Author's Note: There's a lot of discussion in this chapter. I tried to truncate what I could, but expect a lot of dialogue.
Chapter 06: Meetings
November 12, 1994
Fuyuki City Roads
173 hours to Zero
The clock radio in the dash ticked over to one in the morning as the black 1993 Suzuki Carry Van drove along the road, Gray and Illyasviel wide awake and looking out the windows. They had slept on the plane ride over and it was only 6 PM back in Germany anyway. Their sleep schedule was completely shot. EMIYA mused that perhaps a nocturnal sleep schedule would be safer for now, given the nature of the War. Sella sat with the kids in the rear bench seat, sometimes staring at the ex-Counter Guardian with suspicion. The middle bench seat had Irisviel on the driver's side, Kiritsugu in the middle with his Thompson Contender ready if needed, and Lancer Artoria directly behind EMIYA. EMIYA sat in the front passenger seat while Leysritt drove the vehicle. None of the other homunculi were with them, having instead headed off to Ryuudou Temple to secure it. That was fortunate because Jubstacheit's eyes and ears would not be aware of Illya's and Gray's presence.
Lancer Artoria had also taken to wearing Add as an accessory on a necklace after it was discovered that he had tagged along. Kiritsugu had pointed out that using Rhongomyniad's true form rather than a Grail-synthesized version might allow her to achieve more power in her attacks. Add also had the ability to siphon the magical energy from its enemies when it or Rhongomyniad struck them, a massive boon when the enemy was fully made of such energy. The chatterbox spoke to Artoria about old times from their childhood as he hung around her neck, indicating that he had inherited Sir Kay's memories if not his soul as well.
If EMIYA made a move to attack anyone or to grab the steering wheel, he'd have Origin Bullets and a Holy Lance rushing for him immediately. All that being said, no one but Sella seemed to regard him with hostility. He suspected Sella to be upset that he tended to her young mistress' needs before she or Leysritt could.
"So...you called yourself 'False Archer'?" Irisviel asked of the man, who moved his head to look over his shoulder to her. She had caught him glancing at her now and then through the rearview mirror with a look of curiosity. Kiritsugu also noticed his glances.
"Yes. I was an Archer during my last War and am mostly the same now, but my summoning wasn't conventional. The Tohsaka have the True Archer of this War. Sorry if I've been too quiet. I just don't want to talk about everything in front of the kids. Some of it is the stuff of nightmares and I don't know how much Japanese they understand." These words made Irisviel smile a little more.
"You're certainly considerate of them, aren't you? Did you take care of children in life?" Irisviel asked, curious about the man who had met them at the airport and trying to learn more in an inoffensive way.
"I had a little sister back when I was alive. For a while, at least." EMIYA mentioned, making Irisviel's expression shift into a sad smile.
"I'm sorry...bringing up sad memories was never my intention." The woman was honest and kind, someone that EMIYA couldn't bring himself to dislike if he had tried. If she had lived, Irisviel would have been his mother. That was the reason he couldn't help but steal curious glances.
"Don't be. Those are some of the best memories I have. Losing her didn't mean the time with her wasn't worthwhile." EMIYA felt strange saying those words, but couldn't help believing them. Irisviel smiled again, pleased that he felt that way, but was prevented from saying anything more by Leysritt's lazy voice next to her.
"Brace yourselves and clench your teeth," Leysritt advised, giving EMIYA mere moments to face forward before the four-wheel-drive vehicle promptly went off-road and started to lurch recklessly through the grove heading for the forest. Rather than get off and move on foot, the four-hour walk through the roadless forest to their destination was being tackled by the vacant maid and her van at a high speed.
Leysritt's warning wasn't fast enough for Lancer Artoria to secure Add, the Mystic Code being forced to bounce on the woman's ample chest with every lurch and bounce. The small cube cried out in surprise, but he had better shock absorption than anyone else. It was far removed from Gray's typical method of disciplining him by rattling his birdcage.
"Hey, at least use Reinforcement on the van!" EMIYA put his hand on the dash and did so, the vehicle assuming aqua-colored lines. The ride softened to a degree as the shocks' function was improved, but it was by no means pleasant for anyone but the driver and three of her passengers.
"Faster, Leysritt! FASTER!" Illya called out in perfect Japanese, enjoying the rough movement.
"Oh my, I never knew one could simply leave the road behind! Kiritsugu, I want to try this soon!" Irisviel exclaimed, sharing in her daughter's jubilation.
"I can't really complain-wait, no! She's my brother! Not good, Leysritt! Not good!" Add exclaimed, remembering just whose chest he was resting on. Lancer Artoria simply glared at her adopted sibling-turned-tiny cube with a muted stoicism, wondering if some other arrangements might be more suitable.
Einzbern Castle, Japan
172 hours and 40 minutes to Zero
On their arrival, the shaken group became aware of what EMIYA's eyes identified as a 1994 Yamaha V-Max motorcycle parked near the mansion. The bike was identical to the one that was destroyed by Berserker in Saber Artoria's memories. Its rider was still standing near the vehicle rather than waiting inside the castle. Irisviel breathed out the identity of the woman who had died trying to protect her. "Maiya..."
Irisviel didn't even wait for Leysritt to depart the vehicle to open the door of the car for her. Abandoning all decorum, the young woman fled the car and rushed to Maiya before embracing the surprised woman firmly. Irisviel trembled slightly, the memories of the last time she had seen Maiya coming back strongly. It was awkward for Maiya, but she soon returned the hug and attempted to calm down the wife of her lover-slash-adopted father.
The triangle between them might need some redefinition after this was all said and done.
The maids got out of the car, opening the doors to help Illyasviel and Gray leave in the process. Only when the girls were also sufficiently clear did Kiritsugu and Lancer Artoria move free from the man they were watching, stepping away from EMIYA and allowing him to also exit the vehicle. Even now they were on suitable guard against the strange Heroic Spirit. "Thank you for coming, Maiya..." Irisviel said to the black-haired apprentice.
"O-of course I came, Lady Irisviel." Maiya was a bit surprised at the appearance of the children and the unknown man, noting the suspicion with which the latter was treated. Lancer Artoria's mature appearance also momentarily threw her for a loop, but Maiya's stoic expression betrayed little. She and Irisviel parted from each other's embrace as Sella approached the castle's main door and unlocked it for the group.
EMIYA entered last and the door was shut to protect the group from eavesdropping familiars, though Maiya had since taken care of most of them anyway. The Holy Lance Rhongomyniad promptly appeared, replacing Add, and was used by Lancer Artoria to bar him any further entry than the foyer. The blonde regarded him with a stern expression, staring into his steel-gray eyes as if seeking something as she aimed the weapon at his chest. To his credit, the tanned ex-Servant did not manifest a weapon in response nor show fear. Irisviel looked on, wondering what this was about. "Lancer?" The white-haired homunculus asked in confusion.
"It is not my intention to convey a lack of gratitude for your warning to my Master or the aid to the children, but that does not automatically translate into trust. I have seen your eyes travel to Lady Irisviel several times. While your gaze did not appear to carry certain inappropriate intentions toward my Master's wife," Artoria conveyed in a manner subtle enough for the children not to understand, "it was rather unusual. I desire an explanation. I also seek your solemn oath, on your honor as a Servant, that you do not intend harm or to disadvantage my Master, his family, or his allies."
EMIYA barely had time to ponder his options before Illya stomped over to them and gave a furious pout. She started to helplessly beat her fists on the blonde Servant's leg in her frustration, though this flailing did little but surprise Lancer Artoria. "Stop picking on Onii-chan! He's never seen Mama before! Of course he'd look at her!" The girl's exclamation made everyone freeze, at which point Illya crossed her arms and glared at Lancer Artoria as if willing her to lower her weapon.
"Illya...you..." EMIYA started before the young girl turned to regard him.
"I realized it during our War, Archer. You and Onii-chan are the only ones who can make Noble Phantasms like that! Seeing you here in the foyer again where you...I can't let that happen again! No way!" Illya went to EMIYA and hugged his leg tightly, clinging desperately. Rhongomyniad stayed trained on his chest, but Lancer Artoria's expression was now one of surprise rather than suspicion.
"Wait, you also have memories of the future, Illya?" Irisviel asked, her eyes wide open. This revelation was one that wasn't lost on EMIYA, who Kiritsugu and Maiya had been hiding the fact from.
"Not all my memories. Some of them are fuzzy. Uncle Merlin wanted to give me everything, but Auntie Morgan said I shouldn't remember so much of the bad stuff. She said I had too much of that last time and needed to be a kid. I remember Onii-chan though! And Archer, who's Onii-chan all grown up! I...I had Berserker kill Archer before I noticed who he was. In this room." A hand went down to pat the girl's head, compelling her to look up.
"Don't worry about it, Illya. I forgave you before it even happened. Bad things happen in war and most of that was your grandfather's fault." An earnest smile escaped the normally sarcastic man, which Illya returned. The Counter Guardian looked back to Lancer Artoria. "It's as Illya says. I'm Counter Guardian EMIYA...or rather, I was a Counter Guardian until Merlin got a hold of me after my last Holy Grail War. I was looking at Lady Einzbern because she would have been my mother if things were different. It was curiosity, not malice. I swear that I mean no harm or disadvantage to Kiritsugu, the immediate Einzbern family, or its allies. If I had known that Merlin had meddled with some of your memories, I'd have been more upfront about a few things. My younger self is eventually going to remember as well, but he needs to do some growing up first."
The revelation that the man in front of them was Shirou was something that took Kiritsugu some time to consider. He did bear a resemblance in facial structure...but that and Illya's claim weren't enough to be sure. "Why did you become a Counter Guardian?" Kiritsugu asked, both as a test of EMIYA's identity and to satisfy his curiosity. Had his son really made such a huge mistake?
EMIYA regarded his father carefully before conveying his story. "After hearing your dying words on that moonlit night, I adopted your dream of being a hero. An Ally of Justice. I killed when necessary to save as many lives as possible, right up until I was betrayed and executed. I was offered a chance by Alaya to protect humanity and save lives, and I took it. It was a foolish decision that simply made me kill whoever Alaya deemed a threat." The man got a bitter expression on his face as he remembered his pledge to Alaya, but his face soon returned to normal. "Thanks to Merlin, I'm free of that in exchange for being Shirou's life-long familiar. My priority was getting Illya to safety, and Shirou's currently protected well enough for me to coordinate with you." He didn't mention the details of how his soul was grafted to Shirou's own, or how Shirou's modified and more versatile Reality Marble gave him a loophole into manifesting now that he'd assimilated a Lesser Grail. EMIYA needed to keep things simple.
"...you can let him pass, Lancer." Lancer Artoria retracted her Lance at her Master's word and turned it back into Add. EMIYA was dragged into the room proper by a happy Illya, and she gave the tanned man a look that Kiritsugu was familiar with. Clearly familiar with the look's meaning as well, EMIYA lifted a happy Illya onto his shoulders. In the process, she mussed up his hair and allowed it to fall into the hairstyle that Kiritsugu was familiar with. At that moment, it became far easier to believe that this man was his son.
Before any further comment could be made, Illya's stomach chose that moment to growl against the back of EMIYA's head. Gray's quickly followed suit. It was then that everyone remembered that the children hadn't had a chance to eat anything but junk food on the plane.
This reminder compelled Sella to act. "I will make something for the children."
EMIYA chuckled slightly at the rumbling tummies before electing to volunteer his services as well. "If you need help, I know my way around a kitchen-"
"No." Sella expressed sternly before she managed to better school her expression. "It...is not appropriate for a guest to assist with the meals, especially a member of the family. I will tend to the cooking." Sella's expression was hard to read, but EMIYA could tell that she was a bit hostile on the matter. Her pride was still hurt that he had helped Illya earlier when she did not even notice the young mistress' presence. It made her feel like she had failed as a maid.
"If this Artoria is anything like her younger Saber variant, you may want to rethink that. She could really put it away." EMIYA said bluntly and without much thought, earning an odd expression from Lancer Artoria. She blushed ever so slightly while bearing an expression of light irritation.
"Was my other self truly so lacking in decorum? It is not like we require sustenance. We are Heroic Spirits." The critique was one she did not want to let pass unchallenged.
The tanned Archer simply smiled. "It helped that all versions of Shirou Emiya found the cooking of such meals pleasurable during the Fifth Holy Grail War. Also that she loved the taste of his food to where she would not leave behind even a morsel. It ate into the finances heavily, but we felt she shouldn't be denied the human experience simply because she didn't have to eat. It got to where if the food was withheld from her, she could become very upset. 'Hunger is the enemy', she used to say." EMIYA managed not to shudder. The time he had tried to delay a meal during a sparing session with Artoria in his days as Shirou was one of the times she had truly been angry.
"I am in full agreement with your sentiment. We have never excluded Lancer from dining with us. Her healthy appetite is something we welcome." Irisviel pointed out while embarrassing Lancer Artoria further.
"Lady Irisviel, I am not so uncouth as to stuff myself!" Lancer Artoria attempted to defend herself, but Irisviel's innocent smile bore no response one way or the other. The homunculus maintained her silence as Sella and Leysritt went to cook the family a meal. "Lady Irisviel, please do not choose now to be silent regarding this slander! Is this because I consumed your piece of Baumkuchen by mistake?" This was simply met with a giggle, mortifying Artoria further. "Lady Irisviel!"
Kiritsugu and EMIYA couldn't help but smile at the unintended admission of guilt, but a subtle glare from Lancer Artoria made her Master yield.
"So you and Shirou can both project Noble Phantasms? I thought that Projection was a more limited form of Magecraft." Irisviel asked, knowingly changing the topic and denying Lancer Artoria her vindication.
"...To avoid a Sealing Designation for him, I'd rather not reveal too much information at the moment. All I should say right now is that I can do it, I'm very good at it, and am willing to replicate this World's Avalon for Lady Einzbern to buy her additional time." EMIYA countered in recognition of the stranger in the room. He had no cause to trust Maiya, after all. To Maiya's credit, her expression did not change...at least until aqua blue light collected in front of the man and formed the scabbard from all of their memories. Irisviel and Maiya both gave a small gasp on recognizing the construct before them. He handed it to Irisviel, giving the woman a sad smile. He was just delaying the inevitable, after all. "Saber Artoria, Lancer Artoria, Shirou, or myself. Proximity to any of us will trigger this Projection's healing abilities."
Irisviel's nervous smile became a warm one as she accepted the scabbard, which felt exactly as she remembered it. "I-I see...thank you, Archer."
"You're welcome, Lady Einzbern. Now..." EMIYA then looked from Irisviel to Kiritsugu. The two men regarded each other silently for a moment before EMIYA resumed speaking. "What will you do regarding the corrupted Grail? I know that the Einzbern family head will just ignore it. He doesn't care what happens as long as his wish is granted."
"Officially, I'm supposed to ignore such talk. Unofficially, I'd destroy it on my own initiative if it's corrupted. Just don't mention that carelessly. The homunculi serve as his literal eyes and ears, aside from the ones that were with us in the van." Kiritsugu did not hesitate on this answer, which was a minor surprise to EMIYA.
"Hoooh...then I've got a projection for you to use, too. Another toy from Camelot's armory." EMIYA focused and projected another weapon, Kiritsugu feeling it form in his hand. The next thing he knew, the Magus Killer held a dagger that made Lancer Artoria's eyes widen in recognition.
"Carnwennan as well? Just how many of my armaments can you duplicate?" Lancer Artoria then realized that he'd seen Rhongomyniad as well. Surely he couldn't copy it too, could he?
"Plenty," was EMIYA's vague answer to Lancer Artoria's question, the man giving her a cheeky smile before explaining the weapon to Kiritsugu. "Carnwannen is Artoria Pendragon's dagger. It can grant its user Presence Concealment, has anti-thaumaturgical properties, can shoot a magic laser, and uses Imaginary Number Space to adjust its course and ensure that it always hits its target in some way when thrown...though such absolutes are never truly guaranteed in a Grail War. None of its attributes are particularly high in rank compared to more specialized Noble Phantasms, but I feel like its versatility would suit you best. This version has been further modified by Merlin to be disguised as a modern-day playing card."
Indeed, Kiritsugu realized that the battle against Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald would likely have been far easier if this could simply nullify his Mystic Code and strike the man hiding behind it. Carnwennan seemed to be an ideal weapon for the way Kiritsugu fought. Still, the man would have to re-think how to handle his opponents in this War. "I can already think of some uses. Thank you, Shirou."
"You're welcome." EMIYA's response was punctuated by Lancer Artoria's stomach growling. The woman blushed heavily, compelling EMIYA to smile and look to the kitchen. "Sella's going to need more help, no matter what she thinks. If you'll excuse me..." EMIYA strode toward the kitchen to coax a determined maid into accepting his assistance. Illya stayed on his shoulders, looking forward to his cooking. Gray was unable to understand anything being said due to the language barrier, but she decided to stay near Illya and go to where the smell of food was starting to come from.
Maiya elected to speak once EMIYA was gone, pulling out a folder with the information she'd been asked to find and taking the lead in the discussion. "I can confirm that there is an orphaned boy named Shirou Enjou. Police reports state that he was reportedly ambushed and dragged into an alley by the serial killer Ryuunosuke Uryuu on November 9th at 6 PM. He survived and sustained no permanent injury when looked over later, but a Magic Circle made of blood was found at the scene. There was also extensive damage in the alley consistent with a large fight. The next morning, Tokiomi Tohsaka became his temporary foster guardian. Shirou has been excused from school so that temporary injuries to his eyes can heal. The odds are extremely high that he is the Master of the second Saber-class Servant." The confirmation that Shirou was in the War as a participant made Kiritsugu's blood run cold. At the very least he seemed to be being protected, but if he was this close to Gilgamesh and Kirei Kotomine...
The Magus Killer was distracted from his thoughts when Maiya handed over a printout of Ryuunosuke's information for Kiritsugu to inspect. He noted both the image and description before responding. "...Yes, this is the man I remember sniping last time around. I'll have to see about dealing with him sooner this time." This was the sort of thing that Kiritsugu had done in his days as the Magus Killer. Sneak in and take out the madmen who didn't care about secrecy or human life.
Lancer Artoria refrained from commenting on her Master's seemingly dishonorable interest in taking out Caster's Master in such a manner. She'd heard what depravity Ryuunosuke Uryuu had been willing to resort to before and agreed that such an insane man needed...special consideration. She could regrettably see why Kiritsugu had felt honor and chivalry to be hindrances if his life had been spent fighting exclusively men such as that. Still, his more open mind might allow his personal code to develop further. A code she now knew to exist even if he refused to acknowledge it out loud. His dream to be a hero and a just man had simply been beaten down by the World.
"There is another piece of information I've managed to uncover entirely by accident," Maiya interjected, receiving looks from the concerned trio bidding her to continue. "When I was hacking into the system to make a driver's license for Lancer under the name we agreed upon, there was already an 'Elise Watson' in the system. The license was issued on November 10th with the Tohsaka Mansion listed as the home address. I thought you'd want to see her picture."
The husband, wife, and Servant looked at the picture in the file and saw the youthful face of Saber Artoria staring back at them. The only difference was that she wore a simpler ponytail instead of her typical braid-wreathed bun. "Saber..." Irisviel breathed in surprise and relief.
"I-indeed. This was my appearance when I drew Caliburn from the stone." Lancer Artoria stated. The expression her counterpart wore was one of maturity beyond her apparent years, a stoicism she knew in her current self. It was a dissonance that struck more deeply than she could have expected.
Kiritsugu gave a small smile at seeing the image. "I picked out the name on her license and passport the last time around. The only way she could use that name is if she remembered it. The fact that she remembers a corrupted Grail and is trying to warn everyone is just more evidence. Archer's testimony supports it all even further. She's our Saber, Iri." That brought a relieved smile to Irisviel's face, but Kiritsugu's own smile faded quickly.
"Kiritsugu?" Irisviel showed concern at the sudden shift.
"You two didn't live long enough to be aware, but Tokiomi Tohsaka was murdered in his mansion in the last days of the War. If we don't do something, Shirou is going to be in the middle of that mess..." Kiritsugu's eyes widened as he remembered something important. He looked at his watch to verify the time, then he pulled out a book in which he'd written down a timeline of events during the plane ride over.
"...Assassin should have had their 'match' with Archer by this time tonight. I have a familiar there watching for it, but it never happened," Kiritsugu stated in muted surprise and concern. Had Saber and Shirou being in that location caused a deviation? Or did the Masters involved obtain different Servants which would make the original plan impractical? The plan that Tokiomi and Kirei had made last time around seemed tailor-made for that specific Assassin.
"We need to compare notes with Archer more. I felt like we've only gotten the simplified version of things." Maiya stated, still wary of the man.
Taking this information in, Irisviel picked up the remaining report and studied Shirou's face. This was the appearance of Kiritsugu's son. Her son. She made a decision and looked to her husband with a gentle smile. "Kiritsugu...the one thing we know we have to do is to get Shirou to safety and meet with Saber before the Tohsaka home becomes unsafe." She looked into his eyes, pondering for a moment. "I want to try something different this time. Will you trust me?"
The man nodded in agreement...though he would soon wish he hadn't once she informed him of her plan.
Fuyuki City Roads
170 hours to Zero
Moving along on her Lion Pop ice cream scooter, the King of Knights had destroyed a large number of familiars. She felt no closer to finding Caster, but at least her night time hunting drew a large number of the creatures away from attacking the innocent. The flow of the creatures seemed to be never-ending once the remainder had been lured into a parking lot. Aid, however, unexpectedly came from above. With a roaring laugh and the bellowing of two bulls, Iskandar descended and crushed a number of the monsters with the hooves of his bulls and the wheels of his chariot. Purple lightning shocked the sea monsters and traveled along the trails of liquid slime they left behind them, while yet more were cleaved by the scythes at the sides of the chariot. "Hah-hah! Clear the path, Girl! These creatures face Iskandar, King of Conquerors!"
"Why are you saying your True Name? The master of these things is probably still-Ahhh?!" Waver Velvet was stunned when the unassuming ice cream scooter assisted in the charge, its rubber tires enduring the supernatural lightning with the aid of Reinforcement. The blonde girl's baseball bat was surrounded with a vortex of wind that concealed her weapon before she proceeded to tear into her foes with impunity. The wind slashed as a blade would and she would at times use the weapon in her hand as a wand to cast elemental Magecraft at her foes.
"Why are you surprised, Boy? Servants come in all shapes and sizes!" Iskandar grinned to his staring young Master, the former flowing effortlessly into teasing even as the fight continued. "Or is it the lady's shape itself that disarms you?"
"L-lay off, Rider!" A blushing and embarrassed Waver wanted to protest more, but they were in the midst of battle. A battle that quickly turned in their favor. Iskandar started using area attacks from his sword, calling down lightning. Artoria started to discharge fire Magecraft at the creatures to make sure they would not regenerate and also to form fire breaks to help line them up for attacks. In time, the numbers thinned to nothing.
"Hn. That was simpler than expected." Iskandar stated, even as Artoria approached on her 'noble steed'.
"I fear that our dispensing with subtlety has frightened away my target for the night. I suppose it is just as well. My main priority was the defense of the innocent, and I suspect that Caster will be quieter until he rebuilds his forces. Thank you for your aid." Artoria then sheathed her baseball bat on her back, regarding the mountain of a man who had intervened. "I know you must be bristling for a suitable battle, King of Conquerors, but luck is not with you tonight. I am the errant Saber Servant mentioned by the Supervisor."
"Tch. Regrettable. We are barred from battling you until the Caster matter is resolved. Where is your Master though? They are but a child, are they not?" Iskandar asked in mild irritation, prepared to be critical of Artoria if she left her Master alone.
"Worry not. He is far from here and sufficiently defended. Were he present, I would be upset at you for exposing a child to such crude humor, Rider." This simply drew another boisterous laugh from the red-haired Macedonian.
"Consider it a compliment, Saber! I merely wish to awaken my Master's interest in the enjoyable things in life." Iskandar's sentiment was clearly not shared. Saber's expression was one of stoicism, while Waver's embarrassment died down and was replaced with anger.
"Have you forgotten that we have work to do? Besides, Caster is probably still observing the area. Be careful what you say!" Waver warned, trying to change the subject.
"Fine, fine. Samples of water, correct? Let us go..." Iskandar stated in mild irritation.
"Hold for a moment." Saber said, getting off her vehicle and pulling out her phone. "Before you depart, may we exchange telephone numbers? I wish to be informed if you happen upon Caster so that I may assist." Iskandar looked confused, only vaguely understanding the nature of the device, while Waver silently steeled himself. A girl wanted his number? He reminded himself that it was for practical reasons rather than the alternative.
"I can give you the number of the place I'm temporarily staying for the War, but I don't have a portable one like this. They cost a lot of money." Waver was surprised at how advanced technology had apparently gotten when he saw the device but didn't really question it. Japan was a key land where technology was made and would naturally be ahead of other places, after all. The pair exchanged numbers and Artoria nodded in gratitude.
"I hope to speak to you again later. Your Master is correct that we may yet be overheard. Good hunting, King of Conquerors." When Artoria stepped away from the chariot, Iskandar gave a deep laugh.
"And to you as well, Saber! Perhaps I will encounter yet another Servant tonight!" With a crack of the reins, the bulls started to move once more and lifted the Gordius Wheel into the sky. He didn't even warn Waver, who had barely put Saber's number in his pocket before lurching to the floor of the chariot in surprise. "Onward! Toward the horizon!"
Having lost Caster's trail, Saber resumed her nightly vigil.
Tohsaka Mansion
163 hours to Zero
Shirou had read everything in the house by way of his Structural Grasping ability, though the fact he had absorbed everything in the workshop at a glance had naturally unnerved a Magus like Tokiomi. Still, the child clearly didn't understand why it was a problem and did not mean ill by it. Rather, it allowed Tokiomi to better determine the scope of Shirou's data analysis capabilities.
Recounting the history of an object, which traditionally resulted in his employing a weapon with the skills of its past owners, had this time left him with the skills and knowledge of the generations of Mages which had practiced and learned from the tomes at the times of their use. Two of the more difficult skills for him seemed to be to recall information and skills when not actively looking at or holding the information source or a projection thereof, and to switch between sources of information seamlessly. Thankfully, this seemed doable with effort and would likely be improved with practice. He cleaned up after a late breakfast, processing the morning lessons.
"His Grasping ability is a boon to research and learning. Shirou can store a literal library in his mind. I wonder just how far it can go." A comprehending Saber and an indifferent Gilgamesh heard Tokiomi comment on Shirou's abilities and progress when all involved felt an increase in prana nearby. There were discharges of sound around the property immediately thereafter, snapping all but Gilgamesh out of their thoughts. They prepared for aggressors, getting away from the windows in case of entrance by hostile forces. Shirou had Artoria next to him in the blink of an eye and the group waited tensely for the next phase of the attack...
DING...DONG
...which was apparently delayed by their attacker's sense of decorum as they rang the old-style doorbell by the gate. No attack came when they waited for several more moments, but the chimes would soon sound again.
DING...DONG
Tokiomi risked peeking out the window and his eyes widened slightly when he saw an Einzbern homunculus outside at the main gate. She had the typical albinism of her kind, with white hair and ruby red eyes. She observed him looking out at her and, against everything he'd ever known about the typically emotionless constructs, her face lit up in a wide smile and she waved happily.
Gilgamesh was more than a bit amused by Tokiomi's expression and gave a smirk. "It seems that the doll wishes to be let in. Do you intend to be a good host, Tokiomi?"
Forest near the Tohsaka Mansion
"I can't believe that this is her plan," Kiritsugu uttered through the radio from a different vantage point further into the forest. He worried for his wife, concerned that Tokiomi or perhaps even a lingering Kirei would attack her. His concern was so great that he refused Maiya's offer to act as Archer's 'Master' for this mission. Instead, he wore all-black combat gear with a three-hole balaclava also known as a ski mask to conceal his identity from observers.
His twice-time-displaced son responded with a similarly displeased tone from a position far closer to the Tohsaka Mansion, so as to respond quickly if Irisviel needed him. "I can. It's just like Illya's thinking. Simple, straight-forward, and no consideration for any unintended consequences." EMIYA had used his projected weapons to dispatch the enemy familiars observing the Tohsaka and Matou homes at range, including the Einzbern familiars, before closing in. They didn't want anyone to see Irisviel entering or leaving the area. It could send the wrong messages.
Part of Kiritsugu wanted to chastise his son for the criticism, but he knew that the ex-Counter Guardian was right. Both Irisviel and Illyasviel were strong-minded and focused on their goals. This was sometimes to the exclusion of all else. It was a part of their innocence. In spite of his irritation, the concerned husband and father stopped short of wanting that part of them to change. He knew from EMIYA's actions that he felt the same way and spoke from a place of concern.
"We'll just have to be vigilant while she conducts her negotiations." The Magus Killer's words were the final word on the matter for the moment.
Tohsaka Mansion
Irisviel's smile was honest and pure. It also put Tokiomi off-balance. Homunculi weren't supposed to seem so human, yet this woman was so full of life. They had retreated back to his study to talk, the lady seated at the couch to the front and left of Tokiomi's position at the desk. The first thing she had done was offer to be bound to a geas contract that would compel her to speak only what she personally believed to be true during this visit to his home, much to Tokiomi's surprise. She clearly wanted there to be no doubt as to her honesty and intentions.
"Thank you for meeting with me, Mister Tohsaka. I am Irisviel von Einzbern. I apologize for the abrupt noise, but the familiars spying on your home had to be dealt with efficiently. I couldn't be seen entering your home to talk. This would have been simpler if we had done this by telephone, but I suppose this discussion is best held face-to-face." The voice of the young woman carried an innocent tone, but it was one that carried intelligence. The necessity of destroying the other Masters' familiars was reasonable while also implying that a Servant was nearby and ready to respond if the talks were anything but peaceful. This was the wife of the Magus Killer, after all.
"You are welcome. Peaceful discussion is certainly favorable. What sort of conversation will this be, Lady Einzbern?" Tokiomi retained his poise and was thankful that the woman had maintained civility. He didn't know what to expect, so it was best to cut to the chase.
They were interrupted by a gentle knock before Artoria entered, carrying a tray of cookies made by Shirou and some milk. The boy had insisted on being polite for their visitor, though he'd made extra for the Servants as well. To keep Shirou from being placed in danger and because Gilgamesh had deemed the duty beneath himself, Artoria was the one to present them. She placed the tray down on the table between the couches in the study and looked to Irisviel with pain in her eyes in spite of her stoicism. Pain at having failed to protect her. "My apologies for interrupting. Please enjoy the refreshments."
"Saber..." Irisviel breathed. The inflection of recognition in the simple name made the King of Knights freeze. Irisviel smiled, stood, and boldly embraced the blonde Servant to her and Tokiomi's surprise. "It's so good to see you again!"
"L-Lady Irisviel?" Artoria asked, stunned.
"We remember." Irisviel's words made the blonde woman's eyes widen immediately. "Kiritsugu, Maiya, and I. We woke up yesterday morning to find that a certain adviser of yours had entered our dreams and made us remember everything. Illya remembers to a thankfully restricted degree because her life after this was so...dark."
With that confession and a few seconds for the revelation to sink in, Artoria returned the chaste hug with the slightest of tremors. "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry for failing to protect you, Irisviel..." The blonde wouldn't allow herself to cry, but the grief was clear on her face.
"It was a war, Saber. You couldn't be everywhere at once. Besides, I was on borrowed time from the beginning. I only regret the pain it caused everyone when I died in such a manner. Maiya and Kiritsugu do not blame you either. I don't know how you found Shirou, but I thank you for protecting him. When Maiya found that you had gotten a driver's license with the name Kiritsugu picked out for you before, we knew that you remembered too. We had to come." Irisviel smiled, showing no resentment towards Artoria for her failure to prevent the abduction that Lancelot had carried out.
Tokiomi waited for the two to separate, after which Irisviel gently pulled Artoria to sit with her on the couch. He then dared to ask. "I'm sorry to inquire again, but what is this regarding?" He had his suspicions and listened closely as Artoria began to speak. It was time to come clean.
"As you know, I have seen this World's Second Holy Grail War and a Parallel World's Fifth Holy Grail War. What I did not confess, however, was that I was also part of that Parallel World's Fourth Holy Grail War as the Einzbern Servant. I have withheld as much information as possible because there are notable differences and I could unknowingly mislead you or endanger Shirou if we rely upon too many of the subtleties. Berserker and Assassin are not the same Servants we encountered from that time. Unfortunately, the fact that Caster is the same malicious being strongly implies that the Grail is still corrupt here as well. I also know that the Einzberns did not have the catalyst needed to summon me this time, so their Servant is not my past self." Artoria stated, though something made Irisviel giggle.
"Oh, our Servant is somewhat different, I will admit. You might be surprised at the similarities though!" Artoria wanted to inquire further, but Irisviel then looked to Tokiomi and continued. Her expression turned serious and focused. "Because of these memories of the corrupted Grail and the taint of Angra Mainyu within, which we haven't shared with my Grandfather because our warnings would only serve to alert him against us, we are of a different opinion than the rest of the Einzberns. The Einzbern Master and Servant are willing to put aside their wish to assist in the destruction of the Grail and the defense of the populace if it is indeed corrupted. By contrast, Grandfather has sent many of his eyes and ears to the Ryuudou Temple to prevent anyone from getting close to the Grail to analyze or destroy it. It is our intention to stand against him if necessary."
"But if you do that, then Illyasviel-" Artoria tried to warn, only for Irisviel to raise a hand to stop her. The homunculus' smile returned.
"She is already in Japan. Your adviser told her to hide in our luggage, while a different friend of yours called ahead independently on my phone and warned us to take measures against Grandfather's betrayal. I hope to meet and introduce Illya to her little brother as soon as possible. She is quite excited at the prospect of seeing him again!" Irisviel said happily.
Tokiomi was relieved. Standing against the Einzberns if things went badly had not been something he was looking forward to. It seemed, however, that the Einzbern Master and Servant would side with him and do what must be done. If Kariya Matou supported Zouken due to the temptation to save Sakura in his own way, the Tohsaka still had options.
"Which leads me to the other matter, Mister Tohsaka." Irisviel resumed, recapturing Tokiomi's attention. "As a result of the conclusion to the Fourth Holy Grail War, there was a massive fire in the Shinto section of town. A fire in the epicenter of which only one dying survivor could be found. My husband, grieving from my death and the loss of our wish, saved this child's life with the fading passive power of one of Saber's Noble Phantasms. My husband adopted this amnesiac child and still managed to eke out some happiness with his new son. That child's name was Shirou." Tokiomi's eyes widened in the realization of what was coming. "My husband remembers his son and my daughter remembers her brother, Mister Tohsaka. They want him back."
"I can attest to the validity of the tale," Artoria said while unaware of the geas that already assured Irisviel's honesty. "Shirou Emiya was my Master in the Fifth Holy Grail War and the main ally of Rin Tohsaka. The fire and his salvation by Kiritsugu Emiya were his first memories and I would dream of them through our link. Also of his father's final moments, which he bore witness to. Speaking of the matter had no value before now because the future was very likely not to replay the events that let them meet in the first place...but my associates seem to have had their own ideas on forcing the issue. I apologize." Indeed, Merlin hadn't conveyed that he intended this. Was it an event of opportunity?
"...Kiritsugu is really upset at himself for having never removed your Noble Phantasm from Shirou after the Fourth War." Irisviel sighed, leaving Artoria the impression that Illyasviel had filled them in on the details of the Fifth War to a degree.
"In his defense, Kiritsugu could not have known that the next war would arrive in ten years or that Shirou would be chosen as a Master. Had Shirou lacked my catalyst, things may have been even worse." Artoria defended, surprised that she was protecting Kiritsugu's actions. A greedy part of her also said that it allowed her to meet Shirou, but she did not give it voice.
"Well, now he won't need to walk that path!" Irisviel pulled out some papers and put them on Tokiomi's desk, smiling as if they were the solution to all their problems.
"What might those be, Lady Irisviel?" Artoria asked, in curiosity.
Irisviel happily responded to Artoria. "Why, they're Shirou's adoption papers! Oh, and Kiritsugu purchased the old place for us to live in once the war is over, so we also need the Second Owner's permission to set up a workshop."
On the grounds of the Tohsaka Mansion
162 hours and 35 minutes to Zero
"Hahaha! Oh, the look on Tokiomi's face..." Gilgamesh laughed as he stepped outside the front door of the mansion and felt the sun on his face. His Clairvoyance was annoying outside of battle at times, but it could also alert him to amusing details like this boy's situation or Tokiomi's response to being served Shirou's adoption paperwork. If Tokiomi wanted to be sure that the child would marry into his family in the future, he should have secured him completely rather than simply becoming a temporary foster parent.
That Clairvoyance had also alerted him to the entertainment that was about to begin.
"Should I really be outside right now?" Shirou inquired, wearing a projection of a certain blindfold to conceal his Mystic Eyes. If it worked for the Medusa lady he saw Saber fighting, he figured that it should work for him as well.
"Children should go outside to play when they have concluded their work. Now, why you are wearing that unsightly thing?" Gilgamesh asked bluntly, though he already suspected the answer.
"I'm not supposed to show my eyes outside. The lady who wore this knew how to move without seeing. I thought it'd be good training." Shirou explained, only for Gilgamesh to pluck Medusa's Breaker Gorgon from his head and toss the Mystic Eye Killers away. He did so with notable force and looked to Shirou.
"Save such things for later. You will need your eyes for this. Prepare us a seat pointed that way so that we may better enjoy the entertainment." Gilgamesh gestured in the direction of the forest, compelling Shirou to Trace a couch which he remembered from Tokiomi's study.
The boy never noticed as the Breaker Gorgon thrown by Gilgamesh struck against a weak point in the Matou Mansion's Bounded Field. The headband was slowed and its trajectory changed, but it still flew through one of the Matou Mansion's open windows and fell to the floor after clattering across a desk. The young girl peeking out of her bedroom window to find the source of the earlier noise was more than a little startled and let out a small squeak of surprise at the intrusion. Sakura Matou waited a few moments before she inspected the blindfold with curiosity, awkwardly trying it on and realizing that it did indeed blind the wearer. How had that boy been able to walk with this on? How had he made that couch appear like that? Why was he at the Tohsaka Mansion? The girl stopped short of thinking of it as 'her house' but couldn't help but be curious. Why was there a new kid there if she was forced to leave before?
With one seemingly careless act, Gilgamesh had filled the girl's head with questions and secured future entertainment for himself.
Forest near the Tohsaka Mansion
"There's Shirou." Kiritsugu stated on the radio channel, with no doubt in his mind as to the boy's identity. It was odd that the boy was wearing headgear, though EMIYA knew exactly what the Breaker Gorgon was for.
The headgear was pulled off of Shirou's head and tossed aside by Gilgamesh, making Kiritsugu freeze and stare. The glowing Mystic Eyes were a shock even after EMIYA had finally mentioned the differences that this Shirou's body had compared to the one he knew. 108 EX-ranked Magic Circuits? Compound Mystic Eyes? Merlin's use of the scabbard during Shirou's earliest stages of development may have saved his life from Caster's Master, but it had also turned his son into a target for any Mage family wanting to improve their bloodline. He had suspicions that was the true reason that Tokiomi Tohsaka had extended Shirou his protection. He had a daughter that was Shirou's age and arranged marriages were common among Mage families. Heading that off was one of the good points about this plan.
EMIYA didn't even mention the forming Reality Marble or the dormant Magic Core that Shirou carried. Those practically demanded a Sealing Designation if the wrong person overheard.
Such thinking was cast aside when Shirou used Projection to make a couch on the lawn and the pair had a seat at Gilgamesh' behest. The latter had a plate of cookies and some milk from which the King of Heroes started to snack...while looking straight at him and EMIYA in turn. Realization dawned on Kiritsugu and EMIYA upon processing the sort of man Gilgamesh was.
"Break." Both sources of Gilgamesh' entertainment said at the same time. EMIYA evaded the prana projectiles streaking toward his position, while Kiritsugu heard a swarm of Blade Worms approaching his own. It was enough for both to evade most of the opening barrage, EMIYA needing to use his twin swords Kanshou and Bakuya to block a few of the low-power strikes while Kiritsugu employed Carnwennan to vanish from sight behind a tree and keep moving.
Had Kariya summoned Lancelot, both would have been barred from the Matou Mansion due to Kariya's inability to control the violent Berserker and the danger the situation posed. Irisviel's plan had relied on this detail without her realizing it. Unfortunately, that consideration was not the case with the more stable Boudica. Thus, EMIYA found himself dodging once more as the blade of the Queen of the Iceni cleaved the ground where he had previously stood. The tree behind him was cut from its roots at a diagonal angle. Even before the tree started to fall, the pair were in a blur of motion and the sounds of clashing blades and cracking wood echoed from the forest as the battle began in earnest.
Tohsaka Mansion
Irisviel's radio earpiece came to life as the sounds of combat started up outside. Staying away from the windows along with Tokiomi and Artoria, she answered the communication. "H-hello? Maiya? What's happening? Another Servant and Master responded this quickly? Do you recognize them?" Tokiomi once again found himself envious of the instant communication capability but did not confess as such while Irisviel conversed with someone who was apparently watching the whole exchange. "That matches his reports of this War's Berserker. She must have been at the Matou Mansion and come to investigate. I'm sorry, I didn't expect Kariya Matou and Berserker to be allowed to stay at the Matou estate this time around..."
Tokiomi's mind worked quickly. The Einzberns seemed to have a current source of information aside from knowledge of the other World. He would have suspected Saber to be the leak due to her previous affiliation with the Einzberns, her withholding information, and her possessing a portable phone. The source, however, was male according to his geas-governed guest. He would have to ask some questions about this.
Artoria commented next, deciding to provide context to Irisviel. "Berserker assisted me in rescuing Shirou in the first place and is protective of a child at the Matou Mansion as well. Her Mad Enhancement is also conditional rather than constant, so she might have explicitly chosen to fight in their defense."
"Oh my, this isn't good. A battle over a misunderstanding like this? I would help to clear up the matter myself, but we need to avoid Grandfather finding out about my visit." Irisviel pondered her options while Tokiomi decided to press his advantage to gain more information. She was trapped here and under a geas for the moment, after all. He would just have to do so within the bounds of decorum and being a good host.
When Tokiomi saw Artoria rise and try to leave to stop the fight, he attempted to keep her there so as to speak further. Volunteering a certain detail should manage it. "Things are more complex with the Matou Family than that. Zouken Matou has learned of Shirou's Mystic Eyes and Magic Circuits through unknown means and had made a tempting offer to his descendant. To trade a captured Shirou for a child that Kariya wishes to save. This was only very recently discovered. I had wished to ally with Kariya on learning of the situation, but his family head has made it nearly impossible. We cannot presume that they are still friendly."
"You mean, you...have confirmed Berserker and Kariya Matou's claims?" Artoria inquired, clear alarm on her features.
"Indeed. They are even more graphic and horrendous than the pair have conveyed. Words cannot describe the nightmare Sakura has been through." Tokiomi stated, with no small amount of self-loathing. He elected to continue, so as to clarify things for Irisviel. "The child who Kariya wishes to save is my own daughter, sent to the Matou as an heir for them in good faith only for them to perform...horrible and depraved modifications to her body. What kind of man would I be to repeat that mistake by simply letting you claim Shirou? The Einzberns are just as likely to modify their family members as the Matou. One could say it is the very basis of their family line." Indeed, those willing to make homunculi for specific purposes and populate their family entirely with them would likely not be opposed to experimenting on Shirou as well.
Irisviel was not offended. Rather, she understood completely. "I do not blame you for such concerns. After my death, my own daughter was altered in a harmful way that shortened her life. That is why she is in Japan right now in spite of the Grail War. Were Shirou joining the Einzbern family, your fears would be justified. Fortunately, we have given Shirou the Emiya name to avoid the Einzbern family having any authority over him whatsoever aside from what I, as his mother, allow. Kiritsugu also does not care as much about research and Shirou could not inherit his crest anyway. Kiritsugu's own assets separate from those of my family have been used to purchase a residence in Fuyuki itself that is independent of the Einzberns' control, in which we would live."
The homunculus gave a kind smile to clarify her point. "Shirou would not even have to be involved in the Moonlit World at all if he did not wish to be, though I would not reject him if he wished to learn. Kiritsugu and Illya want him back out of love, and I happily support their wishes."
Forest near the Tohsaka Mansion
Boudica was suspicious and wary. This man was fast and appeared on the surface to be a Saber with an infinite supply of twin swords. These blades readily blocked her weaker strikes and were even able to take stronger prana barrages from her sword several times without breaking in the right circumstances. She routinely had to avoid swords flying through the trees and aiming for her head from odd angles or even above, as if he were employing an Assassin's technique rather than the straight-forward combat of a Saber. The Iceni Queen also found herself punished solidly the few times she attempted to close and attack in melee, getting her sword blocked by his own and a knee to the stomach once for her trouble. The man mixed in kicks when an opportunity was given, so simply charging in like her class' namesake wasn't a good idea.
The real confusing and irritating aspect was that the man didn't seem to be trying very hard. Boudica was no stranger to battle. She knew when someone was giving their all and when they were holding back. Even with her being weak for a Berserker since she lacked Mad Enhancement at the moment, she still should have been able to press her enemy harder than this. Was he the type to hold back against a woman?
"Good, that takes care of the worms in the immediate vicinity. We can talk for a bit, Berserker." The man said, shocking the red-headed Servant with his knowledge of her class. That snapped her out of the fight long enough to register what he said to her and look around herself. Worm familiars that had come to investigate had been wiped out around them by his blades, extermination being conducted while he battled.
The thought that he could efficiently split his attention from their fight in such a manner was harrowing for the woman.
"You presume a lot, thinking a Berserker would be able to speak," Boudica observed in irritation, trying to conceal her surprise and wondering how much this Servant knew.
"Less a presumption and more what intelligence I've been able to gain thus far in the war. Most of the Servants and Masters have been identified already, Boudica." The man stated, making Boudica's eyes widen. The revelation that the True Names of so many Servants had already been learned this early in the War, including her own, was a huge surprise to her. "Luckily for you, I'm not interested in the Grail. Certain people wanted to have a peaceful discussion with the Tohsaka without being seen by any familiars. So if you don't mind...how about we just keep the area clean of the trash and wait? It's not like the Tohsaka Mansion doesn't already have two Servants guarding it."
FWOOOOOM
Boudica looked in the direction of the sound and perceived a column of smoke rising from the trees. Putting two and two together, she rushed off toward the fire. "Master!"
EMIYA gave a sigh. It seemed that Kariya Matou must have been less reasonable than Berserker was right now. A sentence that would have made little sense were it not for the unusual circumstances of the pair. The False Archer gave chase, not wanting Berserker to harm his father.
Tohsaka Mansion
Tokiomi's expression was stern as he processed what he'd been told. He insisted on being informed of everything both to make sense of the memories the ladies before him had and for them to explain Artoria's situation. Artoria could not be bound with a geas as Irisviel was, but her identity essentially made her word as good as gold.
Artoria Pendragon. The "True" True Name of Saber was that of the chivalrous King of Knights, an anomaly that still lived rather than being a true Heroic Spirit. Moreover, she was the version indigenous to this World, having survived in the Reverse Side of the World from her own era to the modern day. She was told to claim the name 'Mysterious Heroine X' by none other than Merlin to avoid triggering Shirou's hidden memories of a parallel version of himself too early. Merlin had also outfitted her with modern technology and garb toward that end. The Magus of Flowers had even appended to the memories of the Einzberns who had been Shirou's family. Toward what end? So Artoria could give Shirou a better life rather than simply allowing him to become an amnesiac child who perished ten years later due to the Grail Wars. Involving him in the war directly was not part of their initial plan, forcing an emergency summoning of Artoria based on Merlin's own knowledge of Servants and the Grail's systems.
The revelation that Shirou's future self was the inventor of Tracing, and that it had been developed with a lack of proper guidance after his foster family's untimely (but now preventable) death, was a shock to Tokiomi. When confronted with the reminder that Artoria had told Tokiomi that she thought Shirou may have learned of the skill through his dreams, she defended her actions by saying that Shirou was indeed seeing events of the Fourth and Fifth Holy Grail Wars through the link and likely saw it employed by his future self. She confirmed that he'd even seen his own death. She could bend the truth or imply things to protect her Master from Mages who would take advantage of him, but she had never outright lied. Even the name 'Mysterious Heroine X' was less a lie and more a confession of concealment.
Irisviel comforted Artoria, Shirou's death bearing strong similarities to Kiritsugu's own tale of the end of the Fourth War. The use of Command Seals to destroy the Grail was a horrible necessity that gave Artoria guilt over taking Shirou's life. Guilt compelled the woman to start this 1500-year plan to ensure his safety in a new timeline on her return.
While EMIYA and Boudica were fighting, a summary of the Fourth and Fifth Holy Grail Wars was given. Tokiomi noted that his alliance with Kirei was known to the Einzberns, though tailor-made to a different Assassin-class Servant. The man could see his own logic in the plan in how to employ Hundred-faced Hassan. Tokiomi heard detailed knowledge of Archer's capabilities in the Gate of Babylon, his Vimana, Enuma Elish, and Ea which even he wasn't fully aware of. How he had agreed to send away Kirei in exchange for an alliance with the Einzberns. That Kiritsugu had later found little more than a pool of blood in this very room and quickly identified a murdered Tokiomi as its source with his tools of the trade. And finally, that Kirei was employing Archer as his new Servant at the end of the War. The revelation that Irisviel herself was the Lesser Grail and had been strangled to death by a maddened Kirei was a disturbing claim that Tokiomi would not have believed were it not for the geas. So was the fact that she remembered being corrupted by the Greater Grail after losing her corporeal form and almost contributed to the slaughter of mankind.
The account of the Fifth War revealed an orphaned Rin under a deceptive Kirei's care, a Sakura in the care of the Matou with an abusive and murderous step-brother, an Einzbern family who had lied to Irisviel's daughter about the corruption of the Grail and sent her to win it anyway at the cost of her own life, a still-mad and sadistic Kirei serving as the War's Overseer who hoped for the Grail to unleash its curses on the world, and a potentially maddened Gilgamesh whose prana supply was provided by orphans trapped in the Fuyuki Church's basement. Irisviel had even used her Magecraft to share their memories with him when he wanted clarification on various matters.
Unable to accuse them of lying, Tokiomi instead simply fought back the urge to vomit.
"I...can see now why you led with the geas, Lady Einzbern. Might you know when Kirei started this alleged decline, or why?" Tokiomi asked, wondering if it was when Kirei lost his wife, his father, or when future Tokiomi himself had deemed Kirei too much of a liability to keep around.
Irisviel took a moment to carefully parse her words for clarity. "...Kirei Kotomine openly admitted to being empty and desolate inside. He thought my husband to be similar due to the sort of life he led. Kirei felt his own life was pointless and struggled to find purpose or meaning in it. He sought an answer he thought my husband had found when, in reality, my husband is fundamentally different and conceals his kindness out of necessity. It was an obsession. Kiritsugu saw signs of it when he learned that Kirei Kotomine would nearly master a discipline under your care, only to discard it and move on to the next without hesitation. This was a trait he showed throughout his life in the Church as well. His accomplishments gave him no pride...no meaning." The revelation of this fact made Tokiomi recall various odd details about his apprentice that now made more sense. He had thought it strange as well when he trained the fellow Master but chalked it up to Kirei being a man of the Church and learning of Magecraft only through necessity. "This is not a recent event, Mister Tohsaka, but a flaw fundamental to Kirei Kotomine's very being...and eventually warped into darkness and sadism at some point during or prior to this War."
Artoria closed her eyes in reflection. Shirou possessed a similar distortion but had thankfully not walked that path. There, but for the grace of God, goes Shirou Emiya.
"I don't know who took my life." Tokiomi Tohsaka stated in deep thought. "I don't know if it was Kirei or if he simply happened upon me and accepted Archer as a consequence. But I do know that if he was responsible, my other self's abandoning him when he seemed to have outlived his usefulness was to blame. Casting him out because of what you've told me is not an option. Unfortunately, neither is yielding Shirou to you at this time."
"What? Why?" Irisviel asked in surprise. Artoria's expression also donned a rigid appearance that attempted to conceal her displeasure.
"Lord El-Melloi. Did he not attack and damage your base of operations? The very place where you would send Shirou for his safety?" Tokiomi pointed out this fact, a detail which made Irisviel's eyes widen slightly. "If what you say is true, my residence would still be the safer location until further along in the War. Besides...I must confess that I had hoped to train Shirou alongside my daughter Rin. He has already used his advanced form of Structural Grasping to absorb the contents of the Tohsaka Library and Workshop, including knowledge of our Magecraft. I also gave him permission to have a workshop here in Fuyuki after the War. His Grasping and Tracing abilities are something to be cultivated."
"Oh...did Shirou agree to be your apprentice or ward in exchange for the knowledge of the Tohsaka Magecraft?" Irisviel asked, leaving Tokiomi to mentally kick himself.
"It seemed improper to extort such a promise out of a child, especially in a life or death situation like the War. I may also have been a bit...overzealous in the potential that Grasping gave him in regards to learning and information retention." In other words, no. Tokiomi had enough power as Second Owner to guide Shirou on a path of his choosing more gradually, at least he did until this Einzbern showed up at his door. An Einzbern he had little choice but to ally with and possibly elevate to the head of her family for the sake of humanity's survival. "But his own safety demands that he be kept away from the Einzbern Mansion for the moment, especially since Saber is needed locally to help hunt Caster. I also have to wonder just how much insulation Shirou will have from the Moonlit World with the Emiya name. Your husband has many enemies..."
Forest near the Tohsaka Mansion
Further in the forest, a panting Kariya Matou stared down his masked foe. His expression was one of frustration as he clenched his jaw, worms wriggling under the skin of his face. By contrast, Kiritsugu Emiya was calm and collected in spite of the small fires which surrounded them and the smell of smoke and burnt insects in the air. Several trees had caught fire, particularly a few dead and dried out ones.
"If you really came here 'just to talk', why do you have a flamethrower?" Kariya asked in an angered shout, strongly disliking the tactics this man used. Indeed, Kiritsugu Emiya held in his hands a small flame thrower that had been converted into a simple Mystic Code to enhance its attributes and remove the need for a liquid fuel source. The end of it was lit and ready to kill more of Kariya's Blade Worms, which had seen a marked decline in their population since the battle had started. The fact that the man could better control the direction and spread of the flame through its new nature only made it even more deadly.
Irisviel, Illyasviel, and the maids hadn't fully understood what they were helping him and EMIYA build last night. The weapon was a solid one nonetheless and constructing it had been an unexpectedly fun family project.
"Your sole known forms of attack and defense as a magus are comprised of worm familiars, Kariya Matou. They are a defining aspect of your family's Magecraft. This forest is likely teeming with them. If I am going anywhere near the Matou Mansion during a Holy Grail War, why would I not bring a flamethrower?" Kariya didn't really have a response to Kiritsugu's reasoning when presented. In spite of his near irrational anger, he had to admit that the phrase 'burn it with fire' had regularly entered his mind when dealing with his sadistic ancestor.
The worms within Kariya, prodded by Zouken Matou, weren't in agreement. They pushed Kariya into a rage to assail the interloper, heedless of the fact his enemy had a flamethrower. Kariya wasn't trained in fighting hand-to-hand, so Kiritsugu easily swatted his punch aside and delivered a powerful blow to the stomach...though this allowed a few blade worms to get in close and slash at Kiritsugu's thankfully reinforced attire.
It was this scene that Boudica arrived to find. "Get away from my Master!" She shouted and pulled back her sword to attack Kiritsugu, only for it to be struck by Kanshou and knocked off-target. Another tree crashed to the ground due to the prana attack going wide, feeding the growing flames. This allowed the two Masters to break apart briefly and made it difficult for the Blade Worms to navigate the increasingly hot area.
"Berseker! Wipe them out!" Kariya cried out in his artificially induced rage, causing EMIYA's features to harden.
It seemed that there would be no more talk.
Tohsaka Mansion
Irisviel pondered Tokiomi's proposal, while Artoria's face stayed stern. Tokiomi waited for their response, knowing he was asking a great deal. But that was how negotiation worked. Ask for more than you think you can get away with, so you have something to give up as a concession. He could tell that he would be giving up a good amount here...
"I do not believe an arranged marriage between Shirou and Rin would be proper at this point, even if the Emiya name were more of a threat to Shirou's well-being than the Tohsaka name would be. Kiritsugu would not want to force that on him. Any relationship those two had would need to form of its own accord. We do not want to force him to be a Magus against his will." Irisviel stated, while Artoria silently let out a nearly imperceptible sigh of relief. When she guided Tokiomi to accept Shirou as a rival to Rin, she did not expect him to go as far as to consider Shirou as a possible son-in-law.
"Other mages will care about his potential, Lady Einzbern, to the point of trying to take him or outright steal his Mystic Eyes. If nothing else, he will need to learn to defend himself and become familiar with how a Magus thinks. While your husband can certainly help him learn to...think outside the box, should that not be balanced with a traditional apprenticeship at the very least?" Tokiomi inquired, hoping to maintain an in with the family.
"You propose that my skills would be insufficient for that task?" Irisviel asked, not certain if she had just been insulted or not.
Tokiomi's expression grew slightly sheepish through his mask of poise. "...More that, by the very nature of your existence as the Lesser Grail, you regrettably may not be alive to fill that role regardless of your skills. Your son, if he bears the Emiya name, will have a target on his back. You have a Second Owner willing to aid in his training and let him build a Workshop. One who has a brilliant daughter his own age who may be an ally and rival. It is by no means a bad arrangement."
The wording, while blunt, drove home the fact that Irisviel was negotiating for a family that she would likely not be a part of for much longer. This compelled Tokiomi to sigh and present his counteroffer. "...Kiritsugu Emiya is good at forging documents, correct? I propose he assists me in maintaining two identities. One for Shirou Enjou and one for Shirou Emiya." Irisviel's eyes widened slightly as she regarded the man's proposal. "I maintain guardianship of Shirou Enjou and assist in his training. You maintain the parentage of Shirou Emiya. The benefit to Shirou is that he has an 'escape route' if carrying his father's name becomes dangerous or if he needs to otherwise move without suspicion. If he does become a Magus, which I wholly expect that he will desire to do, the boy clearly has his own Mystery to research and bring to the World."
Irisviel looked upset at the comments before she blinked and listened to her earpiece. "So you refuse to hand him over for his own safety, but are not closed to letting us have our son back when it is safer?"
Tokiomi nodded. "Correct. For the moment, I have a duty to him as his caregiver, as Second Owner, and also my own promises to abide by."
He had hoped to get her to agree quickly before the fight outside wrapped up. Unfortunately, she seemed to be listening to someone else over the radio and gave a nod. Finally, the white-haired woman responded. "It seems we won't be permitted to reclaim custody of him at the moment. Bringing him back to the Castle is a safety problem for as long as Lord El-Melloi is out there. I suppose we will have to will continue this discussion after Lord El-Melloi is taken care of, at which point we'll have a better idea of what we all want to do. Your proposal is definitely something we will consider." Irisviel stood, taking a piece of paper out of her purse and writing down some numbers. "Saber, I'm told you have a phone. Would you mind if we kept in touch with you, Shirou, and Mister Tohsaka through it?"
"Of course not, Irisviel! Let me give you the number..." Artoria responded, exchanging information with Irisviel and at least helping leave the door open to further discussion. Tokiomi would need to get used to telephones to keep this mess from happening again whenever the Einzbern homunculus wanted to speak. After exchanging departing pleasantries, Artoria showed the woman out of Tokiomi's home...leaving the lattermost to ponder how best to handle this situation.
Upon walking outside, Irisviel and Artoria noted Gilgamesh and Shirou together on a couch watching the forest as sounds of combat and pillars of smoke came from it. When she saw the red-haired child, Irisviel's maternal instincts immediately came to the fore. This was Kiritsugu's son. Her son.
"I...Illya?" A small and confusing query left the boy's lips as he grasped at a wisp of a memory, bringing her out of her thoughts. Irisviel's eyes widened slightly, but she gave a smile and gently patted the boy on the head.
"No, but I am Illyasviel's mother. My name is Irisviel von Einzbern. It is very nice to meet you, Shirou." She spoke to the boy kindly and gave a curtsy, recalling that he was an orphan even without the Grail War being involved. "Illya remembers you too. She misses you and you will see her again soon. Just not yet. Please wait a bit longer, okay?"
The child was clearly confused but gave the woman a nod. She wasn't human, he could tell thanks to his eyes and growing abilities, but her words and her pleasure at seeing him were completely honest. After all, 'this person lied about x' or 'this person was honest about x' was also a part of a person's history and visible to his eyes. That was something Mister Tohsaka had taught him to discern when speaking to a Magus.
"Okay...it's nice to meet you, Ms. Einzbern!" Shirou said, smiling that this Illya girl was alright. For some reason, he felt like she hadn't been...
A simple taxi pulled up and Irisviel left the Tohsaka property and got inside. After speaking to a woman with black hair and a hard edge to even her resting expression, the pair drove away.
Forest near the Tohsaka Mansion
Hearing that their job was done, Kiritsugu and EMIYA glanced at each other. The former threw down a smoke bomb to obscure himself from his enemy. He was already moving when he drew Carnwennan and vanished from his enemies' senses. Prana blasts and Blade Worms pierced that cloud liberally, though shots intended for Kiritsugu and EMIYA would only find purchase against the married blades that EMIYA wielded and a few more unfortunate trees.
Both were soon gone. One invisible and fleeing by a pre-planned route, the other in spirit form not far behind.
"Where? Where did they go?" Kariya searched for his foes clumsily as he raged, his remaining insects fluttering around in an angry swarm as the smoke slowly cleared. The blood streaming from his nostrils made Boudica take notice.
"Master, your condition!" She was quickly by his side, even as his body gave out and he lost consciousness. She managed to catch her Master, noting that no further attack was forthcoming. This was probably a good thing since the pair had been dominated in that fight. The Servant knew that had the intruders desired it, she and her Master wouldn't still be here.
It was with that thought in Boucida's mind that she became aware of a Servant approaching. She set her Master against a tree that was not on fire and prepared to defend herself, only to feel a measure of relief when it was a certain baseball cap-wearing blonde. "Berserker! Are you and your Master alright?"
Boudica was sporting a large bruise on her exposed stomach, dirt that showed prominently on her white attire, and various superficial cuts. "I'm fine, but my Master isn't! Please, can you heal him again?" The former Queen did not have time to consider things like pride, but Artoria thankfully did not criticize. Her fellow Briton quickly rushed to Kariya and placed a hand on his chest once more. The Avalon within her, or rather the grail-made facsimile, got to work. The haggard man began to look healthy once more, awakening with a strong cough.
"W...Where did they...Saber?" Kariya inquired, quickly raising a hand to his head. "Tchtchtchtch..."
"Stay calm. The worms were interfering with your nervous system again. Will you tell me what happened while I douse these flames?" Artoria asked, the man groaning as he got to his feet and nodded. Boudica was ready to support him, but he did not need it. Instead, they watched as Artoria employed Strike Air around her baseball bat with greater mastery than she had 1500 years previously. She used it to starve or blow out the flames which might otherwise have risked the forest to a larger degree.
Was Boudica envious of that ability? Perhaps a bit. She instead stayed on topic. "We met a Master and Servant who said they were destroying familiars and keeping the area clear of monitoring for a secret meeting between the Tohsaka and someone else," Boudica admitted, her eyes narrowing. "They would have wiped us out. The Servant even knew my True Name and said that most of the names were known in the War. I thought he was the other Saber at first, but those white and black swords of his...he threw them as often as he fought with them and he really could kick, too. I was...outclassed."
That description made Artoria's eyes widen ever so slightly, though Kariya continued the story. "His Master was a real piece of work, too. It was a man in a black combat suit with a ski mask. He thrashed me whenever I tried to get in close, killed any familiars I sent his way with a flamethrower, and all I was able to do was tear at his clothes. Maybe leave a few scratches at worst. They knocked us around for a while and just...left. Thinking back, he went out of his way not to kill me!" Kariya was clearly frustrated, but thankfully not to the point of rage like before.
Artoria sighed, glad for the fact that the pair had avoided being cruel. "That's because they were truthful in their intentions. Their representative even conducted the discussions under a geas. As soon as the emissary they were guarding finished their discussions and left, I came to investigate. I can honestly say that their actions were necessary, though I apologize for your rough treatment."
"Who were they?" Boudica inquired. They seemed to know a great deal about things, including her True Name.
"...I have a very strong idea, though I know not the Servant's True Name. Red coat, black armor, tanned skin, steel-gray eyes, and white hair?" Boudica nodded to confirm Artoria's inquiry, so the King of Knights continued. "I've met both men in other Grail Wars, though I've not seen them paired together so. If that Servant was summoned into the same class as before and you only saw his two white and black swords, then that was because he was indeed holding back. Likely because they approved of your desire to save Sakura and had no desire to be needlessly cruel. If I say more, however...the worms within Kariya Matou may relay the information to his ancestor. A man who, from what I have heard, cannot be trusted."
Artoria regarded the pair, who suddenly realized why Zouken Matou knew anything about Shirou. Kariya himself provided the information. The King of Knights was apologetic. "I know my answer isn't satisfactory to you, and I apologize. I still regard you both fondly and am grateful for your defense...but care must be taken around that man. Please accept my word when I say that concealing the identity of Mister Tohsaka's caller and their defenders is justified."
"I...I suppose we have no choice but to trust you." Kariya stated. He didn't want to, but this Servant had long since proven trustworthy. He was still calmed down by Avalon's healing for now and could see from Boudica's expression that she wanted to accept this for the moment. The Iceni Queen did favor the Briton highly.
"Thank you, Kariya. Berserker. I must return promptly. Please call and talk to Shirou soon. He would be happy to hear from you both." Having stopped the fire and ensured that the pair had weathered the encounter with Kiritsugu and who Artoria thought to be his Servant, the baseball cap-wearing blonde withdrew back to the Tohsaka Mansion.
She left behind a team that was seriously questioning its chances of surviving the war.
Caster's Underground Workshop
161 hours and 30 minutes to Zero
Ryunnosuke Uryuu had seen better days and had learned what it meant to be a man on the run. The small fire he'd managed to start was currently used to boil water for the cup of ramen he'd obtained from a vending machine. Most of the time they tried to kidnap someone, one of the other Servants was ready to intercede. They would have lost too much energy to keep going were it not for Prelati's Spellbook, which acted as an alternate source of energy and allowed Caster to keep working even in these conditions. Still, they were reeling from the losses of the familiars that had fought "Jeanne" and Rider last night. Oh, Caster could have used the dead familiars as catalysts to summon more of them at a fairly low cost, but it was still a cost multiplied by many familiars. It added up.
"And they are finally done, Ryuunosuke!" The man heard his ally speak excitedly, holding a pair of bracelets. Caster approached the like-minded Master and presented them. "Here they are! One renders its master vaguely unidentifiable or even imperceptible to the common masses unless the observer has Magic Circuits or the master seeks to reveal themselves. The other can enforce suggestions on targets with young and vulnerable minds with merely a touch from its master."
Ryuunosuke grinned as he put them on. "Thanks, Big Guy! Maybe now I can get some actual food! Then we can start having fun!" Now they could move around again so long as they were careful. Their energy situation wasn't ideal, but it would hopefully get better after this. Caster, however, had been distracted by something.
"Hnn?" The Servant turned his head, looking intently toward a certain direction in the dark. Something had intruded upon his Workshop...
"Huh, what's wrong, Big Guy?" Ryuunosuke asked before hearing the sound of slithering. Following the sound, he noted movement at the very edge of the fire's light. Large worms. Caster tensed up as he observed them, the creatures coming together at one point and forming the shape of a person. Soon, an ancient-looking man appeared before them with a sinister smile. "...That...was so damn cool!" Ryuunosuke managed, amazed at what he'd just seen.
"We have a visitor of note, it seems. Who art thou?" Caster asked, recognizing the complex familiar Magecraft required for such a thing.
Zouken Matou chuckled as he laughed. "Me? I am the indigenous familiar user and the top predator in the area. There is little in this city that escapes my worms' eyes, including yourselves. You should know that all of the other Masters and Servants know who you both are and seek to hunt you down. Though I'm sure you've already had cause to suspect this."
"Tch, yeah. They really want to mess with our fun." Ryuunosuke uttered, glancing at the cup of ramen he was heating up water to eat.
"Well, as entertaining as they are, your methods of prana extraction are rather crude. I could teach you some more efficient and covert methods of taking energy from the masses and let you hunt in my lands for a time. Of course, this would be in exchange for your assistance in a few matters and Caster's wish for the Grail. His dream has already been granted with Jeanne d'Arc's presence in the world, has it not?" Zouken grinned as he made his offer, knowing that the pair had little choice but to accept with their anonymity gone.
Caster looked to the fellow Familiar user with suspicion, but also interest. "What 'matters' might be the added price for such aid?" Gilles de Rais inquired of the centuries-old worm colony.
Zouken chuckled, knowing that he had them hook, line, and sinker.