Nasuverse Fate/Big Brother Complex

[spooky316]

I was debating whether or not to put this up here, but then I thought well, this was my first forum (by a month :lol: ), and there's people here who wouldn't read it at BL or SB, so might as well. Anyway, this was an idea spawned from the fires of the deepest pits, and I was forced to start it by the devils and demons that thrive there (Beast's Lair!

). Like I said there, you can expect only two things from this thread, short updates (because I find it's easier for me to write that way) and (possibly) long times between them. B)

Comments/suggestions/fixes are welcome. Except timeline stuff, since I'm blatantly ignoring things like how FSN takes place years after KnK.

Let's get started then, shall we?

*commences blatant near-plagiarism of KnK 6 intro*

* * *

I, Kokutou Azaka, am a 16 year old magus apprentice.

I have a brother named Kokutou Mikiya, a master named Aozaki Touko, and a rival in love named Ryougi Shiki.

I'm what you would call a troubled young lady. I'm going to explain myself so there won't be any misunderstandigs. I'm not troubled by the fact that I love my own brother. I seriously love Kokutou Mikiya to the point where I can't believe it myself. I got adopted by my uncle, entered a boarding school called Reien, and lived away from Mikiya so he woudl forget about me being his younger sister.

So there's only one problem I'm facing right now. It's that woman who came barging in and took my prize! I need to get that woman to break up with Mikiya as fast as possible and get him away from dangerous things. I even became an apprentice magus so I could match her mentally and physically and become her rival.

This is a story about such an admirable girl: Me, and my quest to prove once and for all that I'm the only one for Mikiya.

This is the story of the 5th Holy Grail War!

* * *

Presenting...

* * *

Prologue snips so far

* * *

Tohsaka Rin sighed as she prepared her summoning circle.

ôGeez, why couldnÆt Father have given me something I could use to summon Saber,ö she muttered as she worked. It was a pain to use her gems like this, but she was sure that doing it this way would net her the best possible Servant.

The pendant her father left her in his will caught RinÆs eye. She contemplated it for a second before shaking her head. ôNo, better not use that. ItÆs absolutely irreplaceable, so I canÆt risk anything happening to it. Besides, with everything set up this perfectly I know things will work out!ö

Rin checked the time again. ôGood thing I remembered to set the clocks,ö she said. It was nearing 2:00 AM. ôHow did I manage to have all of them off by an hour, anyway? Whatever, it doesnÆt matter anymore. EverythingÆs fine now.ö

Rin stepped back, took a deep breath, and started to chant.

ôDas Material ist aus Silber und Eisen.
Der Grundstein ist aus Stein und dem Gro?herzog des Vertrag.
Der Ahn ist mein gro?er Meister Schweinorg.
Schutz gegen einen heftigen Wind.
Schlie? alle Tore, geh aus der Krone, zirkulier die Gabelung nach dem K÷nig.
F³ll, f³ll, f³ll, f³ll, f³ll.
Es wird f³nfmal wiederholt.?
Nur ist es die volle Zeit gebrochen.ö

Ambient magical energy began to fill RinÆs circuits. Facing the ritual circle, she directed the prana out of her body.

ôSatz.
Du ³berlõ?t alles mir, mein Schicksal ³berlõ?t alles deinem Schwert.
Das basiert auf dem Gral, antwort wenn du diesem Willen und diesem Vernunftgrund folgst.
Liegt das Gel³bde hier.
Ich bin die G³te der ganzen Welt.
Ich bin das B÷se der ganzen Welt.
Du bist der Himmel mit dreien Wortseelen.
Komm, aus dem Kreis der Unterdr³ckung, der Schutzgeist der Balkenwaageà!ö

The world went white. The last thing Rin saw before her sight was overcome was the circle flashing and starting to glow. A non-existent wind fluttered across her face as the ground in front of her started to rumble gently.

As some form of blurry vision returnedà red. That was the first thing that got through to Rin. Her eyes cleared and she gasped as she beheld the glorious image in front of her.

This was it. Thisà visionà before her could only be one thing. This lovely blonde figure dressed in red, one hand on the pommel of a large red and black sword, could be none other than the very being Rin had been hoping to summon: the Servant Saber!

The Servant raised an eyebrow at RinÆs frank appraisal. "Oh? You have summoned me? I assume that would make you my master, then? Very well, I will show you what a real Servant is capable of! I hope you are worthy of having me as your underling!"

* * *

Rin gaped, but quickly collected herself. ôYouà you are very presumptuous for a Servant. But answer me this one thing. You are the Saber-class, correct?ö

ôOf course I am, Master. How could I be anything else? You did notice my sword, did you not?ö was the reply.

ôDonÆt be so foolish, I definitely see your sword. I just wanted to make sure,ö Rin said flatly. Inwardly was a different story.

Yes, I did it! Now IÆll win this war for sure! Nothing can stop me! Rin thought. She was so preoccupied with her success that she didnÆt notice her mad cackling had leaked into the outside world.

Upon witnessing her masterÆs short trip into insanity, Saber cocked her head and murmured, ôWhat anà interesting master IÆve been summoned by.ö

Immediately snapping back to normal, Rin narrowed her eyes. ôWhat was that? Did you say something I should know about?ö she said with a sweet-as-saccharine smile.

ôNo, nothing, Master. You must have been hearing things,ö Saber replied with her own smile. ôNow, IÆm receiving an excellent amount of prana from you, so thatÆs one good thing we have already, but we should now discuss our plans for the Holy Grail War.ö

Rin nodded in agreement. ôYes, that sounds like a good idea, but itÆs getting late. We can do most of that tomorrow, right?ö

Sighing in disappointment, Saber responded, ôI suppose, Master. I guess since youÆre only human you still need your rest.ö

Something about the way she said that makes me angryà Rin thought. ôOne thing first, though,ö she said aloud. ôWhich heroic spirit are you?ö

Saber puffed up with arrogance. ôAh, Master. How good of you to ask. You have been lucky enough to summon the Fifth Roman Emperor, Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus,ö she haughtily announced.

There was a short pause as Rin assimilated the information.

ô...Eh? ArenÆt you supposed to be a guy?ö

* * *

Saber's opening phrase is partially attributed to ItsaRandomUsername

 

[armedlord]

What the...how the...why the...

...

Wait, is that Archer-ko I see in that picture? Are we going to see an Archer-ko in this fic?

If we see Gil-ko in this as well I'll be either be laughing or...okay I'll just be laughing.

 

[spooky316]

If you want to be spoiled a bit, <a href='http://nrvnqsr.us.to/showthread.php/535-What-if-__________-where-Masters-in-the-Holy-Grail-War?p=104300&viewfull=1#post104300' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>here's the idea thread where I first proposed what I like to call "Team Onii-con."</a>

 

[spooky316]

It was late the next morning when Rin woke up. With a passive gaze, she glanced at the clock. ôàLike I thought. ItÆs too late to go to school. What did I do last night to make me sleep in like thisà?ö

It should be noted that Rin was not a morning person, so she can be forgiven for momentarily forgetting the momentous occasion sheÆd had last night.

Her face scrunched up as she tried to remember. She lit up like a light bulb as it came to her. ôThatÆs right! I succeeded in summoning Saber!ö

Rin rose from the bed sluggishly. ôIt seems IÆm out of prana. ItÆs a good thing I have today for recovery.ö As she made her way through her morning routine, Rin abruptly recalled SaberÆs reaction to RinÆs questioning of her gender the previous night.

. . .

ô...Eh? ArenÆt you supposed to be a guy?ö Rin blurted.

A sickly smile formed on SaberÆs face. Her eyes darkened to points and she seemed to suddenly grow to a preposterous height, enough to tower over Rin. And if Rin wasnÆt mistaken, was that hellfire in the background?

ôAre you saying this body is anything but the pinnacle of femininity?ö Saber asked, the smile never leaving her face. She cupped her modest breasts. ôAnd what of these? You canÆt say you didnÆt notice them,ö she pointed out, referring to how sheÆd caught Rin staring at her earlier. ôAnd do you think I wear this skirt for no reason?ö Saber indicated the sheer article of clothing. ôI am a woman, and do not forget it!ö

Saber huffed and turned her head, crossing her arms beneath aforementioned breasts, which only served to emphasize them more.

Rin looked away as well, her cheeks flushing slightly. ôAlright already, I get it. YouÆre a proud member of the better half. And thereÆs absolutely no way IÆll forget it, especially now," she finished in a mumble, heading up to bed.

The last thing Rin saw before she turned to the stairs was a small pleased smile flash across SaberÆs face.

. . .

Rin shuddered in remembrance. ôRight. DonÆt doubt SaberÆs gender again. No problems there. So Emperor NeroÆs a girl. ThatÆs a surprise, but itÆs fine,ö she mused as she headed downstairs.

ôThatÆs a good thing, Master,ö Saber announced teasingly as she materialized without warning next to Rin. ôIÆm glad you can appreciate a good woman when you see one.ö

ô!!!!!!ö Rin gasped in surprise. ôJust what do you think youÆre doing?! You could have given me a heart attack! And donÆt say things like that, either!ö she said with a glare. ôYouÆre my Servant, you should be respectful!ö

ôDonÆt worry Master. I know when to be serious,ö Saber said. ôI wouldnÆt have been a very good emperor if I didnÆt. But I also know when to relax. I wouldnÆt have lived long enough to be a good emperor if I didnÆt.ö

ôJust donÆt make a habit of it,ö Rin instructed, passing Saber by. She walked into the kitchen and put on a pot of tea.

ôAnyway Saber,ö Rin said, ôAs soon as I finish breakfast weÆll take a walk around the town, so you can get used to where everything is.ö

ôA decent idea, Master. It would be good to know the lay of the land if I am to fight here,ö Saber agreed.

 

[Deathwings]

I was wondering why I didn't recognized the names, but then I realized they were Kara no Kyoukai's names, not Tsukihime's. That's gonna make this harder to follow.

Also, I guess this means that you consider Archerko to actually be an heroic Illya then, right ? :huh:

 

[spooky316]

More accurately a Counter Guardian, but yes it's Ilya.

And here's another pic, one fit for the prologue:

 

[nick012000]

So, Kokutou Azaka is going to summon Kuro from Kaleid Liner? That'll be something to watch.

I wonder if the spell they put on her would affect this timeline's Ilya.

 

[Amodelsino]

You obviously haven't read Sword Dancers.

 

[spooky316]

I was of the opinion that he was joking, myself. :huh.:

 

[Deathwings]

Speaking of Sword Dancer, I know the first one, in which Archerko and Saber duel for food/Shirou's virginity and the...4 chapter long (so far) backstory which I thing is called Sword Dancer 2.

Are there any other doujin where that version Archerko show up in ?

 

[spooky316]

Yes there is. Done by the same guy. It's hosted on e-hentai, so beware ads if you're not using AdBlocker.

EDIT: Also the Archerko part of Plus-ko.

EDIT ^2: Righty oh, links now withheld. PM me if you didn't see them before.

 

[zeebee1]

It's against the rules to give direct links to adult sites outside of the lemon section.

 

[spooky316]

The duo spent the morning wandering Miyama. Rin pointed out the way to various important places such as Ryudou Temple and the school, while Saber trailed behind in astral form. It was almost noon when they reached the bridge separating Miyama from FuyukiÆs other district, Shinto.

ôIncidentally, Master,ö Rin heard SaberÆs voice in her head, ôI still havenÆt been graced with the name of my choreographer.ö

Rin paused in the middle of the bridge and gazed out across the water. ôChoreà oh, I see. Yes, I forgot to introduce myself; how thoughtless,ö she muttered in embarrassment. ôRin. Tohsaka Rin is my name.ö

There was no one nearby at the moment, giving Saber the opportunity to fade into view next to Rin. Nodding, she replied, ôItÆs good to finally learn the name of the person who will be directing me in this play we have been cast in.ö

ôPlay? This isnÆt some show weÆre putting on. DonÆt tell me youÆre not taking this seriously, Saber,ö Rin accused.

Saber turned to her. ôOn the contrary, Master. It can indeed be a work of art, and fortunately for you youÆve summoned one of the premier artists of my and any other time. I guarantee that by the time the curtain draws to a close on this Grail War we will be the ones left standing to take a bow,ö the servant said, emphasizing with a hand flourish.

Shaking her head, Rin sighed. ôWhen you say things like that I just donÆt understand you, Saber.ö

ôHuh, I donÆt see whatÆs hard to understand at all. IÆm the Servant Saber, you are my master; as the greatest team, we will naturally claim victory, and as a result the world will be able to enjoy my art once more,ö Saber stated confidently.

ôEnjoy yourà ThatÆs what you want? YouÆre going to waste an all-powerful wish on something as insignificant as art?!ö Rin exclaimed in disbelief.

ôàö SaberÆs eye twitched as she glared at Rin. ôMaster, since you have never bore witness to my art I will forgive you this once. I am a gracious person, after all, and you will change your tune. However please donÆt repeat the insult.ö

Rin shivered at the look she was receiving. ôFine, have it your way,ö she responded moodily. Whatever, if she wants to waste her wish thatÆs fine with me. At least sheÆs serious about winning, though. No doubt about that.

The young magus resumed her walk along the bridge, Saber fading back into spirit form and following. They continued along and off the bridge, into the modern half of Fuyuki. As they passed one road, Rin commented, ôThe church is down that way. My so-called æguardianÆ is the priest there. Heh, more like false priest.ö She said the last bit under her breath. ôHeÆs also the supervisor for the Grail War this time. I suppose IÆll have to tell him IÆve summoned a servant soon.ö

ôHmm? You donÆt seem to like him much,ö Saber inferred from RinÆs tone of voice.

ôHe rubs me the wrong way, thatÆs for sure,ö Rin confirmed. ôBut I shouldnÆt complain too much. He leaves me alone for the most part.ö

Their journey came to a close when the pair reached the park in the middle of the district. Saber reappeared and hesitated upon entering.

ôOh? You noticed?ö Rin remarked.

ôà? Master, there seems to be a foul aura surrounding this place,ö was the response. SaberÆs eyes flickered back and forth, scanning the area.

ôYes, this park was the location of the final battle in the previous Holy Grail War. I donÆt know exactly what happened, but the result is what you see here.ö

ôIt is a dead place, Master. We shouldnÆt stay here any longer than necessary,ö said the knight of the sword.

ôIÆll agree with you there. I just wanted you to see it. LetÆs try not to create something similar this time.ö A sharp pain on her arm caused Rin to wince. ôMy command sealsà weÆre being watched.ö

The red/black flame-like longsword sheÆd been summoned with appeared in SaberÆs hand. ôI donÆt sense anything, but IÆll trust you.ö

Rin concentrated, scanning the area. ôàNothing. It must be a master, then. A powerful one as well, or else they wouldnÆt be able to hide from me this well. Alright, if thatÆs the way they want it, I can play too. If they want to watch, let them.ö

The rest of the day was spent showing their observer a merry time, aimlessly wandering around Shinto, doing such mundane things as going into stores and having a bite to eat. Well, at least Rin did. Saber didnÆt see the need to eat anything. Once she was through with dinner, Rin led Saber to their ultimate destination: the tallest building in Fuyuki.

ôWell here we are,ö Rin said while sweeping back her wind-swept hair. ôWeÆve been to the important parts, but from here you can get a good overview of the whole city.ö

ôYes, but I could get more use out of it if I was an Archer-class,ö Saber said dismissively.

ôWhat? No, thatÆs not why I brought you here. ItÆs justà isnÆt it a nice view?ö Rin asked with a frown.

Saber cocked her head and looked at Rin. ôàOh, is that what you meant?ö she said with a sly smile. ôI suppose it is, but youÆll have to do better than that if you want to impress me.ö

Turning a remarkable shade of red, Rin exploded. ôWhat are you talking about?! Where do you even get these ideas? No, nevermind, I donÆt want to know. LetÆs just get back home.ö

 

[spooky316]

I'm almost done with the prologue, which means only a bit more canon rehashing!

* * *

ôAre you purposefully trying to be killed, or are you simply an idiot?ö Saber asked dryly.

It was the following morning. The return trip home was fairly uneventful; the only thing of note was catching sight of Matou Sakura in conversation with someone Rin had never seen before. They seemed to part without incident, so Rin put it out of her mind at the time. The master and servant arrived back at the Tohsaka house with no further incidents.

A phone was cradled against RinÆs shoulder. As she dialed, she responded, ôNeither. I will be perfectly fine. I highly doubt that thereÆs another Master at the school. Besides,ö she continued while waiting for the phone to be answered, ôIÆll have you there with me. Even on the remote chance I was attacked, youÆd be able to handle it, right?ö

Saber bristled. ôOf course. What do you take me for, an amateur? Not even a hair on your head will be out of place as long as-ö

An abrupt wave of the hand cut Saber off.

ôI know youÆre there, Kirei. ItÆs me. I just wanted to let you know IÆve summoned a servant, so you can go ahead and formally register me,ö Rin said irritably into the phone.

There was a heavy silence as Rin waited for the priestÆs response.

ôàUnderstood. Now what? You should come and see me at least once. I have something to give you that I received from your parents. They said to give it to you only if you become a Master before you become an adult.ö

ôIf youÆre talking about FatherÆs will, youÆre too late. I figured that out a while ago. Anyway, I have school now so I donÆt really have the time. Goodbye,ö Rin replied.

ôWait, Rin. If you are a Master now-ö The girl hung up the phone, not paying anymore attention to Kirei.

She turned to Saber, idly noting the storm cloud floating above her head. ôWhat were you saying, then?ö

Saber stewed for a few seconds. ôàNothing. IsnÆt it about time to leave? You wouldnÆt want to be late,ö she said testily.

As she headed out the door, Rin gave Saber a skeptical look. ôWhat? Did you think of another problem in the minute that I was on the phone?ö

ôNo. Nothing at all,ö Saber said flatly before fading out of view.

Shrugging, Rin left the house, trusting Saber to remain with her. It was about a thirty minute walk to the school. When she crossed the gate Rin immediately stopped.

ôDo you feel that, Saber? It seems I was wrong after all. ThereÆs already the beginning of a bounded field surrounding the school,ö Rin identified with ease, though she was surprised to find such a thing.

ôYes, itÆs interesting. Whoever it is must have a high opinion of himself, to set this up so brazenly,ö Saber acknowledged.

ôPerhaps. Or heÆs an idiot. Either way weÆll keep a look out. I want to find this magus andà æintroduceÆ myself to him.ö Rin stomped angrily into the school, Saber trailing behind like a shadow.

Later in the Rin day happened to run into Sakura. Upon seeing she needed assistance with a stack of papers, Rin moved in. As she was helping she figured it would be a good time to question Sakura about the woman she was talking to the previous evening.

ôàNo. Well, she was a strange person and she seemed to be lost. She asked me lots of things, but I couldn't make out what she was saying, so, umàö Apparently Sakura didnÆt really know much about her.

After a little more small talk, Sakura left to deliver her papers.

ôWell that was pointless. She didnÆt know anything,ö Saber communicated directly to Rin.

ôHush. It was fine, even without learning anything new,ö Rin said wistfully, before continuing on to her next class.

 

[spooky316]

School was over for the day, and everyone had returned home. Well, mostly everyone.

ôAlright Saber,ö Rin announced, ôNow that weÆre alone we should check out that bounded field. ItÆs not targeting me directly, but still to make victims out of the entire school is something I canÆt forgive.ö

ôWell said, Master. As the magus in charge of this city you should allow no one else to use its people like this,ö Saber stated.

ôàI wouldnÆt do this either, Saber,ö Rin responded with a sigh. ôHonestly, some of the things you sayàö

ôYes, I think I understand just what type of person you are now,ö Saber said with a nod as they explored one of the hallways.

ôYou know what, IÆm not even going to ask,ö Rin muttered under her breath.

The two continued their search of the school from bottom to top; as they came out onto the roof Rin noted that night had already fallen.

ôWell, this takes the total up to seven,ö Rin said while examining a magical seal. ôHmm, I think this one is the original as well.ö She concentrated for a second. ôDamn it, I wonÆt be able to get rid of the whole field. For something this crass, it has tremendous power. In factàö

ôIt was probably made by a servant,ö Saber finished.

ôCorrect,ö Rin said with narrowed eyes. ôThis sort of field, one designed to strip the souls as well as the strength from people, could not have been set up by a magus. Howeverà Saber! Why would a servant do something like this?ö

ôIf we are in dire need, itÆs possible for a servant to feed on the souls of the victims, directly harvesting their prana. This would only usually be done if what we get from our master isnÆt enough,ö Saber admitted.

Rin scowled. ôAs I said before, IÆm not planning on doing anything like that.ö

ôNot to worry, Master, what IÆm getting from you is perfectly adequate,ö Saber said with assurance. ôIf something untoward should happen and I do happen to get low, IÆm sure we could find a moreà pleasant way to recharge me,ö she added suggestively.

By this time Rin was starting to get used to her servantÆs eccentricities, so she was able to stifle the blush that threatened to force its way across her face. She instead scoffed and turned back to the seal. ôW-well anyway, letÆs just get rid of this one. It wonÆt mean anything in the long run, but I canÆt just leave it here. ItÆs unsightly and pisses me off.ö

Reaching out her arm, Rin activated her magic crest. ôAbzug. Bedienung Mittelstand,ö she chanted, kneeling and lightly touching the outside of the seal.

ôWhat, youÆre going to erase it? What a waste,ö a voice interrupted RinÆs casting.

With a gasp, Rin stood and spun around. There, standing on the schoolÆs water tower, was a man. No, more than that. With those blood-red eyes and azure armor, he could only beà

ôA Servant,ö Saber said darkly, fading into view. Her crimson longsword was once again clenched in her hand.

ôAh, I see you have one of your own, little miss. Man, what a mistake, announcing myself like that. Oh well, at least now we can get on with it.ö With a flourish, he extended his arm to the side. In less than a moment his hand was filled with a deep red spear, the color almost perfectly matching his eyes.

Rin acted without thinking. She leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding the spearmanÆs first strike, and fired multiple Gandr shots at the fence surrounding the rooftop. Due to RinÆs mastery of the spell the black spheres tore through the fence, leaving an opening into which Rin dove.

In the intervening seconds Saber had rushed to parry her opponentÆs weapon. Now however, it was all for naught. Both Servants gaped at the hole, their fight forgotten.

The blue knight glanced between Saber and RinÆs former location. ôàShouldnÆt youà?ö he began slowly.

A rush of displaced air was his only answer as Saber seemed to vanish. ôWaità did I really just let her go? Damn, better go deal with it.ö The heroic spirit shook his head before he too disappeared.

* * *

Only one or two more scenes left, I think.

 

[Deathwings]

Oh ? Could it be that Saber underestimated Rin ? That's generally a bad idea. :snigger:

 

[Genericrandom]

Man, I like this Saber so much. 50% troll, 50% awesome. Now she just needs to be pseudo-sorta genre savvy and I'll be thrilled.

 

[spooky316]

Rin grimaced as she fell through the air. Even with using prana to aid in the fall, she was still placing an awful lot of trust in her newly-summoned servantà

ôNo, canÆt think like that. I can already feel we have a bond. SheÆll definitely catch me in time!ö

A flash of red and suddenly she wasnÆt moving anymore.

ôIÆm glad you think so much of me, Master. I think the same of you as well,ö Saber said warmly as she set Rin on the ground.

Rin felt her cheeks go hot as she realized sheÆd thought out loud. ôI-idiot! Why did you wait so long to catch me! If you held off any longer I would have been killed!ö she tried to cover.

A pat on RinÆs cheek was SaberÆs response. ôYou should know by now I wouldnÆt let that happenàö The servant and master locked eyes.

ôàCLEARS THROAT!...ö a voice announced loudly from the side.

Saber immediately rematerialized her sword and shoved Rin behind her. Turning around, she faced her opponent. ôLanceràö she stated.

ôAh, I see you figured out which servant I am.ö The knight of the lance cocked his head. ôNot that it would be very difficult, thoughà considering,ö he gestured with his weapon.

ôYes, now I suppose weÆll see if the Knight of the Lance will hold any challenge at all for one such as myself,ö Saber boasted. Her sword took on a sheen not unlike the coals at the bottom of a bonfire while wisps of smoke started to drift upwards from the blade.

ôDismissing me so easy, are you? Well, you are the Saber class, but donÆt count me out so quickly,ö Lancer said with a smirk. He sent out a quick thrust of the spear, more to test SaberÆs defenses than as a real attack. It was parried almost before heÆd finished moving his arm.

ôYou canÆt really be this pathetic, can you?ö said Saber, her voice dripping with condescension.

Lancer leapt back and twirled his weapon. ôHaha, no worries,ö Lancer laughed. ôYouÆre quick, I see. Well, so am I.ö

He shot forwards at impossible speeds and exchanged a flurry of blows with the red-clad knight. Embers flew off the sword each time it connected with the opposing legendary weapon. Taking advantage of a momentary pause in LancerÆs attacks, Saber launched a mighty swing which Lancer was forced to block. Even with his defense, the spear-wielder was blown back nearly 100 feet.

Saber smirked as Lancer got to his feet. ôWell? Is that all you have? I guess you arenÆtà proficientà in the use of your lance after all,ö she mocked.

ôOooh, now thatÆs going a bit too far. Looks like IÆll have to show you personally just how good I am with my weapon!ö Lancer said with a manic grin. He took a sideways stance; lance extended from above his right shoulder down and out towards the other Servant. LancerÆs eyes bulged as his spear acquired an unearthly glow.

At the opposite end of the schoolyard, Rin felt it too. It was an oppressive weight forcing down on her so she was unable to move. This, she thought, this can only be his most powerful ability, his trump card. HeÆs going to actually use his noble phantasm! Rin tried to call out to Saber, but found her voice gone as well. She better avoid this! IÆll never forgive her if she gets killed!

LancerÆs body was coiled, prepared to strike. In just a few short seconds the battle would be decided one way or the other. If he hit, Saber was as good as dead. If not, sheÆd take advantage and finish him. Lancer opened his mouth to scream his attack-

ôWhoÆs there?!ö The call came from not Lancer, but one of RinÆs fellow students who had stumbled onto the scene!

LancerÆs countenance abruptly shifted back to his easy-going attitude. ôWhat. Is someone really interrupting us? Well, gotta take care of this first. DonÆt go nowhere, though, weÆll finish this when I get back.ö

The Servant flickered and appeared next to the student, who got the point and started to run out of there as fast as he could.

Rin, having regained control of her faculties, immediately headed in the same direction.

ôWhat are you doing, Master? You have no chance against Lancer, you should retreat while heÆs otherwise occupied,ö Saber tried to convince Rin.

ôI canÆt do that. I refuse to let that bastard kill an innocent bystander, even if thatÆs what weÆre supposed to do! LetÆs go, Saber!ö

The pair followed the trail back inside the school and down a hallway, whereà

ôOh,ö Rin said softly, looking blankly at the dead body on the floor.

ô..Saber, find Lancer. If he went back to his master it will be good to know who it is,ö Rin said without taking her eyes off the corpse.

Saber nodded and vanished, leaving Rin to walk up to the body.

ôWait,ö Rin said as she got closer. ôHeÆs still breathing. That shouldnÆt be possible since that lance was shoved through his heart. Who are you?ö She tilted the face so she could see it. ôàEmiya. Of course itÆs you. You had to stay late didnÆt you?ö

A thought floated up to the forefront of RinÆs mind. ôBut can I really do thatà? ThereÆs no real choice, is there?ö She pulled out the pendant her father left her in his will. ôWith itÆs power, maybeàö Rin knelt down and emptied the power into the body in front of her, Emiya Shirou. A minute later he was breathing easier, and his wounds were healing.

Rin sighed and got to her feet. ôWell, itÆs done. I should go; I donÆt want to be here when he wakes up.ö

. . .

Saber was waiting for her when she arrived back home.

ôDid you get him?ö Rin asked right away.

ôNo, he must have been quicker than I thought. I couldnÆt find any trace of him past the school,ö Saber admitted. ôI scouted the area just around it to be sure, but still nothing.ö

ôHmm, thatÆs too bad. It would have been nice to know who he was working for at lea-ö

A thought hit Rin like a battering ram. Her eyes widened as she considered the implications.

ôSaber, if somehow that guy from earlier survived, would Lancer go after him again?ö

Raising an eyebrow, Saber answered, ôOf course, Master. He wouldnÆt let an outside observer like that survive. But why would youà Oh. It seems I was right. You are the type of person I thought you were,ö a small smile came to SaberÆs face. ôVery well then, Master, shall we go save this person once again?ö

. . .

With directions from Rin, Saber carried her as fast as she could to the Emiya household. Saber landed outside the gate just in time to see a bright flash of bluish-white light and a sound akin to glass shattering. Their foe appeared crouched on the wall in front of them, spared them a glance that seemed somehow disappointed, and sped off into the night.

The two of them stared dumbfounded for a second. ôHuh,ö Rin finally came back to herself. ôDoes this mean Emiya is a master as well?ö

 

[Prince Charon]

Interesting. Rider Arturia, perhaps?

 

[armedlord]

I kind of hope that it's Tamamo-no-Mae (Caster from Fate/Extra) for either my petverted side or for the lulz. Or maybe both. Unlikely with Avalon still in Shirou.

 

[spooky316]

To end the prologue and bring it full circle, have some more near-plagiarism!

BTW, this is where I may start to get some complaints [from rules lawyers], but even so I'm not going to change it.? I've come up with ways for this to work that make sense to me, and that's all I really need.

* * *

It was a thrust like lightning.
A spearhead thrust to pierce my heart.
Trying to dodge it would be useless.
Being lightning, itÆs invisible to the human eye.

Butà
The lightning that tries to pierce meà
àIs repelled by the moonlight that tries to save me.

Shatter, the sound of glass breaking.
No, the sound before me is off, not quite right.
The gown she is wearing is elegant and flowing.
The sound wasnÆt glass at all.
It was actually the sound of ice.
A shield of ice warding off certain death.

ôI would knowà are you my Master?ö

She asks in a melodious tone.

ôAccording to the contract, I have heeded the call.
Henceforth unto the end, I shall ward you from harm and bewitch your enemies. Servant Caster is now at your command.ö

Yes, the contract has been completed.
When she chose me as her Masterà
I'm sure I swore to help her too.

The moonlight still lights up the darkness.
As if following the enchantress's example, the shed again falls silent.

Time has stopped.
The scene lasts less than a second.
Butà
I'm sure I'll remember this scene vividly even when I've gone to hell.

The face slightly turned.
The slitted eyes.
The instant becomes an eternity.
Her shimmering icy-blue hair undulates in the wind.

 

[Prince Charon]

Icy-blue hair? Probably not Tamamo-no-Mae, then. Medea? Her hair isn't quite icy-blue to my eyes, but that's a matter of opinion.

 

[dariuspeak]

Please don't be Remilia.

 

[Prince Charon]

Other sources suggest the author is using the Lady of the Lake.

 

[spooky316]

Boo, hiss!