Disclaimer: I do not own Fate/Stay Night or Highschool DxD, or any of its character's, and make no money of this.

Life...

Life is a really strange and unpredictable thing... you can never guess what it may suddenly decide to throw at you.

I sometimes think about the good old days, those quiet and peaceful days that I spent together with my family, completely unaware to what was truly going on in the world I lived in. Those days... are now nothing but a bittersweet memory.

Why you may ask?

When a person truly cares for a friend, a family member, or a lover he will do anything in his power to make sure that no harm shall befall them... even if that may cost him his very humanity in the process.

This isn't the story of a boy who dreamed of becoming a hero of justice.

That's someone else's story.

This is the story of a boy who simply wished to protect his family and loved ones... but came at a heavy price... one that I later came to regret.

Everything changed when I accepted that offer... and shouted those two words.

Chapter 1: For one's family.

Warm.

My face feels warm.

My eyes twitched slightly as I opened them, but I immediately shut them back closed as the light was too powerful. Opening them slower this time, I was greeted by the warm light of a brand new day that found itself in my room through the nearby window. I got up from my bed scratching the back of my head, and took a look in the nearby mirror. Even though my vision is bit blurry from just getting up, I could still see how messy my hair was this morning.

Yawning tiredly I made my way towards the bathroom. If there was one thing that I needed right now was a nice cold shower to properly wake me up from the half-asleep state I'm in.

I made my way to the door and quietly entered the bathroom. Inside, I was greeted by the form of a woman. It was Sella, my caretaker... who was apparently standing in front of the sink... wearing only a towel around her slender body. Her pale skin seemed to glisten from the bullets of water that were trailing down her lithe figure.

Oh shit…

My mouth almost hit the floor from how much it was hanging. Sella's face went red, which really accentuated her color considering how fair her skin was.

I tried to think of a way to apologize and diffuse the current situation before I'd get my head bashed into a wall yet again by my rather prone to violence caretaker. ''M-Morning S-Sella...'' I stuttered, my voice cracking a bit and sounding embarrassed. Of course me being me, I ended up bungling it by saying something different than what I had in mind.

I took a good look at her face taking note of the expression on it... Sella wasn't mad... not at all... she was utterly furious.

''YOU PERVERT!'' her scream rang out and could probably be heard throughout the entire neighborhood... it wasn't the first time this had happened.

Later after my run in with Sella I was in the kitchen enjoying my breakfast. While still good I thought that the food could use a bit more salt though. I stopped eating when I heard someone else enter the kitchen.

''Guten morgen…'' I was casually greeted in German by my other caretaker Leysritt or Liz as I and the other members of my family like to call her.

''Morning Liz.'' I replied tiredly, my face still feeling sore from the previous encounter with Sella.

''Shirou… what happened to your nose?'' she asked stoically as she stared intensely at the bandage put over it.

I was personally wondering if I should tell her that Sella's roundhouse kicked me in the middle of my face so hard that my silhouette got imprinted in the bathroom wall... but I dropped that idea. I knew that mentioning the fact that I saw Sella almost naked would only result with another beating from said aforementioned lady, so I decided to keep it to myself. ''... Nothing happened.'' I replied with a rather tired and dry tone.

Liz just nodded and took a nearby seat, as calm as always. Sometimes I find it really hard to believe that Sella and Liz are actually sisters. While it was obvious enough to notice the relation from their looks, their respective personalities were as different as night and day to each other. On one hand Sella possessed a very strict and serious personality, while Liz in contrast was very easy going and carefree.

I sometimes wished I could get along with Sella as easily as I get along with Liz. While I do get along with Sella for the most part unfortunately she tends to be rather severe with me.

I heard some humming sounds coming from the stairs. There's only one person who hums like that. ''Morning~!'' we were greeted by my cheerful step-mom as she entered the room and took a seat at the table. Her eyes immediately landed on me. ''My, my, Shirou did you have another morning accident with Sella?'' she asked me in a teasing manner her eyes sparkling as she saw the current state my face was in.

Irisviel, or Iri as dad and I liked to call her is my adoptive mother. I can somewhat understand why my dad fell in love with her, besides being kind and lively she is probably one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen in my life. The only thing is I sometimes get headaches from her rather childish and quirky personality... that and her daily teasing. ''N-No...'' I muttered while avoiding eye contact. If there was one thing I can't stand it's teasing, especially by my step-mom.

Iri immediately saw my reaction, a smirk forming on her lips, a smirk that made me want to run away, but for some reason her eyes were all set on Sella instead of me. ''Hooo~ Sella you won't find a boyfriend if you treat men like you treat poor Shirou.''

Those words struck Sella really hard, she flinched as if an imaginary knife had just stabbed her. While her face didn't show too much of a reaction, the glass that she was washing shattered in her grip. ''I-I'm perfectly fine without a boyfriend.'' She commented with a tint of red appearing on her cheeks. This was one of the many taboos of the house... reminding Sella that she doesn't have a boyfriend.

''You've been saying… that for years Sella.'' Liz replied to her casually.

Please stop adding more gas on the fire Liz, I mentally begged her as I looked over at Sella... I gulped... there was a throbbing vein visible on her forehead. Something akin to a dark aura began emanating and surrounding her body its presence sent shivers down my spine. ''Shut. Up. Liz.'' She growled back at her sister. Sella may not be able to stand up against Iri, who is the self-proclaimed God of this household, but there's no way in hell that Sella will simply stand by and let Liz talk shit about her. I broke into a cold sweat, knowing my luck I'd no doubt somehow get caught in the crossfire if things continued to escalate.

I sighed, just your typical morning at the Emiya/Einzbern household. I noticed that there were some people missing at the table. Excluding dad who is almost always away from home with work, there were two people in particular that were missing. ''Say I wanted to ask, but where's Illya and Miyu?'' I asked Iri. Normally my little sister and cousin were up by now. But then again, Miyu doesn't actually live with us. Rather she stays over here when her mom Maiya, who is basically an aunt to Illya and I, is gone on away on business trips with our dad.

I could swear I just saw something like a small sparkle appear in Iri's eye... I know that look... ''Oh is Shirou-chan missing his little sister and cousin, how cute.'' She told me in a sweet yet teasing voice, I swear she's having way too much fun for her age.

Sella sighed, something tells me that I wasn't the only one feeling tired from Iri's antics but went on to answer my question. ''The two of them left earlier to meet up with their classmates.''

''Oh I see.'' I nodded as I took a bite of my fish, hoping that this would temporary put an end to Iri and her shenanigans.

We all stopped eating when we heard the doorbell. Sella was the one who went to see who it was. When she returned she had number of envelopes in her hand, I guess it must have been the mailman. She started to shuffle through them, yet stopped and narrowed her eyes on a particular one. ''Shirou, you have a letter.''

''Letter?'' I asked confused as I took the letter from Sella. Just who would sent me a letter?

I eagerly opened it, inside I found a piece of paper and began reading its contents.

''A key to awakening a miracle... for those who desire it.''

I closed the letter as my left eye twitched badly and resisted the urge to sigh. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of weird joke this was supposed to be...

I decided to just roll with it and check the contents in the envelop. Inside I found a card that resembled an old overused tarot card, but it had one main problem. ''... Just a blank card?'' I muttered as I narrowed my eyes on it... yep just a blank card. The backside had a design similar to that of a tarot card, but the side that was supposed to have a picture was whiter than my mother's hair. ''Ok… this must be one of the weirdest prank's I've ever seen.'' I deduced as I simply put the card away in my pocket.

Iri, ignoring my confusion took a look at her watch widened her eyes and immediately clapped her hands in surprise. ''Ara Shirou~! Look at the time. You will be late for school if you don't hurry. Want mama to give you a ride in her car?'' she vibrantly chirped. I froze immediately as the words from her mouth hung in the air.

Those two words... Iri and car... those two words made me and everyone else present beside Iri shiver in complete dread… there are some things in this world that must never meet or be mixed together. Water and electricity, bleach and ammonia, alcohol and pills, but among all Iri must never be put in a driver's seat... period. ''N-No i-its ok, I will simply run to school.'' I muttered slowly, trying to literally not scream in fear like a little girl.

Iri tilted her head slightly and put a finger on her lower lip in confusion as she stared at me. How can a woman her age make such a cute face and be completely oblivious?

''Why would you do that when I can just drive you there?'' she asked innocently.

The dread I felt went up a few ranks and became crippling fear; I could feel bullets of sweat forming on my face. ''Y-You don't have to bother yourself.'' I tried to desperately turn down her offer and make her change her mind.

''It's no big deal.'' She chirped happily Iri's smile was radiant, bright, and filled with motherly love as she stared at me. Yet the image before me only served to make my blood run cold and fill me with terror.

I didn't have a mirror to check, but something tells me that my face at this moment probably went from being pale to becoming a rather bluish color. My eyes drifted towards Liz and Sella whose faces were full of sympathy and remorse. I didn't know how I currently looked, but I could only speculate it was probably something close to a puppy who was about to be sent to the pound.

Iri seemed to find my reaction rather confusing as she put her index finger over her chin and began making a thinking sound. Eventually she straightened her pose and tapped her palm with her fist coming up with her own realization for my behavior, a small blush taking over her face as her hands clasped onto her cheeks. ''Oh, are you perhaps embarrassed to be seen by your classmates with your young and gorgeous mother?'' she deduced merrily while fluttering her eyelashes at me.

...

Sometimes I can't help but wonder what was odder. My stepmother's logic or that I managed to resist the urge to face palm myself after hearing it.

''Madam, you won't be able to drive him to school since you have an appointment in exactly 15 minutes.'' Sella explained calmly. To my luck and surprise, salvation came from the last person I was expecting.

Iri looked at her for a few seconds, blinking confusedly, until the realization hit her shortly. ''Ohhh! I completely forgot! Thanks Sella!'' She stormed out the room, leaving an imaginary trail of dust behind her.

I let out a sigh of relief, Sella I would hug you right now... but I won't, since you would most likely break my bones afterwards.

I took a look at my watch, now I really was running late. I jumped out of my seat, grabbed my backpack, and began running towards school. ''Gotta hurry!'' I told myself as I ran through the neighborhood. Man if I'm late Kuzuki-sensei won't be happy, granted not that he is happy at any other time to begin with.

I was quickly approaching the school gates pumping my legs as quickly as they would carry me. The moment I was near the entrance I began hearing some screams. The kind you hear when a girl catches a man peeking in on them when they change. Unfortunately, it was a scream most students at my school were quite familiar with. As I entered the school grounds my suspicions were quickly confirmed. In the distance I could see the girls of the kendo club, armed with their respective wooden swords running after our schools famous or more precisely infamous 'Perverted-trio'.

Yep, just another common occurrence at our school though I can't help but wonder why those three haven't been suspended or expelled for their actions yet. I mean once or twice they may get away with it, but I lost count on how many times they were caught peeping. Either someone with a high position in our school is backing them or they have some kind of perverted deity watching over them. While I don't have any personal grudge against them, I don't enjoy seeing them peep around and troubling others.

That aside… for some reason I can't help but feel sorry for those guys, their actions due to their unbridled libido have ruined their reputations for probably all of high school. I mean, I'm a guy like they are, but I don't go around repeatedly peeping on women in public or mention what I like to do to certain girls loud enough for everyone to hear. Thank God I didn't get too friendly with them when I first started school here... I might have turned into a pervert as well.

Oh, would you look at that, they caught them. Ouch... I know that they were peeking but still... do the girls really need to hit them that hard below the belt? It hurts just to look at them, well on a side note, they are lucky that the girls didn't use Fujimura-sensei's Tora-shinai. I swear there's something wrong about her tiger striped wooden sword; it's like its cursed or something. Wonder how the members of the kendo club can't notice the dark and scary aura that their club advisor's weapon of choice gives off?

I made my way to my class. Everything was pretty normal; Kiba was getting a lot of attention from our female classmates, while Saji and most of the guys were giving him death glares as usual. I can't help but wonder why though? It's not like Kiba did anything to warrant such a hostile reaction.

Half of the day went by like they always do. Time ticking by as school slowly progressed, classmates arguing with each other, and teachers complaining about the declining rate of student's morals and so on.

Right now I was enjoying a quiet lunch in the cafeteria, or at least normally I would be. When I ran to school this morning I actually forgot part of my lunch on the kitchen table, leaving me with only rice at the moment... great.

''Hi there Emiya.'' A girlish voice greeted me... well there goes my peace and quiet.

I turned my head around towards the person and saw who it was. ''Oh, Mitsuzuri.'' I greeted her back casually.

Mitsuzuri Ayako, my friend and the captain of the archery club. Ayako was a rather tomboyish girl possessing a cool beauty, but overall a nice girl that was easy to get along with.

She sat down in front of me, which allowed me to take a look at her tray. I couldn't help but wonder if all girls in sports eat the same amount as her. I mean come on, what kind of high school girl eats curry rice, miso soup, pork ramen, and sandwiches in one meal yet manages to have a well formed figure like her?

Mitsuzuri stared at me, more particularly my face, she gave me a rather surprised look. ''Wow, who did that number on your nose?'' she asked, her face painted with curiosity.

I sighed, I really hated when I had to explain my 'accidental wounds' as it was really embarrassing. ''No one dangerous.'' I answered dryly; I wasn't technically lying, since Sella can't be considered a dangerous person... at least for most people besides me anyway.

She narrowed her eyes and gave me something that I could only describe as a playful smile. ''I see, Sella-san huh?''

I almost choked on the rice I was eating. ''H-How did you know?''

She closed her eyes and shrugged her shoulders tiredly. ''I honestly lost count on how many times she has clobbered you over the years.''

I could feel my cheeks burn as I averted my gaze. ''Hey, it's not like I'm doing something to deserve getting my face beaten.''

Her smile widened a few inches as she stared at me. ''Really? So those 'accidents' you keep having are unintentional?''

At that remark I wanted to find a hole and bury my head in it. The famous 'accidents of Emiya Shirou'... some people wonder if some kind of being from a higher plan had cursed me or if I'm just straight out unlucky. After all how could a guy like me always accidentally get into situations where he ends up touching, feeling, rubbing, and groping the intimate parts of a girl the way I do? Though from what I heard there are also a lot of guys who are jealous of me and my accidents for some unknown reason.

''O-Of course it is.'' I muttered, I could feel my face getting flushed.

Mitsuzuri on the other hand was displaying an expression saying 'You don't say?' with her smile. ''So you take no pleasure whatsoever when they happen?''

I hate teasing... I really hate it. ''O-Of course I don't...'' I muttered bashfully... though I had to admit there were some times when I actually did enjoy it. Oh come on, I'm a healthy male high school student!

Her smile faded and just sighed instead. ''Now that's disappointing...''

I blinked a few times, not understanding what she meant. ''Huh?''

''Nothing. '' She replied before she continued to dig into her food.

Girls sure can be weird sometimes. I tried to get back to my food, but I felt an intense stare fixed on me. I looked back at Mitsuzuri and noticed her eyes were locked onto mine. All her cheerfulness from a few moments ago completely vanished, and was replaced by a very serious look. ''Say Shirou...'' she began, my senses were all on edge when I heard her call me by my given name.

It may not seem like a big deal, but the only times Mitsuzuri called me by it was when I did something seriously stupid or if I am in trouble. I'm really hoping it's the former and not the latter at this moment.

''You know, I've been meaning to ask you... Are you ever going to return to the Archery club?'' she asked me, her voice filled with concern.

I took a second and thought about it. ''I'm not sure...'' I told her honestly, I was part of the Archery club in my first year of high school, but I gave up on it when I began my second year.

''Look, I know maybe you don't feel like you have anything left to learn since you always score a perfect hit no matter the situation, but you could try and do it to have fun with the other members.'' She told me softly as she gave me a weak smile.

Yeah that was why I left, I didn't give up because I couldn't do it or didn't have any talent for it, I gave up since I didn't have anything left to learn. I may have missed the first one or two shots, but afterwards I learned how to properly take my stance and apply all the steps I never missed the target. No matter what, I always hit it every single time.

I guess I just didn't have anything left to keep me there. I don't know if returning would change anything, but I honestly don't know what I want. I didn't want to lie to her... but... ''Maybe I'll give it a thought.''

''Try and think about it. I'm not necessarily telling you this because you're good at it, but try to have some fun. I mean you don't seem to have any desire for anything. '' She smiled gently at me, but it was a smile filled with concern. Was I really making her worry that much about me without realizing it?

I couldn't help but feel rather awkward. Now that i think about it, Mitsuzuri did seem rather distant with me after I left the club, she must have been upset that I just left like that. My hand instinctively reaching for the back of my head and began scratching my hair. ''Man, if I'm getting pity from a classmate, it must be really bad.'' I admitted with a dry chuckle to my old friend.

''You know Emiya,'' she began, as our eyes met, I didn't like the way she looked at me. ''I don't think I've ever heard you laugh.''

My mind stopped. Her words struck me hard... my eyes widened slowly as I realized that she was right. ''In all the years that we've known each other there's wasn't even a single time when I saw you laugh... sometimes I think that when you smile, you just do it as a reflex rather than an honest smile.''

Her words... I never thought about it... but... she is right. I actually don't remember the last time when I laughed... have I ever actually laughed since the 'incident'? My family tried to help me get over my problems, but it was useless... I couldn't get treated. I know they care about me, and I also care about them, so it's because of that I tried to appear fine. That way they didn't have to worry about me anymore. I would smile and pretend to be ok... but in truth... I was empty. No... I am still empty... without any true sense of self.

''Look,'' she began again, breaking me out of my thoughts. ''If you ever feel the need to talk to someone I am always willing to listen.''

I wonder... just what did I do to deserve a friend like her. She is far too good for me, but still it feels somewhat reassuring to know that there's someone my age that I could talk to. ''Thanks... Ayako.'' I could feel the edges of my mouth curling upwards in a small smile... though it feels more bitter than happy.

The day went by until classes were eventually over. But unlike the other students, I had to stay over a little longer to get something done.

I knocked on the door of the student council room. I waited till I heard a 'Come in.' from inside and proceeded to step in. When I entered I saw the President of the student council Sona Shitori-senpai, who seemed to be busy doing paper work, working hard as always. I took a look around the room as I walked in, now this is something new, usually there are more members of the student council in here but right now there's only senpai.

''Oh Emiya-kun, you still haven't left?'' the short haired girl asked me curiously, straightening her glasses.

I waved my hand in denial and started searching in my backpack. ''I wanted to, but I had to give this back to you before I did.'' I told her as I took a book out of my backpack and placed it in front of her.

''You already read it?'' She gave me a curious look. ''Was this one more interesting than the previous one?''

I gave her a nod. ''Yeah, while I am not a fan of occult based stories, the plot line was really interesting. I really liked when the protagonist managed to save all his friends and loved ones.'' I elaborated to her. I don't know exactly when it happened, but after I helped the student council with a few random things in the past the girl in front of me gave me a book as a reward. Since then we kept exchanging books and comparing them, I think we are what people could call book buddies.

''I was surprised as well. I would have never expected him to save them considering how the story line was going, but I guess I can't be unsatisfied with a happy ending.'' She told me, a very subtle almost microscopic smile forming on her lips which was something quite rare. Most students call Shitori-senpai an Ice Queen that doesn't smile, I was a bit scared of her at first, but she is actually quite a nice person to be around once you get to know her. I think there was a word that described the kind of person she is. What was it called again?... kuudere?... or was it dandere?... I'll figure it out later. Also I must be sure never to call her either of those words to her face; something from the back of my mind is telling me that if I do I will surely regret it.

Getting off that thought, I went back to reality. ''Do you have anything new for me?'' I asked her eagerly, she always seems able to find rare books that I have never heard of before, but they're still interesting nevertheless.

She arranged her glasses and took a book out from her drawer, a rather old looking one. ''I think you will like this one, I noticed you have a thing for hero stories.'' She told me as she handed me the book.

''When should I bring it back?'' I asked her, I do actually know when to bring it back, but it doesn't hurt to confirm.

''Like always, when you're done reading it.'' She told me, I nodded. ''I found it quite interesting, I especially enjoyed when the main character-''

''Stop!'' I threw my hand forward and cut her off instantly. ''No spoilers!'' I told her firmly, I swear that stories lose their appeal when you know what will happen before you read it yourself.

''Oh, spoil my fun.'' She chuckled lightly, which was something as rare as a solar eclipse. I think that if some of the students heard that chuckle they would be running in mayhem screaming that the end is near.

I don't know how, but the next words slipped my lips. ''You know, I really can't understand Issei when he tells me that you're a shady person.'' I admitted, sometimes I just don't get the guy, whenever he hears that I talked to Shitori-senpai he always begins telling me that he feels a malevolent if not demonic aura around her. Now, just how absurd is that?

''I presume you are referring to Issei Ryuudou, not Issei Hyoudou, am I correct?'' I nodded at her question, it was a bit confusing since those two have similar names. ''I don't want to gossip or randomly speculate, but I think that Ryuudou-kun is still bitter towards me for winning the elections last year with quite a difference of number in votes.'' She speculated, and knowing Issei that's probably it. I guess it is better that he transferred to a different school when we became second years. He always seemed to have a hard time dealing with girls, and Kuoh Academy, my current school had quite a large female population. Which honestly made complete sense since it was originally a girl's only school.

I took a look at the clock on the wall... damn. ''Sorry Shitori-senpai, it's kinda late and I need to get home.'' I admitted, Sella did have a bit of a fixation about timing. That and Illya would question me where I was, and of course Iri would then start her own little scenarios that I was busy seducing girls. Thank God that at least Liz is normal, if she joined in with the others I highly doubt my sanity would still be intact.

''Have a nice day then.'' She waved her hand goodbye to me as I left the room.

The school sure feels different when there aren't people around. When I reached the corner of the hall I bumped into something or more precisely someone.

''Kyah!'' a girl yelled. I look down and saw who the person that I knocked down was. It was our schools so called idol, one of the so called 'Kuoh Academy's Two Great Ladies' Rias Gremory-senpai.

Thank God that there aren't any students around. If the guys saw that I pushed down their so called idol they would surely be after my skin as for the girls… some things were better left unsaid. This was just one of the many mysteries about women that I have a hard time comprehending. I mean 'Most students adore the very ground she walks on, without her even doing anything besides looking good.' as Shitori-senpai quoted.

''S-Sorry I wasn't looking where I was going. Are you hurt?'' I apologized to the red haired girl, hoping that she didn't hurt herself when she fell.

She looked up at me, she didn't seem to be angry, just a bit surprised. ''No, I am fine.'' She informed me as she got up and dusted her skirt. At least she wasn't hurt much to my relief.

Because I was so focused on her, I didn't notice that there was another girl behind her. For a second I thought I just saw Illya, but I was wrong, it was just a girl that surprisingly closely resembled her. Curiously she was carrying a cardboard box in her arms.

She was staring at me quite strongly, well I did technically push down her friend, so I can get why she seems rather annoyed. ''Are you alright Buchou?'' she asked her taller companion.

''Don't worry Koneko, I am fine. Though our materials don't seem to be doing as well.'' She told her, but that didn't stop her white haired friend from staring at me. Was there something on my face or something?

I look down at my legs and noticed what Gremory-senpai was referring to. On the floor were dozens of scattered fliers with a type of magical circle on them, kind of like the ones you see in horror movies. Now that I recall, I think that Gremory-senpai is the president of the Occult research club, so it wouldn't be too farfetched for them to have occult looking stuff.

I then realized what happened. When I knocked down the red haired girl in front of me, I also made her drop her box, and the contents then proceeding to scatter all over the floor. I knelt down and quickly began picking them up. ''Sorry, I made a mess out of your things.'' I apologized.

''It's no problem at all, accidents do happen.'' She told me with an amused smile. If only this kind of accident would happen less often to me everything would be fine.

''Y-Yeah.'' I let out a dry chuckle, well it was rather forced but still. ''Here you go senpai.'' I handed her box back with all the fliers inside it again.

She gave me a curious look. She took one the fliers and put it in my hand. ''Keep one. Perhaps it will help you one day.'' She told me with a smile… weird... for some reason her smile seemed rather... what's the word... devilish?

The older girl soon began walking again, with her much smaller friend following suit both of them leaving me behind... that's all?

I was expecting something more... I don't know... violent?

...

Better stop thinking about it, before I manage to jinx myself. I shrugged my shoulders and put the flier in the right pocket of my pants.

The city sure is quiet around this hour, though it's a nice and peaceful most of the time anyway. It sure is different from big cities like Tokyo where you can't find a quiet street.

As I continued to walk I noticed someone in the distance. I couldn't really make out his face very well because the sun was setting right behind him, so the light was making it a bit difficult to do so. As we both got closer to each other I got the chance to take a better look at him. It was a guy, around my age if not a bit older. He had silver hair, blue eyes, fair skin, and was wearing nice casual clothes that fit him quite well. Our eyes met, I raised my hand up high to wave to him. ''Hey there Vali.'' I greeted him casually.

His eyes seemed to soften a little as he saw me. ''Oh... hey there Emiya.'' He greeted me with a shrug, his face painted with boredom as always.

''Going out to that ramen place again?'' I asked him, this was pretty much the interaction between us. We kept bumping into each other at a ramen stand down town, at first we would both mind our business, but after a while we started talking to each other since we were both eating alone and it was kind of boring.

''Don't really have much of a choice in the matter. My old man can't cook to save his own skin.'' He told me with a lethargic sigh. Oh yeah, now that I think about it, he did tell me that his so called guardian is a walking disaster in the kitchen. On one occasion he even somehow burned down the kitchen when he tried to boil some water for tea… which reminds me of Kiritsugu to be honest. I respect my father figure more than anyone in the world, but for all that's holy and sacred, Kiritsugu must never be allowed to enter a kitchen. Thank God Sella and Iri banned him for life from the kitchen otherwise I think the house would have turned to ashes by now.

''You could always try and learn how to cook yourself you know.'' I suggested to the silver haired boy, I mean even I managed to learn how to cook, and I was far from talented when I first began.

''Yeah right.'' He chuckled as he began walking. ''See you around.'' You know, I can't help but wonder. Even if he doesn't know how to cook or has some other excuse, that doesn't explain why he always goes to the same local diner. Maybe it's just my imagination but maybe… just maybe… he is too proud to admit that he just likes ramen. Perhaps I should ask him next time we meet there.

Wait...

Now that I think about, I don't even know Vali's family name... now I feel awkward.

''I'm home.'' I greeted as I entered my house. No answer, I guess that means everyone else is out... but the door was unlocked? Let's see if there's someone in the kitchen after I lock the door. Yep I was right, Sella was in the kitchen and was washing the dishes.

''Welcome back.'' She greeted me as she placed one of the plates in the dish dryer.

I took a look around and noticed the unusual silence in the house, I couldn't help but wonder about it. ''Only you're home Sella?'' I asked her as I grabbed a glass of juice from the fridge and took a seat at the table.

''Can't you see that?'' she answered with a rather irritated tone, guess she didn't like to state the obvious.

I sighed, wondering why Sella always acts so cold and harsh towards me when we're alone. ''... So where is everyone?''

''Liz took out Illya-san and Miyu-san to the park, also your mother is still at her appointment.'' She stated simply, her eyes never leaving the plate she was washing.

''I see... so it's just the two of us.'' I nodded to myself, well this sure is rare for me, at home with only Sella and I here. Even though I've known Sella for a long time, I can't really say that I know her all that well. ''So how was your day Sella?'' I asked her a bit awkwardly, trying to initiate some small talk.

''Fine as always.'' She replied uninterestedly.

Silence echoed throughout the room. A minute passed... then 5... then 10... I could only sigh and change my attention to my glass of juice. Sella continued to wash the dishes, her eyes looking rather focused on something. My guess is that she is wondering what she should make for dinner later. While she was putting another dish in the dryer her body seemed to completely freeze. It happened so quickly I couldn't help but wonder if something was wrong?

''N-No... it can't be!'' she muttered, her voice shaking, her skin became even paler than it already was. Her face was covered in bullets of sweat and back filled with tension.

I might not the brightest bulb in the room when it comes to reading people, but I do have enough of an instinct to tell me that something was very wrong to cause Sella to freeze up like that. ''Sella is something wrong?'' I asked her, the concern could be clearly heard in my voice.

She looked directly at my eyes, her eyes were trembling, and her lips were quivering. She stood there silently for a few moments before finally talking. ''Shirou...'' she bit her trembling lower lip. ''Get out of the house.'' She told me in a slow cold tone.

''Huh?'' I blinked in surprise, did I just hear her right?

''Get out now!'' she told me again, this time she shouted at me.

''W-Wait, what did I do?'' I got up from my seat in fear and confusion. I know I have a tendency to get under her nerves and do stupid things, but I didn't do anything this time. Even if I did something wrong she would normally just smack the daylights out of me, but she would never act like this.

She ran in front of me and grabbed me by the collar, trying to drag me away. ''Dammit Shirou go now before it's too late!'' she told me harshly, just what in the world is going on...

''I'm afraid it's already too late.'' A new voice cut into our conversation in a calm manner.

Both Sella and I froze in place. We slowly turned our heads toward the source of the voice and were greeted by the sight of a man. He was a tall man in his late 20's, dressed in a black tuxedo with an ash trench coat over it. Judging by the shade of his messy brown hair, his blue eyes and considering his facial traits, he was probably of European descent.

''W-Who are you and how did you get in the house?'' I asked nervously, was this guy some kind of thief, no forget that, just how did this man enter our house without Sella or I noticing it.

The man stared at me for a few seconds before nodding slowly as if remembering something. ''Oh my, where are my manners. I am Andrei Neculai, seventh head of the Neculai house, a humble magician.'' He presented himself in a formal yet elegant manner while doing a small bow.

''Magician?'' I blinked confused, wondering if the man in front of me was right in the head.

I took a quick glance at Sella, she was frowning hard, but this was different from her normal irritated ones. Her eyes slowly met mine as she spoke. ''Shirou... run away, he's dangerous.'' This made me gasp in shock. I saw Sella angry before, many times in fact, but she wasn't just angry right now. I could see it in her eyes… she was scared. This made me realize just how dangerous the current situation was right now.

''I'm sorry, but the lad isn't going anywhere.'' Andrei told her with a calm tone, yet there was something else mixed in it, something I had never experienced before nor saw. However for some reason I was able to recognize it… it was bloodlust filled with animosity.

Sella stiffened for a few moments. She took in a deep breath, seeming to calm down and regained her posture. I could only speculate that in this kind of situation losing your cool was most likely dangerous. ''What do you want from us?'' she asked in cold yet calm manner.

''It's simple.'' He replied, a vicious smile forming on his face making the previous noble air around him disappear. ''I want revenge against the man who ruined my family.''

Sella swallowed hard, the fear from earlier returning. ''So it's about Kiritsugu-sama...'' My eyes widened in surprise from what I just heard. What does dad have to do with this guy?!

The man took a few steps forward, his eyes analyzing the room he was in. ''I must say I was surprised when I found out that the Magus Killer lived in such a place. I was expecting something more dark and somber.'' He admitted, shrugging his shoulders, but more importantly just who the hell is this Magus Killer?

Sella narrowed her eyes, not letting a single move from him escape from her sight. ''If you know what kind of man he is, you must also know that what you're doing now will only get yourself killed.''

''Perhaps...'' he admitted dryly. The next moment his face was painted with frustration and rage. ''But I can't just stand down after the humiliation he brought to the Neculai family.''

I can't take it anymore... the situation is getting way too weird and confusing for me to simply keep silent. ''Just what the hell is going on here Sella?!'' I shouted confused while starring at Andrei. ''What does this guy have to do with dad?''

''Idiot!'' Sella hissed in frustration, I knew that look she just threw me, it was the one she shows when I do something utterly stupid, did I just say something wrong?

I took a quick look at Andrei, he seemed a bit surprised, but then a wicked grin formed on his face. I felt a cold shiver ran down my spine as he looked at me. ''Hooo~ so you are the Magus Killer's son? Now isn't this a treat.''

Sella took a step forward and moved right in front of me, cutting me off from the so called 'magician'. ''Leave him out of this! He doesn't have any knowledge of our world!'' she demanded furiously but that last part stayed with me… knowledge of our world... just what are you talking about Sella?

''You don't say?'' He nodded with a smile. He put his hand in the inner pocket of his coat and took out a cylindrical vial about the size of a beer bottle, which seemed to contain a red liquid... wait... that shade of red... is that blood?

He took off the cap, a glowing circle with a large number of signs and markings soon appeared around it and the liquid inside started moving by itself around Andrei's hand. A predatory grin formed on his face. ''Sulita de sange.'' He declared in a foreign language as the liquid took the form of a European spear.

''What in the world?!'' I gasped in shock, am I dreaming or am I seeing things. ''The blood turned into a spear?!''

I was in both in shock and awe as I witnessed the whole scene, but Sella on the other hand seemed more on guard than shocked. ''Plasma manipulation?'' she asked the man.

Sella didn't get a chance to continue, as the spear Andrei was holding instantly expanded itself and stabbed her right in the abdomen. ''Agghhh!'' she whined in pain as the spear retracted from her body.

She grabbed the wound, trying to stop the bleeding, but was interrupted by Andrei who arrived in front of her, glaring down her with a cold stare. ''You honestly expect me to believe that the son of that bastard isn't aware of his surroundings?!''

''Sella!'' I shouted as my mind finally comprehended what just happened. I dashed forward and clenched my fist to knock him down. ''Leave her alone!''

''Wow.'' He replied casually as he dodged my fist. I couldn't believe how fast he was! ''Is this really all you can do?'' he asked with a bored expression as he kicked me in the ribs.

''Aghhh!'' I groaned in pain as I felt his knee digging into my abdomen, it felt like my ribs were cracking from the inhuman strength the man possessed. I had been in fights before but this pain... was he really human?

The sheer force of his blow sent me crashing towards the table, the wooden piece of furniture shattering on impact, I could feel splinters piercing my flesh. ''Shirou!'' Sella shouted desperately as she tried to help me, disregarding her own bleeding wound.

I lifted my head, my vision blurry from the blow I just took, and I looked at the man who kicked me. He seemed rather confused by what he was seeing, but it only lasted for a moment before his confusion was quickly replaced by disbelief and an amused smiled. ''Ha ha ha ha! I can't believe it. He really isn't aware off the existence of the supernatural at all is he?''

''Stop... If you truly have grudge against Kiritsugu-sama then take it out on me instead and leave the boy alone.'' She said to him coldly, I could see how much pain Sella was in, her wound was still open... yet she is still trying to protect me. This is wrong…

''A grudge?'' He narrowed his eyes at her words. A derisive look began forming on his face as he continued. ''A grudge isn't a strong enough word to describe the amount of resentment I feel for that despicable man.''

I managed to resist the pain I was feeling. ''Please stop... It must be a mistake... You must have gotten dad confused with someone else.'' I tried to reason with the man, there's no way this man is after Kiritsugu. He may have a rather stern and scary face sometimes, but he was a very kind and gentle man.

His eyes narrowed on me, his smile dropping and confusion could be seen in his eyes. ''... Are you really not aware what kind of monster your father truly is, lad?''

I looked at the man, confused even further by his words... the insides of my stomach felt as if they began tightening, a feeling of dread filling it. ''W-What are you talking about?''

His demeanor changed, his eyes were cold and serious, as he stared right into my eyes. ''Your father is the most brutal and heartless assassin the world has seen in the last couple of centuries. His name alone brings fear to most magic users, many of them choosing to run away when they hear the 'Magus Killer' is coming after them to no avail.'' He declared coldly.

I felt like something broke inside of my mind, my mouth began trembling uncontrollably. ''W-What?''

''You heard me right lad. Your father is a merciless killer who doesn't have any problem in slaughtering bystanders in order to eliminate his target.''

I felt like my blood turned to ice, my breathing going hectic, my hands and mouth trembling uncontrollably. I couldn't believe what I was hearing... no... It was more precise to say that I didn't want to believe it. ''N-No y-you're lying... dad wouldn't hurt anyone!''

Andrei nodded slightly to my words. ''Oh, you are right quite right, he wouldn't hurt someone. He would murder them and anyone who gets in his way in cold blood instead.''

I felt like my body was getting colder, this can't be real. I turned my head towards the only person who could reassure me... and preserve my sanity. ''S-Sella. H-He is lying right?'' I stuttered nervously as I looked at her desperately. ''D-Dad could never k-kill anyone, right?''

Sella averted her eyes from me.''S-Shirou... I... '' She said with a trembling voice.

No...

I just felt like my very last rope to reality was just cut off and my body fell down into a cold and dark place. ''N-No... it can't be...''

My eyes looked back at Andrei, he just sighed tiredly. ''I don't know if I should be amused or pity you lad.'' He straightened his body and prepared his blood spear. ''But no matter. You will die here and now after all.''

'W-What?'' that was all I managed to say. It wasn't enough that I just found out that my father, the man that I respect and admire more than anyone in the world, is some kind of serial killer. And now, I am also about to become a victim as well.

''Personally I have nothing against you.'' He nodded to himself tiredly. ''But I want that wretched man to feel the same pain I felt when he killed my brother.''

Sella's face seemed to have cringed. ''Y-You're the brother of Octavian Neculai, aren't you?'' She asked him in a strained voice, getting a reaction from the man in the form of a twitch. ''Kiritsugu-sama told me about him. He had a bounty placed on him for years and was one a step away from murdering 50 new born children for his experiments. You must realize that it was only a matter of time before he got killed.'' She told him calmly, probably hoping to reason with him. ''Please try to understand. He wouldn't have done it unless the situation demanded it, you're brother was bringing much shame with his illegal experiments. He could have caused an incident that would forever stain your family's name.''

He narrowed his eyes… they were cold and empty. ''Shut up. 'Sabia de sange'.'' He shouted irritated as the blood spear changed its form into a European long sword.

No...

Andrei raised the sword with both his hand and prepared to cut Sella in half.

No!

He swung the sword down.

NOOO!

Seconds before the sword reached her, I jumped out in front of her, shielding her with my body. The sword slashed me... it started from my collar bone and it ended at my hip, I could now feel a deep wound throb all over the front of my body. Fresh blood erupted from the wound, I stared blankly in shock as my mind began to move.

''Huh?'' I wondered as I tried to take in everything before me. I saw that he was about to cut Sella and my body, despite my mind being stunned as it was from the recent revelations, moved on it's on to protect her. I didn't even get to cry out in pain as I felt myself going numb as I fell to the floor.

Sella screamed as she tried to help me. ''N-No! Shirou!'' she didn't even notice that Andrei's sword changed yet again, this time into a giant claw.

''Arghhh!'' She gasped in pain as the claw pinned her to the nearby wall.

''How interesting.'' Andrei admitted to himself after taking a closer look at Sella. His eyes seemed to be locked on her snow white hair and her ruby red eyes. ''I did hear rumors that a homunculus of the highest quality was spotted together with that bastard, but I never imagined I would actually get to meet it myself.''

''L-Let go of me you brute!'' She demanded desperately, her body was struggling to break free from the hold.

''How could I do that without inspecting your design?'' He asked wickedly as five blood needles formed on the fingertips of his left hand. Without wasting a second to spare he stabbed the needles into Sella's abdomen.

''Arghhhh!'' She cried out in pain as she felt the man's blood based weapon perforate her flesh. I could see those needles pump something inside of Sella... but what was he injecting her with using that weird blood of his?

The man licked his lips in anticipation. ''It seems that my trip to this backwater country will also grant me some new research material.'' He noted to himself.

From the floor I was witnessing everything with my own two eyes. The feeling of despair and helplessness was eclipsing the pain I was feeling from my wound. I felt as if my body was under water and I was slowly drowning, falling further and further into a dark abyss.

My consciousness was slowly fading away as I struggled to stay awake, the only thing that was keeping me from passing out were the pain filled screams of Sella and my desire to do something.

No... Sella... I have to save her.

Move... move dammit...

I tried desperately to move my body... but it was useless. I couldn't even move my fingers, let alone my whole body. Why wouldn't my body move?

I couldn't even talk anymore, the only thing left in my mouth was blood... the taste of cooper filling it... I wanted so badly to throw up but I couldn't.

Damn...

My eyes saw Sella's tearful visage. I could feel her pain just by watching what she was going through, but it was still useless, my body refused to listen to me.

Get up... get up... I have to get up!

I have to find some strength left in my damn body.

I was praying for a miracle to happen. I didn't care if it came from God or the Devil, I just want to stop that man from hurting my family.

Damn it all...

My vision kept on getting darker… I couldn't even see her anymore, but I could still hear her pain filled cries. I was cursing myself for being so helpless and weak.

Time seemed to freeze.

...

I was surrounded by darkness.

...

An endless cycle started.

...

Sella would scream and I would feel a bladed weapon run through my body every time she cried. I could feel something burn inside of my pocket.

...

''Pathetic.'' The voice of a man told me, a voice filled with both pity and disappointment.

In this perpetual hell I was going through... I heard a voice.

''Yeah... I'm pathetic.'' I didn't care if I was going crazy or the blood loss was making me delirious... the man was right... I was pathetic.

''Weak.'' The man remarked again.

''Yeah... I'm weak.'' Never before in my life did I feel so much shame as I did now... I felt like a complete waste of life.

''Are you going to let her die?'' he asked me with a rather curious voice.

''No...'' I took a second and asked the voice. ''But what can I do?''

The voice was silent for a few moments, as if he was contemplating what to tell me. In the end the man sighed. ''Nothing... that's the cold truth.''

''No... '' I muttered.

I refuse to accept this.

I don't care if he was right.

I don't care if I was going to die.

But...

I refuse to let Sella die together with me.

''I refuse to give up...'' I muttered in pain, trying to struggle in my own mind, letting out a pained shout. ''I won't let him kill my family!''

The voice was silent as if he was judging me. ''...Do you want the power to protect her?''

''Yes.'' I responded without a moment to spare.

''Careful... this power comes at a price.'' He warned me.

''I don't care what price I have to pay!'' I shouted at him, if he could help me he should just do it and demand payment after he saved Sella!

''Are you sure?'' He asked me once again; only cold seriousness could be felt in his voice, something told me this was a life changing decision. ''If you take this power you can no longer go back to the peaceful and happy days you once knew. The life you had will be gone.'' He gave me one last warning, his voice containing a little hesitation in it.

''I don't care...'' I told him coldly, feeling as if the last bit of my consciousness was leaving my body. ''If I don't do something... I will still lose everything... so I beg you... give me power to save my family!''

The man sighed tiredly. ''Very well kid, just don't come crying to me that you regret this choice later.''

Just like that, as if a switch was turned on, I felt my body regain its strength. I snapped opened my eyes, my consciousness, and senses had returned. I got back up on my feet, my body now burning with a foreign power. I didn't know what was going on anymore, yet I knew what I needed to do, as if someone was guiding me.

I reached to the inside of my pocket and took out the card I received earlier. The card was glowing in a red light, all of a sudden the card flashed, it was no longer a blank card. On it the image of a person holding a bow pointed at the sky had taken form. A rage filled flame burnt inside me as I looked at the man that was torturing the person I considered my big sister.

Two words.

Just two words were going through my mind.

I don't know from where they came from or just what they truly meant.

But I knew they were they key that I needed.

''Install Archer!''

I shouted with all my might.

At my shout both Andrei and Sella looked at me. Neither of them seemed sure of what they were seeing before them. Not only did I manage to get back on my legs, but my body was covered in a powerful light that was changing my clothes.

When the light died down I felt completely different. I looked at myself and saw that my clothes had changed completely. Instead of my school uniform I was now sporting black skin-tight sleeveless body armor, and a pair of metal plated shoes which appear to be attached to my black trousers. But the most intriguing part was a type of red cape tied around my waist, the matching red sleeve jacket I wore on my left arm tied over my chest with a knot, and lastly a red bandana was tied around my head.

Letting aside the fact that my clothes probably look like it belonged to some kind of anime badass, my very body felt different, it was as if my body felt heavy yet light at the same time... it was a very complex sensation.

Sella's eyes were wide open in disbelief, trying to analyze what she was seeing before her. ''S-Shirou?'' she muttered in astonishment and confusion.

Andrei was just as taken aback as Sella was. No, he was far more stunned than her. ''Just what sort of magic is this?'' he demanded.

I narrowed my eyes at him, my eyes locked onto his own... he froze becoming completely rigid. It was like when a predator had selected its new prey, with the prey locked into place by its mere sight unable to move. The magus instincts were telling him to run away but he couldn't as his body refused to listen.

''One that does not concern you.'' I told him... weird... my voice was... distorted. Literally. My voice sounded like a mixture of my own and the man that spoke to me in my mind.

I extended my arms wide to my sides. Strange... it felt so natural... I had never done this before... and yet it feels like I've done this hundreds of times... I know what to do... I knew what to say.

Judging the concept of creation

Hypothesizing the basic structure

Duplicating the composition material

Imitating the skill of its making

Sympathizing with the experience of its growth

Reproducing the accumulated years

Excelling every manufacturing process

''Trace on.''

I muttered strongly, green neon markings appearing on my shoulders, extending all the way to my palms. Energy... that was the closest thing I could identify to the electric looking phenomenon that was dancing at the very tips of my fingers. In my left hand a white sphere formed, in my right however it was a black one. They began growing, changing, forming, and shaping themselves. When the process was completed two Chinese falchions manifested in my hands. The swords mirroring each other in size and design, a yin-yang mark embedded in the base of each blade. Only their color making them different from one another, one of purest white, while the other of the darkest night with a red line pattern on it. It was the first time I saw them with my own eyes... but I knew them and their names... the married swords, Kansho and Bakuya.

Interesting.

This whole process of creating... no that's not the right word, it's something else... yes... projection.

This projecting process... even though I saw it carefully with my own two eyes... it took at most just a single second.

I took a look back at the people present.

Andrei seemed perplexed, but managed to break out of his stupor. Quickly he composed himself while adopting a battle position, the blood weapon turning back into its liquid form and swirling around his hand. ''A sacred gear? Do you expect a pair of swords will be enough injure me?'' he asked arrogantly.

''No.'' I replied coldly with a confident smirk on my lips, I may not have any idea what this 'sacred gear' thing is, but I knew for sure that what I am using aren't your average swords. ''I expect to defeat you with them.'' I told him as I put my weight on my right foot, building up the force in my body, before dashing forward.

''Fast!'' his eyes snapped wide as he saw my incoming attack. Even though he was so confident moments ago, now he seemed to realize that he had no other choice than to defend or else be instantly cut down. ''Scut de sange.''He shouted as the blood swirled around his front, taking the shape of a shield.

My blades and his shield clashed together with the shield giving way. The swords didn't just overcome the defense of the shield; they sliced through it just like a pair of hot knives through butter. Andrei didn't even have time to react as the swords sliced apart his protection proceeding to cut into his palms, and severing some tendons along the way.

Fresh blood erupted from them, making the man cry out in surprise and pain. ''How could those mere blades cut through my shield?!'' he demanded from me.

I didn't bother to reply and just casually threw my swords at him, stabbing him in his ribs on both his left and right sides.

''Argghhh.'' The man cried out in agony as the twin swords buried their way into his abdomen. Pain and fear were clouding his judgment the look in his eyes showing the terror he felt, but he seemed to reach the conclusion that what he was facing wasn't something he could beat without going all out. That if he didn't do something right now, he knew without a shadow of a doubt everything would be over for him.

He frowned while clenching his teeth in pain, a cyan glow manifesting around him and began flowing into the blood. The blood on his body and wounds levitated and took the form of hundreds of knives. He extended his left hand and declared in pained and desperate voice. ''Ploaia de sange!''

At his command the knives shot forward towards me, as if they were fired from a machine gun. From a side view one would believe that I was in trouble due to the large number of the knives heading toward me. But they didn't saw what I could see with my newly enhanced vision.

Everything looked so... slow.

It wasn't that I knew the exact place the knives shall hit, but I could somehow calculate their aim, their speed, and the moment that they will land.

I projected a new pair of Kansho and Bakuya and began blocking every single one of the incoming bladed projectiles by dodging, deflecting, slicing, and weaving through them.

Not even a minute had passed before Andrei ran out of his bloody ammo. He paled as he realized that his attacks were completely useless... that he used too much of his own blood in the process, that all hope for him was gone as his end stared him in the face.

I saw the change in his attitude... I was never one to take pleasure in someone's suffering, but in this case I couldn't help but smirk at him. ''Is that all?'' I asked, but with my words something seemed to have snapped in the man.

Rage… Hatred… Resentment.

I could see the various emotions flicker in his eyes.

I guess it didn't feel too good for him to get humiliated by the son of the man he was trying to get vengeance on. ''Damn you!'' he shouted as he lashed out desperately trying to punch me.

A mistake.

It was his last one.

I simply took a step to the side and stabbed him in the legs with my swords...

I wasn't done...

I projected a new pair of blades and also stabbed him in the hands and then finally in the abdomen. By the time I was done Andrei looked like he fell into a pit filled with swords ''Arghhh!'' he cried in agony as he fell to the ground and passed out. As angry as I was at him I didn't stab any of his vitals or major arteries.

I wouldn't kill... that was something I wouldn't stoop so low to do.

I took a moment and looked at the man. Confirming that he was out for the count.

I changed my eyes to Sella. I walked slowly to her, a cold and serious expression was all over my face. ''S-Shirou?'' Sella muttered when our eyes met. I lifted my sword and aimed it towards Sella.

She closed her eyes in fear, probably expecting a horrible stabbing pain to hit her but of course it never came. She slowly opened her eyes and saw that I was just cutting off the solidified blood that was keeping her pinned to the wall. When I was done, she breathed out in relief, probably thanking God that I didn't turn into some kind of psychotic killer.

Our eyes met again... weird... I could see my reflection in her red orbs. The reflection was so clear, that I could see my own eyes. However those weren't my eyes... they hadn't changed in shape or color... but it was the look in them. They were the eyes of a strong warrior, one who had seen far too much suffering and death... yet at the same time... they were still my eyes.

I began scratching the back of my head while giving her an awkward smile. ''Sorry Sella, I made a mess out of the kitchen.'' I told her a bit bashfully. I mean now that I look carefully at this place it's a complete mess, I didn't even want to comment about the wall filled with bloody knives.

When she heard those words all traces of fear, wariness, dread, and concern on her face were gone. They were replaced by a much more familiar displeased stare. ''Are you an idiot?! Think of yourself first!''

I smiled tiredly at her. Offering her my hand to help her stand up. I still have a hard time putting the right order of things when I am directly involved... guess some things don't change no matter how life threatening things become. ''Yeah sorr-'' I stopped talking as I felt my body burn from the inside.

I fell to my knees and began grabbing my chest with my hands, a burning sensation was digging its way into my body. It wasn't painful... it was excruciating. ''Aghhhhhh!'' I screamed in pain as my fingers dug their way to the black body armor, throwing it aside, revealing that underneath it was a vast amount of blood.

''Shirou!'' Sella screamed, she grabbed my body and held it in her arms, gasping as she saw something that we both had forgotten about.

The wounds that I received earlier were still there. All this time I had fought Andrei with that huge wound in my chest. I could feel my whole body go numb... once again I was losing consciousness. My vision began to blur... but I could still see it. I saw Sella's tears... she was crying... because of me… again.

Her hands began glowing in a white light, it seemed to enter my wound, but I didn't really feel anything from it. ''Dammit! There was a curse infused in that man's magecraft I won't be able to heal it in time.'' She muttered in frustration, her hands were gripping hard on my body. They were trembling... I could feel her tears dripping down on my face.

No...

I didn't want this... I didn't want to make anyone cry... especially someone I considered family.

My head lost all its strength and fell numbly to the side... curiously; it landed on my backpack... I can barely make out what I'm seeing anymore.

I could tell that I was about to die...

...

Weird...

...

Now that I think about it...

...

If I die...

...

My family will be sad...

...

Kiritsugu... Iri... Illya... Maiya-obasan... Miyu... Liz... Sella...

...

My friends and classmates would probably be sad too...

...

Mitsuzuri... Shitori-senpai... Issei...

...

I never really cared about myself...

But if my death would bring tears to someone...

No...

This is wrong...

I can't let things end like this...

I must live...

I refuse to die...

I MUST LIVE!

...

My vision was really messed up... I could swear I saw a blinding light filling the room... Sella just went silent... did something happen?

''I responded to your call, would you tell-'' a new voice suddenly appeared... it's a girl. ''What happened to him!?'' she asked with a concerned and hectic tone.

''H-He tried to***'' huh?... weird... I couldn't hear the last part. ''W-Who and what are you?''

''My name is*** and I am a devil. I came in response to his summon.'' I didn't hear her name... guess the blood loss is affecting m-

Wait! Did she just say devil?!

''C-Can you save him?'' Sella asked fanatically.

''I'm sorry... believe *** but his wounds are too great.'' She admitted, her voice filled with shame and disappointment.

''N-No you must *** I can't let him die!'' Sella demanded... I could feel her tears still dripping on my skin. ''W-What is that?'' she asked, did the girl pull out something?

''This is a ****, it is the only way to save him.'' Wait so there is a way to save me?

''No!'' Sella stood firm. ''There must another way! There's no way he would accept something like this. I can't just let him become a ***''

''You are free to believe me or not, but it was his desire to live that summoned me in the first place.''

''I can't just make this choice for him!'' Sella cried... dammit... I can't stand this anymore... I know I'm dying... but I can't let this go on.

With the remaining strength I could muster from my body, I managed to open my mouth. This seemed to get the attention of both girls. I tried to speak... but I choked... my throat was filled with blood... my jaw felt like it had rusted away.

With the remaining bit of strength I had left in my body I managed to mutter. ''L-Live...'' My voice was heavy and broken... it hurt like hell to even utter a single word... but I have to make a choice... I must live.

''I-I... w-want... t-to... l-live!'' those were my final words before my vision went completely black.

''Very well...'' I could feel a hand touch my face... it wasn't Sella's, this hand was a bit smaller... it must be the devils... do all devils have such soft hands?

I sure am dying if I'm thinking about hands at a time like this... guess I really aren't right in the head after all.

I felt something press against my chest... ''I shall give you a second chance to live Emiya Shirou... but it will be as a devil.''

And with those last words... everything went black... I couldn't see... I couldn't hear... I couldn't smell... I couldn't taste... I couldn't feel... everything was pure darkness... there was just one answer I could think of.

I, Emiya Shirou... had died.

Omake: It's A Real Thing! Taiga Dojo Preview!

''Hahahaha! Finally Ray decided to get off his lazy ass and start writing a crossover again. Anyway hosting this segment will be non-other then I, the Sexy Tiger of Fuyuki, Fujimura Taiga.'' Taiga roared excitedly, dressed in her dojo hakama, with her trusty wooden sword in hand.

''I'm the assistant, Student no. 1.'' Illya presented herself cheerfully to the audience, dressed in a gym uniform.

''And I am the second assistant, Student no. 2.'' Miyu bowed down and greeted respectfully, dressed in the same manner as Illya.

Illya jumped backwards when she saw who was next to her, her face in full shock. ''Wait Miyu?! Since when were you part of this segment?!''

Miyu turned around and looked stoic at her friend. ''Apparently Ray-san thought that since he is using Fate/Kalied elements, he might give me more screen time. He did only mention us in this chapter after all, and we didn't make an official appearance.''

''Stop breaking the forth wall!'' Illya demanded.

She didn't get to protest any further as Taiga hit them both over the head with her shinai. ''Auchh! What was that for?'' Illya cried in pain.

''Child abuse.'' Miyu commented as she rubbed the newly acquired bump on the head.

Taiga puffed out her chest, her shinai planted in the floor, a mysterious wind was making her hair flutter dramatically... which was weird since this was inside the dojo. ''My dear little loli-duo, everything here is non-canon so we can discuss pretty much everything we want. If we want we could even discuss about the American presidential elections results.''

''I highly doubt Ray-san would allow us, he isn't very interested in politics.'' Miyu gave her own two cents.

''Moving on...'' Taiga rolled her eyes, not enjoying the fact that her student was right. '' I'm honestly surprised that he is completely rewriting the story and not the chapters he screwed up.''

''I heard that he realized that he was being rather cliché with the way he was writing his story and he wanted to make a version that used ideas that other authors didn't and try a different approach to the story.'' Miyu commented as she read through the author's old comments and drafts.

'' But how will he do that? I mean he did kind of killed Onii-chan in the ending... plus it's kinda obvious what will happen in the next chapter. I mean I'm sure that he will be revived by-'' Illya was cut off by the sound of her cell ringing, which surprisingly had the Carnival Phantasm opening theme song as the ringtone.

''Excuse me for a second.'' She took out her phone from... where did she take out from actually? Her clothes didn't have any pockets after all. ''This is Illya.'' She answered. After ten seconds of silence she closed her phone and put it back from wherever she first took it from.

''Who was it?'' Taiga asked, this the first time they had phone calls in this segment.

Illya turned her head to her teacher, her face lifeless and scared. ''It was Ray-san... he said that if I do unnecessary spoilers he will give Kuro my position of Student 01...''

''But Kuro doesn't even seem to be part of this story...'' Miyu commented confused.

''That's what scares me...'' Illya shivered.

Taiga gripped on the handle of her shinai, breaking it with her brute force. ''Damn you half-baked writer, threatening your staff like that! We shall protest!''

''Instructor we are out of time.'' Miyu commented as she was hugging Illya in an attempt to comfort her.

''Damn! I'll finish my rant next time!'' the tiger roared.

''Stay tuned for the next chapter 'The master!'!'' Illya and Miyu said in synch.

''Check it out!'' Taiga yelled.

A/N: Ok so this is it ladies and gentlemen, my new approach and vision of a Highschool DxD and Fate stay night crossover.

I thought about stuff over and over again. The reason why I failed so bad in Guardian of DxD, is because I had some ideas I wanted to implement no matter what, but they were a bit difficult to implement considering the way I wrote the story until that point... and when I tried to set the stage for them, I failed... like real bad.

This is when I understood the meaning and importance of creating a draft and order to a story...

Don't look at me like that... I'm still a newbie when I comes to writing.

Now i know this isn't exactly a remake of Guardian of DxD. Instead of focusing on rewriting the whole story and using the same ideas, with a few differences here and there, i decided to make a new story that will incorporate some of the ideas of Guardian of DxD

I'm sure that many of you are wondering if this isn't actually a DxD/ Fate Kaleid crossover. Well to answer that question, it's not a 100% one, it takes a lot of elements and factors from Kaleid, but at the same time it isn't.

About why I chose to write Shirou this way. The thing I have a rather hard time completely grasping is Shirou's character. While there are many aspects of his character that I got covered in the past, I also made a lot off 'out-of-characters' moments. So I thought than rather than choosing an already fully known version of Shirou, why not try to go in depth with his most obscure version.

Now you may think that Shirou from Fate Kaleid (Illya's brother) may be a bad idea, I admit that he had so little screen time, and in the screen time that he appeared he seemed like a happy go lucky, classic harem protagonist type of character.

But what if tried to go in deeper in his character, what if we go beyond that smile of his? What if deep down he is completely different from what he lets people get? What if deep down, he is actually much more complex than we think?

Now I just wonder who is the lucky devil who resurrected good old Shirou-chan?

Anyway, I tried to think of it from this perspective. Wouldn't it cooler if Shirou would actually work his ass of for his strength and not be op from the start? Wouldn't it be cool if he tasted defeat before he tasted victory?

Now to put the idea of this story in perspective. This isn't the story of a Shirou Emiya from the main routes or an EMIYA turned devil, but it's the story of normal Shirou turned into a devil that has the biggest potential to become an even greater EMIYA. Watch as a normal boy with a lot of inner turmoil becomes one of the biggest wild cards of the whole supernatural world.

Now on a side note i will try and write this story from Shirou's perspective.

Now on a more important note. Rejoice Highschool DxD anime fans, its official now. Our favorite Harem king and his girls are returning to the big screen, yes you heard me right Highschool dxd is getting a 4th season. Now i only know that the new season will be done, but i don't know details of the exact release date, or any of plot line the 4th story will follow.

Notes: Translations

Sulita de sange- Blood spear in Romanian

Scut de sange- Blood Shield in Romanian

Sabia de sange- Blood Sword in Romanian

Ploaia de sange- Blood rain in Romanian

So then until next!

Don't forget to review... no seriously review, i could use some constructive criticism.