Author's Note: Sorry for the delay. This one didn't flow quite as well as past chapters.
Guest: The source I use for references, while a good wiki, does seem to use fanon or at least hypotheses to close its gaps at times. I keep hearing about Gaia's corrective impulses on Projection and other forms of Magecraft and didn't think that it was Alaya instead. Is it that way for Reality Marbles as well, or does Gaia also apply pressure on those still?
SentinalSlice: Mordred's Magic Resistance did protect her to a degree, but it's only B-ranked in nature. It's not enough to negate an Add-supported Rhongomyniad completely. Still, you're right in that the damage Mordred took was excessive...for a very specific reason.
Add was merged with Rhongomyniad, taking advantage of the fact that Mordred has an inherent weakness to the weapon that readily pierced her armor and killed her in legend. That is why though it took time for Rhongomyniad to gradually weaken Clarent to the point of breaking, Rhongomyniad could then tear through Mordred and her armor like paper. Once Rhongomyniad hit her armor or flesh as it did in legend, Mordred's Magic Resistance meant little. Prydwen was meant to help protect her from that flaw, but she goofed.
Lancer Artoria, were she hit by Clarent, would have taken increased damage as well since Clarent struck her down in legend. Fortunately for her, Mordred was hit first.
As for why Lancer Artoria has the same weakness to Clarent that Saber Artoria does, Lancer Artoria fought at Camlann and returned her Lance (and likely Excalibur) to the Lake. Implying that she was killed there. Her relationship with Mordred in Fate/Go is bad, implying that the rebellion happened. So yes, though Lancer was a different existence from Saber, she was still mortally wounded by her World's Clarent. Goddess Rhongomyniad is yet another Artoria who is like Lancer but did not surrender her Lance to the Lake after Camlann and lingered.
In THIS World, the legend of Artoria Pendragon is that she was wounded badly by Clarent and either died or went to Avalon. She also returns at times to fight for Britannia as well as to guide history for Shirou to exist. In both cases, whether Lancer or Saber Artoria, the legend holds that Clarent landed a mortal blow. Thus, the weapon is effective against both.
Chapter 09: Friends and Allies
November 12, 1994
Tohsaka Mansion, Fuyuki City, Japan
153 hours and 30 minutes to Zero
"Tohsaka...I'm sorry, but I need sleep..." Shirou groaned a bit through his fatigue as he rubbed one of his eyes. He was in Sakura's room temporarily and dressed in a set of pajamas, looking at the demanding girl in the doorway. Rin crossed her arms and was looking at him with childish irritation.
"Come on, Enjou! I just want more jewels! I don't get to practice as much as I want because I keep breaking them and they're expensive, but I feel like I've almost got it now!" It had been about four hours since the twin-tailed girl learned that Shirou could Project high-quality gems that she could use to practice her Jewel Magecraft. The main bottleneck to her growth as a Magus, the expense of her research materials, had dropped to zero thanks to their house-guest and his 'useless' specialization. That was why she routinely popped up throughout those four hours no matter where he was or what he was doing to insist that he make more gems for her. During his own training, while cooking dinner, even on his way to the restroom...she was there and no amount of gemstones he made for her seemed to last for very long.
Was she still irritated by the earlier revelation that he had such raw potential as a Magus? Certainly. But he was also useful to her, and she intended to milk that for all it was worth.
"Rin," Artoria inquired from within the bedroom before stepping forward, "if Shirou is too tired from a lack of sleep, will that not stop him from making as many jewels for you tomorrow? Do you not need to sleep so that you can train effectively tomorrow as well?" The seven-year-old girl froze, contemplating the comment. Because of fears that Zouken would actively hunt Rin down and hold her hostage in exchange for Shirou, and due to concerns over Caster, the girl had been allowed to stay at the Tohsaka Mansion and take time off from school as well. The initial plan to send her away hadn't included the addition of an extra Servant to the mansion's defenses, after all. Her mother, Aoi, had already been informed.
"But...nngh..." Rin looked down at the ground, pouting. "I can't fall asleep without Mother telling me a story..." The girl uttered quietly, half-expecting Shirou to make fun of her. Of course, the kind Shirou wasn't capable of such a thing.
Shirou ignorantly said something more mortifying to his classmate instead. "Should I read a story to you? Some of the other orphans are like that, so I'm used to it-" The embarrassed and red-faced glare Rin sent his way shut him up abruptly. Artoria was compelled to act before things got worse.
"I will tell you a story, Rin. Let us go to your room and get you in bed." Artoria settled the situation promptly. Too bashful to say anything else, Rin nodded while still looking to the floor and took Artoria's hand when it was offered. The Servant and child left Shirou alone, so he went to bed as well.
As he lay in Sakura's bed, the boy thought of the other children from the orphanage. How were they doing? Shirou was the peer that the others relied on and trusted, even the older kids. Sometimes a few older children new to the orphanage tried to 'put him in his place', but one did not mess with the person who made the food or helped with the homework for very long. Being strong enough to break up fights without anyone being hurt helped too. Instead of drawing pride from these facts, he worried about what needs weren't being met without him around. They might be running low on leftovers by now.
Bathed in the darkness, Shirou soon realized that he wasn't alone. His own glowing golden eyes met a collection of red shining dots as an entity phased out of the darkness of the room, but he felt no fear. This was because he could see the history of the creature in front of him and knew who its master was. Shirou did, however, feel quite awkward.
"Uh...sorry if I'm not welcome here! Your dad said it was temporary. That we'd figure out someplace else for me to sleep when you came home..." Shirou said nervously to the Shadow Familiar on realizing who had forged it. The being moved as if tilting its head inquisitively, curious about the boy who was talking to it. It approached the bed and looked up at him.
"I know you're made by Sakura. My eyes can read your Familiar's history." Shirou answered the obvious question. The creature gave a faint rumble, trying to use vocal cords that did not exist. The effort at speech failed, but Shirou's eyes widened a bit. "Hey, wait! I thought I saw something! Push the thought harder!"
No sound emerged, but a thought was added to the creature's history in real-time while Shirou was looking at it. 'Can you hear me?' The thought asked, in a quiet, timid voice.
"Y-Yeah, Sakura. I can hear you...well, more like my eyes let me read the thoughts you send it? Something like that?" Shirou had never thought to use his eyes to read thoughts, but thoughts were a part of someone's history too. Mister Tohsaka had mentioned that he could use his sight to see if people were lying to him, so it made sense to go one step further, right? He couldn't read any thoughts from this Shadow Familiar that Sakura didn't explicitly send through it, though.
'Good...is Rin okay?' Sakura asked through the creature, earning a smile from Shirou.
"She's fine. Maybe we can talk to her tomorrow? I can tell her what you're saying." Shirou offered. The Shadow Familiar sent no thoughts for a time, indicating that Sakura was pondering the situation.
'That sounds good. Can we talk more, though?' Sakura asked, almost pleadingly. Even though Shirou was tired, he couldn't say no.
When Artoria returned to Shirou's room once Rin finally fell asleep, she saw Shirou and the familiar both sitting on the bed. Recognizing Artoria, the familiar raised one of its tiny arms and waved politely. Shirou looked to the surprised Artoria and smiled. "Welcome back, Saber! Sakura sent a Familiar to visit! She says 'hello'."
Artoria stared blankly for a moment but soon realized that this was likely par for the course. Grail Wars were strange.
Fuyuki City Skyline
153 hours and 1 minute to Zero
Standing on the roof of the same under-construction building that EMIYA had stood on roughly an hour before, one directly adjacent to the Fuyuki City Hyatt Hotel, Kirei Kotomine sought clues to the recent discharge of prana in the area. Okita had been too busy watching the fight between Lancer and First Saber, who turned out to be another version of Artoria Pendragon and her 'son' Mordred respectively. Then Rider intervened while revealing himself to be Iskandar, also known as Alexander the Great. All of their Masters were now known as well. All-in-all, it was a massive intelligence boon. Watching through his Servant's eyes had also allowed him to observe their specifications. Lancer Artoria was second to Saber Artoria in her parameters. Mordred was powerful, but lagging behind in third place. Iskandar was strong but less well-rounded. A fight against him could go either way.
The downside was that she couldn't quickly leave to investigate the massive burst of prana felt from this area during the battle. It was certainly a Noble Phantasm-grade discharge of energy. By the time Kirei was able to arrive, whoever released it seemed to have come and gone.
"Kiritsugu Emiya," Kirei mused to himself, regarding the display and its timing. "It seems that you are already amending your plans so as to avoid the same mistakes as before, but the similarities to that other World's events still reveal your hallmark. Where did you find something with this much power without employing your Servant? This wasn't done through your own strength alone." The wind carried no answer to the man's question, so he instead elected to contact his Servant.
'Grandmother,' Kirei inquired over their link, 'I haven't been able to find any clues on my end. It seems that I was too late. Do you still have them in your sights?'
'Yes, Kirei-chan. Lancer's group and Rider's group are still together. Lancer's true Master and his apprentice are probably somewhere nearby, but I haven't seen them all night. No one seems interested in fighting at the moment. Einzbern-san is pretty much leading Rider's Master around by the nose.' Okita's voice carried a hint of amusement.
'I see. Where are they now?' Kirei inquired, deciding that the source of the energy had come and gone. El-Melloi had already fled as well. He would leave and focus on Okita's lead.
Ahnenerbe Restaurant
153 hours to Zero
An unlikely quartet was seated at a table in a restaurant not far from the Fuyuki Bridge. Lancer Artoria, wearing her butler outfit and Add-clad necklace, sat across from Iskandar while both ate massive amounts of food. They had a large sampling of modern beverages as well. Next to their Servants, Waver Velvet was sitting across from Irisviel von Einzbern. She had wanted to talk and had practically dragged him out to eat with the Servants. Waver had wanted to decline, but Iskandar had loudly accepted with a laugh. On being reminded of how much food the King of Conquerors could put away, Waver was both glad that Irisviel had offered to pay the bill and mortified at his Servant for taking advantage of her goodwill.
"Hard to believe that Mordred's the one who showed up. It's a good thing Lancer kept her helmet and armor on, or things might have been even worse!" Add commented. If Mordred learned that her 'father' was a woman, and a well-endowed one at that, the sparks of rage could have flown higher still. Lancer Artoria was silent and gave no response. Her mind was on the briefcase sitting on the floor under the table. It held Mordred's severed arm in an instance of Imaginary Number Space. Kiritsugu had included that briefcase in the trunk of Irisviel's car just in case it was needed. The limb would have vanished, absorbed by Add's ability granted to the Lance, were it made of prana like a Servant's body was supposed to be. Time did not pass in Imaginary Number Space, so the arm could be safely analyzed later without risk of deterioration.
Iskandar then commented, taking a pause from eating his own meal. "Yes, and to think that the other Saber has both your voice and face. I must wonder if you have other daughters your legend did not record!" This was met by a glare from Lancer Artoria to silence the man on the matter, but he simply gave her a knowing chuckle before he resumed his meal. She had already spoken that she would not reveal the second Saber's identity.
She was allowed to return to thinking of Mordred's arm, whose implications worried Lancer Artoria deeply. There was only one reason she could think of as to how it existed in this state, and she did not like it. Still, now wasn't the time to discuss such a thing. That would wait until Irisviel was done with this conversation and they were alone. She glanced at an awkward-looking Waver Velvet.
When Irisviel set up a small Bounded Field at their table so regular people would ignore their conversation, Waver had expected discussion of an alliance or of Grail War-related topics. Instead, the woman had started asking him about Britannia and where else he'd been. It turned out that she had spent her whole life at the Einzbern Castle in Germany until yesterday. Part of the reason for her picking this restaurant was because it had interesting foods and ambiance.
In return for answering her questions, she started to show him photographs.
"...And this is Illya when she turned eight! She was so excited to get that World Atlas and see images from around the planet!" Irisviel happily exclaimed. Waver was nervously listening to the homunculus gush over her daughter's pictures. He didn't dare interrupt. The Einzberns were powerful Mages. If one wanted to show pictures of her child rather than kill him, he wasn't going to stop her. Besides, if a homunculus was odd, a homunculus with emotions that had birthed a daughter was perhaps a first. The concept was mind-boggling. "And this is her pretending to use Kiritsugu's computer! I don't know how to use it either, but what he can do with them is amazing! Don't you agree?"
Kiritsugu? Waver felt like he should know that name from somewhere. Still, he was more interested in the fact that an Einzbern wasn't frowning on the use of technology. "Y-yes. Most Mages frown on the use of technology because of their pride in Magecraft and their belief that it is always superior, but I find technology to be useful! Even if my tuition at the Clock Tower means I have to buy older models, I can still use a phone and I have an old computer and printer for writing papers and printing copies more easily. I still have to hand-write the final draft though. Otherwise, my instructors deduct points."
"Odd. My husband taught me how to use my phone and my radio today, and we will keep in touch with them through the War. I can even take pictures of Magic Circles and use them instead of making a new one every time! There are things technology can do more easily than Magecraft, and things Magecraft can do more easily than technology. Why not let them supplement each other?" Irisviel's innocence and lack of bias were like a breath of fresh air to Waver, so he began to speak more candidly.
"Pride," Waver responded in a single word. "Mystery is weakening because of the wide-spread belief in science, so many ancient Mage families frown on anything based on modern human knowledge because they see it as eating away at their power. Even when that knowledge creates something that our current Magecraft can't do as efficiently! Atlas may have a magical computer that is better than anything science has produced, but science has made computers that anyone can obtain and is starting to connect them together globally. When it comes to wide-spread communication and information gathering, science pushed ahead a century ago. Many Mages don't even realize that or just see it as a problem for Magecraft's survival."
Lancer Artoria chose that moment to interject, drawing from her experience in governance. "It sounds as though pride and elitism running unchecked have led to stagnancy in Magus Society. The Magus Killer exists with such notoriety because he uses those faults against his targets to great effect and highlights the failures in the system. I am glad that Kiritsugu has ensured that you and your daughter do not share those failings, Irisviel." Waver tensed as realization dawned. The Magus Killer, Kiritsugu Emiya. That was who this lady was talking about. He was having a late dinner with the Magus Killer's wife. He glanced around himself, not seeing the face of the man in the pictures with the child...but Waver still felt rather uneasy.
"There's the terror," Maiya said, smiling wryly at the familiar moment when a Magus realized they were dealing with the Magus Killer. The pair were watching the meeting from a nearby booth within the restaurant, a Bounded Field of their own helping them avoid notice as well. Each listened to the conversation through the radio that Irisviel carried via an earpiece.
"If we wanted him gone, he'd never have known it before it was too late. Just another kid who has no place in the War. It must have hardened him a bit though, if he became a lord of the Clock Tower eventually." Kiritsugu's seat was not visible to Waver, but the Magus Killer was still able to watch the boy due to a well-placed metal napkin holder on the table that was polished to a reflective shine.
"I suppose that reaction proves the merit to Irisviel's being our public face though. The velvet glove to your iron hand," Maiya pondered as they continued to observe. Kiritsugu gave a subtle nod. This Grail War seemed to need a diplomat as much as a warrior, and Irisviel was the best-suited to such things.
Irisviel smiled warmly. "Kiritsugu used technology to show me pictures of the world outside the castle. Then he gave me a camera of my own that could make windows into our memories. I love it! My marriage and my little girl's life, all a glance away...I couldn't hate technology for that." Waver was forced to blush a bit at her expression and coughed into his hand. He was talking to a married woman, darn it! Rider's smug and knowing expression didn't make things any better.
The necklace that Lancer Artoria wore chuckled. "I wish we had that in the sixth century! There are so many nice pictures we could have taken of Lancer. Practicing with the sword, trying to hide her gluttony, cleaning up after the pigs-"
"Hush, Kay. We speak not of such things at the dinner table," Lancer Artoria uttered sternly without thinking, more convinced than ever that Add was indeed housing the soul of her adoptive brother, Sir Kay...or at least a mentally complete copy. Only he and her adoptive father Sir Ector would remember just how badly she hated cleaning up after the filthy swine when she was still her brother's squire.
"Pictures from around the world..." Iskandar mused as he prodded his beard with a finger in thought. "It reminds me of the television. I must confess that I would love to see such a thing. I, who sought to conquer the world, have not seen anything approaching the entirety of what it has to offer! Even if the images could not convey the nuance of such lands in their entirety, a glimpse would still be fascinating."
Waver wanted to tell his Servant to focus on the War rather than such things, but the situation of the woman in front of him gave him pause. Trapped in a castle and only now being able to enjoy such things...wasn't Iskandar's situation similar? Only being back in the world for the duration of the War unless they won? The boy gave a sigh. "M-maybe we can go to a library sometime if you behave yourself." Waver yielded, looking to his Servant. "They have books about all kinds of things with the exception of Magecraft. We can't keep the books, but they're free for anyone to look at while we're in the building. We have to be quiet and not disturb the other readers, though."
Rider grinned widely at the prospect. "Excellent! Even in the midst of war, one must never stop learning and striving to better themselves!" Waver noted his Servant's comment. The man had the insight of a King, even if he was a muscle-bound battle junkie most of the time. Lancer Artoria nodded in agreement with Iskandar's comment.
Irisviel looked to Waver happily, glad that he was willing to entertain his Servant's interests rather than using them as a mere tool. He was a grumpy boy but seemed good at his core. She needed a better understanding of his character, though. "Mister Velvet, I was wondering. What is the connection between you and Lord El-Melloi? He said that you stole his Catalyst?"
Waver shuddered at the comment and a look of shame crossed his face. "Yeah...I'm a student in the Department of Spiritual Evocation and he's one of my teachers. I worked really hard on a paper to show that a Magus could increase their power through effort, experience, and knowledge rather than just relying on genetics and lineage. But what did he do? He tore it up in front of the class and went out of his way to humiliate me! Rambled about how I was a baby that hadn't learned to talk yet because I was only third-generation! He wasn't focusing on disproving it, he was just being a pompous a-...err..." Waver realized that he almost swore in front of a very innocent looking woman who was looking at him with sympathy and mild confusion. Lancer Artoria was also regarding him with a regal air whose very presence did not fit such language. He decided to calm down for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing. "When I left the class in shame, a delivery man recognized me in the halls and gave me a box meant for Lord El-Melloi that came from Macedonia. It had Rider's relic inside. Instead of handing it over, I did research on the Holy Grail War and decided to participate. I wanted to be judged fairly for my talents and ideas and figured the Grail could do that...though the more I hear, the dumber and more shallow my wish sounds." Waver glanced at Rider, indicating that the pair had already discussed the matter.
"I still say that if you want people to respect you, you should just grow 30 centimeters. Besides, it isn't that bad. You didn't steal my relic so much as have it fall into your lap!" Rider grinned, slapping his Master's back hard enough to force Waver to have a coughing fit. The man laughed loudly, only ignored by the fact that the Bounded Field kept people from taking notice. "Luck is an important factor in War! It's even among a Servant's parameters, after all! Besides, so what if you stole it? Taking plunder like that for yourself is the way of a conqueror!"
Irisviel and Lancer Artoria didn't fully agree on that, but at least the boy's wish seemed to be something mundane rather than malicious. The latter looked to her countryman's eyes. "Your wish is impulsive, but not horrible. Sadly, it seems to only apply to yourself. The pride and arrogance of Mage society are systemic. Why limit your wish to correct it only for your own sake rather than for the sake of all? Better yet, why not fight to resolve it with your own actions? If your hypothesis is true, then those who condemn you will only weaken themselves by ignoring your concepts and not applying them to increase their own power."
As Waver contemplated how shallow it was to wish for his own betterment rather than for fixing the whole system, Irisviel started to ponder. "Mister Velvet, you mentioned that you produce your work on your computer before making hand-written versions of reports. Do you have a copy of your thesis that I could read?"
Waver was surprised at the request, only managing to utter out an 'uh...yeah, sure' before starting to root through a backpack he carried. He fished out a stapled report, still carrying it on him out of sentimentality. "Here you go..." Irisviel accepted the paper and began to read through it at an impressive pace.
"So, Kiritsugu..." Maiya asked as the conversation with Irisviel died down while she read, "how effective was our arrow?"
The Magus Killer regarded his partner for a moment before looking back to the assembled group through the reflective surface. "Completely effective. Archer crushed the defenses like a tin can, cleaned up the scene, and was long gone by the time El-Melloi and his Saber returned. My familiar had no trouble with any bounded fields or defenses after the fact and was able to monitor the aftermath. The only witness there relayed the evidence we planted and the group is blaming the other Archer in the War. They've since fled to another location, but I've tracked them successfully by concealing my familiar in their belongings."
"Isn't that dangerous? Tokiomi Tohsaka is caring for your son. What if El-Melloi goes after him?" Maiya inquired.
"Our Saber will take care of Shirou. Tokiomi Tohsaka is protected by his Archer as well as by Kirei Kotomine and Assassin. If El-Melloi moves recklessly against Tohsaka, he'll die without ever endangering Shirou. It's just a matter of sending him to a place where there are more Servants and fewer children waiting for him." Kiritsugu was careful to sound certain, even though he was worried on the inside...and not just for what he had set into motion.
Kiritsugu had told EMIYA to 'make it absolute and overwhelming', thinking his son would leave damage mimicking the Gate of Babylon. He hadn't expected his mouse familiar to hear the sole witness stammer on about a Root-damned Reality Marble being used to obliterate the enemy's defenses all at once. A Reality Marble that could call forth unlimited blades? Was that the consequence of using a scabbard to save Shirou and leaving it inside him as he grew up? Archer's hesitation to discuss it in front of Maiya and the fact Shirou could also employ 'Tracing' implied that he too bore a Reality Marble from his previous life.
His first impulse on receiving this new information was to eliminate Tokiomi to keep him from ever learning Shirou's secret. Then he could have Irisviel befriend Rin Tohsaka's mother and act as the child's mentor. The connection to Fuyuki's Second Owner would then be on their terms and protect Shirou instead of risking his life. However, he soon started to wonder if Tokiomi's offer of a dual identity for Shirou was actually the correct choice. For now, Tokiomi would live.
Irisviel finished reading and smiled as she returned the paper to Waver. "That was fast..." Waver uttered.
"Alchemists often pursue mental exercises to increase their efficiency. You should see what some of the Alchemists from Atlas can do. Being a homunculus helps as well." Irisviel said, explaining herself without pride nor boast. She then went into her analysis. "The basic premise of using hard work, knowledge, and experience to improve one's abilities is by no means unheard of. When it comes to Magic Crests, they are filled with the knowledge gained by each successive generation's experiences and efforts along with some Magic Circuits from each bearer. That system already functions based on your concepts. Large numbers of successive generations just give the Crest more time to grow through the methods you've already set forth." When Waver realized he was getting an objective analysis rather than biased prattle, he listened carefully.
"Your methods take that idea further to improving the Mages themselves. Eating fruits and vegetables grown on a leyline for more prana content is promising. The most interesting recommendations here seem geared toward the introduction of more practical concepts and structure in the Mage's curriculum. It seems like you wrote this from the perspective of an educator as much as a scholar." Irisviel smiled while Waver stared at her. "I am not experienced as a teacher or student. Einzbern homunculi inherit the memories of previous models and aren't taught Magecraft in a conventional way, but I see no reason for this not to work. Maybe I should implement this to help train my son-hmm?" Irisviel was surprised out of her commentary when she noticed the boy in front of her starting to cry. Tears ran down his face, much to her confusion.
Rider gave a grumbling sigh at the display. "Control yourself, boy. Crying at having your wish granted a little...honestly. Doesn't this just mean that granting such a simple wish was within your own power all along? Trust in your own abilities more."
Waver hid his eyes into his sleeve and started to wipe them. "...S-shut up, idiot..."
With Iskandar's suspicions confirmed, Irisviel simply beamed at having helped. Yes, the boy in front of her was indeed a good person.
"So, what is your wish? You already know that of my Master..." Iskandar inquired, seeking to get information from Irisviel. He wasn't unaware of the importance of gaining intelligence on the enemy's motives. Their host held the advantage in that regard. There was also the fact that the King of Conquerors was honestly curious.
Irisviel looked hesitant, even uncharacteristically wary, before responding. "You mentioned that the modern-garbed Saber gave you her telephone number. Has she been able to convey her thoughts regarding the condition of the Grail?" The other Servant and Master pair wasn't expecting this response and looked to each other in mild confusion. Apparently, Saber had not done so yet. Irisviel decided to resolve this issue. "Officially, I am to maintain the Einzberns' stance and seek the Grail to reclaim the Third Magic for the family. That is what my family head believes, as do the various Einzbern homunculi serving as his eyes and ears at the Ryuudou Temple near where the Greater Grail is hidden. Unofficially, I couldn't care less about making a wish anymore. Not only can the Einzberns not be trusted with that sort of power to begin with, but Saber believes the Grail to have been corrupted in such a manner that it will intentionally grant a wish in the most destructive manner possible for the world. The fact a Servant like Caster can even exist lends support to her claim that the Grail is malfunctioning. Lancer is in agreement with me. Verifying the Greater Grail's condition and preventing it from causing damage to the world takes precedence, even if the Grail must be destroyed to do so. Unfortunately, some Mages would not care in the least so long as they accomplished their goals..."
"Meaning you had to feel us out first before talking to us about it. Saber may well have needed time to do the same." Iskandar stated, reading the situation correctly. Lancer Artoria said nothing but gave a subtle nod. The Macedonian King sighed and crossed his arms. "I can't well allow the destruction of the world I wish to conquer, can I?"
An idea crossed Iskandar's mind at that moment and he grinned. "Well then, let us feel out the character of the other Servants and Masters as well! We shall conduct a dialogue!"
"A dialogue?" Waver asked, not expecting his Servant to choose diplomacy over violence.
"Yes, boy! Something like what we are doing right now, but of a larger scale! A parlay between the various figures in the war! We can learn what they wish to obtain and of their natures. Even if talks fail, there is value in that alone. Some may prove more likely than others to stand allied with us if the tale of the Grail's corruption holds true." Iskandar's kingly mind was working out how best to manage this. The man was naturally inclined to a solution like this if Irisviel's last time around was any indication.
"It is not a certain thing, though. Even I would prefer proof of the Grail's corruption. Perhaps my Master can do something similar to what he did with the samples of river water and surprise me again." Iskandar praised, while Waver shrunk down in his chair a bit in embarrassment.
"River water?" Irisviel inquired in confusion.
"The boy had me obtain samples of water last night and today from various points in the river. By analyzing the samples' contents, he was able to isolate the likely location of Caster's lair by the prana in its wastewater. Had we not encountered your battle, we likely would have called upon the second Saber to help us investigate tonight." Iskandar clarified.
"Oh, I see! That is rather clever! It sounds like something Kiritsugu would do, too. Using science to pursue a Magus, I mean." Irisviel was impressed at the simple solution. Several tables over, Kiritsugu revised his opinion of Waver Velvet a bit.
Rider laughed while Waver looked down and blushed slightly at the praise. "Indeed! My scholarly Master has contributed something of worth, so it is now on me to do my part! Of course, I am not opposed to bringing allies with us as we go see what we can find."
Irisviel glanced at Lancer Artoria, who gave a nod. Any energy lost in the battle against Mordred had been regained by Add's absorption ability. Irisviel smiled and looked back at Rider and Waver. "We would be happy to lend support. We should give Saber a call as well. I believe she may also call Berserker and her Master."
"You mean we're bringing half the Servants in the War down on Caster's head at once?" Waver asked in surprise. He really hoped that he had Caster's location right or else this would be absolutely embarrassing.
Underground Parking Garage near Mion River, Fuyuki City
152 hours and 7 minutes to Zero
When Artoria entered the underground parking garage and pulled up to the group in her Lion Pop Scooter, she was flooded with memories. This place was where she had fought Lancelot last time around. Thinking that fate was simply being cruel, she failed to realize that the reason for the coincidence was rather mundane. Irisviel had been taken by Lancelot to Caster's old Workshop last time around, and it was that same place that they sought to assail this time. Either way, she felt remorse for her Knight's plight. Hopefully, he'd found peace in the Throne of Heroes.
Irisviel looked at the bike and the cartoon lion illustration on its cooler in surprise. It wasn't anything like a Yamaha V-Max, but still... "That vehicle is absolutely adorable, Saber! It suits you so well with that cute lion on it! Doesn't it, Lancer?" The armored Knight next to Irisviel gave a subtle nod in response. Irisviel rooted around in her purse for her camera and, by the time anyone could protest, took a picture complete with flash.
The King of Knights would have flinched if she were a lesser warrior, but she schooled her expression. She dismounted after parking the scooter next to Lancer Artoria's V-Max and Irisviel's Mercedes-Benz 300SL. She glanced at the V-Max longingly but did not comment further. It was not her steed this time. "Thank you. It was purchased for me by an ally of my Master. It does not have the same capabilities as your Servant's V-Max, but it has its uses. Berserker is still recovering from her earlier battle. She could not attend and sends us her apologies."
Artoria regarded Lancer Artoria, who was wearing her armor again at Irisviel's behest to prevent Caster from chasing after her as well. Lancer Artoria suspected Irisviel to also be enjoying the subterfuge in keeping her identity secret from the alternate King of Knights. Instead of Rhongomyniad, Add's broadsword form was on her hip to conceal the weapon's identity from Artoria's eyes. It was a fine plan to conceal her identity further so long as she did not speak often. Add's voice came from the broadsword, speaking for Lancer.
"Hey there, Saber! I'm Lancer. Master is right. That mount suits you well!" There was a tinge of teasing and inflection to the blade's distorted voice that Artoria felt to be very familiar.
"I-Indeed. It is odd to see a Lancer with a blade...or serving as a blade...but Grail Wars tend to break from convention. Might I know you, Sir Knight? I feel a sense of familiarity with you." Artoria inquired, making Add pause for a moment.
"Well, maybe. How many talking swords controlling suits of armor do you know?" Add laughed after dispensing his wit, making Artoria pause while she considered his words. They couldn't know each other. A living blade commanding a golem made of armor was something that would have been known far and wide in her kingdom. "Anyway, is this the best time to figure that out? Just know that I believe your story and that there's a lot of stuff we need to protect. The world, my Master, and her children." Add's comment reminded Artoria that this wasn't the best time to discuss things in depth. Still, his word implied that he sought to protect Shirou as well as Irisviel's family and the world. Irisviel had clearly convinced her Servant of the dangers and they had come to an accord. This would have to be enough for the moment.
Iskandar strode forward, interjecting. "Whether or not the Grail is corrupted is something we still need to confirm before I stand with you fully. This could be a ruse to compel us to surrender. But if it is not, I will say that I would sooner save the world I wish to conquer rather than destroy it. In the meantime, we are all in agreement that Caster must fall and are allies in this cause!"
Drawing his blade, the King of Conquerors slashed the air with his sword and formed a luminescent tear suspended in the air. From this space, electricity crackled and the Gordius Wheel emerged while pulled by its two bulls. Grasping his flailing Master by the back of his shirt, he jumped onto the chariot and set the manhandled young man down next to him. "Now, then! Saber! Lancer! Lady Einzbern! Stand with me, for we ride into battle!" The ladies of the group boarded while Waver speculated on the similarities between the female Servants. Lancer Artoria looked similar to her daughter Mordred, but this Second Saber was even closer in appearance and action to the King of Knights. Were they related too? He didn't have time to consider this for long before they were moving.
As the Gordius wheel and its five passengers surged out of the parking garage and toward the shore of the river with the drainage canal that was their destination, Okita followed them from behind in a mix of Spirit Form and Presence Concealment. No one had noticed Kiritsugu's team staying at the parking garage to monitor the situation from afar, the trio similarly concealed by copies of Carnwennan.
Mion River Drainage System
152 hours and 3 minutes to Zero
Iskandar's chariot soon raced through the drainage pipe, crushing Caster's familiars under its wheels and the bulls' hooves. They were clearly on the right track. Waver and Irisviel were struggling from the unsteady ride, but the two Artorias ensured that neither fell from the crowded chariot.
"See, everyone? It has all worked out splendidly! RAAHHHH!" Iskandar roared over the screeching cries of dying familiars, Waver giving a small smile in response as they finished tearing through the useless line of defense. He hadn't messed up in his calculations. This was the right place.
They arrived in a large, underground area and Iskandar voiced his displeasure of what they found...or didn't find. "Hmph. Unfortunately, Caster seems to be away."
Waver squinted in the darkness, trying to see even a bit in front of his face. "Is this some kind of water storage system?"
Iskandar did not turn around, but his mood shifted. He spoke more softly, and both Artorias were on guard by something as well. Finally, the huge man gave a warning. "Boy. Lady Einzbern. I think it would be best if you didn't see this."
"What are you talking about? If Caster isn't here, we should at least search for clues to his whereabouts! It'd be dumb not to!" Waver protested, only to feel Irisviel shuddering next to him. Her eyes were wide as she stared out into the darkness. She knew this place...and she could see it quite clearly. She coughed and heaved, leaning over the side of the chariot. It was only due to her homunculus biology that she kept her dinner down.
"T...This is horrible...all these people..." Irisviel sobbed, starting to cry openly. Waver looked over to her with confusion.
Iskandar's expression remained calm as he looked forward, the man's voice bearing an uncharacteristic softness as he spoke. "That may be so, but don't do it, boy. This is far too much for you. Tend to the lady. She has already seen too much of what lies ahead."
Waver was about to protest when, as if by the will of a sadist, lights clicked on overhead and illuminated the room. The boy's eyes widened in horror as he looked upon tortured corpses, some consumed to the bone, all lying in a massive supply of their own blood. Waver had to bolt from the chariot, pushing past Artoria as he narrowly managed to avoid soiling the chariot with his vomit. His heaving continued where Irisviel's left off, and both continued to shed tears once this had passed.
A lone worm familiar slithered away from a light switch, unnoticed by the occupants of the room.
"This is no time for crying, you two," Iskandar said sternly but retaining some measure of understanding. He left his chariot and stood next to his weeping Master. "Your reactions are natural. If I saw someone who could look on all of this and still remain unmoved, I would punch them hard."
"What do you mean you'd...punch them...you idiot?" Waver exclaimed through the tears. "What about you? You look fine! Just like...you always do!"
"That's because now...is not the time for emotion." Iskandar calmly explained to his crying Master.
"Rider is right," Saber added. "What we are looking upon is an evil that we must end. If we allow ourselves to be consumed by grief, we will simply weaken ourselves before the foe that did this." Artoria rubbed Irisviel's back, but her emerald eyes glanced toward Waver's.
"Yes, boy," Iskandar agreed. "What you feel now must be tempered. Learn to use it as motivation to stand tall against your enemy. If you hate what you see here, do not cower on the battlefield! Avenge them and ensure it does not happen again!" His voice grew from an empathic tone to a higher cadence, drawing Waver from his lament for a moment with the oratory. His sadness wasn't gone, but the moment had a weight of purpose to it. A-ranked Charisma was no joke.
A concealed Okita watched in silence as Artoria entrusted Irisviel to Lancer Artoria's care. The indigenous King of Knights hesitantly left the chariot and stepped forward to inspect the carnage. Reinforcement was used on her eyes and other senses, taking in as much information as she could. The blonde cast an analysis spell taught to her by Merlin, speaking as she did so. "The smaller droplets on the floor and the edges of the blood pool have already dried. These corpses have been drained of prana. Finally, the Bounded Field that was in the area has been partially dismantled...!" Quickly pulling out a playing card that transformed into Carnwennan, she stabbed it into the nearest blood pool with urgency.
The sound of a spell being disarmed with a shatter joined a bright purple light in filling the room...
"W-what?" Irisviel inquired as she regarded the energy in the room, which faded almost as quickly as it appeared. Artoria stood there, unharmed. Everything behind the dagger within a 45-degree arc was untouched all the way back past the chariot to the entrance.
The same could not be said for the rest of the room. Seven Magic Circles previously concealed by the blood were active, causing the corpses in the room to dissolve and melt. Even the bones were not spared. The eighth Magic Circle had been disarmed by Carnwennan and spared the group, including the unseen Okita. The light which had shone before was also gone, the light bulbs shattered, leaving them once more in darkness.
Artoria pulled the dagger free, stoically assessing the situation. "It seems that Caster left a trap behind for anyone who investigated the Bounded Field. It is a good thing I had the ability to disarm it in time." Artoria uttered, inwardly criticizing herself for her near-failure. "It's a type of trap used by a Magus that has moved their Workshop elsewhere. He has abandoned this place and destroyed the evidence."
"Then all we can do is set fire to what remains." Iskandar solemnly decided. With heavy hearts, those capable of fire Magecraft worked together to burn the remains. The group left behind an inferno in their wake, contemplating the nightmare they just bore witness to and wondering where Caster had gone...
Matou Mansion Basement
151 hours and 55 minutes to Zero
"No, no, NO!" Gilles de Rais exclaimed, looking through the crystal ball from his new base in the Matou Mansion's basement. "I could have had Jeanne tonight, but we almost killed her instead! Why? Why did we listen to you?" Gilles animatedly inquired, pointing a finger to Zouken.
"Calm yourself," The walking colony of worms responded. "The trap would have left Saber alive even if she hadn't disarmed it. Besides, do you really think that you would have escaped from three Servants and two Mages unscathed? Had you been there, you and your Master would have been killed before you could heal the malady from Jeanne d'Arc's mind. Is it not better to watch her a stone's throw from her home and wait for the best opportunity to strike?" Gilles contemplated Zouken's words and, even in his madness, was forced to acknowledge the wisdom in them.
Zouken chuckled. Gilles de Rais believed his wish had been granted and that he simply needed to 'heal' the Second Saber's mind. Ryuunosuke, a boy who Zouken found strangely endearing with his wide-eyed fascination with gore and Familiars, also had no need for the Grail. So long as Zouken could help them pursue their ends, they would help Zouken capture the boy and even grant Zouken's wish if they won. At the very least they were useful and entertaining tools.
Ryuunosuke was paying no attention to the events transpiring, having found a new target for his fascination at the moment as she lay in the worm pit. "That's so cool! How does it feel having worms wriggling around in your guts like that? Do they eat your flesh or just slither around? I'd cut you open and look for myself, but your Gramps doesn't want you or that Shirou boy messed with. Hey, maybe I can ask him to stuff worms in someone else so I can cut 'em open! Think he'd go for it?" The mad freeter pestered Sakura as she endured another training session. She was staying awake for once, clearly made uncomfortable by the man's questions and childlike glee. If anything, she buried herself further in the worms in hopes that the strange man would go away.
Underground Parking Garage near Mion River, Fuyuki City
151 hours and 50 minutes to Zero
The group returned to the underground parking garage in Iskandar's chariot. All smelled slightly of smoke and none of them looked very pleased as they disembarked, Waver in particular was regretting purging his dinner on the floor of the now burning Workshop. Lancer Artoria offered her hand and assisted Irisviel as she stepped down from the chariot. Artoria, unaware of her other self's true identity, silently approved of the gesture.
"Rider, did you want Saber at the dialogue? We could hold it at my family's castle tomorrow night. It is far from prying eyes, and we have staff that could cook the meal." Irisviel's words grabbed Artoria's attention. The Meeting of Kings was still happening? This was earlier than last time, wasn't it?
The King of Conquerors was pleased to hear about the possible venue. "A castle? That would be a fine place for the meeting! I certainly hope Saber can attend, especially as the source of the claim against the Grail. Now we only need to inform Assassin, Archer, and the other Saber if this Saber can contact Berserker." Naturally, Iskandar wasn't counting Caster among that number. Waver shuddered slightly at the idea of his old teacher attending. Artoria noted that the meeting seemed to be open to all participants now, not merely kings.
"They will all be easy enough for us to inform." Irisviel conveyed, drawing Waver's attention. The implication that the Einzberns were able to get a hold of every party in the war save for Caster and his Master was clearly disturbing for Waver.
"You know how to reach everyone else...do you already know the identity of everyone in this war?" The boy asked in horror.
Irisviel innocently brought a finger to her chin. "Hmm...let's see..." Archer had already informed them of Okita's and Boudica's identities by way of his awareness of Shirou's memories. "...Yes. As of tonight, we know the identity of every Master and Servant currently in the War."
Waver's face was even paler than it had been when he saw the corpses. Irisviel noticed, but misread the reason for his ashen complexion. "Mister Velvet, you don't look well at all! Maybe what we saw today was just too much for you. It has gotten to us as well. Rider, I think your Master needs to go home and head straight to bed."
"True, the boy does look rather pale." Iskandar noted, giving a bit of a sigh. "Well, I'll see you all tomorrow night. Perhaps we shall conclude the meeting with another hunt for Caster!" Iskandar cracked the reins and willed the bulls forward. Waver was forced to cling to his Servant's robe in surprise as they stormed out of the parking garage with minimal warning.
Not long after, Kiritsugu and his team stepped out of the shadows. Artoria was particularly surprised that she hadn't sensed their presence but gave them each a greeting. "Kiritsugu. Maiya. Archer. It is good to see you all. I have to wonder though, Archer..."
"Blame Merlin," Archer blurted out, giving Artoria a smirk as she accepted the answer for what it was. "Good to see you again too, Saber."
"Saber." Kiritsugu greeted, albeit awkwardly. "Thank you for taking care of Shirou. I'm sorry for using my Command Seals on you back then to destroy the Grail, but I had no time to explain."
Artoria considered the man's words with a measure of surprise. Something had changed in him. Was this the Kiritsugu that Shirou remembered from his youth? "You're welcome, Kiritsugu. Shirou presented his own challenges, but I can think of no Master I would rather have. As for what you did back then, I forgave you once I understood the corruption of the Grail. I find no fault in your actions at that time, though I still disagree with how Lord El-Melloi, his fiancée, and Lancer were dealt with during that war."
Kiritsugu pondered for a moment before giving his response. "My values have changed, though I don't know if they're in a form you would approve of or not. I need to find a new balance. Going from an infirm man contemplating his life before dying to a healthy man on the eve of war again was jarring. I'm questioning my life from beginning to end."
"Such is the plight of many Servants." Artoria noted, understanding the feeling fully. "Oh, might I inquire as to the identity of Lord El-Melloi's Servant this time? I have not learned their True Name yet, and you claim to know it."
"Hmm..." Irisviel pondered for a moment, oddly coy about the matter. "I believe...that you should wait until the meeting to find out. It could be a problem if you meet her without anyone else there to mediate. I'll try and make it a positive experience for you both, though!"
Something about that made Artoria more nervous than reason dictated she should have been.
Early Sixth Century AD
Camlann Hill, Britannia
"Father..." Mordred looked up to her King from the ground, weakly reaching for her parent in spite of the Lance embedded in her body. She'd managed to wound her father, but that wasn't by her own strength. That was just the curse her mother had placed upon her to ensure her father's death. They would both die, but King Arthur Pendragon had won their battle.
The Knight of Treachery felt her hand fall to the ground as death came near. She perceived her father's face looking down at her...were those tears? Emotion on the visage of the King? The doubt Mordred felt in the sight was dispelled by the grief-filled words leaving her father's mouth.
"...If you can somehow still hear me...I've done this not of malice but of duty. Your actions were merely the culmination of my own failings." Failings? What was her father talking about? Arthur Pendragon was the perfect King! "Thus, I forgive you...Mordred..."
Mordred's world stopped. Forgiveness? After all she'd done? How was such a thing even possible? How could her father blame himself for what was not his doing? Sadness and anger filled Mordred's dying mind. Her father didn't treat her like an heir or even a Knight at this moment. He treated her as a burden to personally shoulder, just like everything else. The Knight of Treachery struggled to move, to resist, to tell her father to take his forgiveness and shove it because she chose this path for herself, but she could not. She was too weak. If only there were another way...if only she had an opportunity to pull Caliburn from the stone, then her father would have no choice but to acknowledge her as more than a mistake to be lamented...maybe the Holy Grail her father had sought could have reforged the sword.
These fantastical 'maybes' and 'if onlys' were normal for the dying to have in their final thoughts, but the carrier of the thoughts was not ordinary. As such, these thoughts attracted the notice of one recently rejected. As Bedivere lifted the King onto his horse and left behind Mordred's dying body, an offer was made and a contract accepted. As one warrior turned away from the World's call, another seized upon it before her final breath could come...
November 13, 1994
Edelfelt Forest Mansion, Fuyuki City, Japan
147 hours to Zero
Sola-Ui's eyes fluttered open as she concluded her strange dream. She was resting on a couch in an old room that was recently cleaned. It was a large space with tile flooring and a clearly western influence. A nearby clock mounted on the wall said it was three-o'-clock. It was still pitch black, making the outside shown through the large windows indiscernible.
"Sola-Ui, are you alright?" Kayneth's worried voice attracted her attention. He was seated on a chair in front of her and hadn't slept much beyond brief stints. Mordred was leaning against a nearby wall, silently watching.
"Y-yeah, I'm alright." It was a lie. She was still quite shaken. "...Where are we, Kayneth?"
Her fiance gave a sigh of relief before he began to explain. "The penthouse was too vulnerable to stay in any longer. We had to move quickly. Fortunately, when I was researching previous Grail Wars, I read that the Edelfelt Sisters in the Third Grail War each had a mansion of their own. After their loss, the mansions were abandoned. This is the one closer to the Fuyuki Church. I restored its old Bounded Field, limited as it may be. If the worst happens, you have the best chance of escaping to the Church and asking for sanctuary."
"You talk like you're expecting to lose." Mordred grumbled in irritation. Those words stoked Kayneth's temper.
"Tell me why I shouldn't! You lost an arm and your Noble Phantasm to Lancer when she wasn't even playing to her class! She would have killed you had Rider not intervened! As if that weren't enough, you went and goaded Archer into a fight you didn't have the strength to carry through with! We barely got out of that mess alive thanks to your mouth and it cost us two Command Seals!" Kayneth yelled at the Knight of Treachery, earning a glare from her. Kayneth had seen Lancer Artoria's specifications. Mordred only held a modest advantage in Strength and matched her in Endurance. Lancer Artoria held the advantage everywhere else. As long as Rhongomyniad could become a sword and Lancer Artoria could employ her legendary skills with the blade, she might as well call herself the War's third Saber if she wanted. It wasn't like they had the power to argue. They couldn't stand against Archer's Reality Marble, either.
"Because the moment you think you'll lose, you will! Is my Master's resolve so weak as to just give up?" Mordred shouted back. Kayneth flinched at the response. He was cautious and pragmatic, not cowardly! His hand clenched in an impulse to use his sole remaining Command Seal to demand respect from his Servant, but he knew better. Once that Command Seal was gone, he would no longer have any power over his Servant.
That was the sole reason he hadn't been able to force his Servant to clean the mansion on arrival. He had to use his wind and water Magecraft, combined with Volumen Hydrargyrum, to scrub six decades of filth from this place. What was next? Cramming his magnum opus of a Mystic Code into a maid outfit? This Grail War wasn't going as he had hoped and his frustration was near its limits. "I am not yielding, Saber," Kayneth clarified angrily, "but rather questioning your competence."
Clarent swung out, pausing dangerously close to Kayneth's throat. Mordred's glare was intense, showing no interest in taking any further insult. Archer had been bad enough. "You'd best rephrase that, Master."
Sola-Ui's eyes widened at seeing the sword and the woman shuddered. "Kayneth...Clarent was in Archer's Reality Marble! I saw it there!" Both Master and Servant looked to the team's panicked prana battery.
"Impossible, it's right here!" Mordred shouted, pulling the blade away from Kayneth's neck and pointing at it with her finger. "If he stole it, I think I'd know!"
Kayneth rubbed his neck where it had nearly been touched by the blade, pondering the new clue to distract himself from his fear and irritation. Yes, he needed to keep his final Command Seal if he didn't want to die to his own Servant. "It's not like two Servants can't use similar Noble Phantasms if they used the same legendary weapons in life. Of course, the weapons may differ based on lore...was it different in any way, Sola-Ui?"
"No. It looked exactly the same. I was shocked when I saw it. There were all kinds of swords in there, not just the one! Now that I think about it, there were some spears, lances, and daggers as well. Western, Eastern, simple, ornate...there was no real distinction! And the prana coming off of them...some of them had to be Noble Phantasms!" The comment disturbed and intrigued Kayneth.
"A Reality Marble that somehow bypasses the typical restrictions on Noble Phantasms. If Clarent is in Archer's records, perhaps he copies them if they are seen or used against him as Saber used hers tonight." Kayneth's eyes narrowed at the implications. This was not good. "We have to lay low while Saber recovers her energy. Defeating Caster is also important so we can get a Command Seal back. Meanwhile, let's gather together what information we have."
Kayneth took a paper and pencil and wrote down various identities for the Masters and Servants that they knew. The familiar he had stationed outside the boundary of the Church at the start of the War had observed that Kariya Matou, a red-haired woman, a blonde woman, and a child in bloody clothes had arrived the night of the second Saber's summoning. The account they were given of how the Second Saber had manifested made it clear who was who of that particular group. That child and blonde woman had also left the next morning with Tokiomi Tohsaka. Kirei Kotomine was also physically present as a Master. Those details helped fill in his chart more.
Second Saber: unknown blonde female, serves unknown male child Master
Archer: unknown golden king, serves unknown Master
Lancer: Artoria Pendragon, serves Irisviel von Einzbern
Berserker: unknown redheaded female, serves Kariya Matou
Caster: Gilles de Rais/Bluebeard?, serves Ryuunosuke Uryuu
Rider: Iskandar, serves Waver Velvet
Assassin: unknown, serves unknown Master
Known Undefined Masters: Kirei Kotomine, Tokiomi Tohsaka
"Well, at least I'd know all the Masters on sight and we have all but one of their names. Archer's Master is either Kirei Kotomine or Tokiomi Tohsaka." It wasn't a complete picture, but it was far better than Kayneth had hoped for. Then he remembered something that the unknown Archer had said just before the fight...
"Even the second Saber knew me on sight!"
Kayneth's grin went wide. "Tokiomi Tohsaka. He took Second Saber and her Master from the Church. Archer had to meet her then. That means that Archer is likely the Tohsaka Servant." The man's confidence returned as he regarded his fiancée and his Servant. "We now know who to strike. We just need the right opportunity..."