To be clear about why I was worried about hate, it was because the homicidal little girl is far, FAR tamer than in the series. I've seen people get so bent out of shape about personality editions of their characters and I was expecting some sort of backlash from that.
Darkness and Light, Into the Chaos.
Jack smiled as she and Asiko landed in front of the castle gate. "We're back!" she said happily.
"Did things go well?" Reika asked.
"Archer of Red is dead. It was actually easier than I thought." Asiko reported.
"Even if she did almost get you with that arrow to the head." Jack teased, nudging the Magus with her hip.
"I could've blocked it." Asiko protested humorously. Reika smiled as the two bantered about whether or not Jack had actually saved her friend's life or not while Ruler and Seig came down. "Ruler, can we at least meet with your leaders?" Asiko asked after they had finished.
"I suppose I could speak to Fiore about it. You did stop an intruder and made our job a lot easier." the blonde saint conceded.
...
"Thank you all for meeting us." Asiko said a half-hour later in the castle's conference room. The leaders were all gathered, facing the trio. Asiko was surprised when he saw Mordred and her master in the room as well. "We're here to discuss getting into the Hanging Gardens. The three of us have decided it would be in our best interests to ally ourselves with the Black Faction."
"And why should we trust you?" Fiore asked, her skepticism evident on her face.
"Look, unless there's been some dissension in the ranks they have four Servants to the three here."
"Four." Ruler cut in, glaring at the Magus.
"Four." Asiko amended, "There's still that fool Shiro to handle. And since my birds told me he took down Lancer of Black by himself when all of you were struggling with him." Everyone looked annoyed, but conceded his point. "It would be smarter if we worked together. All I'm asking is a chance. We'll all be gunning for the Grail when Shiro's been handled, so what's the harm in working together for now?"
Ruler and Sieg noticed something in his tone. "Asiko, was it?" the Servant asked. After Asiko nodded, she continued, "Might I speak with you alone?" Again the Magus nodded, whispering something to Jack before going into the hall with the pair close behind.
"What do you and your Homunculus boyfriend want?" Asiko asked.
Ruler turned scarlet at the boy's question before clearing her throat. "We were wondering if you knew something about the Grail that we didn't." she replied.
Smirking a little at Ruler's reaction to his jab, he answered, "Well I know a lot about the Grail. I've been researching it since I was five years old, and I may or may not know a way for the four Servants in there to all get what they want."
Ruler barely suppressed a gasp and even Seig looked shocked. A way to grant the Servants' wishes all at once? Was it possible. "You're sure of this?"
"If I was, I would have a real good reason for getting at that artifact you all want so badly, wouldn't I?" Asiko asked in reply, his smirk turning plain smug. "It does take a lot of mana, and I would need some help to complete the ritual, but I think I could pull it off."
Ruler couldn't find the words. This boy was willing to practically hand them the Grail's power without bloodshed of their allies. There was only one thing to say, and both knew it.
"We accept your offer."
Well, what did people think? Isn't it an interesting idea? And it definitely got Asiko's group what they wanted.
Ruler: But is it possible?
Probably, and it's not like much would be affected even if it didn't work.
Seig: He's right.