The name is Teucer. Hero of the Greek Army, slayer of thousands in the Trojan War." Archer's interruption and his extremely casual nature was the last straw for Luvia.
"A-Archer! First off, I find your behaviour a pain in my side, and now you're so casually revealing your identity to anyone you see!"
"Oh? But then your friends here said that we are in an alliance, am I wrong? So as allies, it is fine. No?"
"Uuuuugh. You're such an imbecile!" Luvia said furiously, hunched over in a stressed manner.
"Look, I get the gist of it all. Firstly, this whole War is just a farce, and it endangers innocents. Am I right?" Archer looked around. "I don't stand for that. I've seen the exact same thing in my lifetime, and I hated what I saw. I shall willingly lay my wishes aside to prevent an experience similar to my past life." Archer said.
"I take it as you agree to work with us, then?" Lord El-Melloi II asked.
"Whatever fights I get in the process, I'll enjoy it as if it is my last" Archer replied. "Relax, Edelfelt. I have answered your summons, therefore I will pledge my bow to you."
Luvia's face reddened.
"Ah, it is against knightly decorum for me not to reveal my name after you did, Archer" Saber said. "I am Artruria Pendragon, King of Britannia. I look forward to joining my sword and your bow in our alliance."
"Oh, the pleasure's all mine," Archer replied. "Never did I dream of the day that I would cross paths with the legendary King of Knights, let alone fight alongside you. Somehow I feel relieved that we are fighting alongside each other rather than against each other."
"Lord El-Melloi II," Rin said, turning towards him. "Did you not mention that Matou Zouken is participating in this War?"
"Indeed I have. What of it?"
"Any news about the Einzbern family? By virtue of being one of the founding families, they should be participating as well, right?"
"I received no report of their participation in this War. I did send out some agents to keep an eye on them, but from what was observed, they seemed to have all but given up on the pursuit of the Holy Grail."
"Hmmm.." Rin wondered aloud. "They have given up? I wonder why though. This is a definite case for investigation after all this is over. For now, we have to focus on our task at hand."
"Do you think that we should still keep an eye on the Einzberns anyway?" Luviagelita asked Lord El-Melloi II.
"I have already dispatched a few agents to watch their movements. I have meant to monitor them to be informed if they end up joining in later," Lord El-Melloi II replied.
"Wait, so we have to keep an eye out for families who are not involved?" Shiro asked.
"Remember that if a Servant loses its Master, they can contract with someone else to continue as a participant," Lord El-Melloi II replied. "Despite no report of the Einzbern joining the war at this stage since they rejected the Grail's invitation beforehand,they still have a shot at participation if a wayward Servant makes a contract with them."
"I see," Shiro said quietly.
"You will need to eliminate such threats if they are discovered, Emiya." Lord El-Melloi II continued. "We cannot afford to lengthen this War as our ultimate goal is to dismantle the Holy Grail."
"Yeah, I understand." Shiro replied. He had his work cut out for him from the beginning, but it was a good opportunity to test his mettle, but ultimately, destroying the Holy Grail would prevent a repeat of the Great Fire incident during his childhood. For a Hero of Justice, what must be done, must be done. That was why he spent the last year and a half training hard to improve in the areas he was lacking in, and the remaining six months would be crucial to him. He was struck with a good idea as he was thinking about this, however.
"Saber, considering that you are here now, how about some sparring? I could use more training."
Saber turned to Shiro, surprised in a pleasant sort of way. "Why not? It's a good chance for me to see just how much you have improved."
"Don't go easy on him," Rin said, a sly grin forming on her face. "He could use some torture at the same time."
"T-Tohsaka.. what!?"
"Listen, Shiro. There are three things that I want you to know," Rin said, walking up to him. "First, with Saber not going easy on you, you will see vast improvements in your fighting ability. Second..."
"Y-yes?" Shiro asked nervously.
"Second is, I will always be here to tend to your wounds and your hurt pride every time you finish your training with Saber," Rin said, smiling in what Shiro thought was a disturbing way.
"And third, for this once, I will ask Saber to go even harder on you because you called me Tohsaka yet again."
"E-eh.. b-but.." Shiro knew it was the end for him. At least for the night.