"Talking"

'Thinking'

"Master/Servant Link"

Noble Phantasm


Chapter 19: Home visit

Archer was currently resting on the sofa, his entire posture somewhat careless with his eyes closed and arms extending out to either side of himself.

That was how Kiritsugu had found the Servant, he knew Archer had sensed his approach. The twitching of the Servants eyebrow and the slight turning of his head in Kiritsugu's direction was an indication of that.

A steel grey eye cracked open and looked in his direction, Kiritsugu didn't balk under the newfound attention and merely sat himself down to the right of the servant.

The eye closed again, Archer's pose returning to a more relaxed one.

Kiritsugu did his best to school his expressions, he had never been open with his emotions. Not truly since his childhood, however when faced with what Archer represented. The culmination of wanting to save everyone. Kiritsugu found it hard to look at Archer.

"…"

Both men remained silent, Archer was impassive, his face showing little emotion. Kiritsugu's own expression was blank, however his eyes were awash with turmoil. Differing emotions as he struggled to find the correct words to start with.

"You shouldn't blame yourself." Archer eventually broke the silence, Kiritsugu blinked in surprise before the words registered. Realising that Archer had obviously seen through his discomfort. Kiritsugu slumped his shoulders, leaning back into his chair and letting out a heavy sigh.

"I should." He muttered back in a low volume, Archer's eyes opened and he regarded Kiritsugu with a cool expression "Because it's my fault. I don't know how it happened, but I probably told you about wanting to be a hero." he let out a mirthless chuckle "Telling a little kid about magecraft and then saying how I couldn't be a hero...what was I expecting would happen?"

Archer sighed, uncrossing his legs and resting his arms on his knees "Emiya Shirou was an empty boy. Broken beyond repair. Your dream, despite how he interpreted it, gave him something to dedicate his life to. It gave him focus." Archer scowled "While I regret where it led to...I never blamed you."

"You should, Shirou." Kiritsugu shook his head "You wouldn't be-" he gestured to Archer with a sorrowful expression "-this if it weren't for me."

"Kiritsugu's wish to save people...wasn't wrong." Archer replied "Emiya Shirou's wish to save everyone was. You gave him an idea, he morphed it into an impossible dream. The belief that if one person could be saved, then everyone could be as well." Archer clenched his hands "I do not think you ever truly understood his mindset. A man who lost everything could never fathom the mind of a boy who had nothing."

"Its my fault though." Kiritsugu shook his head "Even now...with Illya-"

"No." Archer cut him off, lip curled in displeasure "That was my oversight. I should have never allowed that Mystic Code to remain attached to her. Realistically, I should have forced it back to Rin and made a contract with her instead. Then I would have helped with the class cards and vanished without ever disrupting her life." he gave a bitter smile "Perhaps I was a bit too selfish...It was the first time in a long time I had been summoned with no commands to engage in slaughter." he shrugged "Perhaps I just wanted to escape it, if only for a little while. It would have been the logical thing to do."

Kiritsugu allowed a small smile on his face "She isn't your Illya. But you didn't want to see your little sister get hurt."

Archer released mirthless huff "Look where that's got everyone…" he palmed his face "What a mess…" he looked back at Kiritsugu "Speaking of Illya. Chloe isn't wrong about where it will lead. She isn't quite like Emiya Shirou, but she has that childish optimism to see her through."

Kiritsugu flinched, although quickly controlled himself "She'll grow out of it." he argued "The moment she realises she can't save everyone-"

"She'll try even harder." Archer finished "That damned Kaleidostick has done nothing to dissuade her either." let out a sigh "She should have at least gotten the Sapphire one. That one is more matured than the idiot we ended up with."

"I assume taking away the Mystic code-"

"Wouldn't stop her." Archer removed that option "Besides, she's gotten the idea into her head now. The best that can be managed is directing her desire to save someone into a more realistic goal." he smirked "Like Shirou."

Kiritsugu raised an eyebrow at him, causing Archer to elaborate "He's devoted himself to making sure Illya stays safe. Whether through the machinations of the Archer card he interacted in or just his protective nature asserting itself, he's going to ensure that Illya stays safe."

Kiritsugu allowed himself a small smile at that "That's good. I know I'm not always around...but its comforting to know they'll look after eachother."

"Hmm…" Archer grunted in affirmation "I can still see your discomfort around me." he sighed "Its understandable. I am the final culmination of an ideal 'Hero of Justice'. Killing thousands to save millions."

"...Is there-"

"No." Archer shot him down "No there isn't. Alaya doesn't release those it is contracted to. My only hope was a paradox. Killing the Emiya Shirou who would become me before he had the chance to." his eyes closed "But that option isn't even open to me. The least I can do now, is ensure that Illya does not make the same mistakes that I do."

Kiritsugu closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath before opening them again "I may not be your Kiritsugu...Your father. But Shirou...I'm sorry, for what happened to you. I shouldn't have…" he bit his lip and looked away "I should have been strong enough to run away."

"No…" Archer shook his head "You should have been weak enough to realise you could never uphold your ideals." he shrugged "But what's done is done. As long as your weak enough to put the safety of your family above the safety of everyone else. I'll have no regrets when I leave this world."

The dark haired man mulled over Archer's words for a few moments before he asked a simple question "Do you think I can stop Illya?"

Archer froze, racking his mind for an answer "Like I said. She's got it into her head now. You can't stop her wanting to help people. But you can make sure she can only help the people that she can." he gave a wry smile "And the moonlit world is a poor place to try and be a hero."

Kiritsugu's head fell into his hands "Yeah…"

"...How's the idiot doing?"

"Fairly well." Kiritsugu admitted "He's gotten better at structural analysis. I think he's been using it in his spare time."

"Hmph. Probably fixing heaters." Archer grunted, then pushed himself to his feet "Speaking of which...I should probably start a lesson with him."

"You probably should." Kiritsugu affirmed "Although I think Leysritt is still 'training' his hand to hand combat skills." the man didn't sound that perturbed about his son engaging a combat homunculus in a fist fight. "So it would be best to deal with that later."

"Probably." Archer shrugged "You going to teach him firearms?"

"Mm." The man nodded "Along with Maiya, when I'm not available." he sighed "I think she's always wanted to compete with Shirou in my line of work."

"Well...She's certainly driven." Archer drawled. He frowned and looked back at Kiritsugu "Assuming Tohsaka finds something, how do you intend to combat Zouken?"

"His body is comprised of familiars." Kiritsugu entered a more strategic mindset, Archer recognised that the man was now more comfortable discussing this than anything else. "An Origin bullet would be ineffective unless used against the familiar which houses his soul. Therefore, they must all be destroyed at once. The Tohsaka heir was correct to inform and enlist the aid of Church officials. They could destroy his body with purification rites without destroying the entire home."

"The trick is destroying all his familiars at once." Archer surmised "If even one would be allowed to escape…"

"Zouken requires specialised familiars to act as his body. He cannot employ all of his insects to act as a body for him. Provided those are destroyed, the rest will cease to function." Archer raised an eyebrow at the man.

"You've put a lot of thought into this…"

"Irisviel may have wanted to live a normal life." Kiritsugu shrugged "However, I was not going to live in this city without researching the Magi families who live here in the event of possible conflict." he stared back at Archer "More importantly, what will you do if you are discovered?"

"I have a way of disabling the bounded fields." Archer replied "However, that will likely alert him just as much. I can also trace several weapons to act will a low grade of presence concealment to avoid detection. If we are discovered? I will merely have to fight my way out. His nature makes him vulnerable to holy weapons, and I have a great many in my arsenal which could be used in a similar manner to black keys."

Kiritsugu nodded his head "I will inform Maiya to prepare a perimeter outside of the Matou residence. I suspect that if the Tohsaka girl discovers something, she will want to act immediately."

"She is impulsive." Archer replied with an amused smile "In this case, that would better serve us. Whatever fate befalls that Matou girl is her problem."

"I'm more concerned with her father." Kiritsugu sighed rubbing his forehead "I should have made her sign a Geis scroll to ensure our safety. I've been away from all this too long."

"I suspect that he would consider the idea of you removing a potential threat to his families reputation and the removal of a pseudo dead apostle from his territory to be an act enough to warrant the presence of your family." Archer replied "In any case, any threat to you is, by extension, a threat to my Master."

Kiritsugu stared at Archer, the corner of his lip twisting upwards ever so slightly "I suppose a servant would be enough to give anyone pause."


The side of the mountain exploded outwards, rock being flung in all directions as it rolled down the hill. From the newly formed cave, a figure strode out into the open. Golden armour reflecting the moonlight, red silken waist cape fluttering in the light breeze.

"Hoh?" The figures voice echoed out, their red eyes shining as they inspected the horizon and the city that lay below them. Their features flattened "I see…" he clicked his tongue "To think I would have ended up here. The Faker has robbed the King of his Justice...No matter." he dismissed "Raiders such as them will not be dissuaded by mere boundaries. Determined mongrels they are, but mongrels none the less."

His eyes flickered back to the City "Now then...How wasteful is this dreg heap when compared to the other one?"

His form flickered away into golden flakes of light, the sneer still present on his face as his form vanished into the wind.


Archer materialised outside of Rin's house, waiting for a few moments, the girl eventually opened up the door.

Wearing her trademark red sweater, she ventured out of the house, closing the door and locking it behind her before making her way over to Archer. The pair still within the perimeter of the bounded field around her house.

"I assume you are ready to depart?" Archer asked, Tohsaka nodded her head.

"Good. Kiritsugu has already prepared in the event you wish to act immediately should you discover something to warrant it." He told her, the girl let out an almost inaudible sigh of relief.

"How did it come to this?" She muttered to herself "It was fine when I was just dealing with that sausage witch and the class cards...But this?" she scowled "I can't stand this."

Archer shrugged "Do you require my assistance in getting past the Houses Boundary fields?"

"...I wasn't going to ask, but do you have something?" Archer nodded his head, projecting a small ornate dagger and handing it to her "Carnwennan. It will provide you with a minor form of Presence concealment. Enough to get into the house, however it won't work against more advanced bounded fields."

Tohsaka took the dagger in her hand, then looked up to Archer "How do I-?"

"Its a passive skill." Rin made an 'O' expression, blushing ever so slightly before she composed herself.

"Lets go." She brushed past him, Archer smirked and returned to spirit form, following after her.


"Archer left a few minutes ago." Ruby floated around Illya, the young girl biting her lip "What do you want to do?"

Illya looked over to the Class cards she had collected, sat on her desk, mind in thought. She took in a deep breath before turning back to Ruby "Even if Rin-san and Archer say not to. I can't leave Sakura-san alone to that. I won't. If she needs help, then I'm going to help her."

"I see." Ruby nodded along, titling her body to the side "So, we're going?"

"Should we...Call Miyu-san to help?"

"I don't know…" Ruby shook her head "Not because I want you to be the big hero, but because it might get Miyu-chan in trouble. She and Sapphire-chan are still in Luvia's employ. If she were seen to act against Luvia's orders to remain neutral." She trailed off.

"I...see." Illya nodded her head "Call her...I'll...I'll let her know that I'm going to do something."

"Alright then." Ruby shrugged.

"Miyu-sama." Sapphire's voice jolted the young girl awake, amber eyes drearily opened up and locked onto the mystic code. Sitting herself up, Miyu rubbed her eyes and looked over to her companion.

"Sapphire? Wha-" She yawned, stretching her arms "What is it?"

"It appears Nee-san is calling. She says Illya-san has a message for you." Miyu's eyes widened at that, then nodded. Sapphire's body morphed. Into a screen, the determined face of Illya appeared.

"Hey, Miyu." Illya greeted, her determined face immediately faltered when she saw the tired expression on the young girl "S-sorry for waking you up."

"I-its fine." She replied, although her second yawn did little to alleviate Illya's concerns "What is wrong?"

"Its…" Illya took in a deep breath "Everyones going to rescue Sakura-san. But...But they don't want me to go."

"Are they trying to keep you safe?"

"Yeah…"

"Hmm...Thats good." Miyu nodded "O-...Archer is reliable. He'll save Sakura-san then."

"I...I know he will." Illya nodded, then bit her lip, looking away nervously "But the thought of leaving her alone to that. Even if I don't know her, the idea that I wouldn't be there to help her is…" she let out a small chuckle "Its not what a magical girl would do."

Miyu stared at her for a few moments, before her eyes widened in realisation "Are you-!?"

"Yeah." Illya nodded "I'm going to help Sakura-san." she replied, expression becoming serious "Even if Archer tells me off, even if they didn't want me to go anyway. I am going. I'm going, because if I can make a difference I couldn't bear the thought of not being there."

"Illya wait-!" Miyu reached towards the screen.

"I know you want to stop me." She cut her off "You'll probably say the same thing as Papa and Rin-san. That you only want to protect me. But I want to protect Sakura-san. I want to protect everyone, so that they can smile in the end. I don't want you to get in trouble Miyu. I know you and Sapphire have to listen to Luvia-san. I just wanted to tell someone why I was going in the first place." she smiled "I'll see you in the morning, Miyu." the screen cut off, leaving the young girl staring at the screen.

"Miyu-sam-"

"Get ready." The young girl abruptly stood up "We're going to with her."

"...Why?"

"Because she'll get hurt again." Miyu replied, expression set in stone, although her eyes were gleaming with concern "I...I just know she will if she rushes in there alone." she sniffed, wiping away her eyes "So I'm going with her. To make sure she doesn't get hurt."

"...What about Luvia-san's orders?"

Miyu stilled for the briefest of moments before she replied back "...I care about Illya more."

"I see." Sapphire replied "Very well. Preparing for transformation."

The light died down, Illya looked down at the her magical dress, then looked at the window to her room. Throwing it open, she cast one last look at the class cards before she shook her head. It was just an old man, she probably wouldn't need them, and then shot off into the sky.

Soaring through the air, she approached the direction of the Matou manner, she looked down at the streets from above. She knew Archer would probably sense her approach, if he hadn't already, and try to talk her down. But she wouldn't have it.


Shirou groaned as he heard a whistling sound echo through the house. Getting out of bed and opening up his bedroom door, he walked through the hallway to where he heard it. He wasn't the only one as Irisviel emerged from her's and Kiritsugu's room at the end of the hallway.

The pair made eye contact, Shirou flinched as he stared at her red orbs, Irisviel recognised his uncomfortable expression and looked away guiltily. She had been meaning to talk to him, but her chat with Chloe had dragged on for longer than expected. Not that she minded, she had the impression she had made some headway with the young girl.

Shirou shook his head, frowning as he approached Illya's room, the whistling sound having gotten louder. Irisviel stood just behind him, then sighed.

"Illya probably left her window open again and went to sleep." She spoke in a wistful manner.

"She'll get a cold if she does that." Shirou muttered, his expression mildly amused at her carelessness, placing his hand on her rooms door, he twisted the handle and opened it up "Honestly, she can be...careless...some...times…" he trailed off, eyes going wide and blood leaving his face as he beheld her room.

Her empty room.

"Shirou?" Irisviel frowned, moving up beside him "What's wron-" she cut herself off, similar expression forming on her face.

Shirou immediately flung the door open the whole way, eyes scanning ever bit of her bedroom. Then noticed something, or rather the lack of something. "Ruby…" he snarled with such venom that even Irisviel was momentarily taken aback by it "That piece of trash talked her into going to save Sakura…"

"But Archer said-"

"She probably ignored him and Tohsaka." His expression curled into one approaching white hot rage. His eyes then scanned her desk "She left the class cards here." he marched over to them, snatching the top one. Something about it was giving him a feeling that their goals aligned in the protection of his younger sister.

He turned back around "I'm going to get her back." he marched past Irisviel, the woman's senses came back to her and she followed after him.

"Shirou wait!" She called back, following him down the stairs as he slipped on his shoes. Still wearing nothing but his pyjamas.

The boy turned back to her, eyes narrowed "I'm not letting her go there! I can't-" lose her again. Went unsaid by him as he looked away "I can't."

Irisviel stared down at him for a few moments, before her expression changed into one understanding "What I was going to ask, was that you wait so that I can get Sella, Liz and Chloe ready."

"...Eh?"

Irisviel snorted at his dumbfounded reaction "Chloe will leap at any opportunity to stop Illya being thick headed and Sella and Liz are more than capable of defending me." she stepped down towards him, placing her hand on his shoulder "You shouldn't try to take up the burden of defending her all by yourself."

Shirou stared at her, before he let out a huff of relief, looking away and scratching the back of his head awkwardly "Why didn't you just say that to begin with?"

Irisviel giggled "I didn't want to ruin your moment. You looked so cool!" she clapped her hands together "Now then, lets wake everyone up! We've got a little girl to drag back home!"


"So...She's an idiot." Was Chloe's blunt statement as they gathered in the living room "A childish idiot, who has cost my my sleep. Wonderful." the tanned girl yawned "I don't see why I need to be here for this. By the time she gets there, it'll probably be over and the worm will be bird food."

Irisviel rolled her eyes "We're going in case it isn't over. Illya is young and the workshop of a Magus like Matou Zouken is not something she should see." her face twisted in a grimace "I want her to retain some youth."

Chloe stared at Irisviel for a few moments, then smirked and shook her head "I suppose I wouldn't be a very good older sister if I didn't make fun of my little sibling."

Irisviel raised an eyebrow at her "Older sister?"

"Well." Chloe shrugged "I did come first, technically. So I'm the older sister."

"Time. Wasted." Leysritt spoke up "Illyasviel is getting away. As we. Speak."

"She's right, Lady Irisviel." Sella stated, halberd in hand "We should hurry if we hope to catch up to them."

"Chloe." Shirou whispered at the younger girl off to the side "Is there any way to break Illya's contract with Ruby?"

Chloe blinked in surprise before she furrowed her brows "There might be...but I'm not as skilled as Archer yet when it comes to this kind of stuff."

Shirou clicked his tongue in annoyance, shaking his head "I was hoping to break Illya out of that contract with that damn stick."

"Oh, yeah." Chloe nodded her head "That thing is dangerously insane." she shrugged "Although all its doing is allowing Illya to act, she'd still have the desire to rush out there either way."

Shirou remained silent, although Chloe could see the anguish in his eyes as he knew she was right. Chloe stared up at him before she clicked her tongue, roughly patting his arm to get his attention again "Hey, that doesn't stop you from beating the thing up though." she grinned "Apparently they are supposed to be super durable."

Shirou stared down at her, before a wry smile appeared on his face "Really?" his expression turned innocent "As Illya's brother, I really should test Ruby's durability...just to make sure her claims are substantiated."

Chloe grinned conspiratorially "As the older sister, I suppose I have a duty to make sure she isn't too big of an idiot."

An unspoken agreement passed between Shirou and Chloe, Irisviel watched them out of the corner of her eye. A relieved smile came across her face as her mind went to work thinking on different outcomes.

On the one hand, she probably should stop the pair from doing anything overtly drastic to Illya and Ruby.

But on the other hand, she felt a warmth in her heart at seeing Shirou and Chloe discuss how to discipline Illya. She giggled, perhaps there really was more of her in them than she first thought. She frowned and looked back out of the front window, it shouldn't have been long since Illya left the house.

She only hoped that she could get to Illya before her daughter found something truly horrible, or hoped that Archer and Kiritsugu had already taken care of Zouken.


"Maiya." Kiritsugu spoke into his earpiece as he sat on a bench, several streets away from the Matou manor "Are you in position."

"Yes." The woman replied, folding out her sniper rifle and looking through the scope. The building she was on providing an overlooking perspective on the house "Have Archer and Tohsaka entered yet?"

"They entered several minutes ago." Kiritsugu replied, standing up and walking in the direction of the house "The Tohsaka heir said she would give the signal to engage if something was discovered.

"Understood." Maiya replied "There has been no sign of movement from the House as of yet."

Kiritsugu frowned "What about familiars?"

"None." Maiya replied "It is possible they are shielding themselves from me."

"No...Archer informed me that even his ability would have at the very least attracted their attention to the outskirts of the bounded field." Kiritsugu's frown deepened "There should be some there to have attracted your attention."

"Still no movement." She replied, then mulled a thought through her head before she asked "Do you believe it is a trap?"

"Possibly." Kiritsugu replied "However, it is possible he was only expecting Tohsaka rather than Archer." he let out a breath "It is entirely possible he will be caught on the back foot when Archer's presence is revealed."

"Has there been further word on the Church representative?"

"I received a message on from a Caren Hortensia. She informed me that should Tohsaka encounter problems with exorcising Zouken, they will be in a position to provide aid." he clicked his tongue "Unfortunately, they are on the other side of the city and it will take far too long for them to get here."

"I see." Maiya replied, then narrowed her eyes through the scope "I see movement. Insectoid familiars, flying variety."

"What are they doing?"

"They are entering the house. It is possible that Archer and Tohsaka have been discovered." She remained silent for a few more moments "Shall I act?"

"Not yet." Kiritsugu replied in a stern tone of voice "They could just as easily be doing a sweep, if Tohsaka was in danger, Archer would have acted by now."

"Very well. I shall await further instruction."

Kiritsugu let out a sigh, these situations were always tense. Dealing with Magi like Zouken was usually par for the course, but he was more used to destroy missions than Search and rescue. The Tohsaka girls obsession with ensuring that Matou girls safety hampered his options quite considerably.


Archer held up Rin's twin tails as she vomited on the floor, the green fireflies lighting up the basement below. As well as revealing the infestation of Crest worms.

"A...A training room!?" Rin hissed "They called this a training room!?" Archer let her hair fall back down as he straightened out her posture, an expression of pure malice on her face as she seethed.

She turned around and faced Archer "We're going to kill him. I'm going to kill him and burn this place to the ground."

"Oh dear me…" A rasped voice called out, attracting both Rin and Archer's attention to the far end of the corridor, the chittering of insects intensified as they scampered together, slowly taking the form of a frail and decrepit old man. "Youngsters are so violent nowadays…"

The rage on Rin's face only intensified while Archer regarded the creature infront of him with a clinical gaze. He knew Matou Zouken was no fool, even with his hardy nature he stood no chance against a servant.

So why did he reveal himself to Archer and Rin? He must have known what Archer was.

"Matou Zouken." Rin spat the word "I'm here for my sister."

"Oh?" Zouken titled his head, amused smile never leaving his face "Ah, you mean my granddaughter. I'm afraid she is to remain. She is quite important to the Matou bloodline after all." he chuckled at her expression "And coming back here now? After all these years? It was your Father who arranged for the adoption." he smiled condescendingly "I dare say he shall be displeased at your actions tonight."

"...You think he will approve of you after I tell him about this!?" Rin hissed at him "He'll thank me for saving our family from the insult of what you've done!"

Zouken chuckled "Such a spirited girl." then looked over to Archer "However...you are not her servant. I am curious...are you the Vessels minion?" he asked so innocently, yet Archer's expression hardened in an instant.

"It doesn't matter." Zouken shook his head "Whoever she is, she will be instrumental in the Matou wish." he smiled, yellow teeth on display as he called out behind him "Isn't that right, Sakura?"

Rin froze, Archer looked over Zouken shoulder to see a young girl emerge from behind him. Purple hair with empty eyes, a magenta ribbon in her hair being the only stand out feature of her husk like visage.

"S-Sakura?" Rin stepped back at seeing the young girl.

"Well, Sakura? Do you want to go with her and forsake the Matou family like your worthless brother?"

"...No, Grandfather." Sakura replied in a drone like voice. Then Archer looked down at her hand. Widening his eyes in alarm.

"Rin-" His warning came too late as Sakura's words heralded the oncoming disaster.

"Berserker. Kill them." Rin had barely a moment to compute what had just been said before Archer gripped her waist and picked her up, his expression strained as he bolted for the door.

Zouken's chilling laughter echoing out after them, Archer shoulder barged the front door open. Completely ignoring Rin's panicked cry as the front of the out exploded outwards. He cast a glance over his shoulder.

Just in time to see a clawed black gauntlet racing towards his face.


Illya zoomed through the sky, determined expression as she tried to remember the direction of the Matou household. Then let out a surprised squeak as Miyu fell down in front of her.

The black haired girl stared down at Illya with narrowed eyes as she stood on a sheet of mana.

"Miyu!?" Illya recoiled in surprise "What are you doing here!? What about Luvia-san and-"

"Illya." Miyu cut her off. Then took in a deep breath "I...disapprove of you being a Hero." Illya froze.

"Eh?"

"Because...because…" She sniffled "Because I don't want to see my friend get hurt!" she exclaimed "Because you'll get hurt if you keep doing this! You...you're my first friend. I don't want to see you get hurt…"

"Miyu-"

"So I'm going with you." She declared "I'm going with you to make sure you don't get hurt. I don't care if I get in trouble. As long as you're okay...Then I am fine."

"Miyu…" Illya muttered out in surprise, then her expression changed into a wide smile "Yes! Lets go save Sakura-san!"

"Indeed." Miyu nodded "And ensure you are not injured."

"Yay!" Ruby cried out "Magical girl team up!"

"Lets go!" Illya pointed flying forwards, Miyu nodded her head to and moved to join her.

"You truly are amusing Mongrels." A voice called out. Miyu and Illya froze. Heads slowly turning around and looking up, they both gaped. Illya in shock and Miyu in horror.

What Illya could only describe as a golden space ship with green wings hovered just above them. Standing on the bow was a tall man in golden armour. His golden hair spiked upwards and red eyes glaring down at them.

Illya felt as if she was being judged by those eyes. Judged and found wanting. Miyu was frozen in horror and recognition, the plates of armour and design matched only one person she had seen before. But this power was far beyond Angelica. Which could only mean one thing…

"Hoh?" The man's amused smile seemed to widen as his eyes flicked over Miyu "It seems you are not so ignorant, Child of the Gods. In this case, I shall forgive your blatant disrespect of my person as a reward for recognising my true self."

"M-Miyu…" Illya floated back slightly "Who…"

"I-Illya…" Ruby called out, now sounding fearful, no...terrified "Illya, that man is a...He's a servant like Archer."

"Fool!" The man shouted down at them "To compare me to some simple bowman is a grave insult. Speak again and I shall rend the flesh from your masters bones." his eyes travelled over Illya, an eyebrow raised "I see. The crossing of a human and a homunculus has spawned a bizarre oddity…"

Miyu stepped in front of Illya protectively, although sweat was already beginning to trickle down her forehead "What do you want?"

The man's demeanour changed in an instant. The air around them seemed to freeze as red eyes locked themselves onto the pair of girls.

"To make demands of a King...You are quite the bold vessel." He sneered "However, my purpose here should be obvious to you."

Miyu widened her eyes in realisation.

"However...I shall not attempt to claim it yet." The man waved off her fear as if it was of no concern "There appear to be other thieves down there." he sighed "And a mad dog...Still. Perhaps I shall find this worlds Faker and rend punishment for his counterparts crimes."

Miyu's breath stopped, she knew who he was talking about. Her eyes briefly darted to Illya before back to the servant "I...I won't let you."

The Golden man raised an eyebrow, his shoulders trembled as he lowered his head so his hair covered his eyes. Illya and Miyu could faintly hear a sound emanating from the man before it grew into a quiet chuckle.

Then he threw back his head, chuckle evolving into a raucous laugh "Fwahahahahahahaha!" he continued to laugh, all the while Illya held Ruby tighter in her hands "I have not laughed like that for some time." the servant said in an amused tone as his laughter died down "You make for a fitting jester." he smiled down at them, without a trace of humour in his eyes "In that case." he snapped his fingers.

Illya gaped and Miyu paled as nearly a dozen golden portals opened up behind the man, the tips of swords, spears and axes appearing from them "Perhaps I shall have you entertain me further. Those toys you carry should protect you from some of my treasures for a time."

"Illya-chan!" Ruby cried out "This man is dangerous we have to get away!"

"Eh?" Illya looked down at Ruby for a split second, then felt something nick her cheek. She blinked, hand reaching up to her face and drawing away, her fingers lined with traces of blood. "Wha-?"

Miyu had only barely managed to see the spear fire past Illya's face, close enough to cut her.

"I believe I warned you of speaking, tool." The Golden servant spoke, voice tinged with malice "And you, doll." his eyes flickered over Illya who was now staring at him in rapt attention "You have already demonstrated arrogance unbefitting of yourself. Only a King may reside among the heavens. Mongrels like yourself should remain upon the ground." red eyes narrowed "Now then…" he walked over to a throne, placed upon the deck of the ship, and sat down, resting his cheek upon his hand in a lazy fashion as he continued to stare the girls down. "Let us see how long your parlour tricks can keep you alive."

The weapons shot forth from the portals in streaks of gold.


AN: Gilgamesh made his appearance as has Berserkerlot.

Also Shirou picked up a class card...Which is a surprise tool which will help us later.

Anyway, wanted to also let everyone know I've got an account on Spacebattles. Uploading the story there under the same name, feels as little more personable you know?

I can chat more directly to people.