A/N: Yo! Sorry for the slight delay, everyone! I was planning on posting this earlier, but after I got about a third of the chapter done, I realized that I didn't like where it was going and wound up rewriting the whole thing a couple of times. So yeah, that happened... And also, some personal stuff came up and I had to take care of them first.
Anyway...without further ado, ENJOY!
The Tohsaka Residence
"Excuse me."
Shirou stepped into the upper-floor office of Tokiomi Tohsaka, finding its owner sitting in one of the sofas with Risei. The two men were looking up at him expectantly.
"Shirou," Risei greeted.
"Father," Shirou replied. He quietly closed the door behind him, approached the other sofa, which was facing Tokiomi and Risei's, and sat down on it. "So, why have I been summoned here? Is there something that requires my full attention?"
"Yes," said Tokiomi. "We have just received word that a member of the Yggdmillennia clan has been selected as a Master for the White Faction."
Shirou's eyes narrowed slightly.
Yggdmillennia. A unique family of magi that does not focus on continuing a single bloodline, but rather, taking in other thaumaturgical families. Specifically, they took in those with little history and connections, weak or dying Magic Circuits, disgraced and ruined reputations, and Sealing Designations. In essence, the clan was an alliance between the new, the weak, and the dying, one that was not affiliated with the Mage's Association in any way. The only reason the Association did not see them as a threat was because their members were usually second-rate mages who could pose little threat to them, and their elder had an efficient enough hand in magi politics that allowed them to be left alone. One member of the clan participated in the previous Grail War as a Master, but his Servant was defeated by the Tohsaka Servant midway into the War.
"I see..." he said.
"As much as this new selection would sully the White Faction's membership of powerful, first-rate magi," Tokiomi continued, "this presents an opportunity for the Holy Church's plan. The Yggdmillennia are now allies with the Tohsakas for the time being, and by extension, your allies. Every family inducted into the clan, regardless of past interactions with us, is bound by this fact."
"Shirou," said Risei, "you know what needs to be done."
The white-haired man nodded loyally. "Of course, I understand my role in this Holy Grail War, Father."
London Clock Tower
"This will conclude today's lecture. And do not forget, your papers on the relationship between the Five Elements are due next Wednesday. I may be absent for the next couple of months, but do not take my substitute as lenient."
Standing before the podium, Feend vor Sembren watched idly as his students all began packing up and leaving his classroom. Most were talking to each other about the lecture; whether or not they were impressed by it, he couldn't tell, not that he cared at the moment. Some isolated themselves or were struggling to take last-minute notes. It was just like any other class dismissal, in the lecturer's opinion.
Only, this time, it could be the last one he would ever dismiss...
Once the last of his students left, Feend raised his right hand, removed his white glove, and stared bitterly at the black Command Seals engraved on his skin, gritting his teeth as he took in every last detail of the stigmata.
At first, when he learned that he had been chosen as a Master in the Fourth Holy Grail War, he was overjoyed at the prospect. This happiness only increased once he learned that the newest Grail War would start out as one between factions, not individuals. The excellence of the vor Sembren family needed to be recognized across the whole magi world, and what better way to ensure that than an unusual challenge?
However, once he learned about who the Einzbern family appointed as the leader, the one superior to him...
"Of all the people chosen to lead the Black Faction," snarled Feend as he packed his bag and left the classroom, "it had to be him. Fate could not have been anymore cruel than it was on the day I got the Command Seals..."
"But for you to work alongside him... Your ancestors must be rolling in their graves at this."
Feend bared his teeth in a vicious growl as he remembered Kayneth's mocking words. "It matters not. I will summon myself a powerful Heroic Spirit." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small tusk, its tip stained red with crusted, ancient blood. "And once I do, once I find the perfect opportunity, I will slaughter that disgrace of a mage and take control of the Black Faction. Then, I will win the Holy Grail and prove the power and worth of my family name!"
He put the bloodstained tusk back into his pocket, as his lips curved into a wide, malevolent grin.
"Yes... I shall make my ancestors proud!"
Elsewhere, at the Clock Tower's dormitories, Waver Velvet opened his eyes, having woken up from a brief slumber he took in-between finishing assignments. He sat up and looked around the room in search of his roommates. Fortunately, they were still out attending other classes. Waver didn't even feel a modicum of care about their absences; he never got along with them at all in the first place.
He gazed at the books he borrowed from the Clock Tower library on extended notice, letting out an exhausted sigh. He spent the last few nights reading every page in secrecy, compiling more information on the Holy Grail Wars. Every book he read specified that he only needed to have a strong wish to gain a set of Command Seals, the only thing that would officially allow him into the Wars as a Master. However, no Command Seals appeared on the back of his hand (or anywhere else on his body for that matter; he heard there were rare cases like that) for the past few days. Waver was wondering if he missed something in any of the books.
With that thought, he reached out to retrieve the first book on the pile. That was when he saw them.
Three Command Seals, all painted on his skin, like permanent ink that would never wash out.
At first, he thought he was seeing things, since he did just wake up. However, after rubbing his eye with his unoccupied hand, Waver realized their legitimacy. He had them. He had the Command Seals. That means...
Waver started laughing as he hopped out of his bed and struck a gallant pose as he held up his hand, as if there were others who should see his mark.
"ALRIGHT, I DID IT!" he shouted. "I GOT A SET OF COMMAND SEALS TOO!" His hands clenched into fists as he shook with excitement. "The Grail, it chose me! It actually chose me! My talents have been recognized by it, and it believes me worthy to get it! Now... Now I am a MASTER!"
Waver fell back on his bed in his glee, laughing loudly and refusing to care if anyone else heard his joy. However, his excitement lasted for a few seconds when he realized something, causing him to stop abruptly and reexamine his Command Seals.
"But wait a minute...why are they in a different color?..."
Einzbern Castle
"Let's go over what we know, Iri, okay?"
Irisviel nodded in affirmative and approached Kiritsugu, who was going over the files he organized. He was currently glancing at the files to the left of him, a look of neutrality shadowing his dark, nearly lifeless eyes. She could tell that he didn't really care for those people, despite their standing as allies (or, as he would like to put it, temporary allies).
"As of today," Kiritsugu explained, "we have identified two Black Masters and five White Masters. We shall start with the Black Masters first.
"First, we have Feend vor Sembren. vor Sembren family head. Lightning mage. Specializes in Golemancy. His Golems will make good use to the Black Faction as its secondary support. However, he, like any other mage clan with a high number of generations under their belt, will not take so kindly to cooperating with the rest of us. His pride may be a setback for our goal."
"When you say the rest of us, Kiritsugu," replied Irisviel, looking solemn, "do you mean yourself?"
"Yes," Kiritsugu said, his expression unchanging. "In the eyes of any typical mage, I have spat many times on the honor and pride of mages everywhere."
"If only they understood why..." The woman placed a loving hand on Kiritsugu's shoulder. "Do you know how you're going to be able to lead a mage like him? Let alone an entire faction of mages who will most likely agree with vor Sembren's position?"
"I have a strategy planned for that, but the details are for another time. Let's get back on topic." He gazed at the second file on the left. "The other known Black Master is Klaus Edelfelt. Successor to the Edelfelt family. Water mage. Uses Jewel Magic and the Gandr Curse. He was appointed as the Edelfelts' successor only after his older brother fled due to being marked with a Sealing Designation. He will attempt to prove himself and be brash about it, which will cause troubles. And more importantly, he will place special treatment on Tokiomi Tohsaka."
"Do you suggest we keep him away from Tokiomi Tohsaka?" asked Irisviel.
"No, I am suggesting that we keep him at a minimal role until the White Faction is out of the way. Because the Edelfelts' wealth hit a steep decline after the Third War, I suspect that they will not try to waste their remaining resources on acquiring a relic for him to use as a catalyst. That said, I reserved one of the catalysts Acht acquired specially for him. It should keep him at a good distance from the battlefield, but still, we must keep an eye on him."
"If you say so, Kiritsugu, but Edelfelt is obviously going to dislike that."
"Then thank God for Maiya." Kiritsugu glanced at the files organized at the right, his eyes narrowing at the sight of them. "Now, onto the White Masters...
"First is Tokiomi Tohsaka. Leader of the White Faction and the Tohsaka family head. Fire mage. Uses Jewel Magic. Very formidable. He has a large wealth of resources, which he has been using to supply the White Faction with their necessary supplies, including catalysts. This means he likely has powerful Servants chosen for most, if not all of the Masters. Eliminating him will have to be the Black Faction's highest priority, for doing so will send the rest of the White Masters into confusion.
"Next, Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald. Archibald family head. Wind and water mage. Top specialties are Necromancy, Summoning, and Alchemy. As a ninth-generation mage, he will be extremely powerful. Considering his status, he may fill a second-in-command role for the White Faction, and even assume leadership of it should Tohsaka ever fall in battle. His elimination should be a top priority as well.
"Bram Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri. Sophia-Ri family successor. Ice mage. Specializes in Summoning and Rune Magic. His sister Sola-Ui is scheduled to marry Kayneth El-Melloi, which gives him good connections with the latter. We could use that to our advantage.
"Fiore Forvedge Yggdmillennia. Forvedge family successor. Metal mage. Top expert in Summoning and Human Engineering. She has extraordinary talent for a magus in the Yggdmillennia clan, but a malfunction in her Magic Circuits disabled her legs and she is confined to a wheelchair. Once her Servant is eliminated, she will stand no chance against an ambush or a long-ranged attack, so we must keep that in mind."
Irisviel's eyes widened in shock at Fiore's photo. It depicted a teenage girl with fair skin, clear-blue eyes, and wavy brown hair smiling kindly at the camera. She looked way too harmless and innocent to pose any real threat against the Black Faction.
"My goodness," she said. "She's so young... We really have to-"
"Don't get attached, Iri," interrupted Kiritsugu, sensing her discomfort at Fiore's photo. "This is the enemy. Regardless of how the White Masters look, they will not give us a chance, especially when we show mercy. You have to remember that."
Irisviel's expression softened as she continued to look at Fiore. "Yes, Kiritsugu..."
"Okay." Kiritsugu focused on the last file. "And lastly, we have Shirou Kotomine."
"Kotomine?" The silver-haired woman looked at the same file, shocked. "Isn't that the same surname as the Overseers, Risei and Kirei Kotomine?"
"Yes," the freelancer replied. "In fact, it says here that he is Risei's son, and therefore, Kirei's brother. I know, it surprised me as well, Iri, when I learned about it. Why would the Grail select him to be a Master in this War? This will compromise the impartiality of the Overseers..."
"This is very unusual. Maybe we should read his personal history? It might tell us something."
"That, we could." Kiritsugu promptly opened up Shirou's file. "Shirou Kotomine, born January 30, 1972, followed his family in pilgrimages across the globe since he was a child and became a member of the Holy Church's Eighth Sacrament Assembly. He is the single parent of a young girl, Mashu Kotomine, after his wife Mirai died four years ago in childbirth." He raised an eyebrow. "That's... That's it."
"That's it?" repeated Irisviel, confused.
"That's all his personal history has to say about him. It goes no further. It does not mention a word about his education, what specific accomplishments he made, his reason for joining the Eighth Sacrament Assembly. Nothing else to say about his background. The specifics begin after his joining the Eighth Sacrament Assembly. This is odd. It's...It's as if he just appeared in the world and began living like any other person... That doesn't sound right. That doesn't sound natural..."
Kiritsugu's eyes narrowed, and he began browsing through the file, eventually settling on a specific page. He read it thoroughly, and Irisviel noticed his dark eyes narrowing even more. Finally, after a few minutes, he stopped reading and lowered the file, an ominous expression on his face.
"What is it, Kiritsugu?" Irisviel asked. "What did you read?"
"His birth-date was surprisingly specific for a personal history that lacked any other personal details," replied Kiritsugu, "so I took a look at his birth certificate. It says that Shirou Kotomine's mother was Sayla Kotomine, second wife of Risei Kotomine, and that she died in childbirth." He then retrieved two files. "This is everything I have on Risei and Kirei Kotomine. I looked it over and memorized everything during the previous nights ever since I learned about Shirou's participation in the War. Now, Kirei's family records mention nothing about a stepmother. Risei's marriage records name one wife, Fiona Kotomine, the mother of Kirei, who died of natural causes five years ago."
"Could Risei Kotomine have been unfaithful to his wife?"
"No, not a renowned priest who devotes himself to God. Infidelity goes against his beliefs." Kiritsugu glared at Shirou's file. "I'll have Maiya investigate it further."
Sitting in the room of a seedy inn in the middle of the village near Einzbern Castle's approximate location, Maiya Hisau scrolled through the few channels her television had to offer her. They were all in German, which she found to be one of the more uncomfortable languages to speak, and none of the programs were of any interest to her. However, she continued scrolling, as if expecting a new channel to be automatically installed, one that would contain something that could keep her occupied. On the other bed of her room lay a number of various explosives, both conventional and improvised, as well as a couple of firearms.
Suddenly, she heard her cellphone ring, and she automatically answered it, knowing who was calling.
"It's me," she said.
"Maiya," Kiritsugu replied, giving no room for greeting. "Do you remember who supplied you with the information on Shirou Kotomine?"
"It was a fellow freelancer by the name of Kairi Sisigou." She closed her eyes and gave a sharp snort. "I had the impression that he wasn't the most reliable contact, but he was the only one who responded to the task."
"The only one?"
"Yes, the only one. It was odd, but I assumed that it was because this Shirou Kotomine wasn't as well-known as the others, to the point where no one else wanted to spend their time and resources on him, or they just didn't know the name well enough that they didn't wish to even bother." Maiya blinked once. "Why? Did you find something interesting on this target?"
"No. I found nothing at all, in the literal sense. I want you to set up a meeting with this Sisigou person. Get him to find more info on Shirou Kotomine. The fact that a Master with virtually no history is participating in the Holy Grail War is unnerving to me."
"Understood."
Maiya immediately hung up, shut off the TV, and began dialing a new number.
As soon as Maiya hung up, Kiritsugu shut off his phone and let out a heavy sigh. Irisviel had left a few minutes ago, when they finished their briefing, leaving him alone in his study. He could've used this opportunity to smoke a cigarette, but he remembered that he put off smoking...for certain reasons. But now that he was faced with a problem that could be bigger than he ever anticipated, Kiritsugu wanted nothing more than a single cigarette and a single lighter.
He glanced at the file of Shirou Kotomine, which displayed an amateur photo of him at a cathedral. For a man who was supposed to be twenty-one, he looked much younger than that, maybe in his mid-teens. There was also a youthful and innocent air to him, one that could only be seen on children. If he was suffering from some condition that stopped his aging, then it would've made sense, but Kiritsugu would've found something in his medical files, which he didn't.
The Magus Killer narrowed his eyes darkly. Here he was, staring at everything he had on the most mysterious Master in the Fourth Holy Grail War, with nothing else to go on at the moment. No history, no known magical training... No wish of any kind to be granted...
"Shirou Kotomine," he thought. "Who are you?"
The Matou Residence
The moon shone clearly through the sparse banks of clouds, bathing the Matou manor in its pale, pearly light. It reflected smoothly off Shirou's white hair, giving his head a certain small glow as he walked away from the gate of entry and towards the front door. He knew he wasn't exactly welcome there, but considering what he learned earlier today, other members and families in the Yggdmillennia were likely to be taking up temporary residence (most likely including the elder) and the Matou would have no choice but to acquiesce. And if that didn't ring true, there was still the matter of-
Shirou stopped walking, sensing an unnatural presence in the air. At first, he heard nothing.
Then, it came: a buzzing noise, growing louder and louder all around him. Drawing three Black Keys from his right hand, Shirou glared to his right and saw a small warm of unknown but fierce-looking insects flying straight at him at an astounding speed, which only suggested their intent to kill. His eyes narrowed menacingly as the swarm neared.
"So," he thought, "this is the Matous' idea of a formal greeting?..."
He promptly drew three more Black Keys from his unoccupied left hand and began swiping both sets at the air repeatedly like swords, cutting through the swarm efficiently. Small piles of the insects' bifurcated bodies began to form all around him in a complete circle, and the insects could never get within a couple of inches of Shirou without being struck down violently. Shirou couldn't help but feel bored by this task.
Finally, after a minute of this, he heard someone let out a single whistle, signaling the remaining insects to cease their assault. The swarm re-converged and flew towards the roof, where a figure was perched, his or her face obscured by a drawn hood. Realizing who it was, Shirou sighed heavily and shook his head.
"Really?!" he called. "That was the best you could do?! Throw a bunch of flying insects at me?!" Shirou laughed hollowly. "I would expect nothing more from a Matou."
The figure laughed colorfully. "It's good to see you again, Shirou!" he replied.
The insect swarm encircled the man, completely obscuring him from view, and then headed back towards the ground after a few seconds, leaving behind empty air. As soon as the swarm reached the ground, it circled around a certain spot on the clearing, then broke apart, left, and revealed the same man, standing on the fresh blades of grass. He removed his hood, revealing a kind, warm smile and a head of spiky white hair.
"Kariya Matou," Shirou greeted.
"I believe the proper name is Kariya Matou Yggdmillennia," said Kariya. "Come inside! There's no need to stand outside in the cold!"
Shirou followed his friend into the manor, all the while thinking.
The Matou family, one of the Three Founding Families of the Holy Grail Wars, originally known as the Makiri. They were once a prominent magi lineage, but around 200 years ago, they fell into decline and their offspring at the time were no longer being born with natural Magic Circuits. This cost them victory in the Second Grail War, and in the Third War, they suffered an embarrassing defeat to the Yggdmillennia Master during the first battle.
Twenty years afterward, the Matous' magical ability became so weak that they had no choice but to be inducted into the same clan that defeated them, as a last-ditch effort to preserve their thaumaturgical abilities. Using techniques learned from other families in the clan, they were able to restore some of their ability to manifest natural Magic Circuits, to the point where they were barely legitimate as a magi family. However, in exchange for that, they had to surrender their previous family magecraft, which the Yggdmillennia deemed unsuitable for their reputation. As a result, they had to look at the similar magecraft of several other families in the clan, implementing those for future generations. As effective as it was, it did not suit well for the Matous' pride, and they also attracted the scorn of other Yggdmillennia families, causing them to be shunned and isolated for a family inducted into a larger coalition of weak and disgraced magi families.
His thoughts were interrupted by the noise of Kariya shutting the door behind him.
"So," he said, "what brings you here, Shirou?"
"I hear a member of the Yggdmillennia clan has been selected by the Holy Grail as a White Master," replied Shirou.
Kariya's eyes softened considerably. "Yes. That would be Fiore."
Shirou blinked in surprise. Risei and Tokiomi hadn't exactly identified who the Yggdmillennia Master was, but knowing served as a great shock to him. He had met Fiore and her brother Caules several times, whenever Kariya would stop by at the park to interact with Mashu, Caren, Rin, and Sakura. She was so kind and gentle, and to know that a person like her was participating in the Grail War... It was...
"I trust that you'll be able to protect her during this War?" Kariya continued, interrupting Shirou's thoughts. "You are a White Master as well, isn't that right?"
"Yes, that's true. I will do my best, but know that I can only do so much to protect a Master with a wish and a desire for the Holy Grail."
"I understand." Kariya raised an eyebrow. "There's more to this visit, I imagine? One wouldn't step foot into the territory of the Matou without good reason."
"Yes." Shirou raised his hand, bringing his white Command Seals into full light. "The White Faction has a strategy developed, one that could bring them victory in the first phase of the War. However, it involves me forfeiting my Command Seals and my right as a Master."
"What?! But...you promised-"
"Don't worry. I will still have a say in the White Faction, and I will still watch over Fiore and protect her in any way I can. But for this strategy to work, I must do this." Shirou lowered his hand and put it in his pocket. "I understand that the Matous were the ones who created the Command Seals for the Holy Grail Wars."
"Yes, that's true. What of it?"
"I believe the Matous know of a way to surrender one's Command Seals and right as a Master, and then give them to someone else to act as a proxy Master."
Kariya blinked. "There are very few magical methods, but I think-" He narrowed his eyes menacingly and coughed briefly. "Father is aware of one such method."
A scratchy, elderly voice suddenly spoke behind Shirou, snarling, "So, you actually had the nerve to show your face here again."
Shirou turned around and saw an elderly man wearing a dark kimono, standing behind him. However, he looked so ancient yet so durable that he appeared to be more of a monster than human. The young man narrowed his eyes at this unnatural man, remembering their encounter a few months back, which was the last time he laid eyes on him. He was almost surprised this man didn't try to have him attacked on the spot.
"Zouken Matou," he said.
"Shirou Kotomine," snarled Zouken, his teeth bared in a savage frown. "I thought I told you to never darken this doorstep again."
Shirou scoffed inaudibly. "Oh? It is to my knowledge that I am entering a house of the Yggdmillennia, not the Matou. The Yggdmillennia are an ally of mine, and I request their assistance." His eyes narrowed. "More specifically, I request your assistance."
Zouken's eyelid twitched unpleasantly. "And after the nature of our last meeting? Either you are mocking me, Shirou Kotomine, or you have a small mind. But it does not matter. I have no tolerance for an unbearable, foolish abnormality like you, and I have no intention of assisting you in any way, for the Holy Grail War or any other task. Now, leave this residence immediately, or I will-"
"You heard him, Zouken," interrupted Kariya seriously. "He requests assistance from you as a Yggdmillennia, not as a Matou."
The elderly Matou head glared at Kariya with a venomous look. Shirou distinctly remembered how hateful Kariya was of the Matou name ever since he learned about their previous magecraft, as well as their wish for the Holy Grail, and how quickly he accepted the Yggdmillennia name unlike the other Matous. Such a willing rejection put a heavy strain on his relationship with Zouken, as if there hadn't been a strain on it already.
"Don't you dare use your tongue," Zouken snapped harshly. "This is between me and him, Kariya."
"He's right, Zouken," another voice said, its professional and calm tone easing the tense atmosphere.
The three men watched as another man, with gray eyes and chin-length blue hair tied into a ponytail, entered the room, a smile on his face. His formal white suit, black pants, white cape, and black staff quickly established his authority and dominance over the others, preventing anyone, even a hateful Zouken, from speaking out in resistance. Behind him were two other people, one a stocky man in his mid-thirties with golden hair and a small mustache, the other a teenage girl with wavy brown hair and clear-blue eyes, bound to a wheelchair.
"Darnic," Shirou said.
"Greetings, Shirou Kotomine," replied the blue-haired man, his grin widening as he bowed. "Welcome to our humble domain." He ignored the bitter expression Zouken gave. "I assume you're aware of Fiore's selection as a White Master?"
Shirou looked at the wheelchair-bound girl with a pitiful expression, but noticed that she seemed unusually calm and composed. He decided to ignore it for the time being and looked back at Darnic.
"Yes. I look forward to fighting alongside her in the battlefield."
"Indeed, and the Yggdmillennia look forward to having you and the rest of the White Faction as allies. Now, I believe I overheard something about you requesting the assistance of Zouken Matou Yggdmillennia?" Again, he ignored Zouken's bitter glare.
"Yes, regarding the Command Seals I received. I intend to forfeit them and my rights as a Master to someone else."
"Ah," replied the stocky man, sneering. "So, you intend to exit the War on your own terms, prematurely so, and thrust your responsibilities as a Master into the hands of someone else? How cowardly of you, though I guess I would expect anything less from an abnormality like you."
Shirou's eyes narrowed at the insult, but he said calmly, "No, I fully intend on participating. However, as I've told Kariya, the White Faction has developed a strategy against the Black Faction, and it involves me having to transfer my Command Seals to a potential proxy Master to whom I can give detailed instructions. I've been told that the Matous are aware of an effective method that can make this possible."
Darnic turned to Zouken and asked, "Is this true, Zouken?"
"Yes," grumbled the Matou head through gritted teeth. "The Matous have a foolproof way of making that happen." He looked at Shirou. "However, by implementing this method, you will lose all control of your Servant, and your proxy Master will be the one giving orders."
"Aren't you worried your proxy may turn against you, Shirou?" Kariya asked, taking a step towards his friend.
"Yes, the White Faction is aware of that possibility," replied Shirou. "Which is why I also request that my proxy Master be a homunculus."
The stocky man's eyes widened. "A homunculus?"
"Yes, Gordes Musik Yggdmillennia, a homunculus. Your family specializes in alchemy, isn't that right?"
"Yes..."
"And considering the scope of this Holy Grail War, I'm assuming you have developed a number of homunculi as secondary support for the White Faction."
Gordes nodded reluctantly. "Yes..."
Shirou smirked. "And is it true that homunculi lack emotions and a sense of self?"
Gordes gritted his teeth. "Don't you dare mark me as incompetent, abnormality. I know what you're asking from me! And I say-"
"Yes," interrupted Darnic suddenly, smiling kindly at Shirou. "We shall grant you a homunculus as your proxy Master, Shirou Kotomine, and we shall also transfer your Command Seals to said homunculus through this method that Zouken knows. However, I must inform you that we are still in the development stages of our first homunculi, and there is also the matter of pinpointing those with the highest Magical Energy potential that could support the supplying of mana to a Servant. You will need to return in a couple of months."
Zouken and Gordes looked at each other, both disgusted at having to aid Shirou. However, one glare from Darnic forced them to nod their heads in agreement.
"Thank you, Darnic," Shirou replied, bowing. "I am indebted to the Yggdmillennia."
"Oh, don't worry, Shirou." Darnic's grin widened even more, looking somewhat ominous. "I believe you've already paid that debt."
"Your father was as pleasant as ever."
Kariya laughed as he escorted Shirou to the front gate. "You know Zouken," he replied. "He always thinks he's high and mighty until Darnic shows up. The Matous are weak without the support of the Yggdmillennia, so all he can do is bark rather than bite, lest he wishes for his precious lineage to finally die out. But enough about Zouken. How are Aoi, Rin, Sakura, Mashu, and Caren doing?"
"Excellent. But the children don't know about the Grail War yet. I can't even begin to imagine how they'll react once they learn they have to move to someplace safe and their fathers aren't coming with them." Shirou's eyes narrowed in concern. "I'm especially worried about Mashu... She's never been away from me for this long."
Kariya's eyes softened, and he patted Shirou on the shoulder consolingly. "As long as you survive, it'll be worth it, so don't keep Mashu waiting."
"What about you, Kariya?" The white-haired priest looked at his friend. "Regardless of the Matous' current affiliation, the automatic slots reserved for members of the Three Founding Families are still in place. Given you're the latest mage in the family, you will be chosen as a Master sooner or later."
Kariya smiled. "I've accepted my fate. I can only hope I will be chosen as your ally, not as your enemy. I can't afford to leave Fiore all alone." He looked down at the ground distantly. "I've... I've been taking care of her ever since she was a little girl..." His hand clenched into a trembling fist. "An innocent girl like her, having to fight to the death against enemies who will not take pity on her because she's defenseless and on a wheelchair? Even if she has a wish to entrust to the Holy Grail, I can't just let that happen. The worst-case scenario is me having to fight against her. Then what?"
"Don't think negatively, Kariya," Shirou replied. "Just keep praying to God. He listens to all prayers, and if your faith is strong enough, He will grant your wish."
Kariya laughed sarcastically. "If that's true, then why the hell are we wasting our time fighting over an omnipotent cup so it can do just that?"
Shirou pursed his lips as he approached the gate and opened it.
"I don't know, Kariya. I just don't know... I'll see you next week at the park."
Berlin, Germany
– Two weeks later –
Maiya coolly took a sip of her warm tea as she sat in the downtown café, waiting with unwavering patience. Just a couple of weeks ago, she managed to get back in contact with Kairi Sisigou and requested a meeting. In his response, he told her to meet at this very café at noontime sharp. She arrived fifteen minutes early, as she always did with every meeting between herself and a contact, and had been spending the spare time sampling what the business had to offer. She found a surprising attraction to their tea, which calmed her nerves rather efficiently. She wondered if that was what Kiritsugu always felt whenever he smoked one of his cigarettes...
"Sorry I'm late, traffic was hell," a voice said, bringing Maiya's attention back to reality.
Sitting in front of her was none other than Kairi Sisigou himself, giving her a cocky grin that irked her somewhat, but she knew better than to provoke him with an appropriate response. His sunglasses were raised, revealing his razor-sharp, intimidating eyes. The familiar stench of blood and gunpowder hung in the air around the table, and Maiya noticed at the corner of her eye several patrons eyeing her contact with fear.
"Plus, I had to undergo three separate searches by the goddamn local police," added Kairi. He huffed indignantly. "I have no idea why."
"Greetings, Kairi Sisigou," Maiya replied stoically.
Kairi grinned and waved dismissively. "Ah, you don't need to be so damn formal, lady! We've already met, so let's just cut to the chase!" He stretched out his arms. "So, what was your problem again?"
Maiya blinked at the freelancer's short-mindedness, but replied calmly, "It concerns the information about Shirou Kotomine."
"Ah yes, Shirou Kotomine, I remember that one. So, you have a little problem with the intel I got, right?"
The woman blinked again. "Yes. It was incomplete. There was not enough thorough information on Shirou Kotomine's background."
Kairi snorted and scratched his cheek casually. "Well, I warned you when I gave you the file. I did all I could, but all of that was the product of three months of work."
"My boss is not satisfied with what you provided. Are you sure this was everything you could learn about Shirou Kotomine?"
"I'm afraid it really is, lady." He leaned against his chair coolly. "It was as if the guy just magically appeared in the world and started mingling with everybody else. I could look into that if I had anything to work on." Kairi shrugged nonchalantly. "Of course, I don't, so that's a shame." He closed one eye as he continued looking at Maiya. "You should know that as well as I do. I mean, I'm assuming you tried to find this Shirou Kotomine yourself before going to me, am I right, lady?"
"Yes, but I am not well-versed in the thaumaturgical underground. Just the surface level. On the other hand, you are. And I've been pointed to you by many."
Kairi puffed out his chest proudly. "It's nice to know there are many people who know of my exploits."
"Yes. But it's a shame."
"Really? In what way?"
"I expected more quality from a renowned freelancer like you."
Kairi shrugged lazily. "Well, I ain't Superman."
"Who?"
"Never mind; it's some fictional character the rabble enjoy."
"There is always something that can be known on an unknown subject. Someone had to have seen something. All you had to do was keep searching in the right places and investigating the right people."
"If only I could, but as a necromancer, I had other things to attend to simultaneously." Kairi yawned and stretched his arms out. "And besides, I only have two eyes, two arms, and two ears, do you know what I mean, lady?"
Maiya narrowed her eyes seriously. "So you mean to tell me that you weren't trying hard enough."
"Oh, trust me, finding out the personal lives of people is a difficult task."
"I have committed myself to such tasks as well."
"Then surely you would know how it feels to look into a person who barely exists."
"Yes-"
"Then I can't see what the goddamn problem is, lady!" interrupted Kairi. He then crossed his arms, an uncharacteristically serious expression appearing on his face. "Maybe you should've clarified why this mission was so important to you and our boss."
Maiya knew she couldn't answer that implicit question. Kiritsugu gave her specific instructions to keep her contacts in the dark about the true nature of their missions. After all, he didn't want anyone getting ideas and jumping into the Holy Grail War as loose cannons. Considering Kairi Sisigou's record and accounts of him throughout the thaumaturgical underworld, he was the ideal loose cannon, one that could undermine everything Kiritsugu set out for in the first place.
"I am sorry, Mr. Sisigou-" she began.
"Ah, none of that Mr. Sisigou shit!" Kairi interrupted again. "That's my father. Call me Kairi."
"Again, Mr. Sisigou," replied Maiya coldly, "I cannot disclose my boss's motive for hiring you to complete this task. I have my orders."
"Yes, yes, your orders. Given by who I assume to be the Magus Killer?"
Maiya's eyes widened. She never told Kairi about who her boss was.
She instinctively placed her hand on the Glock 9mm she was secretly carrying, but Kairi noticed the gesture and his smirk widened, baring some of his teeth.
"Believe me, lady," he said, "I did all I could in those three months of investigation. But I'm afraid you underestimated me. What I couldn't accomplish in three months could be accomplished in three weeks. And believe me, these past three weeks bore me more fruit on you and your boss than that Shirou Kotomine fellow." He began aimlessly rubbing his thumb and index finger together. "I was right when I said I had other things to do simultaneously."
"What do you want?" Maiya snarled, clicking the safety of her gun off. Kairi heard the soft noise, and he let out a laugh so loud that it startled everyone else in the café, causing them to turn their heads towards that one particular table.
"There's no need for violence, babe! Trust me, I'll cool down! I swear!"
Maiya narrowed her eyes, but clicked the safety back on and cautiously glided her hand away from the gun. Once everyone resumed their normal activity, albeit with caution, she pursed her lips, scanning the smug, smirking form of Kairi. He was right; she did underestimate him.
"What do you want?" she asked, using a softer tone.
"Now that's more like it," Kairi replied, still smirking. "Now, I am aware that you and your boss are involved in the Holy Grail Wars of Fuyuki City, Japan." He rested his arms on the table and leaned slightly forward, whispering, "I want in."
"I am afraid that is not possible."
"And why the hell not?"
"My boss does not want loose cannons. From what I've read and heard about you, you are one."
"Maybe what you've read and heard is true, maybe not. Who am I to judge the accuracy of accounts that have been passed from one person to the next for the past decade or so? But I know you are going up against Bram Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri."
"Yes, I am already aware of that. Why is-?"
Kairi suddenly wagged an index finger at her, much like what a condescending adult would do to a child. "Ah, but what you don't know is the identity of the Heroic Spirit the Tohsaka Master selected for him." He chuckled, relishing in Maiya's confusion. "That one's a doozy."
Maiya's eyes widened, ever so slightly. "You know?"
The man's smirk widened even further. "Oh, believe me, lady, you did underestimate me."
"He what?"
"I spoke correctly," replied Maiya calmly and collectedly. "He wants to be involved in the operation."
"Maiya, you know what I said."
"I understand, but he claims to have knowledge of some of the White Faction's planned Servants."
There was a brief silence, followed by Kiritsugu's reply: "He claims to know which Heroic Spirits the White Faction is planning to summon?"
"Some of them, but yes, he claims to have the knowledge." Maiya looked back into the café, watching as Kairi calmly sat in the same table, enjoying his order. "He believes they could be the more powerful Servants the White Faction will have to offer in this War. In fact, he's already revealed the identity of one: Gilgamesh, the King of All Heroes. He is set to be the Servant for Bram Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri. He won't reveal anymore details until he's taken to Einzbern Castle."
"That is out of the question, Maiya. We cannot have anyone else involved in this War." He sighed heavily. "We do not even know if he is actually a spy sent by the White Faction to infiltrate our ranks."
Maiya looked away from Kairi and out into the street she was standing beside. "A spy?" she asked. "This early in the War? I thought both Factions were forbidden to spy on each other while building up their ranks."
"Yes. But considering this is the first time the reserve system has been activated by the Holy Grail, I wouldn't be surprised if Tohsaka wanted to get ahead of himself."
"I see." Her pupils flitted to Kairi for a brief moment; he was still eating from his plate. "Should I kill him now?"
She heard Kiritsugu heave out another sigh. "Yes. Kill him, Maiya. Use the smoke grenade tactic."
"Understood."
Maiya immediately hung up and looked back into the café...only to find no trace of Kairi anywhere.
Cautiously, she ventured back into the café and approached their table, where she noticed writing on a napkin placed on an empty table. She picked it up to read it, to which her eyes narrowed.
I can read lips, you know. And you've got quite a nice set, lady.
Kairi nonchalantly hummed a merry tune to himself as he strolled down the sidewalk, away from the rear of the café. He knew Maiya Hisau and her boss, the ever-enigmatic Magus Killer, would never believe that he had legitimate knowledge of the White Faction's Servants' identities. However, this didn't daunt him. After all, his initial façade as a lazy, hapless, and untrustworthy freelancer, a random picking from a reserve of other freelancers, was part of the first phase for the plan set up for him to follow. Now, he had their attention, and next, all he had to do was establish his trustworthiness.
Speaking of trustworthiness, he was concerned about the person the woman had hired him to study, the man named Shirou Kotomine. Indeed, he could barely glean intelligence on him during the three months he was sent to observe him. And every day he watched his every movement, the more unnatural Shirou seemed to the freelancing necromancer. It was rather disconcerting to Kairi, who knew he should not be so concerned about such matters. He would have to consult with Rocco Belfaban about this matter.
But for now...
He took a last sip of the tea that he brought with him before throwing the cup away in a nearby trash can.
"That's some nice tea," he remarked gruffly.
Kotomine Church
– Two months later –
The vacant, emotionless mask on Kirei's face failed to waver as he entered Kotomine Church, closing the large door behind him with the loud echo of a locking mechanism. He then began to silently stroll down the carpeted aisle. Gazing at the altar, illuminated by the bright, golden rays of sunlight shining through the stained glass windows at the left, he found Risei standing alone, holding some sort of wooden board.
"Father," he greeted, attracting Risei's attention.
"Kirei," the elderly priest replied, smiling.
Kirei's gaze focused on the strange wooden board in his father's hands. "What is that you are holding?"
"The Spirit Board, the item used by all Overseers to keep track of the Servants participating in the Grail Wars. The Holy Church just had it delivered to me earlier this morning." He held it out for Kirei to see. "Do you wish to see it, Kirei?"
He didn't respond, but wordlessly took it from his father's hands. Looking at it, Kirei saw that its plain, flat surface was adorned with nothing of any sort.
Sensing his son's confusion, Risei explained, "It is activated by Magical Energy, triggered whenever a Heroic Spirit is summoned into the world as a Servant. However, it does not reveal the true identities they once held in their lives, only referring to them by their class. Or, in this case, the Faction they are affiliated, as an addition. Saber of White, Archer of Black, and so on and so forth. The Spirit Board will not read anything until your Servant is summoned, Kirei."
"Of course."
He gazed at the empty section of the altar, cleared out specifically for what was to come in a couple of days. Naturally, he and Laeticia were preparing themselves for that day, though they still lacked some of the necessary materials. Not that they were of real concern; it was nothing that couldn't be handled by money.
"Onto other matters, Kirei," Risei said, "how is Shirou faring with his task of negotiating with the Yggdmillennia?"
"Very well, Father," replied Kirei professionally. "He was able to secure affirmation of the Matous aiding him in the successful transferal of his Command Seals, and the Musiks supplying him with a homunculus to act as an impartial proxy Master. All he had to do was wait a couple of months for the Musiks to create the homunculus best suited for such a function. I believe tonight is the night where he will report back to the Yggdmillennia at the Matou residence and select which of the homunculi they have for him will be the most suitable candidate."
"Excellent."
"If I may ask, Father, why does my brother wish to give up his rights as a Master yet still directly participate in the War as if he is one?"
Risei's eyebrows furrowed slightly as he replied, "Shirou does not wish to have a direct hand in the violence that will ensue in the War. He only desires to observe the proceedings from afar and manipulate them to our liking."
"Yes, I believe that sounds accurate to Shirou." Kirei aggressively pushed his dark thoughts back to the rearmost portion of his mind. "But will Ruler see this as a possible infraction to the rules of the Holy Grail War?"
"Quite possibly. Which is why Tokiomi and I want you to remain silent about the matter. In fact, we wish for you to not speak a word about Shirou in Ruler's presence. Besides, it is not as if Shirou is intending to betray us and manipulate events in favor of his own selfishness. No damage will be posed by this action."
"As you wish, Father." He gave the Spirit Board back to Risei and turned his back on him. "I shall be off."
"Goodbye, Kirei. I expect you to return here in two days with Laeticia for the purpose of summoning your Servant. God bless you."
"God bless you."
Kirei strolled back down the aisle, his footsteps echoing across the interior of the church. As he did, he couldn't help but feel that there was more to Shirou's intention of having a more passive role in the Holy Grail War. Deep down, he knew it had to do with the one person in the world that truly terrified his brother. The one person in the world who caught his undying interest.
The Magus Killer.
Miyama Town
Simultaneous to Kirei's meeting with Risei, Laeticia stood at the crosswalk, waiting for the signal permitting her crossing. While waiting, she looked at her companion, Taiga Fujimura, who had been walking her home for the past two months. At first, she repeatedly urged Taiga that it wasn't necessary, but her underclassman was very stubborn and insisted on accompanying her. Eventually, Laeticia decided to give up and allow Taiga to walk with her, as if she didn't really have a choice in the matter.
Then again, being considered a friend of Taiga's had its benefits. For one thing, Ichikawa and just about every other boy (and even male teacher) who lusted after Laeticia in school finally kept their distance from her, following Taiga's ambush on Ichikawa while he was trying to seduce Laeticia. Also, being Taiga's friend meant she was also acquainted with other underclassmen like Reikan Ryuudou and Otoko Hotaruzuka, both good friends and classmates of Taiga. As much as she didn't want to, Laeticia recently found herself inducted into their little circle of friends, with no possible way out.
The signal flashed green, allowing Laeticia and Taiga to begin their crossing.
"So, how are your classes, senpai?" asked Taiga. "I know math is a big pain for you."
"They're faring well," Laeticia replied. "I think I did reasonably well on last week's math test compared to my other exploits in the subject."
"Oh, that's good, that's good. So, any boys bothering you today, senpai? You know I'll be there to get them off your back-"
"That won't be necessary, Fujimura, for no boys have made any advances on me for the past month. It has been fortunately quiet."
"That's very good! It pisses me off whenever a guy is a hormonal, lustful beast." She then gave Laeticia an indignant look. "And stop calling me Fujimura, senpai! We are friends now, so I think it'd be best if we started calling each other by our first names."
"You referred to me as Delacroix-senpai a while back, Fujimura."
"Then starting right now, we call each other by our first names! Is that agreeable?"
"Well, I am afraid that I do not consider you that close of a friend for me to agree on such terms."
Taiga blinked in shock. "Wow... I...I can't believe you actually said that to me... You really don't think I'm a good friend?..."
Laeticia refused to look at her. "You are a good person, Fujimura, but I would rather not be your friend."
"And why the hell not?!" A furious Taiga stepped in front of the blonde teenager, stopping her in her tracks. "I've been nothing but nice to you ever since we met, and I've been keeping the guys off your back! I'm not some shounen visual novel protagonist helping out random people for the heck of it, because it gives me some sort of fulfillment! No, I'm doing it because I like you, and I want to be your friend, Laeticia-senpai!"
Now, it was Laeticia's turn to blink in shock. "You...You want to be my...my friend?"
"Yeah! Why do you think I've been nice to you ever since we met?!"
"There are a variety of reasons. None of which are good."
Taiga's eyes widened, and she looked away, trying to hold back tears. "You...You really looked down upon me, d-didn't you?"
Laeticia couldn't speak anymore. It wasn't as if she truly hated Taiga, but she knew that having a close friendship with her would complicate matters. If she were to somehow get caught up in the Holy Grail War due to their relationship and suffer because of it (especially now that the War was drawing nearer and nearer), she would never forgive herself. Thus, she knew she had to ignore her, and anyone else who wanted to befriend her. This was something she vowed to commit herself to ever since she first came to Fuyuki City with the intention of starting a temporary life there. It wasn't that hard to ignore other people, really; after all, she didn't have any friends back at Orléans, so she was used to being isolated.
But then again...here was someone who really wanted to be her friend, who was now offended by her own words... It was heartbreaking, but Laeticia refused to let it show. Instead, she maintained her cold and tactical exterior.
"I am truly sorry, Fujimura," she said, "but I cannot be your-"
Taiga suddenly shoved her away. "SCREW YOU!"
Laeticia could only watch as her underclassman ran to the other side of the street and began running down the adjacent sidewalk. Once Taiga was sure she was out of earshot, she began crying so loudly and immaturely that it was almost comical, but Laeticia never laughed even once.
Instead, she sighed sadly, but with relief.
The Matou Residence
– The following night –
Shirou and Kariya scanned the cavern that was the crypt of the Matou manor, distinctly remembering its previous usage as a storage room for Zouken Matou's Crest Worms, the very location where the Matou heirs were once 'trained'. However, ever since the Matous were inducted into the Yggdmillennia and lost their original magecraft, the crypt was vacated of the Crest Worms that resided inside, but still functioned as a training room, albeit one plagued with the dark memories of the horrors that transpired inside before.
In more recent times, it had been converted into a factory for the Musiks and some other Yggdmillennia families to use in preparation of the upcoming Fourth Holy Grail War. The room was now filled with tables holding alchemical equipment; bookshelves filled to the brim with books on the Musik family's Magecraft; and, above all else, storage tanks occupied by homunculi, all suspended in a green liquid that emanated the faint presence of Magical Energy.
Shirou's thoughts were interrupted by a hand latching itself onto his shoulder. Looking up, he could see Darnic staring straight ahead, examining the supply tanks of the Musiks' homunculi.
"Impressive, aren't they?" the Yggdmillennia elder asked.
"Maybe," Shirou replied honestly, gazing at the homunculi tanks as well. "But from what I've heard, the Einzberns are supposed to be better."
Nearby, Gordes let out a nasty snort. "At least the Musiks do not devote themselves solely to alchemy," he snarled disapprovingly. "Unlike those Einzberns, we fully recognize the consequences of specializing in a single field of magic on the battlefield."
Shirou ignored Gordes and asked Darnic, "So, are there any homunculi suited to the task of becoming my proxy Master?"
"Indeed," he replied. "In fact, we have the perfect candidate for you, Shirou Kotomine. Let me show you."
Darnic guided Shirou towards one supply tank, which he noticed was larger than the others. The two men gathered before it, as did Kariya and Gordes, the latter now looking particularly prideful of the perceived accomplishment before him.
Shirou examined the candidate pointed out by Darnic from head to toe with an impartial eye. The homunculus resembled a teenage boy and sported thick, unkempt dark-gray hair. He was sleeping in his tank, curled up into a fetal position as he was suspended in the green liquid.
Lifting an eyebrow, the white-haired priest looked at Darnic. "This one?"
"Yes, that one," replied Darnic. "Actually, we were expecting more potential candidates and that you had to choose one from the pack, but-"
"This one showed an unexpectedly high amount of Magic Circuits, all of first-rate quality," Gordes explained, stepping forward beside Shirou. "It was quite a surprise for me. My sole intention was for it to be one of the supporting soldiers for the White Faction, an easily disposable item and not one of your candidates. But as it grew and developed, there was a boom of Magic Circuits in its body. I was rather impressed by its progress."
Shirou narrowed his eyes at Gordes's choice to refer the homunculus as 'it' rather than 'him'. However, he chose to overlook it and looked back at the homunculus' tank with pursed lips. As much as he wasn't supposed to be concerned for the well-being of a creature like a homunculus, he still held a measure of reluctance and regret in pitting this...boy in the middle of a bloody battlefield. He may not be human biologically, but he looked like a human, functioned like a human, and, if necessary, could feel like a human. Wasn't that enough of a right to being human?...
"Well, Shirou Kotomine?" asked Darnic. "What is your answer? Will you accept this homunculus?"
Shirou continued to look at the homunculus, his eyes narrowing even more as he thought about it. At this point, he had no other choice; this strategy was demanded by the White Faction and he couldn't afford to let his comrades down. However, this homunculus looked so human...
"I'll take him," he replied without emotion.
"All right, then. I guess that takes care of one problem. Now, this homunculus is two days away from being fully developed. We will have him prepped by then, and after that, you can retrieve him and do what needs to be done."
"Good."
Darnic patted Shirou on the shoulder before leaving, allowing Gordes to glare at him bitterly.
"Be grateful I found the perfect proxy Master for you, abnormality," he snarled viciously. "If I had my way, I would've turned my back on you the second you made the request and left you to find another source of homunculi."
"Oh, really now?" Shirou replied sarcastically, while Kariya narrowed his eyes at the alchemist.
Gordes frowned nastily. Then, he took stepped closer towards Shirou, so he could whisper ominously in his ear, "You may have provided a measure of assistance to the Yggdmillennia in the past, you may have gained the trust of our elder, but the Musiks know better than to trust the likes of you. You and your freak of a daughter are nothing more than worthless specks of dirt in our eyes-"
Seconds later, Gordes was slammed into the homunculus tank with such force that anymore pressure applied would have broken the glass container completely. He stared in shock at the pair of dark, golden eyes that stared back with a bestial ferocity.
"You may verbally abuse me all you want, Musik," growled Shirou through gritted teeth, "but you do NOT insult my daughter. Otherwise, you will dearly regret ever doing so. Are we clear on that?"
Gordes cautiously glanced at the tank to make sure no cracks were on its surface. Once he verified there were none, he looked back at Shirou and nodded reluctantly. With that, the white-haired man released him, allowing him to straighten out his suit pompously and give him one last glare of loathing before walking away.
Shirou watched Gordes go with a look of absolute loathing himself, before feeling a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't let him get to you, Shirou," Kariya said for the first time since he entered the basement tonight. "There's nothing that can be attained by responding to insults with violence."
"He made it personal, Kariya," Shirou replied as he placed a hand over his face, an image of Mashu quickly crossing his mind. "He called my daughter a freak, of all people. My daughter..."
Kariya patted his shoulder. "I understand, Shirou. Believe me, I know what it's like to be at the receiving end of insults."
"My God..." Shirou looked close to breaking down. "M-Mashu..."
"Okay, let's not think about it for now, Shirou. Let's just discuss preparations for transferring your Command Seals."
Kariya led the unstable Shirou away from the tank, neither of them noticing that the homunculus had opened his eyes, disturbed from its slumber by Shirou's attack on Gordes a few moments ago. His eyes, as scarlet as blood, scanned his surroundings and mentally processed them. Finally, they settled on the two men walking away, and he couldn't help but feel a small, brief spark of confusion regarding the younger man wearing the red shroud.
The moment he saw him in distress over Gordes's insult, the homunculus had wondered if he just observed pain.
The Tohsaka Residence
– Two days later –
Laeticia stepped out of Tokiomi's office, bowing politely at her host before closing the door. She began walking towards the staircase, but as soon as she approached the first step, she stopped and leaned against the railing. The pace of her breathing quickened, and she clutched her chest, struggling to calm down. Fortunately, it didn't take her long to mentally recover, and she did so just as Mashu appeared, walking up the staircase with her doll in her hand.
The little girl noticed Laeticia still leaning against the railing and asked, "Laeticia?"
"Huh?" Laeticia looked down the stairs and smiled softly at Mashu. "Oh, hello there, Mashu. How are you?"
"I'm okay, Laeticia," she replied. "Are you okay?"
The blonde girl straightened herself out. "Oh, I'm just fine."
However, Mashu didn't look convinced. "No. No, you're not, Laeticia." She tilted her head in curiosity. "You're sad, aren't you?"
"Hm? Wh-What makes you say that, Mashu?"
The little girl's eyes softened. "It's the look on your face. It's sad. I can tell."
"Oh." Laeticia looked down at the floor, her sadness returning. A couple of seconds later, she heard soft, feminine sobs, but it wasn't her. She looked back down the staircase and saw Mashu crying, which surprised her. "Uh, Mashu? Why are you crying?"
"You're sad," Mashu replied between sobs. "I don't like it when other people are sad..."
Laeticia's eyes widened. "Oh, no, no, no! I'm not sad! I'm not sad at all, Mashu!"
Mashu sniffled and wiped her eyes. "You're... You're not?..."
"Yeah! I'm just...nervous..."
"Nervous? ...Nervous about what?"
"Well..." Laeticia looked away, remembering Risei and Tokiomi's instructions. "I'm nervous because...I have to go away...for a while..."
Mashu's eyes widened in shock. "You're going away? Where? Where are you going?"
"Well, I'm going on a little vacation. I...I can't tell you where I'm going..."
"Why not?"
"I...I can't tell you that either. But...your dad knows about this. So do Kirei, Risei, and Tohsaka-san. Any one of them may be able to explain this better than me."
Mashu immediately ran up the stairs and hugged Laeticia's leg tightly.
"Have fun on your vacation," she said into her skirt.
Laeticia blinked in surprise. "You're...You're not upset that I'm...leaving?"
"Well...sorta." Mashu looked up at her with a forlorn expression. "I know that Papa, Uncle Kirei, Grandpa, and Tohsaka-san are going away too. They told me and my friends that. Actually, I think me and the others are the ones going away. We have to go live with the Zenjou family for a while. But they didn't say you were coming, so you're probably going with them, is that right?"
"Yeah. Yeah, I'm going with them."
"So you have something very important to do, right?"
"Yeah. I guess you can call it that."
"But you're nervous. It must be something big that you're doing, something that's even bigger than you..."
Laeticia's eyes softened. "Yeah. That's right. It's...even bigger than me..."
Then, she suddenly felt something being put into her hand. Looking down, Laeticia realized it was Mashu's doll.
"M-Mashu?" she asked.
"It's okay," the girl replied, smiling. "You can have it while you're doing your important thing."
"But you've never parted with this in a day of your life! Your dad had to go through the sewers to find it when you lost it, just so he could get it back for you and you could stop crying!"
"Yeah, and he was really stinky afterwards." Mashu giggled briefly, then looked at the doll longingly. "But...I don't want it right now. I want you to have it!"
"Me? Why me?"
"Papa gave it to me so I could have a friend who would always be with me whenever he went away. But this time, I have Caren, Rin, and Sakura as my friends when he's away. You don't have a friend, though." Mashu looked back up at Laeticia and smiled brightly. "So please, take it, Laeticia! Everyone deserves a friend. Even you. Don't worry about me; I'll be fine without it!"
Laeticia stared back at her in awe, then bit her lower lip in a struggle to hold back her tears. First Taiga and her friends, and now Mashu... More people around her were showing her compassion, even more than what the townspeople at Orléans would ever give her. She had no idea the world had such compassionate people out there. This was making it hard for her to accept her fate...
She sighed heavily and replied, "Thank you, Mashu. I'm touched by your kindness. I really am." Her grip on the doll tightened. "I'll keep this, and when I look at it, I'll always think about you." Her smile widened. "My...My friend."
Mashu's smile widened as well, and she beamed up at the older girl. She then hugged her leg again, and Laeticia patted her head fondly. Then, while Mashu wasn't looking, the blonde girl exhaled sadly and looked up at one of the ceiling lights.
"I should've also returned Taiga's compassion in kind," she thought. "Alas, it is too late. The summoning is tonight. I can only pray that Jeanne d'Arc will be able to take things from here..." Laeticia looked down at Mashu, who was happily nuzzling her head against her skirt. "Goodbye, Mashu. Thank you."
Neither of them noticed Kirei silently observing the entire exchange, an unreadable expression on his face.
Kotomine Church
Laeticia stood beside Kirei, facing a Summoning Circle drawn on the empty section of the church altar. The Circle was drawn out with a golden liquid, and brightly illuminated by the pale moonlight shining through the leftmost windows. Risei stood on the opposite side of the Circle, his hands tucked behind his back.
"The Circle has been drawn out in perfect condition," Risei announced.
"Uh, Father?" asked Laeticia. "Is a simple ritual like this...really enough to summon a Heroic Spirit?"
"Yes, Laeticia. It is, surprisingly enough."
"However," explained Kirei, "no elaborate evocation is required for the summoning. In fact, the Grail itself is solely responsible for what is about to transpire. All I have to do is to keep Ruler anchored to this world and supply her with mana when necessary."
"I see..."
"Now then," Risei said, "Laeticia, step onto the center of the Circle. That...is the final step."
Laeticia's eyes widened in shock as she realized that this was it. This was everything she had worked so hard for. Her whole life had been all about this, even before she was actually born. And now that she was here, everything had come into full circle. But now...now that she was here...she was unsure if she could do it...
"Are you alright, Laeticia?" asked Kirei.
"Huh?" Laeticia shook her head. "Oh, no. I'm fine. I'm just..." She hesitated for a moment. "Just..."
"Nervous?"
The girl nodded softly.
"Do not worry, Laeticia," Risei said. "Because of this unprecedented method of summoning, Ruler will create a mental backup of your body. Once the War is over and her job is done, her body will revert back to yours according to the mental backup, with no damage whatsoever. Even if she dies midway into the War, the process is still applicable. Regardless of her fate, you will be able to return to your normal life once it's all over."
"I know all of that. But still...when I return to the world, a wish will have most likely been made and fulfilled by the Holy Grail... It is an omnipotent device, capable of even reshaping the world to the wish-maker's liking. What kind of world will I be returning to when this is all over? Is it going to be the same? Or will it be something different? Will everything have changed? Will...Will everything be gone?..."
"Which is why it is my duty, as well as Kirei's, to ensure nothing disastrous happens. We will see to it that a Master with good intentions accesses the Grail. With God as our witness, we will make sure of all that. Please, Laeticia, there is no longer any need to fear." The priest took a step backward. "Now, shall we begin?"
Laeticia placed her hand over her pocket, feeling Mashu's doll inside. Hoping it would be saved over onto Ruler's body and not disappear, she nodded in affirmation and stepped onto the circle's center. She looked at Kirei and gave him a soft smile.
"Before we begin, Kirei," she said, "I just want to thank your family, and you especially. For truly caring about me." She bowed. "Do take care, Kirei, and I sincerely hope you find what gives your heart joy."
"Your words touch me," he replied calmly. "I will do all I can. Have a great journey."
Laeticia bent back up and smiled again.
"Thank God for you."
Her smile reminded him of the very one his wife gave him on her deathbed...
"Now, Kirei," Risei announced. "Begin the incantation."
Kirei nodded and raised the hand holding his Command Seals, keeping the arm in place with his other hand.
"Let silver and steel be the essence.
Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation.
Let the Holy Grail be the one we offer fealty.
Let rise a wall against the wind that shall fall.
Let the four cardinal gates close.
Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the Kingdom rotate."
He watched as the Summoning Circle began to glow a golden light, one that could only be radiated by God Himself. He felt mana pour into the church, but paid no attention to it as he continued, focusing on Laeticia's face as she closed her eyes and gave a deep breath.
"Let it be filled. Again. Again. Again. Again.
Let it be filled fivefold for every turn, simply breaking asunder with every filling.
Let it be declared now;
your flesh shall serve under me and my fate shall be with your sword.
Submit to the beckoning of the Holy Grail.
Answer, if you would submit to this will and this truth."
At this point, Kirei could feel his Magic Circuits burning, and the light was growing brighter. But he knew he couldn't stop now. He was almost there.
Laeticia's face looked like it was at peace.
"An oath shall be sworn here.
I shall attain all virtues of all of Heaven;
I shall have dominion over all evils of all of Hell.
From the Seventh Heaven, attended to by three great words of power,
come forth from the ring of restraint, protector of the holy balance!"
The entire interior of the church erupted with bright golden light, engulfing Kirei and Risei. The aggressive flow of mana kicked up dust from every unattended nook and cranny of the building, letting it flutter around the chamber like a veil.
Once the light finally faded out and the dust was completely resettled, Risei stared at the sight before him, and his lips curved into a triumphant smile.
"It actually worked," he thought. "Truly a miracle to behold, for it worked!"
However, Kirei's indifferent expression did not change as he stared at the teenage girl who was Laeticia, but also not Laeticia.
"God answers every prayer," she said. "I was moved by yours, and have come in response. I am the Servant Ruler. I ask of you, are you my Master?"
She wishes to understand others
Chapter 0.5:
Prologue, Part III:
Advent of the Standard Bearer
Klaus: I promised them. I will restore the pride and honor of the Edelfelts!
Caules: Not me! I can't be a Master!
Homunculus: I like that name.
Tokiomi: They are better known as the Forgotten Family.
Masato: We cannot risk anything else!
Feend: So tell me, where is that husband of yours?
Next Time:
The Holy Grail's Call
A/N: At long last, the Ruler Servant has been summoned! I hope I got the summoning incantation right, and I certainly do hope none of this was rushed. About half of this was done late at night, and while I'm quite the late sleeper, I'm not at my top game in the dead of the night. Let me know in your reviews, everyone! :D
I'd like to thank those who reviewed:
FoxOnPie:
1) Yep, there's nothing Laeticia gains from it. In fact, she might get even worse, depending on the War's victor.
2) Actually, I have something else in mind for the whole no-bystanders law. I should have it clarified in a few chapters.
Guest reviewer: I'm glad you're interested in this! Yes, do stay tuned! :D
Gashadokuro Amanojaku:
1) Yes, he DOESN'T have a catalyst! And he DOESN'T know about the teams! Yes, indeed this is going to be a very interesting path we're going to see Waver go down in this story... ;) As for which Faction he's going to be in, yes, I gave you a cliffhanger on that one. But it'll be made obvious in the next chapter.
2) Okay, I'm glad nothing got seriously messed up with the timeline there! Phew!
Less people reviewed? What happened?!
Well, hope you enjoyed this chapter! TheCartoonFanatic01 is out. PEACE!