If you judge by the law, forget about justice, if you judge by justice, forget about the law.
This was a truth he learned too late. The desire to help people and the dream of becoming a "Hero of Justice" led him to a crossroads. It was a dilemma that was impossible to solve.
No. It would be more correct to say that he never thought about solving it. The religious belief that his justice was what people wanted was fueled by numerous supporters and comrades.
He never doubted his own rightness. Could a "Hero of Justice" be wrong? Even the idea of that was absurd. He never thought about it.
Not all people approved of his methods. Many were against it. But it didn't matter. They were all wrong. His justice was the only true answer, no matter what the authorities said about it.
Lying politicians, corrupt officials, rich businessmen, arrogant Mages — they were all scum who only used the law to save their own skins.
Justice and the law do not always go hand in hand. In order to uphold justice, he crossed that line. He did not consider himself a criminal. That was simply ridiculous. How could a "Hero of Justice" be one?
He granted people's wishes without asking for anything in return. There was no evil intent behind it. So how could he be wrong?
I thought you were helping me because you cared, but... If I stood in the way of your "justice", you would have killed me without hesitation.
Those were the words of his closest friend. The person who betrayed him. He lured him into a trap and handed him over to the authorities. Could he have foreseen this? Perhaps.
But the truth was that he did not want to believe in such an outcome. He did not feel hatred towards his friend, because as it turned out later, his friend became only the embodiment of public opinion.
In the end, it wasn't some evil force or nefarious villain that confronted him, but the human court system. People demanded "justice" and he, as a Hero, had to submit to it.
It was then that the true nature of humanity and the laws it created was revealed to him. No. He had known it from the beginning. Even as a child, he had learned all the Sins and Crimes of humanity.
He was cursed with this knowledge. But even so, he chose to ignore it. Love for this world despite hatred for it. Such a twisted worldview this man had.
— ｢Haa… I wonder what she would say if she saw me now?｣
The question was asked into the void. Looking at the ceiling of his cell, the man sighed, and the corners of his lips stretched into a sardonic smile.
At that moment, he did not think about his imprisonment or what awaited him next. The man's thoughts were devoted only to the woman he admired.
Not his fiancée. Not his lover either. Not the one who became the mother of his child, just as not the one he considered as his sister.
He had only known her for two weeks, but she had always been in his soul. Even if he found himself in hell, he would undoubtedly still remember her face.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. The cell doors opened and three people entered. The first was the commandant, dressed in a blue paramilitary uniform.
The second was a tall, dark—haired man, who was wearing a black shirt with a red collar, patent leather shoes and pants the color of blood.
Despite the formal attire, the man radiated an aura of a troublemaker, and the smug grin on his face, along with straight glasses and a strand of hair that had fallen out, only completed the image of a "bad boy".
His distinguishing feature were slightly pointed ears. Dark beady eyes quickly ran around the camera and stopped on him, narrowing slightly.
The grin that appeared on the man's face was more like a predatory grin. Like a wild animal encountering another predator for the first time.
He carefully assessed his opponent, recognizing in him someone who posed a danger.
The last person to enter the cell was a pale—skinned man of European appearance, dressed in expensive official white robes that emphasized his hair of the same shade.
Against the background of the other two people, he stood out very much. Not only with his sickly appearance, but also with his behavior.
The commandant was nervous and tried not to look at him once again, as if a demon was sitting opposite him, capable of cursing him with just one look.
The black—haired man was slightly hunched over, his hands in his pockets and despite his seemingly relaxed pose, all his muscles were tense like those of an animal preparing to make a dash towards his opponent.
But the pale—skinned man was absolutely calm. A serene expression on his face combined with an aura of cordiality created the image of a very balanced person.
— ｢I thought I was forbidden from visiting.｣
The Commandant ignored his mockery, instead whispering something into the ear of the leader of this delegation.
— I understand, Mr. Gardner. But don't worry, I'll be fine.
— As you wish, Lord Animusphere. — The Commandant left the room with a contradictory expression.
The Animusphere is one of the thirteen great families of the Clock Tower. Their history goes back thousands of years, but their influence is no longer as great as in the past.
The development of astronomy gradually destroyed all the mysteries of cosmos, making astrology and astromancy nothing more than child's play. Anti—science. This could not help but affect the image and influence of the Animusphere family.
And yet, despite the precarious position in which the family found itself, thanks to the actions of the current head, it has gained enormous influence in the ordinary world, separated from the Moonlight World.
— ｢You stargazers should stay in the mountains, observing the cosmos in your observatories, and not wander around such dull places.｣ — he said lazily, leaning back and crossing his arms behind his head. — ｢From here, you won't be able to see the skies illuminated by starlight.｣
Marisbury Animusphere, the founder and current director of Chaldea, only smiled in response to such harsh words.
— Observing the cosmos is undoubtedly a wonderful pastime, but we are, after all, humans, children of the Earth. In pursuit of a shining star, it is easy to forget about our surroundings. Our dear people, our own desires and dreams. — Marisbury said softly.
These words carried a deep meaning that the man immediately understood. His eyebrows twitched slightly, a spark flickering in his empty steel—colored eyes for a moment before fading.
— ｢If you came to talk about the stars, I suggest you leave and not waste your time on someone like me.｣ — the man said without any emotion in his voice. — ｢Or did you come to cover your tracks? Dead men tell no tales. That guy behind you isn't even trying to hide his bloodlust.｣
— Bloodlust? C'mon, man, I'm just nervous. It's not every day that you get to talk to the Second Generation Magus Killer himself. — the brunette said. — I mean, you're a true living legend. Can I get an autograph?
— ｢Should I be worried about your approach to selecting employees, Marisbury? I think this guy belongs in the next bunk.｣
— Coming from you, that sounds like the highest praise. — The man chuckled and gave a mocking bow. — Name is Beryl. Beryl Gut.
— ｢You look different than I imagined, "Shame of the Botany Department."｣
— I could say the same about you, "Demon of Justice." — Beryl adjusted his glasses.
— Beryl, that's enough. We're not here to turn him against us. — Marisbury said.
The brunette just smiled and leaned against the wall, not taking his eyes off the man sitting in the cell.
— ｢Years go by, and you're still the same huckster, Marisbury. I'm not interested in another shady adventure you want to drag me into.｣
— Aren't you being too cold towards me, Shirou-kun? I wanted to believe that you and I parted on rather friendly terms.
『Shirou Emiya』leaned forward, looking Marisbury straight in the eyes. His keen falcon gaze examined the man's face, trying to find something.
— The Marisbury I knew and you, are completely different people.
After these words, silence reigned, interrupted only by the quiet whistling of Beryl, who was sincerely intrigued by the conversation.
The Lord of the Clock Tower thought about the words spoken for a while, trying to find the right answer.
— People tend to change throughout life. Only Gods and Demons remain unchanged throughout their entire existence.
The director of Chaldea neither denied his words nor agreed with them. Could he be wrong? No, that was out of the question. The person he was talking to was Marisbury Animusphere.
The true winner of the Fifth Holy Grail War. The one he had worked with for a long time. A dreamer who shared his desire to save humanity.
『Shirou』considered him to be something like his spiritual mentor and sincerely admired him. But right now, this was a completely different person. The same appearance, the same manner of speech, but something was off.
There was something that shouldn't be there.
— ｢What do you want from me?｣
— Join Chaldea, Shirou-kun.
The Organization for the Preservation of Human Order, Finis Chaldea, also known as Chaldea Security Organization. Initially, it was a research institute of the Association of Mages, subordinate to the Clock Tower.
However, at one point, Chaldea separated and gained independence, changing the scope of activities and emerging from the shadow of Moonlight World into the wider space.
Chaldea received the status of a charitable international organization, essentially absorbing the UN and taking over most of its functionality. All this became possible thanks to a certain "miracle" performed by Marisbury, which only a few initiates knew about.
The only official goal of Chaldea was to ensure the survival of humanity. Any means were used for this — economic and political sanctions, military interventions and even food blockades.
If the U.S.A. was liked to say that they "bring democracy with guns and bombs", then Chaldea was accused of "achieving peace through violence".
Despite criticism and protests, Chaldea has shown high efficiency in ensuring the survival of the human race. During its existence, all armed conflicts were stopped, and international terrorism was reduced to a minimum.
In the eyes of ordinary people, Chaldea was indeed a paragon of virtue. Of course, they would change their minds if they knew about the other side of Chaldea…
Not that he cared. The result is the result. As long as the costs are acceptable, there are no problems. But if failure awaits in the end, then that's a completely different matter.
Winners are not judged, and losers bear all the sins. That's the nature of this world.
— ｢I don't think a criminal sentenced to death for inciting war belongs in Chaldea. People simply won't understand why mastermind is free and not feeding worms with his corpse.｣
— We both know who the real mastermind was. And he, I assure you, has already received his punishment. — Marisbury said, stealing a glance at Beryl.
— The guy clung to his worthless life until the very end. He couldn't believe that death awaited him, and not the royal throne. — Beryl snorted, playing with the blade of his folding knife.
— You're right that your current reputation is pretty terrible. But we both know that it can be easily fixed. — Marisbury smiled, placing his hand on his chest. — I really want to help you, Shirou-kun. Such an end... You don't deserve it.
— ｢You know, I almost believed in your sincerity. Of course, this help is not free, right?｣
— The Law of "Equal Exchange." — the Lord nodded his head. — This is the first thing every magus is taught.
— ｢I never followed the laws and certainly did not consider myself a magus.｣
— And where did this lead you? — Marisbury asked rhetorically.
The director of Chaldea was not the first who decided to use him for their own interests. Previously, many representatives of governments of different countries and employees of the special services had visited him.
Someone promised money. Someone promised to clear his name. But they all had in common that in exchange for freedom, they wanted him to become a puppet in their hands.
An enforcer of the government's will, faithfully carrying out his assigned duties. This is the role they chose for him.
Obviously, he refused. The hypocrisy of idiots obsessed with power and wealth, who imagined themselves to be Gods — he sincerely despised the "justice" they talked about on TV.
The very people who accused him of all mortal sins, vied with each other to promise him all earthly blessings in exchange for loyalty and obedience. The vicious circle of human hypocrisy.
Fundamentally, Marisbury wasn't much different from everyone before him. He was fed up with it.
— I refuse.
For the first time since this whole conversation, Marisbury's expression changed. He stopped smiling and there was confusion in his eyes.
— Are you sure about that? Think about it again, Shirou-kun. You are not to blame for what happened.
— Don't get me wrong, Marisbury. I never wanted a world without violence. I simply wanted to create a world where no one would cry. —『Shirou』said without any emotion in his voice. — What I have encountered is the result of my own actions. If I didn't admit my guilt, it would mean tarnishing the memory of those I was forced to sacrifice.
That's right. To retreat now would be the same as betraying his own ideals. His "Justice" that he had followed his entire life.
He knew from the start what awaited him and went through this path without any hesitation.
A choice made in the distant past cannot be undone. That is the simple truth of the world.
— I understand what you are trying to say, Shirou-kun. But still... It is truly a regrettable choice...
After these words, the atmosphere changed. Marisbury's voice sounded monotonous. As if these words were spoken by a machine, not a person. An otherworldly blue light began to fill the room.
— I will ask you again, Shirou Emiya. — there was a strange triumph in this cold voice. — Will you join Chaldea?
It was an order that did not allow any objections. Now he understood where this strange feeling of wrongness came from. It seemed as if time had frozen.
The world lost its colors and now resembled a gray photographic film.『Shirou』could see an otherworldly silhouette behind Marisbury.
The figure of a ghostly woman was like a vision. One blink and she would disappear, leaving no trace.
The woman did not utter a single word. Her lips did not move. But that cruel smile, filled with mercy, was already an answer to his unasked question.
That's Hell I'm walking into...
AN:
A sort of "what if" scenario where Shirou (who is one step away from becoming Archer) joins Chaldea a few years before the events of FGO. Or rather, this Shirou is close to Nameless/No Name.
Please pay attention to Shirou's speech, as well as how his name is pronounced by the characters and how he is referred to from the 3rd person perspective.
This makes more sense than it seems at first glance. I won't tell you what it means, try to guess for yourself.
Engrish isn't my first language, so if you know it's on a good level and wanna become my beta-reader: PM me.