Another update… even though I really should get on my paper hic hic hic…

Chapter 06: The Hound of War

At the scene of the collapsed Fuyuki Hyatt hotel, the rescue team was working frantically throughout the night. This franticness was the fault of no other than Emiya Kiritsugu. If he had been a proper Magus would save the poor rescue team from overtime, leaving them with blissful ignorance that Kayneth Archibald and Sola-ui had safely evacuated the disaster zone.

He was not.

Kiritsugu was a decent Magus when it comes to art of hypnotism and memory manipulation, but he was also rusty at it but he didn't notice this as much as how much he had slowed down in loading his gun. So, in just few hours the staffs realized that there was still two VIPs in the building when it collapsed. Because they were on the top floor of the hotel when the incident happened, rescue workers didn't expect to find them alive but their bodies still had to be found. It didn't help they were both foreigners, and that meant complicated issue with British Embassy. Still, they had to clear the rubbles at the scene using excavators and hopefully the body they found wouldn't look so bad.

They did find something at dawn of following day, a sphere of about 3 meters in diameter amongst the rubble. No matter how they examine it, it did not look like part of the building materials at all. Out of nowhere, it had just appeared suddenly in the midst of the rubbles.

"…Is this from the building? One of the decorations of the revolving restaurant on the top floor perhaps?"

"Even if that is the case, this thing is perfectly undamaged. Isn't that weird?" It was over one hundred meters fall, but this alien sphere was smooth as if it had just been polished.

Human were curious creature and soon one of them laid his hands on the reflective surface and the sphere sank inward, the chief who had done so tensed and his eyes clouded as a suggestion took hold.

"Chief?"

"…"

"Did anything happen?"

"…we have to remove this thing from this place." He echoed the command only he could hear.

"Huh?"

"…Use the truck to transport it away. Hurry."

No one thought it was a strange command coming from their chief, as removing the alien object had to be done anyway. Though it shouldn't be a priority, but no one thought it was anything to be concerned about. Until their chief went missing… along with the truck that carried the mercury sphere.

Five hours later, at the outskirts of the city, a police patrol discovered the lost truck, with the chief still sitting at the driver's seat, unconscious. However, the truck which transported the silver sphere on its shelves was now only left with an empty husk.

Kiritsugu's and Maiya's Hotel Room

Everything that happened in ruin of Fuyuki Hyatt to outskirt of Fuyuki was caught through the eyes of crow familiar of Kiritsugu, and the Magus killer groaned in rented hotel room after he just got back from Einzbern Castle.

"Kiritsugu?"

He pinched the leftover cigarette on ashtray by the coffee table and answered, "Ruler is right, Kayneth and his group survive."

"You didn't believe him?"

The Magus Killer snorted, "After everything I have seen of him, I have as much as confidence as possible in his ability in few days, getting jinxed by his careless and seemingly random remarks help." Which mean Kiritsugu really had to pay more attention to what the guy said, because Ruler himself didn't seem to realize it. "As for trust… it's relative, but it helps to know Ruler avoids lying outright like a plague."

Maiya blinked at that, "Why is that?"

"As a sky his origin is 'Sky' and thus… 'Harmony' so I imagine even if he could he'd rather not, that's why he just twisted truth slightly, giving open or vague answer and so on…" His metal lighter clinked his his hand as he flicked it open and close. "Remember, even if as Iri's servant he has more freedom… a Vongola as a bloodline descending from God would be compelled by their origin stronger than other human."

In short, they could be a prisoner not by their ideal like Saber and her chivalry but by their very being. That kind of existence… there was no escape from it. And yet when Kiritsugu questioned his family's ideal back in Einzbern castle he…

Flashback

"Family with bloodiest history steeped in sin, and yet as one of them, you act like you're a decent person around us." It was so irritating to see how protective and kind Ruler was to his wife, and dare Kiritsugu imagined it… not as servant but a friend. For Iri's first friend to be a Vongola…

Ruler shrugged, "Just because our duty means becoming disaster incarnate doesn't mean we can't afford being our own person out of duty, even soldiers who killed another in battlefield still could go home and give his daughter a hug."

Kiritsugu didn't miss the not so subtle allusion to him. "…I see… why did your family go down that path at all?"

"…If you want to be technical it's because our first Boss, Giotto signed the damn contract and doomed the rest of his descendants to this fate…" Ruler informed him in deadpan tone. "But the real reason is because from Giotto to the last of us are all idiots the world needs." He said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"But dooming your children to the same fate?" Kiritsugu's voice was harsh as he said this, after all he was pulling all stop to win the war so Ilya wouldn't share Iri's fate.

"Yes… yes, our bloody legacy." He laughed but there was no mirth in his voice. "It's not like anyone else could pick up where we left, and if the world goes… so is our children."

Kiritsugu couldn't fault that logic but in the end… it was just cold logic.

Ruler glanced at him, "Don't misunderstood us though… there's a reason why we called our greatest legacy as sin because we accept our fault as it is, and there's no honor in our duty only greater good. So if you call us sinners, monsters and what else… we will shoulder it all without retreating." He stated with conviction. "It's in our vow, to ruin or to prosper… we will go forward with our dying will."

And that was when Kiritsugu decided, regardless of his suspicion of Ruler and Vongola family. The servant deserved respect, simply on virtue they weren't blinded by their sacred duty like Magi and acknowledge their mistakes as sin.

End of Flashback

That was more than Kiritsugu could say about his own kin or Magi in general who as long as their research for Akasha progressed, moral be damned.

Miyama Town

For a start, they didn't know where to begin with, as Caster's workshop could be anywhere. Fuyuki was quite a big city, it was impossible to comb Miyama and Shinto by themselves for a secret lair. Though if history was right the man was not very subtle and not above hiding in plain sight. Ruler was unsure what counted as plain sight in this case considering Kayneth had claimed the biggest hotel Kiritsugu bombed the night before.

So perhaps somewhere like dingy alleyway or slump or red light distric…

"Can't you use that devil intuition of yours to point the way?" Saber asked him after three hours of no sign of Caster, they caught some of his familiars though… all of them following Saber.

Ruler's left eyebrow twitched, "Devil you said… I am doing it, unfortunately my reach is just 200m in radius." Which was no different than Saber's sixth sense for servant. "While barrier that deceive senses and the likes won't work against me, that's still a lot of area to cover." He cupped his chin, "Perhaps we will have more luck at night when Caster and his master operates…"

Irisviel cupped her chin, "I thought because of your innate connection with the root you can just point to a random direction and we will find Caster…"

"...In spite of our divine ancestry, there's a reason why it's called hyper intuition instead of Godly Intuition." Ruler deadpanned, rolling his eyes. "Well… a cousin of mine could do that." Tsunayoshi definitely had done it before. "But not me."

"Why?"

"Difference in talent…" He said in distracted tone as a dagger materialized in his hand and enhanced with lesser honing properties like Hrunting, before throwing it with spinning motion.

Whoosh! STAB! "Kiiiiiek!"

Saber didn't even bother to look, she already knew what Ruler just killed. "That's the fourth one…"

Irisviel had her eyes clenched shut and waited until sound of flame burning could be heard. The first time they caught Caster's familiar, they made a mistake to take a good look at it. Caster's familiar was made of human body parts sewn haphazardly together with fingers like legs on arthropod. Since then Ruler made sure to burn all that followed them.

While both he and Saber were no stranger to blood and gore, Caster's idea of familiar was too unsightly to watch.

"Not to mention they came from different direction each time to replace the one I killed." The city was crawling with his disgusting familiars.

"So, we can't use it to track down Caster…" Saber concluded. "This is difficult."

It was also very difficult to Ruler, whose naive young self was buried on the back of his mind protesting the idea of parading 'Saber' as bait to track down Caster. Not to mention this was another stalker who got obsessed with Saber, his experience with Gilgamesh was not helping… though at this point it seemed Gilgamesh had not fallen in love with her yet… Gee, why Saber just had to attract the twisted one-

"Ne-ne! Ruler." His adoptive mother's voice cut his line of thought. "This is like detective work, maybe we need magnifying glass? Sherlock Holmes' notebook? More newspaper? A group of Baker street boys or-"

Ruler snapped his fingers, "Yes! That's what we need!"

"Magnifying glass?"

"...No, Master… we're going to Fuyuki Library and play nice with a couple of impressionable librarians." Judging from Saber's indignant face she had a feeling where this was heading. "Hopefully they don't mind missing a couple of newspapers. And… your husband has to speak with a couple of… ahem, friends of his instead of Baker Street boys."

Hotel

Kiritsugu exhaled a puff of smoke, "For now let's just leave Kayneth be, sooner or later he will come out once all masters are requested by mediator to gun for Caster." The fool who had used one of his command seals wouldn't pass the chance.

RING! RING!

It was Ruler, after Iri's flailing with her phone Kiritsugu deemed it necessary for his wife's servant who unsurprisingly adept with technology to have his own.

"Moshi-moshi, what is it?" He smirked at the prompt request he heard from the other, "Yes, I do have contact with underground world in Fuyuki. It can be done…"

As expected of a Vongola, noble or not, just cover identity or not… they were still the leader of Mafia world.

Mackenzie's House

A pair of frightened eyes looked up, the owner's neck already felt strained just to look at the two meter giant before him. "…Excuse me? Is this Mackenzie's house?" He asked, struggling to not let his voice quiver as it would be rude to a customer.

"Yeah. This is the name of the owner of this house."

He wished it was the wrong house, "…Then, who is…..Sir King of Conquerors Alexander…?" Some history-nuts?

"I am he."

Okay, he dressed like one but the delivery man was not going to comment on that. "…Ah, ah. Err… I see. Ah, haha…ah. Then can you sign over here?" Why this giant spoke in archaic fashion?

"Sign? Alright…done!"

"Thank you very much. So-sorry for disturbing."

"Hmm. No problem at all."

※※※※※

Waver had a terrible night, then again that was what he got for joining a war with the vaguest idea just to get back at his jerk of a teacher. Who was a sore loser to boot, but there was slight comfort to see his former teacher making an ass of himself last night in front of more than half participant. While he didn't have the best entrance and quite pathetic, at least Waver had enough sense to not step on Rider's pride.

He knew his jovial servant tolerate his whining to a degree, and he could put his foot down when Rider did nonsensical stuff in modern era. However, his servant was still a hero and a king, so when Rider was glad to have him on the chariot, Waver steeled himself to do so again. Besides, while it was cowardly Rider's side was the safest place.

As for his former teacher… Waver now didn't feel guilty about stealing his artifact, after he calmed down the third-generation Magus had a feeling he had unintentionally saved Kayneth. If Rider's comment on the man's cowardice was any indication… Kayneth would be in hot water by the first night with Rider. Lancer, Diarmuid at least was obedient to default as long as his rule of chivalry was not crossed.

Not that he wanted Kayneth to thank him though, his former teacher was a typical blue blooded Magus. Now that he no longer Kayneth's student, Waver felt while he still wanted acknowledgement for his achievement he didn't want it from Kayneth anymore. Especially after what Rider said last night… if Kayneth was so smart he shouldn't have wasted a command seal in a fit of anger to feed his ego. Now Waver felt stupid for being so hasty just to get back at egoistic idiot, talented and highly respected lecturer or not.

An acknowledgement from a king like Rider was much better, and Waver believed that last night compared to Lord El-Melloi- the prodigy, famous lecturer, someone to whom Waver cannot hold a candle at one time, Waver was way superior then as a Master.

Even though… the king, his Servant…

"What do you think? I bought it with this modern mail order!"

Rider was wearing XL sized T-shirt from the parcel he got. No matter how Waver looked at it, it looked just like another cheapskate product. At the front part of the shirt, an eye-catching logo was imprinted on top of the world map - "The Admiral's Great Tactics". It looked like one of those products from the games segment published in on the front page of the special edition of the magazine.

"It is really not bad. After I noticed Saber yesterday night, I had a sudden inspiration too. If I wear contemporary styled clothes when I go to the streets, you wouldn't mind, right?"

His servant had a terrible taste of fashion, while he cursed Saber and her master for giving Rider the idea… he cursed them even more that at least they had taste in fashion. Bloody Einzbern and their branded clothes. That homunculus master and Saber looked like they were out of front page high class fashion magazine. In the other hand, Rider…

"Wahaha! Just like what I wanted- the effect of having the whole world on my chest. Haha! Really makes me feel happy."

"…ah, ahh. Yeah, yeah."

His servant, the King of Conqueror looked like an otaku… a well-built otaku who wear t-shirt in the middle of winter. He wanted to forget this. Maybe he should just… buried his head under pillows and sleep over it. When he gets up again next time, the world would be a better place, right? No King who failed in fashion. Waver nodded to himself at the thought of tempting notion.

Rider mistook that nod as an approval and marched towards the entrance door. "Then see you, Waver!"

All sleepiness was gone as he noticed that Rider was about swagger out of the house "Where are you going?! Rider!"

Unfortunately, the King was already opening the door and one foot was already out on the porch. "Do you have to ask that? To the streets, of course. To show those peasants the new look of the almighty King of Conquerors."

"At least wear trousers before you go-" Waver trailed off when he noticed a silver sport car parked right in front of Mackenzie's house, the driver's and back passenger's window were open and he could see two faces from last night. Saber and her homunculus master, there was also another homunculus in front passenger seat but Waver was not paying attention to him.

"Yo! King of Knights!" Rider beamed at Saber who looked bewildered at their appearance. "What do you think of my modern look?" The Macedonia king asked as he strike a macho pose, flexing his muscle.

※※※※※

On the way back from Library, Saber took turns with Ruler to drive and then. Ruler abruptly asked them to stop because Rider was near, she only had checking enemy's base in mind, not this… sight that made her eyes hurts. "For your own good King of Conqueror, as fellow king I hereby ask you to wear something more decent to cover the bottom part of your body." She told the red-haired king in cool voice. "As for my opinion on your top, while I have limited experience with modern fashion, I'd say it's in no way sophisticated enough for a king."

Rider crossed his arms, disappointed frown on his face. "Eeh… but I like the design!"

"Then you have no taste." Saber deadpanned. "I will close the gate of my castle, no, Camelot if you dare to come dressed as you're now… fellow King or not." The King of Knights declared, pointedly ignoring the shaking man beside her.

Waver growled at his servant, "You heard her!"

Rider was also a king and yet for some reason his sense of fashion was dead and Waver didn't miss that Saber was dressed finely in medium grey suit with royal blue silk shirt and ochre tie. King of Knight in spite of coming from medieval era was no fashion disaster like Rider. Gee, the homunculus who was sitting beside Saber looked like he was about to have a laughing fit. Seriously, why his servant was such a comedian that even Einzbern Homunculus fare to laugh at them!

"And while I have honor to not attack… dwelling of civilian you use as your base, shouldn't you… more concerned I found your hideout?" Saber pointed out another glaring mishap other than Iskandar's choice of fashion.

Waver paled at that, and realized what a precarious situation he was stuck in, "But I have nothing to hide!" As usual Rider disagreed. "As for the pants…" He looked down at himself thoughtfully.

"Rider!"

He turned to Waver and asked seriously as if it was as important as the Holy Grail War, "Do I really have to wear that?"

"That's not the problem here!" He yelled at Rider and pointed at Einzbern's group. "They are!"

"Okay, so you won't mind to buy me a pants? "

This inconsiderate, ignorant-to-common-sense muscular idiot who's as lacking in manners as a gorilla… "I will not go to the streets to get XL-sized pants just for you. I'll definitely not go." Waver said petulantly as crossing his arms.

"What didya say?" With an exaggerated look, Rider stared at Waver had committed a heresy upon him. "Hey punk, are you going against my authority?!"

※※※※※

Irisviel was watching them with fascination. "They're fighting over pants?" This was funnier than Monty-Python movie Kiritsugu brought for her- it was a secret from Saber of course.

"…It seems so." Saber's respect for her fellow king was diminishing very quickly.

※※※※※

"Your authority and your pants have zilch! ZERO! AND! Absolutely nothing to do with one another!" Waver returned hotly, raising his voice. "Before you go out to enjoy yourself, show me what you can! Kill at least one of the opponents' Servants!"

"Eh? You are quite an impatient fellow. You can engage a Servant in a combat anytime you want, you know."

"So, do it now! Kill at least one of them! If you do that, I'll buy you trousers or anything you want." Of course Waver at this point forgot that one of them was right in front of them and listening to everything.

Showing a sudden solemn look, Rider became silent. "…Oh I see. Understood. For now, as long as I present you the decapitated head of the enemy, you swear that you would get me a pair of trousers?"

Now the respect was completely gone and Saber decided to remind her fellow King that she was still there. "King Iskandar… did you just swear to your Master to exchange the head of one of us servants for pants?" Saber asked with fake angelic face, itching to reach for her holy sword for this indignity.

One that Shirou knew very well but completely unknown to Rider. "Don't be mistaken! King of Knights! This is important as you already get to explore the battlefield in modern clothes, as the King of Conquerors, how can I be lagging behind you?"

Obviously, Saber was not impressed, "It doesn't comfort me at all because you still demean us your competitors in equal value as a pants." Saber pointed out, angelic smile firmly in place. "Nor I understand why we as King competing in such thing, and there's no way I will let myself to be dragged down to your level. As of now… I can't respect you as fellow king, no longer…"

Rider looked like he had been struck by lightning by his fellow king's declaration, followed by ear splitting explosion reverberated into their ears to match.

BOOM!

However, after a while it was obviously not the product of Rider's drama, and it was not a sound either but a hearing stimulus. It directly attacked sensitive nerves of a magus - in other words, a magecraft impulse.

"What was that? ...At the east." As a Servant Saber and Rider could hear it too.

From their position, they could see a layer of cloud dispersing in the clear sky. Although the pattern of the cloud looked like those clouds formed by fireworks, the twinkling glow did not look like normal fireworks smoke at all. Magecraft version of flare, which only could be seen by Magi. The Holy church's most appropriate method to contact the Masters, as they wouldn't have the faintest idea where they would be.

"That position…is where Fuyuki church is, right?" Waver breathed out.

His question was answered by deep masculine voice that didn't belong to him nor Rider. "Ah, at last… the Holy Church decide to move against Caster?"

And there he was the representative of Holy Grail itself, Ruler the servant of balance clad in his black and red assemble appeared before them. "Ruler!" Rider beamed, "Hello my friend! Nice to see you again! Wait- since when you were here?"

"Since you swear to your Master about pants and decapitated head." Ruler beamed back at him.

Waver wailed, "Gaaah! That never happen, please Ruler! That never happen, please forget it!"

"Hey! What about my pants?!"

Saber glanced at the passenger seat beside her, where homunculus look alike of Ruler's was sitting. 'It's an illusion, but when did he sneak out?' When they were distracted by Rider making a fool of himself perhaps? Ruler was as sneaky as Kiritsugu, no wonder they got along. "Forget about pants." Saber gritted out, "Caster is more important!"

"Caster you said?" Rider echoed, "Ah, haven't seen that guy yet! He is the only one who didn't show up last time."

Waver approached Ruler, of all servant Waver didn't feel in danger to be so close with him. Which was strange… but Ruler does have comforting presence. "Why the Holy Church is making move against Caster? Is it something to do with serial kidnapping and murder recently?"

Ruler nodded, the boy was pretty perceptive as expected of future best lecturer of Clock Tower. "Yes… he is the culprit behind these crimes."

Waver frowned, "That's been a while already… why only now?" He had been too nervous about the war and cowed by Rider's boisterousness to have clear mind for the last few days to look for Caster.

Saber couldn't help but glad to hear Rider's master was a decent human for a Magus, at least the child didn't seem to need any prompting or reward to get his servant to hunt that monster. Unlike… other adult masters including hers who Irisviel assured was looking out of goodness of his heart. At this point she was pretty pessimistic about her own master.

"Alright! Let's go then!" Rider roared.

"Rider, no!"

"Is it about my pants?"

"No! I am sending a familiar to the church like any sane Magus would!" Waver corrected. "As if I would go to the church when the other master won't be there!"

While Saber could see the logic and this rate of paranoia was normal for Magus, especially one as young and inexperienced as Waver… she couldn't help but wondered how a war could proceed with all Master sneaking around like assassins.

Then Ruler spoke, "Looks like all the Masters are not bothered about their etiquette towards the church. The poor mediator." Shaking his hooded head ruefully, "Not only get dragged to mediate this war and cleaning up the mess, they don't get respect."

Rider grabbed Waver's thin arm in response, "This boy is going! No coward shall fight by my side on my chariot!"

Hook, line and sinker!

"I am glad to hear that." Ruler was smiling now, "Well then, allow me to go first to speak with Mediator… the priest won't be expecting you until the next hour." The poor mediator would wait because he already knew he won't get any respect, and ended up speaking to familiars. That would give Ruler an ample of time to find out what Tohsaka-Church faction had found out.

Kotomine Church

The main priest of the church, Kotomine Risei was looking forward to meet servant Ruler since the heroic spirit revealed himself at the warehouse. It helped that the servant had a good rapport with Kirei. For the first time in years his son looked more… alive after Kirei claimed he had spoken to Ruler about the problem he had since Claudia's death.

He also relieved when Kirei revealed Ruler already know about Assassin's faked death, and Ruler approved of Kirei's strategy to let his servant to serve at their full potential. If he had any doubt about Ruler's character it was also diminishing after Kirei informed him that the Grail was purposely looking for a saint like hero. The Ruler in this war fit the bill as the servant revealed himself as a man who devoted himself to save people until his death.

"He is nothing like Gilgamesh…
there are some issues he refuse to divulge to me but I know and-
I have no doubt when he spoke of his martyr way of life, he didn't lie to me."

So yes, Risei was looking forward to meet Ruler and hoped the servant would be present in this briefing. However he didn't expect someone to knock the front door of his church, and entered with polite greeting. "Good afternoon… Father Kotomine." The red-black clad servant gave him a respectful bow as stepping to his line of vision. "Servant Ruler, representative of Holy Grail… I hope you don't mind my presence in this gathering meant for Masters."

Not only the heroic spirit came in from the door like a polite guest, he also greeted Risei properly. Which was more than he could say for human participating in this war who no doubt would just send their familiar. "Not at all… Servant Ruler, you're always welcome to this church as the one who preside this war."

"Ah… how kind of you, I am almost afraid my existence would offend you as Mediator." He sounded sincerely apologetic that Risei's role in war was somewhat lackluster with his presence.

Risei shook his head, "Oh, on contrary after what I heard from my son I am thankful for your presence in this war. In fact, if you have no place to stay you're welcome to live here."

The servant of balance looked surprised by the offer from the tilt of his head, "Ah… I appreciate your offer but I imagine I should be moving around to monitor each Master and Servant." He smiled ruefully, "So a place to stay is not a necessity."

The Father nodded, "If you change your mind our door is always open for you… and may I know what your thought on this gathering?"

"I presume this is to stop Caster from terrorizing Fuyuki."

"Indeed." Risei agreed. "Now we just have to wait for Mas- I mean familiars to gather, I'd say we will have to wait for around fifteen minutes for them all to gather." So far Tokiomi's had arrived and Risei was sure the insect shaped one was Matou's.

Ruler shook his head ruefully, "My sympathy to you Father Risei."

"No, it's alright… as participants in war I can't expect them coming in person and risk their life to hear this old man talking." He said good naturedly.

The dark skinned hero chuckled at that, "If it's any comfort I believe the Einzbern is coming, along with Rider's master." Then he added, "Their servant is coming too but with my presence here I guarantee to keep them in line."

His eyes widened, and in the background another familiar arrived which with two Masters coming in person must be Kayneth's. "Oh, really? I am surprised they would come in person! And yes, I suppose the servants could come in with you present..."

Ruler spoke a little louder, "I'd say it's their way to show their unwavering confidence in themselves and their servants… but then again they're master of servants that had been king in their life, and their presence reflect well for their servants."

Risei winced, he hoped Archer didn't hear that somehow.

Tohsaka Manor

Fortunately for them Archer did not but Tokiomi who saw and heard everything through his familiar grimaced and glanced warily at his servant who once again enjoying Tokiomi's stash of wine like the king he was. Praying to God that Archer was oblivious of what happened in church. While Archer was unaware he had a feeling he should show his kingly self somewhere.

Back in Kotomine Church

The door opened with a bang, revealing King of Conqueror who slammed said door open and invited himself in with a big grin on his face. Right behind him was his sick looking master followed by Irisviel von Einzbern who was patting the poor boy on the back. Saber was the last to go in and dutifully escorting the silver haired lady.

"Are you alright, Waver-kun?" The homunculus asked.

"Yes… Lady Einzbern…" Waver had emptied his stomach outside after the crazy ride with Rider, who was not less dangerous in Mercedes. Rider who saw the modern chariot as he called it insisted he wanted to try riding the car much to his and Saber's protest. And for some crazy reason the owner of the toy Irisviel voted to give Rider a chance, saying she had faith in Rider to ride it the fun way while complaining her servants way of driving was boring.

Waver was too bewildered by the situation and the following crazy ride on land -which was apparently not helping his faint heart- to notice Irisviel's use of plural.

"It's a fine chariot!" Rider beamed. "Even though it's a bit cramped for me!"

Saber growled, clenching her fist around the key that safely tucked to her pocket. "And that's the last time you get to ride our car."

"Why… don't be so stingy, King of Knights!"

He was worse than Irisviel and it was by luck it was a short ride and the neighborhood around the church was swiftly vacated. It was no comfort that Rider was very skilled so the car was intact in spite of his crazier way of driving, but their ten million car was not pile of scraps was a pretty good news.

Ruler who watched the result of him leaving for less than an hour, while seemed calm outside, inside he was praying the car was still intact and make note to chastise Irisviel again for giving the key to her fellow crazy driver.

Risei sweated, ignoring the car and motion sickness talk because what he saw was budding alliance between King of Conqueror and King of Knights. 'This could be bad for Tokiomi-kun."

"Mediator." Called Ruler, "It appears all participants are already present." Then he corrected himself, "Well, two participants and their… fury and winged representative." He shook his head ruefully, "Fortunately the holy grail care not for courtesy…"

Hearing Ruler's command and feeling the dense demonic aura in front of him, Father Kotomine Risei could not help but to laugh bitterly. Indeed, it was a miracle two Masters were polite enough to show themselves, while the rest including Tokiomi were not bothered about their etiquette towards the church.

"Welcome to our humble Church…" He greeted them. "It's an honor to receive you all, the participants of fifth Holy Grail War. In this rare opportunity I-"

"AHEM!" King of Conqueror cleared his throat loudly, on his hand was a familiar history book on hundred-year war. "There's a mass murderer on the loose, I'd say pleasantries is redundant at this point Priest."

Risei sighed, from the look of participants presents -except Waver who was still looking ill- they were impatient already. "Indeed, Servant Rider… I suppose it is. So I'll go straight to the point." The old father continued, "The War of the Holy Grail, which can achieve all of your wishes, is currently in great crisis. The Holy Grail is supposed to bestow power only to the Master and Servant who seek it, but now there is a betrayer. Ignoring the cardinal obligation of the Holy Grail, he and his Heroic Spirit misused the power granted them to satisfy their frivolous desires."

The master of Einzbern nodded, "We're aware… and I suppose you're already know they're also behind the serial killing and kidnapping cases?"

"Yes…" Risei nodded, glad he got response from the… human crowd. "We discovered that… He used his Servant to carry out his crimes, but he ignored the crime scene right after he was done, not concealing his traces. What this act of severe violation of the rule of secrecy would bring - I guess you would understand without my expla-"

This time it was King of Knights who interrupted, "So your problem is that they didn't hide their crime and not the deed itself? And you called yourself a man of cloth?"

Risei faltered, "Well, I…"

"Servant Saber, please stay calm." Ruler's soothing voice echoed through the pews of the church. "I understand your anger towards Caster and his master, I share your sentiments… Father Risei today is not a Father but Mediator speaking to Magus participants. So please pardon his choice of word, I believe he is merely accommodating to his audience." He said crisply.

The female king narrowed her eyes, "Fair enough, pardon me for my interruption and please continue."

Suddenly his priest garb felt a little tight and hot, he was pretty sure Ruler just made a not so subtle jab to Magus' questionable priority and moral.

Ruler turned to him, "Father Risei?"

The priest cleared his throat, "Ah yes, pardon me…. So if I may continue… this killer and his Servant are no longer your individual enemy, but a general threat to the summoning of the Holy Grail. Therefore, I use authority of supervision I have at such critical times, to change the rules of the Holy Grail War temporarily."

In a strict voice he declared, whilst pulling up his right sleeve, revealing his right arm. Although his body was old, the strong and muscular arm he once had during his younger days could still be seen. Tattoo-like images fully covered his elbow to his wrist -

A treasure of immeasurable worth in this war. "These, are the things recollected from previous Holy Grail Wars, and entrusted to me as the supervisor this time's Holy Grail War. The inheritance of the Masters who lost their Servants before the final battle- their leftover Command Seals."

"I can transfer these reserve Command Seals to anyone based on my judgment. For all of you who control your Servants, I guess you all know the importance and value of these crests?"

Rider hummed, "Hoo…"

Saber glanced at Ruler briefly before turning to Irisviel sitting beside her. 'Ruler is right, the mediator really put a bounty on Caster.' At first glance the seal was no treasure to servant as it was tool to control them but with the right application it was also a weapon. Though… Saber was unsure if she want to see how Kiritsugu would use them in timely fashion.

"All Masters should stop all current hostilities. Everyone needs to destroy Caster with all that he's got. I will select the Master who manages to annihilate Caster and his Master, and bestow him additional Command Seals due to the special case."

Saber grimaced inwardly at the rule 'stop all current hostilities- because by now she had lost faith in most Magus participating in this war especially her own master to believe they would follow that.

"If this mission is accomplished alone, only that person will be awarded; if many cooperated then all will be awarded. Once I have made sure that Caster is destroyed, the War of the Holy Grail will resume." Father Risei rolled down his sleeve and further added. "So, if there are any questions, you can ask them now."

The Einzbern master rose from her seat, "It's not a question, as I merely volunteering an information." The silver haired lady announced. "Caster's identity is Gilles de Rais, hero… or rather former hero of Hundred Years War and companion of Jeanne d'arc. His overall stats are very low… no servants I have seen would have problem to beat him in straight fight."

Risei clapped his hands, "Oh, representative of Einzbern! So generous… so now we know that Caster is the Bluebeard. The trusted general of Holy Maiden of Orleans." He was cringing inwardly because liked it or not this anti-hero was loosely related to the church.

Rider who was silent so far as he was intensely absorbed by his book spoke up, "This is Holy Grail War, care to explain why this shame for all hero got here?" He asked waving the history book for emphasize. "Even Berserker didn't go around killing children and he is mad."

It was Ruler who answered, "I have done some info gathering myself…" He held up a newspaper. "Summoning circle of Caster is found in a victim's house few days ago… instead of a workshop or place with strong ley-line, so most likely the Master is serial killer who had been active for a few weeks by then. It's just our rotten luck that the killer had innate talent for magic, but he certainly is no Magus… and with no catalysis the servant chosen was the most compatible with the killer."

"And that's how this Gilles-bastard got here." Rider finished, scowling.

Risei turned towards him, "Hoo… how do you know, Ruler?"

"After this murder, the target change from random victims to specifically targeting children." Ruler answered coolly.

"Gilles de Rais' preferred victim." Saber finished in harsh voice. "Maiden of Orleans would be ashamed."

Ruler inhaled deeply, "However considering Caster's class skill, it would be wise to not underestimate his master… there's no way Caster would let his master prowling the city with no mean to protect himself." Especially so far all missing children were gone from their house with no sign of house-breaking. "We also have to take account on unpredictability of this cruel pair because of their total disregard for secrecy…"

"Well said." Risei complimented.

The servant of balance turned towards him, "If Father Risei have nothing else to add…" The priest shook his head in negative. "Allow me to continue where you left of, I would like to inform the reason of my presence in this gathering.

Familiars that were about to leave stopped, Rider and Waver leaned in curiously while Saber and Irisviel wondered what their secret ally had in mind.

"In light of Caster's threat to concept of Holy Grail War, I hereby announce that I… Ruler as representative of Holy Grail shall step in to hunt Caster myself." Gasp could be heard from their audience and Risei at his announcement. "Of course… my involvement wouldn't obstruct the temporary ceasefire or cancelling the prize our Mediator promised, and I highly encourage you all to cooperate."

Then he added abruptly.

"And I wouldn't be blind to those who thinks to obstruct their rivals in this ceasefire." He intoned, "Or whatever you have in mind to exploit this unusual condition."

It was a warning.

He glanced at Father Risei, "As the mediator has go out his way to motivate you all… as the one who preside this war it won't do if I do any less so. If any of you find Caster and intend to engage him… I recommend you to contact me through Father Risei is possible."

Rider leaned forward, "Why is that?"

The servant of balance smiled benignly, channeling prana so his own command seal that carved around his nape lit up. "Not only I will assist you to eliminate Caster I also will allow the Master to use my command seal to aid them, so even if you have to use command seal again Caster it won't be a waste."

They didn't have to worry about wasting their own command seal?

"Of course… cooperation is a suggestion but I could make it an order." Risei was sure all Masters now were tensing whenever they were at that suggestion, that Ruler would force them to cooperate. "But I won't do that…" The pressure suddenly lifted and the servant was smiling benignly again. "In the end war is war… and this is where your wish and dream clash."

A commotion could be heard in the darkness. Sounds of moving chairs, sounds of getting up, and sounds of leaving mingled together, and then vanished gradually.

"I pray for you all to succeed, Masters and Servants…" Ruler finished after the last, Rider and Saber team were already standing by the door before exiting the building.

Father Risei pondered upon future developments whilst grinning. He would wait for he hounds to drive Caster into desperation. No one was naïve to follow his instruction to the letter, but they would most likely warier to go against Ruler's. The hunt for Caster was but a mere interlude. Their real goal is still to succeed in the ensuing dogfights.

Everybody craves for more Command Seals. But if the opponents would acquire the same thing, then he would not have any advantage left. So logically it would be more advantageous to go the hard way and get an upper hand rather than cooperating. It would be advantageous for Archer and Assassin anyhow, regardless of the result.

"Father Risei… I am sure it's amusing imagining how the other four masters are going to get on each other way while King of Heroes wait to reap the reward."

Risei thought his heart was about to stop, he thought Ruler had gone too. "Ruler, we-"

The servant crossed his arm, sighing. "I already know… so I'd rather not make a man of cloth to lie for the sake of his friend." Risei inhaled softly at that. "And the Holy Grail is appeased you all go this far to win… but I will give you a couple of warning."

The priest swallowed, "We're just making sure the grail won't fall into the wrong hand, surely a man like you understand."

"I do understand…" Ruler comforted him. "However, you play dangerous game… Father Risei, you and Tohsaka Tokiomi." The priest looked up in fear. "Not with me, or the Holy Grail. But with King of Heroes, Caster and other Masters."

He faltered at that, "What do you mean?"

So crafty and assured by his skill in manipulation, the man didn't realize this plot he weaved could turn on him. This priest was not so different from Magus. "Well… with King Gilgamesh, obviously… he is not going to play by your rules." With how slow the war goes so far, it was obvious Gilgamesh was taking his time even though he could win singlehandedly in a day. He told Risei that Gilgamesh would simply refuse to cooperate, but the magnitude of disobedience when Gilgamesh was concerned would be leaving the battlefield because it was boring and nothing his faction could do to convince him otherwise.

"As for cornering Caster… while I follow your strategy now, I'll say it's not the best course of action against someone like him." Ruler's voice was lowering and Risei felt his stomach sank at the sound alone. "This is the man who was once a fine general, driven by his despair after Jeanne d' Arc's death to the monster he is today. That's as a human, and I couldn't imagine…"

Suddenly Risei agreed with Ruler it was a very bad idea indeed to corner Caster instead of finishing him off as soon as possible.

"What would he resort to now, as a Servant."

What indeed, especially considering unstable mentality Assassin mentioned in his report.

"and with the Masters, I fear for you… Father Risei." That stopped Risei's line of thought.

The priest now was trembling, "You mean if I'm discovered cooperating with-"

He shook his head, "You're a smart man… surely you predict the Masters would go after Caster alone to get upper hand against their rivals instead of cooperating." Risei nodded slowly, "However… there's one more way to get upper hand even with cooperating and sharing the reward."

He was no fool, he was a man of cloth and thus had deep knowledge about human nature. Risei suddenly realized he had make himself a target with this hunt.

"Nothing will stop a Master from killing you after they receive their reward... with coming first." Ruler voiced the dreading possibility he was also thinking of. "The masters of Saber and Rider coming together now is a rare case, after the hunt is over I can't imagine the rest would come together to be rewarded…"

Risei swallowed heavily, bowing deeply to the servant who had saved him. "Indeed, Servant Ruler! I was careless!" He had been a fool to think he was safe, not all Magus was as upstanding as Tokiomi. "What a blunder to be this careless especially with Magus Killer in war."

Ruler rolled his eyes under his visor. "Father Risei… believe it or not Emiya Kiritsugu, who evacuated the rest of hotel guests before he bombed Fuyuki Hyatt Hotel should be the least of your worries… why would a priest fear Magus Killer?"

"Ah-"

"From what I see he has mental fortitude to fight this war… I am more worried with the rest." If that stone-faced Kirei turned to that Kirei, Ruler shuddered to see about the rest especially Berserker's and Lancer's master. "So… may I know intel from Assassin you choose not to divulge to other participant?" He asked as if he was asking about the weather.

While he was thankful to this servant for many things Risei felt he was a hazard for old heart. And so Risei chose to spill everything, he may or may not owed this servant his life after all.

Ruler nodded, satisfied with the information and made a mental note to grab an Assassin or Kirei himself to double-check. "Thank you Father, Risei, and also… while I have skill in information gathering myself I would be very grateful if you share anything Assassin gathered for the sake of Holy grail war."

"Sure… of course!" It was mildly disturbing with how much bowing this old man was doing for the last few minutes, Ruler was worried for his old bone.

"And also, I'd like to know where all Masters are… because frankly I am worried about the sanity requirement of this war."

"By all means… Servant Ruler." Risei himself was very worried about that, and his own son was one of them much to his exasperation. "Ugh!"

Ruler politely ignored the creaking sound that most likely Risei's old bone protesting for the repeated bowing. "Well then, Father Risei… it has been a pleasure speaking with you." It also helped while he was a crafty old man he was no playwright of tragedy like future Kirei. "May God always be with you."

Gee, he was getting too absorbed to this saint façade.

OMAKE: Mafia's grand plan or NOT

It was obvious how comfortable Kiritsugu was with technology, as in using CCTV and laptop to win in this war. Irisviel was still awkward with it, but there was no denying Kiritsugu's wife had no aversion to technology. Ruler couldn't help but chuckled at the sight, which earned him everyone's attention.

Kiritsugu could guess why, "I am a heretic already, so there's no problem with me using technology. I turned my back on a lot of traditional value anyway." And if it helped his job, taboo be damned.

"It's fun!" Irisviel added, "I don't really understand why grandfather is so against adding power generator and telephone line in castle back home, it's convenient and nice…"

Saber frowned, "While I admit in my time these technologies didn't exist I can't imagine Merlin would hate it." In fact… she had a feeling her mischievous court Magus would love it.

Maiya interjected, "It's just the way it is… because the world obeys the law of physic since technology dominates human life, magic is diminishing as the result."

Irisviel hummed, "Personally I don't think grandfather's hatred for technology is justified regardless. It's convenient… and we always take plane to go abroad, so did every other Magus coming from abroad in this war." She clapped her hands. "By the way unlike Magi, the other side…" Namely the mafia. "Thrive on technology in spite of being part of Moonlit World, why is that?"

Ruler supposed it was safe to reveal it, "Why… you ask Master? Well, Magi's hatred for technology is justified, that's why."

"Huh?"

Kiritsugu frowned, "Don't tell me-"

"Just because industrial revolution starts in main land and England doesn't mean we don't have a hand in it…"

The Magus killer stood up abruptly, knocking his chair in the rare show of lost composure. "You guys… support industrial revolution, no… all technology development since then for… for…"

Ruler sipped his tea calmly, this reaction Kiritsugu made was damn amusing. "We were gambling on it actually, whether it works or not… then the world war happened followed by third grail war in Fuyuki. Everyone in the family was pissed… and since then the pace of technology development picked up."

"You're weakening Magi with developing technology?!" Kiritsugu looked dangerously close to unhinge his jaw.

"We also got double bonus that any Magus living closely with mundane branded as old-fashioned and technophobe… Imagine now mundane have legitimate reason to look down on them."

"…"

"…All of that just to get back at us?"

Ruler snorted, "Of course not!" He denied vehemently, "It's just the idea… sooner or later some of old fashioned household item would be deemed dangerous and such. And some things just plain impractical with old fashioned magic like… travelling overseas." Most Magi had no aversion to using plane or other convenient transportation.

"You're kidding me."

Ruler beamed, "I kid you not, Kiritsugu… you're already a Magus corrupted by convenience of technology! Imagine sooner or later Magi had to get used to more advanced technology or they would stick out like a sore thumb! Our idea is simple… what a sight it would be to see Magi in the next two decades dragged kicking and screaming to new age of technology..."

"…"

"…"

"…In short you guys just want to make a fool of Magus community, and weakening magic is a bonus."

Ruler looked hurt but no one was buying it. "…Why Kiritsugu, making it sounds like ominous plan! Do you have any idea how hilarious a genius Magus flailing with blue-ray recorder and almost blow up a TV?"

Vongola and their screwed priority…wait- what the heck was blue-ray? Kiritsugu and Maiya wondered, but neither wanted to voice it. This guy would make a fun of them if it was some sort of latest technology everyone should know about but they did not. Then with dawning horror Kiritsugu realized… for a Magus like him even a heretic one to feel inadequate for not knowing about latest technology. Their plan was working!

That perhaps in the future, younger generation of Magi would feel the same… Ruler was not kidding about their grand plan to drag Magi community kicking and screaming to the age of technology. It was working.

Ruler in the other hand was panicking for a moment for his slip up on future technology, but no one asked about Blue-ray and… was it just him or his adopted father was paler than usual?
He was mostly joking anyway… while it was true that Fabio and Daniella worked on industry revolution from the shadow, it was mostly done in a fit of madness that father and daughter got the idea that if technology could trump magic. The prospect of good money resource helped.

As for shaming Magi for being technophobe, it was Byakuran's idea who found Magi's sputtering whenever he brought a soft-copy document for them to read from his tablet highly amusing. Especially when Vice-director Lorelei looked like she was about to touch a bomb when Byakuran asked her to 'slide' the screen.

In short, there was no grand plan. Just a joke played on Magi community for their stress relieve.

AN: Extra Info on new sword in progress… suggestions and my own idea

Sky: (Confirmed but no spoiler)
Storm: Chakram
Mist: Twin jeweled Scimitar
Rain: Katana, uchigata, Blade with chains
Lightning: Gungnir/Spear, Shield, Lightning Rod
Sun: Rapier, Scalpel, Dagger
Cloud: Kunai (kunai bunshin ha ha) , arrows, throwing star, Morning Star (Roll the hedgehog LOL)

Please NOTE that because Shirou already have LOADS of swords and WEAPON, not all of I Precelti Sette Frammenti have to be practical for 'straightforward combat' Which is why I bring in ornate scimitar for mist. The flame property is good enough the 'weapon' doesn't have to be so practical. And I encourage EXOTIC weapon to be suggested ^^ I love those ha ha… I almost use Keris from my own country for mist actually but it looks too alike with Rule Breaker ha ha ha… the general shape at least.

Give me more suggestion and inspiration! BTW Is it just me who find Saber denouncing Rider first in this story ironic? I don't hate Rider in fact I am THANKFUL he give Saber cold hard opinion she need to hear. He is not necessarily RIGHT 100% as he is never in her shoes, but I have to agree with him that Saber torturing herself on the top with her righteousness is just SAD.