AN: This is the first chapter of the story. I hope everyone will enjoy it and please review : ).

Act 1- "Death Of Beginning"

Chapter I: ~The Holy Grail War;The Masters~

The Holy Grail.

A powerful relic said to have been the cup once held by the Son of Man.

An omnipotent object capable of granting any kind of wish its wielder desires.

It is a device sought by many, even further back during the age where Knights roam to seek glory and honor.

One will not believe its capabilities and possibilities.

It was a phantasmal material thought to be unattainable, and its only mortal possessor, perished to heaven.

However, a holy grail now exists. No, that is not entirely true because holy grail once existed.

48 years ago the first attempt by the Holy Church to manifest it succeeded however it was never completed, thus, it was a failure.

8 years later, a second attempt was done. It almost came to be but was then destroyed the victor of the conflict, the tournament done to determine its rightful possessor, the Holy Grail War.

Now, with its vessel shattered to pieces by the light of the greatest of holy swords, the dream for its materialization evaporated into the sky. So they thought. . .

40 years after the last conflict, a new vessel was created. Its appearance, its location and its identity a mystery but its purpose remained the same: To be the prize, to be the instigator and to be the Holy Grail.

For every prize, there should be seekers.

And these seekers, are Masters.

4 years ago
~India~

In a temple hidden deep in the mountain ranges of northern India, a man wearing a white robe stood before the figure of Vishnu. A man in his late thirty's, fairly fat and brownish in skin color and with golden eyes and pierced ears, smiled as he stared at the figure. Footsteps were heard across the other end of the hall he was it and slowly he turned around to meet its source.

"I never thought this chance would finally come, Lord Jayendra," a middle aged man dressed in black suit appeared and proceeded to clap his hands.

The man known as Jayendra pompously raised his chest and chin and replied, "Do not flatter me any more than that Devadas. I might become too confident of myself. Fofofofo~," with a chuckle.

Devadas, who appears to be the former's servant, bowed his head to his Master and proceeded to kneel before him.

"Now then," Jayendra paused as he took out a white fan from his pocket and flipped it open, "were the preparations I entrusted the others completed?"

The bowing servant nodded, "Yes, Lord Jayendra. We have finally found thegem that you have been searching for."

"Fofofo~," the pompous man chuckled as he walked proudly towards his servant with his head still raised up high, "I never thought that we would find that thing beneath that measly village."

"I agree my Lord. To think that our earlier presumption of it being buried in a tomb in the Himalayas were incorrect, and it being hidden in a cult, was a surprise."

Jayendra rubbed his long brownish hair and glanced at his servant with curious eyes, "I assume you took care of the villagers and the cult as well?"

The man answered with a nod without any words coming after.

His pompous master seems to have noticed the lack of verbal response and asked the latter, "Don't tell me you have gone soft, Fofofo~ This is only the beginning, little brother. For our ascension, if being a demon is requirement, I'd give up my soul for it."

"I apologize. . .elder brother," Devadas replied with a soft tone bowing his head even further.

The latter's brother then knocked the fan repetitively to near his face as he walked past him. He then let out a question directed to his younger sibling, "Devadas, is there anyone rightful enough to claim the throne of the world?"

"Yes, elder brother, Lord Jayendra."

"And who might that be?" The man turned his head to face the kneeling man's back, and raised his eyebrow afterwards.

"You."

"Splendid answer! Fofofo~"

2 years ago
~London, England~

In a room filled with brilliance of chandeliers, two people stood on both ends: an elderly man in his late 60's stood beside a large replica of the "globe" and a woman in her early 20's stood right in front of him.

The former, wearing a long scarlet garment covering his body up to his arms, as he stretched them out, called for the name of the girl that stood before his presence. The woman with a shoulder-length grayish hair while wearing an indigo jacket and black jeans, bowed before the elder.

"Elizabeth," with a soft but husky tone befitting his age, he called, "the preparation we had for five years have finally come into fruition."

"Yes, grandfather," she answered as she nodded.

"After nearly five decades, this will be the first time we are given this opportunity, " the old man coughed and swallowed his throat before continuing, "and so, our family, the Association, expects victory."

The woman widened her eyes as a her lips curled for a smile.

"...The Holy Grail War..." She whispered to the words of the old man.

The old man laid his pale right hand on the woman's shoulder, "...display the absolute power of which what governs our world."

"Understood."

With that response, she left the room with mixed emotions of delight and anxiousness.

To be able to fight for under the banner of the Association, and to obtain a holy relic that will grant its wielder anything, such is an opportunity of a lifetime.

She is not afraid to kill.

She is not afraid to risk her life.

For this is something she must do.

As a magus, and as a seeker of the holy grail.

She will not let anyone stand in her way. Be it a friend, a lover or a relative.

As her resolve was firm and stern, that there is no way she'd lose in this war. No way.

Back to the room she was in, the elder, now sitting on a coach, drinking a cup of tea, smiled contently.

As he was passing the moment, footsteps echoed across the hallway going to the room coming from the door three blocks from the exit the woman a while ago went to.

From it, a call from a man addressing the elder was heard.

"Are you sure we can entrust that responsibility to your little pet, elder?"

The old man, with his weak eyes looking at the cup of tea, answered the new arrival's query.

"I have lived a long life. With the experience I have with people, I will surely know from first glance if that person will fair or succeed, Bismark."

"Hmp, what shrew old bastard you still are, Father."

The man, Bismark, with a long silver hair and a patched left eye, addressed the elder.

As he sat on the chair opposite of the couch, he asked, "So you would use that girl as a bait, perhaps?"

The old man chuckled and coughed, and replied to his son's curious question, "Maybe. . .maybe not. . .however, that depends, should I?"

Bismark smiled after hearing the old man's answer and leaned closer to him with a wild grin on his face.

"Then Father, might you have, prepared something for me?"

"Of course. This all for the sake of the Association's victory. . .No. . ."

The old man paused as he sipped on his cup of tea and chuckled the thought of continuing his sentence.

"No need, Father," Bismark stopped him, "I already know. . .the goal that us, all magi chases, the Root."

"Destroy anyone that seeks to challenge the one that rules over all Magi."

The elder placed his hand on his son's head as if blessing him.

"I shall not let anyone mock us."

11 months ago
~Rome, Italy~

If the Association is what governs all magi, then its opposing faction, those who claim to be a believer of God, and those against taboo and occultism, is none other than the Holy Church.

Existing since Christ's crucifixion, the Holy Church has always been the bearer of the flag for Christianity. Going against those who criticizes their beliefs, creates taboos and blasphemies, the faction has been active in destroying these ever since.

Yet, this faction, who believes that magi who initiates heinous actions of blasphemy, turned an almost blind eye for the competition that held 48 years ago.

To be exact, they barely ignored it.

Bewildered by the sudden appearance of a blasphemous claim of a Holy Grail, the Church shrugged to this information but even so, they were curious. Anxious.

Knowing their opponents, the Magi of the world, and the chance of claiming a device to accomplish a wish, and the chances of wrecking havoc and pursuing greater taboos, was against the Holy Church's internal beliefs.

So, they joined. Entered the unknown war they thought had absolutely nothing to do them in the first place.

Not until 38 years and 8 months ago, was when they realized the miracle of a Holy Grail was.

Adhering to the decree of their admirable Cardinal, the Church pursued the recreation of the vessel, unbeknownst to most members, but well known to some.

Attracting mindless magi who seek it for their own Greed, the Church, whose aim was but only to witness the miracle of that of God, now intends to hit two birds with one stone.

Looking forward for their grand desire, they send their champion, who with their prayer to God and His blessing, would grant them Victory.

Standing inside a medium-sized room located in the Catherdral at the heart of Rome, is the champion anointed by the nine Cardinal-Bishops sitting on a semi-circular arranged chairs. Its positioning, can be liken to a hearing of in a court.

"10 months left and your. . no, OUR battle will begin," a Cardinal-Bishop on the far left, dressed in a minesterial robe and vestments, declared to the man standing before them.

Another Cardinal-Bishop, this time at the right center, spoke, "We have prepared your belongings and the needed relic for your future endeavor."

Succeeding him was another, "We expect great things from you."

And all they echoed, "Do not fail us."

The man standing before them, dressed in a black shroud as if appearing like an enigma while wearing a cowboy-like black hat, slightly curled his lips and nodded as he carried the black suitcase beside him.

Finally, the Cardinal-Bishop sitting at the center, addressed him, "The Pope had decreed to allow no magi alive. Cleanse this world of blasphemies, Templar. Use the catalyst for God's Judge."

"As long as you fulfill your end of the bargain," he adjusted his hat with his free left hand and grinned, "I don't see why I should let anyone live."

"Excellent! Excellent! God Bless you!"

The man turned around and left the room filled with laughter of joy and excitement.

Closing the door behind him, he thought, "This place is truly rotten to its core."

3 months ago
~Shinjuku, Japan~

It was a peaceful night in Tokyo.

The sound of the train passing by, a few vehicles running around, and dogs barking were the only things creating noise.

But other than that, the starry night sky was quiet like the sea.

Tomorrow is the last month of summer, and autumn will come to replace it.

Thus, many people had already bought their yukatas, for the sake of witnessing a beautiful fireworks display for tomorrows evening event.

It was definitely a normal and average life.

For this young girl sleeping on her bed, dreaming of her boyfriend holding her hand while watching the fireworks filled sky, it will be a moment she'll cherish forever.

Something so precious she will never be able to replace it.

A treasured memory she'd always look back into; A fragment of her love life she'd tell her children and grandchildren about.

It was a life's experience she cannot afford to miss.

That was what she thought.

Bothered by the sound of the dogs on their neighbor's house that kept on barking, she rolled to her left, then to her right.

Trying to get back to her dreamworld of happy memories with her lover, she closed her eyes even harder.

But no matter how much she tries she just couldn't.

She gave up.

She opened her eyes. Raised her body, and stood from his bed and decided to head for the kitchen.

Forgetting to open the lights, she exited the room without hesitation.

As she walked down the stairs, she noticed the dark living room with their television still on.

"Dad stayed up late again, Jeez."

She complained as she rubbed her eyes with her hands.

Opening the fridge to look for some milk, she suddenly smelled a foul odor.

It was like the smell of a wasted fish.

No, it was like a dead meat.

A smell of a corpse?

She can't tell.

But she shrugged and guessed that maybe it was just the fish her mother had bought.

Drinking the milk she had found, she closed the fridge afterwards and headed upstairs before gaining the scent of the foul odor as he passed down the living room.

"Alcohol again. . ."

She grumbled.

Her dad was a heavy drinker.

No wonder there was a foul smell. Must be some new alcohol he had bought.

She thought this and ignored his "sleeping" father.

Laying down back to her bed, she tried to close her eyes once again to sleep.

But then. . .as if by instinct. . .she opened her eyes.

She heard something.

Was it really something?

She made sure of it.

Something was wrong.

She felt wrong.

She was sweating. . .too much than average.

The barking dogs didn't stop so maybe that was it.

But. . .why. Why can't she just fall asleep.

She then stood from her bed yet again.

This time, she went for the lights, quickly and swiftly as if being chased by something.

Lighting the once pitch-black room, she looked around.

Up, down, left, right.

Nothing.

There was nothing.

She was panting heavily but as if being relieved of something, she exhaled and slowly walked towards her bed.

But-something grabbed hold of her.

From the closet she just walked from, two hands. Rough, long and big; dressed in black gloves, took her. Pulled her. And dragged her inside.

"HYA-hmmnmn"

She tried to scream.

She tried to shout.

But an 'object' prevented her mouth.

She was held roughly.

She could not feel her body anymore.

Something -down there- was wrong as well.

Her sense of feeling disappeared as she smelled something powerful.

Slowly drifting away from consciousness, she realized. . .that this was. . .

. . .a Nightmare.

1 week ago
~Suginami, Japan~

In Suginami, just north of Setagaya and East of Nakano, lives a certain Magi family.

Originally a Norwegian Magi clan, the family moved to Japan and called themselves, Kurayami, during the great conflict of the power struggle between the royal families in Europe.

To avoid the struggle, the family decided to move to the peaceful Japan.

Setting up their clan in a Japanese mansion outside the suburban areas of Suginami, the family had lived for not more than six generations in the place. But the longer they stayed, the more the incompatible leyline afflicted them.

Now on its new generation, the magi family is close to dying out.

With a decision to preserve the bloodline, the family's head, Inui "Skorjon" Kurayami, chose to teach his two children the secrets of the family rather than choosing only one and leaving the other to rubble.

It was a taboo to a magi clan to decide on such a thing.

But the family prefers the preservation of their lineage rather than a pride of a magus.

Thus, with a will to throw even traditions, the family decided to the best course of action and thought that they chose the correct path.

Unfortunately, fate has it against them.

The family's first-born, Shiho, disliked the family's way and teachings. He, who was curious of the normal world, desires to live like a normal human.

Choosing to play rather than to practice.

Choosing to learn the modern world rather than to learn magecraft.

It was an infuriating situation for the family.

With the second child, a daughter, Kuroha, who was more diligent and responsible, showed a bit of promise, still it was far from what the family hoped.

And, with them close to giving up of their clan's continuity, hope knocked on their doorsteps.

"The Holy Grail War?"

The soon to be 18 year old, Kurayami Shiho, exclaimed after hearing it from their father.

Beside him, sitting was his little sister, Kuroha and in front of them was their father, Inui.

The family head nodded and addressed, "Since due to Shiho's stubborn attitude, we are from what our family imagined us to be in."

"Do not blame everything to me old man! I wanted to live a norma-"

"SILENCE!"

Shiho stopped his sentence while Kuroha was shocked by their father's outburst.

"Don't you know that you are the VERY reason we are in this situation?!"

"...I don't care," Shiho whispered as he looked away from his father.

Kuroha glanced at him and mumbled, "Brother. . .please, at least listen to father."

Their father coughed and composed himself before continuing where he left off.

"From what we had heard, there are still two seats vacant for the participation of the Holy Grail War, I request of you, Shiho, to train and be chosen for this matter."

"Why would I?!"

He blurted out while his father remained composed but it was obvious he was trying to restrain his temper.

"University is just right around the corner and I'm turning eighteen. I do not care about this Holy Grail War or any of our clan's affairs!"

"You. . .Shiho! The Holy Grail War is an omnipotent device desired by many magi, people like us, around the world. The event's location is here in Tokyo which would prove advantageous for us if we would enter. This is a time where you should compensate for your stupidities in the past!"

But Shiho ignored his father's explanation, "I said it right? I don't care. Whatever this war is, I will not involve myself to this abnormal life anymore. I'm leaving!"

Standing up, Shiho left the room enraged.

"Brother!"

His sister called but he did not turn to respond. Worried of her brother, Kuroha tried to run after him but was stopped by her father.

"Don't bother with him, Kuroha. His action, his rejection of our blood and his ignorance of his responsibility, proves that he is no longer my son, therefore, not your brother."

Their father had always been strict. He was wrathful as much as he was kind.

Her father always wanted for them to follow the clan's teachings, to lead the family back to prosperity.

But her brother, who was allured by the world of non-magi, decided to turn his back away from their family.

Even so, she won't abandon her brother even if he had abandoned them, and at the same time she would carry the family's dream.

That was her promise.

That was their oath.

To the mother that had died 6 years ago.

"Kuroha," his father's calling snapped her out of her thoughts, "with your brother's ignorance, I shall now appoint you as my official successor. Prepare yourself, you must face this war for us."

The young girl nodded to her father's words.

It was only natural that she was the only one he could count on.

After all, father had lost the ability to, due to the curse that had taken her wife, their mother's life.

"I won't fail you. . .dear father."

He ran away as far as possible.

As long as he could never see that mansion again, it would make him happy.

If only, he thought, could he convince his sister to run away with him.

But he knew, that between the two of them, her sister was the devoted and responsible one.

After all, up until now, even though he was the older brother, could still not shake from his memories the death of their mother.

He never forgave his father.

He never forgave that thing.

he never forgave the world of magi.

That is why he detests it.

That is why he rejects it. Forsakes it.

Even if it goes against his mother's dream for their family, he will run away from it.

"That is not my world; that is not my place."

He said as he walked beside the riverbank.

Looking at the sunset before him, he thought, "I only wish to live in a place where everything is simple and happy."

That was his only desire.

To live a normal life with his sister, with his father. . .even though he hates him. . .and their grandfather.

A world without magecraft.

A world without the responsibility of keeping the lineage of the family of magi.

To him, that world, is a curse.

He wants to break free from it.

But-at the same time, he feels in contrast about it, yearns for the world of magi.

That thing that took away their mother's life.

A spirit? No, a demon? or a personification of a malediction?

If it was the thirst for magecraft that resulted to that tragedy, then he wished for the power of magecraft to end tragedies.

Yes, to fight fire with fire, was the saying.

He shook his head, slapped himself in the face, and reaffirmed his thoughts.

"I will end my connection with the magi world today!"

He roared to the fiery orange sky,

"I will turn my back to them! I will never go back! I will escape this forsaken world!"

He exclaimed as he breathed in heavily, as he released all the stress he had inside of him.

This is it, is what he thought.

As he smiled and turned his back from the river, he suddenly felt his hand in agony.

As if being punctured by a needle, or being cut by a knife, his right hand, as if bursting out, was engulfed in pain.

Blood flowed, his veins roared, and without realization, he never thought that, everything he had promised, the words he had screamed, would all be shaken by this very strain.

~Chapter END