BTW, the outfit Shirou/EMIYA wore as ruler is his archer outfit in fourth ascension plus Kotomine Shirou's cloak with hood, minus the cross plus the same gold rim of fourth ascension's shroud of Martin.
Chapter 01: Fate Zero/ act 01/ Curtain of War, open!
Original Timeline
He told them that... rather than running laps around death, it was more fitting for Sky like them to shake hands with death. Which was why it didn't surprise him at all the project that would become the payment for his freedom was something that potentially more dangerous than fighting Gilgamesh with a pitchfork.
"You're going to hack Holy Grail's system?!" Shirou repeated in disbelief. "You could do something like that?"
Verde, the arcobaleno of lightning scoffed. "Well… 'hacking' is the closest term, but it's nothing that extensive. If I can think up a way to do that we would've send the system crashing years ago."
This man was a Magus but in the same time he was also a scientist, it was a terrifying combination even though he had no combat power of his own in Shirou's opinion. Though as a Magus he was more of a scholar rather than a practitioner.
"Since we can't deal with the Grail directly we have researched ways to stop the ritual remotely, but in the end it's Einzbern themselves who reveal the hand to do so." Verde explained to Shirou and Tsunayoshi who was sitting on the guest chair of his office.
Realization dawned on Shirou, "Is it related to their 'cheating' in Third War?" Calling it cheating was not the apt term though, because in war everything goes and only limited by basic rule of Magecraft's secrecy.
Verde had drawn a diagram of Holy Grail system, from the greater grail, lesser grail, throne of heroes and the summoning ritual.
"Cheating?" Tsuna echoed, "What do you mean by that? I know the third one is vital turning point because that's when the grail is corrupted, but I don't know the details."
Verde snorted, adjusting his glasses. "Let's say Einzbern let their Magus pride to get ahead of themselves."
Shirou sighed at that, "An apt description." He had to admit that. "While the first two War are just experiments, it didn't change the fact Einzbern family had lost twice in a war they designed for their own purpose."
The sky of Vongola wrinkled his nose at that, "So they cheat… isn't that the same as throwing away their pride?"
"Magus and logic didn't mix when their pride is concerned." Shirou offered. "As how they cheated, Einzbern had an idea to create an irregular class of servant so they can summon a living calamity."
"Angra Mainyu…" Tsuna confirmed.
Shirou nodded, "Because by standard class, Angra Mainyu didn't fit in any so there's no container for him. They thought since Angra Mainyu is a living calamity surely he can claim absolute victory for Einzbern." He inhaled deeply, "However they forget… mythology is recorded by human's hands, and the older the history… the credibility also decrease considerably."
Which was why Tokiomi's decision to summon Gilgamesh could be considered a crazy gamble, as there was a probability he didn't even exist outside of a bunch of stories carved out on a few old rocks. Even history that was not as ancient as Gilgamesh that recorded in Egypt still confused historians because some pharaoh could be just… fictional character in myth rather than a real person.
So yeah, Rin's father was one lucky man… or not.
"So yeah, their interpretation of Angra Mainyu's myth is so wrong it's hilarious… they set themselves to summon a servant so weak. He got defeated by the fourth day."
Tsuna frowned at him, "He is a God, but he is weak?"
"Well… he is no God, he is a human sacrifice." It was painful to see how easily Tsuna could connect the dot from that much, this was after all the boy who had seen a lot of evil in the world before fifteen. "Weak or not it remains Angra Mainyu is embodiment of evil and when he perished, his soul corrupted the grail system."
Verde clapped his hands, "And that's where we can start, you see… this is the turning point of history. This prove that Einzbern with this action left the grail vulnerable to certain degree of manipulation, but again we're not them who designed the system. There's still a loophole that play by their rules we can exploit." Verde finished as he drew two bubbles beside throne of heroes, first was Avenger and another was Ruler.
Shirou frowned, "Servant Ruler?"
"This is Eizbern's plan B back then, another irregular class servant."
The archer blinked at that, was that a class for kings heroic spirit like Arthuria and Gilgamesh maybe? A class that would let King Arthur to summon knight of round table maybe?
Verde tapped the whiteboard again, "As you can see, it's possible to have the eighth servant."
Eighth servant?
"Because Edelfelt family did so with their sorcery trait, so they could summon the same servants but with different aspect. So the Grail by this point should be very flexible with number of servants, as long as there's a container for it."
Shirou swallowed, "I understand I am to infiltrate the fourth war but… who will summon me? From record I read all masters in that war prepared catalysis…" Which mean they have specific servant in mind, that's one war with proper preparation unlike the fifth. In which more than half servants were summoned by luck.
"Well, you see… Shirou-kun." Verde smirked, "We're so fortunate you're a Vongola, and you pass the inheritance trial…" He blinked owlishly at that, "And the realm of your family's miracle was Vertical space-time axis, so the Throne of Sky recorded you and do you know where it is? There's only one place that's outside time and dimension."
"...Don't tell me…"
Tsuna turned to him with a raised eyebrow, "To certain extent we do have duty to protect the gate to Akasha, so of course… our throne is just next to Throne of Heroes." He informed Shirou as if he was talking about the weather.
Shirou's left eye twitched at that, "Is that so?" Never imagined he would be neighbor with the likes of Lancer and Gilgamesh by that definition.
"Which is why to manipulate the grail to grab someone from our throne will be piece of cake." Verde continued.
"Again, how about the catalysis? There's only one master who call his servant without one and my personality is in no way compatible with that psychopath, I would murder him on the spot." The sword incarnation pointed out.
Verde smirked, "Boy… I read the report and your recounting about the fifth war."
"Yes, and…"
"There is a catalysis in that war that connected to you, no? It's like your parent after all..."
Shirou choked on his own spit at that.
Tsuna politely ignored his cousin's reaction in favor of addressing the greatest scientist in Mafia community, "Then let us make haste… tell Kawahira we have found a way to manipulate the timeline without brute force like his suggestion." Tsuna was not going to use his family's miracle to do Kawahira's biding to that extent, it never end well.
Verde grimaced, "I explain this to you because I don't want to deal with him."
"Verde… the sooner you do it, the sooner you can go back to your job." The Arcobaleno despised Kawahira with passion, and no love was lost between two sides.
Well, his order was still absolute regardless… damned immortal with twisted sense of duty.
While his cousin was occupied convincing Verde to deal with Kawahira Shirou had recovered from his mind-brokenness and was musing the insanity Vongola was going to inflict to certain Magus Killer.
"For certain, by my mere presence I ensured that the plans of basically every single person in the conflict to come are going to go completely wrong."
Especially certain Magus killer's plan, but it couldn't be helped. Tsuna told him it was in Vongola's blood to ruin their parent's plan. Like how Tsuna fired his own father the moment he took his office. It was practically a tradition.
Einzbern Castle, Winter 1994
Kiritsugu gritted his teeth when his in-law, Jubstacheit von Einsbern generously procured a catalysis for his use. It was a wonderful gift indeed, Avalon, the sheath of King of Knight. However it was a terrible choice to give to a assassin like him. Seriously, Magus of noble line had no logic when their pride was on the line.
"I am deeply grateful, dear head of family." He said to old man Ach but he thought otherwise.
How pairing King Arthur, embodiment of chivalry with assassin like Kiritsugu was in anyway a brilliant idea? Sure, summoning the greatest knight in history wasn't a bad idea, brilliant but not with a master like Kiritsugu. 'Saber' was already the strongest of the seven classes conjured by the Holy Grail. And if this King of Knights occupied this position... Indeed he had obtained a virtually invincible Servant, albeit one he couldn't work with.
Now, since compatibility with his servant was most likely nonexistent Kiritsugu had to think up a plan how to work around it. Let's see… a conceptual scabbard with superb healing property, Iri's massive prana capacity, the strongest knight and a sneaky Magus killer.
Well, he had a very good plan to work with that. In which he would save both him and King Arthur the headache of working with each other and put Iri in savest spot.
"...I got it. The way to use the strongest Servant's power to the maximum limit." He told his wife, Irisviel.
Unfortunately Kiritsugu had no idea someone or rather the whole family in not so far future was out to ruin his plan.
Few Days Later…
Emiya Kiritsugu was examining the completed state of the summoning circle scribed on the floor of the ceremony room.
"Would such a simple ritual suffice?"
For Irisviel, who was standing aside overlooking the procedure, it was surprising that the preparations were so plain.
"It's lackluster for a grand ritual like Holy Grail war, but the summoning of Servants never needed an extravagant spiritual evocation ceremony." Kiritsugu explained as he carefully checked for twists and smudges on the patterns drawn with mercury.
"Because it is in fact not the power of the magus that summons the Servant, but the power of the Holy Grail. As a Master I am only a cord that connects the Heroic Spirit with the world we reside in, and then merely provide him with prana necessary for materialization in this world."
As if satisfied with the completed state of the summoning circle, Kiritsugu nodded and stood up. The holy relic was placed on the altar – the sheath of the legendary holy sword.
"According to this, victory should be within our hands." As long as the chivalrous knight didn't get on the way.
[Silver and iron to the origin. Gem and the archduke of contracts to the cornerstone. The ancestor is my great master Schweinorg.
The alighted wind becomes a wall. The gates in the four directions close,
coming from the crown, the three-forked road that leads to the kingdom circulate.
Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Shut (fill).
Repeat every five times.
Simply, shatter once filled.
――――I announce.
Your self is under me, my fate(doom) is in your sword.
In accordance with the approach of the Holy Grail, if you abide by this feeling, this reason, then answer.
Here is my oath. I am the one who becomes all the good of the world of the dead,
I am the one who lays out all the evil of the world of the dead.
You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence,
O keeper of the balance ―――！]
Arriving from the other side and landing here, a legendary illusion wrapped in tornado and lightning.
Originally of humankind but separated from the mortal plane. Elevated to the level of elementals through powers not of men. The place where the supernatural primates gathered… from the Throne of Heroes that had its power of the Gods suppressed, the Heroic Spirits weaved from the dreams of countless ordinary men descended on the earth at the same time.
Kiritsugu knew these heroes would be incarnation of legend, surpassing imagination of human in modern era. However this young girl wrapped in ornate silver armor and royal blue dress didn't even fit the legend. Her hair was like spun gold and jade like eyes opened to gaze at her summoner.
"This person…" Kiritsugu could hear Iri's gasp in disbelief, he was as surprised.
"Servant Saber... I ask of you." Firm voice of the lady snapped them from their shock, "Are you my master?"
Kiritsugu was contemplating not answering that formality, his mind whirling at how mistaken the legend was about the King of Knights. He didn't get to decide when the summoning circle lit up once again, and the ritual restarted on its own.
The newly summoned Saber didn't wait for order and leap out of the way, her back on them in protective stance, ready to defend her master.
The smoke disappeared, revealing a man wrapped in red shroud, black armor with white outlining. His skin was dark, in contrast of his snow white hair. His eyes opened and he looked at them with eyes like a pair of blazing amber.
"Another servant…"
"Master!" Saber's voice snapped him out of his shock, "Your order!"
Without thinking twice at potential threat Kiritsugu gave his first order, "Defeat him!"
Saber moved, rising her invisible sword at fellow servant who was still in daze after summoning. The man danced away from her blade, but the coldness in that pool of amber made he seemed to be in trance. It was shocking how someone could be so graceful like a dancer when moving but there was no wasted movement, it as if…
If her eyes didn't deceive her, his eyes moved to where she was about to strike as if he could read her like an open book.
Iri stopped them before the fight could go further, "Wait! I think…" She trailed off unsurely, holding her bleeding arm and freshly carved command seal that looked like three tier crown. "He is my servant."
Saber stopped and stepped back from the servant, eyes never left him. "Is that… so?"
The golden eyed man chuckled softly, "It seems I have been summoned by the most interesting master." He commented lightly, before he stepped closer to Iri who looked at him in awe. "With interesting company to boot."
He had the most vivid colored eyes she had ever seen, like the color of twilight sky. "Uhm."
"Servant Ruler." He introduced himself, "Are you my master?"
Iri blinked at that, "Yes, I am!" She answered enthusiastically, before she processed what he said before the customary question. "Eh, Ruler?"
Einzbern's Castle
"Presiding over the war?" Kiritsugu echoed the explanation Jubstacheit gave him.
The man himself didn't pay attention to Kiritsugu because he was busy staring at Ruler, who had guts to ignore the head of Einzbern family pointedly in favor of… brewing a pot of tea of things and pouring a cup for Iri.
His wife looked amazed by her servant who acted more like a butler than heroic spirit, but the tea answered where the servant had gone to when he reported to Jubstacheit about the irregular summoning. How did Ruler found the kitchen anyway?
"There's already a mediator from the church, what's the point of servant Ruler then?"
Jubstacheit had an idea why, apparently their decision to tinker with the grail in last war still haunt them. It was not much a stretch of imagination the summoning of 'Ruler' was the after-effect of tinkering, but this could be a boon and perhaps they could try their plan B for third war now. He gave Kiritsugu vague explanation on 'back-up' system to ensure the war progress, that perhaps after violent ending of the third war that involved military the Grail thought the presence of irregular servant was necessary.
Kiritsugu wondered if Iri's servant would be a hindrance for his plan, but in the first place there was no rule that forbid sniping other master.
"Servant Ruler." Jubstacheit addressed the dark skinned servant. "Do you possess the extra fourteen command seals (God's Resolution) and True Name Discernment?"
Kiritsugu's eyes widened at that, the servant had what?!
"Ruler."
The servant was preparing sandwich now and while Kiritsugu didn't care much what Ruler liked to do, he had to admit this heroic spirit truly didn't defer to anyone but Iri.
"Servant." If Jubstacheit was a lesser man he would be gritting his teeth now. "I ask you a question, answer me."
Iri paused from nibbling the delectable treat her servant made for her and said, "Uhm, Ruler… please answer father's question."
He smiled brilliantly at his master, "As you wish, master…" Then he turned to the old Magus, a benign smile on his face that made Jubstacheit felt uncomfortable. Because that was not how someone he questioned usually act, it threw him off. "Yes, I do possess both authorities as befitting of my class." His tone was flat when he answered, as if he couldn't be bothered.
Jubstacheit was ticked, "Good, then-"
"However…" The servant trailed off, "As my summoning is apparently accidental it seems both authorities are compromised to certain extent." He reported in even tone. "Especially God's Resolution."
Ruler didn't miss Saber's narrowed eyes, while she didn't know Jubstacheit the king was no stranger to Magus' nature. It was as plain as the day that Jubstacheit wanted to exploit Ruler's privilege.
"Explain." Jubstacheit demanded.
Kiritsugu smirked when he saw Ruler turned to his master as if asking whether Jubstacheit's order should be followed. Iri nodded enthusiastically, obviously his wife was unused to someone who put her above Jubstacheit. He started to like Ruler, unknown factor or not.
"Well… it seems the grail disagree with 'tinkering' Einzbern did in last war, and attached some clause to my authorities." He said in a tone that meant to be neutral but how he phrased the line was obviously condescending to the old Magus. "So, the use of command seal I posses can't be in any way reducing other servant's chance to win the grail according to my judgement and the Holy grail itself…" So Ruler couldn't order anyone to kill themselves.
"Any order in that nature would be invalid, and to certain degree other servants would be more resistant to my order than their master's…"
Jubstacheit's expression was neutral but it was obvious to Shirou Emiya, the servant Ruler that the old Magus was fuming mad inside. Too bad the man was still alive in the future so it was out of Shirou's kill list, if not he would make the man paid for all the pain Ilya had to endure in this accursed castle. For now, Emiya would settle on annoying the hell out of him.
"Accidental or not, your authority shouldn't be compromised to that extent."
Well, Vongola did some tinkering to the connection some more. Verde had warned them that Ruler was given so much leeway by the Grail initially and with their intervention it was no wonder his privilege was downplayed so the grail won't notice their true intention. It won't surprise him at all if by mid-war the Grail would take away all privileges if Angra Mainyu noticed his irregular presence.
So the next step to fool Jubstacheit was this, giving him a misleading truth. "Well, aside from it being accidental... the grail seems to summon me from the wrong throne." He said in apologetic tone, as if he really felt sorry.
It was when Emiya looked at him in the eye Jubstacheit realized who was the owner of those vivid gold eyes. "It can't be."
"It happens…" Ruler shrugged, "Our throne is next to theirs." He gestured towards Saber.
Jubstacheit cursed loudly in safety of his mind, or so he thought because judging from amused look on Ruler's face obviously the servant saw him through.
Their homunculus had summoned a damned child of Sky.
Flash back
"So Einzbern is the one we should aim for, alright… I get the idea." Shirou nodded sagely, "However there''s one guy I will have a hard time to deal with, the head of Einzbern family."
Tsunayoshi frowned, "Why?"
"He did screw over… most of my family members both adopted and blood related." Ilya and Kiritsugu were the obvious victims but his parents were also collateral victims from the war he started. "I am unsure how I should act around the man as a Vongola rather than Emiya."
Tsunayoshi's mist guardian snorted at him. "That's easy, you just have to emulate Tsunayoshi."
The boss pointed at himself, "Me?"
Shirou was as confused, wondering how being ever-smiling saint like Tsuna was the way to go according to Mukuro. "Why?"
"Have you ever wondered why the one we always send to see Magi's organization is Byakuran instead of Tsunayoshi?"
True, from what Shirou heard Byakuran was like another Zelretch but without wisdom and experience the vampire had. Tsunayoshi would be a better fit to form good relationship.
"Because to Magi, our dear Boss is like an alien… while Byakuran is another Zelretch. They could deal with another Zelretch but not Tsunayoshi."
And so for the remaining time of his stay with Vongola, Shirou followed his cousin around in astral form. It was interesting to see a mafia boss work, or rather how Tsunayoshi dealt with them. His cousin was genial to default and even though he lacked ruthlessness for a leader of criminal empire, Tsunayoshi made it up with his skill in diplomatic backstabbing and unpredictability. He would smile and smile as leaving no room for argument, and got them to see his way with putting them in their place. Shirou had to admit
"Eventually everyone is Mafia should stop being criminal."
What? He wanted Mafia to stop being what?!
"Maa… for a start Vongola is already free of illegal business, mostly at least. So I am starting an example to follow Shirou!"
"Why?"
"Because I don't want to lead a crime empire? The reason I take this throne is because Vongola won't let me say no, so might as well settle this to a win-win situation. Well, no win for old folks in Vongola when they found out I close our logistic company and other business that remotely mafia like… and also for giving my father early retirement, but that's beside the point."
Tsunayoshi, he…
"I will get all of them to start living honestly one of these days, or die trying."
This single minded determination was really so like the old him, just a hella more twisted. He could imagine how Magi in Moonlit world feel when dealing with this kind of person, who had the power to back his ideal up and acted against the norm of backstabbing and cunning Magi were used to.
Well, while he won't emulate Tsuna completely like Mukuro said he was sure taking notes in what to do to make Magi uncomfortable. Hyper Intuition was awesome!
End of Flashback
"Your family won't get angry that I summon you, ne? Ruler?" Iri asked her servant in worry.
Saber watched her fellow servant cautiously, pondering the revelation that the man was not a heroic spirit but some sort of embodiment of will in human form. 'Isn't that mean Ruler is like Avalon but alive?'
Ruler hummed as he poured Iri his special blend of tea, "I can't say, it's not intentional… but only the head of family could summon us from Throne of Sky. I am sure our head would be amused that the Grail bypassed that."
Iri looked horrified, "Your family really hates Magus, of course they would get angry!"
"Well, I happen to like my current master very much. This is a good chance for an adventure for once…" Two pairs of eyes blinked in shock at him. "While we don't have sense of time like human, hanging around in our throne until we're needed is still very boring."
"Is that… so?" Irisviel trailed off.
"I admit my family doesn't like Magus…but we're more exasperated with your kin rather than outright hate." Ruler explained with rueful smile. "And like I said, the head of family would be amused… beside it's not like Master is going to make me to end the world."
Iriesviel shook her head from side to side in hurry, "Of course not! My wish and Kiritsugu's is to bring world peace, to save the world with the power of Holy Grail."
The Vongola smiled ruefully at that, "To save the world… such a noble goal."
Saber tensed, her eyes flickered towards Ruler's clenched fist. 'He is sincere in his praise of Irisviel's and Kiritsugu's goal, I can tell that much but there's something else. This man is so mysterious."
The homunculus faltered, "Are you alright with our wish?"
He shook his head, "Your wish don't contradict the 'will' of my family, if anything… in peaceful world we could be human again."
Saber frowned, "What do you mean by that?"
The servant Ruler turned to him, confused by her inquiry before understanding dawned on him. "Ah... are you by any chance assume I am an entity like Lady of Lake perhaps?" He laughed softly at her, amused.
The king didn't share the sentiment. "I have limited knowledge about Great Wills and their guardians aside from Merlin's muttering about them."
It was Iri who answered, "Saber… Ruler is a human, special human but still human physically…" Ruler inclined his head, a gesture for Iri to continue. "You see, if human are children of Alaya then… they're man born from different 'Great Will' called Uranus. Their duty is to protect the balance of life force on earth… that's why…" She trailed off sadly. "We Magus more often than not trouble them, especially heretic ones."
That still didn't explain the 'human' comment.
"As for being human…" The man answered her, "Because there's so few of us the will of Uranus is strong in each of us unlike Alaya's. So our mindset, mentality, and soul are different. Which is necessary…" Ruler finished. "Because a human with human mindset won't be able to fulfill the duty of a Sky well. So we stopped being human to certain extent…"
Saber swallowed, she could understand that because she had done the same thing to be a perfect king. Stopped feeling so she could be just, and-
"By the way Saber…" Ruler's voice snapped her out of her thought. "Won't you eat the canelle I bake already? It tastes better fresh out of the oven."
Still, in what way this man was inhuman? Saber wondered as she bit into the sweet treat before her mind came to a screeching halt.
It's so GOOD!
Iri gaped at Saber, the perfect knight was smiling when eating Ruler's sweets. She looked so cute with that blissful smile and blushing cheeks! Iri wanted to, her hands twitching restlessly... She was unsure what, but it involved hugging the adorable king of knights to her bosom.
'Endure it Master.' Ruler told her through their link. 'Act like she is not the cutest thing in the world, or she would put up her defense again.'
Oh, right… Vongola had special ability to see through one's true nature. If Ruler said so, Iri suppose this was alike with watching cute wild cat from afar so they won't spook her.
Few days later...
Shirou found Saber looking at suit of armor decorating Einzbern's hallway longingly, or to be precise at the sword strapped on said suit of armor's clasped gauntlet. "What are you looking at, Saber?"
Saber's outstretched hand froze on the spot, "Ru- Ruler?! What are you doing here?"
"Master got me the material I wanted and I am on the way back to my room from her workshop." He raised the hand holding the suitcase for emphasize. "So, is that borrowing without permission you're about to do?"
"I am not going to steal anything!" Her usual firm voice faltered.
Shirou's fist clenched, leaving crescent mark on his palm. 'Is it just me or she is easier to tease than back then? Getting all flustered like this.' She didn't change much from what Shirou see but there was something lighter about her person. Then again this upcoming war left a wound to her psyche, and that scar was nonexistent at this point of time.
"Of course Saber, I can't imagine the personification of chivalry would be a thief." He told Saber with straight face. "I am just kidding, there's no need to be so flustered, is there?"
"I am just…" Her eyes shifted to the side, "I want to move my body and-"
"So you want a sword that's not your Noble Phantasm." Because bringing her sword out would mean wasting Kiritsugu's prana and Saber wasn't going to make her nonexistent relationship with her master to get worse. "Alright, I can do that for you."
"Do what?" Provide her with a sword?
The servant of balance raised his hand in halting gesture, "Hm… considering your era, the sword traditionally made of iron which is heavier than steel but since you're used to use Fae's sword…" He mumbled as he opened his suitcase that to Saber's surprise was full of metal ore. "The mix of these materials would do." He decided.
"What are they for?" Saber frowned when Ruler took her hands in his and placed it on top of the two stacked ore. Was it just her feeling but Ruler's hands were warmer than hers? And also… looking at his large and tanned hands Saber couldn't help but wondered if anyone think of her in low opinion because no matter how hard she trained she would never have hands like these…
The strong hands of warrior…
"-Are you listening?"
His deep voice snapped her out of her musing, and Saber looked up at him. His molten gold like eyes reminded her a little of Excalibur. "Pardon me, I was distracted."
"Well, I asked you to imagine the shape of sword you wanted so I could craft it to your image."
In here? Despite her doubt, Saber did as he asked. Closing her eyes and imagining the sword she desired, the old friend friend she lost. The sword that lead her to the throne, the beginning of her legend. It was a sword was ornate, and one could say more fitting for ceremonial purpose. An inferior likeness to the sword she held now but even so… she prefered that sword more, and by imagining it she could almost feel the nostalgic feeling of her hands around the hilt…
Huh?
Saber opened her eyes slowly, still in disbelief of what her sense of touch told her. It was not Caliburn, but the sword she held felt the same from the sensation of the hilt, the shape of the blade, the pommel… It was the lack of ornament, the blue-and gold enamel, and magic properties that told her this was not Caliburn.
She looked up from the sword, a gratitude on the tip of her tongue.
"You looks like a kid who got early Christmas." He said with a smug smirk on his lips, walking pass Saber before she could say anything. "See you at dinner, our one and only adorable King of Knights!"
Saber gaped at Ruler's retreating back in shock, her joy dashed in a flash by the insufferable man. "Ruler!"
Away from Saber's sight, the servant of balance could only sigh as he face-palmed. 'I am getting too sentimental, I can't believe I make her a knock-down replica of Caliburn.' He always knew how attached Saber was to Caliburn, that the lost of the sword was one of her greatest regret.
He hoped if anyone saw the sword he made no one would suspect anything fancier than altering shape of metal ore, Magi was always under impression they were capable of basic magecraft. Which was not a wrong assumption because they do have magic circuit, and then received a 'core' after passing the trial.
No use regretting his slip up, now… he had something else to prepare.
Kiritsugu's Office
They received four profiles on their future rivals for the grail, but one held Kiritsugu's attention in the worst way possible. Kiritsugu didn't get the story of Kirei's career, the man had impressive portfolio and his effort shows but it also painted the image of apathetic man who couldn't bring himself to value his own achievement like a normal human.
"I especially don't understand why this man join the war."
Irisviel sighed, for some reason after of Ruler's unexpected summoning her husband became even more paranoid in regards to unknown factor. And no amount of argument persuaded her husband to drop the topic.
Funnily enough from what Irisviel saw, Kiritsugu liked her servant slightly better than his own servant. Then again considering who Saber was, it didn't mean much if Kiritsugu had higher opinion of Ruler. Not to mention Irisviel had a feeling her husband enjoyed how distraught the head of Einzbern was because of Ruler.
Her father who since his first conversation with Ruler didn't even deign to step in their quarter, avoiding the servant of balance like a plague. Speaking of Ruler… "Would you like to ask Ruler's opinion? He has special kind of insight after all."
"...I will keep that in mind." Iri's servant seemed to be very cooperative even though he was also a tad secretive, then again considering his real identity it was to be expected.
Irisviel sighed, "Well-"
Whoosh! Clank!
The homunculus perked up at the sound, and from the window she could see who was making the noises. Saber was training down there.
"I promise Ilya to play with her." Kiritsugu announced before leaving the room to accompany their daughter.
Front Yard of Einzbern Castle
Saber was enjoying the feeling of holding Caliburn once again in her hands, a fake perhaps but it was still comforting. Her moment was cut short when she heard a feminine voice saying, "As expected of King Arthur, the wielder of Excalibur." Irisviel who was half-buried in snow, courtesy of her wind blade.
"I am sorry, Irisviel!" The king of Britain sheathed the sword, a sheath Ruler had generously dropped from the window as claiming he forgot to give it to her.
Which shocked the hell out of her, thinking it was an attack. Saber didn't get Ruler at all, he could be very kind and helpful but then he switched to sarcastic and infuriating for no reason.
"The war is near so I thought some training would be good for me."
Irisviel patted the snow off of her body, "It's alright, I am the one who approached you carelessly." Then she noticed the sword, which was unfamiliar. "Where did you get that? The design is nothing like any sword we have in the castle."
Saber blinked before looking down at the sword Irisviel was pointing at, "Ah, this… I heard Ruler had you to order some metal ore for his use, and when I was in need for a sword he crafted one for me with his magic."
She had researched about Ruler's family so she knew that Vongola could learn magic, so it was not much a stretch her servant could make a sword for Saber with shape alteration. "Hm… that's very nice of him!" Irisviel gushed, "Ruler really know how to make a lady happy, doesn't he?"
Saber wondered where did Irisviel get that terrible impression. "I doubt he has that kind of intention towards me…" If there was one thing Saber was sure about Ruler, when he was being nice there was no hidden intention behind it. As strange as it looks, Ruler's kindness was genuine to her. "Anyway, Irisviel… where is Kiritsugu?"
"... Kiritsugu is with Ilya, we're departing tomorrow after all."
"I see."
Iri fidgeted, "Are you still dissatisfied with Kiritsugu's attitude, aren't you?"
Saber nodded honestly to the smiling Irisviel, "To be honest, I was under the impression that my Master was a more cold hearted person."
At Saber's words, Irisviel gave an embarrassed smile."Well, this isn't without reason."
Since her summoning, Saber had received silent treatment from her Master Kiritsugu. While she was indeed a tool at his disposal, Saber thought Kiritsugu took it to a completely different level, not even speaking to her, ignoring her questions, barely looking at her, Kiritsugu kept pushing away the Heroic Spirit he had summoned himself.
Although she wouldn't show any of it, Saber was definitely highly dissatisfied with the attitude of that man. "I mean he is vry kind to you and your daughter, so surely I have done something to offend him."
At Saber's indignant look Irisviel unintentionally chuckled: "Aha ha ha…"
"This isn't so funny, Irisviel." Saber protested.
"... I'm sorry. I was wondering if you were still holding a grudge from when you were summoned."
"A little. ... I understand that my appearance is different from what anyone would expect. But that shouldn't be something that would surprise the both of you so much." After the confusion with Ruler was over, the two master addressed another confusion pertaining Saber's real identity. Despite her gallant dignity, Saber truly looked like a girl not even past her Heroic Spirit Kiritsugu was summoning had been recorded in history as a man.
"Certainly I have acted as a man, and have wished that that lie was carried over through history... But it is discomforting that one would doubt I am the owner of this scabbard."
"Your legend is very well known, and it has been dramatized for 1500 years. That's quite a gap with the image we had of the King Arthur."
Saber gave a dissatisfied sigh. "Of course you would wonder about my appearance, somehow. The instant I drew the sword of contract from the stone, I stopped aging through its magic, keeping my apparent youth. My people didn't even question my appearance at that time to begin with, as I was king. The only thing I was asked to do is fulfil my duty as a king..."
Iri frowned at Saber, considering in her reign the kingdom of Britain exposed by the invasion of pagans, thrown on the verge of destruction. Following the predictions of a magus, the young king, "incarnation of a dragon", was burdened with the duty of the savior, invincible through ten, twelve years of battling.
In spite of these feats, this was the ill-fated ruler whose throne was finally taken over by his own blood, betrayed, never forgiven for ending their glory.
"Speaking of my scabbard, it's still baffling how it double as catalysis to summon Ruler." Saber couldn't help but wondered. "I know it's crafted by the Fae folk, but I assume the fire that temper my blade and scabbard would be from dragon or other phantasmal beast and not from… his ancestors."
Irisviel smiled at that. "According to what Ruler told me, one of his ancestors, Sephira was her name… she was very fond of human. Avalon was created for human, so regardless of other ancestors' objection she went through with it."
Unfortunately their power has grown weaker since then, and while Sephira's descendants lives until now they won't be able to create the same sheath without Fae's craftsmanship… and even then, in exchange of miracle such as prayer for ever-distant utopia… the cost would be as high as one's life.
"Speaking of Ruler… since you have told me what you think of my husband, I wonder what he think. Or what my husband thought of him. "
"Well… I asked him before…
Flashback
Shirou planned to practice some archery outside of the castle when Saber showed up, glaring at his target dummy that was filled with arrows to the brim. The white haired servant could guess why, obviously Kiritsugu had pointedly ignore her again.
"Ruler, if I may ask a favor because I am on the end of my tether…"
"Yes? What is it Saber?" Better he addressed this now than when the war started.
She took a deep breath. "What's Kiritsugu's problem with me? Does he hate me for being a woman? Because I am not worthy of a sword?"
The Vongola put down his bow, and sighed. "Well… I will be frank." Saber nodded and Shirou couldn't help but smile. "From what I see your summoning is not his idea, I mean… which assassin would think a knight fit his style of fighting?"
In short, Kiritsugu didn't want a knight.
"However… considering his strategy to get around that, I don't think he has any complaint about your strength. You're obviously the strongest servant he could get for Saber class."
Saber was not impressed, "I ask you to help me to clear the confusion, not adding to it."
"Certainly your highness." Ruler gave the king a bow, which ticked the girl even further. "Your guess it has something to with you being a girl isn't too off but not for reason you think." She frowned, "For someone who wish for peace, surely the idea of fifteen year old girl burdened to rule a country in wartime era didn't sit well with him. He is angry, Saber."
"Angry?" Saber echoed, "Do you mean I made Kiritsugu angry? I cannot understand that, he didn't even speak to me."
"Saber… he is angry with people who surrounded you in your era. At the cruelty of those who forced the duty of a king on a small girl…" It didn't help how her reign ended tragically.
"That wasn't the case. I was prepared ever since I pulled the sword from the stone."
"And to certain extent to you, who thought it's alright to accept such fate." Shirou finished, amazed by himself who could say it in even tone but he had a lot of practice.
Saber briefly lowered her eyes, unable to answer. But when she immediately looked up again, her eyes were still and obstinate. "This is being too emotional. There was nobody who would complain to those who made the decision, in my era."
Shirou sighed at that, "If it's any comfort, while he does speak to me...I think his opinion of me is not so different."
"Huh? Why?"
"Well, if he has an issue with you become a King at fifteen… I don't think he would think differently about my family who condition their children from young age."
"And he is speaking to you, why?" Not that Arthuria was jealous, she just didn't see why Kiritsugu deigned to step down his high horse for Ruler.
"He speak to me because I openly admit we didn't do something 'right' but something 'necessary' and there's no excuse I can say to defend my family on that front."
Saber faltered at that.
"So just agree to disagree with him and be done with it." Shirou suggested with a sigh, knowing first hand how stubborn the man could be. "If it helps my master is as resigned about it, you two can't work together."
Saber sighed, agreeing with Ruler's point. "Emiya Kiritsugu and the Heroic Spirit Arturia are definitely incompatible— that's what I will leave it at. If we are to talk, we will only deny each other."
Shirou was relieved Saber understood that, there would be nothing good come from mulling over their incompatibility. "In that case, I am counting on you to protect my master."
The servant of sword frowned, "While I agree on switching place with you I don't see how that man can work better with you, Ruler." After all the man was the one who protect the rule.
"Well Saber… ideally I would prefer only servants fight and fall in battle heroically, with the masters stepped out of the conflict as graceful loser." Shirou recalled his idea of Holy Grail War in his youth. "But that's not happening, Primate Murder would sooner turn vegetarian than Magus fighting fair and square."
"So you will turn a blind eye if Kiritsugu did something dishonorably?"
"Saber, if I can switch class with you I will. My task is presiding war between seven Magus for wish granting grail, one that could fulfill their lofty goal to reach Akasha…I have to be fair and just by Magus' standard."
Magus? The likes of Merlin and Morgana? Fair? Just? With her assassin of a master in the mix?
Not going to happen.
End of Flashback
"That's what he said…" Saber finished.
Iri was amazed, "Ruler and his family was really capable to see through one's true nature! I see…"
While Iri was impressed by her servant Saber couldn't help but wonder. 'Someone who could easily see through people and understand, is someone like Ruler a better king for Brittain if he was given the chance?'
...He is still annoying, sarcastic, and got on her nerves just with opening that stupid mouth of his.
The day of departure…
"Master, Saber stand out like a sore thumb." Ruler pointed out at Saber who was dressed sharply in black suit. "Unless you want her to infiltrate Mafia community, she is not in any way blending in."
Saber fidgeted under his gaze.
"But she looks so good in this suit."
"Indeed." Shirou agreed, "She looks very handsome in a suit, I am impressed." Saber raised an eyebrow at him. "And she is going to draw attention like crazy, defeating the purpose of dressing in modern clothes."
Irisviel pouted, "But Ruuuuler~"
'Make sure Iri didn't go overboard, he said…' Shirou recalled his adopted father's order. "At least lend her your old clothes, Master…something that's not black from head to toe."
In the end Shirou picked the clothes himself, a blue version of sophisticated shirt and skirt Ilya wore in the future with the ribbon replaced with white tie. In exchange Shirou had to give up the idea of travelling in astral form, and joined Iri and Saber in plane. Iri apparently had prepared a suit for him too, he was okay with it but in casual style, red shirt and no tie.
"Well, it looks good too…"
"Thank you master, and next time please don't use that movie as reference to pick civilian disguise. It doesn't work that way in real life."
The flight was uneventful, save for when a stewardess flirted with Shirou. The dark skinned man was not even fazed, at this age he was no stranger to women attracted to his exotic look. Saber chiding the woman's unprofessionalism was unexpected though, and the poor stewardess looked intimidated by Saber's charisma.
"Leave the poor girl, dear… I only have eyes on you so there's no need to worry." Shirou said in sincerest tone he could muster, patting her clenched fist gently with his much bigger hand.
Saber sputtered, blushing furiously while the girl took the chance to escape. "You-"
Shirou glanced at the retreating girl and nodded, "Solved, let's don't attract any more attention."
Iri giggled at them while Saber scowled, "Deceiving people like that…" Whether she was indignant for the girl of herself was unknown.
Shirou sighed, 'I didn't lie though.'
Review Please!
EMIYA Vs Arcobaleno [Note: Arcobaleno is in adult body]
Yes, I get review wondering how Arcobaleno could push Emiya to the brink. You have to remember that at this point he was reborn with illusionary body, and closer to human than to a servant. He also lost the power Alaya gave him because the contract now is broken. I also take to an account that Archer Emiya is 'skilled' type of fighter. He honestly has no raw power so to speak.
Also… the Arcobaleno who has straight fight with him in my head are Reborn, Fon and Colonello. And as I implied by their 'Magus Killer' comment by Shirou, they have plenty of experience killing Magus. EMIYA is up against fighters with raw power of dead apostle ancestor with Magus killer skill. While he is an unorthodox Magus, you still have to remember that he is still a Magus and follow their basic formula such as chant and the likes. His greatest weapon need TEN line of aria, Reborn would shut him up before he could finish. I think Magus' biggest weakness is when they chant they tells the world what are they going to do, mafias didn't do that.
Viper/Mammon, Verde and Skull are unique case in their test on Shirou, it's not straight-up fight. Reborn and Fon alone are enough to assess raw fighting skill.
Power Level of KHR chara in Nasuverse
This is seriously boggling my mind to be honest because… by ranking mere RAW power won't do them justice, but I hope I can give you satisfying estimation.
Top Tier: ORT, Type-Moon, Primate Murder, etc
Kawahira belongs to this rank, as he is a God who can even haggle with Gaia and Alaya. This is why Magus community fear Mafia community, because Kawahira is their patron. Sure, back in genesis era his kin was slaughtered but to be fair they were unprepared and this Kawahira by now is a cynical and ruthless God who can take serious measure when cornered.
High Tier: Arcueid Brunnestud (100%) / Archetype Earth, Kishua Schweniorg Zelretch (prime) and Gilgamesh
The only one in this rank from KHR is Bermuda, the fallen Arcobaleno and that's by sheer raw power only. I mean, he didn't have Ea but he does have 'True Magic' that akin to to botched Heaven's Feel plus Teleportation. GIlgamesh is actually low tier in this level, because it's for his weapon like Ea… and as shown in UBW, cut his hand and what else to stop him from swinging it down, anyone in this tier would torn him apart.
High-Mid: Top Dead Apostle Ancestor, strongest servants (Karna, Arjuna and other hax servants.)
Well, in sheer RAW power this is where top combatant Arcobaleno like Reborn and Fon stands.
Keep in mind in this universe, Arcobaleno are OLD entities. Not as old as Zelretch but still old.
Mid Tier: TATARI, Saber Alter, Berserker (Heracles)
This is where strong servant AND Trinisette Skies like Tsuna and Byakuran stands, Aria and Yuni can't fight so they don't count. Depending on circumstances Tsuna and Byakuran can get higher… while they does have the power capacity and connection to the root they're severely outmatched in term of experience. This is also where Emiya at his highest power stands.
To give you a better picture, Tsuna and Byakuran can destroy a small archipelago by themselves and won't run out of steam.
Low-Mid Tier: Normal Servants, and strongest Magus like Lorelei.
The guardians, Funeral Wreath are in this rank… along with other strong mafia fighter like Sawada Iemitsu, Varia and perhaps Dino too. From canon it shows these guys cause same amount of destruction when servants fights.
Low Tier: Kirei, Rin, Emiya Shirou (UBW) and Kiritsugu
From KHR's side it would be someone like Lancia, Genkishi and other mafia top-fighters.
Bottom Tier : Lord El-Melloi, etc
Bianchi and other notable fighters from KHR's universe by sheer creativity in killing.
Note: As mentioned in this story, mafia are taught 101 ways to kill Magus so even without the title like Kiritsugu they're all trained to be Magus Killer. Magus could be stronger than they are, but they WON'T fight fair and would put Magus in severe disadvantage with proper planning.
Artistic licence trope INVOKED here... it doesn't make sense if KHR chara is too overpowered by Nasuverse's considering their important job.