A/N: Well, that honestly took way longer than I had hoped.
I really would like to apologize to those of you who had been waiting so patiently for this chapter to come along. Lots of things came up IRL. First off, I had a week's worth of the stomach flu, which delayed progress on this chapter. Secondly, I also had to schedule my college classes for the following semester, and it was a bit of a hassle. Thirdly, I was focused on getting one of my other stories back on track after a brief period of hiatus.
Fortunately, I'm back in shape now, and I finally managed to get this all done using the spare time I had, so it's all good. Again, my apologies for the slow production to those who were waiting. I hope I didn't lose anyone in the wait.
ENJOY! And an early Merry Christmas to all of you!
Kotomine Church
Risei Kotomine stood on the altar, his face partially hidden in shadow, but the sparse, pale moonlight that crept through the church windows was enough to illuminate his proud smile for anyone to see. At his side, Kirei and a mysterious woman stood, more fully enveloped in the darkness. In a dramatic fashion, he held out his arms in some sort of welcoming embrace.
"I am pleased to announce that the highly anticipated summoning was successful," the priest said in a loud, authoritative voice, addressing the empty pews as if they were truly occupied. "The Ruler-class Servant who will guide this impossible Holy Grail War has entered into this world, and is fully intent on cooperating with the Holy Church in supervising these proceedings in accordance to the rules set down by the forefathers." Risei then calmly placed his hands behind his back. "The time and opportunity for the remaining fourteen Servants to be summoned is nigh now. To all those Masters already known to be selected by the Grail, you are to assemble in your respective Factions, summon your Servants, and work to fill in any vacant slots in your alliances.
"And now, I introduce you to the Ruler Servant of this impossible Holy Grail War."
Risei stepped aside, allowing the woman beside Kirei to step forward and bring herself into the pale moonlight. She was a teenage girl with blonde hair that almost seemed golden. The hair at her sides reached down to her chin, but the strands at the rear flowed down her shoulders and to her waist, giving the resemblance to angelic rays of golden sunlight. She was wearing a white-and-blue dress with silver metal armor, including gauntlets, boots, and a headdress. Her amethyst eyes were glinting with intense seriousness and dedication.
"Good evening, all who have humbly gathered here tonight," she announced, her voice just as authoritative as Risei's. "I am Jeanne d'Arc, the Ruler Servant of the Fourth Holy Grail War, or the Impossible Holy Grail War as Father Risei just put it. The Holy Grail Wars are a grand but violent means of acquiring the Holy Grail, the ancient relic that once caught the blood of the son of our Father in Heaven. As noble as these battles are, they are certainly capable of dragging innocents into their throes, with disastrous consequences. I assume, with the highest of faith, that everyone involved is fully aware of this and will do all they can to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. But know that your actions, no matter how careful they may be, will be monitored by me and the Holy Church. Should anyone overstep their boundaries and commit the most atrocious of sins, regardless of intent, we will deal the rightful punishment. You have my word."
She stepped back, allowing Risei to take the stand again.
"Okay. Now that the introductions are out of the way, please, if anyone has any questions, ask them now." Then, the priest smiled humorously. "That is, of course, limited to only those who could speak in human languages."
The sounds of several flapping wings could be heard, bringing a sense of isolation to the church interior.
"Well, I can say that went smoothly," Risei continued, looking at Ruler. "I believe everyone listening in got the message."
"That is good," Ruler replied before glancing at the pews. "I detected a total of eight familiars in the church."
"Our information to date tells us there are nine Masters chosen. Which means-"
"Either the ninth Master is unaware of this Grail War's proceedings..." Ruler's eyes narrowed. "Or he is aware and has no intent of cooperating with the rules."
"It is only the beginning of the Grail War, Ruler. The other fourteen Servants haven't even been summoned yet. There is no need to take action right now."
"Yes, that's correct. I was merely considering the potential scenarios at hand."
"Indeed, planning ahead is the most efficient way of coordinating a battle."
As Risei and Ruler continued to converse, Kirei continued to idly stand by. His eyes were closed, giving him a lazy, contemplative look.
Einzbern Castle
– The next day –
Kiritsugu and Irisviel stood on the altar of the chapel, both illuminated by the bright, white rays of light shining through the stained glass windows above. They looked down upon the small box on the central table, which was open, revealing a simple, harmless-looking piece of wood. Kiritsugu's eyes narrowed darkly at the piece.
"So this is...a piece of what was once the Round Table?" asked the freelancer. "The famous Round Table on which King Arthur and his knights congregated?"
"Yes," Irisviel replied. "Grandfather Acht was hoping to acquire the legendary Excalibur scabbard, Avalon, as your catalyst, but it appears to have been lost in history."
"In other words...this shard is the Einzberns' next best option...at summoning the King of Knights..."
"Yes, but this option has its own benefits. It is a holy relic, and doubles as a type of Conceptual Weapon. It doesn't rot and fall apart like other physical objects do. In the same vein as Avalon, it can also heal its owner's wounds and halt his or her aging process as long as it's supplied by the mana of the appropriate Servant."
Kiritsugu's eyes narrowed even more. "In other words, a Master can use this in tandem with the summoned Heroic Spirit to protect himself during the course of a battle."
Irisviel smiled slightly, recognizing his tone. "So, Kiritsugu, do you mean to say that this shard is a tool? That a tool is just a tool and nothing more?"
"That's right, Iri. It is a tool and nothing more, and the same goes for the Heroic Spirit too. It goes for everyone involved in this battle, Master and Servant, Black and White Faction alike. It matters not the magnificence and the awe and the inspiration brought by the respective legend. Once they're summoned as Servants, they are nothing more than tools to be used by their Masters. Or even abused. Anyone who believes in foolish propaganda such as that will not last within a day in this War."
"In other words," said Irisviel, still smiling, "you are not satisfied with Grandfather's gift."
"No, I am not. In spite of what I say about its purpose, I still believe Acht did a wonderful job in acquiring that relic. None of the Masters, Black and White alike, have access to such a powerful catalyst."
"Then...what's wrong, Kiritsugu?"
In response, Kiritsugu explained, "A shard from the Round Table is an excellent catalyst in summoning a Heroic Spirit. However, considering the Heroic Spirit we're after-" He turned away, immersing himself in his thoughts. "I highly doubt we have a good chance in summoning him."
"But isn't it a shard from the Round Table? Surely something such as that will guarantee the King of Knights' response to your summons."
"However, the Round Table is a legendary object associated with many legendary figures in history. Not just King Arthur, but his knights as well. There is a good chance I can summon any one of them. Lancelot. Gawain. Tristan. Percival. Galahad. Just to name a few. Because the catalyst is so general, the Holy Grail will next base the summoned Heroic Spirit on the Master's personality. Given my personality and strategy, I cannot even begin to imagine which knight will be the most compatible with me in terms of that."
Irisviel's smile widened. "What good will it do to worry about that before you've even begun the summoning ritual? We mustn't lose faith in our current goal. And besides, even if we don't summon the intended Heroic Spirit, I am sure you will still be able to create a good strategy to use in the War with the Servant we have. And I am sure that once this knight learns of your ideals, and your dream, he'll understand, and compatibility will no longer be a concern. I know that will happen." Her eyes, red as blood, softened. "After all, it happened to me..."
A small grin appeared on Kiritsugu's face as he glanced back at the glowing altar. He could see Irisviel looking back towards the contents of the box, wearing a fond expression on her own face. He arched an eyebrow slightly, realizing that another concern may already be out of the way for him...
However, before he can dwell on the thought any further, the chapel door opened with a loud creak. Kiritsugu and Irisviel looked towards the doorway and saw one of the Einzbern homunculi standing there, a robotic, emotionless look on her face just like all the others.
"Master Kiritsugu," she announced, "the first Black Master has arrived. Grandfather Acht has permitted him entry into the castle. He is expecting a formal greeting."
"Which Master is it?" asked Kiritsugu.
"The Edelfelt Master."
The Magus Killer's eyes narrowed.
At the lobby of the Einzbern Castle, two homunculi opened the front doors, allowing the blond, brown-eyed man to enter. He was wearing a dark-blue fur cap, scarf, gloves, and fur-trimmed coat. His small ponytail was fluttering wildly from the powerful gust of the permanent snowstorm outside. Once he stepped inside the castle, followed by the two homunculi dragging his baggage along, the homunculi closed the door behind him, blocking out the ice-cold winds of the storm and allowing him to lower the scarf from his mouth, bringing his fair face further into light. He scanned his current surroundings with a vacant, almost unimpressed expression.
"Welcome, Klaus Edelfelt."
Upon hearing his name, the man turned towards the central staircase, from which three people were descending.
One was a man around his age, with unkempt black hair, vacant dark eyes, and an expression as cold as the snowstorm outside. He was wearing a trench-coat with a suit underneath, both colored black, which contrasted him from the other two. Klaus assumed that this man was supposed to be his leader, the infamous Magus Killer that brought disgust to any other mage's face once the name was mentioned.
Another was a tall, elderly man with white hair and a white beard that reminded Klaus of a frozen waterfall, almost amusingly so. His eyes, just as dark as the Magus Killer's, gave him the impression of some sort of astute light masking any trace of or resemblance to senility. He was wearing a coat so white that it seemed to glow with the light and blind Klaus slightly. He immediately deduced this man to be the current head of the Einzbern family, Jubstacheit.
The third was an astonishingly beautiful woman with long snow-white hair that flowed down her shoulders, and eyes as red as blood. She resembled all of the other homunculi he came across, but there was something in her expression that indicated to him she was anything but. It almost reminded the Edelfelt magus of...
"For you are under the wing of the venerable Einzbern family," continued the elderly man. "I am the head of the family, Jubstacheit von Einzbern."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Jubstacheit," Klaus replied formally, bowing with an arm crossing his chest. "I am honored to be a guest in your lovely castle."
Jubstacheit nodded, then gestured to the woman. "This is my granddaughter, Irisviel."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Klaus Edelfelt," the woman replied, giving a small curtsy.
"Oh, the pleasure is mine," said Klaus as he stepped forward, knelt down on one knee, took Irisviel's hand, and kissed the top of it, causing her to blush. As he stood back up and returned to his original position, he couldn't help but feel somewhat amused at the woman's reaction.
Then, he followed Jubstacheit's next gesture, which was toward the man in black. Klaus felt alarmed by the new, implicit expression on this man's face, which seemed to read disapproval and protectiveness towards someone.
Jubstacheit said, "And this is Kiritsugu Emiya, the man who will be leading the Black Faction in the upcoming Holy Grail War."
Klaus blinked twice in surprise, realizing that this was the first time anyone would learn of the Magus Killer's true identity and live for another day. However, he quickly remembered the manners he was taught and staved off any visible reactions as he stepped forward and stuck out his hand towards Kiritsugu.
"Pleased to meet you, Kiritsugu Emiya," he said. However, he was surprised when Kiritsugu merely nodded at him and did not return the handshake.
Then, he remembered that the Magus Killer married into the Einzbern family, and with the special treatment given to her, he could only assume Irisviel was supposed to be Kiritsugu's wife.
The Holy Grail War hadn't even begun and there was already tension between Masters...
"So this will be your bedroom and private study for the time being, Klaus, so please, do make yourself comfortable!"
"Thank you, milady."
Klaus watched as the two homunculi set his baggage against the wall of his room in an organized fashion. He then scanned the room he was assigned, which looked more like the master bedroom for the wealthiest of mages than the modest guestrooms he was used to. The bed even looked like it was better suited for two, even though there were only enough pillows and sheets to accommodate for only one person.
"Lady Irisviel-" he began.
"Oh, please!" exclaimed Irisviel. "Don't call me by that name! Only the homunculi call me that. Just call me Irisviel!"
Klaus looked at the white-haired woman with a soft smile. "Okay then, Irisviel." He ignored the sharp look from Kiritsugu, who was standing behind Irisviel. "There really is no need to assign me with such luxurious quarters. I am only a guest, and I will not be staying in this castle for long anyway. I do not wish to impose-"
"No, no, it's alright! All of the guestrooms are like this in the entire castle. You do not have to feel like you're taking advantage of our generosity. Grandfather Acht happily and proudly shares the fullest of his hospitality to any and all welcome guests. So please, feel free to enjoy your new, temporary residence!"
The blond man blinked, surprised at Irisviel's energetic and bubbly personality. Then, he chuckled softly and moved a strand of hair away from his face.
"Okay, then," he replied. "If you insist on me enjoying this stay, then I shall partake in your request."
Irisviel's smile widened, and she began to leave the room. "Well then, I shall leave you alone so you can get yourself settled in nicely." She looked back at Klaus. "If you require anything, Klaus Edelfelt, do not hesitate to ask one of the homunculi."
"Thank you." Klaus bowed. "And once again, I thank you for your hospitality."
The woman blushed at the humbling formality and giggled. Then, she glanced at Kiritsugu.
"Are you coming, Kiritsugu?" she asked.
"No," replied the black-haired man. "I need to discuss a couple of matters with our guest."
"Okay." Irisviel promptly kissed him on the cheek. "I'll see you later."
Kiritsugu nodded and watched on as Irisviel made her leave. Then, once he was sure she was out of earshot, he glared coldly at Klaus, who had his hands in his pockets. He had already removed his coat, revealing a long-sleeved white shirt with thin blue stripes and a dark-blue vest.
"Okay," said Klaus. "To finish this topic once and for all, if you feel threatened in any way by my exchanges with Irisviel, I will have you know that I hold no amorous feelings towards your wife." He glanced at the doorway. "She is lovely, but I respect the sanctity of marriage." He looked back at Kiritsugu. "You have my word for it."
"It is not any lust you feel towards Irisviel that I am concerned about," Kiritsugu replied, his eyes narrowed. "If it was, I would've killed you right now."
Klaus pursed his lips. "Talking to a comrade in such a manner, before the Holy Grail War has even started?" He crossed his arms, his brown eyes narrowing. "You truly are the Magus Killer, aren't you?"
"What I wish to speak to you about...is your plans for the War. Your strategy, shall I say."
"My strategy?" Klaus's eyes narrowed. "To be honest, I have no strategy planned. I was expecting you to coordinate everything for the Black Faction."
"I see." Kiritsugu's eyes narrowed even further. "So, you have no strategy planned in case you are separated from the rest of the Faction and have no assistance outside of your Servant? Or if you survived into the second phase of the War, where you must fight six other Masters independently for the possession of the Grail?"
"No, not really. However..." An unknown emotion seemed to fill up Klaus's eyes. "If I am going to die in my own battle, I at least hope to take that accursed Tokiomi Tohsaka with me."
"So you mean to tell me you're motivated by your hatred of Tohsaka, above all else?" asked Kiritsugu seriously.
"Yes. You don't understand the gravity of my situation. The Edelfelts were defeated, humiliated by the Tohsakas, in the worst way possible! Every time I look at my mother, I could see the look of absolute shame in her eyes!"
"Mother? Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm okay. P-Please, go back to your room."
"I grew up never knowing my aunt!"
"Your Aunt Saana was an honorable woman who died in an honorable fight. May she rest in peace..."
"And worst of all, every time a mage looks at an Edelfelt, or speaks of our name, they see and speak of us with the greatest and most horrid of disrespect!"
"Look at those Edelfelts..."
"Hey, did you hear? They suffered a terrible loss in the Holy Grail War decades ago!"
"Yeah, didn't they have two representatives as Masters instead of one? They should've been able to win that one easily!"
"What a moronic way to lose. One lost only midway into the War, and the other fled Japan right after having the Grail right in her sights! I've never heard of any other blunder in my life!"
"I hear one of them willingly surrendered to the enemy without any protest, and the other backed out of the War right at the end due to cowardice."
"Those backwater magi really defeated the honorable Edelfelts in a ritual they should've been able to win? What blasphemy!"
"The Edelfelt name was disgraced beyond all measure, and it's all the fault of the Tohsakas!"
"Mother, who are the Tohsakas?"
"The scourge of the Earth, Klaus. The scourge of the Earth. If you ever see one, I want you to show them what this family is still capable of. Show them no mercy, and teach them never to interfere with the affairs of our family ever again!"
Klaus raised his hand, displaying his set of Command Seals to the freelancer. "But these Command Seals, they are hard proof that the Holy Grail intends to give my family a chance at redemption, a gateway to a new era for our lineage! All of that is on my shoulders and my shoulders alone. Even if I fail to win the Holy Grail, defeating Tokiomi Tohsaka in the course of the battle is just as appealing of a triumph for me and the rest of my family. So I intend to set my sights on him, and take him out as quickly as humanly possible."
Kiritsugu blinked. "I see..."
"You may think of me as an idealistic fool for holding such beliefs close to my heart. But nothing is more important than one's family name and honor, and when the family name is tarnished, it is the duty of every member of that family to find a way to restore it, for the good of future generations. Therefore, the moment I got these Command Seals, I knew it was my duty to do so. My family looked upon me with this pride and sole expectation, and I promised them. I will restore the pride and honor of the Edelfelts!"
The Magus Killer didn't physically respond to Klaus's bold proclamation. Instead, he turned towards the doorway and left, leaving behind Klaus, who now looked apprehensive at having told Kiritsugu about his intentions.
"What do you think, Kiritsugu?"
Leaning back on his chair and rubbing his index finger against his shaven chin, Kiritsugu narrowed his dark eyes at the opposite wall and let out a soft exhale. He then glanced towards Irisviel. She was now dressed in her white-and-golden gown and standing beside him with a quizzical expression on her face.
"Now that I've heard of his intentions in person," he replied, "I now realize for certain how much of a hindrance he will be for us. It is a good thing he did not bring his own catalyst." He smirked. "This gives us the perfect opportunity to give him the one I reserved specifically for him."
He gave a contemplative glance towards his desk, which held an ancient-looking apple stem. Irisviel followed his gaze, then exhaled softly.
"Kiritsugu-" Irisviel began.
"This is the way it must be, Iri," interrupted Kiritsugu. "Remember, they are only our allies for a limited period of time. Once the number of Masters has been cut in half, we will turn against each other and fight independently for the Grail. Edelfelt may be kind and courteous to us, but it is nothing more than a formality to solidify cooperation and understanding. He sees us as tools that he can use for his desires."
"Just like you see the other Black Masters as tools for your own desires."
"That's right. They are tools, just like I am, and the Round Table shard and the Heroic Spirit as well. Those are undeniable facts."
Irisviel chuckled. "That is just like you, Kiritsugu." She looked out of the window and observed the harsh blizzard outside, just as a new thought entered her mind. "Kiritsugu, can I ask you something else?"
"What is it, Iri?" asked Kiritsugu.
"When Klaus greeted me, back in the lobby, were you...jealous?"
"What makes you think that?"
Irisviel smiled playfully and looked back at him. "I could see your reaction when he kissed my hand. You think you have some competition, don't you? Not just for the Holy Grail."
"No," the black-haired man replied tersely. "I'm just worried that you might get too attached to a temporary ally."
However, Irisviel was still smiling. "Are you sure about that, Kiritsugu?" she asked teasingly.
"Iri, I'm a little busy..."
Realizing Kiritsugu was serious in his tone, she immediately replied, "I'm sorry, Kiritsugu. ...By the way, has there been any word from the new Black Master at the Clock Tower?"
"No. He still hasn't responded to Acht's message. And last night, there were seven familiars at Kotomine Church, excluding the one sent by us." He pursed his lips. "At this point, I am beginning to wonder if he will even join up with the Black Faction. If he doesn't, then this poses another problem to us."
The freelancer stared up at the ceiling, heaving out a sharp breath from his body. All the while, Irisviel watched on in concern.
Miyama Town
Shirou walked down the concrete sidewalk, deep in thought. As he walked, he passed by the houses as their exteriors gradually changed from a Western look to an Eastern look. Eventually, he saw his brother Kirei walking the opposite direction, towards him. His business at Kotomine Church was most likely finished, and Shirou was relieved to see that Ruler wasn't beside Kirei's side.
"Shirou," Kirei greeted indifferently as he stopped.
"Kirei," replied Shirou as he stopped beside the last Western-style house in the neighborhood, just a couple of feet away from Kirei.
"What brings you out of Tokiomi's residence at this time?"
"I am being summoned to the Matou residence. I have to retrieve the homunculus they assigned to me and transfer my Command Seals to him." He then looked over Kirei's shoulder. "I see Ruler is not with you, fortunately enough."
"She is staying with Father at the church to discuss preparations for the upcoming War. Although I bear the Command Seals, I share the responsibility of being Ruler's Master with Father despite his lack of said stigmata. I currently have no specific task at hand, so I am returning to Tokiomi's residence to receive any potential orders from him."
"You didn't have to be that specific about your activities, Kirei, but okay."
"How is Tokiomi?"
"Well. He just summoned his Servant. It is the one he had been aiming for."
"That is comforting to know."
"Alright, then I shall cut our conversation short. I need to be at the Matou residence shortly anyway."
"Of course."
The two brothers resumed walking and passed each other, but then, Shirou stopped after a couple of feet.
"Kirei," he called.
The priest stopped and looked back. "Yes, Shirou?" he asked.
At first, Shirou didn't turn around to look up at his brother. Instead, the young man spent a solid minute looking down at the sidewalk, images of a certain young, purple-haired girl flashing across his mind. Finally, he did turn around, and he gave Kirei a look of sadness.
"Do you miss her?"
Kirei blinked once. "To whom are you referring, Brother?"
"Caren."
A strange, unreadable emotion filled Kirei's eyes as he replied, "I only wish her the best of luck, and I am absolutely confident in her safety and well-being, for she is under the constant watch of God." He blinked again. "Is this about Mashu, Brother?"
Shirou's eyes softened. "Well, I do miss her. A lot. I can't stop thinking about her, and it brings unimaginable pain to my heart, knowing that she will be nothing but another innocent bystander in this Holy Grail War, nothing more than potential collateral damage..." His eyes narrowed menacingly. "Tokiomi has the best and most honorable strategy developed for the White Faction, but this Magus Killer, he will do absolutely anything to achieve victory even if it means sacrificing a few nameless, faceless rabble in the process, like ants in a flood... Kirei."
"Yes, Brother?" the brown-haired man asked.
"Promise me you will do all you can...about this Magus Killer. I cannot let him causing unnecessary bloodshed in this War."
Kirei nodded. "You have my word, Brother. I will give the Magus Killer my utmost attention, and shall take all measures to ensure he does not overstep his boundaries as a Master. Please, you can set your mind at ease."
Shirou smiled warmly. "Thank you, Kirei."
He then turned back around and began walking away, feeling somewhat relieved for Mashu's guaranteed safety. However, the priest failed to notice the vicious, tooth-bared frown on Kirei's face.
The Matou Residence
Opening the front gate, Shirou stepped onto the Matous' property, pushing his thoughts about Mashu to the back of his head. Just then, the front door of the mansion abruptly swung open, and Kariya ran out of the building towards the young, white-haired priest, so frantically that he nearly stumbled on the walkway.
"Kariya?" Shirou asked, blinking in surprise. "What's-"
"Shirou," interrupted Kariya, looking panicked, "I have them."
He raised his hand, revealing the set of Command Seals to his friend. Shirou's eyes softened as he recognized the color of the stigmata.
"I'm sorry, Kariya." His eyes narrowed. "How long?"
"They appeared just a few minutes ago." However, Kariya still looked alarmed. "But that's not all."
Shirou blinked again.
Caules Forvedge Yggdmillennia felt like a cornered baby animal, surrounded by a pack of ravenous wolves that were ready to devour him. In his case, the wolves were his elder Darnic, his cousin Gordes, his own sister Fiore, the frightening Matou head Zouken, and his other cousin Celenike Icecolle. They were all rounding up on him as he was seated against a corner of the wall. He clutched his hand with his other hand, trying to shield the back of it from the peering eyes of everyone else.
"Not me!" he cried. "I can't be a Master! Please, don't let me go there!"
"Boy," Darnic replied calmly, "the Holy Grail Wars are a stamp of honor for mages everywhere. This is regardless of whether or not they triumph, or even survive."
"Yes," added Gordes, his lips curving into a smile, though it looked more like a sinister sneer. "You should be proud of yourself, Caules Forvedge. The venerable Holy Grail has recognized you as one who is worthy of holding it! It is a magnificent triumph!"
Caules frantically shook his head, his eyes shimmering with the brightest of tears. "B-But I don't wanna wield the Holy Grail!" he shouted loudly in protest. "I don't wanna participating in this s-stupid War! I never asked for ANY of this!"
Suddenly, Celenike aggressively slapped the floor with the pointing stick she was carrying, startling Caules and causing him to flinch.
"Know your place, foolish boy!" she snapped harshly. "You heard our cousin Gordes! This is something that should bring you the greatest of pride and honor-"
"I don't give a crap about that! I've spoken! I do not wish to participate in this stupid, stupid Holy Grail War!"
Celenike and Gordes gritted their teeth in annoyance, though Zouken looked rather indifferent to the whole situation and Fiore appeared concerned for her brother. Darnic, on the other hand, remained calm to Caules's rebellion. He stepped forward from the group and knelt down on one knee, bringing himself to a more equal level to the teenage boy.
"My dearest Caules," he said, "I do not wish to echo the sentiments of your cousins. It is obvious you do not wish to listen to them. But I know for a fact that you will listen to me, your elder. Now, I ask of you, why do you not accept the responsibility that has fallen upon your shoulders? Hm? When your sister Fiore received her Command Seals, she accepted her fate and embraced her duties." He placed a consoling hand on Caules's shoulder, but the boy's blood ran cold at the touch. "It perplexes me, trying to understand why you, also a child of the Forvedge family, cannot do the same."
Caules broke away from Darnic's touch. "Because I'm going to fucking die in this damn War, that's why!" he cried.
The Yggdmillennia simply tutted in disapproval. "My, my, such a foul tongue. Didn't your father teach you the best of manners? He did pay equal attention to you and your sister, after all, despite Fiore's sole right to inherit the Forvedge family magic."
"Shut up! You won't convince me to participate in the damn Grail War! You can't make me!"
"Please, Caules, my dear brother," Fiore said in a soft voice, "listen to our Grandfather's words and accept your responsibilities as a Master. Even if it means fighting against me, it will not matter. If I lose to your hand, then I will still hold pride in-"
"Do you really hear yourself talking, Fiore?!" interrupted Caules. "You REALLY don't mind me, your brother, killing you, just so because I can touch some damn CUP?!"
"And have your deepest, most fervent desire granted," added Zouken, a hint of sarcasm in his scratchy voice.
"SHUT UP, YOU DAMN VAMPIRE!"
Zouken growled angrily and prepared to shout back at Caules, but the conversation was interrupted by the nearby front door opening suddenly. Everyone's heads turned toward the doorway, where they saw Shirou and Kariya walking inside the mansion, the latter with great urgency.
"DARNIC PRESTONE YGGDMILLENNIA!" roared Kariya. "GET AWAY FROM HIM RIGHT NOW!"
"Oh?" Darnic gave a small grin. "Do you mean to tell me that you believe Caules Forvedge should not fight beside you, Kariya Matou?"
"That's Kariya Matou Yggdmillennia for you. And Caules is only a child, a boy! A child cannot handle the basics of the Holy Grail War!"
"Which is why you'll be there with him in the field of combat. To teach him and guide him." He paused for a moment to look at Shirou. "Greetings, Shirou Kotomine." He looked back at Kariya. "You are aware of how to supervise him, for you have been appointed as his guardian in his father's absence."
"Yes, and as his guardian, I must be responsible for his well-being, just as his father instructed!"
"And doesn't one's well-being involve the growth and maturation of oneself? Your concern is certainly admirable, dear Kariya, but do not let it blind you."
"Blind me?!"
Kariya tried to step forward, obviously prepared to say more, but Shirou held out an arm, stopping his friend in mid-sentence. The Matou magus looked at his friend in disbelief, but decided to listen to him and kept silent. Shirou then took this opportunity to speak.
"Forgive me for the intrusion, but I am here to retrieve my homunculus."
Darnic's eyes glinted in remembrance. "Ah yes, your proxy Master. Yes, we have it ready, Shirou." He glanced at Caules, who flinched at the sharp glare he gave him. "We'll talk about this another time, my dear Caules, so please, do take your time to choose your next words." He looked back at Shirou. "This way."
Shirou followed Darnic out of the room, flanked closely by Gordes and Celenike, the latter of whom gave Caules one last icy stare. This left Caules alone with Kariya, Zouken, and Fiore. The teenage boy paid them no mind; instead, he stared down at the back of his hand, which was now uncovered, thus putting the set of black Command Seals in the relief of the light.
Shirou took one last look at Caules before he stepped into the alchemical workshop that was the Matou basement. Not only was the sweet and soft-spoken Fiore a Master in this War, but her beloved younger brother Caules was a Master in the opposing Faction. Which means, at some point in the War, the two siblings would have to face off against each other in combat, from which only one would have to emerge as the victor. It was such a horrifying scenario to consider...
It was a good thing Kariya would be with him, at least for the first phase of the War. But it also pained Shirou to know that Caules wasn't the only one suffering: he would have to fight and operate against his friend, the first of the very few Yggdmillennia who accepted him out of the goodness of their hearts. Kariya felt the same way as well; though it wasn't said, Shirou could see the reluctant, grieving look in his eyes.
This was quite the sadistic War...
Suddenly, the repugnant stench of death filled his nostrils, pulling him out of his thoughts.
"Ahhhhh, Shirou Kotomine, it has been too long since I looked upon your face..."
Shirou knew he was the center of attention for every beautiful woman he came across. The female Executors would be jubilant to be assigned as his partner in certain missions for the Church. Women in Fuyuki City, married or not, would always give him entranced stares as he passed them. Every time he helped one in need, more than a few would ask for his number afterwards, and of course, Mashu would get upset at that if she was around. It was a position any other man would kill to be in, but unlike most men, Shirou was always flattered, but never responded to their affections in kind. Some were only treated as friends, at best.
Needless to say, Celenike Icecolle Yggdmillennia was definitely not a part of that highest category.
"Serious and composed, as usual, and so strong..." she purred seductively as she walked beside him, tracing her hand across his right cheek. However, he quickly swatted her hand away.
"I'm not interested, Celenike," he replied. "I have some business to attend to."
However, Celenike refused to give up. She moved herself closer to Shirou's body, looking at him with lust in her eyes.
"And dedicated to the task at hand. I love a man like that..."
"Dear Celenike," Darnic piped from a couple of feet ahead, "please cease bothering our guest."
"Yes, Elder," Celenike replied loyally, but she continued to give Shirou a seductive look, a twinkle in her snakelike eye.
"Mirai," the young priest thought, a small smirk coming to his face, "if only you were here to physically see this. You would teach that woman her place."
Finally, the four reached the end of the workshop, where they found the homunculus seated on a sofa, reading a book. Shirou was immediately surprised to see the homunculus already performing complex movements for someone technically born into the world a few hours ago. In fact, he could almost make out the engrossed expression on the boy's face as he quickly scanned each passage of the book, taking in as much information as he can.
"You, boy!" Gordes barked sternly at the teenage boy. However, when the homunculus didn't pay him attention, he began sputtering in frustration, and Shirou tried his best to stifle a giggle. It was obvious this homunculus had been giving the Musik trouble after getting out of his storage tank.
"Do treat your creation with some respect, Gordes," Darnic said, smiling proudly as he observed the homunculus. "As you can see, it is exercising its motor abilities, and at such an impressive rate." He gave a brief look at Shirou. "This homunculus' abilities are almost on par with those of the Einzberns. It's quite a marvel."
Celenike scoffed and replied softly, so only Shirou could hear, "It's just a homunculus, though. Who cares?"
Shirou deliberately ignored her and approached the homunculus. Finally, the boy seemed to register everyone's presence, for he looked up at Shirou and blinked in confusion, like a puzzled puppy. The priest smiled back at him, using the same smile he would give to Mashu.
"Hello, there," he greeted kindly. He glanced down at the homunculus' book. "What are you reading there?"
"A book about heroes," the homunculus replied in an emotionless voice, impressing Shirou with his quick and human-like instinct. "It's really fascinating." He looked down at the book's pages. "King Arthur. Achilles. Hercules. Arash. Perseus. To think, these people once walked the Earth, breathed in the very air we are breathing, went about their lives like any other human being... And yet, these people paved the roads of world history..."
Gordes gave an inaudible snort.
The homunculus immediately showed Shirou the contents of the page he was on. The white-haired man blinked at the ancient picture, which depicted a small but muscular man slaying a colossal dragon with a magnificent sword bearing a Christian cross on its hilt. His eyes then moved to the caption, which read...
"Look at this one," continued the homunculus. "His name's Siegfried. He's a hero from Germany, and with the greatsword Balmung, he slayed the evil dragon Fafnir and retrieved the prized treasure of the Nibelungen family. He's astounding. To face off against such a large monster with nothing but a sword at your disposal...it's an amazing feat. Even the name of Siegfried emanates the very feeling of heroism." The boy looked down at the picture longingly. "Siegfried. ...I like that name."
Shirou smiled slightly at the homunculus' advanced intellect. "Heroes surely are something else, aren't they?" he asked.
"They are." The boy looked up at the ceiling, deep in thought. "I wonder what it is like to be one..."
"Well, you may find out soon enough." The homunculus looked back at Shirou, who continued, "My name is Shirou Kotomine."
"Yes, I remember you."
The priest blinked in surprise. "Do you now?"
"Yes. You were the man behind the glass. ...The one with the painful look on his face."
Shirou narrowed his eyes, realizing what event the homunculus was referencing to. He decided to make a mental note of the occasion and continue on.
"Well, yes, that's me." He regained his composure. "From now on, you will be living with me. You have been chosen for a very important task, one suited for you and you only. By following my instructions, you will watch as heroes from every age and nation come forth from the heavens and fight for the possession of the one and only Holy Grail."
"The Holy...Grail?" The homunculus tilted his head. "What is that?..."
"You will find out. In due time. But for now, we must carry out the first phase of your mission. Here, right now." Shirou held out his hand, the youthful, understanding smile back on his face. "Will you join me and bask in the magnificent glory of heroes?"
The homunculus stared at the hand for a moment, then down at the pages of his book. Then, he took the hand without a moment's hesitation, and Shirou helped him get up on his feet.
"What is my first task, Shirou Kotomine?" the boy asked.
"Giving you a name."
"A name?"
"Yes. A name is the first key to establishing one's identity, to ascertain one's status as a human being." The white-haired man gestured to himself. "Shirou Kotomine is my name, one that I hold proudly. I understand that you do not have a name."
"That, I do not."
"Then tell me, homunculus. Is there anything that has piqued your interest as a name?"
The homunculus blinked, then looked back down at his book, a small twinkle flashing in his otherwise emotionless red eye.
The Tohsaka Residence
Kirei approached the door, announced his arrival with two hard and stiff knocks, and then opened said door.
"Excuse me," he said.
From inside his study, Tokiomi looked at Kirei, welcoming him with a proud and elegant smile that made the priest's skin crawl.
"First off, Kirei," the Tohsaka head said, "I would like to congratulate you for successfully summoning the Ruler Servant that we were after. That couldn't have gone any better."
"That is because you've been a very good teacher to me," replied Kirei indifferently.
"That's true. I have indeed taught you well." Tokiomi's pupils darted towards the Command Seal on his student's hand. "You understand what needs to be done...once this Holy Grail War has reached its conclusion."
"I understand completely." Kirei sat down on one of the two central sofas, while Tokiomi sat down on the other. "Ruler is currently with my father, discussing all of the necessary preparations for this War, which is why she is not with me at this time."
"That is understandable. The urgent news I have to share with you does not involve her anyway." Tokiomi rested his elbows on his thighs, and placed his chin above his fingers. "The Holy Grail has chosen another White Master. A mage in Fuyuki, but he is not aware of his status." His eyes narrowed. "The eldest son of the Himuro family. Itsuki Himuro."
Kirei blinked. "Itsuki...Himuro?..."
"Ah yes, you do not know who the Himuros are." Tokiomi lowered his hands. "They were once a prosperous family of first-rate magi, with a long and grand history that can be traced back to the Age of Gods. Their family name was once a familiar term with other magi families worldwide. But they are better known as the Forgotten Family nowadays."
"What happened to them?" asked Kirei.
"The quality of their Magic Circuits declined and eventually faded into nothing, centuries ago. And they lost the respect of their peers in the process. Modern-day magi are even raised without the knowledge of the Himuro name. To them, they are nothing but more rabble."
"But you are quite familiar with them, to the point where you recognize the name and their representative's status as a Master."
Tokiomi's lips curved into a slight smile. "I'm afraid I haven't been entirely honest with you, Kirei. I informed you that the Tohsakas, the Einzberns, and the Makiris were involved in the construction of the Grail. But...there was a fourth family involved."
"The Himuros?"
"Yes. None of their members were actually students of Schweinorg, but they had a friendship with the Tohsakas. They assisted in the creation of the Servant classes and criteria. Because they had no interest in recovering the Third Magic, they had a minimal role in actually constructing the ritual and were only acting for the well-being of the Tohsakas. As a result, all records detailing the construction of the ritual left the Himuros out.
"However, when they realized the Holy Grail's omnipotence, they broke off their ties with the Tohsakas and sent their heir to become one of the four outsiders chosen as Masters. The family's goal, their wish for the Grail, was selfish and narrow-minded. The Tohsakas' friendship with the Himuros turned into a bitter rivalry.
"However, the First War concluded without a victor, and after that, that was when the Himuros' Magic Circuits began to decline in quality. By the time the Second War begun, they were in the exact state as the Matous are right now: weak, desperate, struggling for renewed power. Their wish had changed, and they merely wanted the survival of their lineage's power and status. Their representative, who summoned Berserker, was just as mad, violent, and uncontrollable as his Servant, and he was responsible for most of the unsupervised bloodshed that marked that War. You can say that without the Himuros, the Holy Grail Wars wouldn't have an Overseer and a Ruler Servant to supervise them and prevent anymore bloodshed."
"How interesting..." Kirei narrowed his eyes darkly. "What happened to them after that War?"
"Of course, the magical power of their bloodline died out soon after. The Himuros still remained aware of the happenings in the world of mages, but they couldn't do anything to reassert their former place in our society. Before the Third War began, they developed a truce with the Tohsakas, but we kept our distance from them as much as possible. Over the past decades, they've blended in with the rest of the rabble, all the while ashamed of their downfall. Last I heard, the current Himuro head is the mayor of Fuyuki."
"Mayor... This means he would have an intimate understanding of the lands of Fuyuki..."
"Yes. That, plus the Grail's sudden selection of a Himuro as a White Master despite their lack of Magical Energy, evokes apprehension from me. Just because the Himuros lost their ability to use magic, it doesn't mean they no longer have the means to comprehend it. There is a possibility they might have discovered a way to tap into the Grail and forge Command Seals for their representative."
Kirei moved his head slightly. "I assume you want me, an Overseer of this War, to investigate the Himuro family as soon as possible."
"Your deduction skills are quick and sharp as usual, Kirei. Yes, I want you to travel to their residence later today. Their Master is unaware of his family's previous association with the mage world, or so it seems. Disguise the nature of your visit with the innocent goal of informing him about the mechanics of this War. Extract whatever information you can about this, from both the Master and the head."
"Of course, my teacher," the priest replied stoically, but loyally. "It shall be done."
Archibald Mansion, London
"I see. Thank you for the news."
The dove nodded and flew out of the open window, leaving Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald's private study as the nobleman watched. Once the dove was out of sight, he sighed heavily and leaned back on his chair, resting his cheek against his knuckle.
"The Himuros, huh?..." he asked. "I thought they were all rabble now..."
"So did I, brother-to-be, so did I," replied a voice. Bram Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri stepped out of the shadows cast by the corner of the room. "But fate can surprise us in many ways." He looked out of the window, an intrigued grin etched on his face. "Apparently, the Holy Grail holds the ridiculous belief that even the lowliest of the low can demonstrate some form of potential and reliability."
Kayneth glared at the redheaded mage. "You have no concern about this, Bram? We are to be allied with a family of magi that has sullied its own pride and lineage, by taking the grand tale that could've been the Second Holy Grail War and twisting it into a nightmarish horror story!"
"You are actually concerned about this, Kayneth?" Bram chuckled. "The Himuro Master should be the first in his family to have functioning Magic Circuits in decades. He was raised without any knowledge of magic. He is being forced into a war that he has no control over." He approached his future brother-in-law with a triumphant gleam in his eye. "He is weak. We are strong." Bram slammed a clenched fist into his palm, using enough force that startled Kayneth. "We can crush him at our own whim, once he outlives whatever use he has for us and the rest of the White Faction."
Kayneth blinked in surprise, then pursed his lips. "But...we are still being partnered with a failure like him..."
"Honestly, shouldn't you be rearranging your priorities, Lord El-Melloi?" a female voice asked coldly.
Kayneth and Bram looked up at the doorway, watching as a woman stepped into the office. She had red hair matching Bram's and wore a white shirt, a large magenta bow, dark pants, and red shoes. A sultry smile was on her face, though there was also a sinister air to it.
"Sola-Ui," Bram said, surprised. "Sister. What are you doing here? This is a private meeting!"
"I am a participant in this Holy Grail War, just like you are, Brother. Surely that means I am obligated to listen in on these developments." The woman glared at the Sophia-Ri successor coldly. "Or do you mean to imply that, as a woman, I have to sit by the sidelines and let the men come up with all the strategies?"
"Of course not, my dear sister! You know I have the greatest respect and love for you! It's just, as my sister, I cannot afford to-"
"Afford to what?" Sola-Ui crossed her arms. "I am partnered with the two greatest Masters the White Faction has to offer. Both top-rate instructors at the prestigious Clock Tower. Despite my limited skills in utilizing magic, I think I will fare well in the battlefield with such powerhouses at my side."
"Y-Yes, that's true..." replied Kayneth, composing himself.
"And that is why you shouldn't worry, my dear Kayneth." Sola-Ui redirected her gaze towards her fiancé. She approached his chair and ran her fingers across his arm, over the hand that bore his marble-white Command Seals. "My brother is right; we are strong. To be partnered with a third-rate magus like Himuro should be the last of your concerns in this War. You should bring your attention to more pressing matters...like, say, that Magus Killer I've been hearing about."
"What about that disgrace?"
"In spite of his unorthodox methods, he will still be a formidable opponent. They do not call him the Magus Killer for nothing, you know. He will find some way to break through even your trump card and kill you. As the head of the Archibald family, you must be one step ahead of him at all times." She leaned her face close to the nobleman's ear, to the point where she could whisper into it, "Tell me you at least have that done and accounted for."
Kayneth's lips curved into a cruel grin. "Of course. I have the perfect strategy against him, one that should teach that disgrace a lesson about the true power of magecraft."
He glanced at the box courteously sent to him by Tokiomi.
"Yes," he thought. "I will show him what it means to be a mage, and that he should've respected it when he had the chance..."
Miyama Town, Fuyuki
Kirei silently walked into the Japanese-style neighborhood of Miyama, scanning the streets with disinterest. All around him, children were playing all sorts of games, while their parents watched happily but with a close eye. Anyone nearby regarded his odd, sudden presence immediately, some with looks of interest, others with looks of intimidation. He immediately pushed the dark thoughts back to the rearmost portion of his mind again.
Just then, a green ball bounced a few inches in front of him, and a girl ran up to retrieve it. As soon as she did, she looked up at him with an emotionless look that almost reminded him of Caren. This girl had shoulder-length gray hair and deep-gold eyes, and was wearing circular glasses that shone with an almost mystic light.
The two stared at each other silently for well over a minute, with the girl still awkwardly holding her ball. Everyone else continued on with their activities, not paying any attention to the two of them. Then, a voice called out from the distance, breaking the tense atmosphere.
"Kane! Kane, oh thank goodness, there you are!"
Kirei looked up and saw a woman running up to the girl, looking immensely relieved. Like the girl, she had gray hair, but her eyes were brown and glowing with emotion, and she wasn't wearing glasses. She approached the girl and picked her up.
"Where have you been?!" she exclaimed. "Your father was worried sick about you!"
"I was just playing, Mommy," the girl replied in a flat, emotionless tone that reminded Kirei of Caren's voice. At that moment, he wondered if Caren inherited more than just her mother's looks... It disturbed him so.
"Well, Kane, you mustn't wander off too far when you're out playing, like you just did! Don't you know there's a bad man going around town, taking little children? We were all so worried!" The woman looked at Kirei, and her eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, thank you so much for watching over my daughter!" She bowed her head formally. "I hope she wasn't much of a bother to you."
"Not at all." The priest immediately recalled the information on the Himuros, given to him by Tokiomi. His expression didn't waver as he asked, "Ma'am, your surname wouldn't happen to be Himuro, would it?"
"Actually, that is indeed my last name. Well, not my maiden name, exactly; I'm married into the family."
"So I take it you're Chinatsu Himuro?"
The woman blinked. "Yes, that's my name. Why? What is this about?"
"My name is Kirei Kotomine. I am a member of the Holy Church. I wish to speak with your father-in-law and nephew."
"Masato and Itsuki-kun?" Chinatsu blinked again in confusion as she scanned his form. "S-Sure. Follow me. They're at the house right now..."
She began walking with Kane still tucked in her arms. The little girl peered over her shoulder to stare at the priest with her emotionless eyes as he followed them both. Kirei felt a surge of annoyance boil within him, but he successfully kept it at bay, simply staring over Kane's head.
"Forgive me for speaking of this," said Chinatsu, "but this is very sudden. I mean, Masato has said he is familiar with an organization called the Holy Church, but he never gave us any specific details. This is actually the first time I'm meeting someone from there. Would you mind telling me what this is about?"
"It's nothing that concerns you," Kirei replied honestly. "It is a matter that must be attended to with Masato and Itsuki Himuro only. I am merely a messenger."
Chinatsu glanced over her shoulder to look at the priest. Kirei could see the glimmer of suspicion in her eyes, but it disappeared when she refocused her sights on the road ahead. As he continued to watch the woman and her daughter from behind, he felt the darkness that was his abnormality, writhing and boiling and squirming within him, like an unnatural creature desperate to be born, preparing to burst from its mother's womb.
They reminded him of them...
The Himuro Residence
Masato Himuro was a peculiar-looking man. To Kirei, the man, standing on the front porch of the large, old, Japanese-style Himuro residence, didn't seem to live up to the meaning of his name. The Himuro elder was wearing casual clothing more suited for summer than fall, consisting of a green shirt with red palm-tree patterns, a white undershirt, and brown cargo shorts. His silver hair was slicked back, looking like ridges and shining with the light, and his eyes were obscured by a pair of dark sunglasses, giving him the overall appearance of a womanizer in a midlife crisis. Kirei couldn't blame the man if that was the case; the downfall of his family magic and rank in the world of mages could make anyone desperate.
But could he be desperate enough to forge a set of Command Seals for an unwitting family member?
"Ah, welcome!" Masato exclaimed suddenly, holding out his arms as if welcoming Kirei in an embrace. "Welcome to the lovely home of the Himuros, my humble guest! Any and all guests are welcome in this domain, so please, feel free to enjoy the hospitality of me and my family!"
"Greetings, Masato Himuro," replied Kirei indifferently. "My name is Kirei Kotomine. I am a member of the Holy Church."
"Ah, the Holy Church, of course!" A strange glimmer flashed across the old man's eyes for a moment. "I assume you're here for Itsuki-kun."
"Yes."
"Father," Chinatsu interjected, "may I ask what this is about?" Her eyes then softened considerably. "Is this about Itsuki-kun's cond-"
"Nothing to be concerned about, Chinatsu," replied Masato coolly. "I summoned this priest here at Itsuki's request." He regarded Kirei again. "Follow me, please."
The brown-haired priest nodded and followed the Himuro elder into the house. Once Masato closed the front door on Chinatsu and Kane, he spoke up again, his voice now a hushed whisper.
"Forgive my daughter-in-law. She's always been very concerned for him. See, his real parents died soon after he was born and she and her husband have been raising him ever since." Masato's lips curved into a sneer. "I assume this is about the Impossible Holy Grail War?"
"Indeed." Kirei's eyes narrowed slightly. "I have been informed of a set of white Command Seals appearing on Itsuki Himuro's hand."
"Ah, then the Overseers have sharp ears. But you're not the only ones." Masato walked past Kirei, his sneer still in place. "The Himuros were once one of the greatest magi clans to have walked the face of this Earth. But fate looked down upon us with a frown. We lost our magical prowess after generations of success, but not before we were humiliated in the Second Holy Grail War. We're now nothing but just a part of the rabble. But Itsuki...Itsuki is a special case."
"In what way?" asked Kirei.
"He was the first Himuro in a long time to be born with fully functioning Magic Circuits. But his body was not designed in accordance with such needs." Masato shook his head and glanced down the hallway of the home. "He has a frail body and a weak immune system. He will not survive a minute if he leaves his bed."
"So you mean to tell me the Himuro Master is weak?"
The old man glared at Kirei with a fiery expression. "He is not weak. His physical capabilities may be significantly lower than the average human being, but his magical capabilities are something else."
"He has shown an ability to utilize Magecraft?"
"Yes, and his magical potential is extremely high, beyond my own comprehension. He brings pride to his ancestors. He may very well be the one to bring the Himuros back into the world of mages." Masato's grin turned into a frown. "But the scope of this Holy Grail War, plus his lack of understanding of it...he will not survive long." He chuckled bitterly. "There is always a catch to everything, is there? Fate is always playing a cruel joke at everyone's expense... We cannot risk anything else! This is our one shot at restoring the former glory of our family, but the responsibility has fallen upon him!" The elder glared at Kirei. "I trust in you, your father, and the White Faction. I hope you will all be able to educate him in the subject of the Holy Grail, because we sure as hell cannot!"
Kirei blinked, noticing the desperate tone of Masato's voice. He didn't sound like he had anything to hide...
"We will do all we can," he replied simply. "Now, can you show me to him? I wish to see his Command Seals for verification."
"Sure, of course. This way..."
Masato led Kirei further down the hallway, and the two eventually approached the only door that was closed. The Himuro elder knocked on it three times in a rhythmic pattern.
"Itsuki-kun," he called, "it's me. We have a guest who wants to see you."
"Come in," a young male voice croaked in response, surprising Kirei.
Masato promptly opened the door, and Kirei's eyes widened as he stared upon the Himuro selected as a White Master. He could feel the creature within him squirming.
The boy was definitely no older than ten, sporting hair as silver as bones and deep-gold eyes like Kane's. His body was small, and though he was covered by several sheets of blankets, Kirei deduced that it would be close to resembling a skeleton if he removed that source of warmth from the boy. Trailing from his left arm were IV lines leading to a pole holding IV bags. The entire room resembled a hospital room rather than a bedroom for an average ten-year-old boy.
On his right hand, Kirei could see the white Command Seals.
The boy smiled and greeted in a croak, "Hello, mister. Is this about the Holy Grail War?"
The Tohsaka Residence
Tokiomi stood in the basement of his home, speaking to the phonograph-like device that functioned as his telephone. His blue eyes were narrowed seriously, and he straightened out his suit as he interacted with Kirei.
"What do you think, Kirei?" he asked. "Do you think the Himuros are sincere in their claims?"
Kirei replied, "On one hand, there could be a trump card hidden in the boy that the elder is hiding from me, one that could very well decide the outcome of the War. He does claim the boy possesses high magical abilities and comprehension. But on the other hand, the Himuros wouldn't risk sending an extremely frail Master into the throes of the battlefield. My master, do you know which Servant classes the White Faction has set its sights on already? I know you have already settled on summoning a Servant of the Saber class."
"That I have. As for the two catalysts I had to send to Lord Kayneth El-Melloi and Bram Sophia-Ri, the Heroic Spirits associated with them are best suited for the Rider and Archer classes, respectively. I know Shirou is aiming to summon an Assassin for his proxy Master, and I just received information that the Yggdmillennia plan to summon a Berserker for their representative. This only leaves two Servant class slots available for any incoming White Masters: Lancer and Caster. In comparison, Lancer is the more suitable Servant for Itsuki Himuro in terms of providing mana, but if he is as powerful as the elder claims, then Caster is more appropriate for him."
"Your decision, my master?" asked Kirei.
Tokiomi rubbed his goatee, exhaling as he weighed his options. Finally, after a couple of minutes of thinking, he lowered his arm.
"Is there a chance of moving Itsuki Himuro to my residence?" he asked.
"It will require time and resources, but it is possible."
"Then do it, Kirei. I intend to put his magical capabilities to the test in person, so we can see which Servant is most appropriate for him."
"Yes, my master. I will see to it at once."
"Good, Kirei." He turned his back on the device, preparing to make his leave. "I must make my leave now. Goodbye."
"Of course, Master. Goodbye."
Once it was clear that Kirei had disconnected his line of communication, Tokiomi deactivated his device. Then, the magus directed his gaze towards the staircase.
"What do you think of this?" he asked.
In response, a man materialized out of thin air with a surge of bright-blue energy. This man had a tall, muscular body with silver-gray hair, brown skin, and blue eyes that seemed to glow with a supernatural energy. He was wearing silver woven plate armor that exposed his muscular chest, which boasted what resembled several scars arranged in a peculiar pattern. Slung onto his back was a large, golden greatsword with a blue jewel embedded in its hilt.
Tokiomi grinned and continued, "Saber of White?"
Saber didn't respond. Instead, he closed his eyes and exhaled calmly, seemingly thinking about the situation. Then, he responded to Tokiomi's question with a mere nod.
"Magnificent," the Tohsaka head thought. "My first command to him was to remain silent for the duration of the War's preparation stage. He's proven himself to be a loyal Servant, but I wouldn't expect nothing less from the Dragon-Blooded Knight of Germany."
Einzbern Castle
– Two days later –
Feend examined the bedroom he was escorted to, taking in all of its visual details with an eye of distaste. Beside him stood his loyal maid Gudrun, who was merely looking down at the floor with a submissive, introverted expression, her brown hair falling into her soft brown eyes as she fidgeted shyly with her uniform. Feend then looked back at his escorts, Irisviel von Einzbern and the two homunculi maids who were beside her at all times. He was quick to notice the discomfort in Irisviel's posture.
"Why so uncomfortable, Einzbern?" he asked, grinning. "You are in the presence of an ally. I have no reason to hurt you, especially when the War hasn't begun."
"Even so," replied Irisviel, "it is always strategic to keep allies at arms' length, especially if they're temporary."
"I see..." Feend narrowed his eyes, but maintained his friendly expression. "So tell me, where is that husband of yours?"
Irisviel narrowed her own blood-red eyes. "Why do you ask, Feend vor Sembren?"
"I have seen not one hair of him ever since my arrival at your humble domain. I think I have a right to meet the leader of the Black Faction in person. After all, one of the key factors to successful teamwork is establishing a familiarity with one's allies."
"I do not disagree. But my husband is busy at the moment. He is formulating a strategy for the Black Faction to follow."
"He couldn't spare a couple of minutes of his time to meet me?"
The blood-red eyes narrowed even more. "It is a very tedious process, one that my husband must commit himself to as much as possible. The White Faction is an extremely formidable enemy, and he must ensure all of the countermeasures are effective."
"I see." Feend turned around to reexamine the bedroom. "If you meet up with him later today by any chance, do extend my greetings to him."
"I will be sure to do that, Feend vor Sembren. Enjoy the hospitality of the Einzberns."
Feend heard the fading footsteps of Irisviel and the two maids as the three left the quarters, but he couldn't hear them talking among each other. He gritted his teeth, knowing that the Magus Killer was intentionally hiding from him. There was no doubt the freelance assassin deduced him, Feend vor Sembren, to be a threat even to the Black Faction (and therefore, him) and believed that the best tactic to deal with him was to minimize up-close and personal contact with him.
"Well, if the Magus Killer wishes to ignore me," he thought, "then this will give me a good leeway in taking leadership of the Black Faction away from him. Yes, that I'll do. I'll show that disgrace the consequences of his actions, no matter what they are..."
"Master," Gudrun said timidly, "what shall we do next? Set up our quarters? Familiarize ourselves with the manor?" Her voice became more hesitant. "Test the bed?"
Feend grinned maliciously at the last proposal. For a long time, he found more uses in Gudrun than just household chores.
"I think the last option will work just fine..."
Without a single utterance of protest, Gudrun approached the bed and laid her body down on it, while a sneering Feend proceeded to remove his shirt.
He wishes to restore his family honor for future generations
Chapter 0.75:
Prologue, Part IV:
The Holy Grail's Call
Kiritsugu: By this point, it is obvious that he will be a threat to us.
Kariya: I promise you, he will be fine.
Shirou: You will do splendidly.
Tokiomi: Rejoice, for you are now a White Master.
Risei: These tired old eyes shall finally look upon a wondrous miracle!
Ruler: Do you doubt yourself, Kirei?
Multiple: I ask of you, are you my Master?
Next Time:
Summoning of Ancient Heroes
A/N: Just so you know, I based Ruler's appearance on her Stage 3 appearance in "Fate/Grand Order", not as she appears in "Fate/Apocrypha". I thought that the former appearance fit her better, considering how beautiful and angelic she's supposed to be. As for Itsuki Himuro, the character was inspired by Isemi, a character featured in "Fate/Prototype", but they are not the same character. And let's see if you can guess the identity of Saber of White. ;)
I'd like to thank those who reviewed:
-FoxOnPie: Actually, I found something about Command Seals on the Type-Moon Wikia that I thought would be appropriate to use. I don't wanna say it yet for the sake of spoilers, but it'll be revealed in the next chapter. That will be when we discuss about it and see if I did it right.
-orocontra2012: What do you mean Shirou isn't too passive?
-Guest N (guest reviewer): Actually, Semiramis won't be in this story, but I have someone better planned for him and it is absolutely important that he or she has to be included in the Servant roster for the sake of the story. Sorry.
-angelvan105: I already talked to you, so I'll just give my thanks for the reviews! :D
-EVA-Saiyajin:
1) Yeah, that's what I thought too. I'm trying to implement that ambiguous part of him into the story, but I apologize if his portrayal sides with one opinion at the moment.
2) Yes, Shirou is still going to be very dangerous like he was in "Fate/Apocrypha". Only in a different way.
-Anthrax99 (guest reviewer): Yeah, if you've got any questions, consider some of them unanswered until the end. It'll be mysterious just like "Judgment's Fall".
-YuukiAsuna-Chan:
1) Ironic, huh? In that sense, Shirou and Kirei are quite alike despite Shirou's heroic ideals and Kirei's dark disposition.
2) Waver's role in the first part of the story should be pretty interesting. ;)
3) Nah, I'm not having the Homunculus look like Illyasviel. First off, I doubt the Musiks would know about her existence and try to use that to their advantage. Second off, I doubt the Musiks would want to replicate the design of their rival family's homunculi, anyway.
Well, hope you enjoyed this late chapter! TheCartoonFanatic01 is out. PEACE!