Fate/Before Zero: Fragments of Light and Darkness
Chapter 1
"Should I erase the world?" He, who wished for it.
I heard a malignant voice echoing beneath his soul
It spoke to him. They vibrated, I felt them, and the intentions were very much clear.
I, who had lived a sorrowful life, met him, who had succumbed to evil.
But, no light ever reached to save him as I saw him fell to depravity.
Salvation was beyond for him, and I, who was the witness, will never be able to lend a hand.
His 'death' was imminent as my creation was inevitable.
Nonetheless, time marched on. Life went on.
I, who was a witness, was also the victim.
"Would he destroy everything?" I, who asked about it.
Date unknown
Einzbern Castle
"Elder, the ancient material that you had requested will soon arrive," a man, with snow white hair that is dressed like a butler, announced while kneeling. An old man, who is probably in his late 60's, with long silver hair, eyed him with eyes as sharp as a hawk.
"Finally, the day the Einzberns will retrieve what we lost many decades ago is finally going to be in our grasps," the man declared without losing his stern composure. "Raise your head with pride, Weiss," he continued, addressing the servant before him, "as my personal homunculus and the man who had succeeded in accomplishing the task in time, you brought a miracle to our clan."
"I shouldn't be praised that much Elder. After all, I was merely doing my duties as assigned," the servant, Weiss, humbled himself with a still lowered head. The old man chuckled, as if amused, and patted the head of the white-haired man.
"The Third Holy Grail War. . ..ah, this will also be for my revenge."
The man's eyes were harrowed, but, at the same time, were yearning for something.
". .with this, we have the trump card that no other participant can possess. I had thought of abusing the system but with the Church lending a man as a judge, it would be troublesome. This was why the chosen resort was to use brute force. An alteration of the system to summon a god is the perfect path to absolute victory. " He rubbed his chin with his wrinkled hands and felt immense pride in his chest. It was the feeling of already possessing victory even without the war even starting.
"Yes, Elder, he will slaughter everyone," the servant, Weiss, remarked without any emotional expression.
"Has the castle I told you to setup complete?"
The servant nodded, "It will be ready for the summoning. . ."
"Perfect—however, I have another place in mind for the summoning ritual."
Surprised with the reply, Weiss widened his eyes and asked, "Where do you wished for it to be done, my Master?"
"Mt. Enzou. Let's head to Fuyuki. Was the ship I requested for prepared?"
"It's well-ready for departure, Elder."
Date unknown
Castle of Millenia, Romania
It's time.
All the requirements he had requested for were finished. All the preparations were completed. All what remained was the final process.
"Everything . . ."
Yes, anything that his clan possessed had been sacrificed for this specific carnage.
Anything for the sake of everything was bargained.
The riches he had accumulated, the power he had acquired, and the many connections he had connected and severed, were all for this moment.
As he sat down on his arm chair on the throne of the Castle of Millennia, he looked over the empty hall, which was once filled with nobles dancing while wearing fancy clothes.
This castle and everything within it were all but remained of the proud Yggdmillennia clan.
The families he had absorbed, inserted into the index of the family and became valuable allies, who had supported him throughout the way, came inside the room one-by-one.
They walked towards the front, position themselves before him, before bowing to show respect to the man who had given all his effort for the sake of their future.
One of the magi whom entered the room, the once head of the Forvedge family, handed to him a small treasure chest with a silver key placed on top.
"Lord, inside this is our future."
The woman in her late 20's whispered as she opened the chest with the key and showed the contents.
He nodded in acceptance before closing his eyes as if to put into things some thought.
"Milord, you shouldn't be the one doing this. If the family requires a participant, I shall—"
"Enough, Gordick. This responsibility falls to my hands, as the leader of this clan."
He cut the complaint of the former with words filled with sincerity.
"If, I do not come out of this alive, I shall hand over the privilege of ascension to you, Phoebe."
The woman holding the treasure chest hesitantly nodded while trying her best not to refute. The man noticed this but chose to ignore by taking the chest and announcing, "I request everyone to leave. For now, I wish to be alone."
With that, everyone exited with heavy hearts.
This was all for the best, the man thought to himself.
He was at the point of no return.
This was their last opportunity, their only chance and his life will never last for a long time. Due to that fact, once he perishes, comes his family's downfall.
To prevent that—
"This is the only way."
He whispered to himself as he stood up, walked to the center of the room and placed the small treasure chest at the center, positioning itself directly above a circular stained class with images of angelic feathers and an angel enveloped by light at middle.
Afterwards, he positioned himself at the throne, facing the small treasure chest. He rose his hand, closed his eyes, and a swelling light went up from the concrete floor.
June 22, 1945
Fuyuki City, Japan
It was 4: 35 am. The shore in Fuyuki was quiet. The waves gushed gently while wind swayed smoothly. It was not obvious that a storm was coming . . .or in different thought, it might be a signal that pertains to the coming of a storm.
Walking along the sands of the shore, is a man in his early 20's dressed in a priest's robe with a golden cross hanging on his neck. His hazel brown hair brushed upward with almond shaped eyes.
As if surveying the place, he looked beyond the foggy beach, with his breathes visible in the hair.
Suddenly, an image appeared from within the fog. It was a small boat and a splashing sound was heard as the image surfaced.
The priest greeted the passenger of the small boat who was also the one maneuvering it.
"Good morning. You chose an early time to arrive."
The man smiled as he fixed the sail of the small boat and jumped from its starboard.
"It's been a long time, Risei-san."
The priest, Risei, nodded and gestured to the new arrival, "Likewise, Tohsaka-kun."
The man was Tohsaka Kazuki, heir to the Japanese magi clan, Tohsakas, and also the clan responsible for administrating Fuyuki City.
"How's your self-exile?"
The priest asked as he patted the man's shoulder. Tohsaka was slightly smaller than him as he was 181 centimeters while the former was taller by a couple of centimeters.
"Somehow, I'm just glad I survived for 8 years!" The man exclaimed as he stretched his body. He breathed in and out and smiled while looking around.
"Ah! The smell of Fuyuki! What a nostalgic odor!"
"Ahaha . . . still the energetic man, I see."
The priest laughed in amusement while seeing an old partner back.
The two's relationship is quite irregular. First and foremost, Church and the Magus Association are on each other's neck, and members will most likely try to kill each other. But, the Tohsaka family is a devote believer while still pursuing a taboo to the eyes of the Church, nonetheless, the family stayed neutral in the conflict for many years.
Tohsaka Kazuki was an interesting man, especially to the eyes of Risei. They are not certainly friends, but also more than acquaintances. They have met each other a few years back when Risei was travelling in Italy and had met a village plagued by demons. It was then when he stumbled upon Tohsaka who was observing the area.
Although first they were against each other due to being strangers, they eventually came to a compromise and helped exorcised the village. Which was unworldly for a magi to know exorcism unless one intently tried to learn it.
"So, did Father asked you to fetch me?"
The priest nodded at Kazuki's question. It was quite the coincidence that a close acquaintance of the Assembly of the 8th Sacrament was the head of the Tohsaka clan which resulted on the two becoming more than acquaintances. It was more than a shock to the two of them when Risei was selected as judge. . .for the upcoming war.
"While a judge needed to be unbiased, the Church's goal is to determine if the Holy Grail in this so called, 'Holy Grail War', is the actual relic or not. If it is the latter, then my task is to make sure that, given its power, does not fall into evil hands."
Risei explained as Kazuki showed an uninterested expression.
"Father only wanted to take the easy-way-out to get to Akasha. Because of that, I even got caught up in all of this."
"Tohsaka-san, I don't know the rules of magi but it's a son's duty to carry out a father's wish and hopefully, continue on their dreams."
Kazuki retorted with a sour face, "Is that how you think of parenting? God, I pray on your future son's well-being."
Irritated by that response, Risei elbowed Tohsaka's chest.
"What was that for!?"
Indeed, they may have appeared as friends, but they were certainly not, was Risei had thought.
Edelfelt Mansion, Fuyuki City, Japan
Meanwhile, the Edelfelt family representatives; Penuvia and Juvia Edelfelt, had established their own base of operations in a large western house mansion.
It was maroon in color and filled with decent paintings and decorations that was acceptable to the older of the twins. One could feel the western vibes just by coming inside. Then—
A large slam was heard as the door went flying.
"These people living in this country know no class. They are monkeys, I tell you Juvia, monkeys."
Penuvia complained, stomping her heels on the concrete floor.
"Calm down, older sister. I'm sure it was just an accident."
Juvia tried her best to calm her older sister down. She was really fuming because of that.
An hour and a half ago, she bumped on a foul-stenched and awfully dressed man whose clothes were torn to shreds.
"Are all residents of this country beggars?"
"Stop generalizing older sister. It's just one man."
Penuvia shook her head in frustration and tossed her luggage on the sofa.
"Seriously, this is the reason why they are losing the war. Bunch of idiotic imbeciles, uhh! I'm going to take a bath!"
She finished her rant as he walked up stairs, apparently on her way to wash the foul stench left behind by the man she bumped into.
While her younger sister, unsurprised by the former's actions, sat quietly on the sofa, apparently fixing the luggage her sister had thrown.
"Master Juvia, please. Allow me."
Probably due to fear, all the maids assigned to them in this mansion went missing during her sister's rant. Juvia wasn't that surprised or mad at their reaction.
It was a common thing for Penuvia and everything around her.
"Yes, please. I'll be grateful for your help."
It was 10: 11 pm.
Not less than an hour left until the hour where their magic abilities are at their peak.
The Edelfelt sisters: Penuvia and Juvia, both were outstanding magi, joined hands to fight for the family's honor and to decide who will ascend as the clan's new head.
"Juvia, the catalyst."
Penuvia requested as she finished creating two large magic circles opposite to each other. They had prepared everything at the basement of this mansion they asked their family's connections to build.
Juvia handed over to her sister an object wrapped in silver cloth. Unwrapping it, Penuvia's eyes sparkled as she saw the catalyst their family had obtained.
"Older sister, will we be able to succeed like what Grandfather had hoped?"
"Don't be anxious, Juvia. We are the Edelfelt sisters. With our Ore Scales, the battle plan for success will definitely bear fruit."
Ore Scales—otherwise known as Sisters.
It is the family's sorcery trait, like that of the Holy Grail to the Einzberns.
It's a special trait inherited by the sisters which allowed both of them to have the Magic Crest of the family. However, since having two potential heirs in possession of the Crest too dangerous, the family decided to split the Crest in half for the twins and only make it whole for the victor of this war.
"For the family, we will win."
Penuvia declared courageously while Juvia clenched her chest with her hands.
Unlike her older sister, she wasn't as confident as her and had never, not once in her life, thought of killing another person.
But—kindness and pity will result to death.
That was what their father had always told them before coming into this tournament.
For a wish granting device that would allow one to reach the Root, one innocent soul will grow itself horns.
This is hell. This is carnage. This is death.
She had the opportunity to back down.
Her older sister was concerned about her purity as a person, being unable to even harm a fly.
But, she was worried.
Worried that something bad might happen to her sister.
So, as the one that shared the womb of their mother, she will protect her sister's back.
She will be her pillar of support and together, they will win.
That was her aim, her objective and her plan.
All which would later crumble.
Mt. Enzou, Fuyuki City, Japan
"This is . . ."
Weiss was speechless as he stood with widened eyes.
"Yes. This is our family's greatest treasure. Behold!"
The elder raised both his hands and exclaimed, "I, Jubstacheit von Einzbern, will finally reclaim what we had lost. Soon, the Einzberns will have their retribution."
It was breathtakingly spectacular.
Weiss thought no one would be able to blink an eye after seeing something like this.
It was a swirling mass of pure energy, a byproduct of the Third Magic, Heaven's Feel—
No, it's nothing close to that. It's still not yet ripe.
That was why the Holy Grail War was needed.
To nurture this energy with the soul of 7 Heroic Spirits and activated the wish-granting device, the Holy Grail.
Which was—
"The Lesser Grail had already been properly placed and kept within the vault in the castle," Weiss mentioned to his Elder with a shaky voice.
"Are you. . .nervous, Weiss?"
"Yes, even though I was already given knowledge of its existence."
"That is natural," the elder affirmed, "you are an existence made of magic circuits, as such, you are undeniably drawn to something like this—"
The Elder paused, as if a thought ran through his mind, and then glanced at Weiss.
"What is it, Elder?"
"A thought just came to mind. Weiss, let's begin the summoning."
Jubstacheit ordered his attendant as he turned his back from the swirling creation of magecraft.
He chose this place for a reason.
Because, this was the place where everything started, and it was only natural for this place to be the summoning ground of the Servant that will end everything.
"Once and for all. . ."
Jubstacheit whispered as Weiss set up a small table with a large book on top of it.
The old man stared at the large book.
It was the catalyst chosen to call the Heroic Spirit who he expected to be the strongest card in this war.
One that will be outside the standard, one who will naturally fall to the category of foul play.
But, pride is meaningless to the Einzberns now.
They are impatient.
They are anxious.
They desire results above all else.
Which was why, Jubstacheit, the Elder and clan head, will personally join the war as the representative of the clan.
"Heroic Spirit Avenger," he uttered, "let's begin your calling."
A bright circular light swelled on the earth underneath the mountain of origin.
Tohsaka Mansion, Fuyuki City, Japan
It was late in the night, but for Tohsaka Kazuki, it's the right time to perform the summoning ritual.
However, before even starting to set up the magic circle, there was something he had to do no matter what.
"Ouch. . ."
He whimpered in pain as he rubbed a certain green ointment on his reddened cheek.
A few hours earlier, he came across two women fancily dressed and accidentally bumped on them.
He was drinking a while ago with Kotomine and the alcohol probably got to him. And then, if he remembered correctly, they had an argument about women and raising children to which ended up with them physically beating each other up.
"That Risei. . .ouch. And that woman. . damn her. .. She looked like a rich foreigner but did she really have to do that? It seems women from the west are terrifyingly aggressive."
He complained while worrying about his swollen face. Although it still struck him odd that foreigners would come to Fuyuki at such an hour, and day, especially with the World War II heating up.
"Are they magi like me?"
He asked himself but he couldn't remember any magic energy that he felt with them or. . .maybe he was drunk and due to shock of being slapped, he lost the ability to sense them.
He washed his face and then changed his clothes to that of a red yukata. It's summer after all, was that Kazuki thought. It was only appropriate to change in such an attire, although his father dislikes it, and he really missed wearing it.
"Now then," he looked around the room and saw a large rectangular case with an engraved writing of "Tohsaka".
Opening the lid of the case, a Jewel Khakkhara was seen by Kazuki.
"Father really wanted to give this to me, huh."
He sighed recalling painful moments 8 years ago.
Originally, Kazuki did not plan to enter this Holy Grail War. Because of his care-free attitude, he was highly disliked by the Tohsakas and were discouraging his father to make him the heir. Which was why he was given a "self-exile" duty: to discipline himself and be a rightful heir to the Tohsakas.
"I only agreed to this because of that bargain," he complained remembering the number one reason why he entered the Holy Grail War.
If he wins, he gets to do whatever he wants.
If he loses, and surprisingly survive, he will carry on the family secrets as a heir.
If he loses and dies, then game over.
Kazuki was surprised that his Father agreed to such a bargain but he felt that the Tohsakas had no other card other than him to compete in this War.
"They are desperate alright, still. . ."
Kazuki was empty-handed.
He was not given an ancient relic to use as a catalyst to summon a Heroic Spirit; a hero of the past, that will fight for him for the Holy Grail under one of the seven classes.
He has nothing to use.
"I need to rely on luck again. . .I see. Well, I never lost a gamble in my entire life! My Luck is the greatest!"
He tried being optimistic as he punched his chest to feel relieved. However, remembering all his gambling experiences, he, not even once, hd ever won.
"Damn it."
He murmured while sulking on the floor.
"They wanted me to enter this freakin' war without even giving me a catalyst to use. What do they expect from me, summon a powerful heroic spirit from nothing?"
He scratched his head and sighed while beginning to draw a magic circle on the floor.
He gave up.
He had no other choice but to rely on his awful ability to gamble in life.
"God, I pray that you guide me in this endeavor."
Because, Kazuki might really need Your help right now.
Matou Residence, Fuyuki City, Japan
It was a dark and malicious place.
This was a private section of the residence, only accessible to her Grandfather and father.
However, because of her father's untimely death, she was given an important task and was called here, at the secret underground facility.
She heard stories about this place.
Like insects that devour the human soul exist.
Like vampires that suck the blood exist.
It was terrifying. . .but all of them were true.
She learned the truth 8 years ago.
That's why she, who was talentless, but strived to become better, has transformed into someone that could bring the Matou clan victory.
She was confident as her Grandfather had placed his trust on her.
"Fufufu . . .you seem well prepared, Kaguya."
The old man that barely looked human chuckled as he went down the dark stairs.
"Of course, Grandfather. This was the day I have been earnestly preparing for."
She had nothing on her.
All that surrounds her body were vile insects prepared by her Grandfather.
This was the Matou magecraft: you sacrifice your body and life for the sake of the clan.
She finally understood why she was unable to match her once friend in terms of talent.
Their family had no compatibility with this place's leylines.
Yes, it was this City's fault, not hers nor her clan..
It was they, who thought they could rule this place just because they own it, that were at fault.
Now was the perfect opportunity to show to everyone, the world, what the Matous are capable of.
The once pride and powerful member of the Three Houses will rise in this Holy Grail War.
That was what Kaguya had sworn.
"Aaah. . ."
She moaned as the insects continued defiling her body.
"38 hours . . .not bad. You have broken your previous record. I am still surprised you went on with this, Kaguya, knowing that you already possess enough power to control a Servant."
"That . . .is not—Aah!. . .enough, Grandfat—aah."
Her body had surpassed her previous limitations. She had repeatedly lost her self and had lost count on how many times it had happened. All was on her mind was that her body was lesser in value than strength.
"Just make sure you don't lose your sanity, Kaguya."
"Who do you take me for, Grandfather? I am your granddaughter."
The old man smirked as a response to Kaguya's retorn.
"Oh, by the way, I heard the Tohsaka heir had arrived. You are not planning to greet him?"
"Why should I say Hi to the enemy?"
Kaguya emotionlessly answered her Grandfather's question.
"What a fine answer, Fufufu."
The old man laughed, amused by Kaguya's answer, and went down the dark stairs.
"Are you ready to summon your Servant?"
"The magic circle and the catalyst had been prepared, Grandfather."
Kaguya stood, removed herself from the insects, and covered her body with a black robe. She flipped her violet hair and tied it behind, before proceeding to commence the ritual.
"I was kept behind the shadows on the catalyst you had acquired, Kaguya. Care to tell the identity of the Heroic Spirit you are planning to summon?"
Curious, the old man asked Kaguya on the identity of the ancient relic and Heroic Spirit she had chosen as a champion.
"He was a legendary hero in the Book of Kings."
Kaguya answered without hesitation.
The summoning had begun.
Although in different time, and in different places, their hands reached out at the same origin—to the Greater Grail.
The calling had commenced. They shout the chant that whispers the seeking of an aide for battle.
The Edelfelt twins both raised their arms with the command seal present on their arms, reciting the incantations alternatingly, with each line passed onto the other.
"Let silver and steel be the essence," Penuvia muttered as the jewel on her hand glowed.
"Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation," Juvia followed with the jewel on her glowing like that of her sister's.
"Let our bonds be the tribute to you," the twins recited at the same time as the magic circle began glowing.
"Let a wall rise against the wind that shall fall," Juvia proceeded and then succeeded by her sister,
"Let the four cardinal gates close," and then together they announced,
"Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the Kingdom rotate."
"Weiss, did you know how I altered the system?" Jubstacheit asked the white-haired attendant.
"No sir. It would be an honor to learn the secret of the alteration."
The attendant humbly answered the question of the Elder.
"By adding a few lines in the incantation, similar to that of the Berserker class but instead of a direct input, an independent aria was forcefully connected into the incantation."
He explained grinning proudly.
"Let it be declared now," Kazuki exclaimed as the light that swelled upon the magic circle glowed brighter.
"Your flesh shall serve under me, and my fate shall be with your sword!"
He continued to strengthen his concentration and was not letting the pain on his hand disrupt him from his focus.
"Submit to the call of the Holy Grail," he roared, "Answer me if you heed my calling!"
"An oath shall be sworn here," the noble man that raised his family's banner for this War, uttered with sheer determination.
"I shall attain all virtues under the Heavens," and he would grasp everything beyond it, was what he thought.
"I shall have dominion over all evils of all in Hell!" even if he himself became Lucifer, he will never waver. As the light that streamed from the earth, reflecting itself at the stained glass above, the lord of this castle, Darnic, had eyes only for victory.
"From the Seventh Heaven," Kaguya concentrated her prana with all her will. She was not talented and she lacked the sufficient circuits. However, if willpower and hardwork alone would be the basis, then she was confident that she had long surpassed any magi known to men.
"Attended by the three great words of power, come forth from the ring of constraint, protector of balance!"
The light exploded as they finished the incantation.
But, on another case, it was far from over.
"Let the world witness your pain," Jubstacheit announced as Weiss was quietly watching.
"Let mankind know your sorrow," he continued, "Let them know the pain of emptiness."
As he smiled, knowing that the ritual was close to completion, he poured every ounce of magical energy he has on the final line.
"Let yourself rise from the pits of Hell and embrace the light of the Grail!"
It was finally settled.
The champions they had selected and had called for finally arrived.
The light that gleamed from the magic circle faded like a dream, and a mist formed around the center of the ritual.
Two. . .three . . .four . . .no, five Servants were called into this world..
They were superheroes who were told in various legends and renowned for their achievements.
Each created glories and mysteries known to men until today.
Now, they arise from the Throne of Heroes, to raise arms against each other, and chase the Holy Grail.
A "swordsman" with an unwavering loyalty and chivalry, and a sword that was as undaunted as his heart.
A "bowman" brimming with pride, clothed in silver and golden armor, while wearing a crown of royalty.
A "spearman" displaying an aura of a pure heart while wearing a helm as bright as the Sun.
A "horseman" with three golden blades wrapped in dazzling feathers.
And the final servant . . ., someone that shouldn't have been called.
He was not a hero.
He was not 'someone'.
As the shadow, a void, appeared before Jubstacheit, a tainted voice was heard.
The Elder was shocked and not once in his life had felt the feeling of numbness in his legs.
"Is this the presence of a devil?"
Jubstacheit asked himself as he stared at the void that was called from hell.
The shadow moved, but not towards its summon, but to the attendant standing beside them.
Like how a Venus fly trap catches its prey, or an octopus constricts its foe, the void lunges itself on Weiss, like a predator.
There was no other response from the homunculus other than screams.
For a while, Jubstacheit was quiet.
He was 'unsure' on what to do.
He didn't know what to exactly feel: Fear? Joy?
His plan succeeded but. . .not exactly on how he imagined it to be.
After a few seconds, the predator finished its meal, and a 'creature' was born.
The shadow stood, like a human, and an image that was similar to his now deceased attendant.
The shadow spoke, with voice filled with contempt and hatred.
"Are you. . .my master?"
He saw them, eyes filled with sorrow and pain.
A being that was born out of darkness . . .All Evil in the World.
PROLOGUE END~
AN: Canonically, it was said that there were two mansions belonging to the Edelfelt. The 'other mansion' will definitely appear as I plan to stick on making canon citations happen as much as possible.
About the Servants, I had a lot of ideas on which and who to use. I once thought of using Agilaz as the Archer and Harald Wartooth as a potential Rider. In the end, I dropped them for the final outline of the story.