I decide to set this fic to 7-10K words range… it's the standard length for me. Unfortunately Vongola got no chance to appear yet, and it's still too early for dream sequence.
I am glad everyone are happy to see Iri's ahem! First murder- I mean attempt to beat a servant! Yeah! I just feel there's no way she is COMPLETELY innocent with a husband like Kiritsugu and daughter like Ilya. Considering she is made by Einzbern I just feel 'sadism' is in the blood somehow.
Chapter 05: Sky of Mirror
Fuyuki Hyatt Hotel
Standing on the top of building next to hotel Lancer's master occupied was Ruler, observing the Magus and servant through reinforced eyes. He could easily picked up Lancer, Kayneth and the red haired woman who could only be Sola-ui pacing around the room. It seemed his guess was correct, Lancer to most Master would be a blessing, as he was painfully eager to please them as long as it doesn't contradict his code of chivalry, but when the master have a fiancee around… Gee, this was like a repeat of his legend.
Shirou felt sorry for him, the poor guy. Maybe it was his blessing Kiritsugu decided to off them tonight.
The servant of balance looked down, Kiritsugu was setting up terrorist bombing expertly. Apparently Kiritsugu didn't deign to step on Kayneth's dungeon of trap the noble installed on the floor he rented. The man's attempt at subtlety and deceit with hiding somewhere near while his servant was fighting was pathetic at best. His security system was even more so, his mistake was not in what he put, but the lack of his attempt to hide he had boobytrapped the whole floor. Kiritsugu just had to sneak in to check his guest log and found he had rented two floors for his personal use.
Spotting the Magus Killer talking with hotel staff, Ruler decided to join him shortly. However he also sensed Assassin around, and he couldn't be seen with Kiritsugu even in his civilian attire. So he called forth the Noble Phantasm given to him through trial of inheritance. A good thing too since other 'real' weapon he had was just his bow, and while the possibility of fighting Lancer was low with his class, he'd rather not have his trick exposed.
A pair of beautiful jeweled scimitar materialized to his hand, Celtisette: Nebbia. The jewelled twin scimitar that represent the mist of his sky. Unlike the rest of I Precelte Sette, the scimitars was not for combat but more of a tool like Rule Breaker to Caster Medea. As the blades were thin and too pretty to bring to battle, fitting to represent mist though according to Mukuro. The flame of mist shrouded him as made his way down, blending with the crowd before he stepped out casually towards his future adoptive father.
"You know Kiritsugu…" Ruler began, careful to be standing slightly apart beside Kiritsugu who had just hypnotized a hotel staff to believe he was Kayneth Archibald. "You're going to blow up a hotel just to get to Lancer's Master, I hope it worth it." Apparently Kiritsugu viewed the pair as the easiest to take out and Ruler agreed.
Rider kept Waver around all the time so they were the first out of the list. Berserker and his Master were missing and they couldn't track the mad pair down yet. Kiritsugu wanted to avoid Kirei like a plague, and Ruler approved. Archer was too dangerous to provoke carelessly and Tokiomi holed up in his heavily warded home. Caster was even more unknown than Berserker.
So why Lancer and Kayneth? Not only the master was pompous Magus, the guy had the gall to rent the whole floor of most luxurious hotel in Fuyuki. It was easy for Kiritsugu to plan an attack. The guy also had a very strained relationship with his servant and considering he brought his fiancée along, Ruler could imagine why. Last deciding factor was Lancer himself, he was a skilled knight but both of his Noble Phantasm were anti-unit so there was no chance Lancer could use it to protect his master from a falling building. The anti-unit noble phantasm was also why Lancer had to go first, Kiritsugu deemed him a bad match for Saber.
Kiritsugu glanced at him, the servant was unrecognizable as he took form of nondescript hotel guest. "You don't approve? Considering your family's history, I'd think this is more in style for you." He was not surprised, he had heard people from that side of moonlit world 'The Mafia' had their unique method of disguise. It was not so subtle though, but only with closer look one could notice the ripple of energy around disguised Ruler.
The white-haired servant rolled his eyes, a little put off that Kiritsugu didn't even bat an eye at his disguise. A middle aged man dressed in casual set of suit without tie and fedora on his head, he looked like a typical Japanese man who had just retired from office work.
"Indeed this is more of Vongola's style." Wasn't Tsuna's right hand, Hayato, an explosive expert? "I guess I approve, beside… Lancer's master is a typical Magus from old family. If he rent the whole floor I can imagine he had several magical traps, familiars and what else he prepared as defense measure. Pretty sure he is resting in his laurel up there without worry, drinking wine… thinking everyone are idiots who would walk into his dead trap floor as laughing maniacally."
Meanwhile in his hotel room, unmoving Kayneth Archibalt was doing exactly that as he proudly listing all traps he had prepared in his 'castle' of magecraft, and how anyone foolish enough to come would get a nasty surprise. As Ruler predicted, he thought Kiritsugu was going to play by his rule.
Kiritsugu stared at his wife's servant unblinkingly, "While I am sure that's the case, why did you talk like you could see him now?"
"…My intuition said so?" Was apparently Vongola's standard stock response to this kind of question. "By the way, what am I here for then? While I know one or two about exploding stuff…" Swords actually. "I am not the explosive expert in the family if you want tips."
The Magus Killer smirked, "To confirm they are dead… your Hyper Intuition would know easily even if they became paste along with the whole building." Kiritsugu told him without remorse.
Ruler didn't even blink, "Hooo…" He was reduced to tracking device, wonderful!
"Just a precaution, really… there's no way he could survive the free fall from one hundred and fifteen meters."
Actually, Ruler could think several ways to survive that. "Who knows? Humanity last longer against Gaia's anger than she expected. She is worse than a falling building."
"You, children of sky have a lot of faith in humanity, do you?"
The smile of his lips was foreign to Kiritsugu, but this servant had been enigmatic individual since his summoning. "My ancestors gave up their divinity because of that faith, we were born from the same faith in a sense…" He said as his amber like eyes shone eerily in the darkness of night. "However, our faith is on your potential and will to live, not in inventing wish granting device…"
Kiritsugu narrowed his eyes at that, "You don't believe the Holy Grail is omnipotent?"
"Not exactly." He answered evenly. "What I don't believe… is if this holy grail can grant the true salvation, Kiritsugu."
Kiritsugu became quiet as he and Ruler separated ways, the master went to parking lot while Ruler stayed close to evacuation ground. The Magus Killer casually pulled his phone and dialed as if he made a casual call rather than triggering explosives.
BOOM! BOOM! Grrrooooo!
Ruler watched impassively as the luxurious hotel crumbled to countless debris, and toppled slightly to the side. It was a clean demolition, only the hotel was destroyed and left the surrounding area intact. The rumbling of destruction growled to their ears like an angry lion, followed by shocked screams and cries of panic from guests that had evacuated the building.
The dark skinned servant clapped nonchalantly, before he turned the radio to contact his master's husband. "I will give you six out of ten for that."
Kiritsugu didn't like joking but he could hear the humor in Ruler's voice and couldn't resist. "Oh, and what kind of destruction Vongola's explosive expert could achieve that earn your perfect score?"
"Well… a true explosive expert would be able to choose which floor to destroy and in what order. They won't destroy the 'whole' hotel, just a couple of floors to make sure the target is dead. So, this hotel would just be short a couple of floors as result." The servant informed him. "In short, refined destruction with less brute force."
"I see…" Kiritsugu exhaled a puff of smoke, "Then I concede I deserve just six out of ten, but…" He looked what remain of the hotel. "I'd say destroying the whole building is a better precaution. No magical barrier known to man could save Archibald."
Ruler's eyes narrowed before it closed shut, his senses stretched towards the rubble. "Hm, well… I will revise that remark. You get three out of ten."
"…Now, why did you cut the score by half, Ruler?" Kiritsugu asked mirthlessly.
The servant opened his eyes slowly, "Sheer material damage aside, they're still alive." That stopped Kiritsugu on his track. "Lancer… along with his master." Ruler deadpanned to his future adoptive father. "At least a few hundred million yen is gone for nothing." He shook his head with a sigh. "It seems there is magical protection known to Archibald that save him from your bombing."
"…"
"At first I thought I should keep this a secret from Saber because she would get mad you blow up Lancer before they finish their duel, but I am sure she would be amused instead since your 'dishonorable' method failed spectacularly." Ruler mused.
"…"
"On second though she is still grounded tonight, so I will keep this to myself." Ruler beamed at him, "Aren't you glad you have me here to tell, you didn't blow your targets up correctly?"
"…Thanks a lot, Ruler." Kiritsugu returned in flat tone but he couldn't deny he got this servant here, leaving Iri with Saber, exactly for that. A good thing too, so he didn't write off this attempt as a success.
"You're welcome, Kiritsugu." Ruler beamed, he whirled around. "If it's any comfort, Lancer's master is the type that usually the fastest to die in war. So, there's no need to try your best to kill him."
Kiritsugu wondered if he heard Ruler right, because it sounded like the servant was trying to cheer him up. "What type?"
Ruler just smirked, "The type who is so arrogant, they think surviving this war is a privilege they deserve instead of what they have to earn." In this case Kayneth reminded him strongly of Shinji, both were confident they 'deserve' to win on virtue of their birthright. Kayneth might had both blood and power to believe it unlike Shinji, but the part they trampled on their servant's pride and overestimating themselves was very much the same.
The Magus killer snorted, "I see… indeed their type tend to die first in war." As they forgot in war, their status and blood meant was nothing, as everyone was equal in the eyes of death.
The servant of balance pulled his fedora down, the one he bought along with the visor to hide his distinctive hair. "Maa… it seems Kayneth and his companion decides to stay still." They had not moved an inch after the attack.
Kiritsugu crossed his arms, and stepped to Ruler's side casually as if they were stranger who happened to be in the same place. "Alright, I fail tonight and they live for another day." They just had to be satisfied to keep a familiar to monitor the rubble. "Do you sense anything else, Ruler?"
He inhaled deeply, and stopped in his track. "Isn't Maiya-san on standby over there?" This feeling of dread was familiar, and it belong only to one person.
Kiritsugu didn't even ask why Ruler asked and quickly contacted his assistant. "Maiya! Is something-"
She didn't pick up and Ruler cursed inwardly. Why the heck did Kirei attack Kiritsugu's assistant?
Back with the ladies~
While Kiritsugu could be creative with modern weapon to eliminate Magi, he of course never considered the possibility of using a car to kill a servant. He taught his wife many things, but nothing about the art of killing and especially not trying to run over a servant -even if it was a physically weak Caster- with her toy.
"IRISVIEL!" Saber shouted as inwardly cursing Ruler for even suggesting this madness. Though to be fair he definitely didn't mean it as a suggestion.
Irisviel however was getting excited, innocent or not she was still a homunculus created by Einzbern and they tend to have a taste for violence. "But Saber! It works!" She was squealing now. "Ruler is right!"
Saber shook her head frantically, "He didn't tell you to do this! Calm down!" At the time like this Saber was seriously considering that perhaps all homunculus, and in particular certain 'son' of her were unhinged. "Let's just get out of the car for now, and stay close with me! Let's… just confirm his intention first!" She was almost frantic now.
Never Saber imagined she would plead for another servant's dignity, and to usually gentle and innocent Irisviel no less. This shady man was still a heroic spirit and Saber didn't wish any hero to be eliminated in a car accident instead of honorable battle. If Kiritsugu or Ruler were there, they wouldn't care how Caster died as long as he stays dead.
Irisviel grumbled and did as she was told, Saber who stepped out of the car first winced at the dented front part of their car. It could be fixed with Magecraft, right? Her thought was cut short when the man they presumed as Caster -he dressed like one or a clown- rose from his crouching position, eyes bulging like fish, his gaunt visage looked eerie at night even without his bleeding forehead.
Ruler's master was the first to make a comment, "Uhm… is that face my fault?" She wanted to beat him, not changing his face!
Saber sweat-dropped, actually she was not sure because Irisviel did hit the man twice. That was not important however, "I've been waiting, your majesty the holy maiden."
"Huh...?" Did this man just call her the holy maiden? She had been called a number of titles and since she never exposed her true gender of course she had never been called any that refer to her femininity. Saber was also sure she had no recollection of this man, he had a 'distinctive' face after all.
"Saber, the man we ran over is your acquaintance?" Irisviel sounded apologetic, a little too late to feel that way but Saber was not going to point this out to her.
Still, while the man was intact aside from his still bleeding forehead Saber wondered why the man didn't seem to care he had been run over. "No, I don't have any impression of him -" She decided to answer Irisviel's question for now.
Caster lifted up his head and said, wailing pathetically. "... Oh, oh, how can you say that? Don't you remember me?"
Saber was astonished, his delirious state was not their fault, right? "Whatever you may say, this is the first time I've met you - I don't know where you have gone wrong, but... maybe you've got the wrong person?" She had to keep her temper, while she hated to admit Ruler was right, she deserved that scolding for losing her temper tonight.
Caster however, seemed intent to test her patience. "Oh oh, wuwuwu..." The man wept, clawing his hair frantically. "It's me! I am your forever most royal servant Gilles de Rais! I've always prayed for your resurrection, always waited for the miraculous day when I can meet you again. I came here to the ends of time for that purpose, Jeanne!"
When Irisviel heard the man's words, she caught her breath. "Gilles de Rais...?" Someone summoned a serial killer?!
Saber in the other hand was somewhat relieved that she really didn't forget the man, "I don't know your name, nor do I know of this Jeanne." The name Gilles de Rais didn't sound native to Britain anyway.
Sighing half with shock after Saber's declaration, Caster let out erratic breathing as if he couldn't believe her."What... could it be, that you've forgotten? Who you were in mortal life?!"
It was confirmed, the man was delusional. She was about to get her point across with revealing her name before she stopped. Recalling just a while ago Ruler chastised her inability to keep secret, citing if she could hide her gender for years she should be able to keep her name a secret. Yet, she failed spectacularly tonight.
"As a servant." She bit her urge to growl. "We have to keep our identity secret, but I assure you I am not this Jeanne you speak of." She gritted out, feeling a little ashamed that she couldn't follow the knights' decorum, and returning courtesy after the man gave his. However, she was not going to give Ruler a chance to remark that one had to be careful to tread the thin line of idiotic and honorable.
Unfortunately Caster didn't appreciate her effort. "Oh! Oh! Oh waaaaaa!" Caster began a fit of weeping which was almost a shriek, while unsightly hammering his fists on the ground. "How painful, how tragic is this! Not only did she lose her memories, even her mind is this befuddled... you... you! God, why are you so cruel to this lovely maiden of mine?"
"What are you talking about? To start with, I'm not -"
"Jeanne, I understand why you won't admit it. You, who originally was more devoted to God and believed in Him deeper than anyone else, was instead discarded by God. When you were sentenced as a witch and executed God did not give you any help or salvation. It is not without reason that you're now acting in this way."
Saber suddenly felt a repulsed, this delusional man was not listening or rather he was already set on his illusion on Saber. It was a waste of time to try convincing a mad man.
"Wake up! Jeanne! You don't need to be bewildered by the likes of God! You are the holy maiden of Orleans, the savior of France, Jeanne d'Arc!"
Had that night went differently Saber would have more restraint to just give Caster a 'close' call to snap the man out of his fit, but it had been a rough night and wasting her time trying to correct the man was pushing her patience beyond the limit. "That's enough! This is unsightly! Get out of my sight!"
That was all the warning Caster got as Saber donned her armor once again and brought down the hammer of wind king upon Gilles de Rais.
Maiya was injured and it was fortunately a simple enough task for Kiritsugu to save her. Throwing a smoke screen to cover their escape and Kirei who was caught off guard didn't even try to go after them. In fact he seemed deliriously happy that someone had saved Maiya, namely Kiritsugu. He was happy that Kiritsugu was here or rather he felt something akin to it.
Especially since while Kiritsugu was gone, someone else he had been looking for appeared. It was Ruler, the servant of balance and representative of Holy Grail. "Good night, Kotomine Kirei… Master of Assassin."
His servant recoiled, as he had been told not to contact Kirei outside of the church but he did to deliver emergency news. They had been caught red-handed by the official 'referee' of war. Kirei didn't care though but the stress of his servant was clear and Ruler for some reason care.
"Assassin, servant of shadow… there's no need to fret." Ruler assured the dark clad servant, chuckling softly. "I won't be much of a fair Ruler who preside this war if I forbid Assassin to move in darkness. If anything I have to compliment your master to ensure your freedom of movement." He gestured towards Kirei.
The priest gave Ruler a shallow bow, "You're too kind, Ruler." He straightened himself. "May I ask you a couple of questions?"
This was too weird even by his standard, Kirei being very compliant and stoic. Because of his intuition the feeling of 'wrongness' from Kirei was more pronounced but there was also something… different from young Kirei. Like the feeling he had not been that far gone yet. The most glaring difference was… Kirei was not happy, and he was not having fun at all in spite of participating in a war that bound to cause several tragedies.
"As a master it's your right." He allowed with a benign smile firmly in place, playing his saint like role.
Kirei inhaled deeply, "Why am I chosen to be a Master?" He asked, "Why the Holy Grail choose me?"
That was his question? This young Kirei, he looked like a lost child rather than the twisted man who loved tragedy he became. Did he find that deranged calling in this war?
"That's simply because you have a wish, and the Grail deem it worthy." Ruler answered him, but at disatisfied look on Kirei's face he added. "I see, you don't know what you want?"
The look of hope on Kirei's face was so foreign it almost scared him. "You know… you can see it? I don't have a wish, no, I don't know it..."
He chuckled softly, wondering if he had just twisted a turning point of Kirei's history here. "Kotomine Kirei… you're not alone in your confusion, many have no idea of what they truly wish for. Sometimes they even misunderstood it as something else…"
In which Kiritsugu was the worst offender Shirou had ever seen aside from himself, the man dreamed of saving the world from all evil and suffering. However what he wished for was actually… a justification of everything he had done his whole life. To him, his sins were so great that only saving the world could justify them. Which lead to his true wish, that he was allowed to hug his daughter, to love his wife, to have his loving family.
"I see…" There was relief in his voice, that he was told he was 'normal' to not know. "Ruler… you seems to be a very perceptive individual, befitting of your role really." He murmured softly. "So tell me what kind of hero are you to be chosen by the Grail?"
Now the priest turned to dig information from him? He didn't feel like giving out information for free, but if his hunch was right the farce with Archer killing Assassin was to give the servant of shadow more freedom to gather information. "Assassin was in the warehouse to observe, didn't he? Then you already know I am someone who has no desire for the grail."
"You have no wish?"
"Everyone has a wish…" He corrected, an image of jade eyed girl with beautiful smile welcoming him flashed on his mind. "However my wish is not one I want Holy grail to grant…" He smiled wistfully. "That's why I can be impartial, all wish have equal standing before the holy grail…" Then he recalled what he was told on other qualification of Ruler servant. "It's embarrassing to say this but the grail is also specifically looking for a 'saint' to fill the role of servant Ruler, and apparently wherever Holy Grail was looking I am the closest to fit that description."
That was another reason why Ruler class was chosen for him, it was downright embarrassing that apparently in life he who had devoted his life to save people fit the bill. His afterlife as counter guardian didn't count, and it was not like he was in control of his action. Yes, apparently Emiya Shirou was a saint and if that was not embarrassing enough the damned holy grail deemed he fit the bill.
Kirei inhaled deeply, "A saint…"
"Not one acknowledged by the church mind you." Ruler informed him, "I was simply a man who devoted his life to save people until I died."
"Such a way of life… I don't think you need the church to acknowledge you as a saint, Ruler." Kirei sounded genuinely awed and Ruler felt more than a little unnerved. "Tell me Ruler." He still had more to ask? "Why is that when I am standing before you I feel something, not joy, not sadness… but a hint of contentment that perhaps I will find an answer I seek?"
It took Shirou just a few second for his brain to come to a screeching halt, as he knew why Kirei felt that way. It was something Tsuna had warned him before his departure, that sky tend to draw people usually ones with potential as guardian. That was one possibility but someone who was unfeeling of life like Kirei wouldn't have it, then it was the second. Kirei was someone who was in search of himself, and completely lost that he unknowingly drawn to nearest sky to point the way.
So he tried to be honest but also vague, "I have an idea why… for the grail I wish to keep my identity as secret. However I will tell you that I won't turn you away." Especially since Ruler was pretty curious and worried how this young Kirei became their Kirei. "And there would be answer I can give… but it's yours to decide whether it's what you seek."
It was a bizarre thought that Ruler started to think 'hopeful' Kirei was more unnerving than manipulative bastard version.
"I know you're working with Archer's master… and pardon me to assume, but Tohsaka Tokiomi is an traditional Magus so I imagine his wish would be reaching Akasha."
Kirei felt excited, at least he thought that was the feeling he got.
"So you think his wish is worthy of Holy Grail?"
The priest became quiet at that, "I am not a true Magus… Tokiomi is a typical representation of a magus, he is also one of the most right-winged. So the church choose to side with him so the Holy Grail will fall into the right hand…"
Ruler chuckled again, "I take it King of Uruk is disatisfied when he heard that, reaching Akasha would be a 'boring, meaningless wish' to him as he is only interested with the world, his so called garden."
"...That's exactly what he said."
"Right." Ruler rolled his eyes under his visor. "But Kotomine Kirei… that's what the 'church' think, not you. As in your opinion now you have no wish on your own, will you help other master if they have nobler wish?"
Kirei sighed, shaking his head. "In this era, people who pursue pure magecraft like he does no longer exist. All the other guys are pursuing the gifts of mundane riches. Prestige, desires, power… all these are wishes that can be fulfilled 'within' the world." He sounded almost distasteful about it. "My father said it but I too agreed orthodox or not, my teacher is the 'right' sort."
"You would be surprised… other masters are not as shallow as you think." Kiritsugu especially. "Though some are shallow as they don't comprehend fully that the Holy Grail can grant anything, faced by wish granting device didn't mean anyone can just come up with their true wish… especially in this case the grail can only grant one wish."
He narrowed his eyes at that, "About their wish, what are they?"
Now, Kirei started to demand more than he deserve. This was getting dangerous, Ruler thought. "Considering my position I can only told you a safe example you as participant can't exploit… like Lord Kayneth Archibald's, the master of lancer."
"...I am more interested in Emiya Kiritsugu's…"
It seemed even though he had no solid proof, somehow Kirei believed Kiritsugu was indeed a master.
Ruler sighed, "It's unfortunate I can't say anything if it's in any way hindered other master." Kiritsugu and Irisviel in particular, "As I didn't tell anyone about your violation of rule the three families established." Kirei didn't even flinch. "Rules the three families put up without consenting to the Holy Grail of course, so as long as it doesn't violate the concept of holy war I won't interfere."
"...I see…" Kirei murmured. "You seems to believe I am not as empty as I thought, but I disagree… since I was young I-"
Kirei began to rant or rather telling Ruler the story of his life, and he wondered if this was normal for a Vongola to get exposed of someone's life story. Kirei's life was not eventful, he got into one profession, excelled and dissatisfied that he didn't feel accomplished like a normal human would. He got married to a woman who loved him with all her heart and give him a daughter but again, he was not feeling anything. Then his sickly wife committed suicide and instead of feeling sadness Kirei realized he'd rather he killed her himself. Driving him further to despair and why his daughter was with his in-law because a monster shouldn't raise a child.
"A heroic spirit told me that… I should just seek pleasure, as I misunderstood it as sin. If I get to feel something, no longer empty as I am, I should follow my desire..." A desire that would lead him to a dark path.
"This heroic spirit is Gilgamesh, I presume?" Kirei couldn't help but note that Ruler didn't sound like he was presuming, more like stating it.
Ruler's mind whirled beneath his saintly facade, 'Okay, I always know there's something wrong with Kirei but never I'd imagine Gilgamesh become the catalyst that turned him to future Kirei I know in the name of looking for happiness.'
"Yes, he claims as King of Heroes he know pleasure more than any mortal. And that's why he found me interesting."
His thought came to a screeching halt and then he burst to a fit of laughter, "Aha ha ha ha ha! That sounds like him indeed." He was holding his aching sides, as he couldn't believe Kirei was taking life advice from Gilgamesh for real.
The priest waited for him to calm down, "What's so funny, Ruler?"
That was a serious slip up from his saintly Ruler character, but he pushed on. "Forgive me, Kotomine Kirei… I am sure Gigamesh believes he is right but you see… a man who indulge in pleasure excessively like he does in life is because he feels empty."
Kirei looked shocked, his eyes widened in realization.
"And he doesn't know it… if his legend is true, can you honestly say Gilgamesh is a hero who died with a satisfied smile on his face?"
No, Gilgamesh died after he failed his quest for immortality. He also had lost a part of himself when his only friend, Enkidu died.
"It's my self-interpretation but… in his quest for immortality, Gilgamesh tried to fill the emptiness his friend, Enkidu left behind." Ruler finished, "That's why I laugh, because King of Heroes gives you a solution he didn't know has failed for himself…" He took a deep breathe. "You're not as lost as you thought… as at this point you know your true nature and you acknowledge it as wicked and twisted."
Kirei nodded unsurely.
"Then, there's two path for you…" He spread his hands wide, and lifted one side. "One is following that nature like Gilgamesh said, becoming the wicked and twisted man but a happy one." Kirei cringed and Ruler was glad at least the man still had conscience to feel that much. "Let me tell you this, following your desire is easy… but as your free will and conscience told you. What set you apart from a beast then? A refined beast perhaps, but still a beast."
"You're strongly against it."
"Didn't you just acknowledge me as a saint? My personal opinion of course discourage you from this…" Ruler told the priest. "However I also know some people who are happy and not empty with following their desire, like this man who dress flamboyantly, who believes wholeheartedly he has heart of a woman, with carnal desire for dead young boys."
Ah, Vongola's insanity… even Kirei looked like he would snap his neck with how fast he was shaking his head. Obviously the priest was terrified he might become the same 'kind' of monster like Lussuria. Shirou felt a little bad using Lussuria as example, if not because he was nearly traumatized by the guy when they met. Strangely enough Lussuria wasn't a monster like future Kirei in spite of his unusual taste, as twisted and a killer yet a nice guy. Then again Lussuria didn't go our of his way to make your life living hell.
"And another path… is simple but harder for you." Kirei was snapped out of his mind-brokenness, "You have a daughter, right?" The dark haired Japanese nodded unsurely, "Become her father."
Kirei blanched, "I can't! To that child I…"
"If you fear for that child, that means you feel something for her." That stopped Kirei on his track. "And your difficult path will begin with loving that daughter, even if you think you don't deserve her." In the end this was where Kiritsugu and Kirei weren't so different.
Ruler took a deep breath. "And so I ask of you now, Kotomine Kirei… not which of these two paths that would make you happier or no longer happy. But… which one do you want to become? A happy monster who takes pleasure from misery? Or a loving father for your daughter?"
"..."
Ruler had turned his back, ready to dematerialized, "You see… Father Kotomine, not all human lives in search of happiness and pleasure like Gilgamesh said. Some heroes definitely didn't…" Arthuria was the prime example. "I didn't… but I will tell you this."
Kirei then saw a glimpse of a real smile on Ruler's face, the same smile he gave to his old friend after he found his purpose again. "I died without regrets… with a smile on my face."
And he disappeared.
An hour later
Emiya Shirou, the servant Ruler of fourth grail war felt like he had just hit by a train and straight through meat grinder. He had just give Kotomine freaking Kirei a counselling, and apparently Gilgamesh was doing the same thing, the horror! Anyway, his Hyper Intuition would have told him if he had done the wrong thing that could cost him his mission, it did not so he was still safe!
Still...Kirei must be pretty desperate if he took life advice from Gilgamesh of all people.
Tonight was one cluster fuck in which they got plenty of information but nothing crucial really happened. He didn't need to sleep but when he reached Einzbern Castle all he wanted was some rest, his report could wait!
Then he saw the beautiful mercedes parked in front of the castle, nodding to himself that both his master and Saber made it safe-ly? The bumper was dented and if his eyes didn't deceive him there were two suspicious dent the size of a human head and… dare he imagined it? Someone's backside?!
He rushed to get inside, pass the two homunculus maid who stayed very still and not even wondering why Ruler knew the layout of the massive castle so well. Finding Saber was easy, she was so familiar to his senses like her own. The female knight was sitting on many living room of the castle, and this one seems to be connected to Irisviel's bedroom as he could also sensed his master.
"Saber! Why the car-" He began before stopping.
One look at Saber's face when he got there, he forgot it. He knew that look very well. So before Saber could say a word he offered, "I am sorry, please forgive me. Do you want some late night snack?" And without waiting for confirmation he fled to kitchen that thankfully was stocked full.
When he returned his master was waiting with Saber in meeting room. No sign of Kiritsugu along with wounded Maiya, with her injury it was no surprise they would stay in the hotel tonight. He just set down the plates of food, before Saber interrupted him. "You're sorry?"
He nodded, "Actually I am not sure what am I sorry for, but I feel I should because whatever it is, you're upset with me… deservingly so."
Saber groaned, "This intuition of yours is insane…"
"I know."
Irisviel giggled as she nibbled on quiche Ruler cooked as peace offering for Saber. "Ne, Ruler! I hope I make you and Kiritsugu proud tonight!"
He paused from tea pouring at that statement. "Yes?" Suddenly he had a very bad feeling about this, especially if face-palming Saber who hadn't touch her food was any indication. "What did you do, Master?" He asked with dread.
Nothing a Vongola hated even more than being horribly right, and they often did. Five minutes later a scream of disbelief echoed throughout Einzbern Castle.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HIT CASTER WITH YOUR CAR?!"
The next morning…
The same sentiment was echoed by none other Emiya Kiritsugu who came first thing in the morning after Ruler called about his wife's adventure with her toy and Saber.
"You jinxed us twice last night."
Saber felt positively smug at the look of betrayal on Ruler's face. "It's my fault?" He began indignantly at the Master, "Kiritsugu… I will tell you this slipped prophecy like warning is something I can't control! We're not seer, and saying things doesn't make it happen! It's just will happen somehow even if I didn't say anything!"
Saber crossed her arms and pointed out, "Irisviel take it as a suggestion."
"It's a figure of speech, but dangerous stunt aside… why would we care how Caster died as long as he stay dead?" Saber stared at him in disbelief.
And her own master nodded, "Right." In hindsight, if a car crash killed Caster then so be it.
Unbelieveable, these men! Though Saber herself didn't have a lot of sympathy for Caster after she forcefully remove the servant of spell out of her sight with hammer of wind king. The servant was still alive, for sure. If the 'see you, my Jeanne.' she heard after she blasted Caster off of the road was anything to go by.
"So, while I have nothing against you stalling Kotomine last night…" Kiritsugu trailed off. "What did take you so long to get back?"
Ruler stopped at that, earning worried look from Saber, Irisviel was still sleeping after so much excitement from last night. "Well… Master, I have wonderful time listening the story of Kotomine Kirei's life."
"...This is too early for your joke."
"And here I thought you would be happy I now have a good reading on Kotomine Kirei's personality, isn't he the most dangerous Master in this war and one person you're paranoid of?"
Kiritsugu narrowed his eyes, "Forgive me for being skeptical that someone like him will just walk to you and tell you everything just because you ask."
"I didn't, he ask me to listen." Ruler corrected, enjoying Kiritsugu's breaking calmness at the revelation that Kirei openly come to Ruler for counselling. "It's nothing strange for us, from time to time some people would seek for us specifically to ask this kind of question like… what do they live for? What kind of person I am? Or anything along the line for direction when they get lost on road of life…"
Kiritsugu narrowed his eyes, Hyper Intuition and also the rumor that Sky draw people in. "He don't know who you are, right?"
"No, he doesn't." Ruler confirmed in even tone. "It's just his own intuition telling him I might have the answer he seek."
Saber frowned, "That's it?"
The dark skinned servant smiled thinly, "Hyper Intuition is called the eyes of Sky that envelops all, so we see through everything…" Ruler murmured softly, "If eyes of normal people are window to their soul, ours are mirror that reflect anyone who look upon it."
The blond king glanced discreetly at Ruler whose eyes were exposed without his visor, and indeed the amber like orbs were eerie and somewhat reflective than normal eyes.
"When people are in doubt with their ideal of life in general sees us, there are two kind of action they take... what Kotomine did, he seek me out at first opportunity and ask for an answer… to see for himself what reflected upon him." He said in lofty tone, drawling his sentence as his eyes settled on Kiritsugu. A man who since his reveal of identity in spite of speaking to him, never even once… "Or they will avoid my eyes in fear to see their reflection."
Kiritsugu's hold on the cup on his hand tightened, and a crack appeared on the porcelain surface. "Nonsense…"
Saber looked at Kiritsugu evenly, and wondered if Ruler was right. However for the life of her from their limited interaction, indeed, she couldn't recall Kiritsugu looking at Ruler in the eye even once. "Master…"
Ruler had his eyes closed now and cracked one eye open at Kiritsugu. "Then please look at me in the eye."
Kiritsugu didn't raise to that challenge. "Why should I? Just to prove a point?"
"No, I am assuring you that looking at me in the eye didn't mean I will spill your gut to the world." His future adoptive son corrected evenly. "We know discretion better than most."
The Magus killer sighed and looked at Ruler in the eye, his eyes waver for a moment before steeling his resolve. "Satisfied? Now let's talk about strategy, after last night I'd like to get a head start from the other participants." He looked down at the newspaper Ruler got from somewhere last night.
"Of course, Kiritsugu…"
Later…
Much to her disbelief, the dent on the car had been fixed perfectly by Ruler just by a touch. Then he chastised his master to not break the car on purpose, he pulled a book from somewhere and tossed it to her. Saber stared at history book Ruler passed to her, which explained why he holed up in Einzbern library. The title says Hundred Years War, and it was quite a thick book.
"For you to study when I drive."
Irisviel pouted. "I want to drive…"
"And we want to live, Master." Ruler offered reasonably as he opened the backseat door for Irisviel.
Saber didn't let Ruler to open her door, gentleman or not she was not going to let him treating a knight like a lady.
The servant of balance looked amused as he rounded the car, and took his driver seat. Then he summoned a pair of twin scimitar, and Saber's eyes were drawn to the beautiful Noble Phantasm. It looked like something out of 1001-night story, with the curved blade, thick and curvy cross guard and hilt. The back of the sword adorned with indigo colored gem in various size.
The pair of swords dissolved to indigo colored mist and Ruler's skin became pale, his eyes as red as Iri's and his hair became longer and down. "Surprised?" He smirked at her.
Irisviel was clapping behind them, "How did you do that Ruler? You know magic to disguise yourself? But… you looks like a homunculus like me now." And the clothes he was wearing, it was white coat with turtleneck instead of furred collar and with double row of black buttons, completed with black pants. If he was standing beside their homunculus, no one would be able to tell he was not one of them.
"It's our special method of illusion, different from Magus' way… And yes, that's the point. No one would get suspicious that you're travelling with another homunculus" At puzzled look on Saber's face he asked. "Saber?"
"Ah…" She turned away, getting caught staring was uncomfortable. "No, I just remember a knight of round table who was also skilled in disguise…" For some reason since last night the name had been on her mind.
The homunculus master hummed, "Hm, Sir Lancelot, right?"
Silence fell inside the car like a heavy blanket, and Ruler quickly started the car and drove the vehicle out of the front yard. "Due to your special condition." Ruler began as if the taboo name was never mentioned. "I think it's prudent to get you some material to study on our enemy. I already marked the part you need to know."
"Which one?" Saber wondered as she began to read, she already knew Lancer, Rider and Gilgamesh so that left…
"Caster." Ruler answered promptly.
The book was about war between her homeland and… French. "He is a French hero? A knight?!" Her fellow servant just nodded as she continued to read, she already passed the summary of why the war happened and found the name Jeanne d'arc. "Jeanne… this is the hero she mistook me for?" In here it was also written that Gilles de Rais -she found his name at last- was her closest companion in army. He was like her version of Bedivere.
"The irony… Caster, the hero of hundred-year war mistook you, the most famous King of Britain with Maiden of Orleans…" Ruler was shaking his head, but the laugh that escaped his lips was mirthless. He would feel sorry for Caster, if he wasn't an unrepentant child murderer.
She skipped some chapter to another part Ruler had marked for her and began to read. Her blood ran cold, reading the 'aftermath' of war and what became of Jeanne… and Gilles de Rais. "That… that man…" He was one of the worst mass-murderer ever recorded in history?!
Ruler's words about the fall of honorable knight from grace flashed on her mind.
"A former knight fell this far?" Her hands that were holding the book shook, her feelings mixed with fury, sadness and pity. The last one was steadily diminishing as she got to the part that detailed 'estimation' of number of victims Bluebeard murdered just to scorn God.
All this… for a woman who had willingly sacrifice herself for her country?! He was so devoted to her and yet… he scorned her sacrifice in the most horrible way.
Ruler reached out to her side of the car and opened the dashboard, inside was a newspaper. "Read that next."
She grabbed the paper, almost crumpling it in her haste. "MISSING CHILDREN, TERROR IN FUYUKI!" a headline of a series of kidnapping targeting… children. Just like in the book she read, that man had not stopped even beyond death. "I should have killed him last night." Or let Iri run him over one more time.
Ruler thought so too but refrain from voicing it out loud. "Perhaps, but I also just get that newspaper on my way back from errand with Kiritsugu." Namely bombing Lancer's place, and he saw it left in a bench of Fuyuki Park. "If it's any comfort, with his total disregard for secrecy… I imagine the mediator won't stay quiet. Sooner or later it would be an open season for Gilles de Rais."
Saber gritted her teeth, "Their concern is secrecy of Magecraft?!"
Irisviel looked down, "Magi are not very caring folks… unfortunately." If servant wandering around for extra-mana, no one would care as long as the church could cover it up as something else.
"Welcome to Moonlit World, where moral is overrated and human right is out of fashion." Ruler told her in droning voice.
The ruby eyed homunculus sighed, "It's no wonder your family don't like Magi, Ruler…"
"…Actually…" Ruler trailed off. "As we're part of Moonlit World I can't say we're better than Magi, Master..." That caught attention of both Saber and Irisviel. "We who rest in Throne of Sky earn our place for saving the world as the Sky of Vongola but… we don't save people."
"You don't save… people but the world?" Saber echoed, "What do you mean?"
The Vongola sighed as he stepped on the brake and the car came to a complete halt, the traffic light was red and a group of nervous parent holding their children's hand tightly crossed the street. "Guardians of Great Will… Gaia's beast, Alaya's counter guardian, and Sky's trinisette holders…" He listed on, "Fighting for planet, humanity and balance… the world as a whole. People… more often than not is small sacrifice none would mind to make."
Saber tensed, 'Counter Guardian…' She had promised that she-
"But you save the world, right?" Irisviel sounded desperate when she asked this.
"We didn't save we protect… in which as long as the world is intact, anything else don't matter." Ruler corrected as the light was green again. "And so, we're without a doubt earned the title as the strongest, cruelest and bloodiest family in our quest to protect the world."
Saber became quiet at that, "Did your family…" Or you. "Regret it?"
Ruler snorted, "We're still human… we regret our sins but if anyone ask, each of our leader will repeat all of them. Or the world will collapse on us."
"But that's…"
"And that's why… we're all taught that 'you're no hero, you're the guardian' which mean you protect, you don't save…" Ruler inhaled deeply. "In that sense both Trinisette families and Magi are devoted to their noble cause, perhaps we're better because the cause isn't personal but in the end… we still bleed the blood of innocents. There's no honor, just greater good of the world."
Irisviel clenched her fist, 'In that case, the more reason to make Kiritsugu's ideal a reality!' So they could save Ruler's family too. It was just so unfair for them who see through the heart of people had to be cruel so the world will live.
He knew what his adoptive mother was thinking, but for the life of him he couldn't… tell her the fault of that ideology. If his cousin, and other two Skies were asked to wish Kiritsugu's ideal with wish granting device -corrupted or not- they would burn the grail. Or so Tsunayoshi said when he asked the rhetorical question that to his cousin was not even worth considering.
Which was why he told Kiritsugu last night, they had no faith in human ability to create omnipotent wish granting device.
"That's why I am glad to be summoned by you, Master." He tried to lighten the atmosphere. "While I am not as cooped up as you, getting out of my divine ancestor's watch for a while is great! I can even save people like a hero, and that's what we're going to do today."
"Yes! Just you wait Caster, here we come!" Irisviel cheered.
If Saber didn't know he was trying to cheer up Irisviel she would be vexed with his choice of words while Caster was on the loose. "So, what's the plan, how about Kiritsugu?" It irked Saber that the Magus Killer was still ignoring her, but still relaying his plan to Ruler so he could coordinate with Saber and Irisviel.
"Maa… we're going to scout the city for his workshop." Ruler explained, "According to his legend he is no 'real' Magus but even a spell-caster should be competent enough to ward his workshop, especially with class skill 'Territory Creation' his Caster class granted. If possible we have to get a head start on him, said Kiritsugu."
"And the church."
"Most likely they would move tonight…" He murmured softly "I think the mediator would bend the rule to convince the other Masters to go after Caster, promising a prize or sort…"
Saber narrowed her eyes at that, "A bounty…"
"Yes, my bet is on a command seal. The mediator got unused extras from previous war."
Really the worst, there should be no need for such thing to hunt an unrepentant murderer. All decent human being with power should feel obligated to hunt him down, thought Saber irately. Her thought was cut short when Ruler spoke again.
"Knowing Kiritsugu… after the announcement we're most likely will hole up in our base." Ruler looked exasperated at the idea, "Well, it's an orthodox strategy to use our home territory to our advantage…"
Saber knew where this was going. "I am going to be the bait for him?!" She hissed indignantly, but if… "If we must! But I am not going to pretend to be Maiden of Orleans, it would be an insult for her!" Hero of enemy nation or not Saber could respect a woman like Jeanne d'arc.
"Of course, Saber, and it's not like you have any skill in acting. You won't need any to deceive a delusional man."
"Ruler…" Saber warned coolly, an angelic smile on her face.
He knew that fake smile, in which in the past meant bruises and sore muscle. "As you wish, your highness." No matter how strong he had become, Emiya Shirou had no doubt that Saber could still beat him black and blue.
Irisviel in the other hand was thoughtful, carefully observing the interaction of the two servants so far. Kiritsugu was rarely around both at the same time so he didn't notice but Irisviel since their summoning was almost always with them so she could see it. If she didn't look for it, she won't notice it either but… Ruler read Saber's mood even when she acted stoic very well and it couldn't be just the product of his intuition.
Godly intuition didn't give you familiarity, like how at ease Ruler acted around Saber. He was a Vongola, so he couldn't be part of King Arthur's legend.
Then the question was not who Ruler was but… who was him to Saber? Anv vice-versa.
AN: Extra Info on new sword
I Prescelti Sette Frammenti (Sword of Seven Chosen Fragments) : Nebbia Twin Scimitar (C+)
A pair of twin scimitar that may or may not be inspired by Tsunayoshi's pair of mist guardians. An ornamental blade that more suitable as ceremonial sword like Rule Breaker and in NO WAY could be used in frontal battle. Representation of Mist phenomena in Shirou's sky, giving him ability to use construction property of mist but the range is poor so he could only use it on his person as disguise or other if he lend them.
I Prescelti Sette Frammenti (Sword of Seven Chosen Fragments) : Tempesta Chakram (B-)
Representation of Storm phenomena, a chakram that disintegrate material matter within range but on heroic spirits it would only blast them away. More suitable for mid-range combat.
Made of modern material developed by Vongola, a type of composite metal in black color with red sheen like dried blood.
There're FIVE more swords that make up I Prescelti Sette Frammenti. Suggestion is welcome!