Review Answers, Explanations, and Fun Things

First, Shirou worked for the church after the HGW. He was an executor. Shirou still aspires to be a hero, but being a hero of justice sort of leaves a bad taste in his mouth. This will be explained in depth later.

Second, his mental trigger is the same book but with two different images that represent a bible or grimoire. Hero or Saint Shirou, uses a bible with Martha's cross on the cover. Anti-hero or Executor Shirou, uses a grimoire with Rule Breaker on the cover. Shirou does possess a bible that Martha bought for him and a grimoire that Medea wrote for him to study, in case she dematerialized. None sure if having two is possible in canon, but I wanted to show how Shirou is still pretty distorted, despite how much everyone helped him be more normal. This is partially because the two people who he respects both represent an extreme. Martha being a saint and Medea being a witch. It can be a type of split personality, considering he can't use certain items or abilities when using a specific trigger. (Ex. unable to make full use of the Jacob's Limbs martial art style or Martha's Cross, or unable to use demonic swords or weapons like Gae Bolg. Exceptions do exist, Clarent and Rule Breaker are examples.)

Third, I was a bit biased when choosing the new servants, but I also wanted to keep it in the realm of possibility and summon servants who could help Shirou with his ideals, goals, and personality. Serenity being a hassan, which they were originally believed to be the only assassins summonable. Kagetora is one of my favorites, not gonna lie, but she was also meant to help Shirou figure out what kind of hero he wanted to be.

Fourth, Avalon wasn't inside of Shirou when he summoned Mordred. It was being inspected and studied by Medea at the time. However, because Shirou is Shirou, he summoned a knight of the round table, it being Mordred because of their feelings towards their respective 'fathers' at the time.

Fifth, The three won't turn into devils, but this does not mean they will be weak. They will gain power ups, Asia and Koneko will also be getting more screen time after this, showing what they can do.

I also wanted to state some things about Shirou's gear, the ones seen so far. All holy shrouds have their own ability, Martha's is one I made up for this story, worn as a red jacket/hoodie and around his waist like Martha in third ascension when in combat. It grants increased strength, durability, and resistance to magic, effects are increased when facing a dragon. The scarf and hood, worn like Kagetora, is the shroud given to him by Ciel. Effects are the same as Archers, resistant to environmental effects. The archer sleeve he wears is one of the few the mystic codes created by Medea, with assistance from Bazett, for Shirou. When activated, the black designs will glow purple like Medea's cloak, granting him access to a collection runes of varying effects and 23 magic circuits filled with the few spells that Shirou managed to learn to use from Medea, akin to an artificial magic crest. The only two drawbacks, is the pain caused by attaching it to his circuits upon activation and the exhaustive toll it exacts on his body. However, for one who used his nerves as circuits, the pain is tolerable. The wristband he wore was nonmagical, given to him by Atalante after teaching how to hunt. He has two black gloves with the ewhaz rune on them, the same one on his sleeve, a hardening rune. The right hand having the index and middle finger cut off. He wears two necklaces, the first one was the gold and purple cross made for him by Martha, and enchanted progressively by everyone. Martha gave it the ability to use a miracle once a day. Medea placed two spells on it, a version of her (Argos) barrier spell (once a day use), and a bounded field that covers his body to protect from mental attacks and manipulation. Bazett added a single use rune of resurrection on it, (expended). The second necklace is worn underneath his clothes and is a blessed silver chain given to him by Ciel, with four rings, one red, one silver, one purple, and one blue.

Now, on to the story.

Chapter 4

Shirou jumped across the rooftops, until he finally reached the area where he parted with girls. The sun was beginning to descend, allowing Shirou to move more freely. He noticed what appeared to be white strands of hair leading into the alley across the street. A smile appeared on Shirou's face. "Good girl." he whispered. He looked around and noticed a lull in the crowd, deciding to take advantage of it, he quickly jumped forward with his rune enhance speed, not wanting to risk further aggravating his injuries by using shukuchi in any way.

His knee buckled from his previous injuries, causing him to stumble forward. He grumbled under his breath as he regained his balance. He walked forward, following the strands of hair. He finally came upon a clearing in the buildings, but very quickly noticed the signs of a struggle, not to mention a few bodies on the ground. Most notably, what looked to be an exorcist, pinned to the wall by Bakuya.

Despite letting loose a small chuckle, he felt sick as he knew that meant she was taken too, as her body was nowhere to be seen. The other bodies scattered around had many different wounds, ranging from slashes, to stabs, and even blunt force trauma. The bodies in the middle seemed to have many debilitating injuries from a small blade, but it seems they were killed with a fatal attack from a larger blade. It seems they both did as they were taught and worked together. However, it was clear that they were overran, more than likely causing Shirone to use everything at her disposal, her strength and martial arts, to try and reach Asia.

They more than likely used each girl as a hostage for the other. Both weapons being discarded, Shirone's probably meant as a final 'screw you' to the captors. His eyes narrowed, he did a quick 360 scan, not finding what he was looking for. However, he did notice a trail of blood that didn't match the others. It seemed to travel in a line up the wall and to the roof. He sent magical energy to his legs, and jumped from the wall, to a windowsill, and finally to his destination. He traced the trail from the edge of the roof to where it stopped.

Underneath his mask, a vindictive smile formed as he gazed upon where Carnewennan had ended up. There, with Carnewennan lodged firmly in its spine, was a fallen angel. This one was dressed in slacks and a button up shirt, both black. His hair was as black as the wings he saw on the other crows. It was obvious that he was paralyzed by the dagger, but he still managed to crawl around with his one working arm, the other appeared to have a sliced tendon. Shirou slowly made his way over to the fallen angel, the sound of his shoes hitting the ground alerting the fallen to his presence. He turned his head, obviously hoping to see an ally, but the color drained from his face when he saw Shirou.

"I see you're disappointed. That makes two of us. I expected to see another noir film detective but instead I find a discount Johnny Cash. Honestly, are the female crows lacking in variety too, or is it just the guys?" Shirou finally stopped walking, standing beside the fallen. "I'm sure you know what I'm going to ask you, so I'm going to skip the whole questioning bit of this, seeing as I'm in a bit of a hurry. Trace on." Once again, a weapon began forming in the right hand of Shirou. It was a spear, a red spear with veins running along the shaft, ending with a barbed spearhead.

The moment it appeared, the fallen angel felt fear grip his heart with icy fingers. Before, he felt that he could still find a way out of his predicament, but now, for some reason, he knew that the spear in the human's hands could and wound end him. The spear exuded such bloodlust and killing intent that it would probably affect the stronger members of the Grigori. The only person who was supposed to save the girls was the so called Knight of St. Martha. A human who had a holy shroud, presumably a creation type sacred gear, and was a skilled swordsman.

But this? Raynare and the others had just gotten everyone killed! This wasn't in the report! The two girls were already a problem, managing to defend themselves against multiple opponents. Even the holy maiden, who wasn't supposed to have any training! Yet, both showed a decent amount of competence when it came to handling a weapon.

I grabbed the white haired girl and flew up in the sky, trying to separate them. When that dagger came flying out of nowhere and hit my spine. I don't know what happened after that, I landed on the roof and the white haired girl quickly rejoined the fight. Though, it didn't last long afterwards. I was then left here by those fools. Now, here I am, staring up at someone who looks like a grim reaper. I know what he wants. Who he wants.

Sorry, Raynare, the information of what I just saw is more important than your life. You brought this on yourself.

'Kill him, kill him, kill him.' is all Shirou felt coming from the spear in his hand. He couldn't kill him yet, he needed to be absolutely sure where the girls were. If calling Gae Bolg to frighten the paralyzed fallen angel gave him faster results, then so be it. However, that didn't mean he had to like it. The spear was much like Okita's 'Norimune.', something that should only be pulled out when facing someone worthy or when needed.

But, if it meant getting to Asia and Shirone even a fraction of a second quicker, then he would gladly use any weapon in his Unlimited Blade Works. If he played it safe and took his time, then he could probably save them with the least amount of casualties. The fallout would more than likely be small, and he wouldn't need to worry about anyone targeting him. Truly, it was one way to do it. The way Kiritsugu would do it.

No, Shirou couldn't do it that way. He couldn't sacrifice one to save another. He couldn't care less about preserving the most lives when only two were of any importance. The moment they kidnapped a pure and innocent girl like Asia, they showed they didn't care about morality. The moment they made Shirone leave behind Bakuya, leave behind something that allowed her loved ones to return to her, they showed they didn't care about family or love. The moment they took his only family in this world, they showed Shirou that they no longer cared about living. He would save Asia, he would return to Shirone, and if that meant he killed everyone barring his path to reach them, then so be it.

He wished to save the innocent, the righteous, the blameless, and the ones who were wronged. He would save those who cried out for him. However, if his loved ones cried out for him, he would go to any extreme to save them. He would not abandon them for any ideal. Unlike his father, he wouldn't leave the few to save the many, if it meant hurting his family.

He was going to send a message to all those who came upon the remains. He was trained by heroes. A saint, a witch of betrayal, a knight of treachery, an assassin, a huntress of Artemis, two master samurai, and the avatar of Bishamonten, the message itself would be clear cut. To make an enemy out of Shirou would be a huge mistake. Gae Bolg hummed in his hand, satisfied with his thoughts. He wondered if Archer would have something to say about what it. His thoughts strayed to the moment that would be stuck in his mind forever.

Einzbern Castle, the veritable fortress was being sieged by past servants made of shadows and grail mud. Rider, true assassin, and the newly turned berserker were luckily nowhere to be found. Medea managed to create a stronger barrier around the castle, but they were beginning to break through the defenses. "Is there a way we can get out of here? Medea?" Archer asked in a serious tone.

"Don't call me that, you fake." Her eyes narrowing, before she let out a sigh. "I do have an idea, but it will take some preparation, and if you aren't in the circle when I'm finished, you'll be left behind. Considering those things knocking on the door, we won't have much time."

"I'll buy you some time. Just make sure my master is in the circle when its completed." Archer replied, already calling his married blades to his hands.

"Make sure mine is too,..." Lancer materialized a short distance away. "Just wish I got to fight beside my real master for a bit longer, but fighting against impossible odds is what I do, so count me in Red." His spear materializing.

Shirou remembered grabbing Illya rushing to get her into the circle. Saber was cutting down anything that tried to get in their way, as she usually did. What caught Shirou's eyes though, was seeing Archer and Lancer in the courtyard, fighting waves and waves of shadows. Rin and Bazett behind them. The two were in the process of heading to the magic circle when they were ambushed, luckily, Archer and Lancer managed to save them in time. Lancer using his spear to counter the projectiles fired at both him and Archer. Archer, doing the exact opposite, began projecting swords into the air, shooting them at anything that moved, while also fighting two enemies at close range.

It was an impressive sight. Even Medea commented on it when they were safely away from harm. But one person began to lose concentration. Shirou's vision kept wavering, sometimes seeing memories not his own. Coinciding with words Archer was speaking while fighting. Because of this, Shirou felt the moment Archer resolved himself. Oddly enough, for two servants who seemed to always argue, they were incredibly in sync.

The two grabbed their masters and threw them, directly at Shirou. He should have been upset with this, but instead, his mind didn't react to them, only focusing on the two heroes. Lancer, positioning his spear carefully, red magical energy erupting around the tip. Archer holding his hand out.

"Gae..." the beginning of Lancers noble phantasm being called out, his arm beginning the process of thrusting.

At the same time, Archer's voice seemingly resonating with Lancer's, "so, as I pray, Unlimited..." Shirou swore he saw a smirk on Archer's face for a moment, but it didn't matter as the next thing he remembered was everyone landing into a heap in Shirou's dojo, Medea floating above them.

Shirou would always remember that moment. Hoping that, should a time come when such a thing is needed of him, he'll have the strength to see it through.

He shook his head, realizing the fallen angel at his feet seemed to be thinking about something, before his eyes hardened with resolved. Shirou raised the spear up and began to drop it towards the fallen's body, already knowing he would start talking.

The spear was about to piece the fallen's back, when he spoke up, "Wait, wait, wait,..." he spoke quickly. "They're at the old church! The leader is a woman named Raynare, she wants the twilight healing for herself. She'll most likely make the other girl watch her die before killing her too. They have a bunch of exorcist followers. That's all I know." Shirou dematerialized the spear. The fallen let out a deep breath. Thankful he didn't have to endure whatever the spear did.

"I thank you for your cooperation. The info was appreciated." Shirou reached down and grabbed Carnwennan, pulling it out of its spine violently, causing the fallen to yell out in pain. "I'll just take this and be on my way." Shirou's tone being lighter than what it was. He began to walk away, heading to the ledge before stopping. The fallen, already trying to heal its wounds, felt the tingling sensation on his leg. He managed to move his body enough to see what happened and saw a throwing knife embedded there.

"Don't be surprised, you did still attack Asia and Shirone. At least, with that, you have a chance of surviving. Just get someone who can heal poison and you'll be all set. Might wanna hurry though, that poison is no joke." Shirou said as he jumped off the edge. The sound of a teleportation spell was heard just as he hit the ground. Shirou walked over to the impaled body of the exorcist and pulled the sword from his body, allowing him to fall to the ground.

Shirou knew something was off. He quickly tilted his head to left, a blade passing by his head and implanting into the wall. He let out a sigh, grabbing the handle of the sword and pulling it out, while a sultry voice entered his ears. "You are such a naughty boy, didn't you learn you aren't supposed to tell lies, nya?" Shirou immediately felt his body being strengthened by Kanshou and Bakuya being wielded together.

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, mentally preparing himself, before turning around and seeing a beautiful woman, with long midnight black hair that was styled and held together with a ornate hairband, in a way that still bugs him. Though, what really stood out, were her black cat ears atop her head, her two cat tails, and her golden cat-like eyes. Her black kimono with red trim was tied together by a yellow obi. She wore a set of golden beads around her waist, the size of which bothered Shirou as much as her hair. The kimono was open and hanging over her shoulders, revealing her ample cleavage.

"And I'm pretty sure I told you to not launch Kanshou at my head every time you see me, Kuroka." Shirou replied in a even tone. He put both swords into one hand, as he grabbed Serenity's mask and removed it. "And, I wasn't exactly lying, he could live. He'd be in a horrible amount of pain from his insides turning into jelly, but he'd live." Kuroka's face lit up with a rather mischievous smile. She swayed forward, Shirou being sure to keep his gaze firmly locked with with her's. Kuroka brought her hand up to remove his black hood.

"Oh, Shirou, what is this I see? I didn't know you were already turning into an old man, nya." She spoke in a teasing manner, playfully ruffling his hair, before plucking a strand out of the front of his bangs. Shirou quirked his brow, obviously not understanding what she meant, before she held up the strand in her fingers. A single white hair was there in front of him. His eyes widened and Kuroka's smile did the same. "Shirone will be devastated, but don't worry, nya. I'm sure she'll develop a thing for older guys."

Before she could keep going, Shirou flicked her forehead, causing her to hold it with her hands, a pouty expression on her face. Shirou shook his head slightly, a small smile on his face. "It's good to see you too, Kuroka. I'm sure your sister will be excited to see you." He noticed Kuroka's ears twitch slightly at those words. "It's been a few months since your last visit. How long are you staying this time?"

"Hmm, depends, nya." Shirou made a motion for her to follow him, deciding to make his way to his destination. Kuroka latched onto his right arm, before light glow surrounded the two of them. "You going to give me a reason to stay, nya? With Shirone being kidnapped right now, it doesn't exactly inspire confidence." Her last sentence sounding a bit more serious than normal, though Shirou was used to it. He handed Kanshou and Bakuya to Kuroka, letting her hold it for a moment. He grabbed Carnwennan and used it to look at his reflection.

"Still on that?" Shirou sighed as he saw the small white patch of hair on above his left eye. "Getting you to stick around will make Shirone happy, so fine, I'll show you something. I suppose it'll make things go faster, but I need you to promise to never speak about it to anyone. Not even, Le Fay." Kuroka's eyes widened slightly at that, Shirou's rarely ever asked anything of her. She thought about it for a moment, before giving Shirou a demure smile.

"Alright, I promise, nya." She noticed that they were walking towards an old church, her back stiffening slightly. But, Shirou decided to ease her worries.

"It's abandoned. In it's current condition, I bet even devils could throw a party in there." Shirou scoffed. He grabbed Serenity's mask, that was hanging off his belt, and put it back onto his face.

"Shirou, are you really going to not explain why your hair is like that?" Kuroka's tone was worried and without her signature 'nya'. It was obvious that she wouldn't let it go. "Are you going to make me have to seduce the answers from you, nya?" Her words slightly more sultry, but still noticeably worried. Shirou grabbed the mask and uncovered the right side of his face, he looked at her in the eyes and had a reassuring smile on his face.

"While you may be beautiful, you're seduction tactics still need some work if you want them to work on me. Though, you are welcome to try anytime you want, Kuroka." Kuroka stopped walking, grabbing ahold of his arm without letting go, causing him to have to stop too. She looked at him, with a mix of anger and sadness in her eyes. Even her ears were drooping forward. Shirou let out a sigh. "I'm fine, Kuroka. I pushed my body beyond what it is capable of. I'm guessing the stress, physical and mental, caused this small patch. It's nothing to be worried about."

She narrowed her eyes, but did use her magic to quickly analyze him. Her narrowed eyes widened, her ears standing up straight and even her tail straightening for a moment before relaxing. While keeping ahold of Shirou with one arm, she lightly punched his shoulder. Her eyes keeping close watch of his features, taking notice of the slight wince she drew from him. "You idiot, nya!" she yelled while hitting him the exact same way. "You used some of your life force up. How you managed to do that by pushing your body too far is beyond me, nya." She let go of Shirou and began walking ahead of him.

Strangely, everything she did and said reminded Shirou of Medea. He didn't know what the big deal was, even if he used of some life force, he was pretty sure Avalon would fix it. He scratched the back of his head before deciding to worry about it later. "Hurry up, Nya." Shirou sighed. Something he tended to do a lot when around Kuroka. He fixed his mask and quickly caught up with Kuroka, he didn't need her trying to say... "Of course, if you want to take your time and check me out, feel free, nya." that. Another sigh to add to the count.

"Okay, so what's the plan mr. Hero? The moment we enter the barrier, they'll come running, nya." Kuroka said, Shirou realizing that she wasn't exactly the most patient person when it came to her sister.

"First, don't call me that, two, with this. Trace on." the arcs of energy once again manifesting until they revealed an ornate, jagged, ritual dagger. Kuroka looked at the dagger with fascinated eyes. Her hand inching closer to it, until Shirou slapped her hand away. Causing her to pout. "Don't touch it carelessly, I don't know what this would do to those chess pieces inside you."

"Whatever, nya. Anyways, Mr. Saint, we use your fancy dagger on the barrier, then we sneak in, nya? What then?"

"Don't call me that either, and after that, I slaughter everyone in a way that sends a message, I'm thinking sword pincushions, while simultaneously impressing you enough to stick around for once." Shirou spun the dagger around until it was in a reverse grip.

"I must say, seeing and hearing you react so nonchalantly to all this is pretty..." Kuroka put a finger to her to her chin in a thinking pose, before shrugging, "eh it'll come to me later. But it is pretty exciting, nya. You sure you don't want to join our team?" Kuroka asked with a smile on her face, already knowing what he'd say.

"I'll pass, I'd rather the three of us not become wanted terrorists. I already have a plan for after this. One that involves us being able to live a pretty comfortable and carefree life." Shirou replied, with a bit of hope in his voice as he finished his words. That small bit of hope was dashed when he heard Kuroka snort, before laughing into her hand.

"You? Living a carefree life? In your dreams, nya! If you could do that, Shirone and me wouldn't be be in the position we are in now. Instead, I'd probably never see her and she'd be who knows where. So, as much as I think you deserve a break, I don't think you'd be able to, nya." Shirou looked at Kuroka, not saying anything for a moment, before sighing in resignation.

"Let's just do this." The two walked up to the barrier and, Shirou brought the blade down on the barrier, quietly speaking, "Rule Breaker." The barrier completely disappeared, no alarm set off. All they had to do was get to the girls now. The two of them opened the doors to the church and immediately, Shirou grabbed Tauropolos from his shoulder and knocked an arrow upon seeing an exorcist in the main hall.

"Tell you what Freed, let's make a deal, we postpone this deathmatch, and the next time we meet, we have a duel to the death, no holds barred." Shirou spoke quickly, but he made sure his arrow was ready to be loosed at any time. Freed Sellzen, one of the exorcists Shirou had the displeasure of knowing during his first year in this world. Honestly, Shirou had no problem with killing him now, but if he could put it off for as long as he could, then he wouldn't feel so guilty after the deed was done. The main reason being, a girl named Lint.

A girl he met this past year, one that reminded him of Illya. A homunculus born from the DNA of Siegfried. While killing Freed would be a hassle because of his decent ability to use a sword and Shirou's broken body, he didn't want to fight him. He looked to much like Lint.

"Oooh, I figured you'd show up! You even brought a disgusting devil with you! Oh, how I wish to kill you get it on with Shirou here, but I know when things are fun and when they're tedious. So, I'll withdraw for now, but don't forget about our deal holy knight!" Freed threw a grenade to the ground causing a flash of light. After it settled, he was nowhere to be seen. Shirou removed the arrow and placed the bow back on his shoulder.

"Mr. Holy Knight, that's one I didn't think of, nya!" Kuroka exclaimed, causing Shirou to shake his head.

"Alright, the girls are more than likely underneath the church, the fallen more than likely preparing the the ritual. Remember, you wanted to see something that would make you want to stick around, don't go back on your word." Shirou said in a light tone, though it was clear he was more than ready for what he was about to do.

"I don't go back on my word, nya! That hurts my delicate feelings." Kuroka added, faking a tear from her eyes. However, her expression turned serious right after, when she noticed Shirou head for the stairs. She heard him take a few deep breaths, before finally, he began to to chant.

"I am the bone of my sword," the words spoken had power within it. Magic was imbued within it. Kuroka noticed that the first line was an aria of great important to Shirou. The two continued down the steps.

"Steel is my body, and fire my blood," the second line, more magic was coming through. Kuroka felt something from the words. Almost as if she was transported somewhere else, for a moment.

"I have been remade by a dozen blades," Though they were growing closer to the bottom of the staircase, and the enemies more than likely felt the power in Shirou's words, nothing was happening. Kuroka didn't mind, it allowed her to listen to Shirou's aria.

"Lost, now found" The sleeve on Shirou's arm thrummed to life, purple designs traveling through the black markings, "Broken, yet Reforged" It was now that they finally saw the underground church. A small army of exorcists was within, and at the other side of the room, three fallen angels.

"Both saint and sinner, refusing the scales of justice," The cross Shirou wore glowed with holy light, similar to but different from how it was used by fallen angels and normal angels. One of the fallen angels, the blonde one, seemed to be shaking. Kuroka noticed that she looked mortified at the situation.

"The miracles of hope, light the way to salvation," She wasn't sure what was about to happen, but she hoped it was as great as he made it out to be. Not only for herself, but for Shirone as well. She saw where they were keeping here, one of the pews in the front, Asia tied to a strange device on top of a altar of some sort.

"the shards of my heart shall always forge," Kuroka got ready to rush forward, her senjutsu already being used to enhance herself. But before she could, Shirou finished his aria.

"Unlimited Blade Works!" Shirou's right hand was outstretched, a closed fist with the knuckles facing down, and his other hand gripping underneath his wrist. He proclaimed those words with conviction and power, his right hand opening up, a light emerging and spreading out like a ring of blue flame. Soon, the blinding light swept over everyone, swallowing them up completely.

Kuroka was the first one to open her eyes, and what a sight she was treated to. For she was now looking upon a new world. A world of blades, each one special in its own way. An exorcist attempted to sneak up on her, Kuroka ready to grab one of the swords and slay the man herself, before blades erupted from the ground impaling him completely, before a blade falling from the sky at high speed decapitated him right after. She was stunned, speechless, and in awe of such an ability.

She looked around and finally saw the man she was looking for. He was standing with his hood down, and mask hanging on his neck. His hands resting atop the pommel of what appeared to be a wholly unique holy sword. Despite not knowing seeing it before, she knew what it was, it was a sword that chooses the king, and Shirou was the king of this world. Standing there like a knight, was Shirou Emiya, in his hands was the sword of Original Sin, Merodach.