The scent of Sky
Hyper intuition manifested as sensory perception most of the time, rather than working like sixth sense. Shirou's was obviously his eyes -which was most common in their line but focusing on sword- and his sense of smell. It was quite an experience for Shirou living in midst of flame user. In which while their power was spiritual in nature, it was the farthest thing from magic.
Magic worked against the great will of the world, imposing Magus' will and power upon them.
Flame of Dying Will abide by the law of the world, working in harmony with it instead of against it. An infinite source unlike magic.
It had interesting scent too, user of the same flame had similar basic smell. Mukuro and Chrome were the fine examples. They had 'cold' smell that strongly associated with mist, but while Chrome reminded him of morning dew and sweet scent of delicate flowers, Mukuro had headier scent that reminded Shirou of humid air masking scent of blood. They seemed pleased by the description for some reason.
Lightning flame user like Lambo was pungent smell of ozone, sharp and just a tad warmer than mist. The boy was inconsolable when Shirou said this.
Hayato's storm flame was also not a pleasant smell, reminiscent of wind mixed with gunpowder and smoke. The storm guardian thought it was obvious he would 'smell' like that and not offended at all.
Rain flame of Takeshi was one of the more pleasant ones and pretty literal, petrichor. The fresh, earthy smell after rain wash the ground. After being told this, Takeshi waited for rain because apparently even though he was Rain Guardian, he never paid attention closely to weather phenomena he represent.
Ryohei's sun flame was also as simple, and less… poetic. He reminded Shirou of fresh and warm scent of futon aired out in sunny day. The sun guardian protested, why an extreme guy had such a lazy sounding scent.
Hibari's was the most difficult one to pinpoint, as cloud flame wielder he followed the typical water themed scent like Rain and Mist but very distinctive that to Shirou was slightly dusty, heavily suffocating and leaving aftertaste of refreshing chillness. A very contradicting scent that to Shirou fit his seemingly harsh personality and his soft spot for small animal. Hibari looked at him as if he was crazy and stalked off.
Unsurprisingly the scent of his own Sky and Tsuna's were the easiest to identify. His was scent of steel, fire and smoke. His flame gave off the image of burning forge, clashing metals, dusty ground mixed with iron of blood.
His cousin in the other hand gave in scent he could liken to many things, but the feeling was the same. The warmth of hearth, soothing chime of wind bell of summer, earthly scent of miso, freshly brewed tea, peeled citrus and of rustling grass under the clear sky. It was confusing but made sense somehow that Tsuna's sky flame gave off every scent that Shirou himself associated closely with comfort and familiarity when he was just Shirou Emiya, idealistic boy with impossible dream.
"So… I reminds you of daily life as Emiya Shirou, the normal highschool boy?" Tsuna guessed. "Smell of boring but peaceful life…" His cousin wrinkled his nose, "I am not sure I should be offended or flattered."
Shirou blinked at him owlishly before throwing his head back and laugh.
Chapter 07: Before the hunt
Ruler, or rather Wrought Iron Hero EMIYA was no stranger to manipulation in two ways fashion. Being manipulated and manipulating others, he had been on both ends. So when his family offered him this chance with class 'Ruler' he already knew he was going to play chess master again. It was ironic he who was killed by manipulation apparently had a flair at it, and his blood trait made it a natural talent. No, his blood family was a bunch of manipulators since the age of myth, even if back then they weren't human yet.
It must be karma.
Irony loved him to death, because in fourth war he found himself in similar position as Kirei. Seemingly uninvolved in war while pulling all the pieces on the board by their strings. He was not enjoying his role as chess master though, though he had fun trolling some poor souls, mostly his own father, Kayneth Archibald and heh… Kotomine Risei.
Kayneth Archibald was typical noble Magus that just plain annoying with his high and mighty attitude that reminded Ruler uncomfortably of his former friend, Matou Shinji. Until this day, Ruler still wondered why he was even friends with that trash of humanity. There was a lot of bias in his side when Kayneth was concerned, including his family's general dislike to typical stuck-up Magus. But then again… heh- with combination of a Lord who was too arrogant for his own good and a loyal knight too eager to please, Ruler could already foresee this war won't end well for them.
Kotomine Risei was one unfortunate soul, being the mediator of this war and plotting behind everyone's back with Archer's master made him Ruler's target. It was nothing personal but from one plotter to another, it was just Risei's and to an extent Tokiomi's bad luck that Emiya Shirou of Vongola was involved in this war. Then again with Archer Gilgamesh as their spearhead, they did a fine job ruining their own plan without Ruler's intervention. A mighty fine job to deliver the oldest legend they did, but they apparently didn't take account of GIlgamesh's personality. Even future Kirei didn't make Gilgamesh following any plan other than telling the King of Heroes to sit and watch at his leisure.
From what he had heard from Risei when he inquired whether Tohsaka Master was alright with King of Heroes -making it sound like he was worried for Tokiomi- the Father revealed Tokiomi was doing his best as respectful Master towards the King.
In another word, Tokiomi resorted to groveling as much as possible to appease his uncontrollable servant. That was one way to deal with Gilgamesh, but in the same time Tokiomi ruined any chance he had to gain favor from the King of Uruk. Funnily enough as proven by Saber, Gilgamesh didn't favor people who submit to him. Those command seals of Tokiomi at this point was no more than pretty marks, because the bet was off between who was faster, Tokiomi ordering Archer to kill himself or Archer offing Rin's father.
As proven by the aftermath of original fourth war, both Tokiomi's and Risei's plan didn't come through.
With Emiya Kiritsugu, at first he had… reservation at the idea of playing mind game with the man who saved him. Fortunately the Magus Killer did a fine job to make Ruler throwing all that hesitation by the first night of Holy Grail War. He respected his father a great deal, but that was the man after the fourth war. This Emiya Kiritsugu? Not to much. In a sense this Kiritsugu was even worse than idealistic younger self of his. Kiritsugu was willing to sacrifice his wife to save everyone, and Emiya Shirou would only doom himself for that cause and no one else. In the end Kiritsugu doomed his whole family to fate worse than death.
If there was one thing Ruler EMIYA learned both as a hero and a Vongola, it was to strive for your ideal with all your might but your beloved ones are off limits. The same reason why his ancestors threw their divinity away for humanity, for a limit that would stop them from the path of destruction. Kiritsugu was not aware of it but he was playing God if he thought saving the world justify all sacrifices he was going to make out of this Holy Grail War.
It incensed him to no end that Kiritsugu dared to operate on belief, there was no sacrifice too great for true salvation of the world.
The fool.
Outside of Kotomine's church
He exited the church and surprised to find that Rider was standing right outside the fence, with Waver struggling and failing to pry his servant off of it. "Boy, you're stretching my T-shirt."
"Who cares about stupid T-shirt you bought with my money?!" Waver howled, "Let's go already! I am already risking my life out here because you drag me here!"
Rider sighed as he flicked Waver on the forehead, "This is war, you risk your life whether or not you're holed up in your workshop. Beside coming here proven to be advantageous."
"Which part?"
"Well… that's what I want to ask." Rider turned towards the door of the church where Ruler was standing. "To what we owe the favor of extra protection? Servant of balance?"
Ruler smiled, "Walk with me then, King of Conquerors… away from prying eyes and ears." Assassins were bound to check on them but for now they were too far.
It was not much of a walk rather than walking the Rider and his master to Mackenzie's house. Ruler had to say it was pretty clever of Waver to use civilian's home, an unpredictable base of operation. While the three families of beginning painted a large target on their base, especially Einzbern who brought a castle all the way from German years ago.
"I have a few questions for you, Ruler."
What a sight to see Iskandar on T-shirt sitting on bed with his Master while Ruler sat on the floor, giving the king a benign smile in return. "You may ask, but I may not have the answer or unable to give it to you."
Iskandar grunted, "Fair enough." He nodded to himself, "First, can you take off the hood and blindfold?"
"...Rider, that's visor not blindfold." Waver pointed out.
"It covers his eyes all the same." Rider rolled his eyes, "Don't nitpick on King's choice of word."
"I will nitpick if I want to."
"Quiet." That silenced Waver, "Ruler, last night I let you to hide your face from me because you have your reason. However after your stunt dragging me and this boy to come along with Saber as if we're allies, I'd say you lost the right to hide your face like a coward from me."
Ruler contemplated this demand from Rider, and weighed the pro and con. It was too early in war to reveal anything about him but… he had a good feeling from this pair and he felt earning Rider's distrust would be a huge blow to his plan. So he relented, pulling his hood off first and then his visor.
Waver was pretty curious of how Ruler looked like under his hood, Berserker didn't show his face either but Waver would rather to stay away from the mad servant. He had seen the glimpse of Ruler's white hair and dark skin from little exposed from the servant's armor, but he didn't expect the vivid golden eyes. It looked nothing like Lancer's yellowish brown, the color was eerie and seemed to shimmer under the light.
Mystic eyes perhaps?
"Does this please you, King of conquerors?"
Rider was rubbing his chin, eyes narrowed as he inspected every detail of Ruler's feature. "Hm… even with your face exposed, no name comes up to mind."
Ruler was much younger than Waver expected, he looked like he was in his thirties. His eyes were warm and kind but there was also certain… steel like glint in his bearing that warned Waver this man was a hero like Rider.
The servant turned to Waver, "Hm… I seems to overthink if your Master don't have a clue of who I am."
He should have a clue? At Rider's inquiring look, Waver shook his head frantically as he honestly had no idea.
"Anything else you'd like to ask, King Iskandar?"
The red haired king eyed him skeptically, "I suppose asking for your name is out of question."
"I won't tell you but if it helps, you will gain absolutely nothing with my name." Ruler told him bluntly, "Perhaps my nationality." He paused, "Uhm, not really… on second thought my name didn't reflect my country either."
Rider groaned, "You know what… by all right if someone else told me that I will say bullshit, but coming from you unbelievable as it sounds. You're not lying at all and it's frustrating!"
"Rider?" Waver was surprised that Rider was openly admitting that someone frustrated him.
The servant of mount gestured towards Ruler. "This unbelieveable guy came out of nowhere and take upon himself to preside a war, and singlehandedly put a semblance of order as if he was born for it!" Shaking his head exasperatedly he added. "He hides things and being purposely vague sometimes but for the life of me I can't figure out how I can't sense even a hint of deceit from him! He is not entirely truthful to us, but he didn't lie either." He turned to his master, "You see my dilemma?"
"Eeh-"
"King Iskandar, I am sitting over here." Ruler reminded the king of Macedonia. "My apologies to cause you undue stress, but surely you know in war pressure is part of the thrill."
He snorted, "I know that very well.. But speaking about name, care to explain why you give us freebies namely Goldie's name?"
Waver's eyes widened, that night he passed it as Ruler's way to pacify the king of heroes. But… if he was truly neutral parties, he wouldn't give away Gilgamesh's true name. And yet, all of them except Rider brushed it off as if it was no big deal, too caught up with ensuing chaos to notice it.
"Would you believe me if I say I'm giving King of Heroes a handicap to level the playing field?"
"I don't take gift horse on the mouth." Rider told him promptly. "And again, while it strange I would prefer you lied to my face so I can decide what stance should I take against you."
Ruler shook his head ruefully, "Oh, but King of Conquerors… what's the point of going against me? I have done nothing against you."
"No, but while I have no doubt you haven't lie outright to me… your fairness is bullshit since the first night." Ruler frowned at that, "You protected Saber, when she didn't need it and pass it as fair action to prevent Berserker's master's death. That's personal action you did, no matter how you justify it."
Alright, that stupid mishap really haunted him in the end. And he thought he had done splendid job to cover it up… "Your defense for her against Lancer is also personal, Rider."
"From one hero to another that based on respect, no more no less." Rider swept his arm, as if swatting his reason like pesky fly it was. "For a moment I thought you're part of her Knight of Round." Ruler kept his face straight while inwardly he was horrified that Rider even consider that a possibility. Saber would have a fit if she heard that. "While you have sense of honor, it's more in line to my kind of honor than Saber's and Lancer's." His eye roll said louder than words what he thought of knightly honor.
As stiff as a rock, and induce arrogance like no other. Rider had honor but he was as sure as hell he won't get killed for it, less it turned on him by his enemies. Saber and Lancer, especially the latter if his legend was to be believed… they were the type who would fall for their honor. He was no believer for honor before reason, and from what he had seen of the guy, Ruler was on the same camp.
"However I still got suspicion that you have connection with Saber somehow, you're just not one of her knight." He inhaled deeply, "You're a Magus, aren't ya?" He glanced at his master, "Don't you think he is, boy?"
Waver fidgeted, his eyes on Ruler as reading his stats. "Uhm… I am not sure, stats wise he has quite a bit of mana to fit. However his other stats are too high for a Caster, he's not going to be out of place in knight class."
Ruler chuckled softly, "If it helps, I can fit in any regular class other than rider." Maybe not Lancer but he could use any lance in his collection. "Wait… I could ride car and bike." And also there was his flight ability that involved riding, well, his mount was no chariot.
The Magus in training gaped at him, "What kind of hero are you?!"
"Hm… a very good one." Ruler answered vaguely.
Rider snorted, "That- I have no doubt, my guess is that you have some sort of connection to Merlin. Maybe his apprentice or sort, which explain your relation to Saber. What do you say about that?"
Ruler didn't answer right away, before deciding. "Hm, that's a hard question to answer because there's a loose connection I have with Merlin, not as close as apprentice. We have never met."
"Alright! Now I got crazier guess… Merlin aren't full human, isn't he? Then you're one of his not-human acquaintance." Rider couldn't believe the slight widening in Ruler's eyes, a sign it was a close guess. "Your complexion… white hair, dark eyes and golden eyes… aren't quite human like, are you some sort of half-ling like him then?"
Waver gaped once again, 'Now he even ain't a human?!'
Ruler raised his hands up, "Alright… King of Conquerors, you're getting to something you shouldn't even poke your nose into." He cracked his eyes open and for a moment Iskandar felt unexplained fear. "I suggest you stop there."
That was more than a warning, it felt like Ruler had grabbed his hand before he fell into a pit-hole.
"You're not wrong I have connection to King of Knights and I have been unfair with favoring her no matter how slight when I protected her." Ruler confessed sincerely. "However, if there's anyone I don't want to win the war… it would be Saber."
The Magus in training scooted closer to Rider, "You… don't make any sense then! I… if you favor Saber, but how come you don't want her to win?!"
While his master was confused Rider saw the flash of pain in Ruler's eyes, and while he couldn't figure it out yet he had a feeling what was this about. "Alright I will stop pry about you and Saber, I'm satisfied to know while you try your best to be fair… you're human enough to have problem with someone you have personal connection to." It relieved Rider that in his task presiding the war, Ruler made human mistake.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet, I have one question no, three I want to be answered… and I won't take no for answer." Rider haggled and before Ruler could protest he asked. "Your master.. Is that silver haired lady Saber keep around, isn't she?"
Waver gasped, "But! Isn't she Saber's master?!"
"Second question." Rider ignored Waver in favor of Ruler who was once again smiling benignly as if he had not been caught red-handed. "What the hell you're up to with purposely getting me close enough to get a good look at her, to be precise… her command seals?"
"Her command seals?" He yelped when Rider grabbed his hand with the seal mark.
Rider tapped the back of Waver's arm, "Command seal that marked his connection to me, servant Rider looks like the front of my chariot, and what else that from first sight alone says his servant is Rider." He let go of Waver, who growled at Iskandar but relieved his hand was returned. "That Lady's hand… the seal command doesn't look like a sword at all, but a crown so! What class in this war that associated with crown?"
Waver couldn't take it anymore, and jumped to his feet while pointing at Ruler. "YOU LIED!"
"No, he did not." Rider corrected his master in a heartbeat, and Waver looked at him as if the conqueror had betrayed him. "I told you Ruler didn't lie, everything he told us are solid with almost no hole to be lies. I'd say it's mostly truth with a twist here and there." He had a lot of liars in his royal court, Ruler didn't sound like them at all. "So when he said the Holy Grail is his master… and the Einzbern according to what you said was the one who creates it…" Not to mention the pretty lady was obviously not a human.
His jaw dropped in realization, "He didn't lie.." Waver repeated what Rider kept saying since this conversation began in shock. "Lady Einzbern was the grail?"
"The 'lesser' grail to be exact." The golden eyed servant corrected in even tone. "It's Einzbern's part in Holy Grail War to provide 'lesser grail' and in this war she is indeed my Master." Ruler admitted. "Which means she is off limits, and it's part my duty to protect her at all cost."
Rider narrowed his eyes, "So protecting her is the reason why you're summoned?"
"Servant Ruler as I said, summoned to preside the war and protecting the concept of Holy Grail War… why I protect her is not so different with yours in regards to your master." The dark skinned servant told him. "But of course, I am also very fond of my Master… so-"
He was smiling very wide and for some reason Waver felt like he had to hide from how bright it was. "If even one strand of hair on hear is harmed, I don't know what to do…" He admitted, "But I will start from inflicted all sort of pain known to man while keeping the offender awake and live for as long as possible… and finish with nothing left to bury."
"..." Rider dragged his Master from his back when the boy tried to hide from Ruler. "I am not going to harm the lady, seriously not…" Shaking his head exasperatedly. "Then how about Saber's master then."
"..."
"I am not interested in the guy who I haven't seen at all around Saber, I want to know what do you think of his wish?"
"You're worried I will tip the war on their favor?" Ruler scoffed, "Personally, I don't want his wish granted either. Perhaps, even more so than Saber's." HIs eyes that almost boring hole on Rider's held a message, and Rider would abide to his honor to keep it to himself.
Rider wanted to ask why but he'd rather not push his luck. Rider was sure Ruler sided with Einzbern faction but he strangely not favoring their wish, and so far he had been fair and honorable in his own way. "Right… and one more question." He had promised one more. "Why did you try to hinder Archer?"
"Eh?" Waver knew he was a third wheel here but it didn't stop him from trying what the heck Rider had found out and keep from him. Then there was Ruler, beneath everything he had done lies deeper meaning Waver couldn't comprehend. "In what way Ruler has hindered Archer?"
Rider held up three finger, "First, Ruler deliberately reveal his name… that's one serious handicap, King of Heroes or not. I had to say I was impressed on how you slip the name in… all of us except Berserker has revealed out name so when his name came out it doesn't feel out of place at all. You also make it sounds like you acknowledge him as a king to soothe him temper." Rider was shaking his head now.
"I bet everyone in the warehouse who didn't know your affiliation won't even notice, especially Gilgamesh himself but I suppose stroking his ego make him ignorant." He rolled his eyes. "Then again that demigod king most likely have no experience with this kind of political mind game, no opposition whatsoever aside from Gods and he was the one who picked a fight with them first."
"And the other two?" Truly this man was the King of Conqueror who even had personal skill 'battle tactic' in his stats. He should feel panicked he was peeled like an onion here, but he was feeling amused instead.
Rider cleared his throat, "The King is a collector not the wielder." He repeated what Ruler said back then. "I am ashamed to admit it but I, Iskandar, King of Knights, Warrior of Fianna… we're all blinded by the shine and sheer power of Gilgamesh's treasures that we didn't notice, he has so many treasure so why didn't he just pull one and swing it upon Berserker instead of using them to pelt his enemy?"
"It might be because he can't even deign to move his arm against Berserker." Waver offered reasonably.
"Maybe… but what you said does make sense." Rider was grinning now. "With that sheer number, even Gilgamesh with his high and mightiness would bother to master any, unlike Saber and her sword and Lancer and his spears."
Waver brightened, "That means… he is weak in close combat?"
Rider rolled his eyes at that, "How naive you could be, punk? Getting close to him would be a tall ordeal in the first place." He ignored Waver's disheartened expression and lifted the last finger. "And third… another subtle hint, Archer's master summoned a hero beyond him." Rider repeated. "Which mean Archer is as out of control as Berserker even if he is sound in mind… I take it?"
His Master grunted, "Like you're any different?"
"Don't insult me boy." Rider warned him, "I don't submit like Lancer, but I am sure as hell not going to kill you on my whim. I have honor and moral… I also listen when you give me sound reasoning." Waver froze at that, "Archer in the other hand, as much as it pains me as fellow king… I won't be surprised if he will kill his Master just for stepping on his overly long toes."
"Right." Ruler agreed, "His Master is more of a servant to him than the other way around, from what I have gathered… Tohsaka Master is groveling as much as he could just to get Archer to cooperate."
Rider groaned, "A servant beyond him indeed… while History is not always right, does these Masters bother to check our personality to avoid trouble? Are they're all idiots?" Especially Kayneth, a man like that thought Iskandar would be a good match for him in this war? While Rider won't go as far as Archer, he was as sure as hell would fight the cowardly fool in every step.
"Well, the Tohsaka's faction seems to think as long as their servant is strong they can manage somehow." Ruler informed him, "As for why I hunder him… There's two reason for that, first is merely me doing my duty to protect the concept of Holy War…"
"Huh?"
"If he is so inclined, Archer could have won this war singlehandedly… and there would be no war."
Rider frowned at that. "While he is a powerful chap, I think you overestimate the goldie."
"And you're underestimating him." Ruler shot back, "The King of Heroes' stats means nothing." Surprisingly Gilgamesh's stats while good was nothing off the charts, what made him dangerous was his treasures and high independence skill. "I have to make the field even somehow with giving his name away, the gap in his power and his strained relationship with his Master…" Ruler listed on, "In the end though, I don't lower his chance to win this war at all…"
"No, you don't." Rider agreed, "You're just giving us a good warning, a gap so tiny we would die if we carelessly trying to exploit it." Even with his Noble Phantasm, Rider stood fifty-fifty chance to get close enough to force the Archer to fight directly against him.
He sighed, " Well, thanks for telling us going after his Master is pointless." In short Ruler gave them some chance to better survive Gilgamesh, and not wasting their time on Master Gilgamesh didn't need. Which in line with Ruler's purpose to keep the war going.
Ruler stood up, "Does my answers satisfy your curiosity, King of Conquerors?"
"I have to be satisfied with what I could get from you." The red haired king shrugged. "Well, before you go… mind telling me what do you expect me and Waver do for you?"
"...Am I that obvious?"
"You're anything but obvious, I just feel it's dangerous for us to not do anything in return." Rider admitted with a smirk. "It's just a principle of thing." Then he added, "Oh, and no need to warn us about keeping things quiet. From what I see, I have more to gain with keeping your secret secret. And oh, I will help protecting your master when I could…"
Waver gaped at him, "Aren't you the one getting too generous here?"
"Not really, unlike some cowards his Master stood by Saber's side. With all of us hunting Caster I won't be surprised we end up attacking the bastard together, and the lady might get caught in crossfire. Beside, we need the lady alive to keep this war going. I swear on my honor as a King, warrior and hero."
Vongola's luck held out, Ruler thought. "Thank you, King of Conquerors."
Rider laughed out loud. "Nah! I don't need to you to thank me for that."
"I'm still thankful, and…" He turned towards Waver who tensed by the attention. "Let me tell you one more thing then, but-"
Rider caught his message, so the king grabbed the lone Master by his collar and locked the boy out of the room much to his protest. "RIder!"
The servants ignored the pounding and yelling from the hallway, "So?"
"You have to protect your master at all cost." Rider raised an eyebrow at that, "I mean… whatever you do, make sure your master to survive this war." Ruler told him in a tone that leave no space for argument, his golden eyes looking straight at Rider's red ones. "And when you think he is in danger and you can't protect him, please entrust him to me. Don't let him to take shelter in church, they're in working with Tohsaka faction behind the scene."
The servant of mount cupped his chin, "Not sure what I should take this for but this makes you my allies I suppose if you have this much interest on my master's survival." However it was clear Ruler cared not about their victory. "So I guess the favor you want from generously answering my troublesome questions is... allying with Einzbern faction? Or make it looks like we are?"
Ruler nodded, grinning inwardly that Rider was seeing his way. "Either is fine, I assure you it's to your benefit. Especially because Einzbern faction already make an enemy of Kayneth Archibald."
The red haired king leaned forward, his eyes shone with thinly veiled eagerness. "Hoo… I sense an amusing story behind this. I'm sure after what happened at the warehouse is not enough to make your faction and the pompous ass clash more than with anyone else."
Ruler weighed his option, "Well… Saber's master is like Hannibal, a hero that also your admirer*." Rider raised an eyebrow at that, "He is famous for bringing in surprise in battlefield like using war elephant against army of cavalry. Not playing by orthodox rule at all..."
"Sounds like an interesting assassin."
"Well, I am sure you will think so… especially if you know that... when Kayneth Archibald create a dungeon full of magical trap out of his hotel floor." He informed Rider with a grin. "The fool didn't even hide that he reserved the whole floor, he might as well shouting to the world he boobytrapped them."
Rider scratched his temple at that, "What's the point of trap when you don't hide it? Now I owe the boy even more for preventing me from partnering with that fool." Then he added, "And Lancer, the poor guy. So, what Saber's master did?"
"Saber's Master instead of marching through the trap like a brave Magus decide to explode the whole building without taking even one step to dungeon Archibald meticulously prepared…"
Rider howled with laughter, "Aha ha ha! Assassin or not, I got to say I like his style!" Rider patted Ruler's back heartily. "Alright! I am in!" He shook Ruler's hand with a grin on his face. "Let's conquer this war!"
Ruler smiled sadly at him.
"Ruler?"
The golden eyed servant was looking up at him, "You're someone who relentlessly chasing your dream, and still do."
"Of course!"
He turned around, "Then this war won't break you…" He chuckled softly as his body dispersed to astral form. "I can't help but envy you… King of Conquerors."
And with that parting words Ruler left the Mackenzie's house. Rider who was left alone frowned at the vacated spot, pondering of what Ruler just said. War broke people, the bloodshed, violence and death were part of it. However this war was unlike any war Iskandar fought in his life. It was not fought just by hero but also Magus with their own dream, just fourteen individuals.
However Rider was not going to delude himself that this war could be underestimated. The heroes involved were formidable, but that Gilles de Rais… he brought upon cruelty in magnitude that couldn't be compared with war and conquest. The man hurt children just for his sick pleasure. Iskandar could already imagine going after one sick monster was going to be trouble. The heroes like him, Saber and Lancer would slay Caster on principle. Gilgamesh… maybe when he felt like it. Berserker perhaps would help, but Rider had a feeling his Master could barely control the mad servant.
The Masters aside from Ruler's and his would probably try to take advantage of this unusual situation, Rider didn't envy Ruler's position as the one presiding this war.
"That guy sure has a lot on his shoulders."
On the way back to Einzbern Castle
"Thank you for waiting, Master… Saber." Ruler dropped out of nowhere in front of the car, before taking his seat beside Saber on the front seat. "Phew, that takes longer than I expected."
Ruler was surprised by the angelic smile Saber aimed at him. "Indeed you take your time, Ruler."
"What did I do?" To earn that fake smile that if they were in dojo now would mean beaten black and blue.
"That's my question!" Saber hissed, "What did you purposely drag Rider along with us? Did you propose an alliance with him behind our back?!"
Irisviel popped her head out from the back seat, "Really? I like that boy, Waver-kun! He seems to be a very good boy!"
Ruler sighed, he almost forgot that while Saber was not as observant as Iskandar she was still a king with sharp instinct. "Well, it's Iskandar… the King of Conquerors. Out of all servants gathered in first night he is the only one who didn't take my words without reservation, and I was putting his suspicion to rest."
Saber's eyes widened in shock, "Don't tell me you reveal that Irisviel is your master?!"
"...It's fine, Rider and I make a deal to protect each other's Master." Ruler assured him. "He swear on his honor."
"Ruler…" Irisviel felt slightly uncomfortable with three servants protecting her, as if Ruler were expecting she would need them.
"It's alright, Master." Ruler assured her. "It's just precaution, and I feel more at ease if we have Rider on our side instead of the other way around." Then he turned to Saber who restarted the car. "Of course, you can still fight Rider though preferable after other servants are defeated."
Saber frowned deeper, eyes straight on the road. "I have no complaint adding more protection to our lady." She admitted, "But do you think I am not enough to protect Irisviel?"
Was she that weak in his eyes?
"Since I can entrust you with my life and my Master, it's not the matter not enough protection Saber." The King of Knight and homunculus master looked at him, surprised with what he just said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Saber felt heat started to color her cheeks. "Th-then why?"
"Well-" He started, opening a map on his lap while on his hand was a list of location from newspaper. "If we're going to hold a siege in our castle tonight for Caster, I'm afraid we will get an extra guest."
Irisviel tensed, Ruler and Kiritsugu had already predicted the other Master would try to take advantage of this situation. "Which Master? The Matou?" Their servant was particularly vicious towards Saber. "Or Tohsaka?"
"No, it's Archibald… the master of Lancer." Ruler answered as he started marking the crime scene with marker.
Saber frowned at that, "Why?"
"Because he has used one seal foolishly back then." Ruler pointed out. "And he has every reason to hate Kiritsugu on virtue of being heretic." And blowing up his expensive hotel suite, but Ruler wasn't going to inform Saber that. "Oh, and Kiritsugu tried to kill him once."
"Behind my back?!" The female knight hissed. "And you didn't stop him?"
Irisviel laughed softly, "Aha ha… that sounds like my dear husband." She was pretty sure the killing attempt involved explosive and gun, but like Ruler she opted not to elaborate on Kiritsugu's method.
Ruler sighed, "Saber, your Master moves as he please... and what can I say to stop Kiritsugu? As a Master he had all the right to kill Lancer's Master without your permission. Surely at this point you realize the Masters have their own battle to fight that almost completely in different platform than ours? On their side of battlefield there's no chivalry, just pride, deceit and survivors."
In short, everything goes and they started on who could cheat better.
"Archer's Master is in cahoots with the church and Assassin's Master, and there's us… I am not sure about Berserker's Master but Matou family is the one who designed sorcery of command seal and they have their reputation." He listed on. "I also suspect something about Lancer's Master cheating, since he is a master in necromancy and spiritual evocation… he is a strong Magus but his mana level looks too fine for someone who has to support a servant." Not to mention the seemingly foolish move to bring his fiancee, who could be used as hostage around. "So there must be a trick he used."
Saber stopped the car abruptly, unable to concentrate. "You're telling me the only Master who haven't resorted to any trickery is Rider's?!"
"He is still in training, I don't think he can afford any trick worthy of Holy Grail War at his level." Ruler pointed out, eyes squinting at the map on his lap. "Funnily enough Kiritsugu also haven't cheat much, aside from some misdirection with proxy Master he hasn't done anything that against the rule…"
Irisviel laughed nervously at that, "Aha ha… it seems we have lost in cheating department."
Ruler nodded sagely, "So cut him some slack for tonight, will you?"
The car restarted, Saber could only sigh. "Like Kiritsugu even listen to anything I said… but I will bite, what do you expect my Master is going to do tonight that I won't approve?"
"Our strategy will require you to stay still as long as possible so that we can lure Caster deeper to our territory." Ruler informed her.
Saber closed her eyes briefly, her lips pursed. "Alright, I can do that."
Ruler cupped his chin in thought, "It should be a simple yet effective strategy but… He trailed off. "That Caster, even though he had fallen to depravity he was a war general."
Irisviel frowned, "Are you worried Kiritsugu's plan will fail somehow, Ruler?"
"Kiritsugu's plan is not bad, I admit." It was Saber who answered Irisviel, "What Ruler mean is… he might be a delusional but former noble or not, he didn't reach his position in army with being a fool." Saber had read Gilles de Rais exploit in war in detail, he didn't become trusted general of Jeanne d'arc for nothing. "Caster is not a knight anymore, physically he is very weak and surely he is aware of this. Would a man who have lead an army…" And won the war.
"Would he be foolish enough to march on well-defended castle without a plan?" Ruler voiced the question on Saber's mind out loud. "He also has nonexistent resource other than his poor magic and-"
Her grip on steering wheel tightened. "I can't believe we overlook that!" She changed gear and increased the speed of their car. "We have to get back as soon!"
"And?" Irisviel was dreading what made both servants so furious. "Saber? Ruler?"
The servant of balance sighed, "And… he has plenty of hostage." Ruler finished. "Damn it."
Kotomine Church
"Master…" The female assassin appeared beside Kirei who was reading bible. "A message from Ruler."
Kirei nodded and accepted the piece of folded paper from his servant. "Hm…" It seemed Ruler was getting anxious that the all out hunt for Caster was throwing the rhythm of this war off course. He also mentioned about how Kirei should be present when Risei awarded the Masters after fiasco with Caster was over.
"Indeed, the bounty our faction put on Caster makes my father a target." If there was any hint of excitement he got when he was involved in this war, it was because this war would bring so much tragedy and suffering. A nature he decided not to embrace, as Ruler said it was his choice. It was not like he didn't want to be happy, but he didn't want to be a monster even more.
Beside… Gilgamesh himself was the deciding factor that hammer the final nail to his position. The man seemed to be bored, and dissatisfied with everything. He basked in every type of pleasure he could get in modern era, and yet… Gilgamesh felt emptier than other heroes in this war. Unlike Iskandar the great who freely defied the expectation of how this war should be fought. The pride and joy of chivalrous knights King Arthur and Diarmuid showed when they dueled… even Caster's mad obsession for Jeanne d'arc.
The King of Heroes could win the war in a day if he felt like it, he did not, because he wanted to find pleasure from this war. He was… empty, and he didn't know it.
Kirei nodded to himself and burned the letter to hide the evidence. "So your facets we sent after Caster didn't return?"
Assassin nodded, "My deepest apologies Master, we will try our hardest to locate Caster's lair."
"No need, you have a new order." Kirei decided. "Go after Caster's master instead, he is the original serial killer… I am sure he is the one who do the grunt job kidnapping children instead of Caster himself." He said as he pulled a folded map of Fuyuki from his pocket. "Focus your search in these areas… schools especially."
The female servant nodded. "As you wish, Master." She pocketed the map and paused when she saw Kirei was inspecting his black key and other tools. "Master? Do you have a plan tonight?"
Kirei nodded, a smirk pulled his lips and Assassin took a step back. "Yes, Ruler suggested me to have fun tonight." The priest recalled the last part of Ruler's message with pleasure he was almost afraid to feel.
Ps: Kirei, tonight Caster will attack Einzbern's castle and the person you're most curious about would be there. Here is instruction for you to have fun, with controlled amount of suffering, and relatively bloodless. Enjoy…
Assassin was unsure what to do when Kirei decided to go behind his master and father's back to be Ruler's accomplish. However Kirei for some reason was enjoying himself, that at last… their master was more alive than ever. Then again rather than being glorified spy for that pompous king and his master…
Maybe they could join their master's fun.
Einzbern Castle
While Kirei had fun just with the prospect of fighting that night, the instigator was not having fun while waiting for Kiritsugu and Maiya to return. Saber was resigned to play the bait before to lure Caster, but after they realized the vital part that Caster had been kidnapping children and that meant hostage. Ruler was bemoaning that oversight himself, even without Saber losing her temper. It was more like tranquil fury but still fury nonetheless.
"That demon is going to march here and holding innocent children hostage." Saber gritted out. "We can't hold a siege with hostage in line."
Ruler sighed, "I don't want to either, and Irisviel think so too." His Master was preparing their defense in her workshop now so it was left to them to wait and discuss what to do with their oversight.
"You don't think Kiritsugu will change his mind, do you?"
"Not unless we tried the dirty ways to convince him otherwise." Something Ruler would rather not do to his adoptive father, no matter how annoyed he was with the guy.
Saber frowned, "At this point when life of innocent children is at stake I could be careless."
Ruler shook his head, "It will hurt us as much, telling him those children are the same age as his daughter."
Saber balked, "Ugh… that's."
"If before he has problem with how our life turns out." As hero and king. "I am sure he will hate us for mentioning Ilyasviel." Messing with his machine like mind in the middle of war and reminded him that he was a father who had a daughter he loves. Like parents of children Caster hold hostage. Suddenly inviting Kirei along sounded like a very bad idea. "I do play mind games but playing with Kiritsugu's conscience would be a new low even for me."
Saber quieted down at that, "My master is such a difficult man indeed, I will admit his focus for his goal scare even me but… that kind of single minded pursuit is dangerous." For Kiritsugu himself. Saber knew this more than anyone else.
"Indeed." Ruler pinched the bridge of his nose. "Well… before Kiritsugu return I suppose I should help you for a bit."
"?"
"Actually I should have done it before but I hesitate whether it would be a good thing, Kiritsugu is not exactly a mana powerhouse like my Master." His eyes wandered to the side, cupping his chin in thoughtful pose. "Oh, well… we will figure out something."
"Figure out what?" Irisviel who just walked out of her workshop asked, "Do you need something? Ruler? Saber?"
Ruler didn't answer, instead he was staring at his Master. Irisviel started to fidget under the intense stare. "Master, would you mind if I ask more Mana?"
Irisviel sighed in relief, "Sure! You actually very low cost to maintain, Ruler… if not for our bond I wouldn't notice I have a servant!" She pouted, "You're not holding back on me, are you?!"
"I am not holding back or anything, Master." Ruler assured his master. "It's just that as resident of Throne of Sky when manifested part of our power comes from the living Sky we're connected with." In his case it was Tsuna and the current Sky of this timeline, Timoteo. "That's why you get more mana discount on top of the Holy Grail itself. If I am holding back it would be from connection with other sky… if I tug more from them unconsciously I am afraid they would notice I manifested physically without permission."
Irisviel became pale at the prospect, though not so obvious because of her already pale skin.
"And I would be damned if I get my dear Master in trouble with my family."
The homunculus grabbed his hand in hers. "Take as much as Mana as you want! I can support two or three servants myself if I want!" This was her chance to be a better Master!
Ruler sweat-dropped at her enthusiasm, "Erm… sure Master, and we can start with helping Saber first." He said as he gently led Irisviel back to her workshop.
"Me?" Saber followed them with confusion clear on her face.
"Yes, can you take out Excalibur and disperse the invisible air for a moment?" He instructed.
Irisviel's workshop was quite simple and typical of Magus who mastered alchemist, a basement with solid walls, chemical equipments, glass jars full of alchemy materials and samples of arrays together with rows of notes and reference book.
Saber did as he asked, pulling her holy sword and pulled it out of its invisible sheath. "Here it is."
Irisviel gasped in awe, "Aah, what a sword…" The world beautiful sounded was not enough to describe the awe inspiring sight of Excalibur. "So this is the holy sword Excalibur."
It never cease to amaze him to see Excalibur true form, even the replica in his world pale in comparison regardless of his best effort. But this was not the time to be be awed or marvelling in nostalgia. "Good… now, please step back a little from me."
Irisviel and Saber exchanged look before they backed away from Ruler.
He inhaled deeply and pulled the gift bestowed upon him by his family. "I Precelti Sette Frammenti, Cielo!"
A broad sword of the sky materialized to his hand in a burst of golden flame, warmth spread throughout the room but it burned nothing. The sword as was long as Ruler was tall, the blade was double-edged blade with slight taper and approximately one foot wide. The tapered part of the blade was gold in color, glowing like burning amber. The enormous broadsword had hexagonal black hilt with sharpened tip, no cross guard but there was two black band made of unknown metal with silver ornament crossed around the blade's forte and a blue orbs with vongola insignia inside etched on the crossed section.
It was a beautiful sword, albeit pale in majestic beauty of Excalibur however…
"That's sword is in no way practical to use." Was Saber's first impression upon seeing it. "It seems more suitable to club your enemies rather than cutting."
Ruler didn't seem bothered by the lukewarm response. "This sword is just shaped like one, and as a swordsman myself I won't even dream using this to cross sword with anyone." The enormous size would seriously hindering his suicidal sword style that require quick reflex and momentum. "This is just my version of mystic code to channel and boost my flame." The pain of being a polluted sky was, your flame had poor purity in exchange for third rate affinity for magic. Which was why he survived living in Fuyuki in the first place. A sky like him supposedly had nonexistent affinity of magic in spite of their enormous mana capacity, because the nature of magecraft was anti-thesis of sky's harmony.
"...I still don't see why it's shaped as enormous sword like this." Saber said.
Irisviel agreed, "While I am sure you can swing it easily… a mystic code his big is inefficient."
"To be fair, I don't get to decide the design…" Ruler muttered as he set the sword on the floor with a loud clank. He himself disagree with some of them, but apparently his family's miracle didn't accept artistic license so he had to follow them to the letter in forging his special swords. "Saber, place Excalibur tip on top of my sword."
Saber did so, "Like this?"
Ruler nodded before projecting a simple scalpel, slit his wrist, and placed the bleeding limb on Excalibur's crossguard.
"Huh?" Saber and Irisviel stared at his bleeding wrist, but Ruler paid them no mind and keep pouring the blood on Excalibur.
"RULER?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
Author notes:
* Yes, Emiya purposely make a reference of Hannibal while leaving out part that while this guy call Iskandar as the best strategist he admire, he also put himself above Iskandar ha ha ha. I feel Rider would be amused if he find out.
Maa… sooner or later someone will find out, it just happen to be Rider.
OMAKE: Conversation that never happen
"I really hate it when I have a bad feeling that something is going to happen." Said Ruler as inspecting the newspaper they borrowed from library.
Saber scoffed, her hand stretched to change gear. "Now your intuition make you a seer?"
"You're looking at the wrong family if you ask that." The sky said with a chuckle.
"Ah, Giglio Nero's bloodline… True Clairvoyance." Irisviel chimed in. "I heard they're even more closed off that Vongola, and other two Trinisette families protected like..." Irisviel giggled. "Protective guardians."
Ruler scoffed, " I am sure you heard 'guard dogs' Master, no need to make it sounds better. But yes, they're seers, and no fighter on their own. Of course we get protective, but with the Arcobaleno we're protecting the fools who tried anything rather than the Giglio Nero's leader herself."
"Arcobaleno?" Saber repeated the strange name.
"Another group of Trinisette holder, alongside of Vongola and Millefiore." Ruler told them, "A piece of advice, if you Magus pissed one of them off run and don't look back."
Irisviel frowned, "I have heard of them in passing, they're some sort of elemental aren't they?"
"Elemental you said… they're individuals as strong as Dead Apostle Ancestors." In various way, considering Verde and Skull's strength lies not in straight combat. "With Kiritsugu's Magus Killer mindset in battle."
In short, anything goes especially weak points or giving their target zero chance to fight at all. They didn't play fair and had no arrogance and boredom to tip the scale, only supreme confidence, power to back it up and pragmatic approach in battle. A deadly combination that made them undefeated eventhough they were technically more killable than Dead Apostle Ancestor.
Irisviel's face pale in horror, "Uhm…"
"Ah, and Saber's Avalon?" Ruler added as afterthought, "The divine ancestor Sephira whose flame forged your sheath is from Giglio Nero's line, and the concept of Avalon allows you to be invisible is because as leader of Arcobaleno Sephira's line wield different miracle of space and time than Vongola's. As they're the one who 'walk out of time' so they're some sort of immortals."
Irisviel stopped at that, "Uhm, I thought they're just as strong as Dead Apostle Ancestor? Not also immortal?"
"No, they're immortal in the same sense as Saber with Avalon's influence." Ruler corrected before pausing. "Hey, in that case… actually what Sephira and the fairy did is turning you to some sort of pseudo-Arcobaleno."
Saber's left eye twitched at that, "Your people… surprisingly have deep connection with me…"
"Yeah, but I think it's more with Merlin… I still haven't figured out that one yet! How did a half-incubus get a Sky ancestor's favor, regardless Sephira's fondness for human."
Saber shrugged, "Merlin seems to know a lot of people… but I do recall he can use the same not-magic of yours. The Indigo mist not-magic, especially to make himself looks like old man with long beard my legend often depicted him as…" Never in her short time knowing Ruler the man looked like he had been struck by Rider's Gordius Wheel. "Ruler?"
"Saber… can you describe Merlin's real appearance to me?" He sounded like he was in shock.
What had gotten into him? "Sure… Merlin have youthful appearance of a man in his twenties, with long white hair, dark eyes and pale complexion."
It can't be…
"Did he ever say anything about his father?"
"Aside from being dramatic that his father is a cold-hearted incubus who abandoned him? No? But I'm sure he got the shape-shifting ability from his father because… his mother is presumably human."
Ruler took a deep breath, "Saber, forget you ever tell me all that. I refuse to acknowledge that damned ancestor of ours procreated."
"Huh? You know Merlin's father? Ancestor? You're related to Merlin?!"
He was shaking his head in denial now. "No, I am not related to him! Forget it! And your court Magus should be happy that ramen obsessed God didn't raise him! And who was the idiot who tells you and Merlin that his father is an Incubus?! That's like calling Dead apostle a bat! In fact, we shouldn't spoke about him at all! If he appears…" He shuddered, looking around as if expecting the God would pop up in the car.
"You make Merlin's father sound like some sort of monster under your bed."
"Monster under my bed would be welcome with dozen cold steel, Kawahira in the other hand…" He shuddered, "Patron God or not, we'd rather forget he exist as long as we could."
"And Merlin?"
"Happier ignorant without knowing his father! Sephira must thought the same, the poor kid!"
"Did you just call Merlin… poor kid?"
"Anyone should be sorry to be related to that."
Saber sighed, "What's so bad about this Kawahira?"
"Well…" Recalling what Saber told him about Merlin's personality long time ago. "Imagine Merlin without love obsession and terrible taste in humor with all manipulative streak for the good of the world not human upped up by eleven, and questionable sanity that comes with being an immortal."
The car stopped, Saber shook imagining Merlin like that and it was just on her head. Someone like that exist? "Well… I am glad Merlin is abandoned then."
"Right." He perked up. "Saber! Stop! Take left! I senses Rider nearby!"
Saber blinked at that, sighing. "Sometimes… I can't just follow you anymore."
They stopped in front of cozy looking western home, the door opened and… revealed Iskandar, King of conquerors in tight T-shirt and underwear.
"I shouldn't have listen to you." He was indeed related to certain mischievous court magus of hers, she should have known.
And now Saber know why...