AN: This idea has been brewing for quite awhile in my mind so why not have some fun with this. This a fic where different from the traditional routes as I am not going to involve Shirou in the Fifth Holy Grail War or at least not directly involve him. He will have a similar relationship with that of Kiritsugu and even a similar meeting with him, but other that, that will be his only involvement with the Holy Grail Wars. This story will focus on his relations with characters and his time at the Clock Tower and the precarious events that I have planned for this story. Also, this will not turn into a harem fic, nor will Shirou have multiple love interests in this. That's all I will say, but for now, enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Fate/Stay Night or any of its spin-offs, or any of the Type-Moon's series such as Tsukihime, Kara no Kyoki/Garden of Sinners, Mahoutsukai no Yoru/Witch on the Holy Night, Melty Blood or any related series nor do I own any of the characters from any of the series. All of the mentioned above are owned by Kinoko Nasu and Type Moon. This is purely a work of fanfiction inspired by the universe Nasu and the rest of Type-Moon created.

Prelude: A Fate by any Other Name

Zelretch's Pocket Dimension, 1987

"This won't do... Nor this or that. Should these events take place and especially this close to each other... I dare to think what may happen. Then there is the matter of that woman being that boy's mother. There are many paths this can take and many of them can cause a catastrophe of epic proportions, yet none require my direct intervention as of yet. Not that I have no need to interfere, but still, this doesn't look all too good for the association, yet I can't help but stay curious as watching these events transpire. Lines severed and the axis has been altered dramatically from that timeline and this one and yet it is still fluctuating. The outcome is not a desired one, yet it is more salvageable than the previous one. Whether the great spider will awaken or not is unclear. And then there is the matter of those three."

Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg sat on his chair looking at the book before him. Stroking his beard with a pondering look on what to do with the situation laid out before him. First he had to ascertain all the facts and separate them into their proper settings. But before that, he should address the guest that made their way to see him. Even if it is through an advanced form of projection or illusion magecraft.

"To what do I owe for the pleasure of your acquaintance, Mage of Flowers? Did you come to ascertain the timeline before us now... or do you know how to deal with such a timeline where you would interfere yourself? Or have you become content with sitting this one out and watching from that tower of yours."

"If I have an answer for you, it would be the former of your questions, would that satisfy your curiosity or would you like my opinion on the events of this timeline? Either way, I already know that any answer I give would not be able to sway your curiosity as this timeline is full of many curiosities, Zelretch of the Jewels." A smile stayed present on Merlin's lips as he approached the man in the chair and his book, his eyes never leaving the pages of said book. "What do you suggest I do, Court Mage of King Arthur? Advise me as you would have your own King."

Merlin turned the page of the book and gazed at it as he read the contents of the next page. He then placed his finger on a block of text in the middle of the page. "If I have to give an answer, I would say the best place would be here, if you wish for that person to have a chance to survive the fifth holy grail war. Your old apprentice, the older sister of the fifth, the Archelot heiress, the Barthomelloi heiress, Illyasviel Von Einzbern, and the Fraga girl as masters, she would have her hands pressed to just survive and this is not including the servants and the overseer and his little golden friend. But should the requirements be met, she would survive and have a better chance at winning it this time around, though the odds on the latter are low."

"The descendant of Nagato? I see, though for some reason, she will be a bit of a challenge. Moving on, how about the situation in Norlisk, Russia in 2006 and 2007?"

"As for that situation, that can be handed with some difficulty but it is manageable. The thing I worry about is that the Grail there is an artificial one that powered with nuclear technology and magecraft. Unless the thing goes critical, I see no reason for you to involve yourself when Shirou can handle it himself."

"Nuclear Technology huh... Those mages who had secretly partnered up with the Soviets back in 1917 certainly been busy. As for the incident in Snowfield... Flat Escardos and that girl should be enough to deal with the True and False Grail War. I shall remain an outsider as well for that Holy Grail War."

"You find that your intervention is not needed. Well we will leave it to them, though I do have to ask, if Shirou Emiya is not the protagonist of the Fifth Holy Grail War-"

"The protagonist of the fifth war is actually the Barthomelloi heiress. As for Shirou... He is not adopted by Kiritsugu Emiya in this timeline."

Merlin's head shot up with eyes wide as he stared into the Second Magician's eyes. Did he mishear? "What do you mean he ain't the Magus Killer's son?" The shock and confusion were present as he registered what Zelretch just said. The Wizard Marshal only smiled as he gave his answer.

"Oh, he remains with his biological mother in this route, though it ain't some ordinary woman in this timeline either. His mother in this timeline is-"

-scene break-

-October 20th, 1987, Misaki General Hospital

Inside the hospital's LDRP(1) room laid a woman on a bed with a small bundle in her hands. A smile graced her lips as she gazed upon the miracle she held in her arms, carefully as to not wake the small bundle of joy. Her boy, her precious baby boy had finally arrived after 14 hours of labor.

Never in her wildest dreams would she had thought of having a child of her own to raise but here she was now as her red eyes gazed down at her son. But one thing had been had still plagued the mind of one Touko Aozaki.

She had yet to come up with a name for her son.

The woman had frowned as she tried as it dawned on her. She looked over at the sleeping figure of her sister in the corner on the chair and chuckled softly. Who would of thought her own child could mend the fracture in their bond as sisters, especially after all she had put Aoko through nine months ago. Even if it is only a little bit.

She then returned her gaze back at her son and smiled as she realized the perfect name for him. It was only fitting considering that she was a survivor who carved her own path as she soldiered on in this crazy moonlit world of theirs. She had taken down an Dead Apostle Ancestor, killed Francesca Prelati thirty times after being called a "certain name", made a pact with the elemental and phantasmal beast known as Lugh Beowulf, rose to the rank of "Grand" within the Clock Tower, and had accomplished many, many things in her life. And now... now she was the mother to the bundle of joy that she had just brought into this world.

There was only one name in that would fit this boy who would carry on as her legacy in this world and she wouldn't choose any other. He was her son and she knew that he would make her proud regardless of what he does because he is her son. Nothing will change this fact.

"You know, I didn't plan to have you and yet... here you are, in my arms. You are my flesh and blood, my son. My precious baby boy." Touko whispered to him softly. "While some may think that getting drunk and having a one night stand would be a problem, I know that it wasn't a mistake and I do not regret giving birth to you. There is only one name I can give you and there is only one name that will suit you, my little soldier of the blue blossoms." She looked up at the moon for a moment and then at the sleeping Aoko before returning to gaze upon her son with a loving gaze that only a mother could give. "That's right... your name shall be Shirou Aozaki."

-Chapter End-

Annnnnd cut! I hope you guys enjoy this little prelude. I know this was short but I don't want to give more than I already have at this point so please bear with me. This is my first Fate fanfic and it's something I personally have been planning for a while and something I want to see through from start to finish.

(1) LDRP - This what is called a Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum (LDRP) room. In the LDRP, you will give birth here and your baby will stay with you until you are ready to go home. Many of these facilities use the nursery only for babies who are ill, rather than for well newborn care.