It cross my mind how strange I get complain for choosing EMIYA for MC than Shirou… I like both, but from what I know in latest poll EMIYA is the most popular guy from Nasuverse. If it's the other way around I would get it. But I suppose he is still Shirou and every fans of him have this love-hate thingie for him… ha ha ha

Prelude

No one hated the Three Great Skies as much as Bartholomei family does, and they loathed to admit their admiration even more. It was the origin of Sky, harmony… perfection of world balance. While Bartholomei strived for perfection, the skies were born perfect, live with preserving harmony and die without a shred of imperfection to their existence as they ascend to their throne.

Perfection was a way of existence to the Skies, not a purpose.

Yet they were human, descended from God they might be but human nonetheless. Of course there were fundamental difference, such as their blood trait and connection to the Root. Unlike most Magus, Bartholomei didn't hold their connection to Root in contempt, if anything that was just in their nature to hold such power over spiral of origin.

Yes, perfection was in their nature… in behavior however…

"Look! Look! Lorelei-chan!" Beamed the white haired menace that suppose to epitome of perfection. "You see this new state of art technology Millefiore just invented! With this contact lens you can glean information from internet you want all the time! Won't this be mighty useful for you Magi?"

Lorelei felt familiar feeling of cool rage wash over her and disappeared. "Please avoid using backwater country's suffix on my name… Mare Sky, Byakuran. And no, like the last one hundred and fifty three proposal concerning technology nonsense you offer, I respectfully decline."

Byakuran pouted, which made Lorelei boiled inside once more because while the Sky was perfect they didn't act like it. Especially this one, who acted like a five years old kid high on sugar with devious mind. Still… he was the easiest to interact with, perhaps it was due to his miracle that operate in similar way as Zelretch's true magic. At least they could deal with Zelretch kind of eccentricness.

"Boo… fine! Then to seal this meeting please sign here." The Sky told her as handing her a tablet with contract on the screen and… pen tablet.

"...Does it have to be softcopy?" Thanks to this repeated meeting Lorelei was familiar with basic IT terms, not that she understood the mechanic behind it. "I'd like it on paper."

Byakuran rolled his eyes, "I like to review my document anytime I want and scanning printed document is a chore, this is no different than signing on paper. It's also a convenience to store it in our quantum database… I explained this before a dozen times to you."

"..."

"Well… if you want, Tsunayoshi-kun can come in my place next time. Vongola is more traditional, with paper and pen." Though they did scan them for safe keeping too.

Lorelei froze at mention of Vongola's sky, Sawada Tsunayoshi. That was one person she'd rather not step to any headquarter of Mage association ever. He had been here and while he was closer to 'act' like epitome of perfection unlike Byakuran, just by being in his presence was overwhelming and alien to them.

Byakuran represents multifacet of time and space, as the recorder of parallel world through his existence.

Aria of Giglio Nero was embodiment of turning point of history, the one who foresaw the change of era.

Tsunayoshi as a Vongola represent 'truth' of time and space recorded in Akasha, the eyes who sees through all.

Out of three skies, Tsunayoshi was the closest to 'truth' Magi seek in human form. His presence was simply unnerving, and his last 'visit' to their tower brought nothing but unrest among Magi of Clock Tower.

"We'd rather not."

Byakuran sighed, "Tsuna is the kindest amongst us three, you know?" He said with a touch of wistfulness. "He is also one of purest sky in history since the first generation."

Lorelei levelled a glare at him, "Lord Byakuran… we Magi are seeker of truth of the world. You know why his disposition unnerved us."

The sky of Mare had to chuckle at that, "You mean because even if you Magi are being disagreeable with him, Tsunayoshi will just smile and smile, then the next thing you know you're agreeing with him?"

That was one reason but!

"Or rather… with his eyes that see through all, when he was in your presence he keep truth to himself?" Byakuran guessed, chuckling softly at indignant look at Lorelei's face. "Maa… that's him alright." Tsunayoshi kept the world he sees through his eyes to himself most of the time, and share it only to select few he trusted.

His fellow sky learned early on that while truth was a beautiful thing, it was also painful. He saw through people and accept them as they were, but keep it to himself because he was kind. It must be grating for Lorelei Bartolomei to see someone like Tsuna unknowingly looking down on her, believing she couldn't handle 'truth' and that meant being imperfect.

Then again knowing Tsuna, he perhaps just didn't feel like entertaining a Magus' ego. "Maa… when I said kindest, I also mean the most cruel."

Indeed the Saint of Sky could be a cruel truth holder.

Chapter 11: The Sky lies…

Caster's Lair (Post-Einzbern Forest Battle)

Ryuunosuke ran back towards their lair like a squad of police was on his tail -if it was demon he would stop to talk with it. Convenience store bag contained his breakfast in hand, swinging wildly as the serial killer made it past his servant's bounded field. He was working his night shift at 24 hours combini, dozing off as staring at his co-worker he had been itching to tear apart but didn't because she was good at what she did and killing her means more chore for him. Then he felt strange chill, like someone was watching him. Danna had warned him that he was a target now and if he was in danger he should 'call' for Danna with cool red tattoo in his hand.

The chill pass quickly but he didn't feel safe yet so he decided to scram as quickly as he could after his shift ended. He was about to tell Caster about the chill when he found his servant not working on their art, or spying on his girl but on the floor and-

"Daaannaaa!" Ryuunosuke cried as he ran towards his servant, Caster who was writhing in agony on the bloodied floor of their base. "Are you okay?! There's no pretty red blood coming from your severed limbs! Isn't that bad?"

Caster let out shuddering laugh, "Aah, Ryuunosuke… please don't cry! I am replacing my limbs with demon's I summoned! They would be my new arm and leg!" That cruel angel dared to throw another cursed arrow that blow up his left limbs! He managed to turn to astral form in the end but dragging himself back to his workshop was an arduous task.

Ryuunosuke stopped crying in instance, "Maa! Danna, you should tell me sooner! By the way, does this mean you're getting closer to be a demon?"

His bulging eyes blinked at the question, "Not quite, I am just borrowing their flesh… but I'd see what I could do with that idea considering my status as servant should make my body more malleable…" Truly his Master was fountain of inspiration! He couldn't wish for a better Master indeed!

The serial killer howled, "COOOOOL! Danna! I wanna be a demon too!"

His heart swoon at his master's ingenuity. "Oh, Ryuunosuke! You're already one at heart!" Caster gushed back, before cupping his chin with his intact limb. "But again, your idea have merits Master… unlike other Masters... even with your brilliant mind you lack their edge in Magecraft. They are all Magus like my friend, Prelati…"

The Master groaned, "Aah… I wish I have found those books sooner, perhaps I could have learn cooler stuff! Maybe I can start now?" He was jumping up and down now like an excited child.

He shook his head, still laying on the floor as his new limbs wriggled from what remain of his original limbs. "Hm… actually there's almost nothing you can start learning right away with every foul cretins in this war aiming for us. Not with result that would help you, my Master… I am not a proper Magus myself." He learned a lot from muttering of Prelati, but most are general knowledge all Magus know…

Wait-

Caster wept, "How foolish of me to forget! I should start from activating your dormant circuit and then I can give you more useful gifts to protect you."

"Oooh! You mean the stuff that feels hot inside me when I summoned you, Danna?"

"It would be painful process, I should warn you." Caster nodded sagely, "Prelati describe it as feeling like hot iron being inserted into your spine."

Far from being frightened, Ryuunosuke's eyes were sparkling with glee. "COOOOOL!"

Einzbern Castle (The next morning)

Kiritsugu was on his way out of the castle, no thanks to Ruler he had spent too long around Iri. His wife's servant was useful but he also harbinger of chaos. There was nothing Kiritsugu could do about Ruler, not only Irisviel was already half-adopting Ruler like a little brother she never had… Ruler also acted like glue that helped him to work around his chivalrous servant, Saber.

"Kiritsugu… perhaps this is unnecessary, but I'd like to tell you if possible you should be the one who finish off Caster's Master." Said Ruler on his way out.

This smelt like a fishy statement coming from Ruler. "I will kill this bastard on my own terms, but I will bite… why?"

The perk of being a sky, when you told someone to do something. They would be curious of their reason. "Last time… I only tell you briefly of what kind of man Kirei is, now I will tell you what kind of 'monster' he is."

The Magus Killer wanted to flee, because he knew he had stepped on meticulous trap his wife's servant weaved again. At the time like this Kiritsugu couldn't help but think how fitting his 'Ruler' servant class for a name, as Ruler was the one who control the flow of this war. It was not like he had absolute authority on anyone, he didn't need to as he was using what he had to fullest capacity. Even the mediator of this war, or even Kotomine Kirei.

"He was a monster not because of what he has been through." Unlike Emiya Kiritsugu who kill and kill because of tragedy after tragedy. "It's simply because he was born with evil nature, so he takes happiness and joy from suffering of others… perhaps is a curse or a blessing he was born to a family of priest, with a name Kirei… a prayer, an expectation the child would grow up beautiful and pure."

Of course that prayer became a curse to the child.

"Kirei tried his best to be happy like normal human but… only tragedy and suffering gives him joy. Nothing he tried that would bring happiness to normal human help him, not family, not devotion to god...and so he despair… and in this war he was on the verge to embracing his nature. It only takes a few push in the wrong direction and he will fall over the cliff that separate human and monster… And he would become the monster you fear."

Kiritsugu began to sweat, he was unsure what to feel to know he had been right about the man. "But you push him away from that cliff…"

Ruler shake his head side to side in amusement, pissing Kiritsugu off even more. "Oh, no-no… I am just offering him a choice." Ruler corrected with a smile. "Simply with pointing out, embracing his nature, following his twisted desire would bring him happiness but then what differs him from a beast? Isn't his reason holding out for so long because he didn't want to be a depraved beast?"

What did he told Kirei?!

"In the end Kirei's biggest worry is his emptiness that only filled by drips of despair and suffering. So I point him to look at Gilgamesh… the bored King of Heroes who in spite of capable winning this war in a day if he feels like it choose to not move a single finger. A hero who takes all form of pleasure the world could offer but it's just superficial happiness… he is not content."

Kiritsugu let out a shuddering breath, "You imply… that if Kotomine follow his desire, he will just crave for more and more…"

"He will just become a monster that resort to anything to be happier, like drug addict that would never quench their addiction." He finished, "In the other hand… there's path of man, he may stay flawed as he is. He would never be truly happy even. But then he would never fall, because he has free will to defy his nature. It would be a life of struggle, but… if he look back in his life at least won't he feel proud of himself to be able to go that far to keep his humanity?"

So the man he met last night was someone who was prepared to suffer for his whole life?

"What does his nature have anything to do with me hunting Caster's Master?"

"Ha ha ha…" Ruler laughed softly, "After hearing what a monster Kirei deep inside you didn't figure it out yet?"

"Figure out what?"

Ruler smirked and Kiritsugu took a step back, "This is the pure monster Kirei would have become without his iron will and upbringing." Kiritsugu froze on his track. "I ran to Caster's Master at dawn, he was working at 24hours convenience store. So I observed him for a bit."

By sheer pure luck on the way back from Lancer's place he sensed intense feeling of wrongness, too bad it was already early morning and the convenience store got crowded by employees restocking the store.

"A shame I have no skill in abduction aside…" It was really a pity, " Caster's Master… is not a typical psychopath like I expected, which is perhaps why the authorities has a hard time profiling him."

"Not typical psychopath?" Kiritsugu echoed. "If he is like Kotomine…" It was understandable.

"How to say this… he is emotional with strong impulse for murder…" Ruler would know because he observed Uryuu for a while and for five minutes the man stared unblinkingly at his female co-worker with bloodlust, probably thinking how to dissect the oblivious girl. "It almost seems like he exists in his own little world as he hardly acknowledges the existence of people outside himself…" He acted normal enough around other people but his eyes only look at them as his prey. " Had he been a proper Magus it won't surprise Ruler if he manage to manifest a reality marble.

"I don't think he even comprehend sense of humanity at all..." His smirk widened, "I would have killed him at the first chance I got but… there's a better idea, don't you think?"

Kiritsugu drew his own conclusion, "Don't tell me- you..."

"When we storm Caster's lair, it would be yours and Kirei's job to hunt Uryuu Ryuunosuke down." Ruler confirmed Kiritsugu's dread, "Kirei is already informed." An assassin was always on standby outside Einzbern's bounded field so informing Kirei was a piece of cake via traditional letter by arrow. "Aside from saving Fuyuki from a murderer, It would be a therapeutic battle for you both."

"In what way?!" Kiritsugu hollered, pointing his gun at Ruler. "Don't you toy with me, Ruler."

He sighed, perhaps he was going overboard pushing Kiritsugu like this. "I am not asking you to cooperate with Kotomine Kirei, I am asking you to get a closure for yourself… don't you want to surpass the monster you fear the most? Uryuu Ryuunosuke is nowhere as dangerous as Kotomine Kirei, but he is definitely more monstrous."

Kiritsugu lower his gun and declared, "Very well… but don't you think you can play me like a pawn, Ruler." With that as parting word Kiritsugu left the castle, fuming in the way only a man as stoic as he could.

"Pawn he said…" He muttered to himself. "If I think so… this mission would be easier for me." Ruler pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling exhausted mentally than in body. "If he come to hate me… perhaps it would get easier to accept the end of this war."

Shinto District

They gathered in train station, for practical purpose rather than anything. Saber and Irisviel insisted to join the strategy meeting and Ruler couldn't deny it would be better if they knew what Rider, Lancer, and Ruler were planning. Lancer would join them later, as the knight of Fianna didn't know about Irisviel's status yet. They still had to coordinate with Masters gunning for Caster's Master. Sitting at outdoor cafe across the train station, Irisviel placed several file of information. Then the last was a photo.

"This is Caster's Master, Uryuu Ryuunosuke."

Waver Velvet, the other Master aside from Irisviel who was present frowned at the photo. Ryuunosuke, Caster's Master was a young Japanese man with fair skin, dark eyes, and reddish light brown hair. He was fairly good looking but not the type that would stand out in the crowd, even with pierced ears because the way he dressed was fairly simple. One wouldn't think he was a thug or criminal sort.

"He looks normal." Waver commented.

Rider who was sitting beside him on a stool -the normal chair was too cramped for him- groaned. "Boy, look closer at his eyes… he is smiling but his eyes are empty like dead fish."

"I agree." Saber who was dressed in simple blue suit, light grey shirt and tie offered her opinion. "His eyes has the same tint of madness like Caster."

Irisviel cleared her throat, "Ahem… according to our intel, he is a freeter and lives fairly normal life."

"Freeter?" All foreigners chorused except Irisviel.

Ruler sighed, of course they had no idea what freeter is. "In simple explanation, in Japan... Freeter in individual who takes up simple work that can be completed quickly with short hours, small pay, but more free time. We also have list of his jobs… ranging from convenience store cashier, truck driver, and construction worker."

"Sounds like an errand boy." Rider commented.

Waver's left eyebrow twitched, "Why is he even working?" He had broken in so many house so Waver imagined he would steal some stuff too.

"Saa…" Lady Irisviel gestured towards a file that listing crime scene investigation report. "But according to police report, Uryuu never steal anything from his victim's house." Which made it harder to catch him because if he steal something, the police could have tracked the missing properties down.

Ruler nodded, "This says a lot about his priority…" He cared not about anything else but murder. "Also… prior to house where Caster's summoning circle was found… Uryuu Ryuunosuke has killed 42 peoples by himself. By himself he was mainly targeting women and children, victim weaker than himself."

Saber gritted her teeth, "This is truly a match made in hell."

"I concurred." Rider added his own two cents. "Still… forty two victims for sheer amusement, most unable to fight him off. This kind of man takes pleasure from helplessness of his victim, what a trash." In his old days Rider would order his soldier to drag this man by chariot, a slow and painful death as parading such monster.

Ruler had his theory, that most likely… this man was even more alike to Kotomine than Kiritsugu could ever be. Someone who was born with twisted cruel nature, but unlike Kirei he was never indoctrinated by a preexisting system of morality, and so was never burdened by any sort of hesitation or doubt when it came to embracing his desires.

Kotomine Kirei he knew of was a sophisticated monster who take pleasure in suffering, but he wouldn't sate his desire in barbaric fashion like Ryuunosuke. In a sense Ryuunosuke was even 'purer' monster than Kirei. That was why he set the priest on Ryuunosuke, a symbolic mission so to speak.

"Maa… we won't have to worry about Uryuu Ryuunosuke, the one who would go after him are other Masters."

"Who?" Saber asked curiously, "Kiritsugu?"

"And Kotomine Kirei." He finished.

Irisviel stared at her servant in disbelief, "Ruler!"

"He is really fired up about it, don't worry." He assured his master, earning confused look from Rider and Velvet. "Anyway Caster's Master is now hunted down by a Magus Killer and a former executor."

Waver gaped, "And they're hunting a mundane with inactive circuit?" That was too much! "Wait- why are they even gunning for Caster's Master if…" Waver trailed off as he looked down at Ryuunosuke's schedule. "Ruler… we're planning to go soon, right?" The servant of balance nodded, "So why Uryuu is listed here as working in dry cleaning service in Miyama district at the moment?"

What a smart boy, he was. He didn't miss the conflicting time schedule of their attack and Ryunnosuke's job.

"Because his workshop would be empty, and I am sure… when he is recuperating Caster would keep close to his Master."

Saber protested, "Why are you even attacking an empty enemy base?!"

Rider rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Ooh… I see, not a bad idea."

They turned to the King of Conquerors, Saber was frowning before she too began to understand the reason. "Caster is an inept Magus… it's more correct to label him as demon summoner, so his lair would be crawling with them." She murmured to herself. "I see, this strategy have merits."

Rider nodded, "This strategy would rely on our assumption that Caster won't be able to set up magecraft type of traps and the likes, but I'd say it's worth risking it." From what he had heard of confrontation with Caster so far Einzbern faction and Lancer had been playing it safe.

Waver and Irisviel were confused. "If someone can please explain?"

Rider let out an exasperated sigh, why the Masters here all had no tactical mind and they fought in war? "Maa… the idea is basically we will storm Caster's lair as planned, if he only has some familiars protecting his place it would be a piece of cake to get to his workshop."

"Then…" Saber continued, "Inept or not his workshop must held significant value for Caster, so they would be free to destroy it. Then they would be laying low in the wait for Caster to return, with his workshop in ruin Caster will have to exhaust more energy from his furnace grimoire." Not to mention fighting in his homeground would bound to make Caster overly confident thus careless.

Irisviel clasped her hands, "I see!"

"I have some concern though." Rider chimed in, turning to address said concern to Ruler. "Won't Caster and his Master run as soon as they saw the sign of wreckage rather than checking what left of his workshop?" He certainly won't get close to fort already ravaged by his enemy and risked running to trap left behind.

Ruler and Saber stared at him in disbelief as if he had said something outrageous. It was Irisviel and Waver who answered him with indignant expression on their face. "OF COURSE NOT!" They chorused.

"Workshop is accumulation of lifetime devotion!"

"Only an idiot won't at least check the wreckage!

"And retrieve what's left to be salvaged!"

"Even a third rate Magus like Caster would do that much!"

Rider was taken aback by their retort, hands raised to placate two incensed Magus. "Whoaa… don't bite my head off! I am just asking!"

Saber scoffed, "You have nonexistent experience with Magus, I take it? King of Conquerors?" Iskandar just shrugged, shaking his head in negative. "To Magus… their workshop is even more valuable than their life sometime, most value their workshop as family heirloom." The King of Knights explained, "Even Merlin guard his workshop like a dragon."

Waver and Irisviel looked confused. "Why… even Merlin?" Waver asked.

"Saber." Ruler intoned, "Don't break their dream please."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Ruler leaned in and whispered, "To Magi, Merlin is a legendary arch-Magus… with image to match as wise mentor and adviser to you. Epitome of most Magus aspire to be." And certainly not trickster Magus who chase skirt, fighting using sword because he bites his tongue when chanting long spell.

Saber palmed her face at that, wondering if historian in her era was blind of Merlin's daily mischief or they thought it was for the best to bury that tidbit in dust of history. "Never mind, we're getting off track."

"Right." Ruler cleared his throat, "So when Caster check the wreckage he would let his guard down and we will finish him off there."

"Ou!" Rider beamed, rising to his feet and point at horizon. "March forward!"

"March!" Irisviel clapped for him.

Waver hissed, "Keep it down! You're embarrassing."

When they were distracted Ruler tapped Saber's shoulder and gestured toward quieter and empty corner. Saber followed him, curious of what the servant of balance wanted from her. As Rider distracted Irisviel with his antics, Ruler pulled a black leather wallet and pressed it to Saber's palm.

"What is this for?" Why Ruler gave her money?

Ruler had a piece of paper between his forefinger and middle finger, cracking one amber eye open he explained. "I want you to accompany my Master for some girl time, so here is list of locations of your choice."

Saber gaped, before her lips pulled to a thin line showing her displeasure. "You mean escorting the lady?"

"We have done that at the first day." Ruler deadpanned, "I am asking you a favor here…"

The servant of sword groaned, "I know you likes spoiling Irisviel." It was a mystery even to Saber who had been with them since summoning, Ruler wasn't just loyal but going out his way to make Irisviel happy. That was beyond a Servant's duty. "But we're in the middle of war here…"

"True." Ruler agreed, "The more reason for Master to enjoy her life… once Caster is defeated, the war would get heated even more to increase casualty…" Especially with his provocation 'proving their worth' the Masters would want to score a win at all cost. It could go both ways really, slowing down the war as each participant ponder on appropriate way of winning or speeding it up. "This could be her last chance to have a carefree day…"

And that fool Kiritsugu foolishly think it was for the best to distant himself from Irisviel. Who was he trying to fool? That no good old man, who had to have a corrupted Holy Grail exploded on his face before he see senses!

Saber sighed, there was no winning argument against Ruler. "Fine… we have nothing to do anyway." They were on reserve so to speak in this part of battle. "Still, how could you keep repeating 'last chance' and 'only now' when Irisviel is concerned? You're strong… surely you have confidence to protect Irisviel until the end."

"Didn't she tell you." Saber stopped at the sadness in Ruler's voice as he watched laughing Irisviel who had Rider regaling his tale of conquest, using cookies to illustrate his battle strategy. "That she is a doll created just for this war so her family won't allow her to go outside? There's more to it than just sheltered from outside world."

Homunculus... 'Just' for this war…

Saber's eyes widened in shock, "Homunculus have short… lifespan." She breathed out.

"I won't tell you the detail… but- Those damned Einzberns, Jubstacheit didn't create Irisviel to live past this war, Saber." Ruler spat with no small amount of anger in his voice.

Saber didn't utter a word of protest as Ruler handed her the piece of paper.

Later at Aquarium…

"Huwaaa…" Irisviel felt like crying as she stared unabashedly at the manta swimming right above her as they passed the aquarium tunnel. "How beautiful… there are so many colorful fish, they looks like flying..." Swimming was a lot like flying perhaps, she wished her home was not so cold so Kiritsugu had chance to teach her how to swim too. She shook her head, she was being greedy again. Ruler had stalled Kiritsugu from leaving her side too long. That servant of hers… didn't he realize she would get selfish if he keep giving her everything she wanted?

Today too… a girls day out with Saber. Irisviel glanced at Saber who was equally awed by the sight, though perhaps she was not the only one Ruler spoiled for today.

Some part of her still feel like she had been hoodwinked by Ruler again but looking at splendor of sea up close, it was not so bad. "Indeed… this is a beautiful sight, but also unnatural."

"Huh?"

"These sea creatures were swimming freely in the ocean, so here… their freedom is taken away and it as if they're trapped in time here." She said in wistful voice. "Strangely… they're still beautiful nonetheless."

Irisviel giggled and Saber turned to her. "Did I say something strange?"

She shook her head at her husband's servant, "Iee… Saber, it's just that what you said is so fitting. Not just for these fishes but also for Ruler."

Ruler and these fishes? "In what way?"

"Hm…" Irisviel hummed 'Die Lorelei' to herself as she began to think how to answer Saber. "You know Ruler is a Vongola right?" Saber nodded, that was the only part of his true name she knew. "In Moonlit world they're a very scary existence, it's not exaggeration Magi think of them as most hated existence."

Saber was quiet at that, "Ah… isn't that a little-"

"Most of us even never meet them in person, they also didn't attack human or anything like Dead Apostle, and yet… we view them that way." Irisviel said sadly. "I'd think it's understandable if Ruler hates us all, but he is so cool about it!" The homunculus was giggling uncontrollably now. "My father won't admit it but he is scared before we departed Ruler would burn down our workshop! I am not sure you realize but the whole castle was bracing themselves in case he become berserk."

And all Ruler did was sneak into kitchen to brew tea and cook, he didn't go anywhere near their workshop at all. He seemed pretty amused Einzbern family acted like he would murder them in their sleep. He even said sorry for betraying their great expectation of Vongola.

"They're also a mysterious one… like these fishes." irisviel murmured softly as she leaned down to see dotted jellyfish floating around their aquarium. "You see… unlike the rest of us Ruler, a sky is existence that exist outside and inside of time and space. They're bound by their duty, walking out of time… and yet…" Saber froze at how relevant those description to herself. "They're so beautiful, it's unfair."

"Huh?"

Irisviel's smile had painful edge as she looked at Saber, "You know that we Masters through our link will see your past, I am not sure if it's because he is very close to me but… I have seen a lot of his past especially with his family."

"Irisviel…"

"Vongola is a very loving family… the head of their family even more so, the sky sees the good and the bad of their family, accept, understand and embrace it… They walk on their chosen path not with pride but with resolution of human who had nothing to lose." Their dying will. "They lives strongly in spite of their fate as guardian of balance, like these fishes… it doesn't seem like they're trapped and miserable at all."

Saber's lips quirked up at that, "True… against all odds for someone who dragged to a war by accident, he just accept it and rule the battlefield as if this war is his. As fellow servant I find it annoying…" He dragged everyone to his tune.

"You mean endearing?" Irisviel grinned.

She felt her cheek heated up but she quickly schooled her expression. "Irisviel… I told you that what happened this morning is a misunderstanding. We were… sparring."

"My! So that's how you knights in Medieval Britain called it?" Irisviel asked innocently, "These days we call it-"

"Irisviel!"

Meanwhile…

The interior of the sewer Waver discovered, was indeed the haunts of non-humans. Possessing countless tentacles, the innumerable aquatic monsters stayed there as if crowding together in the narrow tunnel, lying in wait to strangle any pitiful trespasser to death. Of course they were not weakling who wandered there by poor luck, and they had all intention to just make their way with trampling the disgusting octopi tentacle monster.

"AAAALaLaLaLaie!" Alexander, the King of Conquerors shouted his battle cries as he held his reign.

Gordius Wheel • Wheel of Heaven's Authority in the sewer was just like a lightning-clad excavator. The body fluids and pieces of flesh of the monsters which was ran down, trampled and scorched, thickly filled the inside of the tunnel like a fog.

"This was rather anti-climatic." Ruler, their new passenger commented.

Rider huffed, "Well, the barrier to deactivate works well to hide this foul place." Then he added, "But I am surprised you just disable them with a touch."

Actually he just projected Rule Breaker blade out of his palm to make it look like that. "I know a lot of tricks." He offered, "This is pretty ironic… I scolded my Master for crashing her car onto Caster and here I am." Granted it was Caster's familiars not Caster himself, but still…

Rider perked up at that, "OH! Lady Irisviel have told me of her gallant exploit! I'd like to endeavor the same myself with my chariot!"

Crazy drivers bonded over their stunt, the horror. "You're welcome to run over Caster with your chariot, but please don't give my Master idea… Saber and I have hard time stopping her from like a drunk." He shuddered, if that was how she drove sober Ruler didn't want to imagine when she was inebriated. "It saddens me taking away her fun, but we'd like to live… and her foolish husband didn't teach her right."

Then again Kiritsugu was always a terrible teacher. He didn't want to blame his father for being a bad mentor, but he was not helplessly dumb and yet Kiritsugu managed to screw up simple explanation on basic that led him to do that dumb nerve circuit method. Rin took less than a few days to correct them all, and he got it.

Speaking of bad teacher… he didn't manage to inform these two that Kayneth had been killed yet. To be fair since Lancer was still around, of course they would assume Waver's former teacher was still alive. That could wait of course.

Waver grunted, "This is easy but I'd rather to see some intricate and mysterious defense... magecraft illusions or traps…" All were completely absent. " Compared with the standard of magi, this was neither a workshop nor anything else."

" It was just an ordinary "siege" used to position their army, to strengthen their defence." Ruler agreed, "Then again Caster was a commander before he delved to dark arts."

Rider hummed, "Well… if he is a better Magus we would have fresher air."

"And more trouble." Ruler reminded him. "This is redundant… I admit, but there is no adventure slaying a monster like Caster."

Rider nodded at that, "Yeap… we're just executing him." He may had cheered before they came but in the end there was no 'fun' here just business.

It was almost scary, how these two servants were too calm about this operation. Especially with how much purple blood being sprayed on both side of the chariot like they were running through normal muddy road in rainy day. Waver just hoped Rider won't get the idea of blessing him with the honor of cleaning Gordius Wheel later. He had enough with honor cleaning Rider's blade.

A honor he accepted simply because of his curiosity on manifestation of spirit weapon.

The barrier made of flesh of monsters throwing their body at Rider's chariot had thinned down considerably, and then they became no more. Much to Waver's relief the wheel of Gordius Wheel didn't splash blood anymore. He had shielded his senses of smell with simple Magecraft, but it was still nauseating just listening to crunch and splat in the dark.

With another battle cry the oxes pulled them into a wide space. Just like before, the surrounding was in pitch darkness, without even a ray of light. The air was stagnant after years of nonexistent fresh air replacing it, but they could no longer feel the oppressive feeling like when they were in that narrow, confined space at least.

"Waver-kun." Ruler called him. "Don't release your magic yet, the air here is no good for health." How did Uryuu live here, Ruler had no idea.

"―Fuuun, Caster's not around as expected..." Rider remarked.

Waver tensed, there was different edge in their voice. Especially Ruler, his usually warm voice had turned arctic. "Uhm…" Probably, there was no problem for a Servant's eyesight even within this complete darkness. They saw… something?

"Rider… Ruler, what did you see?" He raised his hand, ready to use his magic for some simple light flare.

Ruler grabbed the hand that was about to gather his prana, "Don't…"

His servant let out a sigh, "I have read and heard of Bluebeard… but even for me this is quite-" Rider couldn't even find the right word to express this. "His Master's idea perhaps?"

Ruler released Waver's hand and stepped down from the chariot, "The least we could do now is saving these poor soul with giving them some peace."

Huh? What did he mean by that?

"Ne, Waver-kun... you remember I was quite wary showing my face to you?" Ruler asked as he walked to the front of chariot, his hood pulled down so Waver who followed him down closely with Rider could see his vivid ember eyes glow eerily in the darkness.

Waver nodded even though at his vantage point Ruler won't see the gesture. "Hai… you assumed I would recognize you."

He exhaled softly, "It's not that you might recognize me as much as my bloodline." The servant of balance corrected, "And what am I going to do is the same as telling you outright, but I suppose you need to hear it as another key figure of this history."

"Key figure?" Waver echoed.

Ruler turned towards the master-servant pair and nodded, "I believe Magi call us as representation of truth in time and space axis, poetic perhaps… but the truth we reveal is often painful." He told them. "So Rider… if your Master want to avert his eyes now, take him away."

Waver was confused but when he felt Rider's hand on his shoulder he shook it off. "No… I want to see! Magi are seeker of truth! So if I avert my eyes now I will run away from what I seek forever."

"How typical of Magus." Ruler acknowledged, "But admirable… I pray you see this war through that resolution, then! Waver Velvet."

Rider clasped his hand back to Waver's shoulder, "Glad to know you're growing a backbone Master, I just hope whatever truth this guy is going to show you won't hit you too hard."

Ruler had one hand stretched to the side, his fingers curled slightly as if he was about to grasp something. "Celtisette: Cielo!" His greatsword of sky materialized to his hand, energy within the Noble Phantasm shimmered with pride.

"Hoo…" Rider whistled, "That's quite an intimidating looking weapon you got there." There was not much humor in his voice was he had a feeling what was about to happen.

The servant of balance just smiled wanly in response before he began to chant.

[I announce myself, whose time carved within the ring.]
[I am… the sky that envelop all…]

The sword was burning in golden flame, lifting the curtain of darkness with gentleness. However what revealed was macabre scene that made Waver sick to his stomach. As a Magus he was prepared for gore of human remains, as mysteries whose reasoning were outside his ethics were common in Moonlit World. He also a participant of cruelest and bloodiest ritual there was in history.

So he was resolute his heart won't break no matter what.

That resolution crumbled like sand castles when tide came and washed it away to nothing. The limits of Waver's imagination were that corpses were but remains of human bodies in the end; nothing but the result of their destruction.

What revealed by the flame was… something that surpass his feeble imagination. Caster's lair was not a workshop, but more like an art gallery of macabre collection made of human. Not corpses or destroyed remains, but the most twisted form of art born from cruelty and love of its artist. There were furniture. There were clothes as well. Musical instruments; cutlery. Various items uses of which were not understood at all; they probably were just pictures or artworks.

The enthusiasm of the creator devoting himself completely into designing them diligently, and his profligate sense of fun could be perceived. At the face of these mockery of tragedy, Waver could not even stand straight. Before he realized, he was already on the bloodstained floor on both his hands and knees, regurgitating all the contents of his stomach.

"Cough! Cough! Bleargh!" Neither servants looked down on the boy who cried and sickened, he looked pathetic but at the moment they viewed him as boy with his heart in the right place.

"This is just too cruel!" Waver cried, "Ugh!"

Ruler looked sadly at him, "Indeed… I am glad to see a Magus who see this through the eyes of a human."

Waver's mind came to a screeching halt, his eyes focused on the golden flame swirling around Ruler's sword like a sheath. "That flame… it can't be-"

Rider glanced at his Master, 'So it's not weapon, appearance or even name that reveal him… but this flame?'

Ruler just smiled before he continued his chant, not aria but a prayer.

[Your pain, blood and sin…]
[I am the sky who will accept,]
[My flame shall bring the end of them.}
[I promise you harmony… ]

The flame swirl slowly around his sword before spreading out in gentle waves, not to destroy but to envelop everything like a mother's loving embrace. It might be just his wistful imagination but the young Magus heard the sound of flame like a lullaby, soothing melody that gave the souls of children their rest. Hushed voice of mother tells them everything was just a nightmare, so they should go back to sleep and dream a sweet one under the sky.

[So the sky pray…]

Shinto District

"Saber… are you still mad at me?"

"No, I am not mad at all." Saber sighed to herself, how could she when irisviel was looking at her like a kicked puppy?

Irisviel pushed her food, floury thing they called pancake with her fork around. "But…"

Saber scolded her patiently, "Irisviel, don't play with your food. Ruler would say the same as he is a very proud cook."

A smile tugged on the corner of snow fairy like lady's lip, "There you go again… bringing my sweet servant up in our conversation."

And she thought Irisviel gave up on teasing her. "Because you listen if I mention him."

"Oh?" The smile didn't disappear, "I am sorry if my teasing makes you uncomfortable, Saber… it's just that how you two interact puzzles me."

Now it was Saber's turn to be puzzled, her eyebrow raised. "How come? We're comrades… there's nothing strange between us."

Irisviel's chuckle sounded like chiming bell in response, "Maa… but you can't say you're not close or unfamiliar with each other."

That caught Saber off guard and contemplated, 'Are we?' It was strange but indeed Ruler was very familiar with how he behave around her, not overly so to the point it felt invasive. He was just worming his way in in unexpected way and the next thing you knew he was already so close and- "He is close to everyone in our faction aside from Maiya."

Then again Kiritsugu assistant always stepped back to background, going as far as not even in the room unless Kiritsugu ordered her to. Saber also had slight suspicion that Ruler dislike Maiya at least a little, because while he didn't treat her any differently Ruler just didn't go out his way to approach Maiya. And she was talking about the guy who made friends with Rider and Lancer. Heck, even Archer viewed Ruler a tad higher than the rest of them.

"He fight with you." Irisviel pointed out. "And all your coolness get thrown out of the window."

Saber wondered why Irisviel was so stubborn to convince her that there was something between Ruler and her. "Irisviel, at least verbally Ruler fight with Kiritsugu too…" She pointed out evenly, "Why do you keep insisting on something nonexistent between Ruler and I?"

Irisviel pouted, "This is girl fun time, so we have to talk about this kind of thing!"

"Irisviel… I am not the best to talk about this sort of conversation." She married another girl for political reason and given up romance for her crown and sword. "And again… there's nothing."

She sighed, she was so sure if she pout Saber would indulge her a little. "Maa… at least Saber just insist on nothing."

Saber had a bad feeling suddenly. "You ask him?"

Irisviel nodded, "Right after your snuggling."

"Please don't call it that… and what did that guy say? I swear if he-"

Flashback
Irisviel grinned like a cat with canary on her mouth, "So… Ruler~ Did something happen with Saber?"

With straight face and smile that bertray nothing Ruler answered, "We got in argument as usual and Saber for once lost her temper enough to vent it on me through her sword. Then we got overboard and roll on the ground a little then to that compromising position." He sighed theatrically, "How embarrassing, do you have to bring it up, Master?"

She didn't believe him of course, "Fuu… I don't believe you."

"I dare not to lie in front of my Master's adorable face." Ruler returned with the same straight face as if nothing Irisviel said could knock him off balance.

Irisviel's chesire cat smiled widened, "Ohoo… Then Ruler, tell me… your true feeling for Saber. You won't lie, would you?"

Ruler's smile didn't dim either, and added. "And as your most loyal servant I also will keep what happen 'last night' when you're… ah… 'comforting' your distraught husband, Master."

Irisviel blushed as red as tomato, her skin now had matching shade with her eyes. "Ruler! Did you-"

Ruler smirked smugly, "Thank you for confirming it for me Master…"

"Aah…. aa… You tricked me!"

Her servant's smug smirk didn't go away, "Well, Master… do be careful with some marks." He coughed, "As this morning I spared your husband with not pointing out that he… has some bug bites on his nape."

"RULER!"

End of Flashback

Irisviel's mood soured as she recalled her defeat, "Don't worry Saber, when it comes to verbal spar… my not so adorable servant is undefeated."

Saber turned her face away and sighed in relief, 'So that guy avoid answering at all and turned the conversation around against Irisviel.' She could imagine Ruler would do that. Honestly, that man makes her foster brother, Sir Kay looks like an amateur in comparison.

Irisviel muttered under her breath, "But he didn't answer at all when I ask about his feeling for Saber." She huffed.

Saber froze on her track, and pretended she didn't overhear Irisviel or the topic would be open again. 'He didn't say anything at all?' Knowing him, Ruler won't pass the chance to say something witty.

If he was feeling lazy he would just say the same thing as her but he didn't. Why?

Meanwhile…

"So… care to explain the reason why the moment my Master recognize you from that golden flame… he passed out?" Rider asked, he had just returned from dropping Waver off at home and straight to tender care of Martha.

Ruler sighed at that, he had been hoping to talk to Waver a little after the revelation. Perhaps the boy had been pressured too much since the war began, so they decided to let the boy rest and left a message. Not that he was worried Waver would run to other Magus and spill his secret. The boy was panicky, not dumb.

"I don't want to explain twice, but I assure you… he was just overreacting and stressed from this war."

Rider groaned at that, "Why my Master was such a nervous wreck half the time? Yet he has potential."

Ruler nodded in agreement, checking his phone. "Caster and his Master should return soon… Lancer is also on his way here."

The king of conquerors hummed at that, "Oi, Ruler… do you mind telling me what did you do in Caster's workshop? It's more than just burning those mockery of life, did you purify the soul like priest? It feels like you bring peace to their soul."

The Vongola scoffed at the idea, "As if… people like me can't purify evil." In the first place their power didn't take nature of evil or good, because that concept didn't exist in natural world but human mind. Vongola couldn't purify evil, they were both good and evil needed to keep the balance of the world. "I lied to them…"

"Huh?"

"Those souls lingering there are drunk by the 'peace and harmony' of my flame and so they forget their pain… I didn't give them true peace." This was why he never even though wishing for 'world peace' to omnipotent wish-granting machine. Even back then he knew the concept of such perfect Utopia wished upon the Holy grail -tainted or not- was a foolish thing.

Namimori was such example, Tsunayoshi's hometown that had become affected since his birth because of high purity of his flame. Turning the city to a peaceful little suburb where the worst crime committed was pick-pocket. Those people were so peaceful they even ignored explosions coming from Sawada household, blinded by bliss of ignorance.

If Kiritsugu wished for a world free of evil and suffering, humanity would stagnate. Peace that forced upon the world was just a foolish and overly sweet dream, and humanity would die in their sleep from it.

"I don't think it matters." Rider told him, snapping Ruler out of his thought. "Whether or not it's fake… like bliss from drinking alcohol, you're still saving their soul… that's good enough, don't you think?"

Rider had no idea how much those words worth to him who was here for a purpose, strengthening his resolve that saving people had more ways than one. Even a lie could be salvation. "Thank you… King of Conquerors."

"You're welcome!" The king beamed back, "And here comes Lancer!"

The knight jumped to the rooftop they used as surveillance point, an abandoned building next to riverside where they could see 'hole' that located right above Caster's lair. Lancer was dressed in civilian clothes, simple dark green shirt, dark grey pants and a dog tag necklace. "Good afternoon, Ruler… Rider."

They were about to return his greeting when Ruler sensed their preys had returned to their lair, "They're back." He said as he turned on his laptop, watching live feed from infra-red camera he installed before they left.

Rider frowned, "Caster's master is… crying?"

"We did burn his art gallery."

The feed was a silent one but it had good enough resolution for those who had good eye for reading lips. They were talking about God and religion so heatedly. It was one religious talk so bizarre that only could come from two twisted murderers who believed in God. With the way this talk was digressing, he had a very bad feeling that Uryuu Ryuunosuke was giving his servant bad idea.

He materialized his arrow and a nameless sword, then walked to the edge of the roof. "On the count of three… we move."

Neither Rider nor Lancer protested as they donned their battle armor. "I'd ask what did you listen from their talk, but I had a feeling I don't want to know."

"I am not interested in talk between demons." Lancer admitted himself, "But I swear I will shred Caster's grimoire to shred this time." His pride hurts that grimoire survived his Gae Dearg, that abomination of mystic code would disappear tonight by his spear. "Or die trying"

Ruler smirked as he nocked his arrow, "I will take your offer on that… one, two…" He fired and let the arrow fly. "Three…" As they leapt to the hole, Rider following closely behind with his chariot.

It was easy for Ruler to pinpoint Caster even in midst of smoke and dust created by his arrow, so he projected six swords in the air and fired. "Gah!" He stopped on his track, that didn't sound like someone who was in pain. Something was off… no wrong.

The smoke cleared up quickly as Rider landed in his chariot. "Aileelele!"

He got his answer why.

Caster was pinned by his swords, but the reason why the servant of spell was not in pain was because… "What the hell he has done to his body?" He heard Lancer breathed out in shock. He couldn't even blame Lancer for not charging in to shred Prelati's grimoire as promised.

Caster had turned half of his body to demon, his right side of limbs were both writhing mass of bluish tentacles with clawed tip. The same demon that could regenerate infinitely.

That was not part of their plan… at all.

AN:

I am worried as this chapter is... darker and heavier but then I cut the scene to Iri and Saber's girls day out. Did I break the mood? DX I hope not. Well... I am told the humor is nice but you guys want more gore and blood and... well- I blame Urobuchi. I definitely won't be able to inflict despair in my fic on his level...

No one asked yet… but if you ask which guardian Shirou got along swimmingly, he got a WEIRD combination… Mukuro and Gokudera. Outside of guardian rank in Vongola, Shouichi is his best friend.
With Mukuro, the illusionist sympathize with his life of suffering and reincarnation bits. Mukuro especially admire Shirou's high pain tolerance aha ha.
With Gokudera, it's simple… exploding sword and archery… enough said. Hayato also reminded Shirou of Issei a little with his reservation with girls.
As for Shouichi, I haven't written their interaction yet but I bet Shirou LOVES mechanic department like a kid in candy store. Their place is his place of relaxing, and he got along well with the rest of mechanics. I can imagine he hole up in Spanner's workshop.