Fire...
How many times has he had to witness this sorrowful sight? The blazing house slowly collapsed, burying his past beneath its ruins. A foul smell of smoke hung in the air, and Shirou couldn't help but think for the umpteenth time that he was starting to get accustomed to this stench.
This sight evoked memories, none of which were joyful. At times, he had to remind himself not to let them drag him back into the past. He wished to turn away, but for some reason, he couldn't bring himself to do so.
Someone once said: "Overcoming your past fears is what makes you grow up"... Well, perhaps today he would become just a little more mature.
The Ferro refuge, a place that had become his home for five years after fleeing Japan, was now turning into a heap of ash and dust. Much like his family home, which had disappeared in the hellish flames of the fire in Fuyuki.
Shirou couldn't help but feel the irony...
In his hands, he held a silver urn containing his father's ashes. Kiritsugu had wanted to be cremated, and his ashes scattered on Alimango Island, where his bloody journey had begun. He would hardly have asked for anything more, but Emiya could not deny him such a request.
He didn't want to stay here simply because he wasn't sure if Catalan had told the Einzberns about this place. Yet somewhere deep inside, Shirou understood that the reason was more... sentimental.
Looking at the charred remnants glowing faintly in the dark, he felt the weight of the moment. In an instant, he had lost a sister he had just found, a mentor who had betrayed him, and a father who, after long years of torment, had departed for a better world.
And a new, hitherto unfamiliar feeling filled his mind. A disgusting and heavy feeling... loneliness.
For the first time in his conscious life, he was all alone, without anyone to watch his back or simply fill the void in his soul...
Emiya shook his head, pushing the melancholy away. Now was not the time to dwell on sorrow. He simply had no right to squander it on self-pity. He had a goal... a goal that could not tolerate such sentiments.
— Anyway... let's take it step by step, – he murmured thoughtfully, touching the envelope hidden beneath his clothes...
***
A day later.
Cairo, Egypt.
Walking through the streets of Cairo, Shirou couldn't shake off the feeling of déjà vu. Five years ago, he had walked these streets in the same way with Kiritsugu, after which his fate had taken another sharp turn. Something similar could happen now...
Though he had only been here once, it was not difficult to locate the necessary building. The familiar Arab-style hotel greeted him just as it had done a few years prior.
— Welcome to our hotel, Mr. Emiya, – greeted him a vaguely familiar Arab.
— Do we know each other? – Shirou asked suspiciously.
— Indirectly. We've only met once, but… – he took a meaningful pause. – I remember perfectly well who you left with that day. Allow me to introduce myself again – Baraga, the manager of this modest establishment.
— Is that so, – Shirou replied indifferently. – I suppose you have something for me? – he asked, extending a sealed envelope to the Arab.
Without wasting a moment, he opened it and, with the most serious demeanor, scanned the paper inside.
— Hmm... well, this is correct, – he nodded to himself, then turned and gestured for Shiro to follow him. – Please accept my sincere condolences, Mr. Emiya.
— Uh-huh, – the young man replied in a grateful tone, not entirely believing in the Arab's sincerity.
They walked in silence through the spacious corridors of the hotel until they reached the elevator. Once inside, and after selecting the required floor, Baraga broke the silence.
— But in addition to this, I also wanted to... congratulate you.
— Congratulate me on what?
— There are interesting rumors about what happened during the gala at Neuschwanstein Castle...
— Really? And what are the rumors? – Shirou asked cautiously.
— Can you imagine? The head of one of the mage families has been killed, one of the halls has been blown to bits, and in its center, they found the dead body of the 'Catalan,' surrounded by a number of dead homunculi, – the Arab recounted, casting a sideways glance at the young man.
— What a pity. But that's quite a common situation for people in our profession, – he tried to respond as dispassionately as possible, even though it was difficult.
— Yes. Sadly, people of our circle rarely die of natural causes, – Baraga agreed with a hint of irony in his voice. – But more intriguing things are being said about this case...
— I'm not inclined to trust rumors. It's unlikely you can interest me with such tales, – Emiya replied sharply, hinting at his companion to drop the topic.
— They say... – the Arab either did not notice or simply ignored his hint – that it was done by a person who calls themselves... The Second Magus Killer.
Shirou barely managed to stifle his surprise. His hands betrayed him, trembling slightly, and he could only hope that his conversation partner hadn't noticed. The last thing he needed was to be associated with this matter.
— Quite strange, wouldn't you agree? – Baraga asked with a smile. – A few days ago, Sif Ferro was killed, and now the son of Emiya Kiritsugu comes to me with news of his father's demise. And both are linked to the newly emerged newcomer... Quite amusing...
Shirou struggled to suppress the urge to draw his gun and unload the entire magazine into him.
— Nevertheless... who cares about rumors and conjectures, right? – the Arab smirked. – Well, here we are... just a moment, please...
They stopped in front of a reinforced door with a code lock. Shielding the panel with his body, the owner quickly entered the code, and the door hissed open.
— As you might have guessed, besides the services that the hotel provides directly, we also offer assistance in other matters, – Baraga explained, leading Shirou past the lockers. – Including such... Ah, here it is!
Approaching the correct locker, he retrieved a complex jagged key, then opened it, pulling out several folders and a couple of envelopes.
— Here you go. Your father entrusted these items to us six months ago and covered all costs upfront, – he said, handing all the above to Shiro. – Would you like to book a room and peruse them?
— Yes, that would be nice, – Emiya replied, not even giving the Arab a glance.
— Splendid, – Baraga smiled widely. – I hope you find our conditions comfortable...
***
A few hours later, after taking a shower and relaxing for the first time in the past couple of days, Shirou sat on the couch, surrounded by a pile of papers.
One of the envelopes was addressed to him personally, while the second was meant for Illya, for the moment when Shiro could rescue her from the hands of the Einzberns.
— Don't worry, it will reach its destination... – he muttered softly, putting it away in his bag.
Kiritsugu's letter to Shirou felt more like a will... though, in essence, that's precisely what it was. The contents strongly resembled their past conversations: a confession from Kiritsugu reflecting on the past, his ideals, family, the war for the Grail, and other matters they had already discussed. It seemed he had sensed his end was near and had decided to put everything to paper, not knowing if he would have the chance to share it in person.
Reading it, Emiya couldn't help but wonder how Kiritsugu envisioned the end of his journey? A death in battle? A murder at the hands of his peers? A quiet passing surrounded by family and loved ones? Or… something else entirely?
— I wonder... were you happy, dying so peacefully? – he murmured to himself.
Following his father's farewell words, there was a series of footnotes and annotations relating to the contents of the folders lying nearby.
The first one contained all his active contacts, a list of safehouses that might still be useful, information about the bank accounts where all of Emiya money was stored, and brief explanations of everything mentioned.
In addition, the documents held something else that piqued Shiro's interest significantly. It contained details about his potential that Kiritsugu had hidden from him for some reason. The text explained what had helped save Shirou during that fire – Avalon, the legendary scabbard of King Arthur, which had the power to heal its owner from wounds and injury. Kiritsugu possessed it because he had participated in the war for the Grail. He had left more detailed descriptions in a separate folder.
The second revelation left Emiya in mild shock – the Reality Marble, an esoteric magic that grants its owner the ability to create their own world. This was something that could not be learned, no matter how brilliant one might be, making its possessor an incredibly desirable target for any mage.
— No wonder he kept silent about this, – Shirou sighed heavily.
He knew little about it, largely because the phenomenon was so poorly studied that it was almost considered a myth. Therefore, his father could not leave him any hints but once again warned him about the dangers of this knowledge.
The second folder turned out to be far more interesting than the first. In it, Kiritsugu fully described the events of the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki.
The history, principles, and rules of this ancient tournament, the dossier on the masters who participated in it, and the description of the Heroic Sprirts and their Noble Phantasms…
Reading all this, the young man could hardly believe what he had read. A mage who summoned a gigantic sea monster? A great king from the past who literally "fired" a legendary weapons? A mad warrior who hijacked and piloted a fighter jet?! This seemed more like the plot of some sci-fi action movie than reality…
The third folder was the thinnest, but that did not diminish its significance in the least. In it, his father detailed everything he had about the castle of Einzbern in Bavaria, its defense, both magical and physical, embodied in homunculi and natural barriers. The documents also included a remarkably precise layout of the castle, as much as Kiritsugu's knowledge allowed. Even after five years, his father remembered countless details about such a considerable structure. It was impressive…
Lost in reading and contemplation, Shirou didn't notice that night had already fallen outside. His eyes ached from the amount of text, and his stomach reminded him that he hadn't eaten anything for a day. Studying the documents was important, but the young man didn't want to faint from hunger. He had plenty of time to read all this since he was still recovering from the battle with Ferro, and jumping into a fight in such a state would be akin to suicide.
Rising from the sofa, he stretched his muscles a little, got dressed, and decided to get some fresh air, especially since winter had made it pleasantly cool outside, just under twenty degrees. Stepping onto the roof, he took in the fresh air, which filled his lungs refreshingly after a hot day spent in his room.
— What a wonderful night, isn't it? – he heard a painfully familiar voice.
Shirou flinched, he couldn't mistake this voice for any other. Slowly turning around, he finally saw its owner.
It was an elderly man around sixty years old, but despite his age, he had a robust build. His skin was pale, and his hair and beard were gray. His crimson eyes glowed faintly in the night darkness. He was dressed in a classic suit, holding a cane topped with a large gemstone, which he leaned on. A smile appeared on his face, which made Shirō shudder.
— So it was you... back then, in the castle, – the young man said slowly, not taking his eyes off him. – What a cruel irony: I spent my life hunting vampires, and in the end, one of them saved me…
— Ah, life is beautiful precisely because it is so fleeting and unpredictable, – the old man laughed. – But no need for such hostility. I'm not like my kin.
— Why should I trust you? – Shirou inquired coldly.
— Perhaps because otherwise you would already be dead? – he replied with a question.
- Why do I have the feeling that this bloodsucker isn't joking? - the young man thought to himself.
— Perhaps I should introduce myself to dispel your doubts? Given that I know about you, it would be fair… My name is Kishur Zelretch Schweinorg, also known as the Kaleidoscope. Pleased to make your acquaintance…
Shirou barely restrained a whistle of surprise. Of course, he recognized that name, just like anyone connected to the world of magic. The old man before him was one of the most influential figures in that world. He was also one of the few vampires who openly collaborated with humans, and the cherry on top was that he possessed the Second Magic.
— And what business could bring the Marshal of the Clock Tower to me? – Emiya asked cautiously. – Why did you save me back then?
— As I said, I've been watching you for some time, and it seemed immensely wasteful to let someone with your talent go to waste…
— I see. I hope you're not expecting gratitude? Because you won't get any. You saved me out of selfish interest, not out of kindness. And I suppose we're about to move on to the part where I owe you for this, right?
— Ho, and where do you get all that cynicism from? – Zelretch smirked, but catching Shirou's skeptical gaze, he sighed and continued in a more serious tone. – Fine, since we can't have a cordial conversation, I'll get to the point…
— Finally a sensible thought this evening, – Shirou said with a mock snort. – So what's the point?
— I propose you become my apprentice, – the Kaleidoscope declared straight out.
A silence hung between them for a moment. They just stood there, silently staring at each other, waiting for who would break it first.
— Excuse me? — the young man tilted his head in confusion, thinking he had misheard the vampire, but he merely shook his head.
— You heard correctly, and it's not my style to repeat myself.
— I… probably misunderstood something… – such a proposal left Shirō bewildered. – You, the Second Magician want me, a hired killer, to become your apprentice?
— Yes, – Zelretch replied dryly.
— That's… – Shirou would have laughed if it weren't so absurd. – That's so ridiculous that I don't even know where to start… What made you think I would agree to this?
— Allow me to respond with a question, – the mage said, and without waiting for an answer, continued. – What are you planning to do next? Recover your strength and rush to Germany to save little Illyasviel?
— How do you… – Shirou's expression hardened instantly, but Zelretch didn't let him finish.
— A noble and brave mission. I would love to see how that plays out, but tell me, do you really believe you can do it?
— That's none of your business…
— Yes, you're right. Your family matters don't concern me. But, unfortunately, they touch upon my current interests, and I can no longer remain a passive observer, – he explained, stroking the stone atop his cane. – I'll ask you one more time. Are you sure you can handle this?
— Yes, – Emiya replied without hesitation.
— Oh really? And where does that confidence come from? – Zelretch said with irony. – You barely survived in that castle, and if I hadn't appeared, those homunculi would have turned you into mince meat.
— I didn't ask for your help.
— True, but next time there won't be anyone to ask for help from, – the marshal mage said mockingly. – Maybe not now, but soon Aht will realize that you're not dead, and therefore he will be waiting for you. Only this time not with just a single mercenary and a couple of dolls, but with a whole army behind powerful sealed barriers, or perhaps something worse. For him, your sister is too valuable an asset for him to simply give her up like that. Even your father's chances in his prime I'd rate fifty-fifty, and that's the most optimistic forecast. So I'll ask you one last time, Shirou Emiya… are you truly confident you can handle this?
This time, he didn't rush to respond. The words of the old vampire... Shiro didn't want to admit it, but they had shaken his confidence.
You too promise to save me, but… alas, I no longer believe in such promises... no one can save me anymore...
Emiya shook his head, trying to drive the memories away. But no matter how hard he tried, a part of his mind stubbornly insisted that Zeltretch was right.
Yes, he had survived in the castle because he acted against their expectations, and this time, Shirou would be ready for battle, but who said everything would go according to plan? Aht would soon find out that the son of the Magus Killer had survived and would prepare for an attack. Just reaching the castle wouldn't be easy, let alone what awaited him inside. And even if he succeeded... what then? Would he be able to leave with his sister, who would need protection? Where would they go afterward?... These questions surfaced one after another in his subconscious, forcing Emiya to acknowledge the vampire's truth.
- Your silence is more eloquent than any words, - Zeltretch's voice snapped him out of his heavy thoughts. - You don't need to reply; I know there are things you will never admit aloud, but eyes always say far more than what a person is accustomed to saying.
- Why do you need this? - Shirou asked dully.
- As I said, you have talent, and I'm someone who can't just walk past such things—it's in my nature. Some collect coins, some weapons, some the severed hands of their victims, while I seek out people with unique talents and give them a chance to develop them... After all, watching such individuals grow and how they channel their powers... truly piques my genuine interest.
- And that's it? - After the seriousness of the conversation, Zeltretch's true motives seemed laughable. - You help others... just because it keeps you from getting bored?! Are you serious?
- Yes, - the sorcerer shrugged carelessly. - If in the end everyone gets what they want, does it really matter?
- True enough, as unpleasant as it is to admit, - Shirou sighed, trying to come to terms with this idea. - Fine... let's say I'm on board with this. What happens next?
- Your eyes, - the vampire replied unexpectedly.
- My... eyes?
- Yes, you've already tried to learn about their nature, haven't you?
- Nothing came of it.
- Not surprising. Mystic eyes are often unique, and finding matching pairs is nearly impossible. Yours happen to belong to that category, though they stand out even among them.
- Do you know something? - Shirou asked, no longer hiding his curiosity.
- Not as much as I'd like, but certainly more than you'll learn from anyone else, - Zeltretch replied evasively. - You do know about the essence of Second Magic?
- Something about parallel worlds…
- A crude, but generally correct statement, - the Kaleidoscope nodded. - In all the time I have observed and visited other worlds, I have seen such eyes only in three individuals, although... whether we can call them individuals is another question.
- I'm not sure I understood the last phrase...
- All in good time, - Zeltretch said with a smirk. - But your eyes are just the beginning, aren't they? Your magic also needs refinement, considering your... quite unusual heritage.
- I don't even want to ask how you know all this, - Shirou said warily, casting a sidelong glance at the mage.
- I could explain, but you probably wouldn't have the patience to hear me out, - he replied with a shrug. - So I'll put it simply: Second Magic. And that says it all.
- This is just nonsense... - Shirou sighed again, rolling his eyes.
- Believe me, on your path, you will encounter many people and things that will challenge your understanding of the world, - Zeltretch said with a ghastly smile. - But enough of the lyricism... I take it my offer doesn't seem so pointless to you now, does it? So I'll repeat it once more.
- And I thought you weren't one to repeat yourself, - Emiya smirked.
- Such is life, - the vampire shrugged. - You do what you find unpleasant, deal with those who are unpleasant to you...
- You didn't answer my question, - Shirou interrupted him. - Yes, you may know something about me, but you haven't come close to explaining what this 'apprenticeship' will entail. I'm an assassin, not a wizard who sits for hours in his workshop thinking about how to attain immortality or seduce the niece of a lord.
- Were you such a naive soul, I wouldn't even trust you to brew me tea, - Zeltretch replied with a smirk. - I'm not going to make a wizard out of you or lead you by the hand. I'll simply provide you with what you need and help you find the right path, but where it ultimately takes you will depend solely on you. The only thing I can promise you is that it won't be easy. What's more, my teaching methods are something nobody has yet managed to handle.
- You're not doing yourself any favors with that recommendation, you know...
- I see no reason to sugarcoat things. I believe a common person has no place among my students, - he said, spreading his arms. - I merely help them find the right path, and all the consequences of their decisions lie with them. The same goes for you, so that there are no mutual reproaches between us later.
- I take it you're expecting an answer right here and now? - Shirou asked after a brief pause.
- By no means, - the vampire shook his head negatively. - On the contrary, your doubts are commendable, for this is not something to be taken lightly. Think it over, weigh everything, and then I will come to find you, and you will give me your answer.
- And what if I refuse?
- Then this will be our last meeting, - he replied.
- I see... - Shirou said thoughtfully. - Before you leave, could you answer one question?
- Of course.
- Those rumors... about the Second Magus Killer... it was you who started them, wasn't it?
- Maybe yes, maybe no. Given my lifestyle, it's hard to remember such trifles, - the vampire deftly avoided the answer, but his smirk told the young man much more. - And with that, I leave you. I've given you a choice and an opportunity, Emiya Shirou, and the rest is in your hands...