A/N: Fixing mistake in previous chapter at the moment!
Original Timeline
History was not always right, as the wielder of vertical space-time axis miracle Tsuna had more than his fair share of history recorded wrong. It shouldn't surprise him at all when a famous historical figure was apparently recorded as the wrong gender, but it did surprise him…
He couldn't help but mention it to Aria, and as the arcobaleno who inherited Sephira's memory, the question was enough to jog Aria's memory. "So, King Arthur is really a girl…"
Aria was beaming as she ruffled Tsuna's messy hair, she was still a little pale and on bed rest but Tsuna could see the older sky was feeling better. "That's right! Now you asked, parts of Sephira's memory pop up on my mind." As Arcobaleno of Sky, Aria had the advantage of blessed by miracles of Mare and Vongola albeit in limited degree, as Arcobaleno represent the intersection between the two axis, the turning point of history.
"It's amazing how messed up some history record could be! And sexist…" The dark haired sky rolled her eyes. "What's wrong with woman leading a country anyway?"
Tsuna shook his head, clearing his mind from impressive crash. "Nothing of course, Aria-san… You and Daniella are both excellent female leader. I can attest to that."
He had nothing against woman leader of course, though he did have some… reservation about them fighting. It wasn't like he was sexist or thinking they were weaker than men, he knew some of strongest women in his life and he respected them a great deal. It was just… his mother was such an air-head who was unfortunate enough to marry a man like his father, so he worries all the time about her. She was in such dangerous position as wife of CEDEF's leader, and mother of Vongola Decimo but so defenseless on her own. His concern for her carried on to other female figure in his life, which landed him in a lot of trouble because they thought he was looking down on them.
He had a feeling Shirou had the same problem. Anyway, back to cousin he found recently. As if his existence was not complicated enough, with being dead sometime in the future, a counter guardian, with a younger-me still around in a city they couldn't reach. The guy just had to be in love with King Arthur, who was apparently… a girl and his servant in fifth holy grail war that was still six year in the future.
Why their family couldn't have a simple life? Or afterlife for that matter?
Shirou didn't say he was in love with the King of Knights outright of course, but if a memory of first meeting a girl was one he couldn't forget even if he fell to deepest hell and an anchor to his sanity after long service to Alaya… it was just slightly less blatant than the three sacred words. No, actually how many man in love could claim what Shirou did. In Shirou's case it was more like a statement rather than a claim, as the guy did went through hell like afterlife and still holding on to memory of her.
No wonder Mukuro respected Shirou so much, as if his cousin was the illusionist kindred soul. A strange combi.
"So the King is really resting in Avalon now?" Like in the legend?
"Arthuria you mean?" Tsuna face-palmed, of course her name was not Arthur. "She should be… Merlin ensured she didn't go through reincarnation, or taken by throne of heroes. Which is why she is reserved a place in Avalon…"
Avalon, that was another place they couldn't reach. Then again, they had no reason going there, ever. "Hm… I understand Merlin is like the playwright of Arthurian legend, but I don't get why a Magus like him would go that far for King Arthur… I mean, he even meddles with her afterlife."
Aria sighed, "I don't think we could ever understand someone like that, like father like son."
"Right." Tsuna paused, processing what he just agreeing with. "Erm, Aria-san… what do you mean like father like son?" They wouldn't know Merlin's parents, right?
The Arcobaleno blinked owlishly at him, "Ara… you didn't know?"
"Know what?"
"Merlin you see… unlike what written in legend, he is not old wizard with long beard." Aria laughed, as her hand flapping at inside joke only she could get. "If you want to know how he looks like, just imagine certain white haired manipulative God with longer hair, carrying a staff with flamboyant demeanor."
Certain white haired-
His brain came to a screeching halt, and fried. "You… you mean, that man procreated?!"
"Kind of… Sephira was…" She trailed off, "Unsure how he got the wizard boy." And even back then other ancestors stayed clear from Kawahira's business, "Kawahira didn't like talking about it. Sephira liked the boy enough to do him a favor to make the scabbard to compliment Excalibur." Though she was amused by how different the child turned out from his father. "How do you think Merlin could get in contact with Sephira and ask such a favor?"
"Wait! We're related to freaking MERLIN from Arthurian legend?!" Tsuna screeched.
"I don't see how being related to Merlin is a problem." They were born from Uranus, being related to a legendary Magus was not a big deal.
"Maybe not to Aria-san, but as Vongola I have problem with most people that related to me!" He had a terrible track record. "And from what I know of him, we have another Byakuran in the family… womanizer version."
Wasn't the wizard some sort of parental figure for King Arthur? It was an awful thought but he was relieved Shirou was -some sort of dead- and Arthuria too, the thought of being in-law with Kawahira was too horrifying.
Then again… Nah, whatever happened in past, present and future he was just going to roll with it. He had learned to not stress himself too much with his family's antics, the latest crazies about Shirou was just another addition he had to live with.
He didn't want to follow Shirou's footsteps to get premature greying hair. It works with Shirou's look, but Tsuna was sure he would look terrible with white hair.
"Anyway Aria-san, please rest well. You don't have to worry about anything, Byakuran and I will cover for you to the best of our ability." Tsuna promised as he turned to leave. "See you later."
Aria beamed, "Bye-bye Tsunayoshi!"
It was a long silence until Aria felt Tsuna's presence completely disappear from hospital before she heaved a sigh of relief. "You didn't tell him." A familiar cold and apathetic voice said from the corner of the room.
Aria didn't even look, she foresaw his visit. Of course, unlike Tsunayoshi this man was not here because he was worried. Gaia and Alaya forbid he felt anything remotely like that to any of them. There was no sympathy for a dying Sky Arcobaleno who was just one of many he had witnessed living their pathetically short life span.
"I didn't keep it a secret for Tsuna's well-being or hidden purpose, he is like a little brother to me… and this new boy he found would be too." A sky so different from them, of smoke and fire that made them realized that yes… they could change, they weren't a static being. If this boy defied death even though his sky was tainted, no changed was more apt in this case. "That's why…"
The white-haired God, Kawahira snorted. "As the sky of Vongola's line, they're never under a delusion that we're noble." They were the one who had seen it all from generation to generation. "Even before your era, we the ancestors… the origin have been manipulating history from the shadow to protect the balance."
"—You don't understand Kawahira." Aria told him plainly, "Sephira's decision and those who follows it afterward is not based on her attachment to humanity, but because she realize that—"
Memory of distant past flashed on his mind.
"You don't understand, do you?
It's not the result that matters! We're still wrong!"
"We are wro-" Aria stopped, scowling at the empty corner Kawahira occupied a moment ago. "At least he should excuse himself properly!"
Aria huffed as she took a slice of apple Tsuna had left behind for her. "Hmph! What a terrible bedside manner he has!"
Chapter 2: Home Sweet Home, or not-
Fate/Zero Timeline 1994
Fourteen hours of flight was a long time, and irisviel felt the novelty was lost after the first three hours. The view of the sky was still good and the business seat was comfortable enough. What was boring or rather who was these two sitting beside her!
After the stewardess flirting episode with Ruler, and his smooth reply, Iri expected something to happen. Something along the line of Saber losing her cool and Ruler teasing her even more, that would be fun to watch! They disappointed her greatly with being as cool as cucumber about the whole thing.
"Can you please don't use me to refuse a lady's courting?" As a man he should have rejected the woman without trickery.
"You're as bothered as I am, and my way works. Beside it's not like we will ever see the lady again."
"If you say so, but I am still displeased by your careless choice of word."
"Noted, milady."
"Hmph."
And that was it… since then Saber and Ruler became very quiet, as if they were in some sort of meditative state. Since they still had three hours of flight left, and Iri didn't want to sleep… She was not going to be picky of how to lift her boredom. "Ne, Ruler… is the sky outside the same as in the Throne of Sky?"
Ruler didn't even blink, his amber like eyes were blank as staring at nothing.
"Ruler? Heeey?"
Saber who was looking at the map of flight route glanced at Ruler who was sitting between her and Iri, blinking in disbelief as she figured out why he was irresponsive. "Irisviel, your servant is sleeping with his eyes open."
"Eh?"
EMIYA's dream
He dreamed of his cousin often since his arrival in the past, as if reminding Shirou again and again of who he truly was. It was another flashback of Tsuna's lecture before he left for the past. He was sitting across Tsuna's massive mahogany desk with his cousin teaching him the duty of Sky Vongola. And for the countless time he couldn't help but wonder if it was just him who saw everything around Tsuna from his desk to his attire felt too big for the lithe teenager.
Tsuna inherited their first ancestor's body type, lean and androgynous. While Shirou himself took after his mother's side, which included Tsuna's own father with his broad shoulder and height. He didn't know much about Tsuna's mother other than she was of Primo's line too, which was why Tsuna's Vongola blood was thicker than his. Though the union was from genuine affection rather than arranged…
Still…
"Are you familiar with the term of Arahitogami?"
He answered promptly, "A Japanese term, meaning a deity who is a human being. Usually associated to Emperor of Japan. In western it refers to how Japanese sees their emperor as a God, which bring a bit of political distress that lead to Showa emperor to claim otherwise." As a Magus, albeit third rate one he still had to have firm grasp on history and mythology. After the Holy Grail War, even more so. "I suppose we're like that?"
A god in human form, him? Gilgamesh would have an aneurism if he knew the 'faker' was a God.
"I can't see myself as a God, I am fine with being human." Because so far he had not met even one decent God.
Tsuna nodded, "And don't you dare to forget it." His eyes shone with approval. "However you have to watch yourself, because regardless of what we would like to think of ourselves the fact remains we descend from the Origin and authority that come with it. Many of our ancestors succumb when they can't handle the burden of our duty… as long as we're still mentally human."
Shirou stilled, now he deduced what Tsuna was getting at. When your duty involved spilling so much blood as manipulating history from the shadow, it would be easier if you forgot one thing.
"Losing sight of our humanity makes our duty easier." Tsuna said sadly, "Second Vongola, Ricardo fell for that… if you're God what matters is your ideal, your purpose…"
As a God, you wouldn't feel anything for human you trampled like ants. "But that's wrong." Shirou gritted out. "Taking an easy way out like that… you're just going to fall deeper!"
The sky smiled at him sadly, "That's right, but you also have to know that to a Sky like us our family matters more than the world."
"Tsuna…"
"I want you to know, even if I disagree and deny their sins… I can't hate our predecessors for their choice. I can blame them for anything in the world, but choosing their guardians, their family over the world? I can't bring myself to fault them for that selfishness."
That was the last lesson before his departure, and one he carved deeply in his memory.
"nus…"
Someone was calling? Usually this dream ended there.
"ra…nus…"
Who was it?
"Child of Uranus!"
Who was calling him?
"Can you hear my voice?"
"Yes… I can hear you."
She knew he was not awake from his breathing, and his eyes were unfocused. Gradually the luster on his eyes returned and his hand rose to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Do you need something, Master?" He asked, his voice hoarse with drowsiness.
Saber frowned, for some reason Ruler looked less composed than usual and he was looking at Irisviel strangely. Perhaps the uncomfortable sleep addled his mind?
Iri gaped at him, "You're really asleep with your eyes open?! How did you do that?"
"It's a trick I picked up from some guy in the family, it's nothing extraordinary as 10% of human population could sleep with their eyes open…" Ruler informed his master who was impressed with him once again, she was easily awed by anything new. "And no Master, I can't teach you this… it's unhealthy for eyes. I learned it just in case I need it."
Saber could see the benefit of such skill, catching some rest without letting your guard down in battlefield. "Irisviel asked you about the Throne of Sky." Saber reminded them of Iri's mostly forgotten query.
The servant of balance raised an eyebrow at that, "About the Throne? What do you want to know, Master? Please keep in mind, I am limited to what I'm allowed to tell you." He added.
Iri nodded enthusiastically, "I am just wondering if the sky we see now is the same."
That was what she wanted to know? Sometimes he wondered who was more innocent between the mother and daughter, "The sky…" He craned his neck towards the window, it was still dark out there but they could already see the trace of night shifting to the beginning of day. "I suppose it's different, the throne has… the most vivid azure blue. Eternally stay in clearest daytime you'd ever seen." He tried to describe their resting place.
Irisviel sighed wistfully at that, imagining the place outside boundary of time and space. "It sounds like a very beautiful place for final rest." Something she didn't have privilege for.
"We don't rest though…" He murmured softly, earning confused look from Irisviel. "I… We don't know if the throne is beautiful or not, but from generation to generation we called the throne as a place that's very empty but infinite at the same time…"
He sounded forlorn as he said this, eyes clouded by something Iri couldn't comprehend. "Empty and Infinite?"
"There's no cloud, sun, storm, lightning, rain or mist… just an open sky as far as your eyes could see. A very vast sky without end…" Because within the throne there was no place for anyone else.
Iri quieted down at that, "I see… it's a lonely place indeed." Perhaps even more than her castle in the middle of cold forest. A sky so vast that you were entrapped no matter how far you tried to escape.
At forlorn expression on his master's beautiful face, he couldn't help but feel guilty. Taking his notebook from his pocket and a pen, pulling down the foldable table so he could write 9 by 9 grid. "Master, if you're bored would you like to learn a game?"
The homunculus perked up at the offer, "Really? What kind of game?"
"It's called Sudoku, a Japanese game."
As expected of Einzbern homunculus and an alchemist, Irisviel mastered Sudoku very quickly. By the time the plane landed, he almost ran out of game to entertain his master.
Japan, Fuyuki City
Home sweet home, or not… Emiya Shirou couldn't decide what to feel that he was at last back in Fuyuki, and free of Alaya's contract. He did dream of the free part but he never thought coming back here would be part of it. He was not quite a free man, but he got better.
"So, this is the country Kiritsugu was born in..."
Irisviel's comment snapped Shirou from his musing and turned his attention to Irisviel who skipped down the steps ahead of him and Saber. Considering her distinctive hair and eyes, Shirou didn't see the point of giving her tips on commoner's fashion to blend in. Her silk blouse, thigh-high long boots, her casual coat with silver fox fur, everything was coming straight out of a high class display window. She looked like a fashion model, and Shirou would hate to tell her to dress less than her best while she was enjoying dressing up to her image of civilian.
He wondered if Ilya felt the same when she was in Iri's position sometime in the future, at last out of confinement of that winter like castle and came to foreign land. He didn't let himself to ponder about his adopted sister's mental state any further, it was just depressing to remember how the Einzberns twisted that innocent girl with hatred for their personal gain.
"So, Saber? What did you think of the plane travel?"
Saber was one step ahead down the runway from him, answering the query with firm but somewhat apathetic tone. "Nothing in particular. It was more wearisome than expected."
There was no lie in her words, her jade green eyes were perfectly serene. Shirou had to agree that eighteen hours of flight from German to Japan was indeed wearisome.
"Oh, too bad, I thought you would be more surprised and interested." Shirou had a feeling Irisviel was expecting Saber to get a culture shock.
"... Irisviel, you must be thinking of me as a primitive person."
Shirou bit back his urge to retort that Saber was from one and half millennia ago, she was kinda ancient in this modern era. To the frowning Saber, Irisviel replied with a bright laugh void of any ill intention. Watching Irisviel's antics was as amusing as Rin in one of her technophobe episode.
"Flying in the sky is nothing surprising for a Heroic Spirit?"
"Not exactly, But as a Servant summoned in the present world, I have received information about this era. Also, as a Saber, I possess a skill dedicated to Riding. Presently, I might be able to ride this airplane."
Judging from her wide-eyed amazement, his Master underestimated the 'Riding' skill of servant. Surely Iri didn't expect they should procure a horse for Saber's use, right? "You could… pilot it?"
"Probably. My riding skill applies to all vehicles. If I can sit on a saddle and seize the bridle, I can manage the rest from instinct." Saber elaborated with confident look on her face.
"Sit on the saddle and… seize the bridle?" The homunculus echoed before she burst into laughter follow by Ruler.
Saber glanced at her fellow servant who was also laughing with his master. "What's so funny?"
"Well, allow me to enlighten my primitive comrade." Saber's left eyebrow twitched at the jab, "This mount." He gestured towards the plane that was already so small from where they were standing. "Does not have saddle or bridle, we have upgraded from that for the last few hundred years. It has a cockpit with steering wheel, gauges, radar and leather seat that I am sure is much more comfortable than a saddle."
Irisviel was still laughing.
"And my most charming Master seems to be imagining your reaction to 'ride' the alien contraption."
Saber shook her head, "You would be most disappointed because the grail supply us with modern knowledge, so it's very unlikely I will fumble at the sight of modern technology." She said the truth about the skills. The mounting ability of the Saber class allows the use of any vehicle save for phantasmal beasts and divine beasts. If needed, she could definitely handle modern tools like a car or a bike.
"I'm still a little disappointed. You and Ruler must be the first Servants ever to travel in a plane with a flesh and blood body."
"... I must apologize about that. I am not a good reference." Saber added, "And neither is Ruler."
"Oh, it's fine. ―Don't worry. That isn't what I meant." Iri assured her, "Though in Ruler's case it's expected, after all he is a child of Sky." She was delighted by the discovery that he could fly, and she hoped he would bring her along at least once!
Shirou just smirked. "Indeed." He subtly quickened his pace, disturbed by peoples around them eyeing them. Saber and Iri were unequalled beauties, and while he agreed it was irresistible to look at them, he didn't like it. Considering who these two amazing women were to him, of course he didn't like wandering eyes on them.
Saber frowned, before she deduced it herself. "Does that mean Ruler is capable of flight?"
The servant of balance kept hurrying them along, and answered. "Yes, in case of emergency I suppose I could take our masters to safety of sky… but I will apologize in advance that I am not the most graceful flyer. I also will stress it's only for emergency I will use my 'flight' ability with passenger."
Saber frowned as they finished retrieving their luggage and on the way out of the busy airport, blissfully unaware of intense glare her fellow servant aimed at a group of men who were staring too long at Arthuria.
They had gathered quite a bit of attention with their unusual appearance, and Shirou was glad Saber was too focused on the topic of their conversation to care. "Could you explain? It would be prudent to warn us if there's any downside in your ability." Or the lack thereof was unsaid but heard clearly all the same by him.
"Well… our title is quite literal you see, so we're 'natural' flyer like bird. However, since we fly without assistance of contraption or flying magic, we're far from suitable to take passenger with us. I am not sure how tough you are, master… but there are many reasons why normal human is not meant to fly at high speed in extended period with just their body, like wind resistance, lungs capacity and so on."
"I see…" Saber murmured to herself. "In this case if Rider attacked us, you can't outfly him or her with Iri." If Rider in this war could fly, but Saber had a feeling no Magus worth their salt would summon a Rider servant that could only move on land when the battlefield was a city.
Ruler shook his head, they had passed the exit door of airport. "Certainly not, if we must retreat- it would be wiser to take cover in area that would limit servant Rider's mobility." Inwardly he heaved a sigh of relief that they didn't feel like a public spectacle.
"You have a point, Ruler."
Irisviel pouted, "Mou― At last we are in Japan. We must enjoy ourselves as much as possible before the battle begins." She complained as she dragged both servants by hand.
"No, Irisviel, the question isn't about enjoying―"
Fuyuki CITY
As Saber stretched her mumbling halfway, Irisviel walked like on springs to find a taxi for their use. Soon after the three arrived in Fuyuki City, sunset colored the western sky as it was quite late in the afternoon.
"How lively..." Irisviel's impression lit her eyes as she was exposed to the traffic jam of the evening hours.
Definitely not the standard reaction to traffic jump, Ruler thought. Saber by Ruler's side was studying the surroundings just like a commander investigating the topography of a battlefield. While on the other side, Iri was admiring the view with childlike innocence.
"Kiritsugu has already arrived in this place, hasn't he?"
"Yes. He arranged to arrive half a day before us."
Already inside the country, Kiritsugu was to hide his existence and follow a completely different route from that of Irisviel's group. He was to take a passenger flight to the international airport at Shin-Ōsaka and change for the railroad to Fuyuki City.
"Are we to meet up again?"
It was Ruler who answered, "No, Kiritsugu will find us… he is an assassin. It would be unwise to go to him in duration of war, bar emergency situation we should be in minimum contact with him for the plan to be effective."
Saber wouldn't show any of it, but she was quite shocked by their plans that she didn't quite find satisfactory. However Ruler pulled her aside after their masters revealed the plan and told her it was for the best to let Kiritsugu do as he please. Ruler himself didn't agree with the plan, not all of them at least. It was also clear Kiritsugu was not changing his mind anytime soon and Irisviel would support her husband no matter what. Regardless of their personal opinion it was more important to follow their master's order for now.
Beside, no plan survives first contact with the enemy. Let's just wait and see how their masters proceed with their genius plan. Saber might find the enigmatic servant annoying at times, but she had to admit his insight of their masters was worthy of respect. Which was why she agreed to let their masters to have a free reign for now.
"Right... For now, we shall observe the changes in the situation and adapt ourselves accordingly." Iri beamed at her servant, it was a little unnerving how her servant understood Kiritsugu's line of thought when warfare was concerned but it was good for the team that Ruler could give real assurance to Saber rather than just blind faith Iri had for her husband.
"Do you mean we have nothing to do?" Saber translated.
Ruler glanced at his master, and wondered if Kiritsugu realized keeping Iri away would affect the cheerful homunculus this much. "But what a waste. After finally arriving to this distant country."
Smiling while watching the traffic jam around, Irisviel strolled a little dispirited. At her side, Saber, feeling confused, firmly followed her pace.
"And― what about trying to find an enemy Servant?" Saber pointed out.
The crimson eyed Einzbern pouted, "Hmm. No way." Refusing blankly, Irisviel turned around, staring expectantly at her escorts. "Say, Saber! Ruler! Since we have such an opportunity, we could look around the town. It must be interesting."
Saber taken aback by the unexpected proposition, in the other hand Ruler was already expecting this.
"Irisviel. We cannot be unprepared. We have to consider the land of Fuyuki we are walking in as an enemy territory already. The Heaven's Feel has already started."
"Yes. I depend on you two for that, Saber. If we come near a Servant, can you notice it?"
"Well... That is correct." Saber admitted, but there was still so many buts. "My range is limited and if there's a servant with an ability to tamper with that…" For example, an assassin.
Ruler interjected, "As you wish master, do you have a place in mind?"
Iri brightened, "Yay!"
"Ruler!" Saber hissed, she knew he spoiled Irisviel all the time but this could put his master in danger!
Ruler leaned in so he could whisper to her ear, one tanned hand cupped around his mouth "In case you have not figure it out yet, my master was stuck in that cold castle since she was born. This is her first and perhaps last time to enjoy this."
Saber's eyes widened in shock, no wonder Irisviel was so excitable since they arrived in Japan. "Very well." If there was danger, both of them would protect her. Besides, technically the other masters should leave Irisviel alone because of her vital role in war.
Iri cheered, "Yay!"
"So, where to first?"
Irisviel opened her mouth to answer but nothing comes up. "Erm, I have no idea?"
Of course, she didn't have any, this was her first time outside. "Then, how about lunch? Enjoying local delicacy is a good start." He suggested.
Shirou was expecting Saber to make a comment on 'hunger is the enemy' but she was distracted, or rather focused in staying alert in case of enemy servant. He couldn't help but ticked, while it was good and all to be vigilant Iri wouldn't be able to enjoy this little trip
"Good idea, Ruler! What's your recommendation for Japanese food?"
"Well, for a start… the sea is near so I am sure the seafood is good." Raw seafood was out of question if Iri was not used to it. "And it's quite cold now, so perhaps some oden."
Saber stared at him skeptically, "How do you know so much about Japanese food?"
It was Iri who answered, "Oh, Ruler doesn't look like it… with the skin and his height I mean. But Vongola is either Italian or Japanese descent, ne?" Information on the family was scarce, but it boiled down on their true magic that related to space-time manipulation, Divine ancestors, their criminal family setting and their ethnicity. In short what they do and who they are, but everything else was shrouded in mystery.
"Indeed, some of our family members are Japanese descend."
He never confirmed he was from the Japanese side, and it was one of many things Tsunayoshi told him to keep to himself. How their family split to two different family tree. Irisviel had asked a lot of question about him, which was expected but Shirou was not blind that to an extent the head of Einzbern family had planted the seed of curiosity on Iri to find out more about his family. Which was why he had been pretty open on what he could share, to give allusion that he didn't suspect anything.
Ah, the game of deceit and lies among the Magus… how nostalgic. Still, it confirmed one thing. Emiya smiled to himself, that old man had lived for too long and after he finished his mission the manipulative bastard would be dead. Either by Vongola's hands or his… of course he didn't forget certain worm…
"Look Ruler! The octopus and daikon oden looks like G key!"
Iri was enjoying vast variation of oden ingredients, and Saber at last smiled at Iri's innocent joy as eating methodically with grace in spite of using chopstick for the first time.
"May I recommend the mochi pouch next? It's sweet tofu pouch with sticky rice cake inside."
"Oh! It looks so cute!" She gushed before taking a bite. "Hmm! It's so stretchy!"
For now, let's enjoy the beautiful company. They had a war to fight but he would be damned if he didn't give them a chance to have fun when he could. So, the next destination was a shopping center, he was sure Irisviel could enjoy some window shopping at least. At clothing shop, he and Saber gave in to Iri's demand for some dressing up.
He tried a bold red jacket with black leather pants and choker, because Iri thought on mannequin the set of clothes looks like it's made for a tough guy. "Ou."
Saber gave him a cursory glance before muttering. "How shameless." Obviously she was talking about the lack of shirt.
"It would be a shame if I don't look good." The drooling shop assistant who was eyeing his partially exposed chest obviously agreed he looked good. "Oh, and Saber… frills suits you well."
Saber didn't rise to the bait, she would endure dressing like a gothic girl a little longer for Irisviel.
His other reason to go inside a lothing store was to point his master to clothing more suitable for Fuyuki's weather. It was not as cold as Einzbern castle in Fuyuki so she could afford dressing thinner. Without those heavy coats and fur hat, Irisviel would attract less attention hopefully.
Saber in the other hand prefered clothing that easy to move in and Irisviel happily took her to a shop that sell suits, it seemed Iri really wanted Saber in a suit. "It's fine master, as long as it's not all black…"
"What's wrong with the color?" Saber asked as Iri began to choose suits in lighter color with matching shirt for Saber to try. "While black is a color prefered by those who sneaks in the dark, I don't think it's a bad color."
"Nothing's wrong with the color but in Japan you only wear all black if you're going to a funeral." Shirou informed her, imagining how inconspicuous Saber would be in all black ensemble. "That, and… you would look like you're in mafia."
"Mafia?" He used that word before but Saber had not asked what it meant.
"A type of criminal organization, typically dressed in black suits… it's already a cultural stereotype so dressing that way is associated with suspicious folks if not secret agents."
No wonder Ruler protested back then. "Oh."
They came out of the shop with a couple of plastic bags, and a very happy Iri. Shirou also picked up a visor sunglasses to hide his eye color, and altered the composition to that of clear sunglasses from the future. Now that he awakened his flame, the color was a really vivid amber. If possible he'd like to hide his Vongola status for as long as he could from other Magi.
She was still in high spirit that Shirou had to stop her from accidentally wandering to line of shop for maniac. Irisviel demanding Saber to try sailor fuku would be a thing to see, he'd rather not dealing with otaku frequenting the area. Rin almost destroyed the shop when the female magus wandered there by accident for 'tsundere' comment.
Unnoticed, the winter sun had completely sunk behind the mountain range, leaving the curtain of night to reveal a different face of the urban area. Irisviel sighed, entranced by the colorful illuminations coloring the city of Fuyuki. She had seen beautiful night views from pictures Kiritsugu showed her, but this was the view she could see by her own eyes. It was like a treasure.
"It's really beautiful... The life of people alone makes the night dazzling..." Irisviel murmured wistfully.
Shirou was glad Irisviel was enjoying herself, and Saber made an admirable effort to enjoy it for his master. Though her eyes still wandered from time to time to map an escape route and such, he had to admire Saber's vigilance.
"... Hey, Saber! Ruler! do you want to see the beach next?"
Saber and Ruler exchanged glance, what else they could say to that hopeful face of hers? "Of course, milady."
There was a vast seaside park on the opposite shore of the big bridge that crossed the Mion River. Late at night, they were strolling on the lone walkway with nobody around anymore. The north wind from the sea was blowing softly uninterrupted, blowing up Irisviel's long silver hair like the trail of a shooting star.
"We should have come here when it wasn't dark..." Saber said in apologetic tone.
Ruler couldn't help but commented. "Master, I know you're used to cold but playing in the water at this season at night…"
"It's fine. The sea at night is beautiful too. It mirrors the night sky." Just listening the sound of waves against the sand brought calmness to her. Her fair-skinned cheeks flushed with happiness, and she looked really young rather than a married woman with a child.
"It's really fun, walking through an unknown town with two gentlemen."
Ruler gave her a low bow, followed by Saber who was more graceful than him when doing it. "It's our pleasure, princess."
Irisviel felt a little embarrassed, turning her head toward the sea. She had been spoiled rotten by both of them today! How embarrassing.
"Master, please wait for a bit… I will buy something warm from vending machine." Ruler informed them as he left for the vending machine he knew was just a hundred meters away from their spot.
Left with only Saber for company, Iri fidgeted. "Saber, do you like the sea?" She tried to start a topic.
"In my time, in my country... What was beyond the sea was always the enemy. It was annoying and not very attractive." Especially the Saxon, and other invaders. That was the disadvantage of Brittain being an archipelago country.
"I see..." At Saber's reply, Irisviel's expression becomes a little clouded. She would comment on
"... It is tough to forgive. You are a woman like me.
For you who lived as King Arthur, dating gentlemen was not a suitable thing to enjoy."
"Well yes, that it was."
Saber shrugged her shoulders, smiling nonchalantly. She had no regret from casting aside her womanhood. Perhaps she didn't know the joy Irisviel spoke of, but she took joy from her pride leading her knights through battlefield.
Ruler returned by then, bringing two cans of hot cocoa and a coffee. "Here master…"
"Thank you, Ruler…" Iri took a sip of the sweet drink. "Hmm! It's so good, I feel warmed up!"
The servant of balance chuckled softly as he opened his own can of coffee. "Glad to hear that, master."
"Oh, do you like the sea? Ruler?"
The white haired man blinked owlishly at that, "Why do you ask?"
"I asked Saber already, so it's your turn?"
There was a rule? "Well… I don't dislike it but I don't like the sea in particular either." He offered his opinion. "Though I can see you really like it master, perhaps you prefer someone else instead of us?" He asked teasingly.
Saber also chuckled, "I am sure you would rather to walk through the city with Kiritsugu rather than with us."
The smile on Irisviel's face was an uneasy one, "He... Cannot do that. He would be pained with mixed feelings."
Not grasping the meaning of her reply, Saber madea dubious face. Ruler in the other hand understood completely, and with newly found clarity suddenly their master's plan was not only because of Kiritsugu's terrible compatibility with Saber or for Irisviel's safety. That idealistic fool!
"Can Kiritsugu not enjoy his time spent with you?"
"Not that. He would certainly enjoy it as much as I do. ... That's why he can't. He is one for whom 'happiness' is a pain."
Carefully analyzing her words, Saber tried to comprehend the contradiction in the man named Emiya Kiritsugu. Ruler looked irritated, almost angry. "Ruler?"
"Master… your husband is an idiot." Ruler said plainly.
Saber's eyes widened at the blunt insult Ruler threw to the man's wife. "Ruler!"
Irisviel continued to smile. "Aha ha… this hyper intuition of yours is somewhat scary, Ruler. You figured Kiritsugu out so quickly!"
Ruler tightened his grip on his emotion. "Regardless of his issue, whether it's his dream or self-punishment… it's not his right to make the woman he loves to suffer with him." He stated with conviction. "Forgive me Master, but I think I lost most if not all my respect for your husband."
"Maa… maa." Iri raised her hands in placating gesture, a sheepish smile on her fair face. "I am glad you're concerned about my happiness, Ruler… but as the woman who loves him. It also brings me joy to support his dream."
It dawned on Shirou why it bothered him so, the path Kiritsugu was treading was not so different from the same pit hole his ancestors keep falling into. Discarding his humanity to achieve his ideals, because it was easier not to feel when taking extreme measure to save people. The crueler he became, the harder he tried to save people so becoming a monster hold a meaning.
Saber watched as inner turmoil danced in pool of gold, to her what Irisviel said was just assurance that she was fine holding on for the sake of Kiritsugu's dream but to Ruler it held deeper meaning Saber was unable to comprehend.
Hyper Intuition, the power to see through all.
It made her wondering if… those words were true after all, that the kingdom fell not because of Mordred's rebellion but because she couldn't understand her people.
"!"
Ruler and Saber were snapped out of their musing, eyes narrowed. Ruler quickly pulled Iri out of the water, "Master, my deepest apologies but it seems the day didn't end with pleasant mood."
"An enemy servant."
"Yes."
Ruler craned his neck to the side. "This is a plain provocation." He is clearly conscious of their presence, yet he didn't shorten the distance, rather slowly distancing himself―
"He seems to be inviting us."
"Hmm. That is honest. Does he want to choose the battlefield?"
There was no trace of tension in her voice, Irisviel still kept cool as she replied. In this battle situation, that was the proof of her complete faith in them. "It appears the opponent has the same expectations as us. Making the opponent bite on the indications left for show... He is a Servant looking for a frontal fight, just like you, Saber, isn't he?"
"That would be a Lancer or a Rider class. He makes a straightforward opponent."
Ruler sighed, "Well, it can't Assassin or caster for sure." And not certain Archer either, because the golden eyed servant couldn't imagine the arrogant hero would use this kind of invitation. Or rather, he won't go looking for a fight in the first place.
"Then, shall we take on the invitation?" Irisviel looked excited and fearless at the prospect.
"I wish the same."
Ruler groaned, rising her hands in halting gestures. " Woaah, ladies… It is dangerous to blindly take the bait and follow the enemy to a field at his advantage." At Saber's glare, Ruler added. "It's not about your skill… I am sure you can hold your own against this servant, and your judgement that this servant is looking for a fair fight with how obvious he or she is."
"—So, why are you hesitating?"
"I don't trust the master of this servant." He admitted. "Other master won't aim at you but at Irisviel, Saber…" And considering the plan demanded him to stay away from Irisviel, she would only get Saber to protect her.
Irisviel crossed her arms petulantly, "I have faith Saber could protect me! Beside Kiritsugu would be there."
Saber was confident of her skill, any enemy of a rank lower than Saber that they would meet shall be killed in a blink of the eye with one sword strike. Ruler had informed them of a valid point however, it didn't matter if the servant was honorable if the Magus in control was not. In fact with Kiritsugu as reference, she was pretty sure it was not an original idea to look for a chance to finish another master while the servants were busy.
"If you say so Master, but please be vigilant… I will try to stay as close as I could as playing my role properly in this war."
Irisviel nodded, "Take care, Ruler."
The servant of balance throw a confident smirk before walking pass Saber. "I am counting on you." He told the servant of sword without looking before disappeared from sight.
Saber just nodded, the Heaven's Feel had just begun for them.
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