Hello everyone, and let me please welcome you all to the second addition to The Legend of Shirou Hayabusa. I just want to thank everyone for the support, and I hope you'll continue to support me in this fic. Now I've made a change where I've altered Shirou's age a bit to fit the criteria for future chapters so by the start of Fate/Stay Night, he will be 20 years old.
Hope I don't disappoint.
That said, enough of the authors note, let's get this going!
Enjoy!
''I wouldn't worry about that, when I saw his eyes...well...you've already set him on the path cause those weren't the eyes of a child, Ryu. Those were the eyes of a monster.'' ~Emiya Kiritsugu
The Legend of Shirou Hayabusa
Chapter 1: Shinobi Meets Magus Killer
The snowy mountains of Germany were always a harsh environment to live in. For the unprepared the cold would freeze your blood in seconds and leave you with a severe case of frostbite, if not outright hypothermia. It was not a place for the weak, and for those that didn't know their way they would be lost in the blizzard that always seemed to last for months in the mountains. Yet there were always those unlucky few that thought they could traverse the mountains without a guide, and unfortunately they would meet their end due to either getting lost or the wildlife itself took them.
However there was one family that could traverse the mountains without trouble, for these mountains were their grounds. They, and anyone associated with them would always be able to find their way through these mountains, and for those that did would be awarded with the sight of seeing a building at the top of these mountains. Well, it was less of a building, and more of a western manor. Indeed, at the top of the mountains was a manor of western architecture and it was both expansive and incredible to see, it was truly big enough to hold more than a hundred residents if the host was gracious enough.
Though that in itself was as likely as hell freezing over.
However, despite how humans would have difficulty traversing these mountainous regions, it was not the same for the wildlife. Especially for a particular bird that was flying through the snow storm with little trouble. It was practically invisible in the snow as it flew, and using the wind streams only hastened it's velociy, and soon enough it finally arrived to it's location.
Flying out of the woods, the small bird came upon a large western manor atop the mountain, and without due cause to stop, it followed the trail set by it's master. For a moment, in a part of the birds brain it felt as if it came into contact with something, but for a small moment it's body let out a single pulse of blue energy cloaking it's presence entirely. For the bird, it simply ignored whatever it was, and came upon it's destination in record time. Coming upon a large tower connected to the manor it reached a window and perched itself on the window sill.
Peering through the glass, the carrier pigeon could see only one figure inside, but due to the window blocking it's path it could only see that much. Still, with little else to do it started taping on the window with it's beak. Soon enough the lone figure inside stopped and turned to look at the window. Continuing to peck at the window, the creature of flight watched as the figure came toward it, and soon it opened revealing the person.
It was an older woman with strikingly long silver hair and surprised red eyes. The woman had a pale complexion about her, but her overall natural beauty almost seemed unnatural. She was wearing a formal dress that was all white with two yellow stripes on the shoulder sleeves. The bird though didn't care one way or another as it just gave a small chirp to the slightly surprised woman.
''Well hello there little one, how did you get here, hm?'' she smiled only to then notice something tied around the birds legs, and taking a moment of thought she untied the rolled up parchment. With it's objective complete the bird turned around and flew off caused the woman to blink before closing the window while looking down at the parchment in her hand.
''Now, what is this?'' she wondered before the cry of a child sounded in her room.
''Momma!'' looking up her smile grew warm and more beautiful as she looked at her little bundle of joy slowly walking to her. It was her and her husbands 4 year old daughter, who actually looked like a spitting image her. From her shoulder-length snow white hair and round innocent red eyes that looked up at her with bright enthusiasm. Though it was parent she stumbled every so often, but her progress to walk was getting there. The little girl was wearing a simple purple dress fit for her age, though it only made her appear more adorable in the eyes of her mother.
It didn't need to be said what the girl wanted as she came to her feet with her arms up. ''Momma up up!''
Upon her daughter's request the woman let out a soft giggle before bending down and picking up her child she stood up swiftly causing the little girl to squeal in delight. It was like a melody to her ears as she give a quick spin causing the girl to squeal even more. Finally she stopped and pulled her daughter close, ''Did you have fun playing, Illya-chan?'' the woman said and she got her answer when the girl gave an exuberant nod before wrapping her little arms around her neck.
''Mhm! Papa showed me this thing called...uh...um...'' clearly the young girl was struggling to pronounce the right word for what she was taught today. Her frown for effort was simply adorable though, but her effort was admirable. It didn't stop the woman to smile in amusement though.
''A car, Illya-chan.'' the voice of a man resounded in the room and the two turned to look and see the man in question. He appeared to be in his late twenties with a solid height being 5,8, he was dressed in all black consisting of a black armani suit with a black undershirt, black slacks and black shoes. He had slightly spiky black hair and charcoal eyes that seemed nearly empty of any emotional feeling, though in those two black orbs there was a semblance of love and care for the two girls. The man had a healthy tan and a sharp jaw which had the signs of a stubble beginning to appear, this gave him a roguish yet rugged appearance to anyone that looked at him.
''I-I knew that!'' the girl stuttered, her coloring cheeks turning red as the woman holding her just giggled as the man just gave a smile in turn. Then his black eyes turned to the woman who met his gaze, and his smile seemed to grow if only slightly. That is before his eyes caught note of something in the woman's hands.
''Iri, what is that in your hand?'' he questioned the woman who for a moment blinked, perplexed, that is until she realized. She unfolded one of her hands to reveal a rolled up piece of parchment. It seemed like a normal piece of paper to the naked eye however to the eyes of the man it was far more than just that. His eyes only seemed to narrow when he saw it while the woman simply looked at it with a frown.
''I'm not sure Kiritsugu, it was tied to the leg of a pigeon outside our window. It seemed it wanted to deliver this or something.'' but upon closer inspection the woman's eyes widened before looking at him. ''It's...addressed to you dear.'' she said reaching out with the paper in hand. Frowning in suspicion, Kiritsugu stepped toward her and Illya, who remained confused all the while, and took the parchment from the woman's hand.
The moment his hand came in contact with the paper, a silent shock ran through Kiritsugu's body, tingling his magic circuits and makes his nerves jump in response. However it was not a painful one, but a shock of familiarity at the energy he felt coursing through the paper. His eyes widened marginally, and an alien emotion that neither of the two girls caught flashed across his eyes for a single moment.
'It can't be...' that was the thought of one Emiya Kiritsugu, the freelancer for hire and the infamous Magus Killer. The stone cold killer who held no qualms with killing anyone, no matter who they are, the man who would kill a thousand, innocent or not to save ten thousand more. The same man whose name made the noble families of other Magus hesitate and grow fearful. The one rumored to be more of a emotionless machine than a man, but here and now that wasn't entirely the case anymore for there was a few emotions running in his body as he looked at the parchment in his hand.
The strongest of them all though was shock and apprehension. While it wasn't uncommon for people, especially mages, to send messages via carrier pigeon. Since most mages of this era simply saw modern day technology as a taboo they used other outdated methods to message other people. Carrier pigeons were one of these methods so it wasn't entirely rare. Except for Kiritsugu who actually relied on technology in his information gathering, spy network and his modern firearms which complimented his tactics and fighting style.
So it was rare for him to receive a message like this, except for a contract from the Clock Tower to hunt down some Apostles or handle a situation the other Enforcer's simply couldn't do. However, what made this particular message special was the energy he felt from it. It was a type of energy that was a completely foreign concept to all mages in the world, but to him he knew it all too well.
It was the exact energy used by the warrior's shrouded in darkness, the true assassin's that made any force on earth look like children waving sticks around without any clue as to what they were doing. The very same energy used by the people that was said to have been wiped out 5 year's ago, along with someone he knew from the past.
'But that doesn't seem to be the case...' Kiritsugu thought, his frown deepening, but nevertheless he channeled some magic into the tip of his finger before taping the parchment. And before the eyes of the two girls, the rolled up piece of paper let out a small flash of blue before it unfurled itself in Kiritsugu's hand. Forming into a small note addressed to him and him alone. So, when Kiritsugu's eyes began to read the note he was left shocked for the first time in years as he read the letter, completely ignorant of his wife's worried expression.
Emiya Kiritsugu, I am calling in my favor. Answer my last wish, old friend, and meet me in Fuyuki city, in the Miyama district. Go toward the very western edge, and I'll meet you there. Bring no one with you.
Signed, Falcon
'So, not even the Association and the Church combined could kill you, huh? Never do you cease to amaze me.' there was a flash of reverence in his eyes. One that wasn't missed by his wife who tapped his shoulder.
''Is something that matter Kiritsugu? What does it say?'' she inquired, and for a moment the man glanced at her and his daughter before exhaling a bit. To be honest he didn't want to leave them, but this was something he couldn't ignore. He owed this person far too much to simply ignore his summons, even if that meant going to the city that would be in a few years hosting the Fourth Holy Grail War.
''Iri, I'm gonna have to leave for a little bit. It would seem an old contact has need of me.'' he alluded to say where as he didn't want to have her needlessly worrying. Fuyuki may be the spot for the War, but no one would have summoned their servants yet. It was still 5 year's too soon for the deadline for the war to begin it's 60 year cycle. This left him in the safe zone, well as safe as a city governed by one of the 3 founding families of the Holy Grail War could be.
Still by the frown on her face she would be worried regardless. ''Are you sure? Could you not send Maiya in your stead?'' she asked, and he shook his head in response.
''No, she may be my assistant, but she doesn't know all of my contacts, and this is someone I've worked with for a long time. He will take no one else, but me.'' looking at the paper one more time, he committed the message to memory before placing it over a lit candle. Letting the flame sear through the parchment, burning the message away. With it done he opened the window and tossed it out, causing it to scatter into the wind.
Turning around his gazed as his wife, Irisviel von Einzbern and his daughter Illyasviel von Einzbern and gave a small smile. ''Don't worry, I'll be back soon.'' walking toward the two, he gave Iri a kiss and hugged his daughter for all he could.
''I'll have Maiya watch over you two while I'm gone.'' and with that last comment, Kiritsugu walked out with Iri watching his back with a worried frown. Noticeably, her grip on their child grew ever so slightly.
'Be careful...' the unsaid comment was left only in the mind of young woman. In the solace of her comfort she hugged Illya more so as she watched him go.
As the doors closed behind him, and the darkness covered his body Kiritsugu's expression turned blank as he turned his gaze to his left where he saw his assistant, Maiya Hisau standing guard. She was a young woman, a few years younger then himself. She was, like him, dressed in all black with impassive black eyes and black straight hair that went down to her neck. In all honesty, she gave off an even more emotionless vibe then himself, but the loyalty she showed to him over the last few years was unquestioned.
''Maiya, I will be back in a 2 weeks time, while I am gone watch over those two, do you understand?'' his tone was crisp and to the point. Giving her a glance, he saw her give a nod, consenting to his words without hesitation.
''Very well, but will you be taking your weapons with you?'' she asked causing him to stop and think before giving a nod. It was only sensible for a man of his profession to always be prepared for the unknown. And if his suspicions were right, he had to be ready for anything. After all, his contact's entire family and clan had been attacked by both the Church and the Mages Association. There was no way to be certain of his old friend's mentality after that, no matter how much they respected one another. It was always better to be safe and prepared then to be unprepared and in result laying in a puddle of your blood.
''Yes, though I doubt I'll need them.'' with that he walked away, to prepare himself for his trip to his homeland, Japan.
And his first meeting with Ryu Hayabusa after 6 year's...
1 Week Later-Fuyuki City
There was a certain atmosphere around the city of Fuyuki, while small in scale compared to the hundreds of other cities in Japan and even more around the globe, it was still a rather unique city nonetheless. It was neither a metropolis nor a bustling city, but instead one that was still in the middle of expanding and growing. Yet the uniqueness was that the city itself was split into two towns, divided by the Mion river. One town resided on the west and the other on the east, each connected by a bridge that allowed for both traffic to go in and out, and pedestrians to walk from both towns.
The town of Miyama on the west side was a suburban area filled with Japanese traditional buildings, compounds and old houses. It was split up into 2 districts, the first being home to the traditional Japanese style homes while on the other was the district to the foreigner's homes. The town of Miyama was, in the eyes of tourists, a walk into the past of how japan architecture was back in the day. It gave off a vibe that was both comforting and homey to both the locals and the tourists. And the Ryuudou Temple further west, on the Mountain Enzou, only increased this atmosphere.
It was also the district where Fuyuki's own high school, Homurahara Academy was located. An academic institution for young men and women who were interested in all paths of life. It held the highest number of clubs for all types of careers and sports. Archery, Kendo, Martial Arts, Track, Baseball, Football, Soccer, Art, Cooking. Basically, you name it, they had it.
Then there was the town called Shinto on the east side. It was a stark contrast to it's western neighbor for it was a much newer part of Fuyuki. It was a, in-development, modern civilization of the current era that was funded by the local government. The City Hall having been moved from Miyama to Shinto awhile ago, and now it was an expansive town of variety consisting of businesses, and buildings. It had a shopping mall in front of the train station, multiple restaurants, bars and clubs. It also had a good number of corporate buildings and manufacturing plants around the district while at the far east of Shinto was the continued efforts of expanding the district further. Programs funded by the local government to put Fuyuki on the map by expanding, causing more tourists to come into the city and therefore generate more profit.
There was a harbor that went out into pacific ocean, allowing for transport ships bringing in and out resources and products from various nations, but mostly from the United States. There was also the Fuyuki Church at the south, and a foreigners cemetery made for those not native to Japan a place of burial when they passed.
In general the city itself was a unique, but a generously hospitable place.
Then their was the locale, the majority of the locals of Fuyuki were generally hospitable to tourists and treated their fellow locals with as much generosity as they could manage. But like every city, there were bound to be many of the unsavory nature. Hooligans, delinquents, gang's and other shady people that ruled over the alleyways of Fuyuki City. However, most of the time these type of people never came out until after dark.
Keyword being, most of the time. For there were certain types of people in the city that worked for the criminal underworld that operated in either the day or night. Most of these people were those that worked for the Mafia from northern Europe and the States to the Yakuza in China and Japan. There were also others, assassin's hired by the Mafia, Yakuza and even other corporate business owners that were tasked to eliminate or hinder their competition in any manner possible.
Even if that meant targeting the family members of other big name influential people in the Underworld.
And unfortunately, their newest target was the granddaughter of the Yakuza gang boss operating in Fuyuki.
With the sun high in the sky, in the broad of daylight the citizens of Fuyuki were all walking in the Shinto district. Every single person was going to one place or another with the intent of reaching their location. Some were men and women heading to work, others were kids with their parents going to the Fuyuki park while others were simply out to spend their time how they wished. Some of these people were students from Homurahara Academy. Teens who simply wanted to relieve stress from everyday school work and drama.
And among these many people was a single girl, an eight year old to be exact. She was wearing the uniform fit for an Elementary school student. She had shoulder-length light brown hair, wide exuberant brown eyes and a fair if slightly tanned complexion. Currently, a megawatt smile was plastered across her face as she walked courageously, without the slightest hint of trepidation or fear. Now one may wonder as to why the girls parents weren't with her at the moment, but that could be attributed to the fact that instead of her parents, there were instead 3 burly men dressed in suits walking behind her.
They had the appearance of the stereotypical Yakuza or thug, but the fact that they were keeping close to her and keeping watch every so often proved they were protecting the girl. This proved to be a strange sight to other people walking around Shinto, but the group didn't to pay it any mind. Or the young girl just ignored the attention altogether and the adults seemed to used to it, and simply shrugged it off.
This young girl was Fujimura Taiga, and right now she was bored.
''I'm sorry, but Fujimura-hime, we should hurry back or your grandfather is going to be angry with you.'' one of the guards mentioned with a bead of sweat running down his face. While what he said was most definitely true, it was even more so when he neglected to mention that the old man would be out to shed their blood for going along with the girls idea in the first place. There was just no consoling the man when it came to his granddaughter, and if there was even a chance of her getting hurt because of them.
Well...there was a reason why the last guards for the girl were found a week later at the bottom of the Mion river after the girl came home with nothing more than a scrape.
Let's repeat that...
A scrape.
So yes, there was due cause for the guards assigned to the girl now to be pretty nervous, but their charge could be rather-
''No way! School was boring today, and I don't wanna sit through another boring lecture with gramps!'' the young girl in question denied their offer to go back, nose in the air and a strong step in her posture. Her scrunched up into a stubborn scowl of denial, though it only looked cute on the face of an 8 year old girl.
-stubborn.
That wasn't to say she was always like that, the young girl was almost always cheerful and upbeat, which was one of her defining qualities. However when she was stubborn about something all of the poor members of the Yakuza family Fujimura's learned the hard way. Everyone had bear witnessed or be victimized by her stubborn attitude in one way or another, but it was all in her childish behavior to do anything remotely fun just to escape from School and her grandfather's lectures concerning the Yakuza way of life.
The only solace they had was her recent fascination with Kendo, a sport she'd recently taken into consideration with her grandfather. It proved to burn lot of her energy over the time, and a blessing in disguise for many of the Yakuza family. As it taught her self-defense for the future and it was tiring her out before she could cause trouble for any of them.
But today was one of those days where she wasn't practicing, and instead wanted to go out into the town and explore like any curious child her age. However, the girl constantly underestimated the importance she held for the Fujimura's and how much of a target she was in the Underworld they worked in. Despite how unseemly it was, there was always people targeting the children of highly influential people in the Underworld, just to scorn them or put pressure on them. It was a likely and very real possibility in the world they lived in, which was why the girls grandfather always had someone watching her or escorting her.
But so far no one had done something or if they did they weren't heard from again. Then again Fujimura Raiga had made many enemies in his long life. On more than one occasion he's pissed off more then a few government officials and even some religious organizations throughout the world. However, none could officially target him without a legitimate cause, and so far he'd done nothing wrong. So, they more than likely used the Underworld's channels to target the man.
Yet, none had harmed him or his family as of yet, not for the lack of trying because they did, and those that did always ended up dead. But there were always those possibilities of it happening, which was why Raiga was always protecting his granddaughter, directly or indirectly.
Which was why their current situation was dangerous for the girl, even if she didn't realize it.
''But I must insist there is no telling-'' the man was silenced as they passed another alley, and before they even realized it three shadows came out with a hand on their mouths. Their eyes widened in alarm, but before they could say so much as a word their attackers snapped their necks with a sickening twist. The noise alerted the young girl and nearby pedestrians and she turned around only for her eyes to grow wide.
At the feet of 3 strangers were her dead guards and she looked up only to see one thing before darkness took her, and that was the three people in black professional suits.
And then...their was a scream...
''AAAAAHHH! SOMEONE CALL THE POLICE HURRY! THEIR TAKING THAT GIRL!'' a woman screamed as they witnessed the three take the girl into the alleyway. Then a van drove out of the dark alley, and took full speed out of Shinto. The alarm was clear on the many citizens of Fuyuki, and as many started calling the police, it was unsaid among them.
They wouldn't make it in time...
However unknown to them all, a black blur was shooting across the Shinto rooftops, in clear pursuit of the van that just drove off.
XxX
''Why hasn't the girl stopped squirming? Didn't you put enough of that drug to knock her out?'' spoke one man dressed in a black suit with a white undershirt. He was currently driving the getaway van while his fellow conspirators were in the back keeping their target restrained. Trying, but failing as the young girl in the sack was proving to be far more of a handful then they expected from an 8 year old.
''I did! I put enough in it to knock out a full grown adult! This kid just isn't no-Oof!'' he was silenced when the young girl's left foot slammed into his face. Though the pain was minimal at best, it was still enough to make the man's grip on her grow slack. This allowed her enough leeway to worm her way out of the sack she was in.
''Oi let me go, you bastards!'' the young girl kicked her captor some more before headbutting the other in her wild hysterical state. But she soon stopped when she felt something cold pressed against her forehead, and she looked up only for her eyes to grow wide in terror when she found herself staring up into the barrel of a pistol. Her struggle stopped completely when she saw the look of the one holding the gun at her forehead.
''Move again and I will put a bullet through your skull brat.'' the man's voice was cold, void of any sense of emotion, no pity or remorse of putting a 8 year at gunpoint. Clearly, the person was experienced in these situations, and had done as promised on more than one occasion. This left a dark foreboding impression on the young girl as she looked into the eyes of her captor.
She was going to die...
'Grandpa...help me' when the realization of her situation finally started to settle in, tears started to well up in her eyes. She should have listened, she should have done as she was told, and went back home after school. She didn't put into consideration of the danger she was always in, being the grandchild of Raiga Fujimura had essentially painted a target on her back, it made her a valuable piece to be used against her grandfather. Yet all that at the meant went over her head, she was just an 8 year old girl, she didn't understand the dangers of what the Yakuza and the Underworld presented.
She just wanted to have some fun...
''Okay, she's calm now, let's meet at the exchange point.'' the one she kicked said glaring at her with a scowl. The driver merely nodded, and kept driving; soon they turned down an alleyway behind an abandoned manufacturing plant. Completely oblivious to the shadow watching them from atop the plant. The shadow in question crouched low, and narrowed it's gaze upon the van before pulling out three kunai.
As soon as they made the turn they were greeted to the sight of another vehicle meant for them exchange with the package in hand. To shake off the heat from the local authorities, and allow for faster travel out of Fuyuki without any hindrance. ''Alright we're here, now let's-''
Thwack!
He was interrupted as all of them froze when they saw three black knife looking objects pierce through the passenger side window and impale themselves through the man's skull. It lasted for a moment, the shocked silence one of which the young girl watched in morbid fascination just before reality took back it's place.
''What the fuck?!'' the one holding the pistol shouted in shocked confusion just before the van slowed down. Panic fueling their bodies the other one hastily opened the door to the van' and jumped out with his pistol drawn.
''Oi! Who the fuck is out there!'' his shout echoed out among the abandoned facility, but it bore no results to his panicked mind. Turning around his partner in crime grabbed the unresponsive girl, and quickly began making their way to the other vehicle. However that hope died when the one with the pistol drawn never saw the shadow coming down from above before the last thing he saw was the glint of steel.
Hearing a body drop the last man froze and turned around with the girl in his arm and his pistol drawn in the other. However what he, and by extension the girl, saw was the body of the second man with blood pooling out from his slit throat. And crouched over the body was a figure in jet black, but the way it moved was just inhuman. It was crouched, and the last man leveled his trembling pistol in line of sight with the...thing.
''What the fuck...what the fuck are you?! Stay back!'' fear overwhelming him, he leveled the pistol on the girls skull causing her eyes widen terror. ''STAY FUCK AWAY FROM ME!'' however the moment he put his finger on the trigger, the shadow moved. In a blur of motion that the man couldn't even hope to catch, the black figure vanished in the blink of an eye causing the two stare on confusion.
''W-what?'' he stuttered just before the last thing he saw was the sensation of cold steel pressed against his throat and a hand pressed firmly against his mouth. In one quick motion, a blades edge cut through flesh cutting through the man's jugular. All the while his eyes widened in fear before the hand was removed from his mouth. Slowly his hands let go of the young girl to grasp at his bleeding throat, but nothing would stop the flow. He tried to scream, but nothing, but a wheeze and a bloody gurgle came out.
Soon, the strength left his body and he sank to his knee's while the young girl stumbled, she turned around seeing the sight of what became of the man with fear stricken eyes. That is until she looked up to see the black figure directly in front of her. Perhaps it was the fear coursing through her body, but the moment she gazed at the figure she felt as if she were looking up into something that would only come straight out of her deepest and darkest of nightmares. The black figure in her fear stricken eyes seemed to be just a creature conjured from the very depths of the void itself, hellbent on bringing total terror into her heart. However when her fear began to settle down as the figure remained completely still...just watching her, she was able to get a few details about the figure and by then she almost wanted to laugh at herself for not noticing before how different this figure was from the image she just saw a few seconds later.
The figure was in fact small, possibly as tall she was, and it was a person who was dressed in complete black clothes. Even the head was covered by a black mask and hood that only allowed his eyes to be seen. And when she gazed in those eyes, she felt darkness overcome her, but even as she fell she wouldn't forget those eyes. In the beauty of the Eyes of the Beholder, she was greeted to the sight of two orbs of the purest gold that seemed to radiate a beauty the likes of which felt alien to her. They stared at her with a glint of what seemed like worry or perhaps it was curiosity.
''Who...are...youuuuu~'' overcome by the stress of the situation she started to fall only to be caught by the stranger. The person who had the height of child simply tilted his head to one way before he closed his golden orbs and tilted his head down onto her's. For a moment nothing happened, that is until a small almost translucent link formed between him and the girl's head. It was a fiery blue string that allowed the stranger to have a direct feel to her energy, allowing him to have a way to take her back to where she belonged.
Leaning her against the wall of the facility the figure plucked his three kunai from his first victim before going back to the girl. Picking her up in a bridal carry, however, he stopped only to look off in a random direction, and his eyes narrowed into a glare before he jumped off with the girl.
...All the while watching through the scope of a sniper rifle from a mile away, Emiya Kiritsugu pulled it aside with a slight look of interest in his eyes. Kicking back, the Magus Killer leaned against the wall as a small grin made it's way on his face.
'So that's Ryu's kid huh? Well he certainly wasn't bluffing about the kid's skills. For a kid of 5 year's of age, that was incredible, though there was some flaws, it was still quick and clean. And he even sensed me from a mile away. Scary kid, he's got.' thinking about it only further increased Kiritsugu's interest in the kid. In all his life, never before had he seen a kid fight and kill in such a manner.
Oh sure, he'd seen kid's in battle's and wars before, but most of the time they were either used as sacrificial lambs with an armories worth of bombs strapped underneath their clothes. Or used as methods pushing the morality of their enemies by killing or protecting a kid in the middle of a battlefield only to wind up with a grenade in their face. He had seen enough horror's like that to have the perception of children in battlefield to make him skittish.
But this kid was different, that much was certain. A little over a day ago he arrived in Fuyuki, and soon after met up with Ryu while his son had been out training in the city. In that time, he was given the exact reason as to why Ryu was now, of all times calling in the favor owed to him. But concerning the situation Ryu was in, it could be attributed as a last wish if nothing else. And after everything Ryu had done for him when he started his career, and the times he had saved his life, Kiritsugu owed the man his life and then some.
So Ryu explained to him about the situation he was in, and the matters concerning his son and the last living legacy to the Hayabusa Clan. A detail Ryu had especially stressed to him, and then he began to tell him about his son. At first he thought the boys father was merely commenting on his skills to paint a pretty picture as initially Kiritsugu believed there was no possible way in Heaven or Hell that a kid of 5 year's old could do any of what Ryu said. Well now he was eating his words, as the boy had not only proven what his father said true, but he went above those expectations, and dealt with the situation like any sort of professional.
He removed any evidence that he was there which due to the situation Shinobi were in around the globe, was a smart thing to do If signs of anything depicting of their weaponry appeared it would quickly reach the ears of the Church and the Clock Tower and that would just be a whole other can of worms that Ryu didn't wanna deal with, and his son wasn't strong enough to deal with as of now. So making sure there was no evidence of him being there was most likely something that Ryu seemed to have taught his son early on. Not that Kiritsugu could blame him, Shinobi were basically wiped out long ago or the majority had been. They were still being hunted the last he heard by the Churches Executors and Enforcers.
Taking a moment of contemplation, Kiritsugu finally closed his eyes and seemed to nod to himself. There was no reason why he couldn't accept Ryu's proposal now after witnessing the boy's skills now. Though it may prove troublesome when he went back to Germany, he was certain the boy wouldn't get in his way. Truthfully, he was almost entirely certain the boy would become as big a threat as his father once was.
Time would tell...
'Besides while Jubstacheit may disapprove, I think it'll do some good for Illya to have someone her age to talk to...even if that someone is a killer-in-training.' shaking his head at that, he began packing up his stuff before making his way back. No doubt, the meeting with Ryu and the man's son would prove to be interesting.
XxX
'Well, I guess news about what happened has already reached their ears.' this was the thought of one young 5 year old by the name of Shirou Hayabusa. The son of Ryu and Momiji, and shinobi-in-training, who was currently standing on a rooftop overlooking the Fujimura compound. The young boy was dressed in a shinobi shōzoku which was just jet black. It was a training uniform made for all shinobi of the Hayabusa Clan, and some were made for children due to being trained from a young age. Unlike his father who used to wear a purple one, he went with just black. It consisted of split-toed tabi boots and black socks' special trousers with double ties that fasten at the ankles, knees and waist; a jacket with overlapping lapels which were tucked into the trousers, and protective arm-and-hand sleeves. He also wore a mask and a hood that covered his facial identity while a black obi belt was fastened around his waist.
And while it appeared baggy, what lay underneath were in fact traditional weights used by his clansmen to train their strength, speed, dexterity and endurance while doing their everyday training regime. However he couldn't use normal weights due to his abnormal physical structure and capabilities which was why his father constructed weights that grew heavier as his body became accustomed to them. Thankfully, after much worry, the weights never hindered his physical growth after a 4 month test period.
They were the perfect training tool for him, and something he abused for as much as he could without his father noticing. He never took them off unless he went to clean himself, went to bed or had them taken off occasionally so that his body could get used to the freedom without restraint. He learned the hard way after not doing so, and nearly rammed his skull into the trunk of a tree. But beyond that he never took them off, much to the ire of his father. Something he didn't understand as it was all to make him become stronger, so why would his father be annoyed by him constantly wearing them?
'Hm, who knows, dad's always been that way since I started training.'
That wasn't the only thing on his person though, for he also had a hidden pocket in his garments that held his kunai and shuriken. While strapped across his back was a simple katana used for training, and if needed for battle. It wasn't anything special, but in the hands of an experienced sword user it was a deadly weapon like any bladed object.
''Still, you might wanna listen to your grandfather next time and go back home Taiga.'' Shirou commented to himself, how he knew her name was simply the result of his tailing her when he found those suspicious people from before were following her. An unexpected result of his labor, but a good one nonetheless as he knew the name of the girl he saved. While it was something his father didn't want him risk attracting attention to himself, the whole purpose of being in the city to train his body, reflexes and senses. He simply couldn't allow the incident to go, not when he could have done something about it.
He had the power to help people so why couldn't he do just that, that's what Shinobi were meant to do. To help people when they were being threatened by another or that's what he figured. He knew the history of shinobi, he'd gotten their history and his ancestry beaten into his skull. Shinobi were the protectors of the world, Humanities sword and shield against threats aimed at them, both directly and indirectly. They were the ones who dealt with the threats dealing in the supernatural, and if it should come to it, the ones who dealt with humanity should they overstep their bounds if their actions would lead to the decimation of the earth. So, the way he saw it if you had the power to stop those from hurting the innocent, then you shouldn't hesitate to help them. If people needed saved then he would do so without a second thought, it was simply in his nature, and every time his father chastised him for it simply because it ran the risk of exposing himself. Something that he understood, but he simply couldn't help himself.
Regardless, finding the Fujimura compound was a lot less difficult then Shirou at first thought it would be, however his scouting of the city over the last few weeks had proven fruitful for him. He knew the cities layout, and knew almost where everything was, down to nearly every exact detail. The results were satisfactory to him, especially with the success of his latest technique used on the girl currently in his arms.
Well to be truthful, it wasn't a technique and more of a natural part of his body, it was one of the few things he found abnormal about him and which separated him from everyone else. For as long as he could remember, he knew on some instinctual level that he wasn't a normal child, even by the standards of the Clan. One was the fact that despite his age, his physical structure and capability was a lot different from a humans. It didn't just grow as a human would as they aged, but it increased at random intervals. Or at least that's what his father theorized when he turned 4 year's old, because no matter what you do not suddenly just grow immensely stronger, faster, flexible and more aware when you turn 4 year's old. You don't just suddenly feel your senses grow sharper like that and more keen to the world around you. That just doesn't happen...
Well except for him apparently...
Then there was the other part of him he discovered awhile back, something he kept quiet from his father. And that was because he was much much more sensitive to the energy of the world around him and in every individual person. He couldn't really explain it, but the chakra of the world seemed almost natural to him in almost every sense of the word. He could feel it prickling at his skin when he felt the wind rushing against him, latching onto him when he was training and course itself into his system and come back out leaving him more rejuvenated then the last.
It was weird, but not an unwelcome aspect. He'd actually taken to do some experimenting, but nothing too dangerous. However, this extra sensitivity to chakra also allowed him a skill in making him aware of other people's chakra, and by extension giving him the innate ability to foresee what kind of person they were. It also allowed him to link one person's chakra with another that was extremely similar.
Which was something he did for the young Taiga in his arms, linking his chakra with her own, then he expanded his senses into the whole of Fuyuki which allowed him to find the location of her grandfather. Which made taking her back not much trouble then it would have been not using that ability.
''Still, I better take you down there before your family starts tearing apart the city trying to find you.'' and without another word he jumped off the rooftop, shooting through the air before he quietly landed in the backyard of the compound. Keeping out of the light, Shirou moved Taiga against the building before leaning her against it. Then he gave a slight knock on the door, and made to turn around and leave.
''W-what's...your name?''
Now if Shirou was any other person they wouldn't have picked up on those words as they were spoken so low average hearing wouldn't have heard it. But with enhanced hearing, it was something he did pick up on, and he turned to look over his shoulder to see his ward looking at him through half-lidded eyes. A sign that she was barely conscious and just about to fall out again.
Still remembering his situation the young boy blurted out his name mindlessly before jumping off. ''Shirou...'' and with that said, he jumped away just in time for the door beside Taiga to open up where her grandfather came rushing out where he soon found her where he pulled her into his arms. But all the young girl could think of as darkness claimed her again was the name of the golden eyed boy...
'Shirou...he's got pretty eyes'
XxX
''I do hope you have a legitimate reason for being out so late, my son.'' that was the very first thing Shirou heard when he arrived back home in the forests. Still, it wasn't something he wasn't used too, his father was a very cautious man, though in their line of profession it was to be expected. He couldn't see his father, but he knew he was there regardless yet there was something else that he felt along with his father he just couldn't quite place it.
That was the reason for his cautioned response, ''I apologize father, I ran into some difficulties on the way back.'' he said as he made his way inside where his father would no doubt be. When it was dawn, his father would always be found meditating in the shrine. Something his father had beaten into him early on his training, making it a daily routine for the both of them.
So, it was no surprise to find his father inside when he walked in, but he was left momentarily stunned when he found his father's eyes staring straight at him when he responded, ''I heard...'' he said glancing to his left where Shirou did the same, and at that moment his surprise only grew when he met the charcoal gaze of a black haired man in a black suit staring back at him with a emotionless facade.
''A pleasure to meet you, Shirou Hayabusa. My name is Kiritsugu Emiya, and there is something you, your father and I have to discuss.'' he said in a impassive tone, though it carried an underlying tone of something else that the boy couldn't catch. Still his body tensed up, his body ready to spring into action at the slightest hint of ill intent aimed at him. That of which he didn't feel even an ounce from the man, in fact to his confusion he only felt an inkling of curiosity aimed at him.
''Father...who is this...'' he asked through his mask, his eyes never strayed away from Kiritsugu's black orbs, orbs that seemed to pierce into his very being and read his soul like an open book laid out before him. It made him feel unnervingly bare before this mans gaze. Ryu on the other hand simply closed his eyes, and spoke.
''This man is an old friend that I have asked to come and see you, Shirou. He will be helping you in your future training, but as to why he is here now. That is because, as he said, we have something to discuss. So my son..'' he opened his green gaze on Shirou nervously met his gaze. ''Do not keep your face obstructed in the face of a friend, he can be trusted.''
Hearing his father's words, Shirou wordlessly glanced at the man who was still staring at him before complying with his father's request. Sitting down with them, he unstrapped his katana and laid it at his side before removing his mask and hood. When it all came down, Kiritsugu was allowed to see the face of Ryu's son and, unknown to the boy himself, the face of his future protege.
What greeted him was the face of any other 5 year old child, he had a fair complexion that was showing signs of a healthy light tan. However after that was anything, but normal; because the boy's hair first off was probably the darkest shade of red he had ever seen. It was loose and it was starting to reach past his neckline. Then there was the boy's eyes, the very eyes he had been staring at since the boy first walked into the room.
Some say the eyes are the windows to the soul and this saying couldn't have been more true then at that moment as Kiritsugu knew exactly what the boy was like just by staring at him. No matter how much the boy tried to keep his guard up, he could read him plain as day simply because of one thing.
The boy was just like him...
Well, to be exact, the boy reminded him of himself when he was a child. Living happily on the island of Alimango without anything to worry about, dreaming of becoming a Ally of Justice, a person that held the power to protect the innocent and the helpless. Naive of the true nature of the world, and how truly sick it was to the contrary of his dream before it became twisted by the harsh truth.
'That you cannot save anyone without sacrificing someone else...' he remembered that lesson painfully, when he had to kill his mentor and mother figure before he started his career. Having to destroy the plane she was piloting that was filled with undead. So, there wasn't a risk of her landing the plane and infecting the nearby American village at the time he blew up the plane from the ocean. An act that saved the village, but with his own hands killed his mentor. Something which haunted him, along with every sacrifice he's made since that fateful mission.
Still he watched as Shirou bowed his head to him with a respectful yet impassive expression. ''It's...good to meet you as well, Kiritsugu Emiya-san.'' he said to which the Magus Killer returned his nod in kind. Then Ryu spoke up after greetings were done with.
''Now Shirou, you may be wondering what this is all about, and despite your age you have shown incredible maturity that far surpasses that. So, because of this I believe it's time I let you know what's been happening to me, and as to why Kiritsugu is here.'' he said causing Kiritsugu to close his eyes while Shirou frowned. Which only deepened when his father reached for the cloth wrapped his right arm, the very same he was forbidden from ever seeing.
It was no secret that Shirou knew something was wrong about his father, something he'd picked up as he was raised by the man. Very subtle signs, but thing's he had witnessed such as the slightest flinches during their spars, frowns appearing on his father's face at random times, and his trembling when he watched him meditate. It was all signs that there was something wrong with his father, but he didn't know what that was. But he knew above all else, that it had something to do with the arm he had kept forever wrapped in cloth. Something he was strictly forbidden from ever seeing what was underneath.
Until now...
Whatever Shirou was prepared for, it was not enough as the last bit of the cloth fell revealing Ryu Hayabusa's right arm to the world. What greeted them was the entire length of his right arm covered in blood red veins that coursed just underneath his flesh which was blood red at this point. The veins bulged as they ran up the length of his arm, covering it completely including his shoulder. However beyond that the veins seemed to go further, but they could not see beyond the fabric of his kimono.
The sight of what was on his father's arm made Shirou look on with wide eyes, while Kiritsugu glanced at it and closed his eyes with a frown.
''Father...what is that...'' it was the only thing he could say in this situation. There was nothing else that came to mind that he could say as the thing covering his father's right arm seemed monstrous, putrid in every sense of the word. Just by looking at it made his eyes sting, and his senses scream from release. Whatever the thing was, it was an abomination of the highest caliber.
The former Super Shinobi cast his gaze down at the curse before looking at his son. ''This, Shirou, is my consequence for letting myself become overconfident in my abilities. This is my scar that has reminded me that, no matter how strong you are, if you leave yourself to become even the slightest bit arrogant in your skills, then you will be marred for the rest of your life. This, my son, is my curse placed upon my by an enemy I fought 6 year's ago, and it's objective is near completion.'' he said to his wide eyed son who kept staring at the curse engraved into his right arm.
He didn't even need to explain further to his son of what this meant, the dawning realization in his eyes was all he needed to know that his son knew what was happening. And he was immensely proud of his child for not breaking once realization hit home as it would have done so to any other child in his position. ''It's...killing you...isn't it?'' the moment those words left his mouth, Ryu only confirmed the boy's fears with a simple nod.
''To be exact, it's been trying to kill me for 6 year's since it was placed on me. Your mother was the only one in the world who had the power to temporarily seal it. But with her gone, it's been left unattended for 5 year's, and this shroud has been the only thing keeping it from eating me alive.'' he said holding the shroud up for Shirou to see.
''This shroud holds a divine power to effectively destroy curses down to it's origin, but mine was a Sorcery, and one far too ingrained into my body and soul for the shroud to remove it. Therefore, it's only been blocking off it's effect, and by my estimate it can only do so for a couple more years before the curse takes over. It's only halting the inevitable, which is why Kiritsugu is here.'' he said while taking the shroud before wrapping it back up around his arm. At this, Shirou looked down in a troubled expression before he looked at the Freelancer.
''Can he help cure your curse?'' he asked with a little hope in his voice only for Kiritsugu to shake his head for both him and Ryu.
''No, instead he's here to take you away for the remainder of your training.'' he said causing his son to snap his gaze toward him in shock, but he ignored it and continued. ''By now there is little I can train you in what you aren't already learning or haven't already learned. If we continue like this, it will only hasten my end, and only stagnate your training. Which is why I am sending you with Kiritsugu to Germany so you can get the only useful thing you need now, that being experience.'' he said to his shell shocked son.
Concerning the red haired boy, he could only think his small little world was breaking at the seams from his father's words. Despite how harsh his training had been, and how firm his father was, he was happy and content with the life he had right now. There just wasn't anyway that he could simply toss it aside and go with a complete stranger, though one his father seemed to trust, and leave him and his home for who knows how many years. It just wasn't possible, it wasn't feasible.
''You...you can't honestly expect me to just...'' he tried to finish, but his father interrupted him with a stern frown on his normally impassive face.
''I do Shirou, I fully expect you to do what I just said. Despite what you may think, there is nothing else I can do for you in terms of training and Kiritsugu can show you so much more than I can in terms of real life experience. He is the only man on the globe I can trust with you, and I fully expect you to learn under him and grow stronger.'' he said before reaching into his kimono then he pulled out a small scroll to which he placed on the ground and rolled it toward Shirou who simply watched it bump against him.
''That is the only thing I have left for you to learn, and it is only something I want you to open when you are alone. It is my faith and my belief in you that you will succeed where I failed.'' he said with all the honesty he could muster. He truly did expect much of his son, but he believed in the boy after seeing his potential manifesting in such ways for the past 5 years. In his humble opinion, there was no better person to succeed him and bring back the Hayabusa Clan. However, it was more than that, he wanted his son to grow as a person. He knew of his sons tendencies, and there was no better person then Kiritsugu to mold those tendencies, he wanted Shirou to grow up into a respectable man of honor. Not one filled with misery, regret, hatred and anger, it was something he didn't want Shirou to become and he was damned sure Momiji wouldn't want to see her son become...just like his father had become.
Shirou picked up the scroll with trembling hands while looking at his father with an expression that was a mix of sorrow and hesitant acceptance.
''Now go and rest, you will be leaving with Kiritsugu tomorrow in the morning.'' he said dismissing his son who simply nodded his head and stood up. However just as he turned and went to the sliding door, the voice of his father stopped him.
''And...Shirou...no matter what you may believe right now, no matter how much this may seem unfair to you. Always know that I am...very proud of you, and I am sure your mother is as well.'' he said causing the young boy to look down as his shoulders shook for a moment before giving a nod.
''Thank you...Father...'' and without another word he slid the door open and walked out before closing it leaving only the two men inside the Shrine room. Once the footsteps were clearly distant it was Kiritsugu who broke the silence as he glanced at his old friend.
''You've got a strong son, Ryu. Despite all that you've told him, and from what you've put him through, I would have expected any other child to have broken by now. The training you've put him through from what you've told me seems much more harsh then the training I've seen shinobi children usually go through.'' Kiritsugu said causing Ryu to close his eyes before giving a nod.
''Indeed, but it's all for his sake. He has a responsibility that he must carry on when I pass, and he has to be strong, stronger then I ever was to repel the dangers he will no doubt face.'' he said causing the Emiya freelancer to frown in apprehension.
''You mean the Church and the Mage's Association?'' he asked only to receive a shake of the head from the man.
''No, he does not know the truth of his birth, and it's something I don't intend for him to know until he's old enough. A time will come when he will have to confront them, there is no question about that, but until that time comes I want him to be strong enough to deal with all the threats imposed on him and the earth. Powerful enough to slaughter all the demons in Hell, and sunder the very Heavens if need be. He needs to be the strongest...so he never has to worry about falling as I did.'' he said to which he heard a snort making him give a cool stare at Kiritsugu who only met his gaze with one filled with bemusement.
''I wouldn't worry about that, when I saw his eyes...well...you've already set him on the path cause those weren't the eyes of a child, Ryu. Those were the eyes of a monster.'' he said causing Ryu's eyes widen before they closed sorrowfully as he clenched his left hand into a fist.
'...Forgive me, Momiji...'
Chapter 1 is officially DONE!~
So yeah, this chapter was just a tad bit longer then the prologue, but I'm happy with it all the same. It got down a lot of events that will take importance in the future so I can't complain. Though I hope you enjoyed the work I've put in so far.
Also I'm disappointed on the lack of fics focused on Taiga-chan, not sure why there is so little so I'm having her play a more substantial role then she does in canon. It also helps that it evens the playing field since Shirou's older in this fic. ALSO considering Shirou's age, I have been having such a hard time keeping the timelines in check since there isn't official ages for most of the characters, only years between the Wars. So I've had to come up with my own theories on the matter. So down below are the ages of the cast and how old they will be by the time Fate/Stay Night Begins.
Shirou Hayabusa: 5 (Currently) -20 (Fate/Stay Night)
Illyasviel von Einzbern: 4 (Currently) – 19 (Fate/Stay Night)
Tohsaka Rin: 2 (Currently) – 17 (Fate/Stay Night)
Tohsaka/Matou Sakura: 1 (Currently) – 16 (Fate/Stay Night)
Fujimura Taiga: 8 (Currently) – 24 (Fate/Stay Night)
Now take what is said above with a grain of salt as I could be wrong, but their current ages are 5 year's before the Fourth Holy Grail War, and their future ages are 10 year's after the Fourth War's end. If I am wrong, please do not hesitate to correct me as I am horrible at math.
Now, I'll be answering reviewer's questions at the bottom of this story from now on, a few of which are regarding the first chapter and the plans I have regarding Shirou.
Dp11: I don't have plans to have Shirou summon a servant during the events of Fate/Zero, but that does not mean he will not be involved in the War. I've got some idea's, and by the end I think we'll all be satisfied with what's coming.
Q'Fox: I think I've created a unique way of working with it. Understand that I can't say anything about this, but what I will say is that since this is a different Shirou and a AU it will all be different from what we're used to.
Darkjaden: I can neither say he will or will not, you will just have to wait and read to find out. :D
I think that's everything, if not I will remember in the morning as I am just dead tired right now. Anyway PLEASE leave a review and tell me your thoughts on how I did this chapter. Now, time to go!
Bye bye!