Muramasa Estate. Two days later.
Cleaning up the soot, dirt and so on out of the forge, Shirou was making sure his workplace was in pristine order after the little bit of work he had put in today. After he was done delivering his work to Zelretch and learning of his Origin, Shirou decided that it may be a good idea to start training with live weapons, hence why he drafted plans and schematics for his own weapons. For now, he had come up with the ideas for a pair of swords based off the ones Shirou had forged for Zelretch, only made to suit his own size, as well as his own parameters. Spending the next day drafting schematics, calculating the amount of materials, deciding which he would use, Shirou then decided to start preparing for it.
Thanks to the smaller size and amount of material to work with, Shirou could forge it faster, but his family wanted him to take it easy and not to overdo it, and Shirou promised he would do so. Hence, why instead of going all out in the forge, Shirou today simply chose the tamahagane that he would use to forge his swords. After that, welded them to the metal sticks, to make it easier to work with, and only after he had flattened them to begin layering them, having accomplished about half of the needed work in that part. Feeling satisfied for the moment, Shirou left the piece he was working on in the special Mystic Code chest, which preserved the condition of all things it contained, which was quite a good thing for Shirou, as he could get straight back to hammering, instead of heating up the metal again.
Disposing of the trash and used up coal, Shirou wiped off the sweat and looked around, noticing how it was actually quiet, before remembering that for today he was actually the only person present in the estate, much to his surprise. Aoko received a contract from Association and left for a few days, while Touko and Rin had return for the day to Fuyuki to deposit the jewels, and Irisviel with Illya, Sella and Liz decided to visit a festival in the next town to the south, leaving Shirou as the master of the house for the day. For the first time in a long while Shirou actually found himself alone, and the quietness and loneliness was a bit unusual, and while he did have free reign to continue to work as he pleased, he did make a promise, hence why he had stopped his work, yet now finding himself pondering what to do.
He was allowed to leave, of course, but he didn't exactly have any friends or acquaintances among locals, so he decided to stay in the estate. After pondering about it for a bit, Shirou decided to grab a book out of his family's library and read, maybe Book of Five Rings by Miaymoto Musashi, which Venelana and his mother mentioned was a favorite of his father and grandfather. Speaking of Venelana, Shirou remembered that he had to write her a letter, so he decided to first do that instead, since they were regularly exchanging letters and correspondence. He was surprised that such an important and powerful Magus would even have time for him, and yet she never failed to send one or two letters, as well as gifts and congratulations on holidays and his birthday, which he suspected she learned from Irisviel. Still, he was quite happy to be able to correspond with her, as Venelana took great interest in his work and successes, and also provided advice and wisdom, as well as serving as a bit of confidant on certain things.
Washing off soot from the outdoor faucet, Shirou freshened up and headed back to main home, before he heard a knock on the front gate, making him stop. Shirou was surprised, as he had assumed that none of his family would be back at least until after dusk, and it was not even noon yet. It could be Natalia, who also lived nearby, and deciding that it was her, Shirou moved to open the gate, and to his surprise, it was not Natalia who waited for him on the other side.
Instead, it was an unknown young man to him, dressed in fashionable white shirt, black jacket, pants and shoes, sporting a rather proud, even arrogant look about him. He had a head of gold, eyes of red rubies and his face seemed to be a sculptor's dream for it was seemingly so perfect and handsome, but what Shirou noticed the most about this man was not his looks. It was the sensation that he was giving off, one that he had felt only once before, and that was when he met Caenis, and that was enough to alarm Shirou to no end. After a few seconds of examining each other, Shirou spoke up.
"Can I help you, mister?" Shirou asked in a polite tone of the man, with the man letting out a small huff.
"Is this how you greet one of my station, mongrel?" The man said with a voice filled with pride and arrogance that could give any Magus a run for his money. "You stand in the presence of the King, and you dare address me as if I were a mere pedestrian. Truly, you humans of this age are creatures of greatest ignorance and indolence…" The man seemingly lamented, but in way that made it clear he was actually insulting humanity, with Shirou growing both concerned and confused, yet the sheer confidence this man possessed made it clear to Shirou, that he was not lying, as ridiculous it may sound.
"Um, sir, I fear I do not understand what you are talking about, and I've not met you before in my life." Shirou responded in the polite tone, drawing the gaze of the golden man.
"Hmph, you offer such a small excuse to your ignorance of my identity, that it almost makes me want to scowl… But since you are a child yet, I shall accept it, and place the blame upon those who raise you." The man responded in his own manner. "Now then, since your parents have failed to educate you on such simplest matters, I shall elucidate you personally, so you should feel honored, little mongrel. I am the One True King, who predates all who came and will come before, the origin of Kings and Heroes as concepts, Gilgamesh, great King of Uruk, Mesopotamia and Humanity." Gilgamesh introduced himself in a proud manner, with Shirou for a second thinking that he was joking, but the sensation that he was facing a Servant did not leave him, and the next moment he recalled where he had heard that name.
"Gilgamesh? As in the main character from the Epic of Gilgamesh, regarded as the first ever work of mythos of such kind?" Shirou asked, as the man's arrogant smile grew a little. "But, that would be impossible, u-unless…" To that Gilgamesh scowled at Shirou for a moment.
"If you know of my identity, little mongrel, then you should know that there is nothing that is impossible for me." Gilgamesh responded, before his gaze returned to a more neutral one. "Now then, shall you continue to stand here, or will you finally recall your manners? I am growing tired of this useless babbling." Realizing what he wanted, Shirou, listening to his gut, decided to oblige the man, and welcomed him in, even as the fear started to grip his heart, with Gilgamesh strolling in.
"Hm, a quaint little adobe you have, little mongrel. Not like ones my blacksmiths in Uruk had, but it is not without it's own meager charm." Gilgamesh said with a modicum of praise, before he turned to Shirou. "But I've come not to inspect your adobes. Show me to your workplace, little mongrel, so I may appraise and judge it." That served to confuse Shirou even further.
"Apologies, Your Majesty, but for what purpose would you need to look upon it, if I may ask?" Shirou asked, deciding to play along with the man, which seemed to please him.
"Ah, you are finally learning your manners. I will judged whether on or not it will be worthy to serve me, and if you are worthy of it, little mongrel." Gilgamesh responded with a cocky smile. "Now then, will you keep me waiting any further and test the limits of my patience?" Deciding it was best not question any further a Servant, with Shirou becoming certain of this man being one, young Muramasa led the man to the backyard and to his workplace, with Gilgamesh's gaze shifting from one of boredom to one of interest.
"Now this is something worth my attention and appraisal." Gilgamesh commented, as he carefully and deliberately strolled across the forge, examining and observing every single object in it with interest for near half an hour, before he finished and spoke up again. "So, not only was Tokiomi a bore, but he was also a much greater fool than I imagined, or rather a man of such pettiness. His pathetic excuse for a Workshop pales in compassion to this place, with its contents being worthy of my praise and some of things even bear enough value to warrant a place in my Treasury. Hm, truly, that blacksmith's pride in his forge neither was misplaced nor overestimate." Gilgamesh stated with a tone of pride, yet one that also showed praise, with Shirou gulping a little.
"Then, is all to your liking, Your Majesty?" Shirou asked of him, with Gilgamesh turning to him.
"Indeed it is, little mongrel, much more so than I had originally anticipated. You should feel proud, for your family's workshop is indeed worthy of my praise." Gilgamesh responded, as he walked outside. "However, while the forge is indeed worthy of my praise, I find that one utilizing it is not worthy of it." That stung Shirou, as he looked at him with surprise, while Gilgamesh simply smirked at him.
"And upon what criteria do you make this judgement?" Shirou dropped politeness and addressed Gilgamesh with colder tone, with the man noticing it.
"Watch that tone of yours, little mongrel, or you shall waste your King's magnanimity." Gilgamesh responded to him. "I made my judgement upon my own criteria, and I have found you wanting, hence why I deem it be more appropriate that I take it all from you, as you are a fool that neither knows nor values the treasure he has in his possession." That got Shirou to widen his eyes at that, as anger began to rise in his soul.
"You would openly steal my family's forge, just because you deemed it so?" Shirou asked of him with a near growly tone, with Gilgamesh scoffing at his tone. "Who, in the hell, do you think you are?" Shirou's anger got the better of him, as he projected into his arms kodachi swords, with Gilgamesh laughing at him openly.
"Ha ha, you have the gall to cross your King, and with such pitiful fakes?!" Gilgamesh laughed at the boy, before he stopped and smirked at him, amused by his insolence and bravery. "Mayhaps this will show you the futility of your pathetic attempt." And then Gilgamesh clicked his fingers, and behind his back opened up ten golden portals, and then out of them appeared weapons.
The moment Shirou's eyes landed upon those weapons and his portals, he realized that his gut was telling him right in the regard of fearing him, but at the same time, a young blacksmith's soul in him was in awe. Even without Structural Analysis, Shirou could see the majestic quality of every weapon that Gilgamesh displayed, the originality and beauty of every one of them, purposes given form and life, the embodiments of all that Muramasa strived to achieve.
Not mere shell of beauty upon a useless carcass of a blade, but form and nature made manifest in one entity, a weapon forged for its intended purpose without flaw or disorder of any form. What Shirou saw in those weapons wasn't mere threat. It was the manifestation of what he and his ancestors strived to achieve and made, so to a blacksmith like him, gazing and seeing such works of art was akin to a blessing. Gilgamesh noticing the venerated look Shirou now held, and couldn't hold back a bemused chuckle and comment.
"Most mongrels cower and beg for mercy at the sight of my treasures, but you look upon them with reverence that my priests once reserved for the Gods." Gilgamesh commented, as Shirou snapped out of his daze, resuming his sterner gaze, with Gilgamesh laughing at him. "Though you are not a blacksmith worthy of my praise and rule, at least you possess the sense of true beauty when you see it. Shame that I have no need for lickspittles, or else I may have allowed you to be my vassal."
"I doubt I would want to be one of your vassals, even if your treasures are magnificent." Shirou responded, with Gilgamesh looking him straight into the eye. "Even if you are a Servant and the first hero, you won't have my forge." Shirou stated with clearest determination, as his double kodachi glowed, mana coursing into them and bringing them up to their original stats, with Gil snorting.
"And how do you plan to stop me, little mongrel?" Gil asked of him, as his weapons began to vibrate with power. "Do you plan to fight me, despite knowing the futility of such mad notion?"
"To the death." Shirou simply stated, as he assumed a fighting stance, with Gilgamesh blinking at him, before smiling, dispelling all of his portals, safe for one, with a masterfully made katana sticking out it, which he picked up.
"I had killed greater and lesser men for fewer insults than you've inflicted upon me, little mongrel, but your gall and look of reverence to my possessions amuse me, so I shall indulge you and your little delusion, and even offer you a sliver of hope." Gilgamesh said, as he gripped the blade in his hand, a cocky smile on his face. "I give you a chance to prove to me, that you are not without potential and true reverence for your forge. You shall face me, and should you survive for 5 minutes, I shall rescind my decision in regards to taking possession of that treasure. In fact, as token of magnanimity, I will even indulge you by display of twenty of my arms from my treasury, if you manage to hit me. But fail to do either, or dare to turn your back and flee, or activate any of the pesky defenses you have here, and I shall simply strike you down as a worthless bug, on all that you have my word as King. Use whatever means you have, little mongrel, for else, even with me not fighting in the slightest, you will perish." After that, Gilgamesh produced a golden hourglass, before flipping it, signaling the beginning of the fight.
Without even waiting for a response, Gilgamesh moved towards Shirou and swung his blade at the boy with speed and strength that Shirou had not anticipated, yet was not unable to see or dodge, though with difficulty. Moving to the side and avoiding the attack, he barely had enough time to bring up his double kodachi to parry the next slash from the King of Uruk, yet his traced blades proved to be but minor inconvenience for Golden King's katana. Though catching the blade and stopping it for a second, the smallest increase in strength from Gilgamesh, and Shirou's projections became dust and he was forced to fall back as the blade began to reach for him. Without his Projections, Shirou resorted to the next best thing he knew, and that was Wards, as he casted the strongest anti-physical ward he had.
"Regal shield, come to life once more. Sun's mirror granted and lost to mortals, take form from our mind. Yata no Kagami!" Shirou used high-speed incantation, and a golden shield in form of a multi-span mirror manifested right before Gilgamesh struck with his blade, catching him by surprise, yet also bringing smile to his face.
"Using an figment of imagination to bring to life a lost treasured shield of a Goddess?" To that Gilgamesh laughed, as the mirror began to crack under the pressure of the thrusting blade. "Your pathetic idea of an imitation is nothing before the one that it was birthed from."
"M-maybe, but it's still something useful… Reflect!" Shirou cried out, and the mirror glowed, before sending a Gilgamesh the combined kinetic energy he expended to strike it, and this surprised him, as he stumbled half a step back, yet recovered in less than moment later, with Shirou looking him with shock.
"A cunning spell, but did you truly think I would expend even the slightest amount of strength for it?" Gilgamesh asked of Shirou, as he quickly closed the distance and kicked him in the chest, sending him across the yard, tumbling and rolling, before he could compose himself, with coughs and rugged breath.
"I'll admit that you are tougher than most, for you've survived a minute, though barely. Will you endeavor to endure for more, or will your petty human nature betray and reveal you before me?" Gilgamesh asked of him with a cocky smile, as Shirou rose up to his feet, wiping off the spit and blood, with King of Uruk seeing not fear, but determination in the young boy's mind.
"Trace on!" Shirou cried out, as two more kodachi appeared in his hands, and he rushed at Gilgamesh, who barked a laugh at him, as mana poured into Shirou's weapons.
"Seems I had misjudged your strength, and had knocked your brain out, if you dare to charge with your hollow instruments." Gilgamesh noted, as he prepared to repel the boy's assault. "If so, then I shall gladly put you out of your misery." He said with a cocky smile, with Shirou closing the distance still.
"Trace on!" Then Alteration magic flowed through Shirou's blades, and then he threw both of them at Gilgamesh, augmenting his throw with all the strength he could muster through body and Magecraft.
Gil's brow cocked upward, as he saw the blades coming towards him, yet he felt absolutely no need to move away, and with a careless and even sluggish move, Gilgamesh used his katana to strike both of them at the same time. The moment his sword struck them, the blades glowed with magic and then exploded right in Gilgamesh's face, with Shirou not wasting time to check it had done anything to him or not, as he stopped with a skid and drew upon the ground with Mana a special Rune his mother had taught him.
"Uruz!" Creating a large glowing circle that encompassed both Shirou and Gilgamesh, he then added into it another component. "Still the blood, stagnate the muscle. Addle the mind, weaken the Soul. Venomous Soil!" And with this Shirou casted a curse, which spread all around the circle of Uruz, and became a massive trap for all that came into it, safe for Shirou.
And as the dust had settled around the Golden King, Shirou saw he that the man was all but unharmed, safe for a bit of singe on his clothing, with a clearly annoyed look to him, as he found himself unable to move and his body growing unable to move from bottom to top.
"Guh, you dare to sully my garments with your Magecraft, you mongrel?!" Gilgamesh roared at him with indignation, as Shirou prepared another pair of Kodachi, with Gilgamesh's disposition changing again to a simply arrogant one. "Do not grow cocky, little mongrel." And then he simply struck his sword into the ground, and Shirou watched in horror as the cursed circle broke and disappeared from a single strike, while Gilgamesh flexed his legs a little.
"An anti-curse Mystic Code?!" Shirou said with a shock, as he looked at the blade more closely, before his eyes widened from realization, having seen that blade in the past. "Where… Where did you get that sword?!" He shouted at Gilgamesh, surprising him with pure rage that he heard from the boy.
"You still have the gall to ask your King such things? Have you resigned yourself to die already, little mongrel?" Gilgamesh asked of Shirou. "If so, then I shall consider that as your final request: this sword is a tribute of a true blacksmith to me, the sole mortal who had recognized my magnificence and who proved worthy to contribute something to my Treasury. This is blade had caught my gaze and earned my appreciation, and so I've taken it, as per my law." Those words were enough to trigger Shirou's rage, as his Magic Crest began to surface out.
Inside the young boy, rage and fury boiled, as the implications in his mind were grim and dark, for he knew this blade in Gilgamesh's arm, one that was forged by his father and seen by him as one of his best achievements. To have it take, stolen by someone, be it even the King of Heroes himself, was not simply unacceptable, but just intolerable for Shirou, and his very being cried out that he must act, that he must punish this bastard for what he did. And as the Crest of Muramasa activated, so too inside the boy stirred something that was hidden deep inside of him, a world of his own, that was the reflection of his very being. A plain filled with the blades and swords that Shirou had learned of and studied, and now these very blades in his soul stirred, ready to be unleashed, and in that moment, through the rage and fury the young boy heard the words, that would symbolize the beginning of one of his greatest treasures:
I am the bone of my sword…
"You stole my father's sword!" Shirou declared, and then his Mana ran through all of his Circuits as fast as it could. "TRACE ON!" And then around Shirou's body began to form in the air, much to Gilgamesh's surprise, copies of all the weapons Shirou could Trace, and then as they shook in the air, before being launched at Gilgamesh as fast as they could be, making him widen his eyes in mild shock.
Never before had Gilgamesh ever come under the same type of attack as one he used against his enemies, and yet this boy not only dared to challenge him with his fakes, but also even launched them much as he did at his enemies. Naturally, the sheer difference in power was akin to that of between a pond and a sea, but just the fact of what he could do was enough to make Gilgamesh pause… That pause caused him to miss the first blade going at him, and as impossible as it had sounded, it had managed to graze his cheekbone, leaving a small tiny line of blood in it's wake.
"What…" And then the rest began to come at the King of Uruk, and had to forget for a second his carelessness and become a tiny bit more serious, as he effortlessly destroyed all the projections that were coming at him.
"I won't let you take anything else from me!" Gil heard, and then he saw more exploding blades coming at him, and he widened his eyes at their numbers. "Die! Trigger off!" And then the blades exploded all around him, seemingly taking Gilgamesh.
Yet the very next moment, golden portals appeared around Shirou, and then out of them came out swords, spears and more, ready to eviscerate him the very next moment, and he realized that he had lost. Then, the next moment his body burned from the aftershock of using so much mana, and he fell upon his knees with a ragged breath and heavy limbs, as Gilgamesh emerged from the smock, seemingly unharmed, safe for his dirtied clothes, but missing the look of annoyance or arrogance. Once he closed his distance with Shirou, he put the tip of his blade to Shirou's chin, making him look up to him, as he dispelled his portals and weapons, before he spoke to the Muramasa.
"Your outburst was as tactless as it could be, but it offered me a quite a revelation in compensation, and now I shall render my judgement upon you." Gilgamesh stated, before he raised his the sword over Shirou's head… and then struck into the ground, much to the boy's surprise and shock. "Rejoice, little blacksmith, for your King has found you worthy of the praise, and of that treasured forge your father had valued so." And with this, Gilgamesh picked up the sword and walked away from Shirou a little.
"You… You still stole it…" Shirou said with a fatigued sigh, with Gilgamesh turning to him. "My father's sword… Why else would you have it?" He asked of Gilgamesh.
"I have stated how I obtained it, yet you dare to proclaim me a thief?" Gilgamesh said with a clear annoyance, before producing another Noble Phantasm in form of a mirror and showing it to Shirou. "If you think me a thief, then gaze into this mirror, and find how false your words are." Shirou gazed into it, and then it displayed to Shirou the events of the past.
Three years ago. Fuyuki City.
Inside a seemingly abandoned mansion on the edge of the city, Genji Muramasa observed the actions of various Masters and their Servants, displayed upon the laptop, transmitted to him through his familiars and cameras attached to them. Seeing that the action had finally died down at the Einzbern Castle, he let out a sigh and turned to face the large board, displaying all the information he had gathered about every Servant and Master. Glancing for the final time at the laptop, Genji activated a recorder on it and began to speak.
"Observer's log number 11. Today was the second battle of the Grail War, with Caster being the one to initiate it by attacking Einzbern Stronghold and luring out Saber. Since Risei had altered the rules and made Caster number one for all, another Servant came to the battle, that being Lancer, who's Master, Kayneth El-Melloi, had also decided to strike while Servants were preoccupied, using his Mystic Code of Volumen Hydragram, against Kiritsugu Emiya. Details of their altercation are largely unknown, but it is clear that Kayneth suffered a critical wound and is near death, having been saved by Lancer, while Emiya escaped alive." Genji let out a small sigh, as he looked at the board, map and notes. "Regarding the battle between Servants, Saber and Lancer joined forces against Caster, and had managed to drive him away. However, at the same time, there was another development."
"Kirei Kotomine, Assassin's Master, had ventured out into the vicinity of the Castle, and was intercepted by Emiya's accomplice and Irisviel von Einzbern. As expected of the man of his caliber, he did dispatch them both, though he did not kill them. Was it done under the orders of Tohsaka or out of personal reasons, remains to be seen, though I suspect the latter is more likely, since Archer was nowhere to be seen." Genji then took a pen, wrote another note, and attached it to the Kirei's section. "Personally, I suspected Kirei was either seeking same as Kayneth, to kill Saber's master, or to take possession of the Lesser Grail, unknowing of the fact that Irisviel is it's vessel, and he had nearly destroyed it the Grail. Still, his actions warrant extra caution, not to mention the fact that he still is in the War, and is harbored by his father, which is confirmed by the continued presence of the Assassin. It is safe to assume that Tokiomi and the Church, or rather, Risei Kotomine, still maintain the old alliance of Tohsakas and the Church. Now then, after thorough examination and investigation, it would be appropriate to name all of the Servants and their potential for winning the war, as per your request." Genji turned to the picture of Saber.
"Starting with Saber… Even without unveiling fully her sword or naming it, one glance upon her revealed her name to me – Arturia Pendragon, King of Britain and Camelot, and wielder of Excalibur. Clearly, not the same version as one that had fought in the Third War as Rider, yet formidable nonetheless. As expected of her legend and class, Arturia's stats are nearly all in upper classes, with Agility, Endurance and Mana being rank A, while her Strength is B+, and her Noble Phantasm is close to EX." Genji stated, as he took up his cup and drank from it. "She is yet to use her main Noble Phantasm, but taking into consideration the legend of Excalibur and the power of Rider's Rhongomyniad, said to be equal to Excalibur, I suspect it to be either an Anti-Fortress, or even an Anti-City type, but with extremely high consumption. Regarding her chances, under normal circumstances, I'd consider her and Emiya to have rather high chances, but her injury clearly reduced her power, and she can't properly wield Excalibur, making her vulnerable. Right now, she is vulnerable and weakened, unless nothing changes, her chances are in the middle." Then Genji turned to Lancer.
"Lancer, or Diarmuid O'Dyna, first knight of Fianna and Irish counterpart of Lancelot. A solid Lancer with two cursed spears, one to destroy magic, the other inflicting wounds that cannot be healed for so long the spear remains. The only parameter in which he surpasses Saber is agility, yet he did manage to inflict a crippling wound, yet I am surprised that Kayneth had summoned someone like him." Genji commented. "Irish and Celtic mythos are filled with great spearmen, and more appropriate would be either Fionn or Cu Chulainn, as well as more powerful with more effective NP. Overall chances I'd say are rather low, and the only servants I'd say he stands a good chance against are Caster and Assassin, but against someone like Saber, even with her wound, or Archer." And then Genji turned to Archer.
"For as much as I may give Tokiomi flak, I've gotta admit- he couldn't have summoned a more threatening and dangerous Servant, one that even makes Tohsaka's previous Archer look a little underwhelming, and I know for certain that one was a serious threat to even Lancer and Rider of past War. Still, I doubt even Arjuna would be able to stand up to Gilgamesh and his inexhaustible arsenal of Noble Phantasms and Mystic Codes that makes even me salivate at the thought of it." Genji admitted freely with a sigh. "Pure stats are above average, but his Noble Phantasm is enough to guarantee victory… Yet his master is a complete and utter moron for not realizing it. Had he unleashed Gilgamesh back in the docks, then Tokiomi would have won already, but then again, Tokiomi is a blind fool who can't even understand what it means to be human anymore. Currently, Gilgamesh holds the highest chance of victory, period." And at that very moment, Genji heard his special bells ring around him, indicating one thing to him, and that he was found out by a Servant, yet not he was not seen by Genji.
"Well then, let's see who has decided to come in." Genji then a special spell that forced all of the sprits around him into the physical world, and that revealed five Assassins near him, yet frozen in shock. "Assassins, should've known…" And without any other words, Genji grabbed his katana and then proceeded to attack them.
Surprising the Servant of a Hundred Faces, Genji had closed the distance with the closest one in the less then a second, bisecting him by drawing out his sword, before moving on to the next one, evading his dagger, before slashing him across the face. Without missing a beat, Genji sent curses flying at the other three, stopping them in the place and then dispatching them all without much difficulty, before flicking his blade clean. Once that was done, he heard another bell ring, one that indicated that he had an intruder from the living world, made of flesh and blood, and it took but a moment for Genji to guess who it was.
"Has Tokiomi dispatched you to kill me, or are you here of your own volition…" And then Genji tuned and faced another intruder. "Kirei Kotomine." He looked into the eyes of the Inquisitor, standing just across the living room from him.
"Genji Muramasa, my Master had attempted to offer you participation in this war, yet you refused him. I would know why, and what is your purpose in being here now." Kirei demanded, with Genji deciding to indulge the man, as he studied him.
"I've had no interest to enter, and even less in helping Tokiomi Tohsaka achieve his goals at my expense." Genji answered the first question. "My being here now, however, is entirely unrelated to that, and in case you are unaware, I am the appointed Observer of the Clock Tower and the Wizard Marshal Zelretch, charged with observing and overseeing this war as a neutral party. My goal is to observe the preservation of Mystery of the Holy Grail War, as well as the fair play, though we both know that this one had broken before the war had even begun." Kirei looked at the man with suspicion.
"Only Holy Church is permitted to send an Overseer for the war." Kirei noted, with Genji smirking at his lack of knowledge.
"Clearly, your father and Tokiomi had not filled you on all things. I am an Observer, not an Overseer, and an Observer were present in all other Wars, I am just the one to fill in that role now." Genji stated. "And just so you know, attacking an Observer either personally or through a Servant is prohibited and is considered to be a cardinal rule, same one as Overseer getting involved. Since you were uninformed and you've just come from a bit of scrap, I will let you leave peacefully now." At that moment, Kirei drew out his Black Keys and flung them at Genji, who easily deflected all, before sending a glare towards Kirei.
"Even if your words are true, you are still a potential threat to my Master, and hence, I shall not allow you to persist with your schemes." And at that moment, he charged Genji, who merely scoffed at him.
"As you wish." Then he tapped with his leg the floor, and the curse activated, trapping Kirei in paralysis, shock evident on his face, with Genji moving to him with a deliberate pace. "You should have done your homework first, Kirei, or else you would know, how dangerous it is to attack a Muramasa on his territory." Genji was about to plunge his sword into the heart of Kirei, when he heard a new voice, yet one quite familiar one.
"If you value your life, mongrel, you will put down that weapon of yours and face me." Genji turned and saw the materialized Gilgamesh appear before him in his casual clothes, as he looked around. "Ah, so this is the hideout of the stalker Kirei had mentioned. I would have imagined one like you to be hiding in a hole, not such a place. Quite an adobe for a cowardly rat that does not dare to come out and engage in battles." Gilgamesh commented, as Genji sheathed his sword.
"I would battle, if I had need or reason, but since I am an Observer, I have no need." Genji stated to Gilgamesh. "But you have naturally already known that, King of Heroes, Gilgamesh of Uruk." Genji could see a pleased gaze upon Gilgamesh.
"I see you have already discerned my identity. That alone puts you above the rest of those mongrels that lay claim upon my Grail, though but a small margin." Gilgamesh commented with a curious eye. "Tell me, mongrel, are you the one that Tokiomi refers as the failure of a Magus, Genji Muramasa."
"I am." Genji answered. "As for being a failure at being a Magus, Tokiomi needs to learn that the world is bigger than he and his hollow pompous egotistical ass." To that Gilgamesh laughed openly.
"Ha, indeed, on that I agree with you." Gilgamesh laughed for a few moments more, before calming himself and looking at Genji with intrigue. "Tell me, why is there a forge in your backyard over there?" Genji blinked at his question, but answered.
"That's my temporary Workshop. A far cry from my true forge back home, but it suffice for my immediate needs." Genji answered, piquing Gilgamesh's interest.
"Oh, so you are not merely another Magus, but also a blacksmith." Gilgamesh noted, before taking a look at his sword. "This blade, is this one yours, or did you pay someone to have it made for you?"
"I've forged it from the scratch, King of Uruk." Genji stated. "Would you care to examine the craftsmanship?" Gilgamesh cocked an eyebrow at his suggestion.
"And why would I lower myself to sully my hands with a blade that is clearly below even the least valuable treasures I hold?" Gilgamesh asked of him, with Genji answering.
"Then how about a wager, King of Heroes: one of your least valuable blades against this one." Gilgamesh blinked at such gall, while Genji readied his blade. "I've read that you hold all the treasures of the world, and that includes all the swords, spears, halberds and so on in your treasury. I must admit that I am tempted to see, if I had managed to reach the minimum of worthiness in my mastery of forge."
"You would dare me to bring out one of my treasures, just to satiate your own pathetic pride as a swordsmith?" Gilgamesh asked of him. "What do you truly wish to gleam from it, mongrel, and what will I gain from it?"
"Entertainment for you, knowledge and revelation for me. And should that be insufficient, I'm prepared to offer additional compensations for your troubles, Hero of Heroes." Genji answered, with Gilgamesh smirking at him, and opening one portal, with a blade coming out of it, ready to be launched. "Whenever you are ready, Your Majesty." Genji readied himself, and Gilgamesh smirked at him, before launching his blade towards Genji.
Genji raised his blade above his head, then sent it downwards at the sword of Gilgamesh, and what happened next came as quite a shock for Gilgamesh, as his sword not only was chipped or deflected, but broken in two. One of his treasures, a sword worthy to be placed into Gilgamesh's Treasury… was broken in half by a sword that was forged by a blacksmith of the Age of Mortals, and one that was of this abhorrent era. The fact of his treasure being destroyed was enough cause for Gilgamesh to seek reparations in blood, but the fact of what and who had done it quelled his anger and instead roused his curiosity… and respect. Meanwhile, Genji simply sheathed his blade and took up the shattered remains of the sword, letting out a lamenting sigh.
"To be honest, this was not what I had expected. For a blacksmith like me, to break such a fine blade like that is a travesty." Genji said, before he put the shards together, and then used his Magecraft on it, managing to repair it, again surprising Gilgamesh. "I believe it is now up to its original specs. Truly a magnificent sword. My gratitude for letting me see it." Genji presented the repaired sword with reverence, with Gilgamesh finding it indeed repaired back to its original condition.
"Is this your attempt at pity or patronizing me, blacksmith?" Gilgamesh asked of him with narrowed eyes. "You have embarrassed and humiliated me with that sword of yours, and you dare to speak like that to me?" Gilgamesh asked of the man, before sending his sword
"I speak only the truth, King of Heroes. The sword you presented was among the finest I've come across, and if he is only one of the least valuable treasures in your possession, then had it been anything of higher caliber, I doubt my sword would be able to even withstand it." Genji stated with full honesty to Gilgamesh, who saw no lies in his words. "I am grateful for a chance to examine my work through this test, King of Heroes. For a blacksmith like me, this is worth more than a chance to partake in the Holy Grail War." Quelling his anger fully, Gilgamesh extended his arm to Genji.
"Present your blade to me, blacksmith." Gilgamesh demanded, and Genji obliged, with Gilgamesh now examining it with a careful and interested eye for quite some time, before asking him. "Does this weapon of yours have a name to it?"
"Mujo Muramasa, Transient Sword of Passing Season, King of Uruk." Genji answered, with Gilgamesh nodding to him.
"I sense enchantments woven into it's being. What properties does Mujo Muramasa hold?" Gilgamesh asked.
"Mujo Muramasa is a special Mystic Code that is tailored to counter Curses, Spells and other harmful magic, which are targeted or directed towards it's wielder. It can dispel them and protect one's wielder from harm from them." Genji explained. "Of course, there are some limitations. Like for an example this field would affect its wielder, but the effect would be seriously slowed and weakened, but if the sword strikes the curse directly, it would dispel it instantly." Gilgamesh looked at it appraisingly, before striking his sword into the floor, dispelling the Curse that held Kirei, who immediately drew out his Black Keys, but then was stopped by Gilgamesh's Gate of Babylon opening before him.
"Down, Kirei. You may hold my interest, but if you dare to spoil my appraisal because of your misplaced initiative, I will not hesitate to end you like a rabid dog." Gilgamesh threatened to him.
"Archer, this man…" Before Kirei could even finish his sentence, weapons showed themselves before Kirei and were ready to destroy him.
"Do not test my patience, Kirei. The fact that you live still is because this blacksmith had placated me with his splendid work. Now be silent and do not interfere." Gilgamesh ordered him, and Kirei obeyed, as the King of Uruk turned to Genji. "Your Mujo Muramasa is a magnificent blade, of the quality I would expect only from the best of my own blacksmiths back in Uruk. I had resigned myself to the belief that this day and era hold completely nothing of worth, and yet you pleasantly surprise me, blacksmith. I would have in my Treasury, indeed." At that, Genji presented the scabbard to Gilgamesh to sheathe it in.
"Then please consider it as my tribute to the one to inspire all Heroes and Noble Phantasms that came to this world, Gilgamesh, King of Uruk." Genji offered it, with Gilgamesh pleasantly surprised, but accepting it, sending Mujo Muramasa to his Treasury, with Genji smiling. "Never would I imagine one of my blades earning a place in the greatest Treasury in history."
"Value and treasure it, blacksmith, for I accept only truly valuable treasures." Gilgamesh told him with a smile. "Answer me this, was that sword you masterpiece, and was it forged in your primary forge?"
"I did forge it in my main forge, which I regard as one of my greatest treasures, and though Mujo Muramasa served as my trusted blade and I am proud of its quality, I had long since surpassed myself of the time when I forged it." Genji stated truthfully, with Gilgamesh cocking an eyebrow at his statement. "Since then, I've crafted arms and Mystic Codes that I consider higher and more prominent in quality, but if I had to pick up my masterpiece, it would have to be the one that is placed there." Genji pointed towards the object, wrapped in special shrouds, completely obscuring it from gaze, with Gilgamesh cocking an eyebrow at it.
"And what magnificent treasure would that be?" He asked of Genji, who walked and touched it.
"One that I consider the height of my present talent and skill, once a broken and forgotten sword, left to oblivion and obscurity of history, that I've reforged into something that would surpass what it was in the past." Genji answered, as he looked at it with a fond smile. "I've spent 6 months traversing Avalon search of materials to reforge it, and then a whole year forging it, granting it new form and nature, and achieving the success I could not even anticipate."
"And how would you compare it to the treasures I hold, blacksmith?" Gilgamesh dared him, with Genji smiling to him.
"I'd say it would fit right it, and maybe give a good portion of your swords a run for their money, though I fear I can't part with it." Genji stated, with Gilgamesh understanding him. "However, if I were say that this is my greatest treasure, I would be lying. Compared to him, this blade is nothing to me."
"Is that so? And what treasure surpasses that which you claim to be stronger than much of my Treasured swords?" Gilgamesh asked of him.
"My son." Genji answered without any reservation, with Gilgamesh looking at him with shock. "It might be a surprise for you, King of Heroes, but to me, my son is worth all of the treasures in this world, Grail included. The only wish I have is to be there for him, to see him grow into a man and find his own way in life. And one day… One day I know that my son will surpass me and all that I have created." To that, Gilgamesh could only blink at him with shock, with Kirei not understanding it all.
"Your certainty in your son's success confounds me... But your confidence does intrigue me, and you have provided me the greatest entertainment and pleasure I've had since being summoned, and for that you have my gratitude, Genji Muramasa." Gilgamesh stated with respect, with Genji bowing his head back in respect. "And as a King, it is my priority to be magnanimous to worthy subjects, and so you may voice your desire, and I shall grant it. Would you like a Grail or two?" Gilgamesh joked, with Genji chuckling to him, before answering.
"Your offer is most generous, King, but if I were to take the Grail, it would go against my principals and goals. If you wish to repay me, then all I ask is that you not convey your knowledge me and this place to Tokiomi, and ensure that his puppet does the same." Genji asked of Gilgamesh, who turned to Kirei. "The last thing I want is to get involved in your War directly. My job is to observe its course and the preservation of its secrets and rules, and to report it to my superior. I will overlook this intrusion once, but anymore I will not tolerate. Naturally, if you wish, you may come to visit at any time I am present here."
"I think I shall do so, for your company does seem to alleviate my boredom, and you are certainly a better host than Tokiomi, not to mention far more intriguing one." Gilgamesh told him, before turning to Kirei. "You have my word that Tokiomi or any other soul will learn of your or this place, not from me or from Kirei, and should he break my word and make me a liar, I shall personally punish him for this affront. Now, come along, Kirei. Till we meet again, blacksmith." Gilgamesh dematerialized, with Kirei standing and looking at Genji for a few more moments, before turning and leaving without another word, and once all of them were well out of the earshot, Genji let out a tired sigh.
"Great, now I'll have to restart the log…" Genji simply complained, seemingly absolutely unfazed by what just happened, and simply went back to his work.
Back to the present.
"Now then, little blacksmith, what do you make of me now?" Gilgamesh asked of Shirou, who was in shock and processing still what he had just seen. "Do you realize the depths of the mistake you made when you accused me of being a thief?"
"I… You have profoundest apologies, Your Majesty. I am prepared to face your judgement." Shirou slowly, due to the pain in his muscles, lowered himself onto his knees and bowed, with Gilgamesh looking at him with his usual look, before answering to him.
"Had you been anyone else, I'd long remove your head for your preposterous accusations, but out of respect for your father and a token of my mercy, I will let you off with a warning to choose your words next time with more care, little blacksmith." Gilgamesh answered to him, with Shirou raising his head and slowly getting up, wincing a little from the pain in his body. "Hmph, your endurance and abilities are almost pitiful when compared to mine, but you definitely offer far more of a bite than Tokiomi possessed it him. Do you have the means to recover from your wounds?" He asked of Shirou, not out of concern, but more out of curiosity, with Shirou nodding and casting healing upon himself, sighing in relief as he had taken care of his fatigue and damage sustained from his little overload and overexertion.
"May I ask you a question, Your Majesty?" Shirou decided, with Gilgamesh deciding to indulge him with a nod. "Why have you come here today, really?"
"To appraise the treasure that came to my notice, and decide if they were worthy of my appreciation and patronage, and I pleased to learn that he are." Gilgamesh answered to Shirou bluntly, as he sent Mujo Muramasa back into his Treasury. "Your father claimed you to be his greatest treasure, and I've come to access if he was right or was he a liar. As you are now, you are worth less than the blade he presented to me in my eyes, but you did accomplish something that no mortal of your time did, and for that, I am willing to grant you a chance to become that which your father envisioned you to be. And since you clearly hold some interesting treasures in you, and are one, as your King, I see it as my duty to take you as my vassal." Shirou blinked at Gilgamesh with shock.
"Your vassal?" Shirou asked of him again, with the man smiling to him in proud manner.
"Indeed, so rejoice, little blacksmith, for you now have the privelage and honor of serving the One True King. And as your King, I shall expect you to afford me every form of respect and admiration one of my position deserves." Gilgamesh stated to Shirou. "I am expecting." Gilgamesh warned him.
"Um, my gratitude to you, Your Majesty, but…" Shirou decided to press his luck. "…What if I do not require your governance over me?" To that Gilgamesh could only laugh.
"Your opinion on the matter is of no concern to me, little mongrel, for I hold ownership of all that is in Heaven and Earth, including men." Gilgamesh responded in his usual manner, before his tone shifted to a more threatening one. "However, should dare to deny me that which is mine by right and law, I shall offer you nor anyone you consider family no quarter or mercy. Are you willing to risk your family's life for an impossible chance at being free of my reign?" Gilgamesh could clearly see that Shirou understood him and relented.
"If I may offer an observation, Your Majesty, but your way of governance is that of a tyrant, and not of a King." Shirou noted with a sigh, with Gilgamesh cocking his brow at his words.
"And what do you expect a King to be? A slave to his own people?" To that, Gilgamesh laughed, with Shirou pondering a bit, before answering.
"A leader to his people, ruling with wisdom, yet not led by mere pettiness. One who holds ambitions and embodies dreams of his people, yet not merely beyond their reach. He is seen and heard, and his power is felt, but with reverence and respect, not merely feared." Shirou answered as he thought, with Gilgamesh listening to him. "A King is who would face challenges and defeat them, who rules not merely because of his bloodline, but because he can and does so. They strive and achieve greatness, and even if they stumble, they rise up again."
"Such an interesting and idealized view, nearly childlike, but it's not without its own charm." Gilgamesh said, but it was clear he actually showed a little respect to Shirou's view. "But answer me this, little mongrel: what is it that you seek?"
"What do I seek?" Shirou asked, before pondering on the question, before recalling that which his father told him, and his time in the forge, and what he felt deep inside of him, and only then producing his answer. "I… I wish to create."
"Create? Such a broad and dull idea." Gilgamesh said with boredom, with Shirou shaking his head.
"Not simply create, but surpass my own self, to create something, and then make it better. One sword, then the next, and another, each better than the past." Shirou elaborated, with Gilgamesh listening to him. "What I truly want is to one day not simply surpass my father, but to achieve the goal of my family, one which had been held since days of Sengo Muramasa. A blade, that knows no piers, one whose purpose and might would split Heaven, Earth and Seas, before which even Gods would bow their head. The sword that would dispel Mystery and purge resentment, cut through fate and destiny itself, and sever all bonds… That is the ideal that my heart strives for, and one that I will seek to create into the world." Gilgamesh listened to him, before smirking and laughing.
"Ha, your father was right, that it is the Curse of your Family, to seek this impossible and improbable dream!" Gilgamesh noted with laughter, before continuing. "Do you even realize just how foolish and unreachable your dream is? Do you truly think that you, a little boy, will one day craft a weapon that would surpass the greatest weapon ever to have existed, the one that I prize as my greatest treasure?" The thought of it made Gilgamesh laugh for several minutes, while Shirou didn't seem deterred, or even peeved, and instead simply waited while Gilgamesh had his share of laughter, and then spoke up.
"It may be so, but it is my dream to have, one that I accept and wish to pursue, and even if I fail and stumble, I will have had no regrets and merely continue on my path." Gilgamesh could clearly see the determination in boy's eyes, and decided to test it, as he suddenly produced a golden cup out of his Treasury and waved it before Shirou.
"Do you know what this is, little mongrel?" Gilgamesh asked of him, with Shirou shaking his head. "This is the origin of what your people call the Holy Grail, only mine is the true and original article, and one that truly is worthy of praise and magnificence afforded to it. With it, I have been incarnated in this world, and now walk freely as I wish, with my mana and powers intact and full at all time. Such a treasure usually reserved only for King's hands and gaze, but if a vassal were to ask, I would not mind lending it to him. What do you say, little blacksmith?" Shirou gazed upon it for a moment, before giving his answer.
"A generous offer, my King, but one that I shall refuse." Shirou answered, Gil cocking his brow at him. "If I were to use to fulfill my wish, it would be a spoiled wish, a rotten result that I can't even fathom of wanting. Even if the road to my goal is long and hard, I shall walk it gladly, without shortcuts of any kind, for if I were to wish the ultimate blade I envision now to this Grail, it would undoubtedly lose to the one that I envision tomorrow. Life is the greatest teacher, and I shall live and learn, and from my experience I will come to the result that I seek, and one day I will have achieved the true dream of the absolute blade, and then I will make into the reality." Gilgamesh looked upon Shirou for a moment, before simply sending the Grail back into his Treasury, a prideful, yet also respectful smile playing on his face.
"Of all the answers I've come looking for today, this one I expected the least, yet I am glad to hear it, little blacksmith." Gilgamesh stated to him with what Shirou could only describe as respect. "Mayhaps this humanity does have some value to them, or at least you do, and that is enough for now for me. I shall watch and observe you closely, and test you, so as to ensure you do not fall to the same pit that the rest of mankind has fallen into, and if you do grow as complacent as they are, I will eradicate you with my bare hands, am I clear?"
"Most crystal, Your Majesty." Shirou responded, with Gilgamesh nodding to him.
"Now then, little blacksmith, how do you plan on treating your new monarch?" Gil asked of Shirou with a cocky smile, and he already knew what it meant.
Same day. Evening.
"Shirou, we are home!" Irisviel called out from the entrance in to the house, as she, Illya, Liz and Sella returned from their trip, taking off shoes and moving to the living room. "Oh, you should've seen the festival, it was just wonderful and the people…" Irisviel moved the door into the living room to the side, and the first thing she saw was one of her greatest nightmares, which immediately made her freeze in her place.
"Ah, so the Einzbern dolls have returned." Gilgamesh noted with his cocky smile, as he sat on the sofa, drinking sake, while Shirou placed plates of food on the table. "You are just in time. My new vassal has just finished preparing the meals, and I graciously offer you to share them with me."
"A-Archer…" Irisviel said in a near whisper, as she put herself between him and Illya, while Sella and Liz moved closer to their mistress, with Gilgamesh remaining as unbothered as he was. "Shirou, get away from him! This… This is not a simple man."
"Ha! As if I could ever be considered one!" Gil found the entire idea exceptionally funny, while Shirou simply sighed without any fear, as he turned to face his mom.
"Mom… You and others better sit for this one." Shirou told them, shocking Irisviel with how calm he was. "It's a long story…" And so Shirou Muramasa obtained something that none could boast in this era- governance of King of Heroes, Gilgamesh, over him and, by proxy, his family and friends.
Okay, I did not expect this chapter to be made this quickly, but looks like I was this inspired, and sure it is the shortest one yet, but I feel like it is the most impactful one yet. As you can see, while Gil is Gil, I do try to make him be not merely an overbearing monstrous douche, but someone with a bit of complexity, to stay true to his deeper character in the lore of Fate, where, he is actually a seriously complex person.
While arrogant and prideful to no end, he does respect those who strive to achieve their goals, and wishes to see them do so, despite how hard and seemingly impossible it may be. Along with that, he is not evil, but he is a guy from well over 7 thousand years ago, and morals back then were WAY different, and I'm not trying to be a devil's advocate, just pointing out the nuances. So yeah, while he is chaotic, he has in him the capacity for good, and I think that he can be something of a mentor to Shirou, a force to push him forward, and it did already.
Now regarding the Mujo Muramasa, I based it's appearance off of Transient Blade in Nioh 2, but added my own idea to it. As for it's stats, I would say that on Fate stats, it is about C+ Noble Phantasm, with potential to be even a B, under right circumstances. But Genji's final masterpiece is WAY higher up the ladder.
Now then, for the next chapter, I shall do something a little different, and instead of any action packed scenes or massive moments, I think I'll focus more on the slice of life for Shirou's, display his more or less normal life. And I welcome your suggestions of what I should include, situations and who to interact with, and your choices will definitely impact my decisions
And as always, be sure to leave review and your personal opinion on story and chapter, as well as future events, possible romance choices for the harem, and don't be afraid to ask questions, for your contributions help me get better.
See ya soon!