Chapter 12: Depths of Darkness
-102:00:00
Tokiomi sat in his workshop, drumming his fingers over his crossed knees. Next to him stood Lancer X who had returned just now. So much fresh information; he needed time to digest it all before he could come up with an appropriate response. And there were a few more details. "Kirei," he addressed the enchanted gramophone, "how powerful is Rider's Noble Phantasm?" Lancer X had been the only Servant not pulled into the Reality Marble, leaving her -and by extension him- unable to witness its might.
A Reality Marble… to think a Servant could utilize magic like that…
"Equal to Gilgamesh's Gate of Babylon," his student reported dutifully. "EX-rank." His usual emotionless tone did little to diminish the scope of the threat. An ability that could not be quantified by the regular measuring of Servant stats…
Tokiomi stroked his goatee while mumbling, "At least our plan was successful in revealing the King of Conquerors' strength."
Lancer X appeared relaxed, but her Master knew her well enough by now to recognize hints of worry in her posture. "It's a shame Assassin is gone, but if we had confronted Rider's group without this foreknowledge, our chances would have been slim. A Noble Phantasm like that, coupled with his partners' own contributions?" She shook her head. "I'd be wiped out in an instant, and even our illustrious King of Heroes mightn't survive."
Tokiomi leaned back with a hum in agreement. His Servant had once again brought up another distressing point: Rider wasn't alone. Between his sword's multiple forms and erratic luck-altering Noble Phantasm, Saber X would make for a tricky opponent in direct combat. Still manageable, though. Berserker X, on the other hand, brought monstrous raw power and worryingly little insanity for one of his class to the table. If they were to fight together, with Rider's army backing them up, no other team in this Grail War might be able to match them.
The other teams, on that note, couldn't be ignored. Saber and Assassin X, like Jade had noted before, had displayed superb teamwork both at the docks and confronting Caster in the forest. That strange Berserker that had parried Gilgamesh's onslaught seemed to have little interest in cooperation, but his partner, that curious Caster X, was at least capable of reining him in. Lancer stood alone currently, but he was on friendly terms with all of these teams.
And now it seemed like Archer X and Caster were in an alliance. With Rider X, perhaps.
Tokiomi frowned towards the ceiling. He had underestimated the scope of that tyrannical machine's aspirations and his cunning. If Megatron truly had been arranging deals with other rogue Servants under his and Kirei's noses, then he would need to be stopped. Tokiomi wasn't about to let some extraterrestrial megalomaniac ruin his chance to fulfil what his family had spent generations preparing for.
Unfortunately, Rider X continued to remain on the move. Sometimes, he'd be in Shinto, others in Miyama. They would have to trap him somehow. Kirei's Command Seals could force him to stay still and let Lancer X or Archer finish him off.
But if the other Masters caught wind of this, they could learn of Kirei's deception and Tokiomi's plans. It was still too early to risk the secrecy falling apart. Maybe he shouldn't have been so quick to sacrifice Assassin, it would've been a simple matter (and amusingly poetic) for Rider X to fall at the blade of his own partner.
The Tohsaka magus closed his eyes. Stop that, you fool.Assassin's sacrifice was not in vain. And you still have other cards to play. They opened again to peer towards one of said cards.
Lancer X stood there, graceful as ever. Then she spoke. "If I may, Master, there are other matters to worry about besides defeating Rider. Caster, Archer X and Rider X are still out there, possibly working together." His lip quirked just a bit; they were on the same page. "And we have formed a truce with the other teams. They shouldn't cause us any trouble while the rogues are out there, so long as we do not antagonize them."
"So you're saying, hold off on confronting Rider or the rest until those three are dealt with?"
"It seems to be our best option. The less wild cards are in play, the better we can counter our enemies." The Servant extended an arm outward. "Otherwise, we risk all-out chaos, and even if the best-case scenario plays out and Archer defeats Rider and his entourage, it could leave his strength depleted. Making him easier pickings for another Servant or team."
"She has a point, teacher." Kirei chimed in. "Letting the rest hound the rogues will surely result in at least one of their number falling. But not before killing Caster or his possible allies. All the better if Rider X were to perish." Tokiomi's nerves relaxed; he detected no trace of regret or loyalty towards that familiar in the priest's last statement.
He rose to his feet and snatched up his cane, a tool symbolizing his lifelong dedication to magecraft. The red crystal which crowned its top housed a lifetime of mana. His turquoise eyes focused on it for a moment before locking gazes with Lancer X's hazel ones. "I agree with both of you," he declared his final verdict. "We will honor Caster X's truce for now, at least until the immediate threat is handled. Meanwhile, we continue to observe the others and make more concrete plans for dealing with them. Then we will proceed to the next stage and mobilize Archer against our enemies. There surely ought to be a way to defeat Rider and his partners in all the information we've gathered."
Kirei gave his affirmation. "Understood."
"Lancer X," the female faced him attentively, "you will take up Assassin's duty now. Search every last corner of Fuyuki until Caster and Archer X have been found."
"May I exchange information with the other Servants if I or they find anything?"
Tokiomi paused to think about this before replying, "Only if it pertains to our mutual targets. Otherwise, keep your distance from them. Let the rest wear themselves out in dispatching those renegades."
She answered with a professional nod; honorable though she was, she understood that at the end of the day, the other Servants were enemies in this War.
Pleased with her practicality, he turned to the gramophone. "And Kirei, if you see Rider X, do not let him know of our intentions with him. Place a tracking charm or the like to keep an eye on him. Keep his Command Seals ready, I'm not taking any more chances with that Servant."
"Of course." Once again, no sign of any hesitation. Kirei saw Rider X as an enemy, Tokiomi could be sure of that.
And with Assassin's mission fulfilled, he saw no point in taxing his student any more than he already had. "You've done a fine job, Kirei. Once Rider X is gone, you needn't be a Master anymore. Thank you." Tokiomi then deactivated the gramophone when no answer came; the man was surely relieved of his responsibilities soon ending. The Tohsaka Master then walked past Lancer X for the workshop table. "I'll be preparing for when I enter the front, Lancer X. Let me know if you find anything."
"I will, Master." He didn't sense her leaving yet, though. Rather, the Edenian remained where she was, conflict in her voice when she spoke again. "Before I go… there was something I wished to ask you about. A… name Kariya Matou and Rin mentioned.
"Who is Sakura?"
For a while, she received no answer. Her Master simply stood with his back turned to her, straight and stiff as an oak tree. Just as she made to repeat her question, Tokiomi Tohsaka finally said, "She was my and Aoi's daughter. Rin's younger sister." He slowly turned to face her with a (mostly) neutral expression. "I entrusted her to the Matou family over a year ago."
"You mean you put her up for adoption." Her fingers twitched, one step from closing into a fist. "You gave your daughter away."
Anger sparked for the fraction of an instant in those turquoise eyes, surprising her. Then they shut before opening again, returned to their usual collected state. "It was for her sake, Jade. Do not think for a second I made that decision lightly." Tokiomi drew in a breath through his nostrils and released it to remove the edge in his tone. "Even if she is no longer my daughter, Sakura is in the care of the Matous, a magus family of once great prestige." She sensed no lie in his words, which helped her keep her cool as he changed the subject. "You know your mission. If we have time afterwards, I can tell you more about her situation. On that, I give you my word as a magus."
Lancer X noted the conviction in that final statement and suppressed her reluctance. "Very well, Master. You shall hear from me when I have news." Then with a nod, she faded into spirit form.
Tokiomi stared at the spot she'd occupied a little longer before sighing. Just as I'd suspected, he mused while turning back to the table. As excellent a warrior and assassin Jade was, she was also a sentimental one. Witnessing her memories in his dreams told Tokiomi of the Edenian's staunch devotion to her childhood friend Kitana, her lost lover Kotal, and her true home. Her reaction to his revelation hadn't surprised him; all it took was recalling the circumstances of Jade and her mother. Another situation she hoped to change with the Holy Grail's power. Loyalty was a core part of her being.
To be honest, Tokiomi had grown to appreciate that quality of hers. I doubt Archer would've put the same effort into rescuing Rin like Jade did. He eyed her Command Seals with sincere respect. She might even be the most reliable accessory I have in this Grail War.
He closed his eyes; such a thought was unfair to Kirei. The priest had performed all of his tasks with distinction, all the more commendable considering he had no personal stake in this.
Besides, Tokiomi would ultimately have to betray Lancer X's loyalty with her sacrifice.
The anticipation of that time coming brought him no joy, but like with Sakura, it would have to be done. Such was the life of a magus.
"Ow! Damnit, is there really no other way for you to patch me up?"
"No, but it is the quickest way." The expression Archer X received made her "skin" crawl even more than the goddamn worms all over the interior of her armor. "And the most amusing."
"You hear me -Terk!- laughing, you scraggly -Ngh!-cockroach?"
"It amuses me." Zouken Matou shot his very useful (if exceedingly profane) tool a different kind of grin. "I'd advise you to hold still." One that was an unmistakable threat. "The more you move, the longer the process will take. And while watching you squirm is a fine show, I do have other matters to attend to."
Both of his hands rested atop his wooden cane, a finger tapping completely idly the Command Seals on his left appendage. "You wouldn't want me to insist now, would you?"
Despite the persisting unpleasantness of her situation, Archer X didn't back down. "As if you'd waste one of those two to hold me down, old man." She got up from the floor to loom over him. "And don't ever forget: I chose you as my Master."
Rather than be intimidated, Zouken only leered back at her. "Yes, you did. You'd do well to remember that yourself, Archer X." His black, soulless eyes narrowed. Right on cue, the Crest Worms currently restoring the Servant's body bit down simultaneously on key spots. She dropped involuntarily to one knee with a hiss of pain. "Just as you'd do well to remember I'm not so careless as your former Master," the Matou patriarch added, his tone cold as the winter winds blowing outside. "The Seals are a useful benefit to our alliance, but I can think of plenty alternatives to deal with you."
His mirth returned as she lifted with effort her head, the once-again repaired visor glaring at him despite the agony. "Well… I've got… one down now," she spat out. "Wanna… show me… the rest… or are we… gonna win this… fucking… War?"
The two stared each other down, probing for the slightest hint of weakness, before Zouken Matou cackled, the eerie sound bouncing through his home. Archer X settled for a grumble as she felt the Worms inside her cease their assault. The old magus ceased his laughing fit with a relaxed sigh. "You've certainly got a spine, Archer X. A quality I wished would be more prevalent in my family. So, yes, let's clear away the rest before worrying which of us kills the other first."
"Sounds good to me." The Freelancer rolled her shoulders experimentally after the last of the Worms crawled free of her armor. Much as she despised those creepy-crawlies, they'd at least done good on restoring her strength. She then nodded towards a table not far from them. "How's it going with the magic science project?"
Zouken walked slowly over to the table, cane thunking against the wooden floor. "The initial studies are… promising." He eyed the lantern-like device before him with great curiosity. "But I have honestly never come across such an advanced creation of magecraft and technology in all my life." And I'm more than five hundred years old, he added to himself with a hint of incredulity. "I'm not even sure if magecraft is what's inside this… Reactor."
"What, you mean there's some other kind of magic making it tick?"
"Maybe." Zouken scratched his chin in thought before sending a few of his smallest Crest Worms to maneuver inside the Prismatrix Reactor. Ridiculous though that name was, it originated from Lord Zeltretch. A man not to be taken lightly. Though he'd proven to be a pathetic Master, El-Melloi had at least not been foolish enough to treat such a device carelessly. And from what Zouken had already discerned through Archer X's brief explanation and his own analysis, he had likely not exaggerated its capabilities. Hence his postponing the activation.
While watching his creations investigate more of the Reactor's inner workings (very carefully), he addressed her again. "Are you certain you weren't tailed on your way here?"
"Positive. I covered my tracks thoroughly while slipping away from that psycho of a Berserker, and he was the only one following me while I made my 'delivery.' I didn't sense any other Servants around during our fight."
"That means little where Assassins are concerned," Zouken reminded her. "But so long as you're within these grounds' Bounded Field, others cannot detect your presence. And seeing as we have yet to receive any unwelcome visitors, I'd say our partnership remains a secret."
"But that state is not permanent." Both turned at a familiar set of heavy footprints growing closer. Rider X strode into the room with a contemplative frown. "The other Servants may have already begun to put the pieces together. We should prepare ourselves for the next stage."
Archer X crossed her arms. "Is Caster on board, then?" That green bimbo and her magic stick had blown the body of the lunatic who'd summoned him to tiny chunks, and with it, Caster's Command Seals. Any attempts to reacquire them from the Holy Grail, Zouken had said, would be risky and too time-consuming. That meant they had to persuade the psycho through other means.
"His insanity makes him difficult to negotiate with, but I have made headway with him." Those crimson orbs turned with amusement towards Zouken. "As I understand, he is quite grateful to your courtesy."
The senior bowed his head with a cruel smirk. "Let no one say the Matou family does not know hospitality."
Archer X kept herself from adding a snide remark about the wrinkly bastard's "hospitality." Like it or not, she'd agreed to Rider X's offer, and these two were a lot warier around her than Lancer or Archie had been. Sicker, too. Just wait it out. I'll let the others deal with this metal asshole and human worm pit, then snag the Grail when the dust is cleared. Hell, I might even kill them myself. But she'd have to pick her moment.
And this wasn't it. "So, what's next?"
Rider X sobered from his mirth and stepped further towards them. "For now, we discuss our more immediate plans. Though his numbers have severe depleted, Assassin remains a source of surveillance and intelligence. Caster will make a fine weapon once he has been swayed to our side. A deranged missile we will drop on our enemies, after which you, Archer X, and I shall fall upon the rest." Then his smile returned. "I trust you remember my preferences."
"Yeah, yeah," Archer X scoffed in annoyance. "You can have the blowhard, Goldilocks, and that Saber doll for all I care, big guy. Just remember, Lancer is mine."
"Of course." Megatron quickly traded an amused look with Zouken before adding, "Just so you know, Lancer himself is very insistent on claiming your life personally."
The armored Servant stiffened at the words before sputtering. "R-really?" Then she shook herself violently and tried to regain her composure. "W-well of course! That's the way it's gonna be… me and that stick-in-the-mud dumbass, settling things once and for all…"
Zouken had to keep himself from laughing at how Archer X almost sounded lovestruck in the way she was contemplating a mutual kill with that Celtic knight. That Love Spot has really sunk its claws into her… Even back when they had first met, Archer X had been all calm and collected while negotiating terms for their partnership. Especially when it came to the science project she had commandeered.
But what had sealed the deal was her demanding that they do not harm Lancer. Oh, she had dressed it up with half-arrogant stutters and murmurs of how she'd be the one to kill his ex-partner, but Zouken, Rider X and Assassin could all see the flashing "TSUNDERE" signs around her.
But right now, Archer X had fully recovered, and it was back to business. While the trio continued to discuss strategy, Zouken Matou absorbed it all with rapt glee, savoring the potential chaos. And his twisted mind drifted back to when a certain "Heroic" Spirit first approached him…
-131:23:03
He stood out at the front of his home, two steps before the Bounded Field. He scanned the area before him with rising impatience; an unusual characteristic of him, but then, these were unusual times.
Then his ears picked something up. A whine that grew more high-pitched with each passing second, similar to a motorcycle's engine. And it wasn't coming from in front… but above him.
The Matou patriarch glanced up just in time to see something hurtle down from the sky and suddenly transform into a humanoid figure. Humanoid, not human. The mechanical creature landed with nary a stumble just outside the Bounded Field and bared his teeth in a wolfish grin towards him.
"Zouken Matou…" That voice made the Crest Worms quiver inside of him, "how good of you to answer my request."
Zouken eyed this Servant with both caution and curiosity. His little ones had kept him thoroughly up to date on the players in this Grail War. "Rider X," he greeted back cordially, "I've heard quite a few things about you. And you certainly delivered your… request in an interesting manner."
Indeed, he hadn't expected a knife to pierce his office window last night and embed itself into the wall, a handwritten note tied to its hilt. Usually, the knife would've been aimed at his head.
The offer for a meeting hadn't intrigued Zouken so much as the fact that someone had been able to throw the knife into the mansion in the first place. His home should've barred all those with hostile intent and their armaments, magical or otherwise. Then again, no defense was truly impenetrable.
And Servants with certain talents could surely work around the Bounded Field. Like a Caster. Or… Zouken remembered the weapon that had delivered the message, cross-referenced it against the pairings of this Grail War's irregularities… and grinned at his "guest." "Curious how Assassin would do you any favors… considering, for one, he's supposed to be dead, and for another, you went separate ways with him and your Master."
Rather than be taken aback, Rider X only chuckled slowly at the observations. "I had been told that you were a cunning one."
Zouken returned the chuckle. "Ah, Tokiomi… as arrogant as his ancestors. I thought that little showing of his Servants looked a bit staged." He shifted slightly to eye the larger being from the side. "To be fair, though, it might've taken me longer to see through his ruse were it not for you."
"But you would've realized it eventually, wouldn't you?" Rider X shook his head with an irked leer. "His illusion was so pathetic, I suppose I couldn't help myself." He sobered. "But shattering it for my amusement wasn't the only reason I hoped we could meet, Lord Matou."
"Oh?" Drumming his fingers atop his cane, the old magus took on a bored look. "Is the revelation of Tokiomi Tohsaka and Kirei Kotomine's alliance supposed to be your buying into my favor? Do they wish to expand their forces by joining with the Matou's?" He faked a disappointed sigh. "I'd have expected more from your first impression."
All the while, he waited to see what this being would do.
The sudden, scornful bark of a laugh took him a little aback. "Is that what you think my plans are? Broker an alliance between your family and that pompous twit?" Now Zouken found himself being scrutinized with a side-eye. "Come now, Zouken Matou. I would expect more imagination from one of your age." The Heroic Spirit began to pace along the length of the Bounded Field, clearly knowing it was there. "I'll admit, your boy's Berserker has proven himself a fierce one against Archer and Assassin X, and what little I know of Caster X-"
An involuntary twitch went through Zouken at the mentioning of that man.
Rider X showed no sign of noticing it as he continued. "Intrigues me. But I care not for giving Tokiomi Tohsaka any more of an advantage to botch. And I am not interested in what poor, broken Kariya Matou can offer me." He leaned as close to the Field as he could without actually touching it, his massive form casting a shadow over Zouken. "Not when one of those who started the Holy Grail Wars in the first place… might be open for negotiation."
Zouken's amusement had faded. As had the spark of disinterest. He stared unblinking into those eyes like twin crimson flames, searching for something. What it was, even he couldn't be sure. And they gazed right back without hesitation. He hummed to himself, drawing out more time to think. "…An alliance?" he finally asked. "With you? Why would I try to claim the Grail through a Servant I do not know when I already have someone to claim it for me?"
"Because you do not actually seek the Grail."
That statement rattled his composure, enough that he had to fight to maintain it. A smirk drifted across that metallic face. "Or at least, you do not seek to claim it in this War. If you had, you would've put forth more effort than sending a crippled amateur with a rabid beast to fight six potentially full-fledged Masters and their Servants." Rider X began to pace again, pulling his wary gaze along. "If you truly had grown desperate, then you would've arranged for a more suitable champion as the Einzberns did or at least provided Kariya with better odds. Especially considering the presence of foreign Servants like me. Granted, no one could've predicted our involvement before our arrivals, but that should be all the more reason to change your plans for victory. Unless you have faith in Caster X being sufficient reinforcement for your son." Shaken as he was, Zouken couldn't hide the snarl that escaped him, drawing a laugh from his conversation partner. "No, I think not. You despise that wizard, don't you?"
"Despise" is too weak a word, Zouken growled internally. "Quite an amusing theory you have there, familiar. You've clearly been paying attention." Assassin must've been feeding him information all this time. "What else do you know?"
Rider X ceased pacing to watch him with a dark sort of mirth. One that drew him in for some reason. "Well, I don't claim to know your reasons for wanting your spawn to fail, but I do know that if you are half the cunning worm my Master and Tokiomi have described you at different times as…" he tapped idly against the Bounded Field, mana sparking from the steel knuckles, "then you ought to be willing to consider working with an interested party."
Zouken Matou actually spun away from the Servant in order to think. He was already riled up enough. Much as he was angry with himself for slipping up, the main source of his frustration was that unexpected and absolutely unwelcome wizard. He'd wanted Kariya to wallow in anguish and demented fury towards Tokiomi. He was supposed to tear himself apart while falling pathetically short of saving poor little Sakura. A painful, meaningless death… a fitting punishment for abandoning the Matou family to decline.
Then along came that archaic greybeard of another world, and all of a sudden, Kariya was much better off than before! The insectoid spies Zouken had following the trio showed that familiar healing him, nursing his and Berserker's rage, making that fool of a deserter smile again. Giving him hope. Real hope, worryingly enough. With those two Servants covering each other's weak points, Kariya stood an actual chance of winning the War. So, Zouken's next move would logically be to get rid of Caster X.
The problem was how to do that. As a Caster-class, that Servant was undoubtably well-versed in thaumaturgical arts. Ergo, confronting him in a duel of magecraft wouldn't bode well, even for Zouken. A physical confrontation even less so with that blasted sword. And sneak attacks would likewise prove ineffective, this "Gandalf" was a clever one. No doubt he sensed the presence of Zouken's familiars tailing them.
Most infuriatingly, he couldn't even count on the final solution in case Kariya might've gotten uppity: the Crest Worms inside Kariya's own body.
Zouken Matou possessed supreme command over all of the insects which constituted his family's Magic Crest. His little darlings were already eating away at Kariya to provide for his Servants' upkeep, but they also prevented that fool from physically defying him. All Zouken had to do was give the word, and they would rip him apart from the inside out.
At least… that was supposed to be the case. But Zouken sensed that the Worms weren't quite as voracious as they should be. Rather, they had consumed the bare minimum needed to sustain an average Servant, whereas one like Berserker should've required far more. At times, they were even completely idle, huddling together in… trepidation. Not even he could stir them into conflict or see what was going on through them.
And the reason for their odd behavior?
Caster X. Always Caster X.
That… creature and his magic wasn't merely rejuvenating Kariya's body, his mere proximity made the Worms still. As though they wished to escape his notice.
From the moment he had appeared in his basement, Zouken had sensed something very different about that spirit. Some sort of attribute or ability. Whatever it was, it made the Crest Worms fear Caster X. They simply couldn't stand being around him. His familiars hovered too far away to properly monitor him, he couldn't exert his will over Kariya's Worms…
Zouken had expressly forbidden Caster X from setting foot inside the Matou mansion with admittedly less subtle threats to Sakura's life. Who knows what that familiar might've done to her otherwise.
He knew the smart thing would be to let this play out. Even if Berserker truly learned to work in a team with his… partner, there were plenty other mighty adversaries in this Grail War. One such character stood smug before him. Kariya could likely fall before them. Who knows, he might've clashed with Tokiomi as he wanted, and the resulting confrontation would've annihilated both teams. Heck, if Kariya did somehow win the War, then he'd deliver the Holy Grail. Kariya would die within a year, immortality would finally be within Zouken's grasp, and all he'd have to give up was a little girl full of potential he wouldn't even need anymore.
…But no. He couldn't accept it.
Zouken Matou just couldn't accept cowering in the presence of a mere Servant.
He refused to accept his victory through the likes of Caster X!
"That old man is no ally of mine, either." He snapped his head up, losing his mask for once, to glare at Rider X in surprise. He only gave a snide smile back. "No, I am not a mind-reader. But I led a war for dominion of my world. A war that went on for millions of years." His smile widened. "If nothing else, it taught me that a good strategist is half psychologist… and half sadist."
Zouken's smile returned. "Well, that statement explains more than a few things about you. So tell me, my friend, what exactly do you want, and what have I to gain?"
"I want the same as any other participant." The titan lifted his right hand, fingers curled upwards as though to clutch something. "The Holy Grail. Not as some trophy for Tokiomi Tohsaka to claim, but for myself." He let the hand fall back to his side. "But I have also developed an… interest in certain other Servants. A desire to defeat them with my own hands.
"Aid me in this Holy Grail War, Zouken Matou, and Caster X shall fall." That smile widened. "And perhaps you needn't wait for the next War to acquire the Grail."
Both of these prospects sounded so delicious, so alluring to Zouken right now, he'd have pounced on the offer if he'd been a much younger man.
But he was not some reckless youth easily swayed by a Servant's Charisma. And he'd learned the hard way to never accept something that sounded too good to be true. "You make an intriguing offer," he finally answered. "Perhaps one I'd be willing to accept." Zouken stepped closer to the Bounded Field separating them. "But tell me something: would you cast aside your old Master and accept me as your new one?"
Those red eyes gazed into his black before their owner gave his answer. One word. "…No."
Zouken blinked in slight surprise. "No?" The inflection in that word had almost sounded… tender. "I thought you despised being under Tokiomi's thumb. And I know for sure now that Kirei Kotomine remains both your Master and his disciple. Why stay a Servant of a Servant?"
"My distaste for Tokiomi is a separate matter from my… relationship with Kirei Kotomine," Rider X clarified with a thoughtful expression. His eyes flickered to the side, slightly off-focus. "There is… something about him which fascinates me. At first glance, you may mistake him for a dull soul, one amongst many of humanity. But… he is simply empty within. Waiting to be filled." Low, dark laughter bubbled up from within him. "And he may have darker desires than he realizes."
The Matou patriarch made a mental note to keep an eye on the overseer's son.
Those eyes then refocused on Zouken's. "For now, I have no intentions of finding a new Master. Not while my current one continues to pique my curiosity. Besides," he flashed a cold smirk, "I am offering you a partnership. Not my fealty."
Zouken stared silently at the otherworldly Heroic Spirit a little longer, then he burst into full-throated laughter. This creature sought his assistance while simultaneously acknowledging neither could actually trust the other?! He hadn't encountered such a soul in… in… "Y-you continue to surpass my expectations," he finally gasped out. Once calm again, he gave his trademark smile. "But you realize that even if I agree to this… partnership, we remain competitors. I could be making plans to end you and your Master after the rest are gone."
"Naturally," Rider X agreed immediately and without losing his smirk. "I too could be preparing for the prospect of ending your unnaturally long life once the board has been cleared."
Excitement began to burn inside Zouken, a flame whose warmth he hadn't felt in a long time. "Many have tried before you, Servant, and yet I'm still here."
The broad smile he received only stoked the flame. "But Ihave yet to try, magus."
Zouken's smile grew ever broader as he found himself drawn closer to what this night offered him. But it flickered in light of one particular thing. "Caster X dies painfully."
"One way or another," the Servant assured him, "he will never see the Holy Grail, let alone touch it."
That quashed the last of his immediate doubts. The image of that old creature perishing and Kariya falling into despair afterwards warmed his black old heart. Let his hope grow all the more with his precious "savior" around. From the higher he's dropped, the harder he'll fall.
The ancient (debatable) human snapped his fingers with a commanding thought, opening part of the Bounded Field for Rider X. As the massive spirit stepped closer, he smiled upon remembering a line from a more recent favorite of his. "Rider X, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
An open metal hand extended towards him. "Then feel free to call me Megatron, Lord Matou."
He reached out to shake it. "Feel free to call me Zouken."
-95:28:46
The first rays of dawn were making their presence known through the window's curtains in Kiritsugu's room. He paid it little heed, though, focusing on affixing a handwritten note to the wall board before him. "We haven't detected any traces of survivors," Maiya reported via the cellphone he held to his ear. He'd sent her with Assassin X's Shadow Clone for reconnaissance once the original had returned. "I'm fairly certain all of Assassin's numbers were wiped out in the battle last night."
He took a step back from the wall, scratching his chin. He glanced to Assassin X, pinning up more intel, and said to both, "Be that as it may, stay on guard. Nothing's gone the way we expected in this Grail War." Upon receiving two confirmations to his warning, he changed the topic. "By the way, Maiya, have you prepared our new base of operations?"
"We'll be bringing Ma'am and Saber there first thing tomorrow."
"Good. That'll be all."
"Very well. Good night, Kiritsugu. Assassin X."
"Get some rest, Maiya," the Servant called to her. Kiritsugu ended the call and put the phone away while sitting down on the bed. The only other occupant of the hotel room eyed him carefully. He finally asked, "Where do you want to start?"
The Master huffed to himself before replying, "Might as well with the elephant in the room." His fists clenched against one another. "What the hell is Rider X planning?"
Assassin X fixed his gaze on the map of Fuyuki affixed to the wall. "A simple answer would be 'nothing good,' but that doesn't help us much either. Sadly, all we really have on him is speculation. Archer X has definitely crossed paths with him, and we now know that she saved Caster from Lancer X, Caster X and Berserker only a few hours before Rider showed up at the mansion. Then Rider X barges into the banquet, exchanges stories and barbs with us (more of the latter than the former), then leaves after Rider wiped out his partner."
"So we think," Kiritsugu countered briefly. That Servant had faked his death once already. Using the same trick twice seemed a little far-fetched, but… he focused on the real topic. "Could the Reality Marble have scared him off?"
He received a shake of Assassin X's head as his answer. "Rider X is a deceitful, ambitious bastard," the name "Decepticon" echoed in their minds, "but he doesn't strike me as a coward. He wouldn't just rile up other rulers, then scamper off after a rival calls his bluff. No, he's up to something, I'm sure of it."
The Mage Killer nodded to himself. "And it's somehow connected to the other two rogues. Caster and his Master had continued kidnapping children prior to the latter's death and the former being taken by Archer X. Roughly a dozen of them have been collected by the authorities and subsequently tended to by the church's staff." The benefits of tapping police radios proved themselves yet again. "But no other abductions or sightings of Caster have occurred since then."
Assassin X crossed his arms, fingers drumming against his sleeves. "Archer X deposited him somewhere in Miyama Town, then tore up a construction site while fighting Berserker. Both left in one piece that place from what Pakkun and Bull could tell, but they couldn't pin her trail down." One hand lifted to hover over the map's rural district. "She must still be somewhere in this area, Caster too, but it's still a fair bit of ground to cover. Worst case, they don't have a solid base of operations and are mobile."
"I don't think so. At least, not in Caster's case. His Territory Creation gives him an advantage, but it would force him to remain stationary." Kiritsugu rose from the bed and crossed the distance to the room's desk in two swift strides. Pushing aside a few other pieces of gear, he retrieved a certain something and held it towards the light from the window.
Assassin X eyed the contents of the plastic bag carefully. "The worm remains Ūhei found yesterday?"
His Master nodded while adding, "Back where we investigated Rider X and Archer X's meeting point. I'm not a master magus, but I ran a few tests, and you were right. This was definitely a creature made by magecraft." He tossed it back onto the desk and glared towards a certain spot on the map. Unpleasant memories began to surface, but he shot them down. "I've seen similar forms of magecraft before. And I've heard of one magus family in Fuyuki that has practiced such arts for generations."
Assassin X followed his cold gaze to one residency. "The Matous. But… neither Caster X nor his Master, the Matou boy, showed anything like camaraderie towards Rider X. Their animosity couldn't have been faked."
Any other person to say that, and Kiritsugu would've dismissed it as naïve idiocy. But he'd come to trust Assassin X's judgement. So instead, he said, "Then maybe the old man Zouken is operating separately from his son. Or maybe the worm's presence at that spot had nothing to do with Rider X gathering allies." Neither looked like they'd buy the latter idea.
"Either way, we need to make sure." Kiritsugu sat back on his bed, clasping his hands in thought. "I'll send a familiar or one of the pack to keep an eye on the Matou mansion." He hadn't done so before due to Kariya Matou keeping his distance from that place. A mistake on the Mage Killer's part, from the looks of it. "We need to learn more about the nature of Rider X's affiliations before jumping into anything." Including his standing with his Master, he added to himself. "Let's move on to the other teams."
Assassin X nodded before tapping the map with his knuckle. "This is all the data we've acquired ever since arriving here. Masters, Servants, their movements, and anything else that could be relevant."
He suppressed a weary sigh at their upcoming discussion; Kiritsugu may've voiced no objections to the ceasefire Gandalf had formed, but he'd silently continued to compile information on all the other teams the entire night. The shinobi also had suspicions that he would want to re-implement his original strategy: take out the other Masters while they're focused on the big prize.
Kakashi Hatake wasn't naïve, he knew that they would eventually come to blows with the rest if they wanted to win the Grail. Hence his holding his tongue about the ruthlessly pragmatic ways his Master was a little too quick to fall back on. For now.
Said Master nodded as his left hand reached into a paper bag on his bed and withdrew a hamburger. Assassin X eyed it with a twinkle of humor. "That doesn't look very healthy."
"You're a Servant, not a diet counselor," Kiritsugu snarked back, one corner of his lips twitching upwards. "This is sufficient nourishment for now." Besides, he'd grown sick of the extravagant cuisine he'd had to endure with the Einzberns. It had been too long since he'd eaten a simple burger.
Taking a bite from it, he scanned the various threads on the map in deep thought. The combat situation seemed much more chaotic than he'd hoped for, but he'd also seen worse. His eyes settled onto one particular target. "Little activity from the Tohsaka residence," he noted. "Tokiomi left it briefly last night to drive just outside the outskirts, most likely with one Servant in tow, but returned within the hour. Otherwise, he hasn't done anything since his Servants killed that Assassin. It's as though he wants to wait out the storm."
"That might be well within his ability," Assassin X added his two cents. He pointed up to an image of a certain green-wearing Servant. "The pack has reported Lancer X patrolling the grounds like a hawk. She only left once three nights ago in an attempt to kill the Master of Rider, Saber X and subsequently Berserker X. It failed, but not for lack of trying on her part."
Kiritsugu nodded after another bite. "Based on Akino's report, she combines typical staff prowess of her class with martial arts and use of magic. Not to mention she was spying on the banquet," his lip curled in distaste at that ridiculous event Rider had instigated, "indicating skill in stealth."
"I only caught a flicker of activity every now and then," Assassin X agreed, "she hid her presence well enough that I might've thought myself mistaken if she hadn't revealed herself."
"Could she have some secret weapon besides that staff and tri-bladed weapon?"
"I don't think so. Based on what I could tell about her when she talked with the rest, Lancer X seems like a warrior of honor and skill, not a powerhouse. She'd make a tricky opponent, especially if she has the element of surprise, but not undefeatable." He sighed quietly while eyeing an image of her gold-armored partner. "It's Archer I'm less enthusiastic about confronting. Especially if your theory about his identity is correct."
Kiritsugu hummed in agreement. They'd replayed ad nauseam every word that Servant had uttered during the banquet, every part of his body language. All the riches of this world belonging to him, unshakeable belief in his own established law, mentioning of certain animals in superstitious context, one title in particular: "The King of Heroes."
The evidence pointed to Archer being a very old Heroic Spirit, the oldest, in fact. The very first hero stories had ever told of in this world's history. Ergo, the strongest one this world had to offer…
It was just a theory for now, though. And both Master and Servant found parts of themselves wishing that this theory would prove incorrect. But when have I ever been that lucky? The Mage Killer grumbled to himself.
Nevertheless, he concentrated on another set of photos. "Kariya Matou and his Servants continue to avoid his family residence. Between his frail constitution and making simple alleys as his base of operations, he should be an easy target." His eyes narrowed at a familiar pointy hat. "But Caster X's presence would muddy a surprise attack."
While he bit off more of his burger, his Servant tilted his head. "He's definitely a skilled fighter. Even Saber wouldn't have an easy time beating him in a straight duel, though her Magic Resistance should shield her from most of his powers. My lacking that skill would swing the odds in his favor if we fought, but I might be able to kill Caster X. If I struck hard and fast."
Kiritsugu's eyebrow rose. "Here I thought you liked him." His words weren't accusing, though. Truth be told, even the Mage Killer had found himself… slightly hesitant in considering methods to dispatch that foreigner.
"I do," Assassin X admitted bluntly, raising a hand to forestall any follow-ups. "But before you start, I haven't forgotten which side I'm on. I may eventually have to fight Gandalf if either of us hasn't died before then. I don't like it, but I've accepted it. And I promise you, Kiritsugu, I won't hold back against any of my opponents. No matter how much I like or respect them."
Emiya noted the choice in words, the tone behind them: regret, a hint of apprehension but solid determination. Just like a veteran assassin. He truly was willing to take lives for the sake of his goal. Not for the first time, the Mage Killer was satisfied with the unexpected Servant the Grail had provided him.
"However," he perked up as Assassin X continued, "I'd argue for not picking a fight with Caster X. Personal feelings aside, there doesn't seem to be anyone else who can calm his partner down when his blood's up. Not even their Master."
"…Good point." Kiritsugu conceded, eyeing the dark shape on one picture. "Besides, Berserker's abnormal special power makes him an ideal counter to Archer's Noble Phantasm." Both remembered that brilliant display of weapons mastery three nights ago.
"If it weren't for his fixation on Saber, we could just leave Berserker alone as a deterrent against Tohsaka's forces." Assassin X rubbed the right side of his head subconsciously. "I chopped off his arm at the dockyards, and he still put up one hell of a fight. If it hadn't been for Caster X's intervention, he'd have definitely pressed his attack even if it killed him. And he'd have taken me or Saber down with him."
Kiritsugu frowned in agreement with the assessment. The battle at the docks, the chaos in the Einzbern forest; both times, Berserker had appeared out of nowhere to give an impressive showing of his martial prowess, and both times, he had only retreated because of the wizard talking him down. Kiritsugu and his team had also grown to suspect that the black knight had developed a protective streak for his partner. Targeting Gandalf the Gray would almost guarantee Berserker unleashing his full wrath. And as Assassin X had pointed out, he already had Saber in his sights for some reason.
That thought made him briefly switch tracks. "Have you or Maiya made any progress with discerning Berserker's identity?"
He received a shrug in response. "I drew up a picture of his armor to help Maiya cross-reference -sorry for not running the idea through you before talking with her, by the way." Kiritsugu waved it off; it hadn't compromised his plans or undermined his authority, after all. If anything, he appreciated the ninja's initiative. "She's been combing through legends with help from my clone, but I haven't heard anything from them yet. You?"
The Master shook his head. A bit frustrating, but it wasn't that crucial yet. "We'll avoid Kariya's team for now," he concluded. "Picking a fight with them presently would yield little benefit, and it looks like they have other targets in mind." Nearly finished with his burger, he moved back on track. "Lancer and his new Master are currently the most vulnerable team. No secondary Servant, his True Name and abilities known to everyone, and taking him down would solve the issue of Saber's injury." He rolled his eyes at the pointed look he was getting. "Yes, I know that Saber wants to settle the fight with him personally." Typical chivalric nonsense… he muttered internally.
"Just checking," Assassin X drawled with a snarky undertone. The calculating gleam in his Master's eye hadn't escaped his notice, but he didn't want to start another fight this early. "We've already discussed Lancer's former partner, let's talk about Rider's team. They'll most likely be the biggest headache after we solve the current Caster crisis."
If we're all still alive by then. He couldn't help but add to himself.
"Agreed." Finishing his meal, Kiritsugu crumpled up the leftover paper and tossed it into the bin. "The team continues to be mobile thanks to Rider's flying chariot, making tracking them difficult even for your boys. A rowdy bunch, but extremely dangerous." He scanned the trio of pictures for a long time before asking, "Assassin X, how would you rank them in terms of power?"
The Heroic Spirit of Assassination leaned against the wall, mask hiding his contemplative frown. "If we're going from bottom to top, I'd start with Saber X. He's similar to the Lancers: technique over brute force. His best assets are his weapon and that Aura he showed us, but Misfortune could throw any plans we make for a loop."
The Mage Killer couldn't argue with that (in fact, he was making a conscious effort not to dwell on having to live with a power like that). In all his jobs across the world, he'd always tried to plan for every possible detail, but one he had little control over was luck. "That alcoholic Servant may not be as overpowered as his partners," he thought out loud, "but his tendency to cause bad luck could be trouble. Do you think he might've been lying about not having any control over it?"
"With the way he was guzzling wine and growing more melancholic by the second? I doubt it."
"Then it's a double-edged sword." Kiritsugu didn't like fluid variables like that. "Moreover, his lack of massive power and Independent Action make Saber X the least consumptive for that boy they call Master. It's probably how he can juggle three Servants with two of them being Berserker X and Rider."
Assassin X scratched his head. "On that note, Berserker X is physically the strongest of the three. Maybe of all the Servants in this War. His mana reserves must be enormous considering what he released last night." He shuddered a bit while remembering that surge of power. "There's a Servant who can fight Noble Phantasms without having one himself." He shrugged. "But on the flipside, he doesn't show much technique."
"I only know the basics of Kendō myself, and I still make a better-trained swordsman," Kiritsugu muttered in accord with that assessment. "Berserker X's brutish love for combat actually stifles his own talent. With the way he keeps piling handicaps on himself, we have a better chance of taking him down." He scratched the stubble on his chin. "Maybe we can even exploit them."
"Like dealing a mortal blow while he's still got that eyepatch on?"
"Exactly. That thing is his biggest restraint. Without it, he could blast an entire city block clean off the map." A slightly predatory smirk drifted across his face. "And it's not like he doesn't want his handicaps to be exploited."
"True, but even then, killing Berserker X isn't going to be easy," his ally reminded him. "He held out two whole nights on his own power and still fought evenly with Rider X. And doesn't he have Battle Continuation?"
"He does. Likely part of how he lasted that long without a Master." That smirk was already gone. "I'm not underestimating Berserker X's threat level, Assassin X. No more than I would his 'leader'."
Assassin X nodded solemnly. "The King of Conquerors…" he murmured, still a bit in awe from what his Shadow Clone had experienced alongside Saber and Iri. "Even with a title like that, I couldn't have imagined him having such a Noble Phantasm."
The sudden change from night to eternal day, hot winds over an endless desert, thousands of soldiers standing at the ready… So, this is the power of a "Reality Marble?" He wondered to himself. He couldn't think of many shinobi in his world's history that might've been capable of such a magnificent technique. Certainly none who had lived during Kakashi's time.
The "champion" of the Einzberns himself had never been assigned a target that could've commanded such magecraft. No, magecraft was almost too small a word for that feat. That didn't mean he was about to give up, though. "This Noble Phantasm is powerful, but it doesn't make Rider unbeatable." He began to consider battle possibilities.
Assassin X was doing the exact same thing. "Maybe not unbeatable, but definitely hard to beat. Ionioi Hetairoi gives him not just the numerical advantage, but the terrain to put them to best use. Even Saber can't defeat an entire army charging at her from all sides. Not without a lot of effort."
"Knowing you, you'd be right by her side, Assassin X." The Servant blinked at the words and how his Master had said them, but Kiritsugu continued without missing a beat. "But no Noble Phantasm, no matter how great, can exist without its owner. Kill Rider, and Ionioi Hetairoi will fall apart." He hummed in thought. "Perhaps a sneak attack while he's off guard…"
"That tactic is limited here." Now Kiritsugu was the one blinking, prompting Assassin X to elaborate. "Remember back when Rider first invoked it? He pulled the Assassins and everyone sitting with him at the banquet into the Marble, including my clone, but Lancer X and the real me were left behind." Understanding began to creep into his expression while the Copy Ninja continued. "I think Ionioi Hetairoi can only be accessed by those who Rider draws in consciously. Those he's not aware of, he can't take with him." He sighed. "Besides, those plains are not exactly suitable for stealth missions."
The Mage Killer accepted this reasoning while reconsidering the plan. "Then we'd have to eliminate him before he invokes that Noble Phantasm. Or failing that, somehow outlast the onslaught until he runs out of mana. Iskandar was a crusading monarch, not a magus. He can't possibly maintain something as vast as a Reality Marble and its contents indefinitely."
Assassin X nodded to that. "That strategy is geared towards confronting Rider alone. What if Saber X and Berserker X decide to join in?"
"Then we'll definitely need a new plan." Kiritsugu's brow furrowed. "By the way, wasn't there a disturbance earlier tonight where that team was somehow involved?" (*)
His question received no answer, prompting him to turn with a frown to the Servant. The Servant who was standing stiff as a board, hands shoved as deep in his pockets as possible, and a forcedly neutral (nearly haunted) look in his eye. "…That incident should have no greater effect on the Grail War," Assassin X finally said in a clipped tone. "And for the sake of both our sanities, Master, I advise you not to question that topic further."
Kiritsugu Emiya eyed the Heroic Spirit carefully, scrutinized his words or posture for any deception, recalled that before him stood a veteran shinobi who had seen and braved many dangers in his life, some of which he'd seen for himself… and wisely decided to let the matter slide.
Unfortunately, now came the topic he had honestly been procrastinating… Kiritsugu placed a cigarette into his mouth, something to steady his nerves. "Even if we might be sure Assassin was completely destroyed by Rider, what does that mean about his Master?"
That man…
His Assassin, knowing exactly who they were talking about, spoke up while the Master lit his cigarette, ruminating over the possibilities. "Assuming we were right about him working for Tohsaka, having Assassin spy on the rest and Rider X cause general mayhem, then he should've hidden away in Fuyuki Church the entire time. The first Assassin's death was a ruse for the rest. To keep it up, he'd have to lay low."
Kiritsugu exhaled some smoke. "But he didn't do that." He got up and paced towards the desk. "Lying in ambush at the Hyatt, appearing near the Einzbern castle… neither action makes any sense." He suspected the answer, but something prevented him from voicing it.
"…Only if we consider Irisviel and Saber his targets." He glanced back towards an obviously apprehensive Assassin X. "But back at the Hyatt, he questioned Maiya about yourwhereabouts, not theirs. Kirei Kotomine's hunting you, Kiritsugu."
Once again, the shinobi had perfectly voiced his own thoughts. And that didn't unnerve Kiritsugu nearly as much as what they both knew. He tapped out some ashes into a beer can he'd been using as an impromptu ashtray. "But we still don't know why. He couldn't have known that I was your and Saber's Master before then." His voice remained level even as his thoughts raced.
Both men eyed the picture of that dark-eyed Executor pinned to the wall. "…Could he be somehow related to a past mission of yours?" Assassin X finally offered. "Did you ever work in any capacity with the church?"
"No," Kiritsugu said immediately. "The Eighth Sacrament's Executors fulfill tasks similar to what I used to do as the Mage Killer; offering my services would've been redundant. And the church's general opinion of me wasn't much more flattering than what I was known as to the rest of the Moonlit World. They wouldn't have bothered hiring a 'heretic' like me, not when they have their batch of sanctimonious thugs." He took a long drag from his cigarette before continuing. "And I didn't deal with any who'd strayed off the path or the like, the church is very particular about dealing with internal matters themselves."
"Then could he be targeting you due to a personal connection, then? A dear friend, family member, bitter rival he had sworn to crush with his own hands, but you killed, stealing his chance?"
Kiritsugu stared silently at his ally for a while. "…I dread to ask if that last one was a common occurrence on your world." He only received a flat look in response. "But to answer your question, none of my old missions could be connected in any way to Kirei Kotomine. We grew up under different circumstances, operated in completely different circles… there's no point in his life or mine where we could've met prior to the Holy Grail War."
He crushed his cigarette in his "ashtray" with mounting frustration. The only thing he knew for sure about that Master was that he was actively hunting him. And that he was able to discern Kiritsugu's tactics. That fear he had confessed to Iri atop the castle grew the more he thought about that man. All the magi he had hunted and killed, all the other Masters, he had an idea what they wanted and how to deal with them. But now, the answers eluded him.
Then a new voice broke through his increasingly worried pondering. "Maybe he's targeting you for the same reason you're so cautious around him, Kiritsugu." Assassin X's Master turned to him in surprise (and some relief, he noted). He indicated the picture. "You consider Kirei Kotomine the most dangerous obstacle in the War because you can't predict his actions or be sure what he wants. Kotomine has clearly heard about you, and you've described him as an 'empty' man. Maybe he views you with that same kind of caution."
Assassin X's words made the gears slowly turn inside Kiritsugu's mind. He could see the logic behind that theory, grow to recognize the interest behind the other man's actions. But for some reason, this budding understanding brought him little comfort. If anything, his apprehension continued to grow. "If he truly wants something from me… and if we are anything alike… he won't stop hounding me until I give him whatever that something is."
"And he wouldn't come after you alone." Another fact; even if Assassin was truly out of the picture, that left Rider X. Technically, that Servant made an easy read for Kiritsugu. Blatant lust for power, plans of conquest, nothing he hadn't seen before in one form or another.
But what scared him about that one was the sheer scope behind these traits. Megatron truly desired to claim of existence, and Kiritsugu didn't doubt he had the aggression, the cunning, the determination to achieve his… ambitions. He was already amassing a force with other Servants that should've been targets, and what his next step could be, the Mage Killer couldn't be sure.
And every action Rider X took made the man who wished to save the world wonder: how much is that Servant following his Master's will? Is he acting completely of his own interests? Does he have any loyalty? Or has Kirei Kotomine been planning this with him the entire time?
A frighteningly fitting pair; the most dangerous Master to Kiritsugu Emiya and the most dangerous Servant in this Grail War, period. "Perhaps it's already time to head down for the garage I've acquisitioned. The armaments there were meant for a siege on the Tohsakas or Matous, but I could set that oil tanker loose as a cruise missile towards the-"
A hand clapped down on his shoulder, startling him out of his unwitting ramblings. "Before we take measures drastic enough to go down in history as Japan's #1 terrorists," Assassin X drawled in such a manner that even his stoic ally couldn't stop himself from snorting, "maybe you should get some sleep. We've worked through the night, and you were operating under minimum rest before." Kiritsugu made to say something, but a hand shot in front of his face. "Take a bit to get your strength back, Master. You're going to need it. If not for your sake, then…" He let the implication hang in the air.
The Master stared at him for a bit before shaking his head with an exhausted laugh. "You do not play fair, Assassin X."
"Sneakiness comes with my class." That familiar eye-smile looked so infuriating right now Kiritsugu almost wanted to punch it. But he didn't. Assassin X was right; he could feel the fatigue, both physical and mental. Trying to plan anything in his current state would only be a futile effort.
So, the Mage Killer resigned himself to a brief trip to the bathroom and subsequently lying atop the bed. He prepared a self-hypnosis spell that would diffuse his self-consciousness, an efficient way to replenish his mental faculties quickly. This left his body vulnerable, but hidden in this spot, with a Servant he'd (sincerely) grown to trust watching him, he should be fine. "If I don't wake in two hours or something else happens," he gave his final instruction, "then do as we discussed."
Assassin X nodded in comprehension; his Master had explained the full ramifications behind this spell and how to rouse him in such a state. "I'm not going anywhere."
Kiritsugu Emiya now knew for certain he needed to rest; there could be no other reason he felt such relief from that statement… right?
Sleep claimed him before he could discern the answer.
(Despite the workings behind this self-hypnosis, Kiritsugu did sometimes dream. Nothing concise or organized, of course, but every now and then, the images were particularly clear.
Two hours later, he catapulted himself into a sitting position, sweat pouring from his face, hand over his crying left eye, and mistakenly calling a concerned Assassin X "Minato-sensei.")
-91:45:56
He slammed the miniscule, yellow body against a jagged pillar. The pained wince that escaped from his captive would've lightened his mood were it not for the fury burning within him. "I grow impatient," he snarled, tightening his grip around the tiny torso so much the scout's armor was beginning to warp.
Yet those optics, bright and blue like searchlights, glared back at him in foolish defiance. "R-really?" He wheezed out in foolish defiance. "H-hadn't… noticed…"
Fires blazed all around him, but their collective heat was pitiful in comparison to the one swelling within his Spark. Tyger Pax nearly razed to the ground, two of his best air fleets lost thanks to that bumbling defect of a sky commander, all to find it wasn't here! This entire campaign, just one big diversion to keep him from his prize.
The Allspark, one of the greatest treasures to have ever existed on Cybertron, long hoarded by Optimus and that old fool he called mentor. Now so close to within his grasp he could taste it!
And all that stood between it and him was this little black-and-gold whelp. Another youth likely lulled in by Optimus' idealistic babbling and believing himself destined to be a great hero.
Time to wake him up. "This is your final chance, scout." He pulled his quarry closer so they were practically face-to-face. He could feel his face radiating the aggression continuing to build within him. No one with any sense would defy him like this. "Where. Is. My. Allspark!?"
Those big optics flickered for just a moment, and he felt himself one step closer.
Then they hardened like tritanium as their owner said three little words. "I'll never talk."
He could feel his denta grinding together. His servos clenched so tightly his energon was beginning to dribble between them. This whelp's words fanned the flames inside him, their heat blazing through every part of his body, straight up to his mind…
And then they condensed themselves into a pinpoint beam. Very well. The Allspark was beyond his grasp for now. But he would claim it. More of Cybertron was becoming Decepticon territory with each passing cycle. Soundwave had notified him of a certain legend he'd uncovered. One about a terrifying weapon that could cement his power for eons to come. This… setback, could not, would not keep him from winning the War.
And a delicious idea had just come to him.
His mouth curled into a vicious smile. "…Is that right?" While his right hand continued to clutch this young fool (Bumblebee, he'd heard of this troublesome scout before) in an unbreakable vise…
His left hand lifted to the same height as his head, fingertips scraping against one another. Sharpening.
"Then let's make it official."
Oh, how he would relish this moment for cycles to come… the fear flashing in those optics as his fingers drove into the throat-
Kirei sprang up from his bed, gasping heavily at the image before. He'd been experiencing such dreams for a while now and long since deduced that they belonged to Rider X. But sometimes, the details proved quite… vivid. Like right now. Kirei could still feel every last sensation of that horrific moment as though he had been the one there. Blue "blood" splashing onto him, crushed metal drifting from his fingers, watching as that broken metallic being tumbled down a hill of corpses and molten alloys, turning his attention to the mangled device, no, organ still in his grip…
The priest wondered why his cheeks felt so odd. Patting them and discerning his mouth's current position only raised further questions. Questions part of him feared to ask.
Yet another irritation he'd have to deal with. One of many since he'd become involved in this Grail War. Kirei stepped into the bathroom and splashed some water on his face while thinking, his eyes catching by chance the back of his right hand. It looked so bare right now without Assassin's Command Seals.
Amazing what a little makeup could do.
Kirei slipped on fresh robes and walked slowly towards his office, replaying all of the events from last night. All the stories he had listened to, some boringly predictable, others garnering little interest, a few that drew his attention. Then Tokiomi had praised him, told him that his part in this little event would soon be coming to a close.
So, why didn't that thought instill relief in him? Was it because of guilt, knowing that neither Tokiomi nor Lancer X were any the wiser about the trick Kirei had pulled? Or… was it something else?