Sella:
Master Kiritsugu! Your child has been born!
Irisviel:
She is so cute. She is adorable. So small… so very delicate. Look Kiritsugu, She has your eyes too. She is beautiful. I’m so happy that I could have given birth to her.
Kiritsugu:
Iri, I… I will be the cause of your death.
Irisviel:
I know…the Einzberns have dreamt of today. It is the very reason I exist. When I came to know your ideals, I made your wish my own. You made me who I am today. You have guided me on my path. You’ve offered me a better life than that of simple puppet… You needn’t pity me. Because I’m a part with you already. So…
Kiritsugu:
But… I have no right… to hold that child… None…!
Irisviel:
Kiritsugu, don’t forget. You’re striving to make a whole new world where no one cries. This is what your whole life has been about. 8 more years, then your fight will come to an end… and our ideals will become reality. The Holy Grail will save you. I’m certain of it. So take this child, Illyasviel, and hold her close. Hold her, and be proud… like any other father would be…
Kirei:
A Command Seal?
Tokiomi:
Yes. The mark identifies you as a participants in the Holy Grail War. A stigmata, bestowing upon you the power to command the Servant, Kirei Kotomine.
Kirei:
The Holy Grail War… the battle for an ancient relic performs miracles. But why me?
Tokiomi:
Normally, those chosen by the Grail as the Masters of Servants are experienced and accomplished mages. It is highly unusual for someone like you who has no connection to magic what so ever to be chosen to participate.
Kirei:
Heroic Servants… I still find it strange to command the summoned spirits of ancient heroes to fight his familiars.
Tokiomi:
Of course. I know all this can be very difficult to believe. But heroes from every age and nation will come back to life in the modern world. Killing one another to vie for supremacy. That is the Holy Grail War.
Risei:
Also, there’s unspoken agreement among all involved to keep this all secret. To ensure this rule is kept, someone of the holy church is always set as an observer.
Kirei:
Should one of us really be judging? A secret battle between godless magicians?
Tokiomi:
A measure association member, would be two partial to one party to assure fairness. And so once again, just we did some 60 years ago… we’ve recruited your father to watch over and referee our battle.
Kirei:
My father would be coming to Fuyuki?! But wait… How can this be considered “fair”? It’s a conflict of interest for the overseer’s child to also be a participant?
Risei:
Tokiomi?
Tokiomi:
Perhaps it’s time we got to the point…
Risei:
Kirei, everything we’ve spoken up thus far is just the official background of the Holy Grail War. However, there is an additional reason I’ve introduced you to Mr. Tokiomi Tosaka here today.
Kirei:
And what would that be?
Tokiomi:
Actually, we’ve found the proof long time ago that the Holy Grail that will appear in Fuyuki is not the sacred relic that belong to son of God.
Kirei:
So I gathered. Otherwise, in order to retrieve it would’ve given to us of the eight sacrament assembly.
Risei:
Either that is may, Fuyuki’s Holy Grail is far too powerful to ignore. It is an omnipotent wish granting device. Who knows what disaster could unleash should it happen to fall into the wrong hands.
Tokiomi:
In which case, the best course of action would be to ensure that the Fuyuki Grail falls into the right hands… hands that would not misuse it.
Risei:
The Tosaka’s are a family of mages but they are mages with a long history of friendship with the church. We know what kind of person Tokiomi is. The more important than anything else the Tosaka’s ultimate intentions for the Grail are plain and honorable.
Tokiomi:
“To reach the root”. That is the Tosaka family’s sole desire. But Einzbern’s and Mato’s have both forgotten the wish we once we share with them. And have other less altruistic plans now.
Risei:
He goes without saying that the plans of the other masters will be even worse. Who knows what dark desire they may harbor for the power of the Grail should be obtain it.
Kirei:
That being said, I assume that the goal of my participation is to ensure Tokiomi Tosaka’s victory rather than to prevail myself.
Tokiomi:
To achieve that goal, we will conduct ourselves in a manner that will remain the appearance of us being enemies. However, we will be actually working together in total secrecy to soundly defeat the other five masters and assure our victory in the end. And so Kirei, you will be officially transfer from the church to mage’s association while you will become my student.
Risei:
The official order is already been issued.
Tokiomi:
You must go to Japan and study the principals of magic and become a mage of sufficient strength and skill. To command a servant in the Holy Grail War in three years’ time whe the battles begin. Now then…
Risei:
Do you have any question for us, Kirei?
Kirei:
Only one… How exactly does the Holy Grail go about selecting its masters? What kind of criteria does it use?
Tokiomi:
Humph… the exact criteria it uses is unknown but it chooses those masters who needed most.
Kirei:
So all the participating masters have a reason to covet the Grail?
Tokiomi:
Not necessary. I’m told that in the past, there were cases what command seals appeared on those who you would never expected. Oh, I think I understand… You’re still puzzled that being chosen to be a master by the Grail aren’t you?
Tokiomi:
I didn’t expect Kirei to give his consensus quickly.
Risei:
My son will jump into fire if the Holy Church order him to do so.
Tokiomi:
To be honest with you, I’m even a little shocked. From his perspective, he has been drawn into a senseless war that has absolutely nothing to do with him.
Risei:
No, this is as it should be. Perhaps this ordeal will do him some good. Only a few days ago, my son lost his wife. I believe that it complete change of his scenery in a difficult new mission to focus on. May be exactly what he needs to nurse his wounds.
Kariya:
Hi, Aoi.
Aoi:
Kariya, it’s good to see you again. You’re back from your trip? This one seems to last a long time.
Kariya:
Yeah, I guess it did.
Rin:
Uncle Kariya! Uncle Kariya, welcome back!
Kariya:
Hi, Rin.
Rin:
Did you bring me a present again?
Aoi:
No, Rin! You’re being very rude.
Kariya:
Here.
Rin:
Haha… Thank you uncle Kariya.
Kariya:
You are very welcome, Rin. I’m glad you like it. Where is Sakura?
Rin:
Sakura is… gone now…
Kariya:
Huh? What did she mean?
Aoi:
Sakura is… well, she is no longer my daughter or Rin’s little sister. She is now with… the Mato Family
Kariya:
Ah?! But why?!
Aoi:
The Mato’s want a child to carries up (???) a blood of a mage. You know why… better than anyone else. The head of the Tosaka Family decide to give our ancient allies to Mato’s that which they requested. It wasn’t my place to speak out.
Kariya:
You’re all right with that?
Aoi:
When I married to the Tosaka Family when I decided to marry a mage, I knew what may be required of me…
Kariya:
And you’re all right with that?!
Aoi:
The reality is that the clan burring mage blood can never expect to enjoy happiness of a normal family.
Kariya:
That’s not true! When you married him you wanted happiness! You wanted…
Aoi:
Enough! This is between the Tosaka’s and the Mato’s. You’ve left the world of mages a long time ago. This doesn’t concern you. If you get the chance to see Sakura again, please be kind to her. She was… always very fond of you.
Zouken:
So, the failure actually had the nerve to show his face here… I distinctively remember telling you to stay far away from this house and to never darken the doorstep again, Kariya.
Kariya:
I heard you adopted the Tosaka’s second daughter…
Zouken:
Hehe… then you have sharp ears.
Kariya:
Is it really so important to keep mages in the Mato’s lineage that you have to do this?
Zouken:
Would you tell me we are wrong to… you of all people? Tell me whose fault do you think it is for our present reduced circumstances? Kariya, had you only agreed to carry on the family name and to learn the secrets of the Mato, things would have never gotten this bad and that little girl would still be with her mother.
Kariya:
You’re not fooling anyone you vampire… You only want the Grail to give yourself eternal youth. You just wanna live forever…
Zouken:
Hehehehehe… nearly 60 years of past since the last time the masters gathered, but the Matos have no pawns yet to offer for the Forth Holy Grail War. Though you have it inside you, your brother Byakuya lacks the power needed to control the Servant. But even if we fall for this round, we could still win the next in 60 years. If we prepare ourselves. The Tosaka girl’s womb will one day bear us a powerful mage, one who could prevail. She has a lot of potential that one she could be the key.
Kariya:
So then in other words, if you get your hands on the grail, you won’t need Sakura Tosaka anymore.
Zouken:
What is it you’re scheming Kariya?
Kariya:
The trade, Zouken. Next year, I will return from the Grail War with the Grail in hand. And in return, you will release Sakura.
Zouken:
Hehehehe… Don’t being a stupid idiot. You’re a failure. You haven’t trained the day in your life. You actually believe that in a single year you will achieve the power to control a Servant?
Kariya:
You have the secret magic to make that happen and you know it! Using your special worm techniques…
Zouken:
So?
Kariya:
You can implant me with your Crest Worm.
Zouken:
Kariya, you want to die?
Kariya:
The Mato should rely on themselves to gain what they want. I won’t let anyone else get involved. Surely, you’re not concern for my well-being, father…
Zouken:
Hehehehehe… if what you’re trying to do is to keep her out of all this, Kariya… I’m afraid you’re little late.
Kariya:
You bastard! You didn’t…
Zouken:
For the first three days in there, she did nothing but constantly scream her head off. But on the forth, she settle down and finally stopped. Early this morning I threw her down into the worm pit to see just how long she last. She has been there for over twelve hours and she is still breathing… The Tosaka’s have very powerful inner spirits.
Kariya:
Sakura!
Zouken:
What will you do now? She is a broken little girl, ripped from the life she knew and violated by worms from head to toe. But if you still wish to save her from this ordeal, I might be willing to think about it.
Kariya:
I agree…
Zouken:
Hehehehehe… But I intend to continue her education until you show a result. That point is not negotiable. I still expect to achieve victory in the next war, 60 years from now… But should you somehow managed to retrieve the Grail in this war, all the better. Naturally, I will no longer need the girl in that case. Her education will no longer last a year and then she shall be free to go where she wants.
Kariya:
You won’t renege on your words, Zouken Mato?
Zouken:
You can start by serving as the breeding ground for a week. If you don’t die or go insane, then I’ll concede that you’re actually serious and will keep my word completely…
Kiritsugu:
It’s finally here.
Irisviel:
What is it say?
Kiritsugu:
It’s a report from the spies I sent to the London Clock tower. It’s says that the Grail chose a Master within the tower. The headquarters of the Mage’s Association.
Irisviel:
Who is it?
Kiritsugu:
A rather big problem… The elder son of the Archibald Family, the Ninth generation mage… Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald.
Kayneth:
In the world of mages, a long and distinguish lineage is everything. Nothing else matters. This is because, magic will not yield up her secret in a single generation. Apparent passes on the fruits of a life times of magical training to his child. Thus, the older the family of mages the greater the power ultimately becomes. You are no dought wondering why I begin todays lecture with something so basic. It is because, a student in this class submitted a fascinating paper to me yesterday.
Waver:
Huh?!
Kayneth:
"How wizardry should be in the new century". It attends to make a case objecting to the long standing tradition which I just spoke. It claims that if one to achieve a deep understanding of the technics and precise control of a mana application, it will allow one to overcome any differences and inheritability. In short, even someone with diluted blood, could through his own effort become a master mage. To be honest, I’ve learn something from reading this paper. Silence, please! I will be perfectly frank… this paper is nothing but immature juvenile fantasies.
Waver:
Hagh?!
Kayneth:
Blood determines mage’s powers and abilities. This is a hard and unchanging reality of this world… even for you, Waver Velvet! I am very, very disappointed that one of my student was indulge in this moronic nonsense.
Waver:
Sir! I was only trying to raise a question the mage’s Association has become too reluctant to address...
Kayneth:
Mr. Velvet. If I recall correctly, your family produce mages for only three generations isn’t that right? Listen to me. Compare to the Mage’s Association’s long and illustrious history, your family is no more than new born baby. Don’t you think a baby should learn to speak before tries to voice an opinion?
[Laughing]
Waver:
He made a fool of me! He made a fool of me! HE MADE A FOOL OF ME! Is that any way for teacher to act?! Reading my paper made him jealous
and he couldn't handle it! That pompous asses are afraid of my talent! That's why he embarrassed me in front of every one... Ooh?!
Man:
Oh, I'm sorry. Are you alright?
Waver:
I... I'm fine...
Man:
You're in the spiritual advocation department. Why aren't you in the class?
Sella:
Master Kiritsugu! Your child has been born!
Irisviel:
She is so cute. She is adorable. So small… so very delicate. Look Kiritsugu, She has your eyes too. She is beautiful. I’m so happy that I could have given birth to her.
Kiritsugu:
Iri, I… I will be the cause of your death.
Irisviel:
I know…the Einzberns have dreamt of today. It is the very reason I exist. When I came to know your ideals, I made your wish my own. You made me who I am today. You have guided me on my path. You’ve offered me a better life than that of simple puppet… You needn’t pity me. Because I’m a part with you already. So…
Kiritsugu:
But… I have no right… to hold that child… None…!
Irisviel:
Kiritsugu, don’t forget. You’re striving to make a whole new world where no one cries. This is what your whole life has been about. 8 more years, then your fight will come to an end… and our ideals will become reality. The Holy Grail will save you. I’m certain of it. So take this child, Illyasviel, and hold her close. Hold her, and be proud… like any other father would be…
Kirei:
A Command Seal?
Tokiomi:
Yes. The mark identifies you as a participants in the Holy Grail War. A stigmata, bestowing upon you the power to command the Servant, Kirei Kotomine.
Kirei:
The Holy Grail War… the battle for an ancient relic performs miracles. But why me?
Tokiomi:
Normally, those chosen by the Grail as the Masters of Servants are experienced and accomplished mages. It is highly unusual for someone like you who has no connection to magic what so ever to be chosen to participate.
Kirei:
Heroic Servants… I still find it strange to command the summoned spirits of ancient heroes to fight his familiars.
Tokiomi:
Of course. I know all this can be very difficult to believe. But heroes from every age and nation will come back to life in the modern world. Killing one another to vie for supremacy. That is the Holy Grail War.
Risei:
Also, there’s unspoken agreement among all involved to keep this all secret. To ensure this rule is kept, someone of the holy church is always set as an observer.
Kirei:
Should one of us really be judging? A secret battle between godless magicians?
Tokiomi:
A measure association member, would be two partial to one party to assure fairness. And so once again, just we did some 60 years ago… we’ve recruited your father to watch over and referee our battle.
Kirei:
My father would be coming to Fuyuki?! But wait… How can this be considered “fair”? It’s a conflict of interest for the overseer’s child to also be a participant?
Risei:
Tokiomi?
Tokiomi:
Perhaps it’s time we got to the point…
Risei:
Kirei, everything we’ve spoken up thus far is just the official background of the Holy Grail War. However, there is an additional reason I’ve introduced you to Mr. Tokiomi Tosaka here today.
Kirei:
And what would that be?
Tokiomi:
Actually, we’ve found the proof long time ago that the Holy Grail that will appear in Fuyuki is not the sacred relic that belong to son of God.
Kirei:
So I gathered. Otherwise, in order to retrieve it would’ve given to us of the eight sacrament assembly.
Risei:
Either that is may, Fuyuki’s Holy Grail is far too powerful to ignore. It is an omnipotent wish granting device. Who knows what disaster could unleash should it happen to fall into the wrong hands.
Tokiomi:
In which case, the best course of action would be to ensure that the Fuyuki Grail falls into the right hands… hands that would not misuse it.
Risei:
The Tosaka’s are a family of mages but they are mages with a long history of friendship with the church. We know what kind of person Tokiomi is. The more important than anything else the Tosaka’s ultimate intentions for the Grail are plain and honorable.
Tokiomi:
“To reach the root”. That is the Tosaka family’s sole desire. But Einzbern’s and Mato’s have both forgotten the wish we once we share with them. And have other less altruistic plans now.
Risei:
He goes without saying that the plans of the other masters will be even worse. Who knows what dark desire they may harbor for the power of the Grail should be obtain it.
Kirei:
That being said, I assume that the goal of my participation is to ensure Tokiomi Tosaka’s victory rather than to prevail myself.
Tokiomi:
To achieve that goal, we will conduct ourselves in a manner that will remain the appearance of us being enemies. However, we will be actually working together in total secrecy to soundly defeat the other five masters and assure our victory in the end. And so Kirei, you will be officially transfer from the church to mage’s association while you will become my student.
Risei:
The official order is already been issued.
Tokiomi:
You must go to Japan and study the principals of magic and become a mage of sufficient strength and skill. To command a servant in the Holy Grail War in three years’ time whe the battles begin. Now then…
Risei:
Do you have any question for us, Kirei?
Kirei:
Only one… How exactly does the Holy Grail go about selecting its masters? What kind of criteria does it use?
Tokiomi:
Humph… the exact criteria it uses is unknown but it chooses those masters who needed most.
Kirei:
So all the participating masters have a reason to covet the Grail?
Tokiomi:
Not necessary. I’m told that in the past, there were cases what command seals appeared on those who you would never expected. Oh, I think I understand… You’re still puzzled that being chosen to be a master by the Grail aren’t you?
Tokiomi:
I didn’t expect Kirei to give his consensus quickly.
Risei:
My son will jump into fire if the Holy Church order him to do so.
Tokiomi:
To be honest with you, I’m even a little shocked. From his perspective, he has been drawn into a senseless war that has absolutely nothing to do with him.
Risei:
No, this is as it should be. Perhaps this ordeal will do him some good. Only a few days ago, my son lost his wife. I believe that it complete change of his scenery in a difficult new mission to focus on. May be exactly what he needs to nurse his wounds.
Kariya:
Hi, Aoi.
Aoi:
Kariya, it’s good to see you again. You’re back from your trip? This one seems to last a long time.
Kariya:
Yeah, I guess it did.
Rin:
Uncle Kariya! Uncle Kariya, welcome back!
Kariya:
Hi, Rin.
Rin:
Did you bring me a present again?
Aoi:
No, Rin! You’re being very rude.
Kariya:
Here.
Rin:
Haha… Thank you uncle Kariya.
Kariya:
You are very welcome, Rin. I’m glad you like it. Where is Sakura?
Rin:
Sakura is… gone now…
Kariya:
Huh? What did she mean?
Aoi:
Sakura is… well, she is no longer my daughter or Rin’s little sister. She is now with… the Mato Family
Kariya:
Ah?! But why?!
Aoi:
The Mato’s want a child to carries up (???) a blood of a mage. You know why… better than anyone else. The head of the Tosaka Family decide to give our ancient allies to Mato’s that which they requested. It wasn’t my place to speak out.
Kariya:
You’re all right with that?
Aoi:
When I married to the Tosaka Family when I decided to marry a mage, I knew what may be required of me…
Kariya:
And you’re all right with that?!
Aoi:
The reality is that the clan burring mage blood can never expect to enjoy happiness of a normal family.
Kariya:
That’s not true! When you married him you wanted happiness! You wanted…
Aoi:
Enough! This is between the Tosaka’s and the Mato’s. You’ve left the world of mages a long time ago. This doesn’t concern you. If you get the chance to see Sakura again, please be kind to her. She was… always very fond of you.
Zouken:
So, the failure actually had the nerve to show his face here… I distinctively remember telling you to stay far away from this house and to never darken the doorstep again, Kariya.
Kariya:
I heard you adopted the Tosaka’s second daughter…
Zouken:
Hehe… then you have sharp ears.
Kariya:
Is it really so important to keep mages in the Mato’s lineage that you have to do this?
Zouken:
Would you tell me we are wrong to… you of all people? Tell me whose fault do you think it is for our present reduced circumstances? Kariya, had you only agreed to carry on the family name and to learn the secrets of the Mato, things would have never gotten this bad and that little girl would still be with her mother.
Kariya:
You’re not fooling anyone you vampire… You only want the Grail to give yourself eternal youth. You just wanna live forever…
Zouken:
Hehehehehe… nearly 60 years of past since the last time the masters gathered, but the Matos have no pawns yet to offer for the Forth Holy Grail War. Though you have it inside you, your brother Byakuya lacks the power needed to control the Servant. But even if we fall for this round, we could still win the next in 60 years. If we prepare ourselves. The Tosaka girl’s womb will one day bear us a powerful mage, one who could prevail. She has a lot of potential that one she could be the key.
Kariya:
So then in other words, if you get your hands on the grail, you won’t need Sakura Tosaka anymore.
Zouken:
What is it you’re scheming Kariya?
Kariya:
The trade, Zouken. Next year, I will return from the Grail War with the Grail in hand. And in return, you will release Sakura.
Zouken:
Hehehehe… Don’t being a stupid idiot. You’re a failure. You haven’t trained the day in your life. You actually believe that in a single year you will achieve the power to control a Servant?
Kariya:
You have the secret magic to make that happen and you know it! Using your special worm techniques…
Zouken:
So?
Kariya:
You can implant me with your Crest Worm.
Zouken:
Kariya, you want to die?
Kariya:
The Mato should rely on themselves to gain what they want. I won’t let anyone else get involved. Surely, you’re not concern for my well-being, father…
Zouken:
Hehehehehe… if what you’re trying to do is to keep her out of all this, Kariya… I’m afraid you’re little late.
Kariya:
You bastard! You didn’t…
Zouken:
For the first three days in there, she did nothing but constantly scream her head off. But on the forth, she settle down and finally stopped. Early this morning I threw her down into the worm pit to see just how long she last. She has been there for over twelve hours and she is still breathing… The Tosaka’s have very powerful inner spirits.
Kariya:
Sakura!
Zouken:
What will you do now? She is a broken little girl, ripped from the life she knew and violated by worms from head to toe. But if you still wish to save her from this ordeal, I might be willing to think about it.
Kariya:
I agree…
Zouken:
Hehehehehe… But I intend to continue her education until you show a result. That point is not negotiable. I still expect to achieve victory in the next war, 60 years from now… But should you somehow managed to retrieve the Grail in this war, all the better. Naturally, I will no longer need the girl in that case. Her education will no longer last a year and then she shall be free to go where she wants.
Kariya:
You won’t renege on your words, Zouken Mato?
Zouken:
You can start by serving as the breeding ground for a week. If you don’t die or go insane, then I’ll concede that you’re actually serious and will keep my word completely…
Kiritsugu:
It’s finally here.
Irisviel:
What is it say?
Kiritsugu:
It’s a report from the spies I sent to the London Clock tower. It’s says that the Grail chose a Master within the tower. The headquarters of the Mage’s Association.
Irisviel:
Who is it?
Kiritsugu:
A rather big problem… The elder son of the Archibald Family, the Ninth generation mage… Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald.
Kayneth:
In the world of mages, a long and distinguish lineage is everything. Nothing else matters. This is because, magic will not yield up her secret in a single generation. Apparent passes on the fruits of a life times of magical training to his child. Thus, the older the family of mages the greater the power ultimately becomes. You are no dought wondering why I begin todays lecture with something so basic. It is because, a student in this class submitted a fascinating paper to me yesterday.
Waver:
Huh?!
Kayneth:
"How wizardry should be in the new century". It attends to make a case objecting to the long standing tradition which I just spoke. It claims that if one to achieve a deep understanding of the technics and precise control of a mana application, it will allow one to overcome any differences and inheritability. In short, even someone with diluted blood, could through his own effort become a master mage. To be honest, I’ve learn something from reading this paper. Silence, please! I will be perfectly frank… this paper is nothing but immature juvenile fantasies.
Waver:
Hagh?!
Kayneth:
Blood determines mage’s powers and abilities. This is a hard and unchanging reality of this world… even for you, Waver Velvet! I am very, very disappointed that one of my student was indulge in this moronic nonsense.
Waver:
Sir! I was only trying to raise a question the mage’s Association has become too reluctant to address...
Kayneth:
Mr. Velvet. If I recall correctly, your family produce mages for only three generations isn’t that right? Listen to me. Compare to the Mage’s Association’s long and illustrious history, your family is no more than new born baby. Don’t you think a baby should learn to speak before tries to voice an opinion?
[Laughing]
Waver:
He made a fool of me! He made a fool of me! HE MADE A FOOL OF ME! Is that any way for teacher to act?! Reading my paper made him jealous
and he couldn't handle it! That pompous asses are afraid of my talent! That's why he embarrassed me in front of every one... Ooh?!
Man:
Oh, I'm sorry. Are you alright?
Waver:
I... I'm fine...
Man:
You're in the spiritual advocation department. Why aren't you in the class?
Waver: