Fuyuki City. Emiya Residence. 2009 year. 6 months after the Fourth Holy Grail War.
Irisviel looked upon the picture in her hands, tears coming on their own, as she observed the final picture she took with Kiritsugu and Illya, right before she and her husband had set off for the war. The Fourth Holy Grail War, the fourth attempt to recreate the Heaven's Feel, or Third Magic, that the Einzberns and Irisviel were created to achieve, but this didn't matter to the homunculus, as all she wanted was to help Kiritsugu fulfill his life's goal and for him and Illya to live happy. For all that, Irisviel was ready to sacrifice herself to help achieve it, and she has done it… And yet, everything had gone terribly wrong.
When Irisviel's transformation into the Lesser Grail was complete, she finally connected to the Greater Grail, and discovered the terrible truth- the Grail was corrupted, taken over by a malicious dark creature calling itself Angra Mainyu. The moment she connected she could feel that creature beginning to take control over her very being, her soul being twisted and corrupted, morphed into nourishment for him, the memory alone was enough to make Iri shiver. It had almost completely taken over her entire being, and yet, in the end, she had somehow been saved, with her soul returning into her body, with Avalon still present, probably being the reason as to why she survived not being taken over by Angra Mainyu.
She awoke amidst a veritable hellscape, with dark energies of Angra littering all, as fire consumed all that it could touch, with Irisviel threading through that hellscape, free from the Grail, confused, scared and alone… until she found her husband. Kiritsugu Emiya, the Magus Killer and father to their child, was injured beyond any healing or chance of salvation, and even so, Irisviel desperately tried to save him, even trying to give him Avalon that he had rejected, only to be stopped by him and his last words for her:
"Live on, Iri… Live for Illya, for me and yourself…"
Those were his last words, and Irisviel promised to live, no matter what, and even as the fire burned her feet and tears burned her eyes, she moved on, hoping to find anyone whom she could help, yet all she came across was death and fire. She had nigh lost hope, until her eyes finally saw a figure moving through the ruins, and she darted to him, before finally seeing that it was a small boy, around same age as her Illya, covered in what appeared to be a simply white cloak, which somehow had managed to protect him from the accumulated evil of the world. At that moment, Iri didn't give it any thought, as she was happy to find someone alive, and helped the boy away from the hellscape. That same boy, now known as Shirou Emiya, was now her adopted son, and now, as Irisviel put away her photo, she took a look at that same white cloak that her son had worn that dark day.
Back then, all that Irisviel cared for was saving Shirou, as she transferred Avalon into him immediately before getting to medics, but later on, after she had adopted him, she finally had the chance to get a closer look at this cloak, and what she discovered astonished her. This cloak was a Mystic Code, and an extremely well made one, the kind that most Mages in and outside of Association would pay a fortune for. Though Irisviel's knowledge on creation and enchantment of Mystic Codes was limited, she did discern that the cloak possessed extremely powerful Wards, a defensive type Magecraft that is used as shield against other spells. To Irisviel's knowledge, which was the collected knowledge of all Einzberns, there were few Magus families that possessed the skills and ability to craft and produce a defensive Mystic Code of such level, and fewer still that could weave Ward Magecraft into them, especially ones that are geared to counter Curses of highest order.
There was not a doubt in Iri's mind that this cloak had saved Shirou's life, though it didn't prevent him from suffering memory loss, as all he could remember was his first name and a few vague images. But what also surprised Irisviel was the fact at just how quickly Shirou recovered from the burns and poisoning, as he was able to be discharged mere days later, and Irisviel knew that Avalon's healing properties lost its potency after Saber was gone. This, along with the cloak, made Irisviel ask a troubling question: was Shirou from a Magus Family, and if he was, which one did he belong to?
This was what had troubled the white-haired Magus the most, the fact that the boy she had come to love just as much as her dear Illya, could belong to Moonlit World, for it were true, this could mean a great many things, much of them being troubling. Unfortunately, Irisviel's attempts at investigating were unsuccessful, for she didn't have Kiri's talent for such work, and all information that could help her was suppressed heavily by the Association and Church, and she didn't want to draw their attention. She also lacked contacts and connections of her husband, only having Raiga Fujimaru's group to rely upon, and they've found nothing on Shirou. Left with no other option other than to directly find out if Shirou was a from a magus family or not, and so Irisviel made her decision- and that was to grant Shirou's request and teach him Magecraft.
Composing herself, Irisviel left her room and soon found herself in the living room, where Shirou was currently playing on a game station that Irisviel bought some time ago. As much as she adored Shirou and loved him helping her out around the house, Irisviel still believed that children need to be children, hence she decided to diversify his interests. That, and it was also mother's duty to spoil her children, wasn't it?
"Shirou, do you have a moment?" Iri asked with a warm smile, with Shirou immediately putting away his controller, and rising up.
"Yeah, is something wrong, Mom?" The warm pang in Iri's heart when she heard Shirou call her that almost made her swoon, but she managed to keep herself composed.
"No nothing is wrong, sweetie." Iri assured him. "Do you remember when I told you about me being a Magus, and about what it means?"
"Yes, and I asked you if you could teach me to be a mage." Shirou recalled, getting excited at the idea of actually training, with Iri quickly noticing it.
"Yes, and while I was hesitant… I have decided, that it would be for the best if you were to learn Magecraft." Irisviel informed Shirou, who was almost ready to jump from joy, before her tone turned serious. "However, Shirou, I want to you listen to me very carefully and remember: to be a Magus, is to walk with death. It is not like in Harry Potter, it is a dangerous and very serious thing. Most Mages are dangerous and will not hesitate to hurt or even kill if it is to their benefit. So, whenever you meet with one, always be prepared to assume that they wish you harm, alright?"
"Okay." Shirou nodded his head to Irisviel, seeing that his mother was serious. "Mom, are you a bad Magus?" To that Irisviel blinked owlishly, before her mind caught up with the meaning of her son's question, kneeling and cupping his cheek.
"Only to those that wish to hurt you, Shirou." Irisviel answered, before rising up. "To others, I'm just a mother. Now, as to learning Magecraft, we first need to change locales. Let's go to my Workshop."
"Workshop?" Shirou asked of Iri, who chuckled at that.
"Oh, silly me, I forgot to tell you… Remember how I told you never to go to the shed without me, Shirou?" Shirou nodded to that. "Well, that shed is my Workshop, a place where a Magus performs Magecraft, trains and learns. Now let's go." It didn't take long for the two to reach the shed and enter it, with Shirou finally seeing the insides of it.
"Is this what a Workshop is?" He asked curiously, looking at the various strange and weird items, books and more, most of which Iri brought from the castle, while some she acquired through other means.
"Yes, and you are not to touch anything without my say so, Shirou. Magecraft and Magus' items are dangerous for the untrained, and until I say so, you will not touch anything, okay?" Iri saw Shirou nod, and smiled to him. "Now, before we start learning Magecraft, we need to learn, how many Magic Circuits you have and how good they are."
"Magic Circuits? Is it like mana in games?" Shirou asked, with Iri chuckling to him.
"Not quite… Magic Circuits are like mini engines that allow you to produce Mana, and the more you have and the better they are, more Mana you can use." Irisviel tried to explain, hoping that Shirou understood. "Now, every Magus has his or her own Magic Circuits, which are attached to a person's soul, but they also act as like second nervous system on your body. There are also Magic Crests, but we'll talk about them later. For now, I'm going to examine you on your Magic Circuits. So, please take off your shirt and sit in the center of that circle." Iri asked of Shirou, who did as he was told.
"Um, Mom, what should I do now?" He asked, with Iri kneeling behind him, putting her hand on the center of his back.
"Just sit still. I will send a little mana into your body, so as to activate your Circuits. Now, it may hurt a bit, but please bear with me, okay?" Iri asked, and after Shirou nodded, she focused. "Ready?" And with this Irisviel sent her mana into Shirou's body, and in the next moment, her eyes widened out of sheer shock.
From the place where her palm was placed, she sensed and saw her energy travel through Shirou's Circuits, and what she found out shook her, for Shirou didn't just have normal quality and quantity Magic Circuits, no. Shirou possessed an absolutely astounding number of Circuits, numbering over well a hundred, something that not even some of the ruling families of Clock Tower can boast, but that wasn't the end of it, no. Shirou's quality of Circuits was also through the metaphorical roof, higher than anyone's, probably being of the rank EX, with Irisviel knowing of but a single Magus who potentially had same rank in quality, and she was regarded as one of the most powerful Mages in the world.
This couldn't be a simple coincidence or a mutation, Irisviel was most certain of that, and that meant that Shirou descended from a Mages' family, old and powerful to have produced such an heir. Yet while Irisviel was busy collecting her thoughts, she didn't pay attention to her son, who suddenly slouched and nearly fell, before being caught in her arms, with Iri's maternal instinct going haywire.
"Shirou! My baby, oh what have I done!" All other matters forgotten, Irisviel hurried to help her son.
Shirou's eyes were on to the furnace, as a tall, white haired man was working near, while he was held by his mother. The man removed the glowing hot red object out of the furnace, it's shape is distinctly one of a sword, before it was placed upon the anvil. The man took up his hammer, the golden eyes that he shared with his son were directed upon the object of his attention.
He raised his hammer, and then sent it down onto the blade, and then Shirou heard that sound… The sound of a blade being made into its shape, as sparks flew out of it, and his eyes watched with clearest awe. And then he heard:
"Shirou, remember all of this." He heard his father speak softly. "This heat of furnace, glow of the metal and sound of hammer hitting it, that and all you see and sense - this is what it means to be a Muramasa, son."
"Ugh." Shirou groaned as he opened his eyes, finding Irisviel's worried face over his. "M-mom? What happened?"
"Shirou, I am so sorry… I didn't think it would happen, but when I activated your Circuits, it had knocked you out. Shirou, tell me, are you in any pain? Where does it hurt?" She asked immediately, with Shirou feeling himself fine.
"Um, I'm fine, Mom." Shirou told her, as he got off her lap and sat near her. "Is… Is this normal for Mages?"
"No, most only feel a little sting or a burn." Irisviel told her son, noticing that he was starting feel down.
"Does… Does this mean that I have bad Circuits?" He asked, with Irisviel immediately shaking her head at that.
"No! Absolutely not, Shirou. If you had few and bad Circuits you wouldn't have reacted like that, no!" Irisviel immediately answered, as she took her son's hand into hers. "Shirou, you have not over a hundred Magic Circuits, and all of them are extremely potent!" Irisviel exclaimed with excitement.
"Is that good?" Shirou asked, with Irisviel calming down, realizing that her son needed some context.
"Sorry, I forgot… Shirou, it's not just good. It is astonishingly rare, not even most of the ancient Mages Family members and Heads have that many Circuits, and the fact that they are so good in quality makes it all the rarer." Irisviel assured Shirou. "Most Lords of Clock Tower, the Association's Headquarters, don't have such good Circuits and so many at the same time. You have more powerful Circuits than I do, and far more in numbers. A normal Mage usually has near 20 Circuits, but you have close to six times of that, and far more in quality."
"Then, that means that I can be good at Magecraft?" Shirou asked of Irisviel, who chuckled at his response.
"If you train hard, work diligently and listen well to me, then you will be the finest Mage." Irisviel promised to him. "Now then, that's enough Magecraft for today, sweetie. Come, it's my turn to cook…" Irisviel rose up with Shirou, but then she heard him speak up.
"Um, Mom…" Shirou spoke up with a conflicted tone, with Irisviel turning to him with concern. "I… I think I… I remembered something… from the past." Shirou said with a quiet tone, with Iri's eyes widening from surprise, before she knelt again before him, looking him straight into the eyes.
"Shirou, if it's okay, can you tell me what you remembered?" She asked of him softly.
"I… I remembered a forge." Shirou said. "I was little, but I remember I was in the forge, and… I saw my parents. My… My father was forging a sword, while my… mother held me. And then, my father said, that this is what it means to be a Muramasa." Iri's eyes widened a little when she heard the name.
"Muramasa? Are you sure you have heard it right?" Iri asked of Shirou and he nodded. "I… I am sorry, Shirou, but I've never heard that name used among Mages. And… I can't even think how hard it must be, but whatever happens, no matter what you remember, I will always be here for you, my boy." Iri gently pulled her son into a hug, comforting him, and letting him cry a little, as he had finally recovered something from his past, and though it had brought a pang of loss, it was still something, and Irisviel was here for her son.
And as she embraced him, she chided herself for the fact that she didn't reveal to him all that she sensed and saw in him, and Irisviel felt a pang of guilt for it, promising one day to tell him all of the truth. She held her tongue on the fact that she realized the potential reason as to why Avalon worked so well on Shirou, the fact that aside from the fabled scabbard, Shirou also held another secret inside him. And perhaps more importantly, she was silent of the fact that she discovered something that she thought impossible in this day and age within the child. Something that she could only describe as a miracle, but if discovered by Mage's Association… Her son would forever be in danger from them, Irisviel knew it, and now she had a new purpose in life. She would prepare him, to the best of her abilities and beyond, she will indeed train Shirou to be the best Magus he can be.
A month later. Einzbern Castle. Germany.
The Einzbern family were infamous for their isolation, one that surpassed that of usual seclusion of Mages, but when one received an invitation from them, it was considered bad form to not answer it. And so Lianer El-Melloi Archibald, who had received the invitation from Jubstacheit von Einzbern, also known Acht, who had promised that he possessed something of interest to the ambitious Magus of Archibald family. Seated in the chair and being served wine by one of the homunculus maids, Lianer sipped his cup, tasting it, before giving his comment.
"Not bad. Quite good in fact, for such a… rural family like yours." Lianer commented with the level of arrogance that would make even his late cousin Kayneth proud. "I imagine that you serve such fine drinks only to your most venerable guests, don't you?"
"It is reserved for special occasions, but I've not invited you here, Lianer El-Melloi Archibald, to discuss drinks." Acht didn't mince words, getting straight to the point. "Both our Families have suffered great losses from the recent Grail War, and both were inflicted at the hands of the same person – Kiritsugu Emiya."
"The infamous Magus Killer, the same one that you've hired to win that War for you." Lianer reminded Acht, before putting his cup down with a near snarl. "Do not remind me of it, golem. I know better than all the extent of the damage this man has caused us." Lianer said with clear anger in his tone.
"Yes, the El-Melloi Magic Crest, the carefully cultivated treasure of your Family, gone because of this man." Acht commented coldly, with Lianer suppressing himself from snarling at him. "And with it, the once mighty El-Melloi family has now began to tear itself apart. I imagine it is a veritable war out there between you and your once allies."
"What do you want, Einzbern?" Lianer's temperament was not one that allowed him to listen for long to anyone reminding of his family's weakness. "Have you asked me here to gloat?"
"No, to offer you a solution to your problem." Acht stated. "The Einzbern Family have for many generations maintained a vassal family, that specialized in restoration of Magic Crests, our own Master of Restoration. With all the Tuners you have at your disposal, it would take near a hundred years to restore your lost Crest, whilst our Master of Restoration can achieve it in mere years." That immediately gotten Lianer's interest, knowing full well what this could mean for him.
"And what would the gracious Einzberns desire in return for providing us with access to such a Master?" Lianer asked of Acht. "If you desire Emiya's head, then I fear we've long since confirmed his death in the War."
"As have we, but he has left behind his wife, and she has adopted a child, giving him the name of Emiya." Acht stated to the Archibald. "I want you to bring me Kiritsugu's wife, alive. But before that, make sure she sees her new pet suffer, like your cousin had suffered, before you bring him as well."
"My, such a curious hatred for some random brat. Mind if I ask why you want him dead so much?" Lianer knew full well what was to be the end for the child.
"Emiya Kiritsugu had dared to spurn us, and for that, I will see to it that not even his name remains, related in blood or not, and his wife had betrayed us, her own blood." Acht stated. "Her punishment shall be far worse than mere death. Am I understood?"
"Oh, most clearly. With your permission." And with this the member of the Archibald rose and began to leave the castle. "If that golem's telling the truth, then the El-Melloi will regain their glory, and I shall finally have what was stolen from me by that narcissistic prick Kayneth." Lianer was practically seeing his rise to the position as Lord El-Melloi, with the Source Crest in his possession.
And as the prideful and ambitious Magus left, Jubstacheit von Einzbern turned his thoughts to Irisviel, whom he would indeed torture in flesh and spirit, for snatching away his dream. He had seen his designs and desires taken from him thrice now, first in the Second War when it devolved into another chaos like the First, then in the Third, when Lancer's Master destroyed his Avenger and then claimed victory in War. And now with this War… Somehow Irisviel had survived, and for her survival and denial of his rightful claim, she shall pay dearly.
Yet as Acht planned his revenge, he failed to foresee, that not only he alone would hold interest in Irisviel and her adopted son Shirou Emiya, just as he had failed to notice a special familiar disappearing from the Einzbern forest, returning to his master and reporting the matters. Little did Acht, Lianer and Irisviel knew, that now things were going to become quite hectic for all of them, now that a certain nosy old man has gotten whiff of the conspiracy in the air…
Japan. Kanto Region. Misaki Town's outskirts.
Pushing the door open of her family's old estate, Aoko Aozaki could already sense the smell of alcohol in the stale air, and could not do anything but sigh, though some 10 or so years ago, she would've been more than happy to blast the reason behind it to the smithereens. Moving deeper into the main building, she quickly found the source of her problems and concerns, sitting on the sofa, surrounded by empty bottles of alcohol of all kinds, with her eyes empty and devoid of life and usual spark that Aoko was so used to seeing. If anyone had told her 10 years ago that she would now be taking care of Touko Aozaki, her older sister who had tried on numerous times to kill her and make her life miserable for the fact that she inherited the Fifth Magic, Aoko would've laughed at that idea, but now…
Now she was here, with her older sister, who was broken and devoid of even desire to live, drinking herself to death, with Aoko unable to do anything to help Touko relieve that pain. Seeing as her sister sluggishly began to reach for a new bottle, Aoko stepped forward and softly stopped Touko from reaching the bottle, speaking to her.
"Touko, you've had enough." Aoko's tone was soft, softer than she would've imagined herself saying. "It's time you've given a rest already."
"Piss off…" Touko answered, though without any bark or bite, trying to reach for the bottle again, but only ending up pushing off the table and smashing it. "Oh great… See what you made me do, sis? The great and mighty Aoko Aozaki, master of destroying everyone's day…" Touko spoke with bitterness and anger in her tone.
"You need to lay off the bottle, Touko, and you need to eat some actual food." Aoko didn't care for the words her sister had for her, instead deciding to clean the place up, only to be stopped by Touko.
"Leave me be, dammit!" Touko tried to slug Aoko, but her balance was all over the place, and she nearly fell on the floor, but Aoko thankfully caught her, hugging her. "Just go away… L-like you always did…" Touko's voice cracked, as her eyes began to fill with tears.
"No, sis." Aoko simply told her, holding her in her arms, as Touko finally broke down, with the younger Aozaki letting her cry. "Let it out, sis. Let it all out." Aoko softly told her and Touko did just that, as she cried, cried like never before, vulnerable and weak in her sister's arms.
Both of the Aozaki sisters were famous and infamous in the Moonlit World, the eldest being the youngest Grand in history of Clock Tower, top Runes user and greatest puppet maker in the world, while the youngest was one of two Magicians in the world and user of Magic Blue, also known as Fifth Magic. And what was universally well known was the animosity between the two, one that had led to a near outright war between the two, yet few knew that this was not the case for well over 8 years, as Touko and Aoko did manage to finally make peace, one that initiated Touko. The eldest of Aozaki sisters, the one who had begun their feud, was the one to reach out to her sister, not out of callous or malicious intent, but because she wished to mend their relations, realizing how precious family was, once she had found her own family.
Of all the things that Aoko could imagine her sister doing, starting her own family was damn near the bottom of that list, right next to actually making up with her after all that they have been through. Yet Touko did all of that, having settled down with a man she loved and even had a son together with him, a boy with red hair and eyes of gold, whom Touko loved more than anything. When Aoko and Touko met after Touko gave birth, young Magician was stunned at how much her sister had changed and wanted to put aside their feud for good. At first she was skeptical, but after understanding that it was not a ploy, Aoko accepted, and she once again had an older sister, one that cared and loved her again as she did in the past. Honestly, those 6 years were the happiest for both Touko and Aoko, but like all good things, they had come to an end.
It was no secret that both of the Aozaki sisters were extremely dangerous and powerful Mages, each in their own right, but only one of them had a Sealing Designation placed upon them. Touko's sheer mastery of puppets and other secrets of Magecraft had earned her that Designation from Clock Tower and her former mentor, hence why she made sure to cover her tracks, but starting a family had placed them in danger. This was what one Tokiomi Tohsaka had wanted to use, having threatened to sick the Enforcers upon Touko's family, if her husband did not comply with him and his demands, forcing Touko to leave her family and go on the run again.
Because of her running away, Touko was not in Fuyuki City, where another Grail War took place, and as the result, a magical catastrophe came about, which claimed the lives of hundreds. And among them were Touko's husband and son, the two most important people to her, and when she learned of it… It broke her. Aoko knew full well that despite all of her sister's behavior, she had a kind and caring heart, and she loved her family above all else, and to have it all taken away from her was enough to break her. Unable to save them, not even allowed back in Fuyuki and without any way to even come to their graves to grieve, Touko descended into despair and helplessness, losing grip and desire to live all together. If not for Aoko, Magician Blue believed that her sister would have long since taken her life, and she knew that was the last thing Touko's family would've wanted.
And so, unable to do anything but comfort, Aoko did just that to Touko, letting her cry and grieve for as long as she needed, until her eyes had dried up and she simply slumped back in the sofa, with Aoko letting her rest. She was about to go and prepare something to eat, until she heard the doorbell, much to her surprise.
"That's odd." Aoko said, before turning to Touko, who did not even seem to have noticed the bell. "I'll check it out, Touko. I'll be right back."
"Okay…" Touko weakly said, with Aoko leaving and soon reaching the door, opening it and seeing someone she didn't expect to see.
"Ah, hello there, Aoko. Long time no see." Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, also known as Kaleidoscope and Second Magician, stood before Aoko Aozaki, in all of his immortal glory.
"Zelretch? The heck are you doing at my front door?" Aoko asked of him bluntly, with the immortal Magician smiling to her.
"Looking for your sister, obviously." Zelretch answered, surprising and dumbfounding Aoko. "Come now, I know the Clock Tower is a bit slow on the update, but I know that you and Touko have finally made up. Speaking of, it is actually good that I've also met you, 'cause I've got something that you both will want to know."
"And what would be so important that it brought you out here?" Aoko asked of him, already preparing for trouble, with the man raising one of his hands in the air.
"Relax, Aoko, I've not come looking for trouble." Zelretch assured her.
"Forgive me for being skeptical." Aoko stated sarcastically. "Anyway, my sister isn't in the mood for guests, Dead Apostle Ancestor/Multiverse-travelling Magician included."
"Oh, but I assure you, that what I have to say will breathe life into her again." Zelretch assured her, before he turned serious. "All I ask is five minutes of your collected time, Aoko. You have my word that this is urgent." Aoko took a moment to think about it, before letting him in, and soon all of them reached the living room, where Touko was.
"Touko, we have a… guest." Aoko said with a bit of an uncomfortable tone, with Touko raising her head to face the guest, not even surprised at his presence.
"So, the Lords somehow managed to rope you in it, Zelretch? Or are you in need of a new body? If so, then you are shit out of luck, since I'm out of business." Touko stated with bite. "And unlike Genji, I'm not one for your damn jokes, so if you are here to just offer your condolences, then piss off."
"I would like to offer them, Miss Aozaki, since Genji was almost like a son to me too… But I need not tell you that, hence instead, I'll get straight to the point." Zelretch took a moment for Touko's eyes to focus on his. "Your and Genji's son, Shirou, is alive." The moment when Zelretch said those words, Aoko could almost hear how her sister's heart skipped a beat, and a flash of life shone in her eyes, before a visage of anger came to Touko.
"Zelretch, is this some kind of bloody sick joke to you?!" Touko practically growled out, as she stood up, sobering up in moments. "Genji… Shirou… They died because of that stupid Cup that you have helped make! And now you come here telling me that…"
"I know, Miss Aozaki, of my own fault in all this, and you are right." Zelretch admitted to it without any regard. "I have had the hand in making the Holy Grail War, and I've also tasked Genji to observe and watch it, in my stead… I, as well as Mage's Association and the world, owe Genji a big one for stopping what was happening in Fuyuki, and hence why I'm here to set things right for once. Your son, Shirou Muramasa, has indeed survived the Fire, and his life is in danger." Then Zelretch produced out of his coat photos, giving them to Touko, with her eyes immediately widening and her form stilling.
"S-shirou… M-my son… H-how is this…" Touko asked herself aloud of it, as Aoko moved to support her, while also seeing the pictures. "T-that fire, I h-heard rumors of its nature, how…"
"My understand is that Genji had managed to save Shirou by wrapping him in one of his protective Mystic Codes, before he somehow both stopped and disabled the Grail." Zelretch stated, getting the attention of both girls.
"Disabled it? But isn't the Grail supposed to be in the spiritual realm or something like that?" Aoko asked of Zelretch.
"It is, but somehow, the Grail had managed to manifest itself, or rather a portion of itself in the physical form, and Genji destroyed it. The manifestation is what caused that fire, and while Shirou did survive, he didn't come out of it all unscathed, I fear." Zelretch stated, getting the attention of both Aozaki sisters. "The boy has lost his memory, completely. Fortunately, one Irisviel Emiya, wife of late Kiritsugu Emiya, adopted him."
"Magus Killer's wife? What does she want with my son?!" Touko was near panic when she heard the name of the Magus Killer.
"Absolutely nothing, she did it out of kindness and concern, and you do not need to worry. Compared to the rest of the Einzberns, she actually the good one, though I'd advice not to let her anywhere near a car…" Zelretch said that last part more to himself, before coughing and continuing. "Anyway, Shirou is alive and well, but his memory is like a clean slate. Not sure about his Circuits and Crest, but I know that he has gotten himself in the crosshairs of a few not so pleasant persons."
"What do you mean, vampire?" Aoko asked immediately, with Touko visibly recomposing herself.
"Einzberns' old golem Acht has caught a whiff of Irisviel surviving, and since his Grail is now gone for good this time and she is back, he wants to take out his frustrations on her, and Shirou as well." Zelretch stated, with both Aozaki sisters realizing what he meant. "He has decided to conscript the help of one of Kayneth's idiot cousins do all the job for him, promising to help restore their Magic Crest, so Lianer is more than a little motivated, and he has a veritable crew of miscreants and morally corrupt bastards to help him. The very kind Genji loved to put down for good, ironically." Zelretch said last one with a bit of a smile, while Touko finally straightened up and pulled herself together.
"Where is my son, Zelretch?" She asked of him, with Aoko and Zelretch understanding that Touko was finally serious.
"He and Irisviel are in Fuyuki, and Acht's cronies are on their way as we speak." Zelretch stated.
"And since War and Grail gone to shit, the city has been under microscope by the Clock Tower and the Church. Their observers crawl all over the place, and if they see Touko, then…" Aoko knew full well what would happen if Touko was discovered, but Touko didn't give a damn.
"Let them come. I'll just send them back in pieces." Touko said, determination once again clearly seen in her eyes.
"Not that I wouldn't love to see that hypothesis proven, you let me worry about those two institutions." Zelretch added, getting their interest. "You two just get going to Fuyuki. I'll deal with the Clock Tower and Church."
"And what about that Einzbern you mentioned?" Aoko asked. "He ain't gonna stop just because we've killed some of his cronies, right?"
"Don't worry, I've got it also covered. Trust me." Zelretch assured them, with both sisters looking at him with suspicion.
"Zelretch, as much as I may be grateful to you right now, I have to ask- why are you doing this?" Touko asked of him. "Genji never told me exactly what you two did, but I know enough to understand, that he wanted next to nothing to do with you. So why are you being so helpful?"
"That is rather simple to answer, Missus Muramasa: Genji asked me to look after the two of you, when I asked him to monitor the Grail War, should something happen to him." Zelretch revealed to Touko. "That and we didn't part ways as enemies. He simply said that he wanted to focus on what was most important for him, and that it was you, Touko Aozaki. And now, go and save your son." Zelretch admitted, surprising Touko, before he disappeared from their view entirely.
"How the heck… Touko?" Aoko was about to question how did Zelretch do it, but noticed that Touko moved away, before picking up something from the stand.
"Aoko, get us a plane ready. I've got work to do." Touko said, as she put her glasses back on once again.
This time, she'll not fail her family, and if the hell itself is standing between her and her son, then she'll just annihilate Hell.
Several days later. Fuyuki
Groaning from pain as her senses finally began to return to her, Irisviel had an urge to curse herself for having become so careless and for having let her guard in such a manner. She knew full well that despite Kiri being dead and having taken care of most of his enemies beforehand, there were more than enough people who would wish to come after anything with Emiya name on it. Though these months with Shirou have done wonders for Irisviel's maturity as a person, but it had also dulled her instincts for survival, and now she paid for it.
All she could remember was that she and Shirou were on their way back from the market, before she sensed a bounded field being activated, and then… Then she woke up here, tied up to the stool and feeling unable to use her Magic Circuits, indicating that she wore suppression cuffs. Once her vision had finally focused, she managed to see that she was in what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse, surrounded by what appeared to be Enforcers, before she saw before herself the white haired boy, unconscious and limp, but one that clearly was her own son.
"Sh-shirou…" Irisviel muttered out, as she tried to move her wrists but was unable.
"Ah, you have woken up, Einzbern doll." She turned her head and saw two persons moving to her and Shirou, one wearing a bright red suit and coat, with the other bearing a distinct blue one, reminding her Kayneth El-Melloi, with both being blonde. "Apologies for such a crass first impression, but I fear needs outweigh the politeness. Not that there is much point in being polite with a stupid inhuman doll like you." At that point, the blue dressed one backhanded Irisviel, breaking her lip.
"You… Wh-whatever affront you may have… Leave my son out of it." Irisviel stated with as much strength as she could. "He is just an innocent boy…" At that point, she heard the red one laugh openly at her words.
"Innocent boy? Him?!" The red one laughed at her, before composing himself. "Had he really been just a stupid little boy, he wouldn't have reacted so badly to my simple little curse that knocked you both out. A simple yet effective curse, one that sends out a powerful sharp pulse through a person's Circuits to overload them. Most just pass out, but he… As you can see, his was an extreme reaction. One that only someone with his Magic Circuits would have. I am honestly quite surprised that this in oriental backwater country there was a Magus Family that could produce such a one-of-a-kind child. A shame that he will not survive for long, but I imagine that Einzbern golem wouldn't mind gifting the boy's carcass. He would make for a fine doll."
"Acht… Whatever he has promised you, I assure you, you'll not get it." Irisviel hissed from anger. "And when I get out of these restraints, I'll make you all pay for hurting my child." To that the two just laughed, before the blue dressed man grabbed her by the chin.
"My dear, those restraints were designed to hold even a monster like Magician Blue in one place, and you are hardly even worthy of such a prestigious honor, but unlike my late cousin, I'll not take any chances with you Emiya." And with this he snapped his fingers, two Enforcers grabbed buckets of water and splashed it on to Shirou waking him up and dousing him in cold water, while also uncuffing him and letting him fall straight onto a magical circle, specially designed for him. "Now then, let's begin…" And in the next moment, the El-Melloi casted a spell, and then Irisviel watched in horror as her son's body became a current for magical electricity, as he writhed and screamed in pain.
"NO! PLEASE, STOP!" Irisviel cried out, as El-Melloi sent another bolt at Shirou. "Please, strike me down! Not him, he has nothing…" Yet her pleas fell on deaf ears.
"Oh, my dear doll, I am afraid you don't get it. We won't kill him, no, but we will make him suffer, and you will watch it all. Now then, let's try something a bit more…" Then at that moment, all of the mages felt something. "What… H-how did our Bounded Fields get…" Next they all heard what appeared to be explosions going off outside.
Several mercenaries moved to door to see what it was, before the metal garage door was blown open, sending the men flying away, as inside stepped a lonely figure of a red haired woman, wearing a brown-orange coat, holding a brief case in her hand. The moment the dust had settled and it became clear who it was, all of the mages widened their eyes, as the realization came to them at the identity of this person, with one in particular practically shaking in his spot.
"A-A-Aozaki T-Touko?!" The red dressed Magus screamed out, with said woman barely paying him any mind, as she surveyed the room, before her eyes landed upon Shirou, eyes widening for a second, before hardening, as she put down her briefcase. "Wh-what in the w-world are y-you doing in here?!"
"Alba, answer me this: who hurt that boy?" She asked of him with a dead serious tone, with Alba pointing straight at his accomplice.
"He! It was his idea!" He stated, with the El-Melloi composing himself and already preparing to fight.
"Touko Aozaki, I am Lianer El-Melloi Archibald, future Lord El-Melloi, and I do not care what need you have of that brat, but know this, that your coming here was your greatest mistake." Lianer practically gloated at Touko, who simply looked at him for a second, before the rest of the Enforcers prepared. "I have with me sixteen Magi with me, suited exactly to taking down the likes of you. And I am Clock Tower's foremost master of lightning, so as you can see, you are terribly outnumbered and outmatched!" Lianer was all but prepared to claim a new prize for himself, before a wall blew behind Touko, and out of the new entry point stepped another Magus of Aozaki family.
"About those numbers, I'd say it's closer to 10 now." Aoko Aozaki said, as she stepped closer to her sister, before she saw Shirou on the ground. "Shirou…"
"Aoko, take care of the fodder. The blue one is mine." Touko simply stated, before opening up her briefcase, and out of there shot twelve blades, the size of small daggers, before beginning to levitate and prepare to attack, before one of them severed the cuffs on Irisviel, letting her go. "You, Irisviel, take Shirou and get out." Irisviel didn't need to be told twice, as she darted to her adopted son and moved with him away from the battlefield.
"Damn them! After them you…" Lianer tried to speak, but then he felt one of the levitating blades sever his throat, before another four began to cut him to shreds, faster than he could say an incantation.
At that moment the mercenary Magi tried to move, but were unable to keep up with the whirlwind that were two Aozaki sisters, with Aoko blitzing to her targets and obliterating them with her destructive power, blowing them apart, whilst Touko's Mystic Code blades flown like bees and struck like spears. The last gift of her husband and one of his best creations, tailored specifically to Touko herself, operating on her thought, and she put it to good use, both for defense and offence, as they've flown and destroyed their targets, while also coming to protect Touko from incoming spells. Wards flaring up the moment an attack came for Touko, protecting her, before she sent back a counter in form of a Runic spell or Finn Shot. It wasn't long until it the place they were in was covered in red and remains of their enemies, with Aoko and Touko looking around, before Touko noticed something.
"Where is Alba?" She asked, before her eyes widened and she darted away, knowing what it could only be.
Irisviel held Shirou close to her, as he had managed to regain his conscience and was able to move his body despite suffering through an electrical shock, yet unfortunately for them both, the damage done to them had not allowed moving as fast they wished. Though they've managed to get away from the battle, they were not the only ones, as soon a non-lethal hex hit Irisviel in the back, forcing her to yell from pain and fall, unable to move from the shock, with Shirou kneeling before her.
"Mom! Mom, please get up!" Shirou tried to help Irisviel, but was unable to help, as he then saw the man who shot her coming to them, already preparing to fire another spell at them.
"You… I do not know why Touko Aozaki wants you, but if she is here for you, then I can use you to escape." Cornelius Alba said to Shirou, as he prepared to fire another curse at him. "Now be a good brat, and stand still!" And then the ball of energy shot towards Shirou and Irisviel, and that moment the now white-haired child froze, until a new image came, with a familiar voice speaking to him.
Shirou and his father were sitting outside of the forge, on a field specially prepared for training outdoors, as Shirou listened to his father explain to him the spell he wished him to learn.
"All of Ward Magecraft is based on the idea of protecting someone from harm of any form, formation of a shield from harm and danger, be it from harm by hand or magic, Shirou. The first Ward is called Quen, a simple, yet fundamental shield that I regard as one of the best spells I know." Shirou's father explained to his son, before demonstrating to him the said Ward, and dispelling it. "When utilized correctly, Quen can save you from magic and harm by hand. It is also easy enough, needing but a one-line incantation, but if trained properly, a Magus can use it without it and as fast a thought. Now, listen carefully on how to cast it…"
Knowledge and memories of the past flowed back into Shirou's head, hours of practice and training returning to him, as his Magic Circuits once more flared up and activated. Shirou raised his hand and sent mana through it, as the words of his Aria were heard.
"Trace On: Quen!" A glowing yellow shield appeared before Shirou, and then the pain shot through his body, as his Magic Circuits, still raw and sensitive from earlier overload, reacted and Shirou nearly doubled from pain, yet his shield held, until the hex held and dissipated, but not before destroying the shield, leaving Cornelius shocked and seething.
"Ward Magecraft?! Wait a minute…" Cornelius took a better look at the boy, who all but fell on the ground weakened and nearly passing out. "O-of course, it makes sense now! Y-you… You are the spawn of those two monsters! Yes, you are, I can see it now! Those two… H-how they've humiliated and belittled me, completely and utterly ignoring my great genius! Well, I'll now show you what happens when you underestimate Cornelius Alba!" And after that Cornelius charged up a powerful fire spell, before unleashing it towards Shirou and Irisviel, yet this time, a new Ward appeared, which reflected the attack back Cornelius, causing him to dodge.
"You ruined yourself, Alba, with that inflated and fickle ego of yours." A regal and powerful woman's voice spoke, making Cornelius freeze in place, before he looked to its source, seeing a hiding Ward drop and a beautiful woman with light brown flaxen hair and purple eyes appeared, dressed in a British fashion, with Cornelius quite literally growing still from fear. "You should've learned to not mess with true Mages by now. Destrue, chaos meum." And from her hand shot a Ether curse that reached Alba and engulfed him, before dissipating and destroying his very soul and body, not even allowing him to scream, with the woman already turning to Irisviel and unconscious Shirou, moving to them before kneeling and putting her hand on Shirou's chest.
"Wh-what are you…" Irisviel struggled with pain to speak, before she saw the woman perform a healing spell on him, with Shirou breathing sharply from the effect. "H-how is he?"
"He will be fine, I am healing the most concerning damage, but he himself is actually healing himself already. However, his Magical Circuits were overloaded and forcefully used by him… Like father, like son." Irisviel heard the woman say, noticing a clearly saddened expression on her face, before it disappeared from her face, as she finished with Shirou and turned to Irisviel, before proceeding to heal her. "Tell me, Einzbern, why did you save him?" She suddenly asked of Irisviel.
"I… I did it because it was right, b-because he needed to be saved." Irisviel told her, as she hissed from her damage being repaired. "Sh-Shirou… to save him, I-I would do anything, b-because he didn't deserve what happened and I would do it again." Irisviel answered, with the woman not showing any emotion, but finishing the job, as she rose up.
"Take good care of him, Irisviel von Einzbern, and do take care of yourself as well. It would not do for your son and daughter to lose their mother prematurely." The woman told Irisviel, making her realize that she knew of Irisviel's worsening condition since the War, but also surprised her that she mentioned Illya. "Until we meet again." And with this, the woman left them, right before Irisviel heard new footsteps, as Touko and Aoko appeared in the view, immediately rushing to Shirou.
"Shirou!" Touko's calmness was gone, replaced by clearest concern and worry, as she put her hand on her son's chest and performed a check-up spell. "Thank the God… Thank you, Einzbern." Touko turned and thanked Irisviel, who was helped to her feet by Aoko.
"How is he, Touko?" Aoko asked.
"He'll be fine, but his Magic Circuits went into overload." Touko said, as she gently picked up Shirou. "Let's… Let's get the hell out of here for good."
"Wait." Irisviel stopped them, getting the attention of all. "Before we leave, answer to me, who are you to Shirou? Why would the only Grand of Clock Tower and Magician of Fifth Magic come save Shirou?" Irisviel demanded an answer, with Touko answer.
"Because… I am his mother." Touko answered, and Irisviel's eyes widened in shock, yet understood that it was true.
Several hours later. Emiya residence.
To say that after Shirou had woken up it felt like he found himself in a whole new world would be an understatement, as not only he now had to deal with a new hair color and the fact that it was permanent, but now he also had his actual mother and her sister here. For most, after everything that had happened to Shirou, they would be more than a little upset and even unhinged in certain ways, but surprisingly for all, Shirou was more or less able to cope with it all. He knew well enough from Irisviel how dangerous the Moonlit World actually was, and had mentally prepared himself, though the last thing he expected was to be kidnapped and tortured, along with reuniting with his actual mother.
Shirou's feelings about Touko were weird, hard for him to describe, on one hand she was all but a complete stranger to him, with no memory of her, and yet at the same time, Shirou felt attachment towards her. The same one that he felt towards Irisviel, the woman that had saved him from the fire, nurtured and helped him get through the losses, through the feeling of not being worthy to live when so many had died. Somehow, despite not telling her, Irisviel saw what he felt, and made him realize that despite all that had happened, his life was precious simply because it was his life. It was the only life he had, and he had to live it, despite all the bad things that happened to him, for he would also find happiness in it. Thanks to Irisviel, Shirou realized the importance of his life, and this saved him in some form, but he also realized to himself, that the thought of saving and protecting others… it was not foreign to him, but rather one that resonated with him, bring him joy. The only other thing that seemed to make as excited and interested, was making something, being food or a spell or something like that, the act of creating… Maybe it was something in his blood, given who his real parents were.
According to what Touko and Aoko told him and Irisviel, his father, Genji Muramasa, was a blacksmith and a Mystic Code creator, also known as a Mystic Artisan, specialist in creation of Mystic Codes, and regarded as the finest in his generation. Descendant of Muramasa line, which began in 13th Century and became famous because of Sengo Muramasa, it was arguably one of the oldest Magus Family, being far older than even Tohsaka and many other families, including Aozaki. Shirou's father had studied for some time at Clock Tower under an alias, hiding his heritage and using his mother's last name instead, as to not draw attention to his Muramasa lineage. He was regarded as a prodigy on the same level as Touko Aozaki herself, and had even been picked by Zelretch to be his apprentice, though it is unknown if he had actually learned Second Magic or not. For a while, he worked under Zelretch and as a part time enforcer, before leaving for Japan, being a full time Mystic Artisan, settling down with Touko, and having Shirou soon after their marriage. Shirou listened to all that his birth mother had to tell him, before asking her the one question that he had in his head.
"Why did you leave?" He asked of her, no malice or hurt in his tone, only question, but it was clear that this question hurt Touko, and he noticed it. "I am sorry, I… I didn't mean to."
"No, Shirou, no, it is alright. You have the right to know." Touko composed herself, before answering, while Iri poured them all tea. "A year before the Holy Grail War, your father was called by an old friend of his, Tokiomi Tohsaka. We lived outside of city line, hence we weren't under his control, but he still thought he could coerce Genji to do his bidding."
"Was he trying to convince him to take part in the Holy Grail War?" Irisviel asked of Touko, who nodded to her. "And he didn't agree to it? I would imagine that most Mages would jump at the opportunity to participate."
"Most would, but not Genji. He was never interested in the Root, and he always believed that if you wish to have something, you should work and strive to earn it, not use some wish-granting device for it, even if it works." Touko hinted at the Third Holy Grail War. "The problem was that Tokiomi, as Genji put it, was a moron when it came to reading people and understanding that life was more than simply being a Magus. When Genji refused to participate and help him win it, he, as an archetypal magus, understood this as the fact that Genji was going to participate of his own accord, and he decided to blackmail Genji to do his bidding with one thing he could use against him: me." Shirou cocked an eyebrow at that, with Irisviel explaining.
"Shirou, Touko is wanted by the Clock Tower, not because she was bad…" To that Aoko had to chuckle, earning a nudge in the ribs from Touko. "But because of her talent and researches she made in puppets. She can make puppets that are simply better than anyone else's, absolutely indistinguishable from humans, and she can reportedly put another person's soul into it."
"Not reportedly, but actually." Touko added with a hint of pride, before returning to the matter at hand. "Tokiomi was going to report my presence to the Clock Tower, and that would mean that you and Genji would be in danger, so… I left, but not before making a loud enough noise for Clock Tower to once again chaise me around the globe again. I knew that Genji wouldn't follow any of Tokiomi's plan, and with his leverage gone, Tokiomi would leave you alone."
"Though it still strikes me as strange that Genji never retaliated in any way at Tokiomi for what he did." Aoko noted. "Normal Mages would have declared a blood feud for less, and Genji, for the lack of better term, obliterated for less even more powerful and influential Mages. From what I recall, Tokiomi was more of a "sit-on-his-ass-let-others-do-the-work" kind of guy, and close to nothing when compared to Genji."
"I think it had something to do with the ties Tokiomi Tohsaka had with the Holy Church, and the fact he was cooperating with them." Irisviel offered her opinion, drawing attention of both Aozaki. "During war, he was allied with another master, Kotomine Kirei, an Executioner from the Church, and his father was the Overseer. Kiritsugu believed that they were manipulating the war in such a way to make Tokiomi victor, but in the end, he died before it ended."
"That could explain it." Touko admitted.
"So you left us to protect us?" Shirou surmised, with Touko nodding. "Thank you. I can't imagine how hard it was for you." Shirou thanked Touko surprising her.
"Sh-Shirou… Are you not mad that I left you?" She asked of him, with him shaking his head.
"No, I… I feel like it could not have been easy for you. I don't remember much, but I feel… I feel that you wouldn't have left me and father without a good reason." Shirou said, with Touko looking at him with surprise. "I… I am sorry that I don't remember anything, but…"
"No… No, Shirou, I…" Touko was about to speak up, but then they heard a doorbell, with Iri speaking up.
"Looks like someone is at the gate. Shirou, could you go and check? It's probably Taiga, here for the lunch." Irisviel said with a caring smile and Shirou went to see, giving the women some privacy. "Miss Touko…" Irisviel was about to speak up, but then she saw Touko silently crying.
"I… I have spent all this time thinking, that my son… would hate me, for leaving him. I-I expected him to be angry, but he… He doesn't even remember me now…" Touko said, grief and sorrow clear in her voice, with Aoko moving close to her, before Iri moved and took Touko's hand into hers. "Irisviel?" She looked to her with confusion.
"Shirou doesn't hate, nor would he ever. He may not remember your time together, but I assure you, he does not see you as a stranger. It's in the way he looks, how he listens and more, I know that he sees you as his mother, feels that you are his mother." Irisviel assured Touko, comforting her. "And even though he lost his memory, there is hope yet. It is coming back to him, and once it fully returns, he will remember you in full as his mother, and will no doubt want you here with him."
"You sure his memory can return?" Aoko asked of Iri, who nodded.
"Since we started training in Magecraft, he has been getting glimpses of his past, like how he first was in the forge, or learned Structural Analysis and Strengthening. And today was like that, when he casted that Ward, and I know no Ward Magecraft." Irisviel told them, before she turned to Touko. "Shirou will regain his memory, I believe it, and if he has you two here, I know he'll remember everything faster, so please, do not let grief and despair get to you. Be happy that your son is alive and will soon remember you again." Touko looked at Irisviel with surprise and a bit of amazement, finally calming down.
"Thanks." Touko said to her. "For taking care of Shirou, and… for this."
"Think nothing of it, I'm certain that Shirou would be happy to have both of you in his life again." Iri assured them.
"Are you certain? I mean, you are now more his mother to him than…" Touko's insecurity was once again rearing's it's head, but Iri was quick to stomp on it.
"Nonsense. You are his mother, one who loved and cared for him all these years, and who sacrificed much for him. Just because I adopted him doesn't erase his past life, nor should impact your life now." Irisviel told her. "I can see it in your eyes that you want to be with Shirou as a mother again, and I'll only encourage you to do so, Touko-san, because I know Shirou would be happy to have you, I assure you."
"I… I thank you, Irisviel." Touko once again felt better.
"Please, call me Iri." Iri asked of her, before she heard her phone ring, picking it up and seeing Shirou's number. "Shirou, is something the matter, sweetie? Hm, come out? Someone to see me? Okay." Irisviel said with a bit of confusion but got up and walked to the gate, followed by the Aozaki sisters.
Once they were outside, Irisviel saw why her son wanted her to come outside, and froze in one place at whom she saw, and the moment she laid her eyes upon it, tears came to her eyes, disbelief and shock clear as day, with her lips uttering a single word.
"I-Illya…" Irisviel said, as she saw her daughter, Illyasviel, standing just outside the gate, who then promptly darted to Iri, with the woman catching her in a tight hug.
"Mommy! Mommy, I missed you so much!" Illya cried out in joy, as she was in her mother's arms. "Grandfather said you abandoned me, but I didn't believe him. He said you had another child and you forgot me, but I…"
"Never, Illya, I would never forget you. Not a day or an hour gone by when I did not think of you, didn't wish to come back and take you, but… But how?" Irisviel couldn't fathom how was it that her daughter was here. "How did you get here? What happened?" She asked of Illya, fearful of the wrath that Acht would unleash upon them.
"We came by a plane." And it was then that Irisviel turned her head and saw two Einzbern homunculi dressed in civil clothes, with another one coughing at her sister's response.
"Please allow me to introduce ourselves, Lady Irisviel. I am Sella, and this is Leysritt, we are maids in service to Lady Illya and now to you, milady." Sella introduced herself. "As for the reason we are here…"
"We were rescued!" Illya chimed in, getting the attention of Irisviel. "A really cool lady showed up with a cool spear and shield, said she was going to take me to you, but Grandfather tried to stop her, but she just beat him like it was easy! Him and all others like in those books of Greece you read to me, only even cooler!" Irisviel blinked at that response before turning to Sella and Leysritt.
"Young Lady isn't incorrect, we were indeed rescued by a woman of unnatural power and might, one that not even Mages can have. She destroyed all of Einzbern homunculi, but not before she forced Jubstacheit to transfer the Crest to Illya, and then ownership of all other property and assets to you, milady." Sella informed Irisviel, shocking her.
"You are now really rich." Leysritt commented in her slow manner.
"I guess… Did that woman give a name or something?" Irisviel asked.
"Yeah, she called herself Lancer!" Illya chirped in, with Irisviel's eyes going wild from that, with Aoko and Touko exchanging looks, before the latter spoke up.
"Sorry to interrupt, but that lady, she wouldn't happen to be 5.8 feet high, have a tanned skin and white hair, and have a trident for a spear?" Touko asked of them, with Illya immediately answering.
"Yeah! Do you know that cool lady?" Illya asked of Touko.
"You could say that." Touko said, as she fixed up her glasses and glanced at Shirou. "So that was your other asset, Zelretch…" Touko said more to herself, as she continued to watch the unfolding scene, before switching to Shirou, and seeing him smile warmly to Illya and Irisviel, and at that moment, Touko decided, that never again would she leave her son.
Some distance away from the residence, a certain Magus watched the scene unfold through Strengthened vision, before she sensed a presence of her Servant, disabling her Magecraft and turning to face her.
"I see that the princess is with her mother now, safe and sound." The woman commented. "Well done." To which she earned herself an irate scoff.
"Well done my ass, do you have any idea just how goddamn hard it was for us to get through those airports?! Plus there were those two maids, one being a slowpoke and another a prim and proper lady, and they just wouldn't stop arguing…" She let out a frustrated and annoyed groan. "At least the girl is alright, despite everything that asshole golem did and told to her. Hope you don't mind that I also did some redecorating on that place while I was at it."
"I'd be disappointed if you didn't, Lancer." The woman let out a small chuckle.
"By the way, how was your day, Master? Did you finally meet the kid good and proper like?" Lancer asked of her, before seeing her avert her gaze. "What don't tell me you didn't even say hi to him?"
"He was unconscious and hurt, and I didn't want to make his day any more complicated. He… he has been through enough as it is." The woman reasoned, but Lancer was not buying it.
"No offence, Master, but that all sounds like a big bag of bullshit to me." Lancer stated plainly, before letting out sigh. "I hate it when I am the reasonable one of the two of us, but there is nothing wrong with you wanting to connect with the kid. You have every reason to want to do it, given that you are his…"
"Lancer, that's enough." The Magus stopped her Servant. "I know… I just…"
"I get it, it's hard." This time, Lancer spoke with understanding and sincerity. "But you did save him, didn't you?"
"Should've been there a bit earlier, but I did." Magus admitted.
"Then that's what really counts, Master. Consider it a first step in the right direction, if you want." Lancer added, with the Magus chuckling to it.
"You are right. Did you pass on the document, by the way?" Magus asked of her, who nodded to her. "Good, at least Shirou will now have his mother back. Come, Lancer, we are going home." Magus turned and moved towards her car, with her Lancer following close behind.
"Take care of yourself, Shirou. Though your path will not an easy one, I have faith, that whatever obstacle comes your way, you will not let it stop you." The woman thought with a warm smile, as she held in her hand a pendant, before opening it, revealing a picture of a family, one that she once had, and one that she had lost.
Well, didn't think I would actually get around to actually starting this one, but I did manage, somehow. Hi, my name is Ronin, but you may also call me Alex, and I have been a fan of Fate universe for a long time, and recently I've rediscovered my old passions through anime, wiki and fanfiction, learning that it had so much more to it than I remembered. And like with most of my fanfictions, it inspired me to start this new story, and here we are. I will admit that it was rather inspired by Heir of Blacksmith story, which I highly recommend, among some other ones. So I believe that some things need to be said first.
Yes, in this story, Shirou has a Magus lineage, and Ward Magecraft is part of it, which will be explored later on. I know that in most stories Shirou is fully focused on his Tracing and UBW, which admittedly makes him who he is, but I decided to do things differently. He will have a more varied repertoire of Magecraft, but he will still do Swords, because it is Shirou Emiya after all, but he will be powerful, extremely so. His past and the past of his family will play a part, him rediscovering his lost memories will play a part in it all, something that I don't think was done all that often. Expect this Shirou to be a bit different from his usual self, more sagacious in some ways and less suicidal and unreasonable.
Next up, yes, Kiritsugu is dead, while Iri is alive, and I do think that she would've been a better parent to Shirou, and though she may be naïve in some ways, she was very wise and intelligent, not to mention very kind and sensitive to feelings. I do think she would have helped Shirou get through his guilt, so he wouldn't be as suicidal and hollow as in other ways, but he'll still be wanting to do good and save people.
As for the Third Holy Grail War, yes it was fought and unlike in the canon, it had a definitive victor, who made a wish to the Greater Grail, which wasn't taken over by Angra Mainyu back then. I think that Angra was only able to take Grail for itself when it was in a period of reloading itself, so to speak, and not while the Third Grail War was raging on. Also, here are some question for you: Who is this Lancer? What secrets does Shirou hide, without his own knowledge of them, and why is he healing so well, when Saber is no longer around to make Avalon work better?
Now, as for romances, this will be a harem story, because that is my specialty, so feel free to submit your choices on the matter. Along with that, I welcome your feedback on the future of the story, how it should proceed, advices on the Nasu-verse (I am more or less a novice in it), and welcome questions and feedback from you, as it helps me make my story better.
Next time: Second Owner makes her appearance; Magecraft lessons; Life goes on…
Until next time!