Chapter 1: Prologue

Disclaimer: I don't own Fate/Stay Night

I walked through the corridors of my massive household without any particular destination in mind. Right now, I was just waiting for grandfather to call for me.

"Kousuke-sama."

I turned around to see Sayuri, one of the maids working in the household and the one in charge of me since I was little. She was only six years older than me, but her mother helped my mother watch over me when I was a child and Sayuri gradually took over as she grew up.

"What is it, Sayuri?"

"Yamakotsu-sama says that the preparations are complete and has requested for your presence."

"Alright, got it. Thanks Sayuri, you should go take a break."

Sayuri smiled and bowed.

"Thank you, Kousuke-sama."

After watching her leave, I turned in the opposite direction and started walking.

Before I go any further, perhaps I should introduce myself. I am Yagami Kousuke, future 13th head and the heir of the Yagami family. The Yagami family are an ancestral family of Japanese magi, and we have been in existence for at least 800 years, since the end of the Heian Period. Despite being such an ancestral magi family, the Magus Association takes little notice of us for two reasons. The first was because Western magi generally look down upon us Eastern magi. The second was because our family does not possess a Magic Crest. That's right, we don't have one. The main form of our family Thaumaturgy is a derivative of Houjutsu, which itself is the predominant form of Magecraft in Japan. It is ideologically incompatible with Western Magecraft, which gives us another reason to be looked down upon.

While in general, Magecraft is the artificial reenactment of a mystery or miracle, the Japan the 1st head lived in was in a state of war, and therefore used it as a weapon, and thus wouldn't be categorized as a Houjutsushi, who exorcise spirits through sutras, prayers and faith. In his life he created two sets of 99 spells, but while their theory and methods of usage differed greatly from Western schools Magecraft, the concept was still the same: unknowingly, the 1st head engraved his system of Thaumaturgical Theory into the world and used the rules of that system to operate his spells.

Eventually, he, his wife and his followers settled and built a compound, and that was where my family had been living up till modern times. Soon, he realized that the children he bore had magical potential just as he did, and decided to educate them in that field as well, completely oblivious to the Western tradition that a family of magi can only have one magical heir. But he soon found out, although they were able to learn his spells to some extent, they just could not reach the same level as him. And even when they used it, it was not as strong as he, for the more people draw from it at the same time, the more Magecraft's capacities become mundane. But as the generations progressed, the decrease in power of the spells grew smaller and smaller, until the time of the 7th head, where the decrease had grown insignificant and had remained constant.

Almost all our Thaumaturgy is recorded on scrolls and books as well as by blood, word of mouth and teachings from the elders. That is one of the reasons our family has grown so large, since our Thaumaturgy is easily passed down to the next generation of magi. In fact, I could scour the whole mansion and find a Yagami that has barely any relation to me. Another advantage of not having a Magic Crest is that each and every family member can do their own research to further their own special brand of Magecraft. However, unlike most magi, our family members are not that interested, seeing Magecraft more as a tool to be used, so we usually stick to two sets of 99 spells invented by the 1st head, since they are extremely useful and versatile. In that field, I guess if we are going by the Western method of categorizing magi, we would be 'Spellcasters'.

Another interesting trait of our family is that we have produced the largest number of Average Ones in a single magi family to date (probably). Any magus born in my family has a good chance of being an Average One, and even if they weren't, there was a high chance of them having an uncommon elemental alignment, usually affected by their Origin.

However, despite our stellar bloodlines, never once has a magus in our family been selected to participate in the Fuyuki Holy Grail War founded by the Einzbern, Makiri and Tohsaka families for the past 200 years. So, imagine the excitement in the family when one morning I woke up with three Command Spells in the shape of a mitsudomoe on the back of my right hand.

And thus, preparations for my participation in the Grail War began. For the past month, the whole family had been busy in a frenzied rush, making preparations. And the most ridiculous part was, I wasn't even allowed to help at all. From the drawing of the summoning circle to the preparation of the catalyst, I wasn't even allowed to do anything. So I just practiced my swordsmanship and Magecraft for the past month, making sure I was completely prepared and in top form.

As for the catalyst, I would be using a family treasure that has been kept for centuries. A large shard of stone from the Sesshoseki, which was rumoured to kill anyone who touches it (which made me wonder how my ancestors handled it in the first place). After it was destroyed, most of the fragments transformed into kitsune and inari, but not all of them. And with it, I was going to summon one of Japan's Three Great Monsters, who was also a facet of Amaterasu.

If the latter was true, then my Servant's power would definitely increase. Other than the fact that my Servant would be summoned and fighting on Japanese soil, my family are actually very distant descendants of Amaterasu. That was the claim anyway, and even if it was true it has become somewhat of a tale in modern times. And after our family's blood had mixed with 'another' blood somewhere about 500 years ago, that blood grew even fainter. I won't go into details about that 'another' blood though, I'll leave that for another time.

Finally, I slid open the door aside as I reached the large, darkened room.

"Kousuke…you have arrived?"

My grandfather, Yagami Yamakotsu, sat to the side of the wall with a few other prominent members of the family, including my parents, Yagami Takeshi and Mikoto, but excluding my sisters.

"Yes, ojii-sama, otou-sama."

"Good. Now get into position and I shall tell you when to begin."

I turned and walked to the large summoning circle in the middle of the room, drawn with the donated blood of the most important members of the family, including myself. As I waited for grandfather's instructions, I looked at myself. I was dressed in the traditional garb of the family's head. A black men's kimono and a scarlet haori which had my family crest, a black mitsudomoe on its back.

"Kousuke, you may begin."

I lifted my right hand in front of me as my Command Spells started glowing. Gradually, small gusts of wind started blowing in the enclosed room. Activating all of my high quality Magic Circuits, I began chanting the incantation used for summoning a Servant. Not in English or German, but in Japanese.

"so ni gin to tetsu. so ni ishi to keiyaku no taikou. so ni wa waga daishi Schweinorg.

oritatsu kaze ni wa kabe wo. shihou no mon wa toji, oukan yori ide, oukoku ni itaru sansaro wa junkan seyo.

tojiyo (midase). tojiyo (midase). tojiyo (midase). tojiyo (midase). tojiyo (midase)

kurikaesu tsudo ni godo.

tada, mitasareru toki wo hakyaku suru.

-tsugeru.

nanji no mi wa waga moto ni, waga unmei wa nanji no ken ni.

seihai no yorube ni shitagai, kono i, kono kotowari ni shitagau naraba kotae yo.

chikai wa koko ni. ware wa tokoyo subete no zen to naru mono, ware wa tokoyo subete no aku wo shiku mono.

nanji sandai no kotodama wo matou shichiten, yukushi no wa yori kitate, tenbin no mamorite yo!"

The circle glowed a bright red as I poured more and more of my prana into in as I turned the imaginary faucet inside me to the limit. I had to do this summoning perfectly, for I wouldn't just be fighting for myself, for the pride of the whole family!

"—"

I muttered something under my breath to prevent the others from hearing it. As my prana output experienced a sudden, massive spike, a bright flash appeared in the summoning circle at that very moment.

"!"

Slowly, my eyes recovered from the blinding light. The first thing I saw was several orbs of light hovering around my Servant. She had pink hair done in short twintails, a pair of fox ears and a fluffy fox tail. She was wearing a blue, traditional ero-kimono, geta and a mirror on a necklace around her neck. And she was absolutely, breathtakingly beautiful.

As the orbs of light faded away, I walked towards my Servant and as she opened her eyes, I was instantly captivated by them.

"I, Servant Caster, have answered your call. I ask of thee…art thou my Master?"

Slowly, I lowered myself to one knee to kneel on it before my Servant, much like a knight would. All the others were also bowing from their seats, but in the Japanese style.

"Yes. I, Yagami Kousuke, future 13th head and next heir of the Yagami family have summoned you, Servant Caster, Tamamo-no-Mae as my Servant.

XXX

That night, I sat in my room, thinking of what to pack. I would be leaving the day after tomorrow, because apparently my family were going to throw me a celebratory party tomorrow night and give me support, something like that. Right after I summoned Caster, I sank to the floor in exhaustion from exertion and spending too much prana, and I had to be helped back to my room to recover. During that period, grandfather and the others in the room requested an audience from Caster. It has been an hour since then. Suddenly, I heard three knocks as someone knocked on the wooden frame of my sliding door.

"Enter.'

The door slid open as Tamamo bounded into my room and bounced onto my bed. I sat in a more formal way and faced her.

"I'm done, goshuujin-sama! Those old geezers just wouldn't stop talking, but it was some important stuff, so I guess it can't be helped! Nice room you have!"

Well, it was. Despite the fact that the mansion was as traditional as it could get, almost every single room belonging to the current generation was significantly modern. My room for example, had a double bed, a desk with laptop and schoolbooks, a small flat-screen TV under the desk which I use for games, a DVD player to go with the TV, an air-conditioner, some posters on the walls, and two bookshelves full of books, manga, DVDs and a few figurines. Just the regular room of your regular 18 year old boy. Nothing to indicate magic at all.

"Thank you, Tamamo-sama."

Caster stared at me.

"You're calling me that too? Is everyone in this mansion this formal? What year is it?"

"Well, I expect ojii-sama told you about our family and our roots?"

"Yeah, and?"

"Then you know that we are incredibly distant, but still descendants of Amaterasu. Since you're a facet of Amaterasu, you're our ancestor and my whole family reveres you with utmost respect."

As I said that, Tamamo grew a bit sad.

"But I don't want to be revered, I just want to be treated normally…"

"Pardon?"

"Ah! Don't worry, goshuujin-sama! Forget what I just said, ahaha!"

"Tamamo-sama, just call me Kousuke. No matter how it may seem, I am not worthy of being your Master."

Honestly, although I did respect her, I was actually a bit afraid of her, because, well…I'm not a very social person. Excluding my family, I tend to stay away from other people, and don't have many friends either. Also, since I attend and all boys school, I've grown really, really nervous around girls and women. I usually don't even dare to look at them. So, it was easier for me to treat Tamamo like a revered ancestor instead of a normal female or even a Servant.

"Mou, what are you saying! Fine, but if you want me to call you that you have to call me Caster or Tamamo! Without the -sama!"

"Alright, I understand, Tamamo."

"Good, now sit on the bed."

I sat on the bed, facing Tamamo. She cleared her throat.

"Right now, I want to work out the ground rules for the war, and you are to obey them completely, understood?"

"Yes."

"Good! I have two orders. First, you shall start treating me like an ordinary person!"

…what?

"Tama-"

"Second! Stop treating me formally! Honestly, I can't stand all these formalities! So you shall just act like I'm just like your family, or your wife, got it!"

I sighed. There wasn't really any other way to handle her I guess.

"Ok, fine. I'm looking forward to working with you, Tamamo."

I stretched my hand out for a handshake, but instead she threw herself at me and wrapped me in a tight hug.

"Yaay! I promise I'll be a good wife to you, Kou~su~ke!"

"Wha-"

Suddenly someone knocked on the door and Sayuri poked her head in.

"Kousuke-sama, dinner is ready."

Then she caught sight of Tamamo on top of me on the bed. There was a moment's silence, and slowly, the door closed.

"I'm very sorry to have interrupted…"

"Wait! No! This isn't what it looks like! Sayuriiiiiii!"

XXX

The next day passed with me getting more acquainted with Tamamo. Other than talking about each other, we also began making plans for the war. Strategy is one of the most important facets of war, one which I admittedly had not really studied. Most of the strategies I know of are from Dynasty Warriors, Samurai Warriors and Warriors Orochi, but these were for full-scale warfare, not one-on-one battles. Soon, night rolled around, and I donned my traditional clothes once more. Then, I led Tamamo to the main hall.

"Where are going now, Kousuke?"

"We're having my leaving ceremony."

"Let me guess, more formal stuff?"

I smiled.

"Haha, nope."

I slid open the doors and was instantly greeted with loud bursts of noise, laughter and singing. Most of the family were already present. Everyone was partying and generally having a good time. Maids and shikigami were rushing around bringing adults beer and sake and as for the kids, juice and soda. Food was also being devoured at a frantic rate. Heck, the party even spilled out into the main compound. My family could be really formal at times, but damn, they sure knew how to party.

"Oi, Kousuke's here!"

"You're late!"

"Tamamo-chan too!"

"We are so going to win the war!"

"Nii-san, over here!"

Recognizing that one voice over all the others, Tamamo and I made our way to the head of the room where my sisters were.

"It's great that you got chosen, Kousuke!"

"Thanks, aneue."

That was Yagami Ayumi, my sister who was 3 years older than me and eldest in the family. She was the only member of my siblings who did not have sufficient Magic Circuits to become a magus. However, instead of forcing herself to learn Magecraft, she willingly withdrew from the world of magi and leads a normal life. Unlike other magi families, we don't look down upon or mistreat family members who have no magic potential. We treat them like normal family members and love them just as much.

"Great job, onii-san! Make sure you kick everyone's butts in the war!"

And that was my younger twin sister, Yagami Kousuki. With a 'Storm' element (we classify elements differently in our family), she was an exceptional magus in her own right, although her skills with the sword are not as good as mine though. Just then, I felt a tug at my sleeve.

"Onii-chan."

Ah, that was Yagami Kanade, my younger sister by one year. She was an oddity in my family, because she had albinism. Instead of black hair and eyes most of us had, she has long white hair and amber eyes. Her Magic Circuits, although not as good as mine or Kousuki's, were still of good quality. But, her body was weaker than normal, which resulted in our family physician deciding that Kanade should not engage in swordplay, but just a little normal sword practice to keep her healthy.

"Good luck."

I smiled. Kanade was always quiet and shy. When we were little, she would just follow me wherever I went. She still does it now, sometimes.

"Ok, I guess almost everyone's here."

I stood up and raised my sakazuki. Instantly, the whole room fell quiet as everyone focused on me.

"Everyone, I only have one thing to say. We are going to win this war!"

The moment those words left my lips, the whole room erupted in raucous cheering, three times louder than before. Brimming with confidence and excitement, my leaving ceremony began.

XXX

-Caster-

-The next day-

Today was the day we would leave for Fuyuki. Yesterday night was fun. Everyone ate, drank, sang bad karaoke and enjoyed themselves. And after that I crawled into Kousuke's bed and tried to get into his pants, but he woke up and shoved me off while yelling. It was so much fun, it was just like I was alive again.

"Goshuujin-sama, where are you? Mou…"

I was wandering through the whole compound, looking for my Master who disappeared a few minutes ago. As I wandered, I let my memories drift to my past. And as I did, a small smile came to my lips.

"You did well…Masahiro…I'm so proud of you…ah, there he is! Kousu…ke?"

I saw the back of my Master, and he was standing in a …graveyard? Silently, I made my way to Kousuke's side and faced the grave he stood in front of.

"Yagami…Kenji."

"He was my older brother by five years," started Kousuke. "He was an incredible magus and swordsman. I respected and looked up to him. He was the best older brother ever. Kind and caring, but strict when it comes to training. In fact, if he did not help me in my swordsmanship and thaumaturgy training when I was little, I doubt my skills would be as good as they are now."

"I see…"

"Kenji nii-sama would have been the family head instead of me, but then…the incident happened."

"…what happened?"

"I was 8 and he was 13. There was a report that a vampire, a Dead Apostle had taken refuge in a nearby apartment building. Onii-sama insisted on investigating, but everyone refused. In the end, he sneaked out at night to go there, and I followed him. He found me out real quick though, but in the end he let me follow. When we arrived we ran into the vampire's minions, Ghouls. Kenji killed all of them with my help. When we reached the top, Kenji suddenly bound me with a Bakudo spell and I watched from the corner as he fought the Dead Apostle. In the end, Kenji nii-sama won by a hair's breadth, and he was completely exhausted. As his spell wore off, I was about to run to his side when suddenly, 'it' appeared."

"What?"

"An Apostle Ancestor. At least, that's what he claimed to be."

"What?! No!?"

"In that instant, Kenji nii-sama stood up again. He told me to run home as fast as I could to inform the adults. Then, I had to run to the nearby Christian church and tell them about the incident, which I found strange at that time, but it sort of made sense. They have exorcists and holy water, I thought. But when I was halfway home, the whole top half of the apartment exploded."

Kousuke stopped for a while. Then, he continued.

"When we went back there, we found Kenji nii-sama's body amidst the rubble, and miraculously with no bite marks. So, we brought him back and gave him a proper burial.

He fell silent.

"So…is your wish for the Grail to bring him back?"

"No…I have long accepted the fact that Kenji nii-sama is dead. There is no point in doing so. Since childhood, I have also believed that it is taboo to bring the dead back to life. However, I swore over onii-sama's grave that with my own two hands, I will find that Ancestor and kill it until it is nothing but ash."

I looked at my Master in awe. Right now, the Kousuke I was seeing was completely different from the one I knew. This was a man full of determination, someone who would do anything to reach his goal.

"Tamamo…let's win this war."

"Yes, I'll do my best! I promise I'll be a good wife to you!"

"A good wife huh…I guess that isn't too bad."

Suddenly, I blinked as a hand came down and rubbed my head. I looked at my Master to see him smiling at me.

"Let's go, Caster. We have a war to fight!"

"Yes, Master!"

Aaaaaaaaaaaand so it's done! A fluffy fanfic of epic proportions! Tamamo really needs more love in my opinion! In the form of fanfics and doujins, of course! I'll try to squeeze out more, but I really have a lot more to work on, counting this I have five active fics and two potential fics in the making! Well, that's all for now, capitalism, ho!

Edit: Yeah, now that I've studied more on the Nasuverse, I decided to edit the descriptive parts of this chapter, mainly where the family Thaumaturgy is explained. Am working on the latest chapter now, don't worry, I'm still alive. Wouldn't want one of the few Tamamo-centric fics on this site to die out www