The Next Morning
The sight of a shed full of nothing but junk was nothing new. He had grown used to sleeping in that shed, instead of his own house.
He had fallen asleep trying to fix a stove on the previous night. It was annoying not to use things that could still be used, so he resolved to fix it.
???: ...I'll finish that one tomorrow. I fell asleep halfway, so I probably wasn't fully into it.
He gathered up the parts of the stove and placed them on a shelf full of some other appliances waiting to be fixed.
A set of pipes was next after the stove. He liked fixing pipes. They were easy, reliable, and they were all around him.
???: Alright, then...
He changed into his uniform. That old shed was like his room, holding changes of clothes along with other things he needed. He felt more at home at this place, after all.
???: Well, let's get today started.
SHIROU "QUEEN OF BRITAIN / BONE OF HIS SWORD" EMIYA
It was the start of another average day in the life of a high-school student and aspiring Hero of Justice.
_______________________________
Emiya Household, Dining Room
Breakfast was placed on the table. Chicken salad, cooked salmon, spinach, carrot miso soup, and yam soup. A perfectly healthy breakfast to start the day.
Usually, mealtimes in the Emiya Household were unbearably loud, but today, the cause of such loudness was strangely quiet.
Shirou: Taiga, did you watch a spy movie last night?
The woman in question remained quiet as she eyed Shirou while hiding behind a newspaper. That response was a suspicious "Yes" in her language, but she was always suspicious during breakfast.
He moved to grab the soy sauce and dipped some of it into the yam soup. After stirring it, he put it on the rice and took a bite. The taste of the soy sauce was-
Shirou: Ugh...! This is oyster sauce!
???: HA! GOT YOU!
There it was. The female "spy" threw away her newspaper and spread her arms with the smugest grin he had seen on a person yet.
TAIGA "TIGER + JAGUAR = ???????" FUJIMURA
Taiga: How's that?! I planned to switch the labels earlier this morning!
Shirou: So much for a mature, soon-to-be twenty-five-year-old woman!
Taiga: Haha. That should teach you a lesson. It's divine justice for leaving me without dessert yesterday.
Shirou: For the last time, I didn't have the right ingredients to make dessert! I thought you would be calm for a change, but this is what you were thinking about?!
Taiga: That's right. That's why I have to go and start grading the exams now. Yup, I should hurry up.
She sat back down and finished her breakfast at breakneck speeds, slightly annoying Shirou. It didn't sit well with him to see people not taking their time with meals.
Taiga: Whew! Breakfast was gourmet as always! You sure you don't want to apply to one of those cooking shows? You'd make it big!
Shirou: Not really. That glamorous life isn't the thing for me.
Taiga: Well, I get to have you as my chef, so it's my win anyway. I'm going on ahead. I'll get mad if you're late!
And just like that, she ran off with the speed of a jaguar. Shirou knew there was something wrong with a world that had such a woman as a teacher.
Despite it all, the reason why he made it on his own after his father's death could be attributed to that eccentric woman.
Also, life in the Emiya Household would be extremely boring without someone like her to keep Shirou company.
_____________________________
7:50 a.m, Homurahara Academy
The walk to school had been as eventful as it had been any other day, which was to say it was completely uneventful.
Although, he had come across an unusual scene in the intersection. Several police cars were parked outside of what seemed to be a house, which was now reduced to nothing but cinders.
He was reminded of a T.V. Broadcast warning about a case of gas leaks happening around the city lately. He would need to be careful, and check the gas twice a day instead of once.
He only hoped there were no casualties. Far too many people had been lost as it was. He didn't want to be reminded of... the incident.
Shirou: Just don't think about it.
He found himself entering the main school building as he finished his daydreaming. While he passed by some students, he inadvertently eavesdropped on some conversations.
This would be nothing new, if not for the fact that the subject of such dialogues seemed eerily consistent.
They were speaking about someone. "Sajyou" seemed to be the keyword.
Shirou didn't know much about Ayaka Sajyou. She seemed to be of the type that didn't like the spotlight and preferred to lay low. This made all this gossiping about her all the stranger.
Well, not like that was any of his business anyway. It was probably some baseless rumor or something.
Homeroom would start in ten minutes, so he had to get to his classroom.
_________________________________
Lunchtime, Student Council Room
???: Emiya, could you give me some of that fried chicken? My lunch is desperately lacking in meat.
Shirou: Sure, but why is your lunch so plain?
???: It's just my father's way. He says that there are no luxurious foods for a young priest, and that I should work for what I want. I'm thinking of running away and joining the circus.
Shirou: Oh, yeah. That sounds like your father alright. Just keep holding on, Issei.
The young man eating lunch alongside Shirou was the big boss of the Student Council, who happened to be a friend of his since the first year.
ISSEI "THANKFULLY NOT A DRAGON" RYUUDOU
Apart from being the Council President, he was popular with the girls. Despite that, he had a rather plain personality and didn't engage in love affairs or normal recreations.
That could be attributed to him being the successor of the Ryuudou Temple, up in the mountains. He had his heart set on becoming a Buddhist monk.
Issei: I suppose this is a part of my religious training. Patience is the key, after all. Oh, by the way, I don't suppose you've heard about the rumors?
Shirou: Not much. Something about Sajyou, right? Did something bad happen to her?
Issei: Hmph. Most of the students will say the exact opposite. So much jealousy in the atmosphere, I swear.
Shirou: What, did she win the lottery?
Issei: Not exactly. First, she was seen entering the school grounds in a conversation with the Tohsaka Sisters.
Well, that was a bit of a surprise. But Shirou didn't think something like that could make that much gossiping.
Shirou: You said "first". Did anything else happen?
Issei: The peculiar trio was being escorted to the school by Sajyou's "older brother", who's visiting from overseas. Not even a full minute into the school's grounds before everyone was head over heels over the man.
Shirou: Okay, I think I see where that's headed. Now everyone's bugging Sajyou about her brother and putting her in the spotlight, right?
Issei: *sigh* Hormones can make people so predictable.
Shirou had half a mind to tease Issei about his apparent fear of women that was widely known throughout the school, but he chose to hold his tongue for that time.
Issei: Anyway, I should address this matter directly and try to relieve the pressure off Sajyou's shoulders.
Shirou: Hah. Good luck with that.
And then, there was a quiet knock on the door. They turned to see a man standing at the entrance, stoically gazing into the room.
???: Excuse me, is Ryuudou here?
Issei: Huh? Oh, yes, what is it, Mr. Kuzuki?
Shirou didn't have anything against the man, but even he was aware that Mr. Kuzuki was ridiculously ominous... for some reason.
Issei seemed to trust him, though. Shirou didn't know if it was a massive misjudgment of character or not.
Oh, well. Not his business.
____________________________________
4:30 p.m., Shinto Town
After a 20-minute bus ride from school, Shirou was in the neighboring town of Shinto across the Fuyuki Bridge. He had a part-time shift from 5 to 8 o'clock, after all.
Miyama Town was a residential area, so there weren't any part-time jobs, but Shinto Town had a lot of spots available. The school approved of students having part-time jobs, so he worked a few easy ones.
He preferred hard physical labor that ended as quickly as possible. It built his body, and he got paid for it. Two birds, one stone.
Today's work would be a heavy-loading job, so he wanted to get as much rest as he could. Thus, he found himself resting in the local park.
Shirou: ...This place is the same as always.
The utterly neglected ground looked awful compared to the neatly organized surroundings. The desolate area made the wind feel cold. He was completely alone in that place.
This was the place where he was saved from burning to death 10 years ago.
He didn't remember what happened. All he could remember was that it was hot and he couldn't breathe. And that people died to save the others.
Shirou: I wonder why...
For example, an adult that tried to save a child from a burning house, only to die in the child's place.
For example, there were people who had their throats burned, but they gave what little water they had to one guy, while the others died.
For example, people who died because they gave away something that was saving them, only to save others they didn't even know.
He didn't like things like that. It made him mad that those who tried hard were sacrificed.
Was he greedy for wanting an ending where everyone was safe and happy?
"Shirou, saving one person means not being able to save the other. That's what it means to be a Hero of Justice."
He remembered disagreeing with his father's words that day.
He didn't want help that had a limited capacity. He wanted to save everyone, no matter who they were, no matter how impossible it was.
Shirou: ...Geez, I'm hopeless.
He sat on that bench for a few more minutes before a slight sting brought him out of his contemplation. The stinging sensation was coming from his right hand.
Shirou: What's this...?
There was some kind of strange welt atop of his hand. Its contexture was reminiscent of dry blood. It was strange that he hadn't noticed it until now.
Shirou: ...Maybe I cut myself with something sharp while fixing that stove last night. It should go away quickly.
The five o'clock bell rang, making him stand up and quickly made his way to work.
Had he looked back, he would have noticed the figure of a small girl in the distance, watching him. A massive shape shimmered at her side.
________________________________
7:50 p.m.
The sun had already set when Shirou was done with work. He had finished 10 minutes earlier, maybe because he worked too hard. He wasn't complaining, though.
The night was just getting started. Cars passed by, and quite a number of people were walking to and fro. It was a relaxing sight after a long evening of work.
Shirou: Did I buy groceries? Yeah, I did... I guess I'm calling it a day.
He walked while looking up at the tallest building in Shinto. It was so high up that he could barely see the top of it. He was enjoying the night's scenery...
Shirou: ...Hold on, what's that?
...When he saw something out of place.
He stopped and stared at the rooftop, putting extra focus into his eyes so that he could see the shapes that were as small as a grain of rice.
Two figures. No, wait, three of them.
The first was someone he thought he knew, but he wasn't too sure. The second he recognized somewhat, given the blonde hair.
The third one stood out the most. Shirou could only identify a multicolored light atop of a tall figure wearing black robes.
They were so high that he doubted they could recognize him among all the people walking by. What were they doing there...?
That was when he felt a chill crawl up in his spine. The third figure twitched. Shirou felt as if they were staring directly at him.
Just then, they disappeared into the night.
Standing at the top of a skyscraper to just look into the city... Who would even do that? Shirou wasn't one to judge, but some people had strange hobbies.
Unless...
Shirou: ...Oh, crap, were they considering throwing themselves off of it? Maybe talking about it could help them...
He was probably jumping to conclusions, but he couldn't hold back the impulse to help.
_______________________________
8:20 p.m., Miyama Town
Unlike the bustling streets in Shinto, the residential area of Miyama was a quiet environment. Shirou was the only one treading through the streets, baring one or two late-night workers.
The cold wind was blowing. The moon in the sky was being blocked by dark clouds. Shirou felt a sense of unease.
Something was wrong, but he didn't know what... or maybe he was just being too paranoid.
Shirou: Maybe it's just my imagination...
He said that out loud for no one to hear but himself. Probably a subconscious manner of reassurance. It wasn't very effective, however.
He reached the Emiya Household not too long after. The lights were off, signaling that there was no one inside. It would have been nice to have Taiga keep him company, but he managed just fine on his own.
After changing into more comfortable clothes, Shirou went to relax in the only way he knew how: Housework.
Yes, Shirou Emiya had a borderline fanatical love for housework. Boring chores like making dinner, moping the floor, and dusting the furniture were amazing activities. It was relaxing, engaging, and productive.
That was a good thing, considering that he lived alone. His house would be an utter mess if he disliked housework, and that was with Taiga out of the equation.
It took roughly an hour to get everything done. Dinner was a quiet endeavor as always. Shirou was ready to call it a day and go to sleep, but he still had something to do.
Shirou: I could go to be earlier if I start training now.
Every day, usually before midnight, Shirou carried out a training routine to develop his magecraft. Of course, he knew that it existed. The first thing his father said to him after the incident was: "I will be honest with you: I am a magus."
Unfortunately, training was easier said than done. Shirou couldn't even cast a single spell. He wasn't born with any sort of talent or affinity for magecraft.
To sum it up in a sentence, Shirou's goal was so far away that he wasn't even at the starting line yet.
Shirou: ...It won't do any good to rush. I have to do what I can.
He made his way to the shed. It would simply be another session of training with Projection magecraft before finally taking a good night's rest.
But the instant he grabbed the door handle, the uneasiness from earlier returned with full force as his left hand started to sting once more.
Shirou: What the...?
Something was wrong. Something was terribly wrong, and the most terrifying part of the situation was that Shirou didn't know what was wrong.
???: This is quite the nice house you have.
A young voice echoed through the night. The voice was unmistakably that of a young girl. Shirou instinctively turned his head-
And he finally found out what was wrong.
???: Good evening, Big Brother. It's so nice to finally meet you.
The girl smiled. A massive shadow towered behind her. Something that should, by all accounts, not be there.
A monster.
He wasn't even staring at it, yet its presence alone made Shirou unable to move, speak, or even breathe clearly. Naturally, he understood that he would die in the instant he moved a muscle.
But still, he felt nothing. Probably because there was no hope of getting out of this alive.
???: I thought you'd have summoned your Servant by now. I guess I overestimated you. Not that it would have made a difference if you had anyway, but it would have been tons of fun.
Servant? Summoning? Was she talking about familiars? Was that... thing behind her a familiar?
Shirou wanted to ask questions, but he couldn't muster up the will to speak.
???: Please forgive me for not introducing myself. It'll be a waste of time since you're about to die. I suppose I can grant you the relief of a quick death. I don't feel like playing chase now.
The girl, for her part, curtsied elegantly, then smiled happily. Perhaps she was amused by Shirou's terror.
And then...
???: It can't be helped. Kill him, Berserker.
She ordered the strange shape behind her, as if she was singing. The giant was standing statuesque, a good distance away from him, and then it wasn't.
He didn't even have time to close his eyes and await death. There simply was no hope of escape. Shirou Emiya was going to die, at that instant-
???: Did someone order a Deus Ex Machina? Because oh boy, do I have news for you!
A resounding crash echoed through the Emiya Household, but not the one Shirou was expecting.
It happened in an instant. Shirou had been pushed aside before the giant's swing could end him. By the time Shirou caught up with what he had seen, the situation had become something else.
???: Best Boi comes to the rescue! You better not get used to your points of view, kid!
The hulking monster was frozen mid-swing, as something - someone - was blocking his greatsword and holding it in place. Two great forces were canceling each other right at the center of the clash.
???: Whew! Good thing I know how to Backwards Long Jump, or else I wouldn't have made it in time. Still on that Speedrun, after all.
The one stopping it was someone completely different from the giant. They were human, elegantly dressed, and their multicolored hair shone like a beacon in the night.
???: Luckily for me, I have the perfect tool to make up for lost time, and it's called CLASS ADVANTAGE!
The smaller figure's fist found its way into the giant's face with unmatched speed, creating a thunderous impact. The force was so sudden that Shirou only saw the massive hole etched in the household's wall as a result.
???: Anyway, it's kind of late, so you kids should take some Zs. Especially you, lass. You're WAY too similar to a certain know-it-all.
He spoke as if he hadn't just punched the monster into the next block. The girl lost her smile but didn't look particularly shaken by this, only narrowing her eyes.
???: You're a Servant.
???: Look, the "legal loli with an extremely overpowered Servant" concept isn't anything new. I owned that shit 10 years ago, and you can't compare to my Mistress. Get a grip, bitch.
He smirked smugly as if he had just ended the mother of all arguments with a supremely clever remark, which only made the girl twitch.
All of a sudden, the man - a teenager, by his youthful looks - turned to Shirou.
???: Hurry up and sell your soul to the gacha. You might get a good Servant if you pray to RNGesus hard enough.
Shirou didn't know what to say. Everything was happening so fast, and none of it made sense. His mind hadn't even caught up with the unknown terms they were saying.
???: I'm going to play with this dynamic duo while you do your rolls. I can't Speedrun a Grail War without all the Servants present.
Just what were these "Servants" they were talking about? Could this guy and the monster be one of them? Shirou was so confused.
???: You're awfully cocky, mister. A nameless, pathetic Servant like yourself, stop my Berserker? That's almost kind of cute.
A thunderous roar sent dread down Shirou's spine. The thing called Berserker was flying down the whole distance from the air to the teen's location-
???: NOW'S YOUR CHANCE TO BE A [[Big Shot]], KID!
The air trembled. The gigantic sword was stopped once more, but the shockwave was enough to send Shirou tumbling back and through the doors of the shed.
The giant roared as it swung its sword. Overwhelming strength and speed without technique. Technique was a skill to make up for weakness, something that the giant did not have.
The young man whistled as he spun circles around the giant, keeping it in one spot. He was casual in his movements, almost as if he was seeing the monster's attacks in extremely slow motion.
Shirou understood that they were not human. Anyone could tell.
They were beings that looked like humans, engaging in a battle far beyond the scope of the human mind. Beings manifested with only one purpose: To kill.
But why?
Why was all of this happening?
Why did he have to stand aside and watch everyone in front of him die?
Why couldn't he do something about it?
Why was he the one being saved again?
Why couldn't he save anyone?
That day, ten years ago, he was saved. He was saved by the most valiant act of heroism he would ever comprehend.
He wouldn't let that feeling go. He wouldn't let that feeling die. Even if his body withered away, the image of that hero will live on through his mind.
Shirou Emiya would realize that image, and save everyone in front of him.
"At your behest... I have been summoned."
Truly, it appeared like magic.
His mind stopped. Everything had gone quiet. All he knew was that the figure who appeared was... a girl.
The wind howled. The clouds drifted and the moon appeared for a brief moment.
The silver light that shone into the shed enlightened the image of the young woman in knightly form, staring emotionlessly with her jewel-like eyes.
Shirou was speechless against her overwhelming beauty.
???: ...I ask of you. Are you my Master?
Shirou didn't know who she was or what she was talking about. He only knew that she was the same kind of being as them.
???: I, Servant Saber, have come forth in response to your summons.
???: Well, shit. RNGesus must hate you with a passion, kid.
An indignant voice shattered the mystical atmosphere. The girl, sensing danger, valiantly turned heel and faced the threat head on-
???: It would be a shame if the guy who explicitly kicked your ass back in the day were to be in front of you right now, wouldn't it?
She froze on the spot as the mysterious young man leveled her with an annoyed stare.
???: You...!
???: Yeah, yeah, it's me. Look, I'm currently kicking a Berserker's ass, so you can either join in or wait for your turn. Either way, there's no winning for you.
Keeping the same annoyed face, the young man suddenly went on the offensive, catching the immobile giant off guard and striking a crushing blow against its chest.
The girl, Saber, stood frozen for a moment before she grasped an invisible object in her right hand, leaping into battle.
Thus began Shirou Emiya's Holy Grail War.
________________________________________________________________________________
AND SCENE!
And like that, Mr. Hero Complex himself is officially introduced into the plot. By the way, I'm going for the Fate Route with a mix of UBW with this one.
The next chapter should see the events of this chapter through the eyes of the main cast. That's how Stay/night begins, after all.
Next Chapter: Life of a Teenage Magus (feat. Speedrunner & Satan).
Here's a cookie. See you next time. I'm outta here.