Legacy
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The night was young, the atmosphere was in high spirits for everyone there as everyone sat down and ate and retold their stories as to what they had been up to recently.
More importantly, Shirou was reminded of the smothering love and feeling that comes with having a mom, something he found to be not only nice but a bit embarrassing.
"Aw, our son is such a good big brother and boyfriend, going out of his way to spend a short trip back in his girlfriends home country and buying his little sister a new Play Station" cooed Irisviel as she held Shirou in a tight hug.
"Mom, please you're embarrassing me" said Shirou as the girls seemed to enjoy the moment with Rin going as far as taking a few pictures by now.
"Get use to it, for all you know you might not end up like me by having her around" said Archer as he casually ate himself some karage between Irisviel and Rin.
"I'm sure that you're a fine young man mister… um what was your name again" asked Irisviel as Archer was caught off guard as he swallowed down his food.
"My name is Archer" said Archer, "Oh, so you were a servant too, who was brought back to life thanks to my son" said Irisviel.
"Yeah…" said Archer as he took a sip from his tea, "If it's all right with you, mind telling me your actual name" asked Irisviel as Archer knew that either Irisviel or Kiritsugu was bound to ask, but he wasn't hoping it be that soon.
"It's Emiya, Emiya Shirou" said Archer as Irisviel and Kiritsugu looked at Archer with wide eyes, "You mean to tell me that you're my son Shirou, who is destined to become a heroic spirit" asked Kiritsugu.
"Something like that, I'm classified more as a false heroic spirit, but I found a way" said Archer as he let the news sink in as he saw Kiritsugu grimaced a little as Irisviel let go of her hold of Shirou and began to embrace Archer.
"There's no need for you to hide your identity from us, you maybe a servant given a second chance, but that doesn't change the fact that you're our son, and that we will always love you and treat you the same way as we'd do for master Shirou" said Irisviel as her words were meant to be sentimental came off a bit weird.
"Alright, though if it's alright with you, I'd prefer it if you would still call me Archer, after all having 2 Shirou's around the house might be confusing, considering how this guy here still refuses to listens to me and is just dying to die like a hero than live life like a normal man" said Archer.
"Hey, I just saved your life and am more capable to become a better Hero than you" said Shirou as Archer glared at his naïve counter part before looking at Irisviel menacingly.
"Hey mom, think you can talk some sense into Shirou here into giving up and enjoy a carrier as either a teacher, a doctor, or lawyer or something that involves him wearing a tie" said Archer as he had no shame pulling out the mom card.
"Dude!" exclaimed Shirou as he was appalled as to how low Archer would sink to into getting him to give up on being a hero.
"Hmm, I don't know, Kiritsugu mind sharing your thoughts on the matter" asked Irisviel before she noticed that Kiritsugu had his deep thinking face on before snapping to and answering the question.
"This… actually brings up a serious and interesting discussion as to what should our future plans for Shirou should contain, especially given how he and his future servant form exist at the same time" said Kiritsugu.
"I say let me take up the mantle in becoming the hero this guy dreams of, that I already succeeded in, and he can enjoy life and start a family free from worriment" said Archer.
"Seriously, you can't control me or stop me from achieving my goal in life" said Shirou, "True, but Archer does bring up a good point, and so long as Irisviel and I are here and back in your life again, you must do what we tell you to do" said Kiritsugu.
"Dad, you can't be seriously considering what Archer is saying, this is my life for my future we're talking about" said Shirou, "You're right, for now we'll put the matter on hold, now…" said Kiritsugu as he lifted a cup in the air.
"Let's get back to enjoying the festivities" said Kiritsugu as everyone cheered in agreement, well almost everyone.
Later
Once things died down, everyone had went back home for the evening, including Archer as he has decided to commit to spend his time with Rin, but had promised Irisviel to come back and spend time with her.
Speaking of, Irisviel was spending time having girl talk with Saber, while Kiritsugu and Shirou were left to wash the dishes and get a chance to chat.
"So you were the one responsible in bring me and your mother back to life" asked Kiritsugu as he was washing another plate, "Yeah, though to be fair it wasn't… expecting" said Shirou as he was trying to choose the right words.
"How so" asked Kiritsugu as he handed the plate he had washed to Shirou as he began to dry it off.
"Well, it all started shortly after the events of the 5th Holy Grail War, that there was a large magical imbalance going on, and one thing lead to another where I ran into the living embodiment of the Holy Grail" said Shirou as Kiritsugu raised a brow to that.
"The living embodiment of the Holy Grail, was actually a servant, more accurately a failed attempt at summoning an 8th servant during the 3rd Holy Grail War" explained Shirou.
"Did this servant have a name of his own" asked Kiritsugu, "His name was Angra Mainyu, and according to him was the first anti hero in history" said Shirou as Kiritsugu was well aware of Angra Mainyu thanks in part of him living with the Einzbern.
"So any idea as to how Avenger came and got involved with your life" asked Kiritsugu, "That's what I was getting to originally, so after I had order Saber to destroy the Holy Grail, we ended up releasing Avenger who came upon a woman named Bazett, and had a wish to continue living, to which he granted and inadvertently caused a time loop that still gives me a headache thinking about it, but we managed to finally break the cycle" said Shirou.
"After that, Avenger had restored and created one solid time line for us to live in, and said he was going to reward me, by bringing back to life everyone back to life who had died during the 5th Holy Grail War, and then some he said before bidding fair well" said Shirou.
"Honestly, who'd had thought that he would go out of your way to bring not only you, but mom back to life" said Shirou with a smile.
Smiling out of hearing his sons most recent accomplishments in life, Kiritsugu couldn't feel more proud of his son as he rested his hand over his head and began to ruffle it.
"I hope you know that I'm not only proud of you, but jealous of you son" said Kiritsugu, "Why are you jealous of me" asked Shirou.
"Because you were able to become the hero I failed to become in life, you did a lot more good than I had ever accomplished, you destroyed the Holy Grail, and managed to give me and everyone a second chance at life" said Kiritsugu.
"Does that mean you're alright with me becoming a hero of justice than" asked Shirou as Kiritsugu's demeanor changed into something serious.
"Honestly Shirou, I think you should listen to your older self" said Kiritsugu as Shirou was shocked to hear this.
"But why" asked Shirou, "Son listen to me, for the longest time, you said that I saved you after the great fire that killed everyone in your neighborhood, including your parents" said Kiritsugu.
"Truth is son… the reason that fire started was because of me, I failed in destroying the Holy Grail, and allowed that monster Kotomine to grant his wish and let loose the grails destructive power" admitted Kiritsugu as he had never told his son as to the true meaning behind the fire and for causing him to suffer from survivors guilt.
"And now I learned I have 2 sons, who are exactly the same and alike in every way, and he's been telling you the same thing I tried to tell you before I gave up and allowed you to become the hero of justice, and that is to give up" said Kiritsugu.
"I don't know what he's hiding, but for him to choosing to remain silent and hiding his identity from us, and having told you repeatedly in giving up to becoming a hero, if it means you don't wound up like him, a tragic false hero, doomed to an eternity of unrest, than I think you should listen to the man's wisdom" said Kiritsugu as he honestly felt guilty knowing that he had also doomed his son to a life of misery, pain, and suffering.
"Shirou, if it means anything, you have already succeeded in becoming a hero of justice in your life already, and you know this, so please do me the favor and give up, give up on becoming a hero, a magus, and just enjoy life" said Kiritsugu with a sad smile.
"…I already know what happened, about you fighting Kotomine during the 4th Holy Grail War, how Saber was previously your servant, I know all of it" said Shirou as Kiritsugu kind of had the feeling his son already knew, given how Saber was his servant as well.
"And I know you felt bad for what you've done, but know this, I forgive you, I still love you, you are my hero and my dad, yes I had to participate in the 5th Holy Grail War, and yes even I had to face off against Kotomine, but you know what I won, the Holy Grail is destroyed, Kotomine is dead, and I was able to prevent another tragedy in life, and while you think my actions there along with bring in you back to life may seem enough for both your and Archer, for me I'm not yet satisfied" said Shirou.
"I get that you're worried about me turning into Archer, but even he admits that my actions during my confrontation against Kotomine, and with Avenger has actually lead me off the path of making the same mistakes like him, and knowing that, is more than enough and motivation for me to continue on and becoming the hero of justice that I not only meant to be, but determine to be" said Shirou as he looked at his father with unwavering determination.
"Sigh, nothing I say is gonna get you to give up" said Kiritsugu as he honestly felt he had failed to raise Shirou right and for him to focus on a more proper life.
"Nope" said Shirou with a straight face, "Alright, if that's what you intend to do, that's fine, just know that with me being around now, I'll be damned to let you wound up like Archer in anyway shape or form" said Kiritsugu.
"I think Archer would like to hear that" said Shirou with a smile as the 2 continued to clean up the last of their dishes before Kiritsugu had to ask one final question, and it was rather important to not only him, but for the safety of everyone.
"Son you said you had to face up against Kotomine during your time in the Holy Grail War" asked Kiritsugu, "Yeah, bastard was not only tough, but mean, but no matter what I was determined to stop him by any means necessary" said Shirou.
"And you said that Avenger had revived everyone who had previously died during the 5th Holy Grail War" asked Kiritsugu as he worried that he may have to go to the church and put a bullet in him like before.
"Almost everyone, he had promised to revive everyone, but Kotomine, so we got nothing to worry about" said Shirou reassuringly.
"Are you sure about that" came a voice that sent chills down Shirou's back as both he and Kiritsugu turned to see Gilgamesh lying in the middle of the living room while sipping on wine.
"You have got to be kidding me" said Kiritsugu as he was aware of the power the King of Heroes possess even though their interactions were minimal at best.
"Gilgamesh what are you doing here" demanded Shirou as he was more than ready to face off and kill him.
"Relax mongrel, I was in the area, and I overheard your conversation" said Gilgamesh as he got up and drank the rest of his wine.
"So, I have you to thank for me not only allowing me yet another chance at life, but a proper one, one where I'm indebted to that idiot Kotomine and entirely mad" said Gilgamesh as he looked at Shirou with those same eyes that no one can trust as to whether he was being sincere or feigning in a way to kill you.
"I'll glad accept your thanks, now leave, you're not welcome here" said Shirou as Gilgamesh raised a brow.
"Watch it mongrel, that is no way to be addressing towards the King of Heroes, or need I remind you the extended might of my power" said Gilgamesh before feeling the chilling tip of a sword resting on his neck.
"If you know what's good for you, you will leave this estate at once" said Saber as she had appeared decked out in her combat clothing and holding her sword towards the man she utterly despises.
"Ah, my dear Saber, still hanging with the likes of this mongrel. Tell me why not leave him and come with me, I can assure you, I can promise you a life of luxury that no man either today, or tomorrow could even fathom to provide" said Gilgamesh.
"I've told you before and I'll tell you again, I've no interest in marrying you, especially since I'm in a committed relationship with Shirou" stated Saber as Gilgamesh began to scowl over hearing this onset of news.
"You mean to tell you would settle for a mongrel like him, over a god like" said Gilgamesh, "Enough, please leave my estate immediately, otherwise you will have to deal with all of us" said Kiritsugu as he took the time to not only get himself a gun but also armed Irisviel with one as well as Shirou used his trace on skill to create himself a pair of familiar looking swords.
"Feh, your man is nothing more than a seat warmer" said Gilgamesh as he began to back away, "Keep walking" said Saber.
"For the record I had no interest in making enemies here tonight, I just wanted to know as to my current existence is here, but also ask the mongrel there a really big question" said Gilgamesh as he looked at Shirou.
"Whatever it is that's on your mind, ask now" said Shirou, "Until you lot learn how to not only treat a guest, but a king properly, I've got nothing to say to the likes of any of you" said Gilgamesh as he began to set foot outside the Emiya residence.
"I expect a grand feast the next time you invite me over, and don't worry I'll bring the drinks" said Gilgamesh before he finally left the compound and mounted on his motorcycle and drove off into the night.
"We should really fortify this place now the next time he returns" said Saber, "Agreed, we'll figure out how to place a protective warning barrier here, in the mean time Shirou, you should have Saber here help train in your swordsmanship" said Irisviel.
"Way ahead of you Irisviel" said Saber as Irisviel smiled to that knowledge before she and everyone began to either holster or rest their weapons on the side.
"Heh, you know it's funny, Americans like to show that their families are weapon crazy in their movies, and I kind of felt we just recreated a scene" said Kiritsugu to change the mood as everyone shared in a good laugh.
"Oh that reminds me, Shirou be a good son and help me set up the Play Station you got for your sister, Saber had told me you're able to watch movies on it" said Irisviel.
"Shouldn't we wait for Illya to come back before we open it" said Shirou, "It's fine, she'll understand once she knows that her mother is alive and using it, now let's get this Play Station running, mama has 10 years of movies to catch up on" said Irisviel.
"Fine, but we're gonna need to buy some DVD's first also that's not a Play Station that's an Xbox" explained Shirou as he followed his mom back in getting and setting up the new home entertainment device.
With both of them out of sight, it was now just Saber and Kiritsugu alone at long last, and if it wasn't already stating the obvious, the atmosphere was not only awkward but dense.
"Kiritsugu" said Saber as she got her previous masters attention, "Yes" said Kiritsugu as he was mentally preparing himself for not only for her ire in words but possible ire in weapons as well.
"I'll be blunt and say that for the longest time, I had nothing but hatred towards you, for what you did throughout our time together as Servant and Master" said Saber.
"You never trusted me with anything, you had intervened and had robbed not only me, but a fair duel when I faced off against Lancer, and against my plea's of not wanting to destroy the Holy Grail, you made me do it" said Saber.
"If you had told me what you had learned, you could have persuaded me in being for the Grails destruction, though to be fair those are words of speculation I'm using" said Saber as Kiritsugu was having a hard time looking at her.
Having one last few things to say, Sabe made her way towards the man and wanted to make sure he paid attention as she began to dispel out of her armor and ease the man thinking that she had any murderous intent.
"I know the truth now thanks to Shirou, however that does not mean I have forgiven you, but I'm willing to give you the chance, not because I want to, but because you're alive and back in Shirou's life, and if I want to continue to committing my life with him, I have to accept that you are now not only part of his life, but our lives" said Saber before she began to turn tail.
"Please, if you show me that you plan to do right by your son, than I shall allow you to do right by mean, and nothing would make Shirou feel more happy than the sight of him seeing us burying the hatchet" said Saber as she glanced at Kiritsugu for the last time, before bidding him good night.
As for Kiritsugu, he was relieved and surprise to know that their interaction alone in a long time can be civil, however like before, he can't promise anything to Saber.
Even though there was some talking between him and his son, Kiritsugu won't give up on having Shirou to live a normal life, one without magus, servants, or Holy Grails.
And if he were by some way to succeed in getting Shirou to give up, he knows well that Shirou will never forgive him, and if he won't forgive him, he knows that Saber won't either, and was honestly fine with that knowledge.
There was still a lot of thoughts on his mind, regarding not only Shirou, but for himself, his wife, his daughter, and all the servants that are now present, but more importantly the trail his own son left the indirectly affected him, and the worrying thought as to the cons that may affect him and everyone else around.
In a way Kiritsugu was looking in a mirror as he had burnt down many bridges in his life, but his son, who has direct knowledge of the bridges that he will burnt, doesn't seem to care and will face it head on.
He knew he had only one more good day life left in his life, because once his daughter has returned, he'll be doing a lot of necessary changes that he thinks are what's best, even if it means he'll be getting the one group of people whom love him endingly, will finally start to hate him.
Yay, another chapter done and posted for you guys to enjoy, as always I appreciate your guys continued support, so please if you guys do like it, please be sure to fave and follow, and leave me your guys thoughts in the review section.
Next time, we'll focus on some semi awkward father/son time between Kiritsugu and Archer, along with Kiritsugu getting better acquainted with all the previous servants, and their masters, specifically his reaction towards him Lancer, Bazett, and Caren.
Until then, be safe, be good people, and please support your local fandom communities.
This has been your Humble Narrator and official author Tobi Yaza. =3