Some wishes are really more important than the others? And who has right to decide about it?

Grail Wars suppose to find it out, in a cruel but fair manner. Is that so? If someone who deserved the strongest Servant got an odd Counter Guardian by mistake? If someone with a beautiful wish was just destroyed because a maniac or serial killer used a very dirty trick on him? Is this really fair?

If there are no such things like mistakes and everything has a purpose? Fate brings you a dysfunctional Servant? Fate brings you despair and defeat? You are a loser from the very beginning? Is there anything you can change?

Yes, there is a thing. One single thing you can change by yourself. Archer was sure of that.

Preface: This (strange) story was inspired mostly by some amazing artworks and by beautiful lyrics of Fate series songs. All characters and features belong to their rightful owners.

The main character is Fate/Stay Night Archer – let's just say this version of him knows something about Unlimited Blade Works route.

Story begins with the Fourth Grail War - if You are interested in the Fifth Grail War, you may proceed to Chapter 15, however story will differ much from some point and reading all of it is highly recomended.

I'll appreciate your comments.

Thank you in advance for reading!

The Only Thing You Can Change

Part I: The Fourth Grail War

Chapter 1: To the Beginning

What an irony… to put me into this story, back to my own "point zero". What is the true meaning of it?

It seems that King of Heroes did not accept the offering. It was lying untouched at the altar in Tohsaka's house and a strange figure appeared in the summoning circle.

Well, this man didn't look ancient at all. Not to mention his abilities. Tokiomi was truly disappointed and hoped the priests who assisted with ceremony didn't notice the strange grin on host's face.

Like his already summoned Archer class Servant did. He must have been still dizzy after the ritual which pulled him into this reality and gave a material form. But he noticed his Master's disappointment, Tokiomi was somehow sure of it. This Servant seemed alerted from the very beginning. A good sign, even if he was not whom Tokiomi wanted.

"And who may you be?"

"Servant Archer, at your service, Master", the red cloaked warrior said with a nod.

"It's obvious, I asked which hero are you."

Archer stood still, watching carefully two men from the Church whom he did not recognize. Another good sign.

"It's ok, Archer, these are our allies."

"And one of them is a Master? Already, before the War started? What an interesting Master I have…"

Tokiomi started to feel a bit irritated. Archers were the most independent and stubborn from all the classes, but he had to deal with it. Without losing Commands Spells needlessly.

"Archer, please answer the question", he said kindly.

This calm respond must have satisfied his Servant. So it was just like taming a dog, which occasionally tries to dominate his owner. Nothing Tohsaka could not handle.

"I would like to, Master, but I do not know my name."

Everyone looked surprised.

"Something went wrong with a ritual?"

"Master, maybe you have another catalyst nearby?"

That seemed logical. But which Heroic Spirit would answer to unknown catalyst, having such a priceless relic to choose?

Some kind of abnormal, maybe. Or one with specially strong longing for the Grail.

Both possibilities were equally dangerous.

What should I do? I expected more… talented weapon. But I still have some time. Kirei's Assassin will be gathering information regarding other Servants first. I'll have more than enough opportunities to tame this one and uncover his true potential.

Well, you must learn how to play with cards you drawn, that's what true Masters do.

His magic circuits reacted strangely to this Heroic Spirit – a bond between them already started to form. Compatibility was important during the Grail War, even the most powerful Servant is useless when he just betrays his Master. They must have had something in common, that's why he answered Tokiomi's call…

So maybe magus just got what he deserved.

Tohsaka sighed and said calmly:

"Very well. I will not push you now, we have other things to do first."

"Of course." Archer gave him a strange grin. "I do accept you as my Master. And I shall bring you victory."

Tokiomi was still cautious, but also a little pleased.

"We'll see, Archer. We'll see."

Archer had to admit that he was not very surprised, finding himself back in this old house, with a smell of antiques, tea and fire magic. He expected a blue eyed magus in red, but not this particular one.

So this was the famous Rin's father who failed in the Fourth War… This timeline gave him another chance. And a Servant who was already bonded to Fuyuki's greatest magicians.

Nameless Heroic Spirit did not know at all what to expect of this War's Masters and Servants. All was new to him, so he had to tread carefully and be ready for literally everything.

Even so, an alliance with Kotomine and Assassin seemed very strange to Archer. He had no reason to trust a false priest and no slightest desire to do so.

Good that he already knew Tohsaka's family ideals, and accepted them, to a degree. Some aspects were wrong according to Archer, but he found others surprisingly beautiful. He understood this strong, idealistic desire. Magic was for Tokiomi a value itself, this man gave away everything to master the Art. Almost the same style as Archer dedicated himself to Justice.

In most of ways he approved Tokiomi. Except of his wish. He cannot let him use the Grail, in any way.

Maybe Tokiomi can be explained that sacrifice of the Counter Guardian in Servant's form will give him absolutely nothing. Grail will not grant his wish this way, not to mention it's corrupted from the very beginning.

What an irony… to put me into this story, back to my own "point zero". What is the true meaning of it?

But now Archer was sure he won't be listened. Not yet, maybe never. Bond between them was not strong yet and he doubted it will ever be strong enough. At this time he considered even a possibility that Tokiomi will get rid of him and summon more powerful Servant.

Archer sighed. First he had to prove his loyalty and value. Then needed as much information as possible - he planned to gather them and not get detected by other teams, all while having an eye on Kirei and avoiding Tokiomi's troublesome questions.

Not an easy task, thinking of some powerful Servants and unpredictable Masters… Not to mention his low Luck, because of which he had to be always prepared for worse and plan at least three escape routes for every eventuality possible.

Well, that's how Grail Wars go, chaotic and brutal. And Archer class Servants are the best one suited for special operations. He should easily find himself in this mess.

Actually, he had no other choice.