Fate/IF Phantasma

Chapter 2

"Tohsaka!? What are you doing here?" Shiro asked.

"Don't Tohsaka me!" Rin shrieked. "You're a master!? You summoned a child to the battlefield!? What the hell is going on here!?"

Shiro winced at the girl's voice and flinched under the knight's death glare. He'd never felt so small. Why were girls so terrifying? "T-That's what I'd like to know."

Rin looked at the boy in disbelief while Saber's glare deepened. How could he not know what was going on here? He apparently summoned a servant and said servant just tried to kill them. It was next to impossible for him to not understand what was going on.

"Are you being serious right now!" Rin's anger was rising. "You're servant just tried to kill us and you mean to tell me you have no clue as to what's going on! More importantly... How on earth could you summon a child to a battle royal between mages!?"

That was another thing. If Emiya was a master then that meant he was a magus as well. To think Shiro 'do right' Emiya was a magus living in her territory right under her nose. That meant she saved the life of her competition earlier. Fate works in such mysterious ways.

Assassin noticed her father's distress and gave the twin-tailed girl a hardened glare that was on par with saber's own. If she kept on making him upset she'd make her pay. Saber seemed to notice Assassin's gaze and moved a bit closer to her master. Child or not, Rin's safety was paramount.

"Wait a minute Tohsaka! You've got it all wrong!" Shiro waved as he tried to frantically explain what happened. He went into detail about his blue-clad assailant and how he cornered him and then Assassin showed up after a bright flash of light. Rin seemed to calm down some after Shiro gave his explanation and Saber's gaze seemed to soften somewhat. Emiya really didn't have a clue what was going on. Why would the grail select someone who had no knowledge of it to become a master?

"Alright." Rin sighed. "Since you clearly don't know what's going on, I see I'll have to explain it to you. Do you mind if we all talk inside though? This isn't the kind of conversation we'd want out in the open."

"Sure." Shiro nodded. "follow me." Everyone did just that as they made their way to the Emiya residence. As everyone made their way into Shiro's home he noticed Assassin just standing stationary outside. She looked almost confused just looking at Shiro's home. Did she not want to come inside out of the cold? "Hey, Assassin?"

That got her attention. "Hmm?"

"Aren't you going to come inside? It's cold out you know." he smiled. Assassin was so confused. The very idea of homes always confused her. For the longest time the idea of having a home and going back to it was an occasion that had nothing to do with her. Seeing that she still didn't make any attempt to move, Shiro decided to make a move instead. Shiro gave the confused girl a light pat on the head that made her eyes widen. He carefully took her hand and led her inside while she looked away bashfully with red cheeks. "Everything's going to be fine, I promise. I'll even make tea."

...

Once inside Shiro's home everyone began to explore. Assassin had immediately been drawn to the T.V in the living room that Shiro turned on before he went off to talk with Rin. Things such as T.V didn't exist where she came from. The lights, the sounds, the colors, it was so new and magical to her. The grail did impart basic information about the era to all servants summoned, but seeing these miracles in action was a completely different thing. It made her smile.

After a few minutes of watching the boob tube, everyone returned to the living room. Shiro then went off to the kitchen to prepare the tea he promised. Even though Assassin had one eye focused on the T.V the other was trained on Rin. The twin-tailed girl that made her father upset. She looked visibly frustrated about something, what that something was she didn't know. Still, if the twin-tailed girl gave her an excuse she would end her. Saber would be a problem though, it would be hard to get to the master with her servant playing guard dog.

Everyone sat in silence watching whatever was on the tube until Shiro came back holding a tray of tea. Shiro put on his most gracious host smile and sat the tea down on the coffee table in the center of the room. Rin had to admit the tea looked good... but did it taste good? She was the first one to grab a cup of the hot liquid and sure enough it tasted as good as it looked.

"Delicious."

"Indeed." Saber said in surprise. This might be the finest cup of tea she ever had.

The only person who hadn't taken a sip of the tea yet was Assassin, she just stared at her reflection in the liquid. She had never had tea before. She'd seen the upper crust of society enjoy cups of it in the past and did wonder what it tasted like.

Shiro noticed her hesitance. "Aren't you going to drink?' he took sip himself. "It's good."

That was all she needed before she took a sip herself. She was in awe at the hot beverage. It was warm and sweet and didn't make her feel sick. Was this what heaven tasted like? No wonder those fancy people in suit drank this stuff so much. She couldn't help the smile that graced her lips as she chugged down the entire cup. "That was really good! Is there more!?"

"Sure." Shiro chuckled as he poured Assassin another cup. While she was busy polishing off the rest of the tea it was finally time to get down to business. Rin began to go into explanation about the grail war, servants, and the use of command seals. Needless to say most of this information flew over Shiro's head. Understandable considering what Rin learned about him. Shiro was a novice in every aspect of the word. How someone like him was chosen to be a master, Rin would never know?

"It seems you still don't fully understand? Very well, we should all get going." Rin stated.

"Go where?" Shiro asked as Assassin finished the last of the tea.

"I'm going to take you to the man who will oversee this grail war." Rin smirked. "But first we'll have to stop by the nearest clothing shop."

"Why?"

"You're servant can't go walking through town dressed like that. She'll attract way too much attention." Rin said as if the answer was obvious.

"Plus we don't really like spirit form, it feels weird." Assassin added.

"Alright. But what about your servant... Uh, Saber?" Shiro asked. His question was greeted by a white light coming from the mostly silent knight. In a flash her armor was replaced by a white blouse with a blue bow tie and matching skirt, complete with black stockings and brown boots. Shiro's eyes widened, that was amazing! Saber also seemed to pull off the outfit quite well. "Wow."

"This is nothing." Saber said, but smiled faintly at Shiro's reaction.

"Okay! Let's move out!" Rin ordered.

"Uh... Tohsaka?"

"What is it?" Rin inquired.

"I have to change first." Shiro gestured to his torn and bloodied school uniform.

Rin blushed slightly. "Just hurry up!"

...

"Are we seriously going to walk all the way to New City to this overseer?" Shiro complained as he and company walked through the city streets. While he didn't really like the idea of walking all the way to the church in New City, it was definitely better than sitting in the clothing shop. Shiro had no clue what to look for for Assassin. Thank goodness Rin was there to help, otherwise he'd be looking like an idiot running through the girl's clothing department.

Gone was assassin's black cloak which was now replaced by a sleeveless white dress with a small red blow, complete with matching white stockings and white shoes. To the casual observer, Assassin's new outfit would be described as... cute. Assassin sure thought it was cute. Everyone else couldn't help but agree. Surprisingly, Rin was the one who paid for the outfit, which seemed to land her on Assassin's good side. No one had ever bought her anything before. She had seen other children her age dressed in fine suits and clothing, but never before had she ever owned anything so nice. She like so many of the other forgotten only wore whatever they could get their little hands on.

"Would you quit complaining Emiya, we're almost there. Besides, it's not a bad walk." Rin smiled as she felt the wind rush through her hair. It was nighttime walks like these under the full moon that she enjoyed. It was calm and quiet. She especially loved when they made it to Fuyuki bridge where the moon reflected off the still water's surface. It looked just lovely.

While Rin enjoyed the sights, Saber took her time to talk to Shiro. "Shiro?"

"Hmm?"

"Tell me. When we were at your home I did not see anyone else. Do you live by yourself?"

Shiro momentarily paused at the knights question. "N-Not really." he began. "My dad, Kiritsugu used to live with me before he passed away a few years ago."

Saber's eyes widened ever so slightly. "I sincerely apologize. I didn't mean to-"

"No, it's alright. You didn't know." Shiro said. He then gave the knight a small smile. "I'm not really alone at home. Sakura and Fuji-nee stop by almost every morning, so don't worry. I'm fine."

Saber nodded, although she didn't seem fully convinced. Even Assassin who had been listening in frowned hearing that.

"Hey Saber." Assassin called as the group continued walking.

"Yes?"

"So are you really a knight?" Assassin asked.

Saber smiled, the question was a great distraction from her earlier conversation. "Yes, I am."

"So which lands heroic spirit are you?" Assassin asked curiously. Even Shiro was interested.

"Uh...?" Saber was at a loss. Assassin hadn't directly asked for her name, just where she hailed from. As a servant in the grail war, a name held power. A name told everyone involved who you were, what you're about, and in most cases how to defeat you. Giving away where she was from probably wouldn't be too bad considering what history says about her. On the other hand it was a clue to discern her identity. But then again if she did tell Assassin, then maybe she might drop a clue as to who she really is too. Was it worth the risk? Would her master even allow it?

"You can tell them where you hail from Saber if you so choose." Rin said from the front of the group.

Saber seemed surprised, but then again she knew Rin wasn't the kind of person to do or say anything without a reason. Maybe she was thinking along the same lines as her? "Very well then. I am a knight who hails from Britain."

That caught Shiro off guard. The first thing that came to mind were the Knights of the Round Table. But that was just a story... Wasn't it?

"Really?" Assassin smiled brightly. "What a coincidence. We're British too."

Now the whole group was surprised, Assassin and Saber hailed from the same land. What were the odds? While Shiro was trying to re-collect himself, Rin and Saber's minds went into overdrive trying to piece together Assassin's identity. She was also British. Did that mean she and Saber were from the same era in history? No! That couldn't have been the case, if so she wouldn't have asked where Saber hailed from. She must've come from an era after Saber, or a little bit before. It was all too confusing. This would be something both Rin and Saber would have to look into later. Besides, they had finally reached their destination.

"We're here." Rin said. "Fuyuki's Church."

Shiro was no stranger to church, but this one looked rather depressing and gave him an uneasy feeling. It was had to believe the overseer was operating from here. As Shiro and Assassin were about to go through the gates with Rin, she held up her hand to stop the pair.

"I'm sorry Assassin, but you're going to have to wait outside with Saber."

Assassin's eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"Because the overseer wouldn't allow it. If you break the rules you'll be disqualified from the war and separated from your master." Rin said calmly.

"No! We don't want that!" Assassin panicked slightly.

Rin gave the girl a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. Shiro will be fine, I won't let anything happen to your father."

Shiro blushed from embarrassment while Rin and Saber smiled. "Okay." Assassin nodded.

Rin continued to smile, Assassin really did see Shiro more as a father than a master. It wasn't really that surprising to her. From what she read in her own father's notes, servant master relationships can be more than what's on the surface. Her own relationship with Saber wasn't a typical master servant relationship, if anything they viewed each other as friends.

"So, do you have any idea why the overseer doesn't allow servants in the church?" Shiro asked.

"I honestly couldn't say. I'm not very fond of the fake priest so we don't talk to each other unless it's necessary." Rin answered smoothly as she opened the church doors. Shiro looked back at the church gates to see Assassin talking to Saber about something? At least she wouldn't be alone out here.

"Tohsaka? What kind of person is this priest?"

"At one time he was my father's pupil. After father died he became my guardian. I suppose that makes him both my senior disciple and my second mentor."

"Wait a minute. So the priest is also a mage?" Shiro said stunned.

"Yeah. A genuine fake priest."

Once inside, Shiro truly noticed the size and scale of the church. Not mention how dark and ominous it appeared at night with nothing but dimly lit candles. "You never did accept my invitation to come by." came a deep and ominous voice. "and now here you are with an odd guest. I take it that he is the seventh... Rin?"

Standing before Shiro at the far end of the church was a rather tall man dressed in all black with long shaggy hair and dull eyes. Over his uniform was a black trench coat and golden cross neckless. The man seemed rather harmless but had an unnerving air about him. Shiro swallowed hard and did his best to appear confident as the introductions were about to begin.

"My name is Kirei Kotomine… Perhaps you will tell me your name? Or should I call you, seventh master?"

"Shiro. Shiro Emiya."

"Emiya?"

…

Close to an hour passed as Assassin and Saber waited for their masters to return. They mostly passed the time talking about the era they were in and what they thought about it. That proved to be a good time waster as both Rin and Shiro returned through the church gates.

"Papa!" Assassin called happily as she ran up and hugged Shiro, breaking him out of whatever trance he was previously in. While he returned Assassin's gesture, his thoughts were of the fake priest's earlier words. It was as if he was both encouraging and mocking him at the same time. Even though Shiro hadn't known the man long, he could tell the two of them would never get along.

"Rin. Has your business with Shiro been concluded?" Saber asked.

"Yes as a matter of fact." Rin answered.

"And...?"

"I've decided to continue as a master." Shiro said, surprising Saber. "Assassin, the very last thing I want to do is ask you to fight but..." Shiro suddenly found himself unable to continue. Under normal circumstances he would never ask a child to fight, but these weren't normal circumstances. He couldn't withdraw from the conflict because of what he learned from the fake priest and what that would mean for his servant. If he did relinquish his command seals then Assassin would be separated from him and disappear. If that didn't happen she would be given to another potential master, and who knows what could happen then? The safest bet for Assassin and himself was to participate.

"Don't worry father!" Assassin said brightly. "We'll win the war for sure!"

Shiro's eyes widened. "I see..." he then gave Assassin a small smile. "Then let's fight together."

Rin and Saber smiled at the pair. Despite the circumstances it was nice to see a master and servant getting along with each other.

"If the Holy Grail War is what caused that fire and all those deaths ten years ago... I can't let something like that happen again." Shiro thought.

...

After Shiro's meeting with the fake priest the group began to depart from the church. Silence had overtaken everyone as they thought about the war and situation they were all in. Out of everyone present, Rin and Saber were the most conflicted. How were they going to deal with Assassin? In order to win the war all other servants including Assassin had to die. Saber couldn't smite a child, servant or not, and Rin... Could she steel her heart and do what must be done? She honestly couldn't say. Maybe she would get lucky and another servant would take Assassin out of the running? The thought made her sick, but such was the nature of the grail wars.

"You should go home by yourself?" Rin stated as she suddenly ceased her movements.

"Huh?"

"I brought you here to see the priest because we weren't officially enemies yet. No offense, but now you're a fellow master in this war."

Another silence briefly overtook the group as Shiro processed Rin's words. "Yeah, but I have no intention of fighting you."

Rin sighed, Shiro was just too damn nice for his own good. "I should've know. Why did I even bring him here?" she mumbled.

"Rin? If I might make a suggestion? We need not be enemies for the time being. I would not be opposed to a temporary alliance between Assassin and her master. It is not uncommon for alliances to be formed during the grail wars." Saber finished.

"An alliance?" Rin repeated. It wasn't a bad idea actually. Like Saber said, alliances weren't uncommon. But at the same time an alliance wouldn't fix the big issue that was plaguing them. In order to win, Assassin must die. An alliance sounded good on paper, but in reality they would simply be delaying the inevitable. One way or another, they were going to have to make a choice. A choice that would decide both their fates.

"I'm all for an alliance." Shiro smiled.

"Count us in too." Assassin agreed.

Rin heard all present and again sighed. As it pertains to Assassin, she'd cross that bridge when she got to it, for now it would seem working together would be the best play. "It seems like everyone else had decided. Very well, Emiya. I'll work with you... For now."

Shiro took Rin's outstretched hand into his and shook it firmly. "Thanks, I won't let you down. You're good person Tohsaka."

"Flattery will get you nowhere with me." Rin blushed.

So it was, a new alliance was born.

The moment was short lived however as both Saber and Assassin felt a shiver run down their spines. Both immediately took a protective stance in front of their respective masters. Rin and Shiro took notice of this and looked down the block through the night.

"So... Are you all done chatting?" came a childlike yet ominous voice.

Shiro felt his breath hitch as he observed the pair that stood under the streetlights. The first was a small girl with long white hair and crimson eyes. She wore a long and heavy purple coat complete with a matching hat. She's not who scared him though. No, what scared him was the hulking mass standing next to her. A colossal statue-like man who could almost be described as a big black giant. He seemed to be more monster than man, not mention he was carrying around a giant blade that was the equivalent to a giant slab of stone.

"That's Berserker!" Rin stated with urgency.

Shiro could only look on as the hulking giant breathed. If what Rin said was true and this mountain of a man was indeed a servant... One word from his master spelled certain doom.

So this was going to be his true introduction to the Holy Grail War.

A/N: Chapter 2 is finally finished. This chapter's a little shorter than the last one but that's mostly due to the fact that I skimmed over most of the exposition. Let me know your thoughts on this chapter. I don't know when chapter 3 will be coming but I will be writing one. Again, thank you to everyone who reviewed and have an awesome day.