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Risei Kotomine thought of himself as a calm and rational man. He was the type to not let his emotions have control over his actions.
He's a man of faith, after all.
He believed that all of his actions were part of God's plan. That they were trials set by the Lord to test the faith of his children. He firmly believed that no matter what happens, God will always be by his side.
"What were you thinking Father!? Letting an unknown magus into the Holy Grail War!" The irritated voice of Tokiomi Tohsaka rings out of the phonograph in his room.
"As you have already seen through your familiar, Tokiomi-san, he was accompanied by the White Princess. I'm afraid my hands were tied." Risei calmly responds.
"And you thought allowing him to enter was the only option!? This wild card could ruin everything we worked towards!" Tokiomi shouts.
"Yes, I know." Risei said. A mysterious young man, barely older than six, has not only managed to get through his trained senses undetected, but managed to defeat his son with seemingly minimal effort. Kirei was a prodigy in the martial arts, the youngest to become an Executor of the Holy Church. For someone to actually get the better of him is something he never thought possible.
"He was able to defeat Caster, an existence above humans, the fact that he had its Master's Command Seals shows that he is not a force to be trifled with." I warned him. Even if he didn't defeat the Servant, the fact that the True Ancestor would ally herself with him is already something to be wary off.
Tokiomi sighs. "So, how shall we work around this?"
Risei ponders for a moment. "If this young boy, this 'Moon Knight' as he calls himself, has summoned an additional Servant then it's possible for any Servant to get an extra wish due their sudden appearance."
The old priest could practically see his ally smiling on the other end. "And it will motivate all participants to fight harder than before while we merely watch as they all destroy themselves. Well done, my friend."
Risei didn't care for the Magus' praise. All that matters to him is the completion of this sacred ritual.
Meanwhile, just by the entrance of Tokiomi's study, a figure listens to the conversation.
"That mongrel… he dares to say such things in my garden." Gilgamesh growls. "He wants to destroy one of my treasures!? He has a lot of nerve."
But while one half was angry at this insult, the other half was curious. This knight is someone who has the sponsorship of a True Ancestor, one of the few Elementals that still roam the world. That is not an easy task for any mongrel to do and yet he did.
The king would call it impressive, but that thought is quickly snuff out.
"So, when will you send the message?" He heard the condescending voice of Tokiomi through the door.
"Try whatever plan you can think of, Tokiomi, it won't change your fate." Gilgamesh scoffs. "Still, I am interested in this mongrel. He may be the source of entertainment I've been looking for."
With that, the Servant quickly vanishes from sight.
Kirei's Room
Kirei Kotomine sits in the dark as he stares at his right arm, where the Moon Knight grabbed him and threw him to the ground. His hand was small, perfect for a child of his stature and yet he easily manhandled him. Not only that but he knew that he was right behind him.
He chastised his father, questioned his faith, and blatantly reveals that he intends to destroy the Holy Grail, effectively declaring war on everyone.
Why would he do such a thing? What is there to gain from destroying the Grail?
Just then, Kirei feels a familiar presence and turns to see his Assassin. "Report."
"Master, we monitored the Moon Knight and his companion as you ordered, however, they managed to find us and killed one of my other selves." Hundred-Face states. "He told me to send you a message."
Now this got Kirei genuinely curious. "What is the message?"
"If I so much as see you outside, I will kill you." Assassin told him. "You will never find your answers no matter what you do."
This actually caught Kirei off guard and actually made him tumble from his seat. How!? How did he know!? Has he been spying on him this whole time!? Did he spy on the other Masters as well!? So many different questions keep popping in his head, though there was one conclusion that he can agree on.
This Moon Knight is dangerous.
"Assassin…" Kirei keeps his composure. "You will continue to monitor the boy, but from a further distance. DO NOT let him or the White Princess find you."
The Hassan bows. "Understood." She then disappears in black smoke.
Kirei looks up to the night sky. 'Will the Moon Knight have the answers I'm looking for?' He was eager to see him, more so than Kiritsugu Emiya.
For the first time in his life, Kirei Kotomine was driven, not by curiosity, but by excitement.
Mackenzie House - Waver's Room
The Master of Rider, Waver Velvet, walks back and forth with a look of horror in his face.
"Will you calm down? You are working yourself up for nothing." The voice of the Rider-class Servant, Iskandar King of Conquerors, stops the mage in his tracks and turns his attention to him.
"How can you not be worried!? We have not only an unknown Master walking about but the White Princess! You know, one of the most powerful Dead Apostles to ever exist!" Waver yelled.
Iskandar laughs. "I know! Is that not fantastic!?"
Waver grits his teeth, frustrated at his Servant's bombastic behavior as always. How can he not see it?
The Moon Knight and the White Princess.
A wild card with unknown magecraft powerful enough to supposedly kill a Servant and another a monster birthed to be a powerful weapon and the planet's avatar.
Frankly, Waver believed he only said those things to impress the Overseer. I mean, there is no possible way for a magus, let alone a child, to kill a Servant. Don't get him wrong, it is possible but such a feat requires a lot of preparation and mana, something that almost nobody will invest time and resources in.
As for the White Princess, she's probably under some kind of powerful hypnosis. I mean, why would she waste her time on a human child of all things? It doesn't make any sense.
"Besides, are you not glad you survived? If we had gone there, we would have both ended up dead." Iskandar points out.
Reluctantly, Waver could not deny that Iskandar had a point. After using Alchemy to trace Caster's magical energy, he and his Servant flew to their location when suddenly the ground burst outwards and a massive monster rose from within. Iskandar remarked that whoever Caster was fighting must have been strong to force him to summon such a monstrosity.
And that's when he felt it. A cold, empty feeling that sent shivers down his spine. He could feel the hairs rising from the back of his neck, his human instincts telling him to stay away. Except… it wasn't because of Caster.
No… it was because of something else, something worse. He knew this because Iskandar confirmed it.
Death has descended upon Fuyuki.
As his Servant reigns his bulls away, Waver can only watch as the monstrosity erupts and explodes, the shockwave makes him lose his balance and nearly fall to his death.
Afterwards, they rendezvous back at the Mackenzie's where he got a message from the Overseer to discuss what happened, and the rest is history.
"Well, he has caught my eye with his performance. I wonder if he is interested in joining my army." Iskandar laughs and chugs a can of beer.
A tick mark appears on Waver's forehead. "Are you serious!? You want HIM to join your army!? That should be the LAST thing on your mind!" He screams before he gets a finger flick on his forehead. "Ow!"
"You really need to learn to relax, boy. Nothing in life will come from overworking yourself." Iskandar strokes his beard. "Hm, I wonder how I should introduce myself to him?"
Waver makes Waver noises as he smashes his head on the wall.
Kayneth's Safehouse
"Dammit, dammit, DAMMIT!" Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald was kicking a rusted sheet of metal. Nothing in this war has been going his way!
He was humiliated in the first battle of the war, his base was found and destroyed in less than a day forcing him to retreat to this abandoned warehouse unfit for someone of his status.
But nothing… NOTHING made him angrier than the two upstarts who are participating in the war: Waver Velvet and Moon Knight.
"Moon Knight…!" Just saying that name made the magus more furious, more so than his former student.
A no-named magus who refuses to show his face is the worst insult any magi could get. It tells him that he has no regard for their sacred honor. They spit on all of their ancestors by just existing!
He did not care that he was the one who slain the rogue Servant and Master. He did not care that he was partnered with the White Princess. He will kill him. He will kill him and restore honor to his name.
His Lancer, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, looks at his Master with worry as he grows more and more unhinged. He could see the confidence and pride he exuded when they first met completely shifted to frustration and jealousy. Rider's belittling statement was pretty much the start of his downward spiral followed by the destruction of their base.
Then came the Moon Knight and his bold entrance, quickly taking credit for Caster and his Master's demise. While he was glad those monsters were put out of their misery, he wanted to defeat them in order to restore his Master's honor.
"Is he still at it?" The annoyed voice of his mistress, Sola-Ui, grabs his attention. "He should learn to take his defeats with some dignity."
"It is not my place to question my Master. His setbacks are due to my own incompetence."
Sola-Ui huffs before turning to the Servant, her expression shifting from annoyed to loving. "Do you think everything will be alright?"
Diarmuid looks conflicted. "I… cannot say."
Matou Mansion - Workshop
Zouken Matou sits in a chair looking over the large sink hole in front of him with visible anger. His deathly pale face contorting as the worms inside his body wry in response to their master's emotions.
Not only has that blasted boy become a Master, but he had to show off the fact that he was in an alliance with a True Ancestor and it's the White Princess of all things!
Zouken was no coward, but even he wouldn't dare to fight the White Princess unless he wanted to incur the Wizard Marshal's wrath. That, and combined with the fact he is a Magician made him nigh-invulnerable!
He's been played by a mere child, and the worst part is the boy doesn't even know it!
"Look at you, pouting like a child on the verge of throwing a tantrum. Seeing that boy gaining the one thing that you've been after all your life must be painful." The taunting voice of his "son" echoing through the room.
"... you certainly have a lot of nerve to talk to me like that." Zouken hissed out. It took him just a twitch of his pinky to make the man collapse and scream in agony.
After another minute, Zouken released his hold on Kariya. "I have an assignment for you." He ignores the glare his son was giving him. "You will find this boy, this 'Moon Knight'. You will find him and you will kill him. I don't care what methods you use, if the White Princess is with him, use Berserker to distract her. Do I make myself clear?"
Kariya slowly gets up. "... yes…"
"Then get out of my sight." Zouken demands as he resumes his focus on the pit.
Kariya turns around and limps away. As he limps upstairs, his mind plays the memory of when he first met the boy in that back alley. While he couldn't see his face, he could tell that he was very worried about him.
Almost like he… knew him.
'Maybe I can convince him to form an alliance with me. With a True Ancestor on my side, there is nothing that ghoul can do to stop me from rescuing Sakura.' Kariya thought with hope before thriving worms in his body brought him back to reality. 'No, Zouken will definitely keep an eye on me with his familiars. He'll kill us both the moment I betray him. Either way I'm a deadman walking.'
However, deep in the worm pit, no one noticed the smiling little girl swimming in that ocean of filth.
"Anyone who can strike fear into Grandfather must be very strong." Sakura's eyes flash red. "I can't wait to meet you, Mr. Knight~"
Einzbern Castle
Irisviel lets out a yawn that grabs everyone's attention.
"Are you tired, Iri?" Kiritsugu asked.
Irisviel hides her melancholic expression and shakes her head with a smile. "It's nothing, I'm fine. Please, continue."
Kiritsugu hums as he turns his attention to the large map of Fuyuki City spread out on the table with multiple red X's on certain locations.
"... two locations are at the heart of each area. One is the residence of the Second Owner, Tokiomi Tohsaka with the Matou Estate not too far. Based on what we know, the two families have a nonaggression pact but because of the war this has likely been rendered void." He explains. "The other goes without saying; Mount Enzō. All of the leylines in the region converge at Mount Enzō. The details are just as old man Archt had said…"
As Kiritsugu continues his explanation, Irisviel's eyes grow heavier as her mind drifts elsewhere. She lied when she said she wasn't tired, but she kept herself awake in order to support her husband. Kiritsugu, meanwhile, hasn't stopped for even a minute. He and Maiya spent the last two days tracking down all of the enemy Masters, in order to find the location of their bases as well as any weakness we can exploit. However, ever since that night Kiritsugu has been on edge and I couldn't blame him. That mana surge took us all by surprise but really got all of us on edge was the cold, empty and oppressive presence that suddenly attacked us, leaving us completely immobile for a few minutes and, as expected, we received a summons from the Fuyuki church. Kiritsugu sent a controlled familiar to the church only to watch as the White Princess of the True Ancestors strolls into the church and a child wearing white armor and a mask appears from nowhere.
Needless to say, Kiritsugu will not be joining her in bed tonight. Or any night from here on out.
"-there is a powerful Bounded Field around Mount Enzō, originating from Ryuudou Temple at its peak. Because of that, natural spirits - such as Servants - are only able to enter via the road approaching the shrine. Keep this in mind when approaching the area, Saber." Kiritsugu states.
These words of caution to Saber would be more effective if he had said it face-to-face, yet Kiritsugu simply refuses to turn to her direction let alone speak to her directly even when she's standing right behind Irisviel. This attitude wasn't recent either as it started as early as when they arrived at the Einzbern Castle.
"Apart from these locations, there are two more key locations in Shinto where the leylines gather. The first is the Fuyuki church on top of the southern hill and the other is the new housing development to the east of the CBD. To conclude, there are four key spiritual grounds in Fuyuki where it meets the proper requirements to carry out the Holy Grail's descent." Kiritsugu states.
"Then, once the war enters the ending phase and the number of Servants has been narrowed down, we must take control of one of these locations?" Maiya asked.
"Correct. Any questions concerning the topography?" Kiritsugu asked.
Irisviel looks at their Servant. "...Saber, is there anything you are not certain of?"
The disguised King of Knights smiles and shakes her head. "Nothing in particular. It was a sufficient explanation." While the girl in question is probably not aware, from an observer's point of view, it sounded like a sarcastic, flippant reply.
"What about the boy? Moon Knight?" The moment those words left her mouth the entire room grew colder.
Kiritsugu narrows his eyes. This "Moon Knight" as he calls himself not only took credit for Caster's defeat, but blatantly revealed that he was going to destroy the Holy Grail. What surprised him above all else was that a Dead Apostle was helping him, and just any vampire but a True Ancestor; the princess to be exact.
It only took one look at those ominous crimson eyes to shake him to his core. He has heard stories of her, everyone in the Moonlit World knew the name Arcueid Brunestud the moment it was uttered. From what he recalled, Arcueid resided in the Millenium Castle asleep and would only wake up for a special target.
Could she have come to Fuyuki to hunt down her target? Is that why she allied herself with the Moon Knight? There are just too many questions…
"... it makes no difference. If he is a Master, then we will have to eliminate him." Kiritsugu said.
Irisviel's eyes widened. "But he's just a chil-"
"He is not a child. Not anymore. The moment he took those Command Seals he became something else." Kiritsugu snaps before calming his nerves. He feels ashamed for snapping at his wife, the light in this dark road, the road to his ideals. "Iri, this is an important matter. If this boy has truly made an alliance with the princess, then this war has become more difficult than ever. Not to mention that he is a Master now, which means it's only a matter of time before he summons a Servant, if he hasn't done so already."
This didn't make his wife feel any better. "I… I understand."
Kiritsugu sighs. "Iri, it's already late. Why don't you head to bed?" He gives her a small smile. "I'll be there soon."
Irisviel reluctantly turns around and leaves the room. Artoria soon follows her, but not before giving her Master a glance before closing the door behind her.
She sees Irisviel slowly walking away and quickly catches up to her. "Let me take you to your room, Lady Irisviel."
Irisviel smiles."Thank you Saber, but you should stay with Kiritsugu."
"I do not think my input will make any difference." She admits, "More importantly, he should have yelled at you like that."
Irisviel sighs. "You have to understand, Kiritsugu is agitated. He has never encountered something like this before." They continue to walk the castle halls. "The True Ancestor has allied herself with a Master, that sort of teamwork could destroy everything Kiritsugu has worked for. Though I guess what surprised him further is that a child has willingly registered as a Master. Why would they put themselves in such danger?"
"Regardless of his reason, he made his intent clear. I will not allow him to destroy the Holy Grail." Artoria declares.
Irisviel brows furrowed. "So you will fight him?"
This time, it is Artoria who looks conflicted before it changes to a determined one. "While he may be a child, he is still a Master. If he becomes a threat, I will not hesitate to stop him." She will not let him have his way. The Holy Grail is the only thing that can grant her wish and she will do whatever needs to be done.
Irisviel looks down crestfallen, her thoughts and feelings turning to her children. She hasn't seen them in over a week or heard a single thing. The homunculus maids were ordered to only contact them in case of emergencies, but she had hoped that they would not have taken those orders literally. Hearing about Moon Knight and how young he was made her think about Illya and how she is also a Master with Theo caught up in this mess.
And knowing that there's another child walking into this hell just made her chest hurt even more.
'Please be safe, my babies.' Irisviel prays for her two children.
Meanwhile, Maiya and Kiritsugu continue discussing their strategies. Kiritsugu, however, can't help but think back to what happened to Kirei Kotomine in the church.
'He knew where Kirei would strike and easily disarmed him with no effort. It is evident that someone trained him well.' Kiritsugu grimaced. 'Yet, I can't shake the feeling that I've seen it somewhere before.'
"Sir?" Maiya calls out.
"... we're done for now. We'll pick this up tomorrow morning. Get some rest." Kiritsugu told her.
Maiya unhesitantly nods, stands up, and leaves the room. As soon as she leaves, Kiritsugu collapses on his chair, letting his exhaustion finally show on his face. He takes a small pack from his coat pocket and lights up a cigarette and takes a deep breath, letting the nicotine swim into his body before releasing it back out.
"... I wonder how Illya and Theo are doing." Kiritsugu mutters under his breath.
Meanwhile
I deadpanned at the bizarre sight before me: Merlin fighting evenly against a fluffy little white squirrel/dog thing.
Merlin uses his staff to parry them. "You dare strike your master, Cath Palug! After everything I've done for you!"
"Grr! Die Merlin!" Fou barked as he sent a fury of kicks at Merlin.
From the side, the maid trio all watch the scene with different reactions.
"... I have no words." A dumbfounded Sella comments.
"Were there any?" Fillia asked.
Liz was eating popcorn.
Arcueid stares with an unreadable expression.
Illya's body trembles with excitement. "Go little guy! Teach that white weirdo a lesson!"
"Fou, Fou!" Fou's attacks gain more ferocity until he breaks through and lands a hit to Merlin's solar plexus.
"Gah!" Merlin struggles to breathe and kneels. "Curse you, you little rodent!"
"Fou!" Fou stands upright, his paws firmly on his hips as he has come out victorious as light covers him literally nowhere.
… too bad I just can't take it seriously.
"Merlin-san!" Mashu goes to check up on him.
'So they know each other, which means Merlin already went through the Babylon Singularity.' I thought.
"Yay, you won!" Illya exclaims and runs towards Fou.
"Fou!" Fou jumps upwards and Illya catches him with a hug. "Kyu~"
"Mm~ It's so fluffy!" Illya cries out in joy, pink hearts surround her as she dances around.
Arcueid goes towards Illya with a blank expression on her face.
I look on as the True Ancestor stares at the little critter. Despite his appearance, Fou or Cath Palug is a very dangerous creature. He is the [Monster of Gaia], Primate Murder, a [Beast] that stands above anything on the planet in the same stature as ORT. He is counted as one of the strongest because he has the absolute murder privilege against the human species. Only the strength of all seven [Grand Servants] can ever hope to stop him. However, since Merlin was his caretaker, he gained a new perspective on humans and so won't fall to his urges.
But now the fabled monsters stare at Arcueid Brunestud, an Elemental and the Archetype Earth which is the closest being to Gaia herself. Sweat flows down my forehead as the atmosphere grows thicker around them, each waiting for the other to make a-
"Eeeek! He is so cute!" Arcueid hugs Fou and spins him around. "His fur is so fluffy! Mou~, I wanna take him home with me!"
"H-Hey! Give him back!" Illya demands as she runs after her.
Never mind, false alarm.
Merlin struggles to reach out to Mashu. "Mashu-chan… can I ask you for a favor…?"
"Yes, Merlin-san. Anything." Mashu said.
"… may I see your panties-AH!" A black heel stabs Merlin in the face.
"Pervert!" Mashu yells as she walks away from a bleeding Merlin.
I can't help but let out a chuckle. He reminds me of a certain musical skeleton.
Merlin wipes the blood off his face already healed. "Well, I'm happy that you're taking joy in my misfortune, Master."
"Well, it's what you deserve for asking something like that, you pedophile." I said.
Merlin dramatically clutches his chest. "Augh! Those words cut deeper than any sword!"
I sigh. "Of all the Heroic Spirits, why did it have to be you? Ozymandias would have been a better pick than you."
Merlin puffs his cheeks. "How rude! Most Masters would be ecstatic to summon a [Grand Caster] such as myself!"
At that moment, the entire room grew silent as he said those words.
"... what did you say?" I finally asked.
"I said-"
"I know what you said. I'm asking about your class." I elaborate.
This made Merlin smirk. "Why, I am a [Grand Caster], Master. Did you already forget?"
"That's impossible!" Sella screams out.
"And why is that?" Merlin "innocently" asked.
"Because the Holy Grail shouldn't have the authority, let alone the power to summon you." I explained.
From what I remember, Grand Servants are existences summoned by the CounterForce in order to prevent the extinction of mankind by the Beasts. They are granted Spirit Origins that are a rank higher than ordinary Servants, making them more like living gods than recreated humans. They are considered the "seven strongest from that era," the "first seven at the pinnacle of Heroic Spirits". However, it is possible for them to lose their rank like when they are summoned to Chaldea although this seems to only be a temporary loss.
In other words, with the exception of Chaldea, no one can summon a Grand Servant.
Illya just looks confused. "I don't get it. Is a Grand Servant better than a regular Servant?"
"Grand Servants are the pinnacle of Spirits, meant only to be summoned in case the World senses that humanity is on the brink of destruction. They are beings whose abilities far outclass anything humanity could ever produce. They are meant as the last line of defense against alien invaders." Sella explains. "The summoning ritual for the war is an offshoot of the original ritual, allowing humans to summon degraded versions of Heroic Spirits though they are still powerful in their own right. Another way to think of it would be that while [Servants] are weapons meant to fight individuals, a [Grand Servant] is a weapon meant to fight the world."
"Wow, and my brother summoned one?" She looks back at Merlin and Theo looking at each other with stars in her eyes. "That's so cool."
Sella just looks uneasy. How did Theo summon a Grand Servant, and Merlin himself much less? Is it because of his power or something else all together?
"Anyways, how are you here? According to legend, you're trapped in Avalon, still alive. How do you become a Heroic Spirit if you're alive?" I asked.
"Oh that's easy, you see-" Merlin was about to explain before his eyes wandered and something caught his attention. "Arcueid?"
Arcueid narrows her eyes.
"Arcueid!" Merlin leaps and extends his arms wide ready to hug her. "It's so good to see you-" He is smacked in the face and sent flying out of the balcony but manages to grab onto the edge, saving himself from falling.
"Don't come anywhere near me, you scoundrel." Arcueid growls.
I blink at the sudden development. "Huh?"
"Hm, so she can get angry." Khonshu remarks.
Merlin climbs back to the balcony. "Are you still mad at me from that time?"
"What do you think?" Arcueid glares daggers at him.
"Okay," I walked up to Arcueid. "Do you two have a history or something? Because it sounds like you do."
"This bastard," She points to Merlin. "Left me in a nest of zombies when he promised he was gonna take me to a festival."
"Oh c'mon, I already said I was sorry." Merlin dusts himself. "Besides, undead like them were no match for you."
"That's not the point, you imp! You dumped me!" Arcueid yelled.
"It wasn't on purpose. I can only leave the tower for a week before Gaia drags me back." Merlin reasoned.
I just look even more confused. "Wait, you two were dating?"
"Hmph, in his dreams!" Arcueid let out a huff.
"I met her when she was little. She used to call me Uncle Merlin." Merlin gives me a fatherly smile. "It was so adorable."
Arcueid starts releasing bloodlust.
"I promised to take her to a nearby town festival, but like I said I can only leave Avalon for a week before Gaia's influence dragged me back, and sadly my time was up." Merlin sighs.
"Okay, but how did she end up in that nest of zombies?" I asked.
"Oh well, we accidentally fell in a sinkhole and when my time was up, I sort of let her go." Merlin bumps his head with his tongue sticking out. "Tee hee~"
Everyone just deadpans at the explanation before Merlin gets smacked again.
I slap my hands together. "Okay, moving on. How are you here? And as a [Grand Caster] no less?"
Merlin tilts his head. "You don't mean you don't know?"
"Know what?"
"Oh nothing~" Merlin smiles. "Let's get along from here on out, Master!"
Though his behavior isn't exactly the best, I can tell he wants what's best for me. I felt a connection to Merlin.
I am Thou... Thou art I...
Thou has acquire a new vow,
It shall become the path to Fate
That severe the deceitfulness of corrupted Destiny.
With the birth of the Hermit Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
shall guide thee to a true route and new power…
[Hermit] Confidant [Merlin] has been attained!
The following perk [Garden of Avalon] has been unlocked!
Garden of Avalon: Rank A
Increases Health by 10
'[Hermit], huh? That's perfect for him.' I deadpanned, knowing just how thoroughly useless he is in battle.
"Now then," Merlin's obnoxious voice grabs my attention. "I should let you know that while I am a world-renowned mage, I am not suited for battle. So don't be surprised if I run away the first chance I get, okay?"
Everyone just gives the wizard a look. I can hear Mashu whisper the words "I knew it" under her breath.
"Well, he certainly is one of a kind." Khonshu sarcastically comments.
"I hate you all." I muttered.
Next Day
After the bizarre events of last night, we decided to take a little time off. So, the Artificial Human Squad (and also Merlin) are walking through the streets of Miyama Town and wandering through the various shops it offers.
"I have to say going to town was a great idea, Master." Merlin praised, wearing a black sweater with the sleeves rolled back with a rose motif embroiled on the left side of his chest. He's wearing black pants and black shoes along with a long purple scarf loosely tied around his neck.
I can hear women whispering as we pass by.
"Wow, who is that fine specimen over there?" One woman said.
"Is he a model? He certainly looks like one."
"I wonder if he's single…"
"No way. That boy is clearly his child."
"I think I might be gay now."
"Aw~ that little dog is so cute!"
"Dog? I thought it was a squirrel."
My eye twitches. "I told you to wear something that wouldn't make you stand out."
"But the magazine said these are what's hot right now." Merlin whined.
I look at Merlin and still have a hard time understanding how he's even here. Before going to bed last night, I looked into his stats and found that he had [Independent Manifestation], a skill that is usually reserved for [Beasts]. When asked he explained that he attained this skill from the sealing of a certain [Beast], and worked hard to keep it after it was defeated. This didn't make him a [Beast] himself but something "more than a dream" and that "I'll understand one day"; whatever that means.
"Frankly, being a Servant is just a hobby of mine, so don't think too much of it." Those were his exact words.
"Remind me to burn Fillia's magazines when we get home." I whisper to Fou.
"Fou!"
I notice Illya, Mashu and Arcueid running towards what looks like an old bookstore. I peek from the entrance and see the two engrossed in the manga section while Mashu picks up what looks to be a romance novel.
"Wow, this is so detailed." Illya comments as she flips the pages.
"Human books have come so far… I should get out more." Arcueid says as she grabs another novel.
Mashu blushes as she keeps reading her book.
Yup, those two are in their own little world.
As I take a step back, I notice Filia, and Liz walking into a clothing store while Sella went into an antique store.
"Hm, I wonder what shop I should go to. What do you think, Merlin?" I turn to look only to find the Servant gone. "Merlin?" I look around and see him talking to a pair of women.
"Oh hello, ladies. I'm new in town and I could really use a guide. Do you know any fun places around here?" Merlin asked.
"W-We might know a few!" One of the women stuttered and the other nodded.
"Wonderful!" He leans closer to their ears. "I'll make sure to repay you handsomely for your services."
The women's faces turn bright red at the implications.
"Oh brother." I cringe in disgust.
Fou dashes forward and jumps. "FOOOOOOOU!" He kicks Merlin in the face, sending him flying and crashes, face-first, on an open trash can causing its contents to spill all over him.
"Hahahahahaha! That little guy got that incubus good!" Khonshu laughed.
I sigh as I massage the bridge of my nose. "I can't take it. Tell Mashu I'm going on a walk."
"Fou!" Fou gives me a salute.
I put on my hoodie and quickly left the scene as people converged on the crime scene.
"One of these days, Cath Palug. Mark my words!" I heard Merlin yelling from the pile of trash.
I wander further into the shopping district by myself. I didn't care where, I just needed to get away from the dick wizard.
"How did Artoria ever deal with this guy? He hasn't been here for a day and I'm already done." I asked. "She has the patience of a saint."
I wander through the shops, looking at the various products they have for sale. I entered an old school candy store and the elderly owner gave me some candy. Then a bike shop where the cracky shop owner told me to get out if I wasn't buying anything; talk about a contrast in personalities.
After a couple of minutes, I reached a dead end.
"I should get back. Sella might start to turn this place inside out." I turn around and suddenly my face collides with something hard and falls on my butt. "Ouch!"
"Ho? Are you alright there, boy?"
I slowly turned my head up and I bit my tongue in an effort not to scream. Standing before me is a gigantic man standing over two meters in height. He has large muscles that give the impression of being able to kill a bear with his bare hands. He has short red hair that connects to his beard and his brown eyes give off a dazzling glow, the kind you would find in people looking for adventure. His outfit consisted of a white T-Shirt with the words "Admirable Great Tactics" over a map of the world in the center and a pair of blue jeans and brown shoes. His shirt was stretched to its limit thanks to his bulging muscles as he carried a large wooden barrel on his shoulder.
Iskandar
Title: Alexander the Great, Alexandros, King of Conquerors, Dhul-Qarnayn
Level: 63
Tier: 5 STAR
HP: 13,219
MP: 9,634
STR: 1,006
END: 1,788
AGI: 155
MAG: 278
LUK: 1,788
Weakness: Fire, Almighty
Noble Phantasm: Ionioi Hetairoi, Via Expugnatio
"Hey! I told you to slow down, you idiot!"
I tilt my head and running towards us is an feminine-looking boy with short black hair and black eyes. He's wearing a black vest over a white shirt and a blue/yellow tie. He wears dress pants with a small belt hooked on his right hip and black dress shoes. Overall, his appearance screams "student".
Waver Velvet
Title: Waver the Failure, Waver Mackenzie
Level: 9
Tier: n/a
HP: 178
MP: 61
STR: 9
END: 5
AGI: 4
MAG: 8
LUK: 6
Weakness: Melee, Gun, Fire, Ice, Electric, Psy, Nuclear, Bless, Curse, Almighty
They're Waver Velvet and the Rider Servant Iskandar the King of Conquerors or more commonly Alexander the Great.
I slowly begin to panic before I notice the edges in the corner of my vision. 'That right, I still have my hoodie up. They don't know that I'm homunculus.' I glance at the two. 'I should probably try to act my age.'
"Wow!" I try to sound as child-like as possible. "It's a giant!"
Iskandar blinks and lets out a laugh. "Well, I am the bigger man around here!"
"Rider, knock it off!" Velvet scolds him before reaching out to me. "Are you okay, kid? Here let me help you."
"UmU!" I grab his hand and he pushes me up. "Thanks, nee-san!"
An arrow hits Waver in the chest. "N-N-Nee-san…!?"
"Hahahahaha!" Iskandar laughs.
"I-I'm not a girl!" Velvet sputters out, his face crimson from embarrassment.
I innocently tilt my head. "Really? But you're so pretty."
"Guh!" This strikes another arrow and the Master falls to his knees in shame all the while his Servant laughs harder.
I hold myself back from laughing. He's so fun to tease.
"I must admit, I did not expect this. Who knew you were such a cheeky bastard." Khonshu comments.
'Takes one to know one.' I replied.
As Waver continues to wallow in misery, I turn my attention to Iskandar. "By the way mister," I pointed to the big barrel. "What's that big thing for?"
Iskandar glances at the barrel. "What, this? It's a barrel of wine I recently purchased." He smiles. "I'm preparing a party, you see. A celebration only for kings!"
'So, he's already organizing the King's Banquet. Which likely means that Einzbern Castle will be attacked tonight and since Gilles is dead, there's no reason for Artoria to leave Kiritsugu's side." I narrow my eyes. Still, why does it feel like something's not right?'
"So, it's a grown-up party?" I asked, continuing to put on my child façade.
"Why, yes. Yes it is." Iskandar said proudly.
"Mou~ That sounds so cool." I pout. "My dad has parties, too. But only my mom and aunty Maiya are allowed in. They would be gone for hours and they'd never tell me what they're doing there."
That makes Rider's smile widen. "Well, my boy, maybe they are-"
"R-Rider, knock it off already! How many times have I told you not to do this!? Do you think the other Masters will actually listen to you!?" Waver exclaims.
I look at the king. "Your name is Rider, mister? That's weird."
Waver's neck snaps as he turns to me. 'Crap!' He cursed. "I-It's just a nickname, think nothing of it!"
"Oh. Well, can I come to the party?"
"Of course!" Iskandar exclaims with gusto.
"I don't think that's such a good idea. The people that'll show up are not exactly nice." Waver states.
"But it's a party. Everyone loves parties." I argued.
"Indeed!" Iskandar laughs. "You should learn from this child. He is not a pansy or a spineless coward."
"You're only saying that because he's just as immature as you!" Waver argued.
Iskandar laughs and pads Waver on the back, causing the young magus to be lifted a few feet up and stumble a little.
I let out a small sigh. Honestly, I don't remember Waver being this much of a pansy. From what I remember from the anime, Waver Velvet was looked down upon by his peers and teachers in the Clocktower; Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald being a prime example. As a result, he developed an inferiority-complex over his abilities as a magus and Master, and he constantly doubts himself at every turn. He hides this with narcissism and being an overall spoiled brat.
No one would believe that this naïve and spineless idiot would one day become a great magus and teacher.
'He can become great, he has the potential to do it, but his overall self image needs to be amended.' I then get an idea. 'Maybe I can give him a little push.'
"So, not only are you a girly-boy but you're a spineless coward, too? You're really pathetic, nii-san." I told him.
This causes Waver to actually flinch as the final arrow finally runs him through. He looks down, crestfallen. His body shakes in anger as he clenches his fists.
'A child… even a child is mocking me.' Light sobs escape from his mouth. 'I really am pathetic.'
"Hehehehe…" Iskandar nervously chuckles at the sorry sight his Master is in. Even he was caught off guard by the child's sharp tongue.
"So why not just accept it?" I asked.
"Huh?" Waver looked at me with a perplexed look.
Iskandar looks at the boy curiously and decides to listen closely.
"I don't know why you're acting this way, but I can see that you're trying too hard to be someone you're not. So what if people are better at some things than you? Why should that matter? You should not let the words of others drag you down into the abyss, but instead work and improve on what you already have." I explained and gave him a small smile. "I'm sure you'll become a great man if you stay true to yourself."
This made Waver think for a moment. He was right. Ever since he decided to take the path of magecraft, all that he has been met with was the ridicule of his peers. And for what? Because he wasn't from a prestigious line of magi like everyone else? How does that dictate what he can or cannot do!? That's bullshit! Your lineage should have nothing to do with your abilities to perform magecraft! All you need to be a great magus is hard work, experience, and knowledge! All those idiots at the Clocktower are simply leaching off the achievements of their ancestors like parasites while putting no effort in anything. Meanwhile here he was, a participant in a ritual that is usually reserved for elitists of the elite. Him, a no-name magus from a no-name family, making history with every step he took.
Because that's who the magus, Waver Velvet, truly is.
"Hahahahaha! For one so young, you know your way with words. You could make the greatest of philosophers green with envy. I already like you!" Iskandar then slaps Waver in the back, causing him to actually fall this time.
"Augh, that hurt!" Waver yells, glaring at his Servant.
"You should take this child's words to heart, boy. Such wisdom is rare in this day and age, especially from someone so young." Iskandar grins.
"Well, I did learn from the best." Honestly, Waver Velvet reminds me a bit of both Yousuke Hanamura and Kanji Tatsumi. Both of them were riddled with insecurities that they always hide under a mask of false bravado and general arrogance, making them come off as jerks and overall violent. It wasn't until the protagonist (Yu) came into their lives that they eventually overcame their insecurities and became better people.
"Hm, he must be a wise and powerful warrior. I would like to invite them to join my army should I get the chance." Iskandar mused.
'I'd think he would if you asked.' I thought.
With a grunt, the young magus picks himself up but now he feels different. He felt… lighter, taller even (not physically, of course). Like he was being crushed by heavy stones only for the stones to suddenly float away.
"It's odd, I feel light. Lighter than I though." Waver looks at his left hand, his Command Seals ever present. "It's very strange."
"That's your heart telling you that you are on the right path. You have taken the first step into becoming a great man." Iskandar said.
Waver closes his hand and smiles. "I guess so." He turns his attention back to me. "Thank you. You made me realize something that I've completely forgotten."
It seems my words have had an effect on the unlikely duo. It made their connection stronger.
I am Thou... Thou art I...
Thou has acquire a new vow,
It shall become the path to Fate
That severe the deceitfulness of corrupted Destiny.
With the birth of the Chariot and the Fortune Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
shall guide thee to a true route and new power…
[Chariot] Confidant [Iskandar] has been attained!
[Fortune] Confidant [Waver Velvet] has been attained!
The following perks [Thunderous Chariot] and [Path to Lordship] have been unlocked!
Thunderous Chariot: Rank A
Allows you to ride any form of transportation
Path to Lordship: Rank C
Reduces SP Consumption by 30%
Hot damn, two Arcanas at once? That's a new one.
"Well, I better go or else Sella-nee-chan will scold me again." I said.
"Hm, we wouldn't want that, now would we?" Iskandar smiles. "It was great meeting you, child."
"Yeah. You better run along or else you'll get into trouble." Waver added.
"Okay, bye Waver-nii-san, Iskandar-nii-san." I said and ran off.
"!?" The two suddenly freeze up at the mention of their names, their true names.
"Wait!" I stop dead in my tracks. "H-How did you know our names!? Who are you!?"
At that moment, an overbearing chill runs down the magus' spine. The ambient atmosphere of the shopping district turns oppressive and unnerving. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the boy slowly turned his head to us and we caught a glimpse of his eyes under his hood.
His glowing golden eyes.
"You already know who I am, young Master and Servant of the Mount." He said in an all too familiar voice.
"N-Now way…! Y-You-!"
"Until we meet again." The boy leaves a dumbstruck duo and disappears into the crowd.
The two stood there frozen as people passed by them, until a familiar noise snapped them out of their trance.
"Heh." Iskandar slowly chuckles and it evolves into a hearty laugh. "What a twist! I didn't expect to see the Moon Knight here so soon!"
"T-That was Moon Knight. The actual Moon Knight…." Waver mutters as his legs buckle and he falls. "I think I'm gonna be sick…"
"What are you going on about, boy? This is a great day!" Iskandar argues.
Waver gives his Servant a look. "And in what way is this great?"
"Simple, he went out of his way to consult you on your flaws and gave you the starting push to become stronger. Why would an enemy go so far? I'll tell you why," he gives his Master his signature smile "its because he sees your potential for greatness, just as I have. Why else would he give you such advice?"
Waver contemplates his Servant's statement. He sees potential in him. Someone actually believes in him aside from Rider. This made the young magus smile. His efforts were not a waste, now he had to make sure his faith wasn't misplaced.
Meanwhile, I made my way back to everyone as they gathered in the middle of the road. They're all holding back from the respective stores they visited.
"Theo!" Illya rushes in and snares me into a tight hug.
"Lord Theodore, where have you been!?" Sella demands.
"Well, I decided to explore the shopping district after Merlin was made a fool of himself (Merlin: Hey!). When I decided to turn back, I bumped into Rider and his Master shopping and we talked." I explained.
Sella's eyes widened. "Y-You ran into Rider and his Master?"
"Are you okay?" Mashu adds.
I'm fine. Rider is nice and his Master is pretty funny though he has problems believing in himself." I replied.
Sella sighs. "I am glad you are unharmed, but do not run off like that again. Am I clear?"
"Okay."
"Good. Now, let's head to the park." Everyone walks back towards the subway station.
"Yay!" The two children cheer with delight.
Later
We got off Shinto station and went straight to the park. It isn't any different from the last time we came here.
"I can't believe we're back here so soon." Illya said in a melancholic tone.
I gave my sister a look. "Why do you sound like that? I thought you loved the park."
"I do, but it's not the same if he isn't here." Illya replies.
"Oh? Have you made a friend, my lady?" Sella asked.
A pink hue slowly appears on Illya's puffy cheeks. "W-Well…"
A cheeky grin forms on Fillia's face. "Oh? Does our princess have a crush on a boy?"
"N-No! He's just a friend who happens to be a boy!" Illya exclaims.
I cover my mouth to stop the snort. She just gave herself away.
"Ah, to be young~ Women would come from every corner of the world just to see my magic." Merlin mused. "Oh yes, those were the days."
I am starting to think I may have summoned a different Merlin.
"Is that…? No way!" Illya and I recognize that voice.
We both turn to look and Illya can't help to smile. "Shirou!"
That's right, Emiya- Senji Shirou runs towards us with a big smile on his face.
'That's right. His name is Senji Shirou right now.' If I remember correctly, it has been speculated that Shirou is in fact a direct descendant of Senji Muramasa which explains their abnormal compatibility with swords and why Shirou is his vessel when he's summoned. 'This is gonna take a while to get used to.'
"You came back!" Shirou exclaims.
"W-Well, we were just in the neighborhood and decided to rest for a bit. We're not here because of you or anything!" Illya justifies.
Shirou just smiles. "I missed you, too."
I watch the scene with a chuckle. 'Don't worry, Illya. You still have time to become a proper tsundere.'
"A-HEM!" Sella's clear throat got our attention. "Illya, Theo, wouldn't you introduce us to your new friend?"
"Oh." I turn to Shirou. "Shirou, I'd like to introduce you to our guardians." I point to Sella. "This is Sella, the mature one."
Sella bows. "Greeting, young man. I hope you have been a good friend to my master's children."
I point to Leysritt. "This is Liz. She's the cool one."
"Nice to meet you, Lady Illya's consort." Liz said.
Shirou tilts his head. "Consort."
Meanwhile, Illya's face goes atomic red in the background.
"This is Fillia. She's the loud one." I comment.
Fillia brows twitches. "Are you trying to piss me off, kid!?"
"This is Arcueid, she's the big sister of the group."
"Hi~ If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Onee-san will help!" Arcueid sends Shirou a wink.
Shirou blushed. "O-Okay."
"And here is Mash, but I call her Mashu. She's our cute mascot." I grinned.
Mashu blushes and fidgets around.
Fou leaps up and lands on my shoulder. "This here is Fou. Say hi little guy."
"Kyuu~" Fou purrs and snuggles on my cheek.
Shirou looks confused. "Is he supposed to be a dog or a squirrel?"
"No idea." I shrug.
"Wait, what about him?" Shirou points at Merlin.
"Oh, him? He's just a stray. If you ignore him, he'll go away." I told him.
"That hurts, Theo! Do you really think so low of me!?" Merlin cried.
"Yes/Fou." Fou and I said at the same time.
"Ugh!" Merlin is suddenly struck by an arrow and promptly collapses on his feet. "The humanity…"
I just roll my eyes. This guy is so melodramatic, it's not even funny.
"Hey, you guys wanna play?" Shirou asked.
Illya nods. "Yeah!" She turns to Sella and gives her the Puppy Eye Look(™). "Please, Sella? Please, please, please, pleeeeeaaaaaaaaase?"
"Guah!" Sella just can't resist her young charge's technique. "All right, you go and play. Just don't wander too far."
"Yay!" The three of us cheer.
"Wait! Before we start, we need to get someone." Shirou said.
"Is it another friend?" I asked.
Shirou nods. "Yup. Follow me!" He runs off.
"Let's go, Theo!" Illya grabs my hand.
"H-Hey!" The two of us run off, following Shirou in tow.
Sella sighs. "Good grief, what am I going to do with those two?"
"You need to learn to unwind, sis." Fillia said.
"Stress gives you wrinkles." Liz adds.
"S-Shut up! And I am not getting wrinkles!" Sella snaps at her sisters.
Mashu just smiles. "I'm sure Illya-san will be fine. He has Theo-san protecting her."
An arm slowly rises from the background. "Isn't anyone going to help me…?"
Meanwhile
The three children walk through a field of trees on a stone path.
"So… who is this friend of yours?" I asked.
"She's not my friend exactly. I only met her just a few minutes ago." Shirou admits.
"Oh… your friend is a girl." Illya's face twitches, her smile strained. "How lovely…"
"Yeah, she's really cool, though a little weird." Shirou shrugs. "She does stand out a lot, with her wearing a kimono and all."
'A kimono?' I thought.
"We're here." We reach a clearing and in front of us is a single tree. "Hey! I bought more friends like I promised!"
I notice something shifting behind the tree and the moment they move into view I can't help but instinctively take a step back.
Standing before us is a girl with straight ink-black hair that she keeps short, pale skin color and black eyes described as being of "clear void". She's wearing a pink kimono and yellow scarf around her neck.
I know who this person is, but who would have thought I would meet them in Fuyuki of all places.
"Took you long enough, slowpoke." The girl, Ryougi Shiki, flashes a smile at us.
"Shit…" I cursed.
0. Fool: The Artificial Human Squad (Theo, Sella, Liz, Fillia, Illya, Mash, Arcueid)
I. Magician: Senji Shirou
I. Councillor: Fillia
II. Priestess: Leysritt
III. Empress:
IV. Emperor:
V. Hierophant: Sella
V. Apostle:
?. Faith:
?. Hope: Mash Kyrielight
VI. Lovers:
VII. Chariot: Iskandar
VIII. Justice:
IX. Hermit: Merlin
X. Fortune: Waver Velvet
XI. Strength:
XI. Hunger:
XII. Hanged Man: Kariya Matou
XIII. Death:
XIV. Temperance:
XV. Devil:
XVI. Tower:
XVII. Star: Arcueid Brunestud
XVIII. Moon: Illyasviel von Einzbern
XIX. Sun:
XX. Judgment:
XX Aeon:
XXI. The World:
Author Notes:
Finally finished!
Yeah, that's right, I added Shiki Ryougi in the story. Why? Because I thought it would be interesting.
We already have Tsukihime characters, so why not more?
And trust me, there will be more.
As always, leave a comment. The good, the bad and what not.
Peace~