Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Fate/Zero

2009-01-21T22:45:27Z

Byakko: /* Project Staff */

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Image:Fate_Zero_promo.jpg|200px|thumb|A promotional image.]]

The Fate/Zero series is available in the following languages:
*'''English'''
*[[Fate/Zero_(Polski)|Polski (Polish)]]
* [[Fate/Zero (Français)|Français]]

(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)

Fate/Zero (English) is a translation project undertaken by various members of the [http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair Forum] and only hosted by Baka-Tsuki. Be sure to thank them accordingly!

'''NEW!''' Project lead [[User:Byakko|Byakko]] has agreed to solicit help for this project. We desperately need active editors at the moment. Please contact us at the [http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=walk&action=display&thread=3311&page=1 Beast's Lair Forum and post on the Fate/Zero Translation Project thread] if you're interested in helping out. (Knowledge of Japanese and a copy of the Fate/Zero book/text is required.)

== Story Synopsis ==
Fate/Zero is a prequel to TYPE-MOON's visual novel Fate/stay night. It is a novel with illustrations by Takashi Takeuchi (武内崇), and is a collaboration between TYPE-MOON and fellow developer [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitroplus Nitroplus].

== Translation ==

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Fate/Zero:Format_guidelines|Fate/Zero Format Guidelines]] (Draft proposal)

To Translators/Editors: It is highly suggested you use terminology and concepts from the [http://typemoon.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page TYPE-MOON Wiki]. Any missing information may be picked up from archives of the [http://tatari.110mb.com/fuyuki/index.htm Fuyuki Wiki], which you can search up at the [http://www.archive.org Internet Archive]. --[[User:Velocity7|velocity7]]

== Updates ==

*September 14, 2008
:*Translation for Act 5: Part 4 Complete

*September 17, 2008
:*Translation for Act 5: Part 5 Complete

*September 25, 2008
:*Added Act illustrations to Volume 1

*Oct 19th, 2008
:*Translation for Act 5: Part 2 Complete

*Oct 19th, 2008
:*Translation for Act 5 Complete

*January 5th, 2009
:*Translation for Act 6: Part 1 and 2 Complete

*January 15th, 2009
:*Translation for Act 6: Part 3 Complete

== Fate/Zero by Nasu Kinoko & Urobuchi Gen ==

===[[Fate/Zero:Volume1_Full_Text|Volume 1 - The Untold Story of the Fourth Holy Grail War / 第四次聖杯戦争秘話]]===
:[[Fate/Zero:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]

:Prologue
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_1|8 years ago]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_2|3 years ago]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_3|1 year ago]]
:Act 1
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 4|Part 4]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 5|Part 5]]
:Act 2
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 4|Part 4]]
:Act 3
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 3 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_4|Part 4]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_5|Part 5]]
:Act 4
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_4|Part 4]]
:Postface
::*[[Fate/Zero:Volume_1_Postface_1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Volume_1_Postface_2|Part 2]]

===Volume 2- The Mad Feast of Kings / 王たちの狂宴===
:[[Fate/Zero:Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]

:Act 5
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_5_Part_1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_5_Part_2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_5_Part_3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_5_Part_4|Part 4]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_5_Part_5|Part 5]]

:Act 6
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_6_Part_1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_6_Part_2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_6_Part_3|Part 3]] (100%)
::*Part 4

:Act 7
::*Part 1
::*Part 2
::*Part 3
::*Part 4

:Act 8
::*Part 1
::*Part 2
::*Part 3
::*Part 4
::*Part 5
::*Part 6

:Postface
::*Postface

:[[Fate/Zero:Translator's_Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

== Project Staff ==

*Project Administrator: [[User:Smidge204|Smidge204]] (Retired)
*Project Supervisor: -

=== Translators ===

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[User:WingZero|WingZero]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Chinese text)
::*[[User:Brynhilde|Brynhilde]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Chinese text)
'''KIA'''
::*[[User:Byakko|Byakko]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Japanese text)

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.
'''Translators are asked to [[Fate/Zero:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Editors ===
::*[[User:Smidge204|Smidge204]] (Baka-Tsuki) (Retired)

== Series Overview ==
* ''Fate/Zero #1 - 第四次聖杯戦争秘話''
First Edition Published December 29, 2006, ISBN: none (self published)

Second Edition Published January 26, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #2 - 王たちの狂宴''
First Edition Published March 31, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #3 - 散りゆく者たち''
First Edition Published July 27, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #4 - 煉獄の炎''
First Edition Scheduled for December 29, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)
[[http://www.example.com link title]]

Kara no Kyoukai:Chapter03 08

2008-07-30T21:23:32Z

Byakko: Japanese book says Reien academy, not Asagami.

4

I tell Tohko-san about the situation, and have her protect Keita. She lets the boy, who hasn't slept since the night of the incident, on to her sofa and comes back into the office where Shiki and I are waiting. Tohko-san sits on her chair and Shiki is leaning up against the wall. I am sitting on the sofa directly in front of Tohko-san. Finally calming down after Keita falls asleep, they both tell me that I am too good-natured. I take their words of criticism with a sullen face.

"I knew you guys were going to make fun of me like that."

"If you knew, you shouldn't have involved yourself in this mess. You're easily taken advantage of by those kind of guys.."

"It can't be helped. The situation was special."

Tohko-san ponders my response. She is using offensive words, but she did agree to take Keita in for protection. Shiki, however, is against it. She might be really mad, as she is glaring at me wordlessly.

"Special case, huh? I do admit this is an abnormal case but what are you going to do now? Are you thinking about looking for her and persuading her?"

"...... I'm thinking so. We can't have him here forever and Asagami Fujino might continue killing people. I think I can only go see her and talk to her."

"You idiot. That's why we say you're too good-natured."

Shiki holds nothing back. She never does, but she is rather offensive today. She really is mad.

"You won't be able to talk to her, it's too late. She won't stop until she accomplishes her goal. No, I don't even know if she'll stop then. Her means and intention are reversed."

"Shiki, you sound like you know her."

"I know her, and I've met her too. She was there with Azaka yesterday."

I'm surprised. I wonder why Azaka would be with Asagami Fujino. They are totally unrelat--.... I guess not. I only heard that she is a high schooler but it's a different story if she is from Reien Ladies Academy.

"You're pretty slow, Kokuto. You haven't investigated Asagami Fujino yet?"

"Hey now, I only heard her name for the first time two hours ago. My role was to protect Minato Keita, so I didn't have time to do anything like that."

... But I have a bad feeling about this. It's not that I'm worried that Azaka might be involved... it feels more like the impatience you feel when you are forced to think about something you've been avoiding.

"... Then is Asagami Fujino still going to school?"

"No, she hasn't been home or back at the dorms since the night of the incident. She's been skipping school too: she has completely disappeared. Azaka said she hasn't seen her since yesterday."

"Tohko-san, when did you research this?"

"Just a while ago. I received a search request from her parents. I heard Azaka was with Asagami Fujino yesterday from Shiki but it seems Azaka didn't notice anything wrong with her friend."

What irony, if my promise with Azaka was a day later or if I had found Keita faster, yesterday's victim might not have been killed.

"So the protection of Minato Keita is not meaningless to us. If we cannot find her, we can use him as bait. It'll get rough from there so you and Keita should stay here."

With that, I finally understand... the reason why Shiki is here.

"Rough......? What are you going to do with Asagami Fujino?"

"Depending on the circumstances, we'll probably have to resort to combat. First of all, even the client wishes it. He doesn't want his daughter reported as a killer. He told us to get rid of her before it all goes public."

"What? It's not like she's committing meaningless murders...! I think a discussion is possible."

"That's impossible. You haven't heard the whole truth. You don't know the final blow she took when she killed them. I made Keita confess when I put him to sleep. I heard that his leader attacked Fujino on the last night with a knife. It seems she was stabbed. That's what triggered her revenge."

... Knife... so she was threatened with a knife even after being violated? So why would that be the reason she's beyond help?

"The problem is right there. She was stabbed in her stomach on the night of the 20th. Shiki saw her two days later. At that time, she had no wound... she was completely healed."

"Stabbed in the stomach......"

Hold on. Don't think anymore. My mind tries to stop me but fails. On the night of 20th, student of the Reien Academy, stabbed in the stomach......

"I heard it from Keita, but she says on the phone that she cannot forget because the wound keeps on hurting. The wound that healed starts to hurt. Probably, whenever she has a flashback of the times when she was violated, the pain of being stabbed returns. The horrible memory brings back the terrible pain. I believe the pain is an illusion, but it must be real for her. This is no different than a fit. Every time Asagami Fujino has a flashback of the pain that doesn't even exist, she kills. Who can be sure that won't happen while you're talking with her?"

But that means we can talk to her if she doesn't feel the pain. But before I can say so, Shiki speaks out.

"That's wrong, Tohko. She really feels pain. It's still in her body."

"That can't be. Then, Shiki, is it your mistake that her wound is completely healed?"

"Her stab wound is healed. There's nothing like a piece of metal in her. Her pain really did appear and disappear. It's already too late when she's in pain, but when she's not, she's too boring. I told you that I came back 'cause she wasn't even worth killing."

"Well, she would be already dead if a fragment of metal were still inside her... but a wound that still hurts after it's healed, huh?"

Tohko-san takes out a cigarette as if saying she doesn't understand. I too can only wonder at Shiki's words. It's normal to be in pain until the wound heals. But why would the pain of a wound that's already healed come back from time to time? That's like having only the sense of pain remaining in your body.

"... Oh."

And it hits me. It's not an answer to her unknown symptoms, but I am able to understand why Keita called her weird.

"Kokutoh, is that some new way of staying healthy by saying vowels out loud?"

... I don't think anyone would do such a thing, even if it existed.

"No, about Asagami Fujino being weird."

Tohko-san raises her brow. Oh, I only told her the summary of the story, so I guess I haven't told her about this yet. I tell her about the strange condition of Fujino.

"Isn't something strange? It was in the conversation with Minato Keita, but it seems she was unaffected by anything they did to her. I thought she was a strong girl at first, but I was wrong. She isn't that resolute of a person."



"...... You sound like you know her, Mikiya."

Shiki glares at me. My instincts tell me to ignore her. ... I might be digging myself a hole if I didn't.

"It's possible... I don't know that much about it, but I think she might have something like Paresthesia, or pain insensitivity."

Pain insensitivity is just as it sounds, a disorder where one cannot feel any pain. It's a very rare condition, so you never encounter it, but if that happens to be the case, her strange symptoms might be possible.

"I see. Then that can explain some things, but there should be a reason. Even if she did get stabbed, if she is pain insensitive, there wouldn't be any pain to start out with. You also need to check if she was born with it and you also have to know if her nerves are dissociated. Well, assuming that she is pain insensitive, is there anything that might cause this insensitivity to malfunction, like hitting her back hard or taking lots of steroids?"


Hitting her back hard... it must be that.

"I don't know how hard, but I heard they hit her in the back with a bat."

I say this as unemotionally as possible. Tohko-san just laughs.

"I see. As it's them, they probably took a full swing. Her backbone might have been broken. Even small fracture is considered a broken bone. And she was still violated even after her backbone was broken, not knowing what that feeling is. Geez, that's the first pain she feels, huh? She must have not understood what her irritation was. Wow, I'm surprised you decided to protect Minato Keita."

Tohko-san says so, grinning. She has this bad habit of cornering someone with her words. I guess she likes to attack people mentally, and it usually ends up being me. I usually fight back, but I cannot answer right now. ... I don't have the confidence to. All I could do is look down and reject her response.

"... So, Tohko-san, are the backbone and pain insensitivity related somehow?"

"Yeah, your spine controls your nerves, right? When you have a problem with your sense of pain, you usually have something wrong in your spine. Do you know of Syringomyelia?"

... I would not know of such a technical medical term. Tohko-san lowers her shoulders in disappointment when I shake my head.

"Syringomyelia is the most common case of pain insensitivity. Listen, Kokuto, there are two types of sense. ''Superficial sensation'' that lets you feel such things as pain, temperature, and touch. And there's ''deep sensation'' that tells you of your body movements and general area. Normally, these two senses work at the same time. Do you know what it means to have no senses at all?"

"I can put it in words. You won't feel anything that you touch, and you won't taste anything that you eat, right?" 

Tohko-san nods with a smile.

"That's a natural response of a person with senses. You think they don't have senses but have a body, so they are like you. But that's wrong. To have no sense means that you cannot gain anything, Kokutoh."

Cannot gain anything...? No way. They should still be able to hold things and talk to others. Then that would only mean that they cannot feel what they are touching. Why would that lead to not being able to gain anything? It's not like they don't have their body. I think it's better than someone missing a part of their body or something.

Then I realize. ...... No body. Even when they touch, they cannot feel that they are touching. They just look at it and confirm that they are "touching". That is the same as reading a book. What's so different about it from reading a book or imagining  a story? Even when they walk, they are only moving their body. They do not feel the ground, but only feel their feet moving. No, even that feeling is barely confirmed by looking at their own feet. To have no sense means not having a body. That would make them no different from ghosts. For them, all reality is what they see through their eyes. That's the same as not being able to touch anything even if they really can touch...!!

"So that's pain insensitivity, huh?"

... That night, I met a girl who was uncertain about reality.

"That's right. Let's assume Asagami Fujino's pain insensitivity temporarily went away from being hit in her back. Then that would mean she knows what pain feels like. That sense she has never felt before must be her impulse for murder."

Would that girl, who found out what pain feels like, hate such a sensation? No, it would be impossible for her to think so. ... Since she is like a ghost, I can only imagine how happy she must have been when she felt the sensation of pain. She would have not understood the feeling of happiness either, though.

"... Maybe the pain insensitivity went away temporarily, and her experiencing pain might have caused her to figure out the emotion of hate. The feeling of pain she finally obtained triggered her revenge..."

... What irony.

"That's the question. Fujino said that she is taking revenge because her wound is hurting, but I have to wonder. To be more accurate, her pain makes her recall the violations done to her which makes her want to take revenge. I think this is how it is but it just doesn't feel right. First of all, according to Shiki, she's back to pain insensitivity, right? Then that would take away her reason for revenge. Her wound should not hurt since it's healed."

"That's wrong, Tohko-san. To have no feelings must mean she cannot experience sexual stimulation either; so she could not feel anything even when they raped her. To her, it only means that her body was raped. But... no, because of that, instead of her body hurting, her heart was taking the pain. I think her wounds are not on her body but rather in her soul. That's why the pain comes back with the memory, because her heart is in pain."

Tohko-san does not answer. In her place, Shiki starts to laugh.

"That's impossible. There's no such thing as a soul . How can something that's not there hurt?"

I can't think of any comebacks to what she says. Surely, something sentimental, such as a soul, is not something you can prove to exist. When I am just standing there silently, Tohko-san disagrees with Shiki.

"But people's hearts, their minds, are easily broken. I don't think you can conclude that it can't be hurt just because it has no form. In reality, some people die because they are hurt mentally. No matter how poor of an illusion it is, as long as it is true for the person, the illusion can be called "pain"."

That's a rather ambiguous answer for her. But now, I have someone on my side. Shiki gets angry.

"What, Tohko, are you siding with Asagami Fujino too? She's not like that."

"Yeah, I feel the same way with respect to that. I don't think Asagami Fujino would be that sentimental. She takes revenge because her heart hurts? I don't think so. Because, if you're pain insensitive, even your heart won't feel pain."

She instantly sides against me.

"Look, personality is medically defined as "a phenomenon by which a person reacts to outside force". A person's emotions... such things as "kindness" and "hate" cannot just come from within. They would not function unless something from outside stimulates them. That's why there is pain. To not have pain means this cannot happen. People with pain insensitivity lack personality. They do not think like you or have tastes similar to us. They do not understand common sense. That's why talking with her is meaningless."

She casually tells me the conclusion of the suggestion of talking to her. Her indifference seems rather like a last warning and puts me on the edge.

"... Please don't say that when you haven't even met her."

I stand up from the sofa, not being able to take it any longer.

"That's all under the assumption that Asagami Fujino has been pain insensitive since she was born. This might not be the case."

"You're the one who said she might be pain insensitive."

She says so coldly. ... This person really does not care about others. How can she be so cold to Asagami Fujino when she's a woman? Or is it that she can be this cold ''because'' she is a woman?

"Well, I do have things that I'm concerned about too. Asagami Fujino might be just a victim. The question is which was first."

... What does she mean by "which was first"? Tohko-san starts to ponder and does not explain anymore.

"What do you think, Shiki?"

I ask her without turning around. Shiki answers exactly as I expected.

"Same as Tohko. But I can't allow Asagami Fujino to continue, regardless of what Tohko thinks. I feel sick just by thinking that she might commit another murder."

"Hate towards those similar to you, huh? It does seem true that your kind doesn't like to form groups."

Tohko-san hears Shiki's words. I know why Shiki said so. ... When will Shiki realize herself that she really does not like murder? Asagami Fujino and Ryohgi Shiki, I do think the two are alike. Since they are similar, they cannot forgive the crucial difference. If the two did end up in combat... would Shiki realize her true feelings? No, I can't let them fight.

"...... I understand. I'll look into her information my way. Can I see any data on her if you have any?"

Tohko-san hands it to me. Shiki looks away telling me to do as I please. Looking at the information, Asagami Fujino was living in Nagano until elementary school. Her surname there was not Asagami as in "Shallow Top" but Asagami as in "Shallow God". Her father right now is not her real father, meaning that she followed her mother when she remarried. I guess this would be the place to start my investigation.

"I have to travel quite a long way. I may not come back today or tomorrow. Oh, and Tohko-san. Is there really any such thing as supernatural power?"

"You don't believe what Minato Keita said? Asagami Fujino surely has some sort of power to that effect. That. The term "supernatural power" is too broad, so it's not really that accurate. If you want to know about it, I can introduce you to a specialist."

Saying that, Tohko-san writes the address of this supernatural power-specialist on the back of her business card.

"Wait, you don't know much about it?"

"Of course not. Magic is a study. How can we associate ourselves with something inherent without history or theory violating the rule? Those kind of powers only given to the chosen ones are what I hate the most."

She really must hate it, as she sounds like she has her glasses on. I take her business card and then speak to Shiki.

"Shiki, I'm going but make sure you don't push yourself."

"You're the one pushing yourself. I guess it really is true that stupidity can't be fixed."

Shiki uses these offensive words, but then nods, saying she'll try. I leave the office with relief. It's alright, I've never died but I was almost killed once. I haven't told her that the one who almost killed me was Shiki herself. She forgot about that incident after she recovered from her coma - it's fine if she does not remember.

I will probably never tell her about it.

Kara no Kyoukai:Chapter03 03

2008-07-30T20:26:37Z

Byakko: Japanese book says Reien academy, not Asagami.

1

July nears its end and my surroundings have started to fill with all sorts of weird events, like a friend who has been in a coma for two years finally regaining consciousness; like finishing the second big job at my workplace; and like my sister whom I haven't seen for five years coming to see me. The nineteenth summer of me, Kokutoh Mikiya, started in such a commotion.

Today was one of my rare days off, but I accompanied my high school friend to go drinking. I noticed I had missed the last train. Others took cabs home, but as my payday is tomorrow, I do not have such extra money. It can't be helped, so I decide to walk home. Fortunately, my house is only two stations away from here. The date has just changed from July 20 to July 21.

Past midnight, I walk through the night town alone. Since tomorrow is a weekday, the shopping district is fast asleep. It rained hard tonight. It had stopped before midnight, but the asphalt still shows signs of the rain as the wet ground makes splashing sounds. It is the middle of summer and the temperature is way above 30 degrees. The hot night air and the humidity from the rain irritates me. I see a girl crouched on the sidewalk. A girl wearing a black school uniform is holding her stomach in pain as she crouches at the guardrail. ... I notice the nun-like uniform. That plain but party dress-like fancy design is of the Reien Ladies' Academy. According to Gakuto, it's really famous to those kinds of people, as they say it's like a maid's outfit. ...It's not that I'm one of those people, but I know because my sister goes there.

"I heard all the students there lived in dorms..."

But to see her here at this time is too strange. She must be in some kind of trouble, or is just a bad student who doesn't follow the school rules. With my sister going to the same school and all, I decide to talk to her. When I call to her, she slowly turns to me and her long hair sways.

".........."

It seems the girl gasped really faintly. She has really long hair. Her eyes look calm and she too looks calm. Her face is small... it's cute but she also has some handsome features. That balance is more like Japanese beauty. Her long hair is cast straight behind her and a small section of it is separated around her ears to drape down to her breast. It seems the left side of her hair has been cut though. Her fringe is cut straight and it reminds me of a good lady from a respected family.

"Yes? What is it?"

The girl asks with a pale face. Her lips are purple. It's obvious she has cyanosis. She has one of her hands on her stomach, her face twisted in pain.

"Does your stomach hurt?"

"No, um... I, um..."

She tries to act calm yet her words are not. The girl looks rather fragile. She gives the impression that she's going to break down any second, just like Shiki when I first met her.

"You're a student of the Reien Academy, right? Did you miss your train? That place is far from here. Do you want me to go get a taxi for you?"

"No, it's all right. I don't have any money."

"Yeah, I don't have any either."

The girl looks at me in surprise. ... I notice that I gave a surprisingly stupid reply.

"I see. Then your house must be near here. I heard everyone there lived in a dorm but I guess you're allowed to go out."

"No, my house is a long way away."

I tilt my head in wonder.

"Then is it something like running away?"

"Yes, I think that is what I have to resort to."

... I'm troubled. Looking at her, the girl is soaked. Maybe she didn't find cover in that rain earlier but she is dripping wet. ... Since that time, I've hated girls wet with rain. That must be why these words came out of my mouth.

"You want to come to my place just for tonight?"

"Can I...?"

Still sitting down, she looks at me as if she's desperate. I nod.

"I live alone, so there's no problem. But I won't make any guarantees. I don't have any bad intentions, but if anything weird happens, I might get "in the mood." I'm a healthy man so take that into consideration too. If you're still okay with that, then come along. Unfortunately, it's before my payday so I can't give you much, but I should at least have some painkillers."

The girl becomes happy. That defenseless and pure smile also makes me happy. When I extend my hands to her, she gracefully gets up.

... It seemed there are red stains where the girl has been sitting...

I take this unknown girl with me and start walking through the night town again.

"We're going to walk a bit, but tell me if you're suffering. I should at least be able to carry a girl on my back."

"Yes, but my wound is healed so it doesn't hurt."

She says so, but her hand is still on her stomach. It's obvious she's in some kind of pain. I ask her again.

"Does your stomach hurt?"

The girl denies it and grows quiet again. We walk a bit more. After a small silence, the girl shakes her head.

"... Yes. It really, really hurts. I'm about to cry... can I cry?"

When I nod, the girl closes her eyes looking satisfied. It looks as if she is watching a dream.

---

The girl did not tell me her name so I decide not to tell her mine either. I feel that it's more romantic that way. Once we get to the apartment, the girl says she wants to borrow the shower. She also says she wants to dry her clothes so I decide to stay outside. Giving her a cheap excuse that I'm going to go buy some smokes, I leave the room. I feel that I am really good natured as I'm going out to buy these things that I would not smoke.

After spending about an hour outside and coming back, I find her asleep on the sofa. I set my alarm clock to seven thirty and lie on my bed. As I fall asleep, I worry about the cut in her uniform near her stomach.

---

When I wake up the next morning, the girl is sitting in the living room as she has nothing to do. She gives me a bow once she notices I'm awake.

"Thank you for last night. I cannot do anything in return but I am really thankful."

The girl gets up and starts to leave. ... I feel a bit guilty about making her sit and wait just to say that to me.

"Wait, at least stay and get some breakfast."

The girl obediently follows what I say. The only things left are pasta and olive oil so naturally, our breakfast becomes spaghetti. I quickly make it for the two of us and carry it to the table to eat. Since it's so quiet, I turn on the TV and see a terrible news broadcast.

"... Wow, this is the kind of story Tohko-san would like."

I murmur something aloud, so that if she were here, she would be throwing something at me. ... But that's how weird the contents of the news are. I listen to the newscaster who talks about what happened last night.

Last night, in the basement of a bar that has been abandoned for half a year, four dead bodies were found. It seems all four victims had their limbs torn off and the scene of the crime was soaked in a pool of blood. The place is pretty close to here, maybe around four stations away from last night's place. It's strange that they said the limbs were torn off rather than cut off, but the news does not elaborate much over it, and rather goes into the information on the victims.

All four of the victims were high-schoolers, and they were just kids that played around near that place. It seems they did some drugs too, and a person who the newscaster is interviewing is talking about the victims' personal lives.

......I think they deserved to die, those kids.

Those words flow from the TV and I get annoyed by this speaking ill of the dead, so I turn off the television. Looking at the girl, she is placing her hand painfully on her stomach. Seeing that she hasn't taken a bite of food, she might be really hurt. I can't see her expression as she is looking down.

'...... There's nobody that deserves to die."

She says so with ragged breath.

"Why... I'm healed, so why...?!"

The girl gets up from the chair and runs to the door. I quickly follow her but she raises her hand to stop me. It seems she does not want me to go near her.

"Wait. I think you should calm down."

"It's all right. I knew it... I cannot go back."

Her face twists in pain. The face that bears a pain seems similar to Shiki. The girl calms down and bows at me before she opens the door.

"Good bye. I never want to see you again."

The girl leaves just like that. Her face is that of a Japanese doll, with the exception of her eyes.

They seemed like she was about to cry.

Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 3

2008-07-26T17:43:10Z

Byakko: Fixing an old incorrect translation

== 222:24:48 ==




Uryuu Ryuunosuke disliked splatter movies. He did understand the necessity for that kind of amusement in itself, though.

Not just horror, but war movies, panic movies, and all the way to adventure movies and dramas; why does fiction keep painting man's death tirelessly?

That may be, because the spectators can minimize their fear of death by observing a fictitious imitation of "death".

Humans find pride in "wisdom" and dread "ignorance". Hence if they can "experience" and "comprehend" a given fear, then it is a victory that resembles the overcoming of that fear.

However, "death" is merely... something that you can't experience while you live. Therefore it is impossible to understand its true meaning. That's why humans can only guess the essence of death by observing other people's death, and make up a virtual experience.


Indeed, for the civilized society to respect human life, this virtual experience cannot but rely on fiction. Yet, where war makes your neighbor minced meat with bombing and land mines, nobody watches horror movies.

Similarly, it is important to be entertained by fictional physical pain, mental stress or any kind of sorrow. When experiencing bodily sensations by yourself becomes too risky, you can overcome and remove uneasiness by observing those who do taste those sensations. ―That's why a silver screen or a cathode-ray tube bring tears of screams, grief and anguish.

That is good. That's understandable. Once, Ryuunosuke feared "death" like any ordinary person. He could have been an amateur of horror movies, if death could have been minimized and fear, conquered, by looking at the special make-ups of slaughtered bodies, the red ink of blood splashes and the realist acting reproducing a screaming "stale death".

Depiction of cruelty in fiction has a bad influence on young people, that much can be said; but to Uryuu Ryuunosuke, this is highly ridiculous nonsense. Because if blood and screams in splatter horror

had been at least a little more realistic, he wouldn't have become a homicidal maniac.

This is, really, nothing but the result of an earnest curiosity. Ryuunosuke just had to know what "death" was. The vivid red of the haemorrhagic artery, the touch and the warmth of what was inside the abdominal cavity. The agony of the victim getting these pulled out until death, the musical tone of the screams. There really was nothing that could beat that.

People say murder is a crime. But let's think about it. Aren't there 5 billions of humans crowding on this Earth? Ryuunosuke knows well how outrageous a number that is. Because he counted the gravels in the park when he was a kid. Of course he got discouraged after ten thousands, but he doesn't forget the frustration he felt that time. There are five hundred thousand times that many humans. Furthermore, it is said that the number of births and deaths everyday can be counted by the tens of thousands. What weight can Ryuunosuke have by becoming a murderer? Beside, by killing people one by one, Ryuunosuke can perfect each of their death thoroughly. Occasionally, he enjoys making sure the "process of death" takes up to half a day. With this incentive and experience, the information volume brought by one death can be much more important, compared to what you can get by living a too short life. From Uryuu Ryuunosuke's reasoning, can't you say that homicide is

a more productive action?

With that creed, Ryuunosuke wandered around in various places, accumulating murders. He didn't fear the law. The feeling of being imprisoned and handcuffed ―however many men it would actually require for that― was something he definitely "understood" to the point of not fearing it; he had "observed" enough deaths by hanging or on the electric chair for that. But his reason for escaping the law was, simply, because there is nothing to gain from being taken away from freedom and life in prison; hence he considered that living a life seeking everyday pleasure was better, that it was the right choice for a healthy man.

He is satisfied by squeezing the best out of the lifeforce of those he kills, of feelings such as the attachment for human life, anger and affection. To let his victims know the exact time and circumstances of their death, that in itself had a deep meaning as rich as a miniaturized life.

When on the verge of death, very common people will behave strangely, and on the other hand, people seen as exceptional will die in an extremely banal way― observing such patterns in humans, Ryuunosuke pursued death; and while being an expert in death, he greatly studied its complete opposite, life. The more he killed people, the more he understood the lives he took.

That knowledge, that discernment in itself was a kind of dignity, a style.


Although Ryuunosuke couldn't find the words to accurately explain why he had that power― if he really had to sum it up, it would be all with the expression "be cool".

To make a comparison, it's like sprinkles in a bar or crags spraying around. Unable to get used to such a playground, loosening without knowing one's place, and not understanding one's amusement. But if it is about accumulating experience and adopting a rule of conduct, then he is a welcome regular customer in a place where he can control the mood into intimacy. That's what it is to be cool as a way of life.

So to speak, Ryuunosuke was a genuine player when it comes to be familiar with the comfort of the stool that is human life. Like that, he could look for victims savouring a cocktail of new methods, appreciating the taste of satisfaction.

This isn't some sort of metaphor; in the town, at night, Ryuunosuke's pleasure was his excellency to attract victims like light traps for insects, with a certain interest in the opposite sex. Moreover, women were, certainly, charmed by the composure and dignity that emerged from his enigmatic posture. After seduction, he would always enjoy some alcohol, and the girls he really got into always ended as a blood-stained piece of meat.

The town at night would always be Ryuunosuke's hunting ground, and the prey would never notice

the menace that is Ryuunosuke.

Once, he saw a leopard in some animal program, and was enchanted by its elegance. He felt a connection with the brilliant modus operandi of the hunt. The leopard was the beast with a cool way of life that became his model, literally.

Since then, Ryuunosuke ended up self-conscious of his image of a leopard. He was always wearing clothes with something from a leopard. Jacket or pants, shoes or hat, or if that was too showy, he even had socks or underwear, handkerchief or gloves. He had an amber-colored cat's-eye ring, always in his pocket even when he couldn't slip it on his middle finger, and he would always carry on himself a pendant made with a real fang.

X X

So, this murderer named Uryuu Ryuunosuke has just recently started feeling down with a serious loss of motivation.

After some 30 victims, his methods for execution and torture has started

losing its freshness as they all look the same. Testing all the techniques he can come up with, even when Ryuunosuke witnesses their dying agony, teasing his preys has already lost the taste of excitement and stimulation.

Deciding to return to the place of his origin, Ryuunosuke came home after some 5 years, breaking into the backyard storehouse as his parents had fallen asleep in this late night. It was in this storehouse that he had taken his first victim, and it was now crumbling, abandoned.

Meeting again after 5 years, his sister's body had completely changed, but she waited for her brother at the place Ryuunosuke had hidden it. The silent meeting with his sister gave him no particularly strong emotion, and Ryuunosuke was disappointed that he had come for nothing; but at that moment, he found a rotten old book from the mountain of junk crammed in the warehouse.

The thin worm-eaten book was not a printed copy but an individual note. The postscript says ninth year of the Keiō era. This writing is more than a hundred year old, dating back to the end of the Bakumatsu.

Having occasionally tapped into Chinese books during his students day, Ryuunosuke could actually read the notes without much difficulty. But the problem was the content itself. The incoherent writing of thin characters was preposterous nonsense about some kind of dark magic. Moreover, the inscriptions involved Christianity and Satan, apparently it was about

some western occults. Offering human sacrifices to otherworldly demons to invoke spirits, that was definitely fiction.

In the death hours of the era of Edo, studying western knowledge was a genre of heresy. While a book about occult, the most heretic of heresy, could only be a prank, Ryuunosuke had some admiration for it, and he cared little about its authenticity. It was already quite cool and funky to keep just the old book on occult from the storehouse. That was enough of a stimulus to renew his inspiration as a homicidal maniac.

At once, Ryuunosuke made the place a "spiritual ground" as described in the notes, then resumed his night time reading. He didn't know just what meaning the land now called the town of Fuyuki had, but Ryuunosuke was setting up the important points of the mood for new killings; he followed the instructions of the old book as faithfully as possible.

When he first sacrificed a girl who had run off to play at night in an abandoned factory, the stimulus was more interesting than expected. The style of the sacrificial ritual totally captivated Ryuunosuke despite his inexperience. He became infatuated with the method, and after three failed attempts, the peaceful provincial city was struck with fear.

Like that, Uryuu Ryuunosuke broke into the house of a four person family

for the fourth crime; he was by then completely intoxicated with ecstasy in the midst of the crime, and of course he started cooling off after repeating the same crime for the fourth time. The voice of reason in his head started whispering in his ears.

Ryuunosuke had accumulated crimes as he wandered all over the country. He never killed twice on the same spot, and always disposed scrupulously of the body. Most of Ryuunosuke's victims are, even now, being searched as missing persons.

But this time, a series of crimes without hiding the remains would warn people quickly; this definitely was folly. Obsessed with the method, he had completely forgotten about his usual prudence. This one was particularly bad. For the three previous ones, he had tried to draw the magic circle with blood, and mistakes made him short on blood, so this time, to draw a perfect circle, he had decided to kill a little more than usual; but really, slaughtering a whole sleeping family might be a little too sensational. The police will be in a frenzy, and everyone in the region will be increasingly wary. Going into hiding is definitely not the style of a "leopard".

Ryuunosuke finally decided ― for the time being, let's leave the city of Fuyuki quiet. He will stick with the black mass as he quite liked the result, but he would have to reduce the number from 3 to 1

at a time for safety purpose.

After sorting up his feelings, a renewed Ryuunosuke decided to concentrate on the ritual again.

"♪ Fill, fill, filling, fill. With each repetition, four times― eh, five times? Err, only when it's full, break it up... Is it? Yeah."

Reciting the summoning chant, Ryuunosuke draws on the wooden floor of the living room with his bloody brush. The ceremony really is some serious business, that ambiance isn't Ryuunosuke's style at all. The serious mood was for his personal satisfaction afterall, what's important is the feeling.

Having practiced the magic circle all night, he finished it in one go. There was no need for reserves anymore, then. Even though he had killed the parents and the eldest daughter to draw their blood.

"♪ Fill, fill, filling, filling, fill, there. That's five times alright. Okay?"

The leftover blood seemed suitable for some fine art on the walls of the room. Waiting for a reaction, he turned toward the last survivor rolled up in the corner― a grade school boy gagged with a rope. The young kid was crying, his eyes swollen, looking at his torn up sister and parents.


"Say― boy, do you believe in demons?"

Asking the shivering kid, Ryuunosuke tilted his head in a dramatic act. Obviously, he wasn't expecting a reply: with his mouth gagged, all the kid could do was tremble in fear.

"You know, newspapers and magazines keep calling me a demon. But ain't it weird? A single stick of dynamite would do more victims at once than me."

Kids are nice. Ryuunosuke liked kids. Frightened adults cry and scream, so on that part, kids really are better. You can just laugh it off when they get incontinent.

"Nah, it’s fine. I'm kind of a demon. But if there were real demons beside me, I'd like to try to talk a little with them. Now that'd be nice. " 'Sup, name's Uryuu Ryuunosuke, I'm a demon!" how does that sound for an introduction? That should be a good opportunity to make sure of it. If real demons exist or not..."

His good humor improving, Ryuunosuke tested his charm on the trembling kid. Normally, talking was annoying, but looking at blood― and standing in front of someone on the verge of death, he seemed to change and started getting loquacious.


The blood of 3 people was enough, and that was his only reason for letting the youngest child live. Though he did think he'd take the time to enjoy killing him later, after the completion of the ceremony―

"Anyway. If by any chance, a demon really comes out, wouldn't it be stupid to not have anything to drink and chat? So, boy... If Mr. Demon here does pay me a visit, how about a little killing?"

"...!"

The young kid could understand well enough Ryuunosuke's idea. Ryuunosuke beamed when the kid, his eyes wide open, started twisting and struggling around without a scream.

"I wonder how it is to be killed by a demon. Will it go zip or splash, that gotta be some fun to watch. Not something you see everyday― ah ouch!"

The unexpected sting was like a cold shower on Ryuunosuke's frenzy.

That was the back of his right hand. He felt an intense pain as if he had bathed his hand in a powerful poison. As soon as the pain started, the swelling calmed down and stuck on the surface of his skin.

"... What the, hell? This..."

Somehow, a pattern like a tattoo was there on his pained right hand,

and he had no idea why.

"... Eeh."

Rather than feeling anxious, Ryuunosuke reacted dandily. That incomprehensible pattern of three intertwined snakes resembled some tribal tattoo, which didn’t look half bad.

But his foppishness lasted only a moment; Ryuunosuke turned around in surprise when he felt the air move behind him.

The air grows hot. A current that shouldn't be possible indoor. Soon, the breeze changes into a whirlwind blowing in the living room.

Ryuunosuke stares at the magic circle drawn on the floor with fresh blood, as it unbelievably starts emitting a phosphorescent light.

He did expect some sort of abnormality to occur, but― such a blatant phenomenon was beyond his anticipation. Something big, just like in the horror movies Ryuunosuke despised. These childish effects were so laughable it wasn't funny, but it was definitely real.

The violent gust is now trampling the room, blowing off the TV, the flower vase and other furniture. In the center of the magic circle,

a mist starts rising, and sparks scatter. The scene was otherworldly, but Uryuu Ryuunosuke was definitely not scared, he was he child staring at a magic trick, his chest dancing from expectation.

Fascination for the unknown―

The enchantment once discovered in the marvel called "death". The radiance that disappeared unnoticed when he grew tired of accumulating murder, right now―

A flash. Then a roaring sound like a thunderbolt.

The impact ran past Ryuunosuke's body. The feeling was like being fried by a high-tension current.

The strange power once passed through the Uryuu family. Now forgotten by its descendants, but still carried through their blood uninterrupted, the 'Magic Circuits' had been sleeping until this day inside Ryuunosuke; that inherited mystery was now unleashed like a tidal wave. And that "alien power" flowing in Ryuunosuke has just now started running in him, then streaming back outside to the thing invited from the underworld.

―So to speak, this was an exception amongst exceptions.

To begin with, the Grail of Fuyuki itself requires seven Servants. It isn't the capable ones who summon Servants and try to become Masters. The Grail will pick appropriate persons

until the count reaches seven.

The summoning of a Servant is also fundamental for the Grail. The hard work magi put into the ritual is only a precaution to create a bond with a perfect, reliable Servant. Even with an unskilled summoning circle and without chanting the spell, if a human has a catalyst, the requirements for the Grail can be met...

"―I ask of you"

From inside the enveloping haze, a soft yet strangely carrying voice called out.

The wind had stopped unnoticed. The light has left the magic circle, the radiance is disappearing, and the circle drawn on the floor with fresh blood is blackened as if burned up. And from inside the fading mist, the owner of the voice earlier suddenly showed his figure to Ryuunosuke.

A young face without a single crease yet. A pair of large, hulling eyes and greasy cheeks. Along with the deathly pallor of his face, he reminded Ryuunosuke of a painting from Munch.

His garments too is quite odd. His figure tall enough to reach the clouds is wrapped in a robe largely folded, decorated with luxurious latches made of precious metals; his whole style looks exactly like some "evil magician" from a manga.

"You who called me, you who requested for me, summoning the spirit of the Caster class... I ask for

your name. Who are you?"

"..."

Ryuunosuke gave a small response. The one who had come out of the summoning circle with great flashes and smokes― was an ordinary human, that was definitely not what he had expected. No exaggerated monster, just a perfectly normal human? Ryuunosuke was puzzled. His clothes were definitely queer, but did that mean this man was a real demon?

Scratching his head for a moment, Ryuunosuke took his decision.

"Uh, name's Uryuu Ryuunosuke. I'm a freelancer. My hobby is murder in general. I like kids and young women. Recently I'm back to sharpening my basis again."

The man in robe nodded. Apparently he had ignored everything beside the name.

"Very well. The contract is complete. Your desire for the Holy Grail is my desire as well. We shall make the cauldron of heaven ours."

"Holy― Grail ?"

On the moment, Ryuunosuke didn't get what it was about. Right, thinking again, didn't the old book found in the storehouse mention something like that? And he had skipped it because the passage was dull.


"... Yeah well, let's save the troublesome talk for later."

Ryuunosuke waved his hand lightly, before pointing with his chin at the kid rolled up in the corner.

"For now, let's talk over a drink. Won't you eat that?"

The other man, with a face as expressionless as a mask, gauged the tied kid and Ryuunosuke. Feeling anxious, Ryuunosuke couldn't tell by the silence if his words and intentions had hit home. Maybe that was asking for too much. Afterall, who decided that demons eat children.

Silently, the man picked a book from a pocket of his robe. The bulky book appeared to be an antique treasure from an ancient era. No doubt it was some gadget of the demon.

Ryuunosuke noticed in one glance what hide the cover was made of.

"Ah, cool! That's human skin, right?"

Ryuunosuke can recognize it because he once tried to put up a lamp shade with human skin pelt off a victim. Eventually, he got discouraged at his poor handicraft midway, but he can't help but respect an elder who has achieved a similar work through the end.

The man, casting only a glance at Ryuunosuke, ignored his compliment and gently opened the book, his hand rapidly flipping through the pages; he then muttered one or two words that made no sense, and as if it was enough, closed the book before putting it back in his pocket.


"... ?"

Leaving the helpless Ryuunosuke, the man walked toward the boy rolled up on the floor. At the strange events that had kept happening, the boy winced harder as if death was inevitable, trying to crawl away from the man.

Looking at the child in such a state, the man seemed suddenly full of compassion and kindness, which startled Ryuunosuke. What does that mean?

"― You have nothing to be afraid of, my boy."

Unlike what his odd appearance suggested, the strange man gently spoke to the boy. The imprisoned kid gradually notices his warmth, and looks at the man questioningly.

As a reply, the man gives a smiling nod, bending toward the boy and extending his hand at him― gently untying his ropes and gag.

"Can you stand?"

As an encouragement, the man patted the boy on the back, helping him up.

Of course, Ryuunosuke had no doubt the man was a devil, but he was really dissatisfied with how he was treating the child. Is he actually going to let

him live?

Anyway, no matter how you looked at him, the man is queer. When silent, his features would look dreadful like the face of a corpse, but when smiling without any apparent maliciousness, he would seem as pure as a saint.

"Now, my boy, the door over there will lead you out of this room. Don't look around, walk straight forward by yourself. Can you do that by yourself?"

"... Yes..."

At the boy's brave nod, the man responded with a bright smile, softly pushing his back.

The boy started running lightly across the bloodstained living room, as he avoided looking at the corpses of both his parents and his sister as instructed.

"Hum, hey..."

Of course Ryuunosuke couldn't ignore it all and spoke, but the man quickly interrupted him with a hand sign. Overpowered, Ryuunosuke helplessly watched the kid escape.

The boy opens the door and steps into the corridor. In front of him is the entranceway. His eyes drowned in fear until then are now shinning again in hope and relief.

The climax came the next instant.

The boy was leaving the stairs behind him, facing the entranceway. From the second floor, invisible from

the living room, something suddenly fell down in an avalanche on the young boy. A bundle of heavy ropes ― no, a flock of countless snakes ― an indescribable life form, or rather, a living creature twined around the boy's whole body, and with an otherworldly force, took away the young body up to the second floor.

Then― a soul-rending scream. The clicking tongues of an infinite number of creatures, and the echo of small bones crushed. The rashness of whatever was happening on the upper floor easily stimulated imagination even without witnessing it.

The strange man closed his eyes and raised his face, listening the nightmarish sound, drunk in attention. His hand shivers. Apparently he is deeply moved.

But the emotion was just as great for Ryuunosuke... No, as he didn't expect something like that to happen, the catharsis is far more intense for him.

"There is a certain freshness in fear."

The lingering memory of the horror he had himself planned out hadn't drawn out yet ―there now was no remaining doubt he was a devil― when he started speaking, and his voice sounded like he was entranced in a dream.

"Fright is about the feeling that you will die. The true meaning of terror doesn't lie

in a static condition, but in a change― this is the instant when hope is turned into despair.

How was it? The smell of fresh fear and death."

"― Kh ―"

Ryuunosuke was at loss of words.

The 'thing' that was feasting on the kid's remains upstairs was, apparently, the man's doing. He was the one who had appeared from the bloody magic circle, afterall. There was no possible doubt something had happened when he had opened his book with the binding made out of human skin.

The method was nerve-racking, but that is what is splendid in this philosophy. Ryuunosuke was no match for the creativity and perfect aesthetics of such evilness. Him who held such a vivid and moving "aesthetics of death" deserved the greatest praises.

"Cool! That's wicked! Man, that was super cool!"

Feeling like dancing with joy, Ryuunosuke grabbed the man's hand and shook it. Making friends with this strange man was no less moving than meeting a celebrity. The mass murderer Uryuu Ryuunosuke finally felt adoration and respect from the depth of his heart for someone in this boring world.

"Okay! I don't know about this Grail thing, but I'll follow you! I'll help you in whatever you want. We'll kill more. There are plenty of sacrifices. Show me more

of your cool killings!"

"You are a pleasant fellow."

Understanding of Ryuunosuke's emotion, the man replied gently to his violent handshake with a pure smile.

"Ryuunosuke, was it. It is a good omen I got a Master as understanding as you. This is developing more and more into an ideal situation for my aspirations."

When a summoning is made without a catalyst, the heroic spirit will be one that has a similar mindset as the Master. The one summoned by the vicious murderer was one who had left his name on extremely cruel acts; he was a heroic spirit with a taste for true tyranny. Or rather, based on that nature, it would be more suitable to call him a vengeful spirit instead of a heroic spirit.

"Ah―, right, I didn't get to hear your name."

Remembering about the important parts, Ryuunosuke started acting more familiarly.

"My name, yes. Indeed. For this era, you could call me..."

The man put a finger to his lips, then after thinking a little,

"... Then, for now, you can call me "Bluebeard". Pleased to meet you."

He replied familiarly with an angelic smile.

Thus, for the last position of the fourth Heaven's Feel ― the Master and his Servant

'Caster' completed the contract. This is how, without knowing the meaning of the Grail War or his nature of magus, the casual murderer received Command Spells and a Servant.

For a trick of fate, this may be the foulest play.

<noinclude>
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|-
| Back to [[Fate/Zero:Act_2_Part_2|Act 2, part 2]]
| Return to [[Fate/Zero|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Fate/Zero:Act_2_Part_4|Act 2, part 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Fate/Zero:Act 4 Part 3

2008-07-03T16:59:41Z

Byakko: /* -153:50:22 */

==-153:50:22==




Prana is consumed not just to keep the Servant materialized, but also for the least effort they do. Thus in battle, the consumption rate is all the higher. The prana is extracted from the Master's magic circuits, and is supplied to the Servant.

And the activation of the magic circuits, in Matō Kariya's case, means a hell of pain by having his body eaten by the crest worms.

When dematerialized, the prana consumption is at its minimum. Still, in that state, Kariya would sometime be tortured with palpitations and dizziness.

But when Berserker was materialized, the agony was beyond imagination.

The foreign body awakens, starts eating his flesh, creaking his bones. Acting as Kariya's pseudo magic circuits, the crest worms supply the sucked off prana to Berserker without concern for the host's limits.

Speaking about agony isn't even half of it. Being corroded, plundered by a living creature inside his body —the pain of being devoured alive doubles with fear and disgust.

"Guh... Ga, gwa...hh!!"

Hiding in darkness, Kariya stifled his scream of impending death, raking up his throat and chest. When his skin tore and blood started running, he started chewing off his nails on both hands.

For even more of a disaster, the prana consumption required from the Master by the Berserker class is even higher. When Zōken had Kariya use the maddening formula during the summoning to make him stronger, maybe this really was already a plan of the old magus to tyrannize him.

The worms bite at his spine. The worms are melting his nerves. The worms are, nesting en masse inside Kariya's body, the worms are the worms are the worms are the worms the worms the worms the worms...

"Gaaaaahh..."

He was unable to hold out his scream, but only a feeble moan came out. The intense pain was choking him and wouldn't come out of his throat. As he started sobbing, Kariya kept trampling his body out of rage.

He couldn't even watch over the fight between Archer and Berserker in the main street. When the tempest of pain finally calmed down, it took Kariya some time before recovering his ability to think and get a grasp of the situation.


"... Haa... Haa..."

Roughly breathing away the remains of his agony, Kariya resumes his observation of the battlefield through the vision of his familiar. There are three Servants left. Archer is nowhere to be seen. The battle has ended.

Victory— is not acquired. Perhaps Tokiomi evacuated Archer when he realized the disadvantage.

Kariya's Berserker hasn't taken one step back in front of the overwhelming golden Archer. With a magecraft improvised in a year, Kariya was able to rival the Tōsaka magecraft polished through generations all by himself.

"... Fuhu, hahaha..."

Haggard, Kariya left out a dry laugh from his theory.

He did it. That haughty magus was finally splattered with mud by an ordinary man like Kariya, after always looking down to the likes of him. In his heart, Kariya sneered abundantly at Tokiomi and Zōken, thinking, did you see that.

I'm not a loser. Nobody will call me a failure or an insect anymore. I can fight against you. I'll have you know what fear is...

This is enough for tonight. There is no reason to continue a battle that will pain him now that his sworn enemy, Archer, has withdrawn. Just let the other Servants kill each other as they wish.

As he reached his conclusion, Kariya was the most panicked of them all when he saw Berserker take Saber as his new target and charge at her.

"Stop... Come back! Come back here, Berserker!"

He called out to him. Such a simple instruction should be enough to reach him, and yet the black knight didn't respond. Instead, the amount of prana consumed by Berserker's excitation stimulated all the crest worms at once, and pain shot again through Kariya's body.

"Berserkeeeeer! Stoop iit!!"

With the pain, Kariya's voice was more like a scream. He didn't even have the mental freedom to use a command spell anymore. Swarmed by a torrent of agony, Kariya could only focus entirely on keeping a hold of his receding consciousness.

The black knight charges with the force of a wild beast, kicking the asphalt. He looks only at Saber, with a swirling, black killing intent.

Naturally, Saber isn't unprepared. She immediately readies her sword in a defensive stance.


"~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~h!"

Like a ghastly drive creeping on the ground, Berserker swings his current weapon down at Saber's head.

Saber blocked it safely with her invisible sword, but she was astonished when she identified what the weapon was.

An iron pole— this is what is left of the street light pole Archer was standing on top of, that tumbled on the ground when Berserker chopped it down. Berserker probably picked it up at his feet when he charged at Saber.

Berserker holds the iron pole, over two meter long after being cut down, with two hands like a spear, putting a terrible pressure on Saber's sword. But the surprising point is that this weapon was ''nothing but an iron pole''.

Saber's sword hidden under the Invisible Air was definitely the holiest of the holy swords. It was the most supreme Noble Phantasm. There is no way it will have troubles against a piece of metal you pick up on the roadside.

The only thing that could possibly rival Saber's sword with such strength is the Noble Phantasm of another heroic spirit. Yet...

"Wh... at?"

Holding up, Saber couldn't believe her eyes.


The iron pole in Berserker's hands is being tainted in black. Black lines are spreading and multiplying like the veins of a leaf, invading the iron pole.

The starting point is Berserker's two hands. The black lines are spreading on the entire pole like a spider's web from where the black gauntlets are holding it.

This is Berserker's prana— a black prana tainted in hatred and murderous intent. The iron pole is receiving it by permeation from his hands.

"You... can't mean!?"

Saber understood through her surprise. The true nature of this Berserker's Noble Phantasm.

Lancer and Rider, watching closely, reached the same conclusion.

"... So that's it. When Blacky takes something, it becomes ''his Noble Phantasm''."

Rider growls in admiration. The Noble Phantasm of a heroic spirit doesn't need to manifest through a characteristic object. Sometime, it can be a type of Noble Phantasm that manifests through a "unique ability" detained by the Servant's very body. This is exactly the case for Berserker.

Still, what an astonishing power that was. Berserker was capable of pillaging at will the countless Noble Phantasms thrown at him by Archer. They now understand the frightening lure. The instant Berserker's gauntlets grab one, the control of Archer's Noble Phantasms go to the black knight.


Not only that, even ordinary scrap iron became full of the immense prana fit to compete with other Noble Phantasms once it came into Berserker’s hands. Unlike how the golden knight owned numerous Noble Phantasms, Berserker’s Noble Phantasm is endless.

The second blow, the third blow – Berserker pressed Saber back with impressive throws of his ‘spears’, while Saber was merely defending herself. Saber’s left hand that was resting on the hilt had no strength in it, and the wound dealt by Lancer’s Gáe Buidhe started to hurt again. With only her right hand wielding her sword Saber could barely to fight with the support of prana, but faced with the torrential attacks sent by the furious Berserker she could only defend. Saber could not find a chance to retaliate, and gradually became disadvantaged.

“Saber…!”

Irisviel called out eagerly. Unnoticed, drops of anxious sweat seeped out of the King of Knight’s brow.

Emiya Kiritsugu, from his distant surveillance, also saw that Saber was in a tight spot. But with Kiritsugu’s current equipment he could not interfere in a duel between Servants.

If they could at least find out where Berserker’s Master was located, there might be ways to handle this… But Kiritsugu could not see Berserker’s Master with any of his two night scopes.

“…Maiya, can you see from your side?”

“No, I can’t see him.”

Kiritsugu furrowed his brows when he heard Maiya’s reply. Kiritsugu and Maiya’s positions were actually each other’s blind spots. The reason that they could not see the Master might be that Berserker’s Master also considered his own hiding place as a priority, and did not stay at a position where he can deliver direct commands to his Servant.

It seems the opponent’s personality is even more prudent than Archer’s Master. For Kiritsugu, compared with those talented but flippant magi, magi who do not show themselves off are much harder to handle.

“…The situation doesn’t look good…”

Right now it was not just a single combat between Berserker and Saber. In between the two of them stood Lancer and Rider, both at their full strength. On a battlefield where only the strongest survive, the worst position is to be at a clear disadvantage. The Masters of the other Servants must be thinking the same – at this point, by just helping Berserker a little, they can easily defeat Saber.

Then eliminate an exhausted Berserker. It would be two birds with one stone. Lancer and Rider can defeat two enemies with minimum prana expenditure.

Kiritsugu held up his pistol and aimed his scope at the top of the crane once again. The Assassin with the skull mask was still sitting there. Just one moment of carelessness might cost Kiritsugu his life.

“…Damn it!”

Kiritsugu gritted his teeth, but could only sit and wait.

The wound on Saber’s finger made her lose the manoeuvrability of her sword. Saber was keenly anxious because of that.

Of course she was aware of how dangerous her situation is. While she needed to stall Rider, who was observing at one side, Berserker’s fight with her had also become a stalemate. In the current situation – she didn’t have any strength to fight Berserker anymore.

Berserker, on the other hand, mercilessly used ferocious attacks more fitting for the title of the maddened Heroic Spirit. Although the ‘iron pole spears’ that Berserker continued to throw in a way as rough as a beast, the skill of the throws was nonetheless supreme and accurate.

It was not Berserker’s vigour that pressed Saber down, but his intensely strong attacks gave Saber no way to retaliate. No matter how bad the wound on Saber’s hand might be, as the strongest Servant Saber didn’t even have a chance to strike back. Also, although Berserker’s weapons were strengthened with prana, they were still twisted remains of an iron pole.

Berserker is definitely not a simple mad dog. The Heroic Spirit that became Berserker is a master warrior with amazing skills that even after his Mad Enhancement, he still possessed such an extraordinary ability.

“You… Just who are you?”

Of course, the black knight ignored Saber’s question, but threw the iron pole following his piercing vigour. The strike could be called as an absolutely exceptional feat. The ferocity of the strike appeared to hit Saber’s short stature and –

However, the thrown pole did not hit Saber.

The two meter long iron pole was split down the middle, and fluttered from the air to the ground. It was Berserker’s fake Noble Phantasm, with enough strength to be compared with Saber’s holy sword. What broke this fake Noble Phantasm with ease was – a streak of red light that glimmered through the darkness.

Lancer had his back towards the astonished Saber. This beautiful spearman took a pose of protecting Saber, the King of Knights, whom he regarded as an enemy only moments ago, and stood against Berserker.

“Please stop your pranks now, Berserker.”

Lancer pointed at the black knight with the tip of the long spear in his right hand – the Crimson Rose of Exorcism, and coldly declared war on the black knight. If Lancer’s red spear repelled the prana of Berserker’s Noble Phantasm, then the fake Noble Phantasms covered by Berserker’s black prana would be nothing but a pile of iron blocks.

“Saber has a tract with me… If you keep up this nonsense and interrupt the battle between us, how could I stay on the sidelines and look on?”

“Lancer…”

Although this is a fight to the death, Saber was immensely touched by Lancer’s words. This Heroic Spirit of a spearman devotedly believes in the same ‘code of the knights’ as she does.

Despite that, not everyone gathered on this battlefield praised Lancer’s actions.

“What are you doing Lancer? Right now it is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to defeat Saber.”

A voice questioned severely. This displeased voice should be Lancer’s Master, However, Lancer unexpectedly donned a solemn expression unfitting to this Heroic Spirit.

“The fight with Saber is a battle that I, Diarmuid ua Duibhne, gambled my honour on!”

Lancer yelled loudly at the empty sky.

“I’ll first let you see how I will kill that mad dog. I am doing this – because I am a king! The duel between Saber and I…”

“No!”

Mercilessly interrupting Lancer’s passionate plaints, Lancer’s Master ordered with an even colder tone:

“Lancer, help Berserker to kill Saber. I order you with a Command Seal.”

The air on the battlefield froze with tension.

A Command Seal. An absolute order for a Servant. No matter how great a Heroic Spirit might be he cannot disobey a Command Seal. Therefore, Lancer no longer had the right to freely control his own will –

The tip of the red spear reversed direction and attacked, flying towards Saber with a low whistle. The two demonic spears, long and short, brushed past the shoulders of the rapidly retreating Saber one after the other in front of her face, sweeping across the sky.

Lancer used the two spears in his left and right hand to attack the target directly behind him without even turning his head around. This astonishing skill with the lances, these two fluidly interchanging spears, is indeed the essence of the class Lancer. The accuracy of Lancer’s techniques didn’t even invoke his opponent’s rebuke.

“Lancer…!”

Saber was halfway through her sentence, but she suddenly went silent. Lancer turned around. Humiliation and anger filled his face with anguish; it spoke of the Heroic Spirit Diarmuid’s thoughts more than any mighty argument ever could.

For Lancer, whose body was bound by the Command Seal, his flesh no longer belonged to himself. It was merely a cruel and merciless machine called Servant. All the skills and abilities the Heroic Spirit Diarmuid had gained were manipulated wantonly without regard to his own beliefs, used only to fulfil the Master’s supreme command. As a Heroic Spirit, Saber deeply understood Lancer’s regret.

Beside Lancer, Berserker was closing in step by step. Although the situation had changed on the battlefield, Berserker’s goal apparently remained as Saber herself. Berserker picked up the iron pole that was cleaved in half by Lancer’s red spear, and this time he combined the pieces and poised it in front of his chest like a long spear. Although the shape of the Noble Phantasm had changed, there were no inconveniences with him using it.

Saber was out of options.

If her left hand was not injured, she might be able to fight her way out of this. But now, Saber was at the limit of her abilities just handling Berserker alone. At the moment, with Lancer being her enemy as well, Saber has no chances of emerging victorious.

“… Saber… I’m sorry…”

Lancer moaned painfully, but continued to advance towards Saber step by step. Contrary to Lancer’s expression of shame, the prana of the two spears on his left and right, with its hidden aura of the kill, was raising towards the sky in ascending vapours.

The black knight beside Lancer remained silent, but the intensity of his threatening surge was increasing exponentially and advancing towards Saber. A thick layer of black veins covered the fragment of the iron pole, and turned it into an alien weapon even more fearful than a sword, and the tip of the splint was pointed with intimidation at Saber.

Saber stared calmly and intensely at those Noble Phantasms, but she suddenly gave a sidelong glance at Irisviel, and blinked at her.

“Irisviel, I will handle the situation. During that time – ”

Saber’s thoughts were already running in circles. There’s only one desperate measure left. She has to do this in such a grave situation. No matter how big a sign of defeat she was showing right now, she must protect Irisviel. Even if she is to lose her own life…

“During that time, I need to get you out of danger. Run as far as you can.”

Saber nonchalantly reported this quick decision to Irisviel, but Irisviel did not detect Saber’s true intention.

The proud maiden knight will cleave out a path for Irisviel to survive, at the expanse of her own life.

Irisviel shook her head decisively. Right now she doesn’t want Saber to sacrifice herself a single bit.

“Irisviel! No matter what happens, you must – ”

“Rest assured Saber. Believe in your Master.”

Saber recognised the deeper meaning hidden in the sentence, but she was still very puzzled.

“Kiritsugu – Is he here?”

Actually, Irisviel did not help with Saber’s confusion, but she had always believed firmly in Kiritsugu.

At this point, Saber and she did not do anything wrong. As per Kiritsugu’s orders, they have fought honourably in the open. Now Saber is the focus of the battlefield.

Everyone regarded this delicate knight as a thorn by their side.

The two spears of Exorcism and Mortality, the iron soaked through with the black aura of the kill, did not threaten Irisviel. All this is proceeding as Kiritsugu had planned. That is – Saber and Irisviel should now be in an advantage.

“Therefore – whatever happens, we depend on you, Kiritsugu.”

Faced towards her husband who was nowhere to be seen, Irisviel prayed with total conviction.

Emiya Kiritsugu made a decision to start acting, not because he detected his wife’s worries, but from a clear analysis of the situation.

The first to be protected is ‘the Vessel of the Grail’, Irisviel. Since Saber can no longer protect her Master, right now no hesitation can be afforded.

“…Maiya. Cooperate with my countdown and attack Assassin. Restrain him with your shots.”

The answer ‘Understood’ immediately came from the other side of the radio. The air was soaked with tension.

At this point, they need to kill Lancer’s Master. That is the only way.

“ – Six.”

Kiritsugu began to count in a low voice, and focused the heat detector scope towards Lancer’s Master.

After the WA200 sniper rifle was completed it was tested outside the country before it came into Japan, therefore Kiritsugu was already familiar with the gun’s characteristics. However, he hasn’t tested its compatibility with the night scope system… At this time, he can only rely on Maiya’s shooting abilities.

“ – Five.”

According to Maiya’s report – the shooting distance was adjusted to 500 metres. The cross in the scope and the bullet’s flight path, from the nozzle to the target 500 metres away, are identical.

For long-distance shooting, the bullet does not travel in a straight line, but in a shallow parabola. That is, when the target is closer than the shooting distance, the bullet’s actual landing point is a bit off from the aim, a bit lower.

Lancer’s Master is about 300 metres away; therefore Kiritsugu carefully adjusted the aim.

“ – Four.”

Lancer was forced to attack Saber due to his Master’s Command Seal. After his Master is shot dead, his reactions may be unpredictable, but he shouldn’t keep attacking Saber. Then it’s down to facing Berserker’s own threats. Kiritsugu should come up with an idea that can get Saber and Irisviel out of danger.

The last question is Kiritsugu’s own safety. Under such a situation, he had no other choice apart from employing bold actions like sniping beside Assassin.

“ – Three.”

To reduce the risk, Kiritsugu wants Maiya to cooperate with him and fire. Maiya’s AUG can fire 5.56mm Remington high-speed bullets. This force can not damage the Servant Assassin. However, if Assassin comes under surprise fire he might ignore the other sniper in front of him – it goes without saying that the preparations and estimations of this shooting operation is severely deficient.

“- Two.”

Assassin might mistakenly take Maiya, who was only pretending to attack, as his enemy. However, Maiya’s position was far enough from Assassin for her to escape. Perhaps, due to the fear of showing himself in front of other Masters, Assassin would have left before that point.

However, in the situation that all possibilities are unfulfilled, Assassin might immediately assault Kiritsugu, who was right beside him. At that time, they can only fight on and hope for the best. There is no time to think about their chances of winning. That is the only way.

“ – One.”

Kiritsugu breathed quietly and slowly pulled the trigger. The nozzle did not move a single bit. The hollow nozzle was like a killing glare that locked its gaze on the target.

At this time, a deafening rumble reverberated around.

That loud sound was not Maiya’s AUG firing and was obviously not Kiritsugu’s shots, either.

That sound is not something a rifle would make when it fires, but an impact enough to shake the earth.

It was a thunderbolt that suddenly visited the battlefield. It had the dizzying flash of lightning that contrived to make night into day, and a roar that boomed greater than any thunder.

“Alalalalalalai!!”

The lightning didn’t descend from the sky, but traversed across the ground. No – that thing that looked like lightning is the galloping chariot that was entangled in thunder and lightning.

Lancer quickly flipped backwards and avoided the chariot in time. But for Berserker, who kept all his attention of Saber, he didn’t even have time to turn around and register what was going on.

Accompanying Rider’s shouts, the two divine bulls firstly kicked the black knight to the ground with their four front hooves, and then ravished the black knight mercilessly with their four hind hooves. Each hoof was enveloped with rolling purple lightning; just one kick would have been a very heavy hit. The divine bulls trampled upon Berserker eight times overall and his wounds must have been fatal. After Rider’s chariot roared past Berserker didn’t even have the strength to stand. The figure with the black armour lied face up on the ground.

Rider sat on the stopped chariot and gazed down at his utterly defeated enemy. His spirited face was covered with smiles.

“ – Oh? What happened to you, one with such a backbone?”

Berserker wasn’t dead yet. His body twitched feebly, and he slowly rose up from the ground. The black knight, who was stomped upon by the divine bulls, finally managed to bend his body around and crawl away from the chariot’s path. Rider saw his movements. Berserker had luckily avoided the decisive maximum impact of the chariot wheels.

Rider’s Noble Phantasm sped across in front of Saber. Upon seeing the Noble Phantasm’s overwhelming power of destruction, Saber was speechless.

Via Expugnatio • Distant Trampling Domination … Its power obviously does not lie in fighting with individuals, but with armies. Even the gallop just then was carefully calibrated by Rider. Had Rider wanted to destroy everyone at once, Lancer and Saber would now both be forlorn ghosts trampled beneath hooves and wheels.

The recumbent Berserker stretched out his leg weakly in an attempt to stand, but he had suffered a heavy impact and it seems he had realised he can’t possibly keep on fighting. Just when he has carefully stopped moving, his outline was already getting fuzzy and dissipating away like thin mist. He removed his physical form and resumed his spiritual form, and ran away in that fashion.

“Under such conditions, I can only ask Blackie to remove himself.”

Standing on his chariot, Rider appeared as if nothing has happened. He called out with his face towards the sky and his robust neck bent.

“Master of Lancer. Although I do not know where you are hiding to overlook us, but you disgraced a battle between knights with despicable means… not fitting for a magus’s opponent.”

At this point, the stalwart Servant smiled savagely, threatening the invisible enemy.

“Get Lancer to retreat. If you still insist in embarrassing yourself, then I will give Saber a hand. The two of us will defeat your Servant, how is that?”

“…”

The anger of the hidden magus enveloped the entire battlefield. But he did not hesitate.

“ – Retreat, Lancer. Tonight’s battle ends here.”

After he heard the command Lancer heaved a long sigh and lowered the spear in his hand.

“Many thanks, King of Conquerors.”

When he heard the whispered thanks of the handsome spearman, Rider gave a satisfied smile.

“The glamour of the battlefield is those people that deserve praise.”

Lancer once again expressed gratitude towards Rider with his gaze, then he nodded towards Saber.

There was no need for words. They have confirmed the promise between them. Saber also nodded towards Lancer.

The duel would continue at another time –

After Lancer confirmed this, he turned into spiritual form and disappeared.

After the destructive storm ruffled the battlefield, silence has arrived.

The sound of the waves smashing against the cliff and the bustle of faraway streets began to secretly permeate the night sky. Lancer’s Master should have released the barrier cast in the neighbouring area.

Saber gazed at the last person standing on the battlefield, Rider, with a complicated look.

“… Why did you come here, King of Conquerors?”

“Ah, I’ve never considered that properly.”

Faced with Saber’s inquiry, the stalwart Servant appeared as if it didn’t concern him and shrugged nonchalantly.

“All those things like reasons and plans, those bothersome stuff, should be left for future historians to find a reason to give me. Heroes like us only need to obey our hearts’ desire, and gallop along the battlefield with our boiling blood.”

“… That’s something only kings can say.”

Saber’s disappointed reply was adamant. She believed in the chaste way of knights, a world away from Rider’s barbaric principles used justify his actions.

“Oh? Are you saying my way of kingship is alien to you? Hmph, that’s just natural.”

Rider snorted, and ignored Saber’s defiant glare.

“All ways of kingship are unique. For I, who am a king, is as incompatible to you, who are also a king, as fire is to water… You are trying to split this world into two clear bands of black and white.”

“That is what I desire. Today, at this place, I’m also going to – ”

“Enough, enough, don’t be so vigorous.”

Rider gave a small smile and pointed at Saber’s left hand.

“As Alexander, I won’t take advantage over your weakness like others would. Saber, fulfil your promise with Lancer first. Then I would duel with Lancer or you, whoever might be the victor in the battle between the two of you.”

“…”

Saber was about to rebuke, but she saw the glaring wound on her left thumb. It wouldn’t do to underestimate the battle prowess of this Heroic Servant, who defeated Berserker in one blow.

“Then, King of Knights, we’re going to part ways for now. The next time we meet, I’ll incite all of my hot blood to fight you… little master, have you got anything else to command?”

However, the youth that lied on the steering platform beside Rider’s feet did not respond. Rider grabbed his collar and heaved him up, but this short little Master’s eyes were rolled back and he had already fainted. Looks like Rider’s power was too strong when he surprise attacked Berserker.

“… pick your spirits up, little man.”

Rider sighed and placed his Master into his own arms, then tightened the reins of his two divine bulls. The bulls brayed, emitted thunder, and beamed rays of lightning from their hooves as they soared into the sky.

“Farewell!”

Accompanied by the roaring thunder, Rider’s chariot galloped into the southern sky.

Irisviel finally disentangled herself from the tension and released the breath she was holding. When she looked about her, it was a scene of total devastation. That was to be expected. Five Servants were gathered at one place, with some of them unreservedly releasing their Noble Phantasms and destroyed the battlefield at will.

“The first battle was already conducted with such intensity. Had there ever been a Holy Grail war like this before?”

Irisviel was not worried about the traces of destruction. The Holy Church supervisor is responsible for the secrecy of the war. This place looks like it’s been through an earthquake. The supervisor must organise those employed by the Church and carefully fix up the battlefield.

Saber was still silent, staring at the sky that Rider flew past. Her delicate silhouette had no signs of excitement and exhaustion left from the savage battle, but just stood sternly and soundlessly on the battlefield. That figure of the girl clad in armour was like a painting, an image of beauty that allows no violation.

But Irisviel was different from Saber’s calm demeanour, because she knew Saber took a heavy wound.

“Saber, your left wrist – ”

“Yes. The hand hurts too much, what a disgrace. Like what Rider said, if I do not end my duel with Lancer and remove the curse of this wound, it will interfere with my battles with other Servants.”

Irisviel couldn’t detect any sign of unease in the indifferent tone of the King of Knights. Instead, Saber’s resolution consoled Irisviel.

“… Thank you, Saber. My life was saved because of you.”

Irisviel said with her head lowered. Saber replied with a smile.

“I fight in frontline only to protect you behind my back, Irisviel.”

Irisviel once again felt it with a pang; Saber’s strength, courage, and gentleness.

More than a dozen years younger than herself, the stature of a girl who is yet to be a woman – Such a delicate figure, such slender wrists, but she is a true knight, a hero.

“The war had only begun, Irisviel. Tonight’s battle was only the first night of the beginning of war.”

“…Yes.”

“They’re all strong enemies with equal might. Heroes invited from different eras… none of them can be easily disposed of.”

There was no anxiety or fear in Saber’s voice. Before the coming of the storm, the heart of a soldier is both excited and calm. The soaring spirit and boiling blood of a warrior would not change in any era, in any world. That is the true testimony of a hero’s soul.

The girl stared at the southern sky and proclaimed calmly.

“This is… the war of the Holy Grail.”

<noinclude>
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|-
| Back to [[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_2|Act 4, part 2]]
| Return to [[Fate/Zero|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_4|Act 4, part 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Fate/Zero:Act 4 Part 3

2008-05-17T17:11:22Z

Byakko: minor rephrasing

Fate/Zero:Act 4 Part 3

2008-05-17T16:43:07Z

Byakko: Okay I didn't know this one.

Fate/Zero:Act 4 Part 3

2008-05-17T16:41:51Z

Byakko: Stupid signature tag :o

Fate/Zero

2008-05-17T16:35:44Z

Byakko: /* Volume 1 */

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Image:Fate_Zero_promo.jpg|200px|thumb|A promotional image.]]

Fate/Zero is a translation project undertaken by various members of the [http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair Forum] and only hosted by Baka-Tsuki. Be sure to thank them accordingly!

'''NEW!''' Project lead [[User:Byakko|Byakko]] has agreed to solicit help for this project. If you can do Japanese/Chinese -> English translations and wish to help, contact [[User:smidge204|Smidge204]] and he'll hook you up with the required materials. Just edit his user page with an e-mail address or catch him on IRC (#Baka-Tsuki on irc.rizon.net)

== Story Synopsis ==
Fate/Zero is a prequel to TYPE-MOON's visual novel Fate/stay night. It is a novel with illustrations by Takashi Takeuchi (武内崇), and is a collaboration between TYPE-MOON and fellow developer [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitroplus Nitroplus].

== Translation ==

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Fate/Zero:Format_guidelines|Fate/Zero Format Guidelines]] (Draft proposal)

To Translators/Editors: It is highly suggested you use terminology and concepts from the [http://typemoon.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page TYPE-MOON Wiki]. Any missing information may be picked up from archives of the Fuyuki Wiki, which you can search up at the [http://www.archive.org Internet Archive]. --[[User:Velocity7|velocity7]]

== Updates ==
*December 22, 2007
:*Translation for Act 3: Part 3 Complete

*January 6, 2008
:*Translation for Act 3: Part 4 Complete

*January 14, 2008
:*Translation for Act 3 Complete

*January 24, 2008
:*Translation for Act 4: Part 1 Complete

*May 15, 2008
:*Translation for Act 4: Part 2 Complete

== Fate/Zero by Nasu Kinoko & Urobuchi Gen ==

===Volume 1===
:[[Fate/Zero:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]

:Prologue
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_1|8 years ago]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_2|3 years ago]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_3|1 year ago]]
:Act 1
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 4|Part 4]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 5|Part 5]]
:Act 2
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 4|Part 4]]
:Act 3
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 3 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_4|Part 4]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_5|Part 5]]
:Act 4
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_2|Part 2]] (complete)
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_3|Part 3]] (25%)
::Part 4
:Postface
::Part 1
::Part 2
:[[Fate/Stay:Translator's_Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

== Project Staff ==

*Project Administrator: [[User:Smidge204|Smidge204]]
*Project Supervisor: [[User:Byakko|Byakko]]

=== Translators ===

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[User:Byakko|Byakko]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Japanese text)
::*[[User:WingZero|WingZero]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Chinese text)
::*[[User:Brynhilde|Brynhilde]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Chinese text)

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.
'''Translators are asked to [[Fate/Zero:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Editors ===
::*[[User:Smidge204|Smidge204]] (Baka-Tsuki)

== Series Overview ==
* ''Fate/Zero #1 - 第四次聖杯戦争秘話''
First Edition Published December 29, 2006, ISBN: none (self published)

Second Edition Published January 26, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #2 - 王たちの狂宴''
First Edition Published March 31, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #3 - 散りゆく者たち''
First Edition Published July 27, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #4 - 煉獄の炎''
First Edition Scheduled for December 29, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

Fate/Zero:Act 4 Part 3

2008-05-17T16:34:29Z

Byakko: /* -153:50:22 */

2008-05-15T22:25:44Z

Byakko: /* -153:50:22 */

Fate/Zero

2008-05-15T22:24:37Z

Byakko: /* Volume 1 */

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Image:Fate_Zero_promo.jpg|200px|thumb|A promotional image.]]

Fate/Zero is a translation project undertaken by various members of the [http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair Forum] and only hosted by Baka-Tsuki. Be sure to thank them accordingly!

'''NEW!''' Project lead [[User:Byakko|Byakko]] has agreed to solicit help for this project. If you can do Japanese/Chinese -> English translations and wish to help, contact [[User:smidge204|Smidge204]] and he'll hook you up with the required materials. Just edit his user page with an e-mail address or catch him on IRC (#Baka-Tsuki on irc.rizon.net)

== Story Synopsis ==
Fate/Zero is a prequel to TYPE-MOON's visual novel Fate/stay night. It is a novel with illustrations by Takashi Takeuchi (武内崇), and is a collaboration between TYPE-MOON and fellow developer [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitroplus Nitroplus].

== Translation ==

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Fate/Zero:Format_guidelines|Fate/Zero Format Guidelines]] (Draft proposal)

To Translators/Editors: It is highly suggested you use terminology and concepts from the [http://typemoon.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page TYPE-MOON Wiki]. Any missing information may be picked up from archives of the Fuyuki Wiki, which you can search up at the [http://www.archive.org Internet Archive]. --[[User:Velocity7|velocity7]]

== Updates ==
*December 22, 2007
:*Translation for Act 3: Part 3 Complete

*January 6, 2008
:*Translation for Act 3: Part 4 Complete

*January 14, 2008
:*Translation for Act 3 Complete

*January 24, 2008
:*Translation for Act 4: Part 1 Complete

*May 15, 2008
:*Translation for Act 4: Part 2 Complete

== Fate/Zero by Nasu Kinoko & Urobuchi Gen ==

===Volume 1===
:[[Fate/Zero:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]

:Prologue
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_1|8 years ago]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_2|3 years ago]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_3|1 year ago]]
:Act 1
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 4|Part 4]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 5|Part 5]]
:Act 2
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 4|Part 4]]
:Act 3
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 3 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_4|Part 4]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_5|Part 5]]
:Act 4
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_2|Part 2]] (complete)
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_3|Part 3]] (4%)
::Part 4
:Postface
::Part 1
::Part 2
:[[Fate/Stay:Translator's_Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

== Project Staff ==

*Project Administrator: [[User:Smidge204|Smidge204]]
*Project Supervisor: [[User:Byakko|Byakko]]

=== Translators ===

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[User:Byakko|Byakko]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Japanese text)
::*[[User:WingZero|WingZero]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Chinese text)
::*[[User:Brynhilde|Brynhilde]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Chinese text)

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.
'''Translators are asked to [[Fate/Zero:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Editors ===
::*[[User:Smidge204|Smidge204]] (Baka-Tsuki)

== Series Overview ==
* ''Fate/Zero #1 - 第四次聖杯戦争秘話''
First Edition Published December 29, 2006, ISBN: none (self published)

Second Edition Published January 26, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #2 - 王たちの狂宴''
First Edition Published March 31, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #3 - 散りゆく者たち''
First Edition Published July 27, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #4 - 煉獄の炎''
First Edition Scheduled for December 29, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

2008-05-12T17:48:57Z

Byakko: /* -153:53:08 */

Fate/Zero:Act 4 Part 2

2008-05-11T17:12:00Z

Byakko: typo

Fate/Zero

2008-05-11T17:11:23Z

Byakko: /* Volume 1 */

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Image:Fate_Zero_promo.jpg|200px|thumb|A promotional image.]]

Fate/Zero is a translation project undertaken by various members of the [http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair Forum] and only hosted by Baka-Tsuki. Be sure to thank them accordingly!

'''NEW!''' Project lead [[User:Byakko|Byakko]] has agreed to solicit help for this project. If you can do Japanese/Chinese -> English translations and wish to help, contact [[User:smidge204|Smidge204]] and he'll hook you up with the required materials. Just edit his user page with an e-mail address or catch him on IRC (#Baka-Tsuki on irc.rizon.net)

== Story Synopsis ==
Fate/Zero is a prequel to TYPE-MOON's visual novel Fate/stay night. It is a novel with illustrations by Takashi Takeuchi (武内崇), and is a collaboration between TYPE-MOON and fellow developer [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitroplus Nitroplus].

== Translation ==

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Fate/Zero:Format_guidelines|Fate/Zero Format Guidelines]] (Draft proposal)

To Translators/Editors: It is highly suggested you use terminology and concepts from the [http://typemoon.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page TYPE-MOON Wiki]. Any missing information may be picked up from archives of the Fuyuki Wiki, which you can search up at the [http://www.archive.org Internet Archive]. --[[User:Velocity7|velocity7]]

== Updates ==
*December 22, 2007
:*Translation for Act 3: Part 3 Complete

*January 6, 2008
:*Translation for Act 3: Part 4 Complete

*January 14, 2008
:*Translation for Act 3 Complete

*January 24, 2008
:*Translation for Act 4: Part 1 Complete

== Fate/Zero by Nasu Kinoko & Urobuchi Gen ==

===Volume 1===
:[[Fate/Zero:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]

:Prologue
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_1|8 years ago]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_2|3 years ago]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_3|1 year ago]]
:Act 1
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 4|Part 4]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 5|Part 5]]
:Act 2
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 4|Part 4]]
:Act 3
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 3 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_4|Part 4]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_5|Part 5]]
:Act 4
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_1|Part 1]] (complete)
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_2|Part 2]] (57.5%)
::Part 3
::Part 4
:Postface
::Part 1
::Part 2
:[[Fate/Stay:Translator's_Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

== Project Staff ==

*Project Administrator: [[User:Smidge204|Smidge204]]
*Project Supervisor: [[User:Byakko|Byakko]]

=== Translators ===

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[User:Byakko|Byakko]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Japanese text)
::*[[User:WingZero|WingZero]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Chinese text)
::*[[User:Brynhilde|Brynhilde]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Chinese text)

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.
'''Translators are asked to [[Fate/Zero:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Editors ===
::*[[User:Smidge204|Smidge204]] (Baka-Tsuki)

== Series Overview ==
* ''Fate/Zero #1 - 第四次聖杯戦争秘話''
First Edition Published December 29, 2006, ISBN: none (self published)

Second Edition Published January 26, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #2 - 王たちの狂宴''
First Edition Published March 31, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #3 - 散りゆく者たち''
First Edition Published July 27, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #4 - 煉獄の炎''
First Edition Scheduled for December 29, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

2008-03-15T19:45:16Z

Byakko: /* -153:53:08 */

Fate/Zero

2008-03-15T19:38:33Z

Byakko: /* Volume 1 */

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Image:Fate_Zero_promo.jpg|200px|thumb|A promotional image.]]

Fate/Zero is a translation project undertaken by various members of the [http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair Forum] and only hosted by Baka-Tsuki. Be sure to thank them accordingly!

'''NEW!''' Project lead [[User:Byakko|Byakko]] has agreed to solicit help for this project. If you can do Japanese/Chinese -> English translations and wish to help, contact [[User:smidge204|Smidge204]] and he'll hook you up with the required materials. Just edit his user page with an e-mail address or catch him on IRC (#Baka-Tsuki on irc.rizon.net)

== Story Synopsis ==
Fate/Zero is a prequel to TYPE-MOON's visual novel Fate/stay night. It is a novel with illustrations by Takashi Takeuchi, and is a collaboration between TYPE-MOON and fellow developer Nitroplus.

== Translation ==

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Fate/Zero:Format_guidelines|Fate/Zero Format Guidelines]] (Draft proposal)

To Translators/Editors: It is highly suggested you use terminology and concepts from the [http://typemoon.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page TYPE-MOON Wiki]. Any missing information may be picked up from archives of the Fuyuki Wiki, which you can search up at the [http://www.archive.org Internet Archive]. --[[User:Velocity7|velocity7]]

== Updates ==
*December 22, 2007
:*Translation for Act 3: Part 3 Complete

*January 6, 2008
:*Translation for Act 3: Part 4 Complete

*January 14, 2008
:*Translation for Act 3 Complete

*January 24, 2008
:*Translation for Act 4: Part 1 Complete

== Fate/Zero by Nasu Kinoko & Urobuchi Gen ==

===Volume 1===
:[[Fate/Zero:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]

:Prologue
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_1|8 years ago]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_2|3 years ago]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_3|1 year ago]]
:Act 1
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 4|Part 4]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 5|Part 5]]
:Act 2
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 4|Part 4]]
:Act 3
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 3 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_4|Part 4]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_5|Part 5]]
:Act 4
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_1|Part 1]] (complete)
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_2|Part 2]] (35%)
::Part 3
::Part 4
:Postface
::Part 1
::Part 2
:[[Fate/Stay:Translator's_Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

== Project Staff ==

*Project Administrator: [[User:Smidge204|Smidge204]]
*Project Supervisor: [[User:Byakko|Byakko]]

=== Translators ===

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[User:Byakko|Byakko]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Japanese text)
::*[[User:WingZero|WingZero]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Chinese text)
::*[[User:Brynhilde|Brynhilde]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Chinese text)

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.
'''Translators are asked to [[Fate/Zero:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Editors ===
::*[[User:Smidge204|Smidge204]] (Baka-Tsuki)

== Series Overview ==
* ''Fate/Zero #1 - 第四次聖杯戦争秘話''
First Edition Published December 29, 2006, ISBN: none (self published)

Second Edition Published January 26, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #2 - 王たちの狂宴''
First Edition Published March 31, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #3 - 散りゆく者たち''
First Edition Published July 27, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #4 - 煉獄の炎''
First Edition Scheduled for December 29, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

Fate/Zero:Act 4 Part 2

2008-03-15T19:36:35Z

Byakko: New page: ==-153:53:08==   A golden light immediately arrived following Rider's bellow. The light was still faltering...

Fate/Zero:Act 3 Part 1

2008-01-26T23:45:37Z

Byakko: two -> twelve remaining shots

== 162:26:39 ==




Fuyuki city, Shinto―

The housing district at the East of the Miongawa is a new town reclaimed from a once empty wasteland; it is different from the history the Miyama town originally has, but it is being refined in a large-scale redevelopment project from the government to build a modern business district over the ancient site.

The buildings in the area planned as a business district are only 40% complete, but the maintenance of the park and shopping mall in front of the station is already done; the future plans are already done for the Shinto district to be clean and mineral, pompous and with no individuality. The city hall is also being moved piece by piece to Shinto, revived with modern iron, glass and mortar, stealing all central municipal functions from Miyama.

It is already crowded even during holidays. In the middle of the crowd going back and forth, cowering from the northern wind, Emiya Kiritsugu disappeared, colorless and odorless without

attracting any attention.

His shirt and coat worn for a long time and his lack of baggage give him a slacking appearance that wouldn't make you think of someone who has immigrated. As a matter of fact, he has been like that since he walked in the country up to Shinto in Fuyuki, but Japan still remains his native country. Being used to coming and going, he still felt better in this country.

With a complex feeling, Kiritsugu looked down on the cigarette paper package he had just bought from a vending machine.

It's been 9 years he has stopped smoking. He hasn't been able to find his favorite brand in the far land of the Einsberns, but that was mainly in regard for the mother and child. Just as he came down at the Fuyuki station, prepared for battle, he had thrown a coin in the vending machine out of habit.

Since he has bought a disposable lighter from a convenience store to get back the sensation, he breaks open the cigarette pack. The white of the row of filters is dazzling.

He put one in his mouth and lit it. As if there wasn't a blank of 10 years, he was able to redo the movements naturally. The aroma flowing into his lungs, he got used to the taste as if he had been doing it just the day before.

"..."


Kiritsugu looks at the transformed scenery, completely different from the one he vividly remembers in his heart.

He visited Fuyuki in reconnaissance under cover three years earlier, but the face of Shinto has completely changed since then. This isn't unexpected, but this is beyond what he imagined. He needs to confirm the neighborhood again.

Despite the slight difficulty from the transformation of the area, Kiritsugu reached the hotel he wanted.

The lobby and the front have been arranged, but the interior is a fairly cheap business hotel. Families or wanderers, this hotel is a good harbor for quite a wide genre of users.

Acting as if he knew the place, Kiritsugu walks through the lobby up to the elevator, up to the seventh floor. This is where his faithful subordinate has been for three days, in room 73.

In the world of magi, his relation with Hisau Maiya would be that of a pupil and a teacher.

But to Kiritsugu who saw magecraft as a mere tool he has acquired knowledge in, and not as the object of his quest, there wasn't a single sense of master and pupil. What he has taught to Maiya is merely a "way to fight". This too is only for the purpose

of counting her as a "tool". This is from a time when he went through countless desperate battles for an utopia that could never be fulfilled, when he didn't know about the existence of the Grail.

Hence his connection to Maiya is older than the one with Irisviel. Having fought at his side, Maiya knows of the blood-stained side of Kiritsugu that his wife has never seen.

As he knocked at a pre-arranged rhythm on the door of room 73, the door opened immediately as if he had been expected. Skipping unnecessary greetings with a mere glance at each other, Kiritsugu enters the room and closes the door.

Maiya has already been involved for a while. After Kiritsugu retreated, she has arranged the preparations for the Grail War according to the instructions given by Kiritsugu from oversea, and has been busy returning to the Einsbern castle many times.

Handsome, fair-skinned, she was a beauty who used neither eye-liner nor lipstick. Her long eyes and her gaze seem to be always scrutinizing suspiciously, but she deliberately leaves an impression of indifference. Her jet black, straight hair like silk, catch the glance of many men, but her cold, sharp look definitely makes any lady-killer give up.

Anyway, they have known each other for over 10 years. She was still a young girl when they met, but since she isn't a child anymore, she sharpened her sagacity as a characteristic; when with that type of beauty,

normal people tire easily, but Kiritsugu was the opposite. She is a woman who constantly saw the reality, and could sometime give out an accurate judgment, more merciless than Kiritsugu. With her, Kiritsugu didn't have to be ashamed of his foul plays or detest his cruelty. This could put him to some sort of rest.

"The Tōsaka mansion moved last night."

Maiya started by jumping straight to the point.

"Please watch the records of it. Also, all the equipment has arrived."

"Understood. First, the situation."

Nodding, Maiya switches the decoder of the unpacked television.

Amongst the magecraft Kiritsugu had taught her, Maiya was particularly capable in the management of regular familiars, and Kiritsugu often entrusted her with scouting or reconnaissance missions. This time again, Kiritsugu has assigned her to the surveillance of the Matō and Tōsaka mansions.

The familiars Maiya has pride in are bats, but unlike other magi, her bats have a miniature CCD camera tied on the abdomen. Of course, this is an idea of Kiritsugu. The illusions and camouflage bounded fields of magi are often based on using suggestion on an observer, but that sort of things often forget about electronic-based counter measures. Video records are also helpful for re watching, so even considering it slows down the familiar, the joint use of cameras is a viable solution.

The whole scene of the previous night is replayed on the 13 inch CTR. The blurred image is

enough to understand the whole event. Without raising an eyebrow, Kiritsugu watches the Servant with a skull mask being unable to escape annihilation from the golden Servant.

The white mask of the defeated Servant is without a doubt of the Assassin class.

"What do you make of it?"

"I think it is going too well."

Maiya replied immediately to Kiritsugu's question.

"The time lag between Assassin's materialization and the attack of Tōsaka's Servant is too short. He was waiting for him. I could accept he might have detected an intruder in spirit form, but his opponent is an Assassin with the presence concealment ability. ... I wonder if Tōsaka wasn't aware of the invasion prior to it."

Kiritsugu nodded. Having been trained by him, Maiya's conclusion was the same as Kiritsugu's.

"The more I think of it, the more it seems like an arrangement. Why did Tōsaka expose his Servant like that if he had such a margin?"

The Tōsaka family has obviously accumulated experience from the second and third Grail fights. There is no way they don't know the other

Masters would be observing the Tōsaka mansion.

The Heaven's Feel is a confrontation between heroes who have gained fame. And the legend of these heroes include a lot of informations on their fighting patterns, their strong and weak points. This means it is natural that the skills and weaknesses of the heroic spirits are known from the beginning.

And so, it has become an ironclad rule to hide the true identity of the heroic spirits in the war between Servants. In light of this, heroic spirits are all called by their class to avoid revealing their true name.

Last night, Tōsaka has left two clues to the other Masters, being what his Servant looks like, as well as showing a method that looks like a Noble Phantasm. Neither were enough to definitely identify the Servant, but that was a risk that should have been easy to avoid. If he was to bring down Assassin, he could have done so outside of plain view.

"Showing us something he didn't have to show us― that means he wanted to show it to us."

Kiritsugu nods again at Maiya's conclusion.

"Possibly. If there is any merit in doing that, then the explanation is obvious. ... Maiya, what happened to the Master of Assassin?"


"He went to the Church last night and has requested the supervisor's protection. It is the man called Kotomine Kirei."

Hearing that name, Kiritsugu's eye lit with a cold ghastliness.

"Maiya, send a familiar to the Fuyuki Church. One will be fine for now."

"... Is it alright? The church is an area where aggressions between Masters are prohibited."

"Unless the priest supervisor doesn't find out. Stay at a reasonable distance. Don't overdo it. He doesn't have to know."

Maiya frowned at Kiritsugu’s incomprehensible instructions.

"Must I not observe the Church?"

"You can just make it a 'regular patrolling'. What you must concentrate on is being absolutely not discovered."

"... Yes, understood."

Maiya couldn't understand what Kiritsugu had in mind, but didn't question him. She picks at once one of the three bats observing the Tōsaka mansion and sent it the thought of going to the Fuyuki church at the end of Shinto.

Kiritsugu turns of the TV, then resumes inspecting the equipment Maiya prepared.


In the various tools lined up on the sheet of the bed, awaiting Kiritsugu's check-up, there was not one a magus could find interesting. Not a single ritualistic catalyst like a dagger, cup, talisman, elixir or spiritual container. They were state-of-art and highly efficient, but apart from that, they were nothing but conventional weapons. Nothing that could store prana.

That was the heresy that earned the magus Emiya Kiritsugu the nickname of "magus killer".

The weak point of the people called magi was usually negligence from arrogance. They believe in their own mysteries and knowledge. They never doubt that the only threat to them beside God cannot be anything other than a magus like them.

That is why, in battle, they are sensitive to nothing but traces of magecraft. To detect any kind of trivial skill. Hence they train their perception of magecraft, and think of counter-measures against those skills as decisive― That's a theory no magus strays from.

As a result, they ignore any attack that is purely physical and void of magecraft as secondary menace. They have no fear of the sharpest knife, the strongest bullet, until the instant they actually pierce the flesh of a magus. And before that happens, the strength of magecraft grants illusions, paralysis methods, or defensive bounded

fields, able to completely negate any vulgar attack.

But they despise technology. What a human who doesn't rely on magecraft can do― a lot of magi cannot recognize that.

The attack the enemy doesn't expect is a shortcut for all battle. Kiritsugu has reached a conclusion from a large number of battle to the death between magi. That is, magi are weak to non magical attacks.

Applying that conclusion to the circumstances of the Heaven's Feel of Fuyuki, Maiya has prepared a set of equipment. Among them, the rifle lying on the sheet is what gives out the strongest smell of gun oil. That was a work of art that was the crystallization of the newest electronic techniques along with a ferocious shape.

The base is a Walther WA2000 semi-automatic sniper rifle. A rifle with a total length a little above 90 centimeters, in a compact size; the bullpup structure with a gas-operated magazine gives the gun barrel a length of 65 centimeters. The .300 Winchester Magnum shell has an effective range of 1000 meters. In the modern world, this is a rifle of the highest class, with the highest performance. The high cost of $12,000 is due to how it was one of the only 154 units produced for this phantom gun.

Instead of the standard sighting device made by Smith & Bender, Kiritsugu had simultaneously installed a

pair of lined-up devices as a special scope mount, above the barrel and on the left flank, both extra-large optic devices fixed in parallel.

On the main side was the latest night vision scope, the best of the US armed force, an AN/PVS04. The equipment, some sort of super high sensitive video camera, is a simple light electrical amplifier with a lens, raising and displaying a perfect brightness. It is a real electronic "owl eye" that multiplies the range of vision by 3.6, 600 yards under the moonlight or 400 yards in starlight. Essentially, it is the latest equipment used by the US armed force, banned from exportation to prevent technology leaking.

Furthermore, in addition is installed a specter IR heat detector scope as a sideways support. This one is also electronically equipped for night vision, although the image display isn't an intensity amplifier, but displays the heat patterns of the subject. It can perceive temperature variations from -5 to 60°C up to 200 meters with an 1.8 magnification.

Having discovered that the operation of Magic Circuits changed the temperature of the practitioner, Kiritsugu had studied and trained so much that he was now able to read, through the thermal output, the current status of the Magic Circuits by viewing the heat distribution. Viewing the clear difference between an ordinary person and a magus, it is possible to seize an opportunity after the release of prana. The joint use of both bulky night vision devices is not justfor nighttime battle, but also a configuration to specifically face against a magus.


Despite the steady progress on miniaturization, year after year, of the non-magical innovations, a night vision device roughly remains at the size of a plastic bottle, and is too bulky to be compared to regular optic devices. On top of the rash, compact design of the gun barrel, the enormous pair of scopes gives a clumsy air of unbalance. The total weight of the gun exceeds 10 kilos. It is already a weapon worthy for a support fire squad more than a snipping weapon. The main equipment was already hindering practical use, but that was a challenge Kiritsugu had calculated at best.

When compared to magecraft, this nigh-vision sniping gun certainly falls behind. Magecraft can let you see better through the dark, and it is also possible to detect the position of an enemy magus. But with this gun, Kiritsugu is able to shoot down a target without releasing any prana.

In the dark, unable to detect any prana, the possibility of being hit from several hundred meters away― it is a situation a pro soldier wouldn't count as incomprehensible, but a lot of magi are really novices in such conditions. In fact, a self-conscious magus who has stepped into a world of mysteries beyond human intellect cannot relate to the stereotypes of a narrower world.

Kiritsugu picked up the super heavyweight class sniper gun from the bed, checked the smoothness of the breechblock and the weight of the trigger, and made sure it was in the best condition.

"There is no correction up to 500 meters. Do you want to check it?"


"No, it's fine."

He would have wanted to not only check the alignement, but also get a grasp of the shooting, but with the constitutional government of Japan, that was unfortunately not easy. With the Grail War hostilities having already started, he might have to use the gun this very night, Kiritsugu fully trusts Maiya's preparations.

The other rifle that was prepared, in addition to the Walther sniping gun, is for Maiya acting as a vanguard scout, a Steyr AUG assault gun. Its night vision scope has also been replaced, like Kiritsugu's, and surprisingly, the weight is under 5 kg.

Furthermore, a Calico M950 submachine gun is ready as a reserve side arm. The compact size is not different from a large handgun, and the reinforced plastic makes it look more like a toy than the Walther sniping gun; but the unique magazine with a system called helical allows for 50 Parabellum rounds, with a firing rate of 700 shots per minute for a brutal armament.

The rest includes personal hand grenades and stun grenades, smoke grenades, and C2 plastic explosive. Following the instructions Kiritsugu sent from the North, Maiya had arranged to prepare the equipment without allowing any leak. But Kiritsugu's expressionless eyes don't look satisfied yet.

"And the one I entrusted to you?"

"... It is here."


Maiya reverentially pulled a rosewood case with both hands from the bottom of the closet. It seems that this reverence has somehow stiffened even further the beautiful face that never smiles.

Taking the case, Kiritsugu placed it on the side table, unfastening the clasps and opening the lid with an expert hand.

The armament on the bed is all brand new weapons for this day. The assets of the Einsbern family certainly allow the funds and connection necessary to arrange the gathering of brand new, sharp equipment despite its exorbitant cost with much difficulty.

But inside that rosewood case, the handgun sleeping in a long silence isn't something money can buy. This is the weapon Kiritsugu has favored on a lot of battlefields, which he has entrusted to Maiya when he retired 9 years ago, unique in the world, a weapon for Kiritsugu's use only.

The high-tech equipment that can be obtained with money is an armament for Emiya Kiritsugu as the 'Magus Killer'. But there also existed a weapon for the 'magus' Emiya Kiritsugu. That is, a 'Mystic Code'― a weapon through which a magus can use magecraft in battle.

Thompson Center's Contender. A grip and fore end carved in walnut, a gun barrel 14 inch long, reminiscent of a dagger in its scabbard. The handgun parts are

only the trigger and the percussion hammer, then the cylinder and slide cannot be found on the simple exterior, which makes it close to a percussion pistol from the last hours of the Middle Ages.

Actually, the Contender is a single shot pistol with a break-open cartridge chamber. This gun is essentially a pistol for target shooting sport; but Kiritsugu's gun barrel has been switched to make use of the hunting specifications of the large caliber, and furthermore, it has been magically modified to make use of "magic bullets" for rifling.

The bullets used are .30-06 Springfield. A cartridge with a bottleneck structure, its size and power level are already different from those of a handgun bullet. The .30-06 is 10% stronger than the .308 Winchester bullet, and even surpasses the hand canon class of a Magnum bullet. Discharged from a handgun, it would have extreme firepower.

But the true menace of this gun is not the destructive power of physical explosives and warheads.

The special bullets installed along with the gun in the case― in the core of the twelve remaining shots are sealed powdered bones from Kiritsugu himself. When Kiritsugu's prana is fired, these "magical bullets" forces into the target the 'origin' of the magus named Kiritsugu. So to speak, one could call it an imitation of a conceptual weapon.

Technology becomes the blind spot of magi who stick to magecraft... In the end, this is only

a tendency, and doesn't reverse the generality. Indeed, a lot of magi in the world can be defeated with means like a night vision and a heat sensor scope. Nevertheless, there are exceptions that cannot be measured with rules and experience. The generality against a magus is that there aren't many magi who deviate even further from that generality. Kiritsugu calls these opponents "formidable enemies".

Against a "formidable enemy" for who artifice won't work― Kiritsugu, as a single magus, must stand up when he runs out of secrets. At that time, this Contender becomes Kiritsugu's most powerful fang.

Rewinding the clock in his heart, Kiritsugu picked the Contender from the case. In the past, the walnut gun had absorbed the transpiration of Kiritsugu's hand countless times, and after a blank of 9 years, it still fit perfectly into his hand and fingers.

Whether it's the hand gripping the handle, or the handle gripping the hand, that is an indistinct feeling. With just a little strength in the fingers, the gun might just fuse with the bones of his hand, and become an extension of his arm.

Cautiously pulling the spool with his index finger, the chamber lock is released and collapses soundly. Sliding a bullet from the same case into the opened chamber, he then closes the barrel again with a snap of his wrist. With the added ammunition, the overall weight is now 2.6 kg. Kiritsugu's right hand gives a familiar response.


At the old feeling, Kiritsugu's chest hurts when he thinks that he got too used to the touch of a dangerous weapon.

At the end, will his hand remember so perfectly the touch of his wife and daughter?

Their tender cheeks, their slender fingers, how much of it will Kiritsugu remember?

Picking another bullet from the case, Kiritsugu replayed the reloading process that had dyed his hands.

Pulling the rim of the exposed cartridge with his fingertips from the opened chamber, he slides in a second bullet, and immediately slams the gun barrel close―

It took him two seconds. Bad thoughts dull his manipulations.

"... I've gotten rusty."

"Yes."

To Kiritsugu murmuring in self-derision, Maiya nodded without consideration. She knows the old skills of her partner. Kiritsugu pulled the bullet he had loaded in the gun, picked the other one he had dropped on the floor, and placed everything back in the case with the Contender.

"Ilya's body is even lighter than the Walther here. And she's already 8 years old..."


Letting free his shameful memories on his own, Kiritsugu started loosening alone. Maiya's movement barging in behind his back stopped his train of thoughts.

Agile like a snake, her hand rolled around Kiritsugu's neck, seizing the back of his head, blocking his movements, and his mouth― she took his soft, dried lips.

The taste and touch of a different woman from the one in his heart. Breaking off the man's homesickness, but that was too quick to be forgiven.

"... Please only focus of what's necessary for now. Don't think of what you don't need."

In a blurred voice that had traces of her usage of her tongue left, Maiya quietly commanded Kiritsugu.

"..."

Without a word, Kiritsugu feels the sensation in his chest calm down. In his heart cooling off, the pain is already vanishing away in a mist.

This is the woman she is. She is the woman into who Kiritsugu himself has raised a girl once found on a battlefield.

A supporting machine whose actions are even more akin to a machine than those of the machine called Emiya Kiritsugu. This is Hisau Maiya. An indispensable final weapon for Kiritsugu to win this battle... That is none other than that woman.

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Fate/Zero:Act_2_Part_4|Act 2, part 4]]
| Return to [[Fate/Zero|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_2|Act 3, part 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Fate/Zero:Act 3 Part 5

2008-01-15T09:45:13Z

Byakko: And of course the previous edit is me who wasn't logged in.

== 154:03:11 ==




The confrontation between Saber and Lancer was still more like a competition.

Rather, as each was measuring the other's power thoroughly in a preliminary test, it had started to look like a display of strength.

Of course, even for a test, it's Servants we are talking about. The avenue was a miserable wreck from the scars carved in as a result. Two storehouses had already collapsed, and a hundred square meters of asphalt were torn up. Turned into a battlefield, it was almost as if an earthquake has just came and gone.

In the middle of that disaster, still without a single scratch, Saber and Lancer are glaring at each other, preparing their next move. Neither show any sign of exhaustion.

"There's no honor in battling unnanounced, but—"

Lancer starts speaking with Saber, a killing intent flowing into the tip of both of his spears, only his gaze keeping its freshness.


"Anyhow, I give you credit. Coming so far without a sweat, you're one heck of a woman."

"That's unnecessary modesty, Lancer."

Holding her invisible sword, Saber put a smile on her lips once more.

"Although I do not know your name, your spear play and your compliments... You honor me. I am thankful of that."

Neither knew the other's history, with no connection, from a different country, but the heart of the two of them surely was connected.

Both had pride in their trained skills and strength, and meeting an equal opponent, they freely pay respect to each other— They both have the pride of a warrior hidden in their heart, the two Heroic Spirits understand that much.

But—

"'Enough of this playtime, Lancer.'"

Both Saber and Irisviel are surprised by the cold voice resounding out of nowhere.

"Lancer's... Master!?"

Stiffening, Irisviel took a look around her, but there was no human form to be seen. With the unnatural echo of the voice, she couldn't make out whether it was a man's or a woman's, or where it came from. Perhaps there was a camouflage like an illusion. The enemy doesn't seem to be close to showing up in front of Irisviel

anytime.

"'Don't drag the fight any more. This Saber is a formidable enemy. Make it quick. —You may unveil your Noble Phantasm.'"

Saber's face stiffens at the words of the unseen magus.

Noble Phantasm— He is urging his Servant to bare his fangs seriously.

"Understood, my master."

Contrary to what he had showed of his character up to now, Lancer dropped his voice quietly, and changed his weapons grip.

Without hesitation, he drops the short spear in his left hand at his feet.

'Then... Is it that long spear!?'

In front of Saber, Lancer peels off the amulet tightly bound around the long spear in his right hand.

It was a deep crimson spear. Totally different from before, prana starts rising from the tip of the spear like an ominous mirage.

"—That's about it. From here on, I'm out to do you in."

Lancer muttered with a low voice, changing his stance to hold with both hands his lethal weapon finally exposed.


Saber as well lowered her sword, measuring the distance between her and Lancer with greater caution.

Exposing one's Noble Phantasm can have two different kinds of effects.

One type is the demonstration of the large power of one's deadliest move as they announce its true name. Take Saber's ultimate secret move. She has "Excalibur • the Sword of Promised Victory" currently protected behind a bounded field of invisibility, but if she throws away the camouflage and shouting its true name, her sacred sword with shoot a stream of light that can mow down a thousand soldiers. As it truly is an anti-fortress Noble Phantasm that can turn the ground into scorched earth, it cannot be used just like that but as a last step.

Along with that, there can also be how the weapon already carries the nature of a Noble Phantasm. In Saber's case, her "Invisible Air • the Bounded Field of the Wind King" is an example. That alone doesn't have the capacity to annihilate the enemy, it is more a Noble Phantasm suitable in battle as a "sharp tool". It isn't particularly used for strength, but to put it differently, it is easier to use, and a trump card that can bring victory if used well.

And so, Lancer's red spear is—

Probably, the latter. So said Saber's intuition. Lancer will keep exchanging continuous blows with Saber. She doesn't suspect the next strike to be decisive for the fight.

"..."


The two closed the distance by sliding their feet, silently but with the tension doubling.

—Lancer made the first move.

Compared to the acrobatic freedom of his spear up to now, this was a much simpler stab in a straight line. A stabbing thrust that was guessing the length of Saber's blade hidden under Invisible Air, or rather, renouncing to watch out for it.

As a natural reaction, Saber repelled Lancer's spear with the arm that held the sword, ignoring the pain. Really, that was neither too serious nor sharp, just a common strike. But...

The disaster came like a squall.

Between the entangled spear and sword, an abrupt, unexpected gale rolled in and blew around.

"Wha!?"

Letting out a shocked voice, Saber takes three steps away from Lancer's spear. Lancer calmly resume his stance without chasing her. Watching over the scene, Irisviel can't understand just what is happening.


The gust of wind just now lasted only an instant, but it wasn't particularly gushing out prana. The origin of that wind was an enigma, but that definitely wasn't a threat from Lancer.

Nevertheless, Saber was the only one who was shocked. Lancer is smiling boldly at her astonishment.

"I exposed it. Your precious sword."

"..."

Silent, Saber doesn't comprehend Lancer's victorious mutter. They both understand the reason behind this mysterious phenomenon.

The wind had come from Saber's sword. ... More specifically, that was Invisible Air's doing.

The bounded field of condensed pressure that could refract light had leaked out in just an instant. The instant it had clashed with Lancer's spear— the prana controlling the wind around the sword had become loose.

And at that moment, Lancer had caught a glimpse of the shape of the "true sword" inside the torn bounded field. Lancer's murmur from before was the proof that it was definitely his spear that had exposed Invisible Air.

"I got the length of your blade. You won't get me with that invisible interval again."

Whether it was exaggeration or not, Lancer started flinging thrusts.

Just as he had said, the spear strikes suddenly gained in vigor, the attacks more severe and not vain anymore. Having certified the distance Saber's blade could go, he made no mistake in his aiming. Letting just one thrust pass

meant a fatal wound— understanding that much, Saber kept moving her body and parried every single spear strike with her blade.

Flickering, there showed the afterimage of ''the shape of her golden sword''.

'Kh...'

There was still pressure coming out of Invisible Air, but it was a continuous, random gale violently blowing Saber's blond hair in waves. There is no doubt left. Lancer's red spear is draining Invisible Air. Each time it comes with the tip of the spear, the golden blade is showing like a stroboscope.

'But... With that spear...'

There's still a way— Saber encouraged herself. Using a spear with both hands, that is a style Saber can deal with.

In the middle of the uninterrupted series of strikes, Saber looks for just one attack with a weak aiming. With just that, she can twist her body instead of parrying and rely on the hardness of her armor. A well-placed counter in a near-death situation can be a perfect opportunity.

In a swift movement, Saber struck at Lancer's shoulder. She ignored the tip of the red spear grazing her flank. It should be superficial on her armor, and meanwhile,

she will be splitting her enemy from the shoulder—

Saber foresaw the pain, her intuition saving her from a lost cause.

Her sword droppin in mid-air, Saber turned over and threw herself on the side. It was hard to say if it had been a close call. Lancer's howling spear definitely seemed to have spilled blood.

There's no need to say whose blood it is.

Rolling on the ground, Saber escaped from Lancer pursuing her, and stood up immediately to keep track of her opponent. Her eyes betrayed her pain.

"Saber!"

Seeing that something had happened, Irisviel started sending out prana to heal Saber's flank.

"—Thank you, Irisviel, I'm fine, the healing is working."

Even saying so, Saber is still holding her side, as if there were still traces of pain left.

"It does seem like victory will not be gained that easily..."

Muttering, Lancer didn't seem too discouraged, and rather spoke with an amused voice.


Visibly, this man greatly enjoyed competing against a formidable enemy.

Grinding her teeth, Saber calmly assembled the puzzle in her mind, and the series of hardly believable circumstances pieced themselves together.

Her armor should have blocked Lancer's spear. Nevertheless, the tip of the spear had Saber's blood on it.

And— right now, Saber's armor is the same as ever, without a scratch.
To make a practical guess, just with the spear coming in contact, the blade passed through the armor as if it had vanished.

Saber cannot dematerialize, but she can materialize her battle outfit and then cancel it. In other words, Saber's armor is knit out of prana, and it is not material in the present reality like the clothes Irisviel bought.

Furthermore, it was incomprehensible that Invisible Air could be cracked... The contact with Lancer's spear had created a fissure in the bounded field that generated the wind.

"... I see. I figured out the mystery of your spear, Lancer."

Saber murmured with a low voice. She reflected once more upon the toughness of her formidable enemy.

That red spear can cut off prana.


Nevertheless, it's not so powerful that it could break or cancel the source of the magecraft. Saber's armor is still fine, and Invisible Air is still functionning correctly. The spear is effective only the instant it hits the blade.

Apparently, at that instant, it cuts off the flow of prana, and renders it powerless.

Indeed it is not a Noble Phantasm one could be proud of the destructive power, but it has an ability that can be quite a threat. It is not an exaggeration to say the quality of a Servant's weapon is determined on the prana or the magical abilities it carries. But in the hands of this Lancer, it can be predominant against a Servant who finds pride in the power of his armament.

"You'll have to give up on the protection of your armor, Saber. In front of my spear, you're as good as naked."

Saber snorted at Lancer's bantering words.

"It's a bother to see you triumph over just peeling off my armor."

Recognizing the threat of Lancer's spear, Saber had still no fear in her heart. The situation still hasn't been decided.

That moment, the silver armor covering Saber's entire body scattered in every directions in a splash.

Irisviel gulped in surprise. Lancer observed.

The chest protection, the gauntlets, the long tassets shaped like a skirt that protected the legs, nothing was left. Saber had removed her armor by herself. The fragments of the armor scattering in a metallic dust immediately disappeared like a mist as Saber had cut off her prana.

"If I cannot defend against your spear, I only have to strike instead. Prepare yourself, Lancer."


With a blue light dress, Saber resumed her stance. Lower, with her sword behind, she confronted Lancer one leg forward and the other behind. Without consideration for defense, this stance was made for a lethal strike that would slice from one shoulder to the other.

It was clearly visible to anyone that Saber intended to finish the battle with the next strike at the risk of her life.

"That's brave. All or nothing, is it?"

Lancer somehow seemed satisfied by finding again what he missed, but the tension was clearly noticeable in the tone of his voice.

Having taken off her armor, Saber didn't gain just agility. The prana needed to form and maintain her armor was now available for use in her offensive. This means a lot for the skill of "prana burst" that Saber possessed.

A "prana burst" is the accumulation of prana in her weapon and her entire body, momentarily injecting an arbitrary vector, for an exceptional boost of her abilities. So to speak, it is a jet blast of prana for her movements. She only had the thin body of a small girl, but this was the secret that allowed her to brandish her big sword with the combat style of a power fighter.

The surplus of prana can be converted into mobility power for a close-range combat, but when Saber uses up to the prana needed for her

armor in a "prana burst" could grant her six time that bonus in power and speed... This is perfect for the destructive power of a one-hit-kill attack.

The handicap of losing the armor was overturned by the advantage of throwing away her armor. This was Saber's conclusion to deal with the "spear of exorcism" of Lancer.

"That heroism. This is a brave decision. I definitely don't hate that..."

Like a matador facing a mad bull, he kept provoking her by lightly shifting from side to side in a low position.

"If I dare say, that was my plan, Saber."

Not perplexed by those words, Saber replied with a bold smile.

"How about it. How will you feel after receiving this?"

Lancer understands. Saber's next charge will render the advantage of range of the long spear meaningless. If he can't grasp Saber's speed, he will meet his end when she will split him in two.

Calmly studying the opponent's light footwork, Saber measures the timing of her strike. Lancer too is probably estimating the speed of her charge with the density of prana she put in her body. But she still has one more secret ready for that...

By a little, just by a little, Lancer's movement weakens.


The asphalt torn up into gravels created many obstacles for a good foothold. Lancer's movement stagnates a little when he puts strength into his legs.

Saber didn't miss it.

A loud bang roars in the atmosphere. The golden sword that was invisible until then turns over the darkness of the night with its brilliance.

The Invisible Air that compresses the air and refracts light in an illusion can be used in another way. The instant the bounded field is released, it can blow the opponent with a single long distance strike with a gale made out of the super high pressure of the condensed air.

And this is the application of Saber's plan. The point of holding the sword backward in a wide stance was for that― to accelerate the air strike even more.

Released from the golden sword, a jet of air comes out from behind Saber. By releasing her armor to increase her prana burst further, her body changes into a supersonic bullet.

At this point, Saber's speed is three times higher than normal. It's already too late for an ambush attack or an evasion the instant she steps forward. Even if Lancer's spear can deal a serious wound to Saber, he will receive a lethal strike the same instant. That is certainly a strike made to risk one's life for a certain victory, ready to even have her flesh cut or her bones severed. Breaking through the wall of air at several times the speed of sound, the shockwave of the rush blows the surrounding rubbles like leaves.


Lancer doesn't move. Having already given up on an ambush attack, the tip of the red spear doesn't flinch.

What moved instead was― his legs.

With an extremely focused mind, the flow of time, even shorter than an instant, stretches and grows slower.

That moment, Saber knew. The opening in Lancer was a bluff. It wasn't a coincidence that Lancer missed a step, he had placed himself to stop at the right position.

In other words, the position Lancer had chosen for his victory― was the spot where he had switched from two spears to one, dropping the short spear in his left hand.

Lancer's word were resurrected in her mind. "That was my plan."

Saber saw it at that time. Lancer threatening smile when he was sure of his victory. The glint in his eyes had spoken more than his words. "I will strike through your imprudence..."

Instead of picking the spear with his arm, Lancer kicks the gravels at his feet. It's not just gravels that is flying in the air. The short spear that Lancer dropped earlier. It's tip is accurately springing up through the air in Saber's direction. The amulet wrapped around the whole spear just like the long one, already unfastened, reveals the yellow metal under it.

Saber's sixth sense can theoretically surpass thought for a natural talent for battle decision, but it didn't predict

her blunder.

One normally wields one spear with both hands― that was the trap of the misconception. She could only regard as bluff the capacity to have a spear in each arm.

If that was Lancer's way with the spear.

If that Servant was the Heroic Spirit known as the bearer of "the two demonic spears".

Yes, a Noble Phantasm― is definitely not limited to one.

The short spear that Lancer had kicked up, its tip, was swirling with a prana just as sinister as the long red one, glaring at Saber. It was already predicting the instant it would pierce Saber's throat, as she could only charge forward, too late to brake...

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_4|Act 3, part 4]]
| Return to [[Fate/Zero|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Fate/Zero:Act_4_Part_1|Act 4, part 1]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Fate/Zero

2008-01-14T20:12:44Z

Byakko: /* Fate/Zero by Nasu Kinoko & Urobuchi Gen */

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Image:Fate_Zero_promo.jpg|200px|thumb|A promotional image.]]

Fate/Zero is a translation project undertaken by various members of the [http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair Forum] and only hosted by Baka-Tsuki. Be sure to thank them accordingly!

'''NEW!''' Project lead [[User:Byakko|Byakko]] has agreed to solicit help for this project. If you can do Japanese/Chinese -> English translations and wish to help, contact [[User:smidge204|Smidge204]] and he'll hook you up with the required materials. Just edit his user page with an e-mail address or catch him on IRC (#Baka-Tsuki on irc.rizon.net)

== Story Synopsis ==
Fate/Zero is a prequel to TYPE-MOON's visual novel Fate/stay night. It is a novel with illustrations by Takashi Takeuchi, and is a collaboration between TYPE-MOON and fellow developer Nitroplus.

== Translation ==

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Fate/Zero:Format_guidelines|Fate/Zero Format Guidelines]] (Draft proposal)

To Translators/Editors: It is highly suggested you use terminology and concepts from the [http://typemoon.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page TYPE-MOON Wiki]. Any missing information may be picked up from archives of the Fuyuki Wiki, which you can search up at the [http://www.archive.org Internet Archive]. --[[User:Velocity7|velocity7]]

== Updates ==
*December 18, 2007
:*Translation for Act 1: Part 5 Complete

*December 22, 2007
:*Translation for Act 3: Part 3 Complete

*January 6, 2008
:*Translation for Act 3: Part 4 Complete

*January 14, 2008
:*Translation for Act 3 Complete

== Fate/Zero by Nasu Kinoko & Urobuchi Gen ==

===Volume 1===
:[[Fate/Zero:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]

:Prologue
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_1|8 years ago]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_2|3 years ago]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_3|1 year ago]]
:Act 1
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 4|Part 4]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 5|Part 5]]
:Act 2
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 4|Part 4]]
:Act 3
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 3 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_4|Part 4]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_5|Part 5]] (complete)
:Act 4
::Part 1
::Part 2
::Part 3
::Part 4
:Postface
::Part 1
::Part 2
:[[Fate/Stay:Translator's_Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

== Project Staff ==

*Project Administrator: [[User:Smidge204|Smidge204]]
*Project Supervisor: [[User:Byakko|Byakko]]

=== Translators ===

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[User:Byakko|Byakko]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Japanese text)
::*[[User:WingZero|WingZero]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Chinese text)
::*[[User:Brynhilde|Brynhilde]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Chinese text)

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.
'''Translators are asked to [[Fate/Zero:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Editors ===
::*[[User:Smidge204|Smidge204]] (Baka-Tsuki)

== Series Overview ==
* ''Fate/Zero #1 - 第四次聖杯戦争秘話''
First Edition Published December 29, 2006, ISBN: none (self published)

Second Edition Published January 26, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #2 - 王たちの狂宴''
First Edition Published March 31, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #3 - 散りゆく者たち''
First Edition Published July 27, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #4 - 煉獄の炎''
First Edition Scheduled for December 29, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

Fate/Zero

2008-01-14T20:12:35Z

Byakko: /* Updates */

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Image:Fate_Zero_promo.jpg|200px|thumb|A promotional image.]]

Fate/Zero is a translation project undertaken by various members of the [http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair Forum] and only hosted by Baka-Tsuki. Be sure to thank them accordingly!

'''NEW!''' Project lead [[User:Byakko|Byakko]] has agreed to solicit help for this project. If you can do Japanese/Chinese -> English translations and wish to help, contact [[User:smidge204|Smidge204]] and he'll hook you up with the required materials. Just edit his user page with an e-mail address or catch him on IRC (#Baka-Tsuki on irc.rizon.net)

== Story Synopsis ==
Fate/Zero is a prequel to TYPE-MOON's visual novel Fate/stay night. It is a novel with illustrations by Takashi Takeuchi, and is a collaboration between TYPE-MOON and fellow developer Nitroplus.

== Translation ==

=== Format Standards ===
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Fate/Zero:Format_guidelines|Fate/Zero Format Guidelines]] (Draft proposal)

To Translators/Editors: It is highly suggested you use terminology and concepts from the [http://typemoon.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page TYPE-MOON Wiki]. Any missing information may be picked up from archives of the Fuyuki Wiki, which you can search up at the [http://www.archive.org Internet Archive]. --[[User:Velocity7|velocity7]]

== Updates ==
*December 18, 2007
:*Translation for Act 1: Part 5 Complete

*December 22, 2007
:*Translation for Act 3: Part 3 Complete

*January 6, 2008
:*Translation for Act 3: Part 4 Complete

*January 14, 2008
:*Translation for Act 3 Complete

== Fate/Zero by Nasu Kinoko & Urobuchi Gen ==

===Volume 1===
:[[Fate/Zero:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]

:Prologue
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_1|8 years ago]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_2|3 years ago]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Prologue_3|1 year ago]]
:Act 1
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 4|Part 4]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 5|Part 5]]
:Act 2
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 2 Part 4|Part 4]]
:Act 3
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act 3 Part 1|Part 1]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_2|Part 2]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_3|Part 3]]
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_4|Part 4]] (Complete)
::*[[Fate/Zero:Act_3_Part_5|Part 5]] (69%)
:Act 4
::Part 1
::Part 2
::Part 3
::Part 4
:Postface
::Part 1
::Part 2
:[[Fate/Stay:Translator's_Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

== Project Staff ==

*Project Administrator: [[User:Smidge204|Smidge204]]
*Project Supervisor: [[User:Byakko|Byakko]]

=== Translators ===

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[User:Byakko|Byakko]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Japanese text)
::*[[User:WingZero|WingZero]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Chinese text)
::*[[User:Brynhilde|Brynhilde]] ([http://nrvnqsr.proboards20.com/index.cgi Beast's Lair]) (From Chinese text)

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.
'''Translators are asked to [[Fate/Zero:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Editors ===
::*[[User:Smidge204|Smidge204]] (Baka-Tsuki)

== Series Overview ==
* ''Fate/Zero #1 - 第四次聖杯戦争秘話''
First Edition Published December 29, 2006, ISBN: none (self published)

Second Edition Published January 26, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #2 - 王たちの狂宴''
First Edition Published March 31, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #3 - 散りゆく者たち''
First Edition Published July 27, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)

* ''Fate/Zero #4 - 煉獄の炎''
First Edition Scheduled for December 29, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)