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I stare blankly at the ceiling as moonlight shines by the window.

I turn to my sister. "Hey Illya, are you awake?"

Illya fidgets and moves her whole body to my right, her eyes wide open. "Nope! I'm too excited to go to sleep!"

"Same. I just can't stop thinking about it." I replied, but my tone betrays my words. Don't get me wrong, I am excited. I mean, who gets to say that that they've met both meet Artoria Pendragon, the King of Knights and Mashu freaking Kyrielight herself, two of the most titular characters of the Fate franchise. It is literally every avid fan's fever dream come true! (Though personally, I prefer Artoria's Alter form than her classic look).

No, it's the fact that Illya is the Master of the Fourth Holy Grail War, not the Fifth like in canon and that worries me. Not only that but she somehow managed to summon a Servant under the Shielder-class, a class that shouldn't exist in this route as the summoning system of Fuyuki only permits seven Servants to be summoned at any time as in the last war Avenger simply replaced Berserker.

So that begs the question: who did Mashu replace in this war?

Saber's out so that leaves the other five: Lancer, Archer, Rider, Assassin, Caster, and Berserker.

Or... did Mashu not replace anyone at all and she really is the eight Servant.

Illya is still a child here, both physically and mentally. I don't want her to be exposed to the kind of hell the Holy Grail War offers. The bloodshed and murder that'll be present constantly is not something she should see. I don't want her anywhere near Ryuunosuke Uryuu and Caster Gilles de Rias.

Those fuckers can burn in hell!

But what I'm worried about is Kiritsugu Emiya himself.

Illya will see a side of her father that she never once saw before. A side that contradicts the father she loves and cares about. A side that even Irisviel and Artoria had trouble stomaching; godforbid what Mashu will think. For crying out loud, she already had a front-row seat of the Magus Killer at work and almost got killed for it.

"Illya, do you really want to be part of this? The Holy Grail War isn't exactly kid friendly." I said.

"Of course, brother. I want to help mama and papa get their wish." Illya told me with a smile.

My eyes furrow at this and look at her straight in the eye. "Illya, I'm serious. The Holy Grail War isn't a walk in the park. You'll have to fight against Servants, beings with god-like power not to mention the Magi who've spent decades preparing for this moment and are determined to win by any means, even killing children." I said. "Then there's the fact that the old man is a Master too and you'll have to fight him."

"I know. I want to help papa get his wish and besides papa wouldn't hurt me. He loves me." Illya said.

I don't respond and instead pull Illya close and give her a hug. "I know he does and I love you too. I promise I'll always be there for you, sister."

Illya returns the hug. I can feel the happiness literally radiating off her.

Your [Kindness] has increased!

'I won't let them have you. As long as I'm here, you'll live the life you deserve.' I said and we both fell asleep in each other's arms.

"This is… problematic." Kiritsugu sighs. "With two Servants on our side we have a great advantage over the other Masters. But Illya is too young to participate. The risk is too great."

They all gathered in one of the chambers, Jubstacheit in the center of the room, Kiritsugu and Irisveil at the opposite sides of the table. Saber stands beside her Master on one side and Shielder stands by his wife on the other. He has never heard of such a class before, none of them have. She states it is a title that best suits her abilities. There is no aggression between them at least not from Shielder, Saber meanwhile stares at the shield-themed Servant analytically.

'That shield... how is it possible for her to have HIS shield? Who is this girl?' Artoria thought.

"The best course of action would be removing the Command Seals and passing them to a better prepared Magus." Jubstacheit ignores the very unfriendly gaze Saber and Shielder are giving him and continues. "But it is impossible in her case since that would require ripping out her Magic Circuits. She must go to Japan, there is no other option."

"It would be great to go there together." Irisveil said hesitantly. "We'll be much safer if we all stayed in the castle, right?"

"Not really." Kiritsugu said bluntly. "It would make us an easier target and if the enemy finds out Illya is a Master, they will definitely target her first, assuming that she's our greatest weakness." He glances at the self-proclaimed Shielder-class Servant while saying this. "We must keep her status as a Master a secret from everyone for as long as possible. It must be guarded well like her Servant's True Name. Revealing it is like asking an enemy to kill them."

They all agreed with Kiritsugu in silence. Although Saber would prefer to fight openly and fairly, respecting the Code of Chivalry, there were some priorities that cannot be ignored and their Master's safety was one of them.

"Elder, I have a question." Something obviously was bothering Kiritsugu. "How is it possible that an unknown Servant has been summoned here spontaneously? Is it because we're in her homeland?"

"No. There is no legend in this country that matches her description and we do not have a relic for her either." The old Einzbern head admits this. "Her parameters also show that she is useless on the battlefield. She will be a good support for Saber, and nothing more."

Kiritsugu wants to say something, but decides to keep it to himself. The Elder had a point. In terms of power, Shielder was weaker than Saber herself but because of her high endurance makes her the perfect vanguard against an enemy.

Even if Shielder feels offended by the comment, she doesn't show it in any way. In fact, she seemed to be flustered by the fact that they were talking about her.

"Shielder should act under your command, Kiritsugu Emiya, but not openly." Jubstacheit gets back on topic. "Her Master will stay in another hideout."

"But Grand-" Irisveil tries to interject but is mercilessly ignored.

"I ordered to speed up the manufacturing of her assistants." It is clear Old Man Acht has made his decision and will not be deterred by sentimentality. "Illyasveil will receive a bodyguard and a teacher to increase her magical knowledge. The building will be well protected and none of you are allowed to visit it, so as to not alert any enemy Masters. You will be separated at the airport in Fuyuki."

Mashu is visibly surprised that the Einzberns want to keep her away from her Master, but rather than argue she decides to wait until the end. She knows that this world functions differently from her own, the fact that there's a Fourth Holy Grail War is proof enough. But on the other hand, it boggles her how nonchalantly this family is willing to go just to win the Holy Grail. She can see the logic in their words but her morality is telling her that it's wrong. So wrong. But there is nothing she can do, she needs the Holy Grail to get back.

'What would you do if you were in my place, senpai?' Mashu asks but there was no answer.

Saber notices the change in her expression and makes note of it later.

Kiritsugu hesitates for a moment. "With Shielder acting independently, the others may decide to hunt their Master down at all cost."

Old Man Acht nods. "Indeed, there is always a risk. But it is a risk we must take to achieve victory."

"Then it would be better for both Servants to stay with Iri."

"So she will be targeted by everyone? They may even form an alliance to eliminate her."

"But I will be well protected by our two amazing knights." Irisviel smiles at them gently. Mashu blushes at the motherly smile and Saber smiles a little in return. "I will probably be the safest person on Earth."

"So we will go with the first plan and then join forces if it fails," Kiritsugu concluded and the rest accepted this idea with more or less visible enthusiasm.

"If I may say something…" Shielder decides to speak at last. "But may I ask what you plan to do with the boy. Shouldn't he be a part of this as well?" So far, no one has mentioned the boy's name in this meeting. It was like he was a mere afterthought to them.

Jubstacheit huffs. "What about it? It is nothing more than a failed experiment that should have perished a long time ago. Give him away to an orphanage, use it as a meat shield, it makes no difference in the end."

Mashu is appalled. How can someone be so… so… uncaring for their family!? Does he have no remorse at all!?

"If I may," Saber began, breaking Shielder out of her thoughts. "I believe Shielder should stay by her Master's side." She sees no signs of approval and continues. "I will respect your decision, but I insist at least on strengthening their bond and have Lady Illyasviel make a proper contract so that she can sense any possible danger to her Master. She should also be taught how to summon her for help with her Command Seals."

"Kiritsugu?" Irisviel looked at her husband with hope. She evidently agreed with Saber in this matter and was happy that the Servant showed some initiative.

"Yes, it would be wise," Magus Killer admits after a short while. "Irisviel, you will assist in this process."

Saber glares at her Master but nods. She doesn't trust him, not at all. There is something about him that doesn't sit well with her.

"Good." Jubastacheit stood up, their council was over. "Your departure will be delayed, but I won't let you go until we finish the preparations. Spend your remaining time wisely."

It was not a suggestion, but clearly an order. They all bowed before the master of the castle, accepting it.

Actually, they had no other choice.

I slowly open my eyes and am met by Illya's ruby-red eyes.

"Good morning, little brother~" Illya said.

"Morning. How long have you been up?" I asked.

"Not long, but your sleeping face was so cute that I couldn't stop staring."

I hum and slowly move out of bed and put on my wolf slippers. I scratch my head and make my way towards the door, only for it to suddenly burst open revealing Irisviel on the other side.

"Good morning! Did you all sleep well?" Irisviel exclaims.

Illya gets out of bed and tackles her mother with a hug. "Good morning, mama!"

Irisviel smiles and hugs her daughter but not before extending her right arm to me. "Come here. Mama wants to hug you, too."

I huff but smile nonetheless and give her a hug. Irisviel lets out a squeal as her beautiful children hug her.

I roll my eyes. This has become a regular morning occurrence. It isn't bad but it is definitely weird from an outsider's viewpoint.

Irisviel breaks the hug. "Now, why don't you two get yourselves freshen up? We're having chocolate-chip pancakes today."

"Oh boy!" Illya bounces up and down before running off towards the bathroom.

"Hey, wait for me!" I yell and quickly follow her.

Irisviel giggles as her children run off. She wants today to be the best one, a day where they can enjoy together as a family.

For this may be the last time they will...

"I'm so high up!" Illya shouts, excited and happy, as she raises her arms above her head.

Kiritsugu smiles as her daughter sits on his shoulders. They walked through the forest around the Einzbern Castle and as always, they were counting walnut buds. This time Illya is determined to win their little contest.

I follow close behind them wearing a blue winter coat with white fur on my sleeves and on my hood. I never understood Illya's fascination with walnut buds and just put it off as a little game Kiritsugu and Illya came up with to pass the time. She would invite me to play with her but I always declined because of the fact that this was Kiritsugu and Illya special time together and I didn't want to get in their way.

But now we barely have much time left. I want Illya to have the best day ever… with me by her side.

"Look Illya! I found one!" I exclaim showing them my walnut bud.

"Wow, it's so big! Where did you find it?" Illya asked.

"I just saw it poking out of the snow." I throw the bud at Illya and she catches it. "You can have it."

"Wowie, really!? Thank you!" Illya smiles.

I give her a heartfelt smile in return, she is so adorable.

Just then, Kiritsugu suddenly stops and puts her down.

"Hm? What's wrong, old man?" I asked.

He kneels down in front of us to meet our level. "Listen Illya," his expression turns serious. "You won't mind if I borrow Shielder for a while?"

"U-huh." Illya nods eagerly. "Mama already told me this. But you promise to bring her back to me."

"Of course." Kiritsugu chuckles. "She's yours, after all."

"And she's determined!" Illya adds. "She'll protect everyone!"

"Of that, I can't deny." Kiritsugu said. "Speaking of which… What can she truly do? Please tell me."

I internally huff. There he goes, trying to get information out of her. I can understand why he needs to ask this, but it doesn't seem right to ask her something like that. He simply sees Servants as tools for the war and the fact that he knows next to nothing about Mashu is getting on his nerves. Come to think of it, did Artoria already discern her identity yet? That massive shield of hers should be a dead giveaway, but she probably never brought it because she's not who she thinks she is.

Maybe I'm just overthinking this, but there's no way Artoria didn't remember that certain knight.

Illya hesitates for a moment, a fact that Kiritsugu found very odd.

"What's wrong, Illya?"

"You're a Master, I can't tell you," she explained simply. She must have realized that this is somehow against the rules of the Holy Grail War.

"But she won't be of any help if I don't know how to use her skills." Kiritsugu adds.

"Shielder is not a machine to be used. She will help you." The little girl smiled widely, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "You need to ask her, that's all."

Kiritsugu sighs. "Illya, it's not that simple…"

"It is!" She was so sure about it. "Shielder can't refuse if you ask her for help."

"Why?"

"I don't know. But she can't. Oh, I found one, there!" She rushes towards a nearby tree and digs up a walnut bud from the snow.

"You should trust Illya a little more." Kiritsugu turns to me. "Shielder isn't the type to betray her Master. She will protect her Master 'til the very end. Illya understands this, so why don't you?"

Kiritsugu pauses, not sure what to say to his son. If what he said is true, then Shielder is willing to protect her Master from everything. A good trait for a Servant to have, but would that be enough?

"Kiritsugu?" Illya poked her father in the head, alarmed by his prolonged pause.

"Yes, yes, we keep going…" The snow creaked under his shoes, when he started walking again. "Tell me, what is the Noble Phantasm of your Servant?"

"Noble Phan…?" She bit her fingernail, thinking. "Oh, that big thing only she can use?"

"Exactly."

"Hmm…" Illya thinks for a moment. "Her shield."

"Her shield?" That made sense. From what he saw, her shield is the only thing that stands out about her. He tries to recall some legends that may help, but couldn't remember anything useful enough and decides to do some research later.

"Grandfather said that if I wanted to win, I would need another surgery." Illya said, looking down in clear distress. "Do I need it in order to get stronger?"

I grit my teeth in anger. Not a day goes by where I don't want to kill that soulless bastard for what he's making Illya go through. I will never forget the nights she would come back with blood on her clothes and stiches all over her body; cling onto me and crying herself to sleep. It was hard watching her like this and there was nothing I could do without risking my secret.

I watched her suffer, and did nothing.

"No you don't, Illya. You don't need another surgery. You're a powerful magus as is." Kiritsugu told her.

"But grandfather said-"

"I don't care what grandfather said." Kiritsugu interjected, louder and much more fiercely than he intended to. "You're strong enough, Illya. No more surgery."

"Yay!" She smiled with relief. "I don't like being cut. It hurts."

"You won't be, don't worry." Kiritsugu was so angry but decided to keep it in for now. It might be their last walk together, so it's better for Illya to remember it as a positive experience, not spoiled by his bitter expression and rude behavior.

We kept walking through the winter forest until they lost sight of the castle. Then Kiritsugu chose a narrow path, which should lead them to the side entrance of the fortress.

"We're going back already?" Illya had nothing against this idea, it was cold enough and the snow started falling again, making her game impossible to continue. "How many walnut buds have you spotted?"

"Four."

"Ha, ha! I won this time!" She clapped her hands, truly happy. "I found six! I'm the champion of the Walnut Game!"

"I spotted eight." I said catching Illya by surprise.

"Whaaaaat!? How did you spot so many!?" Illya exclaims.

"I am just very observant. Better luck next time, sis." I said smugly. "All hail, prince Theodore. Champion of Walnuts!"

"All hail." Kiritsugu chuckles.

"Meanie!" Illya pouts. "I'll get you back next time." Her Command Seals begin to lightly glow.

"Careful Illya, do not use your Command Seals so callously. They are very precious, after all." Kiritsugu reminds her.

"I know. I won't need them anyway."

"Good." Emiya paitriarch nodded, although he knew that it's not true. Her Command Spells were necessary to move forward with his new plan. At least one spell must remain in order for Shielder to commit suicide.

If everything goes as planned and their team reaches the final stage of this conflict, Kiritsugu will not risk losing or damaging his Saber at the very end of this dangerous, bloody path.

Mashu POV

I look through the window staring at the quiet night sky. It seems I have become a full Servant, my body seems to no longer require sleep and substance to survive. Irisviel has been a kind and great host to Saber and I as well as a good friend. Saber voices out how she and her Master were incompatible, which I can understand. She is a knight, he is an assassin. One upholds honor, the other does not. He will use any methods necessary to achieve victory. He could make Illya use a Command Seal and force me to commit suicide.

I sigh. "I am in such a pickle. What should I do?"

"Is something wrong?"

I jump before turning around and see the little boy from before.

"O-oh! You startled me!" I exclaim.

The boy shrugs. "I've been told that a lot. My old man says that I have a talent for masking my presence."

I can't help but be apprehensive of the boy. He feels… off. I know this boy doesn't exist in my timeline and yet why does it feel I've known him all my life?

"Beautiful night, isn't it?" He asked. So, what's your name, miss?"

"Oh! Um, my name is Mashu Kyrielight." I told him before realizing my mistake. Dammit! I said my True Name out of instinct! I really screwed up big time.

"Mashu. I like it, it's cute." The boy smiles. "My name is Theodore von Einzbern. But please, call me Theo."

"E-eh!?" Cute!? He thinks my name is cute? Only senpai ever said something like that to me.

"By the way, are you related to King Arthur by any chance?" Theo suddenly asks me.

I blink at the question. "What do you mean?" He can't possibly know my real connection to her, right?

Theo shakes his head. "It doesn't matter." He then moves to another topic. " So, what do you think of the castle? Has mom given you a tour yet?"

I nod. "Yes. Lady Irisviel has been kind enough to show both Saber and I around. It is massive, filled with so many different rooms and passages, but at the same time it is eerie and empty. Like no one has been here in a long time."

"I see." Theo hums. "And, what do you think of the old man?"

I think about it. My thoughts on Kiritsugu Emiya are very mixed. On one hand, he acts much like the Counter Guardian I remember, but on another hand he acts like a completely different person around his family. With Artoria though, there is clear tension between the two as if one cannot accept the other for what they've done.

"He cares for his family and is willing to do anything for them. However, Kiritsugu Emiya is the type of man who can disconnect himself from his emotions in order to efficiently fulfill his duty." I answered.

Theo nods. "That's true. No matter how you see it, Kiritsugu Emiya is a machine who sees no differentiation in sacrifice. To him, all life is equal and choosing the path leading to a smaller sacrifice is for the best. He hates the idea of fatal romanticism getting in the way of his work and believes such ideas and sentiment would kill him on the battlefield."

"But then… why have a family?" It boggles her mind how such a man like that can settle down and have children.

Theo shrugs. "He may act like a cold-hearted machine, but he can't deny the fact that he is still human. A human with a heart made of glass. He regrets the atrocities he's made, the lives he's taken but believes they are necessary to creating the utopia that he seeks. The love and admiration from Irisviel and Illya somehow helps him hold back the machine part of him, making him feel more human than he has likely felt in years."

"You are… very insightful for someone your age." I remark.

"It happens when you read a lot of books. The Einzbern library has a very large and extensive collection, you know." I told her. "By the way, what is your wish for Grail if you don't mind me asking?"

I smile. "My wish isn't all that great, but it's something I'm willing to fight for." A memory of senpai's smile appears in my mind. "I want to be by his side again."

"Oh? Sounds like someone is in love~" Theo teased.

I blush. "I-I mean… well…"

"He must be someone extraordinary to capture a knight's heart." Theo remarks.

He is not wrong. We have been through so much together, always by my side and never giving up. "He is absolutely fantastic."

"I don't doubt that for a second." Theo lets out a yawn. "Well, I think it's time to call it a day. We all have a big day ahead of us."

"Have a pleasant night." I bow and he walks off.

I wave at him and watch him leave before turning my attention back to the night sky. 'One day senpai, we will be together again.'

Author Notes

Edit: 2/20/23

The long awaited update has come at last, and with it, the end of their peaceful times. The grail war is almost here, the seats have been filled, and it's time for the curtain to rise.

Leave a comment and tell me your thoughts.

Peace~