5 Assassin 2. Emiya Shirou

On the place where I'd bumped a second ago a man was standing. He was in his forties, though I am not a good face-reader, so it was plus-minus 10 years. He was tall and slender. Straight auburn hair. There was thick moustache on his face combined with numerous scars.

The clothing is… strange. A sleeveless jacket (later I found out that it is called "jerkin") is quite worn, boots, rather worn too. A hat with a colorless feather. The cloak was the climax of the picture. An old, with colorless cloth, with holes on it didn't give an impression that a person before me deserves the name of a Heroic Spirit.

But the weapon…

I recognized the hilt immediately. Now I was looking on the epee in its whole. As simple as all the rest, it was still beautiful as combat cold weapon of the past could look. A bit Spartan but taken care of. Quite a big guard, rather long blade.

On the other side of the belt there was a dagger for left hand. Quite long, it looked rather the weapon of offence rather than defense like, for example, a main-gauche. And I would risk to guess, that there was some hidden weapon.

"Who are you, Servant?" – I asked still a bit nervous.

A grin rose under his moustache.

"Quite a Master. Called a Servant, but doesn't know whom exactly."

"Shall I use the Command Spell?"

I lifted my right hand. There were the symbols of the Command Spell, which allows to give the Servant three orders which he wouldn't carry out in a normal situation. In my case it was shaped in a stylized dagger: a long blade, a V-shaped guard, covering a short hilt.

The moustached Servant grinned once again but decided not to go on.

"The Assassin, at your service" – with his hat off, he gave a mockingly courteous bow.

That's good. An Assassin was the type that the hirer presented to me and that I got fond of. The name of the class says for itself. Someone that lurks in shadow and makes a sudden blow. The greatest minus was that Assassins were usually bad in the open. Though, I myself not a tall-standing, meeting-face-to-face type.

"And the name…"

Assassin made a complicated face. Yeah, most Masters choose a specific person of the past, so they are aware of the Heroic Spirit the call for. When you summon a persona incognita it's a bit… strange.

"Then let me introduce myself" – Assassin put his hat back on his head. – "Diego Alatriste y Tenorio with the nickname Captain. The soldier of Spain".

I gave a deep thought and… remembered nothing. It must have reflected on my face because Assassin looked confused for the first time.

Though, nothing strange here. I am not a bachelor of history, and the list of Heroic Spirits may be hundreds of names long.

Though, forget it. We are close to the supervisor and it would be good to make a visit of respect.

"Master, haven't you forgotten something?" – sarcastically asked Assassin.

"Khemm… Yes, since you have asked" – I decided not to pretend to be a wise guy.

"You haven't introduced yourself".

Oh, right.

"Sergey Sheremetyev. No nickname or a rank. A monster hunter.

Assassin nods and… disappears.

I remember that Servant have ghost form and calmed down.

"Is it for conspration?"

"This too. But also to keep the energy. There no enemies nearby I can feel, and you are… not the strongest magi here, so it would be wise to save energy".

"Nothing to do here".

Just like every living being, Servants require energy to sustain their existence. But the only source of it is the Master. I am… not the strongest magi here, thanks to that bastard Orlov (left hand is aching once again). Still can't understand why the hirer took me.

We went to the border of the forest in silence. There was nothing to discuss, especially after my demarche. For some reason it seemed a bit forced, so I asked just to keep the talk.

"Ehm, so, you are Spanish army captain?"

He surprised me with his laughter.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"No, just didn't think that the mistake will follow me beyond the grave".

With me still stunned, Assassin took his physical form and pointed with finger in himself.

"Tell me, Master, do I look like a captain? This is just a nickname I got after a combat. That time all the officers were taken down. I picked up our standard and led my fellow soldiers. So, it's just a nickname".

"Aaah…" – I concluded meaningly. My next words were more meaningful. – "You know, word "Assassin" is rather inconvenient in battle. May I call you Captain or even Cap?"

"Cap? Sounds like a name of a pub dog." – he grimaced.

"It's short from English word. Captian."

"Oh, right… English…"

Assassins sight went blank, just like when people dive deep in their memories.

"So be it. But God be my witness, it is unpleasant for me. I hope that you have nothing against my calling you Master?"

"Absolutely nothing" – I pretended not to notice a needle of sarcasm in his voice. – "But you can call me by name anytime… Cap…"

By that time we reached the cemetery and turned to the church. We went inside both. I was surprised first but then remembered that Diego is a Spanish.

The doors were opened to my surprise. It was dim inside, only in the far part, where pulpit, altar and the pipe organ were located, it was brighter.

A female figure in cloak was standing near the music instrument as if she has just finished playing.

She didn't notice me but I decided not to play jokes and creaked the door stronger than it should.

The figure turned to us. It turned out to be a young woman of… can't say for sure. Somewhere between 25 and 30. The look of her beautiful face was strict as if she were a teacher who noticed a truant trying to sneak into the classroom after the bell. No, she really was beautiful, especially with this white hair of hers…

And how, ma'am, in God's name you turned out to be on monk's robes? You'd better be an actress or a model!

"Is there something I can help you with?" – she asked strictly and moved closer to a table with some kind of stuff here.

Can't blame her. Two guys (Assassin has already taken physical form) at night, one of them is openly armed, second is not, but who knows what may be hidden in his pockets. And she is a lone girl here. I'd worry too, if I were her.

"I just wanted to talk to the one in charge" – I said politely and smiling brightly.

The woman paid more attention to our figures and then understanding flashed in her eyes, though her look remained rather cold.

"Good. The Master of Assassin, as I can see. It took time for you to appear, you know? I was even afraid that this War will be too uninteresting without the seventh Master…"

Wow, I am the last one. At least, I managed to…

Wait a minute, lady, what is that tone? That yours "took time" means that I came late at night or especially late as a Master? Anyway, what is your business here?

While I was thinking how to answer, Assassin stepped forward and asked:

"I beg your pardon, señorita, could I pray, while you are setting up your business?"

The priestess lost the track of the sudden turn of the speech but quickly got hold of herself.

"Of course, for it is the Church of our Lord and anyone, who has faith, can come here and pray."

Assassin thanked her, went to the altar and stood on his knees, with his hat in his hands since we entered the church.

"So, any other matters you want to settle here?" – she asked me as soon as he started whispering in Latin.

I scratched my head.

"Nothing, I suppose. Except, maybe, some management questions."

"Is there something you don't know about the Holy Grail War?"

"If only there some changes since the Fifth one."

"Then congratulations, there none, except my appointment as the Overseer""

Wow, everything stands where it belongs. Not the best person to start dating with. Though…

"And what is your name, mademoiselle?"

"Karen Gortenzia. And I would prefer "madam"." – she answered with ice in her voice, is if she were my boss, whose vacation I ruined by some means.

Yep, wordproof, as I call this kind of ladies.

Wait, madam? What about church marriage rules? Maybe, this is a sign of some status?

"When your companion finishes, I would ask you to leave the God's temple and return only in case you stay without a Servant."

"The companion has already finished" – Assassin stood and came back to us.

…

We went back by a car. Alatriste was in his spirit form which saved space and money, but a witness prevented us from talking.

Our couple left the car on the station from where I wanted to start our first patrol. Right now, though, it didn't seem to be necessary. We have just started, I was yet unaware of Assassin's real combat abilities and how to use them. But I was not a type to sit on his ass waiting, when the fun begins. Even if you have the advantage of place and being ready, it costs nothing, if you know nothing about your enemy.

My hirer had given only common information about classes of Servant, because their real capabilities were individual. During the ride I was analyzing Alatriste's stats, trying to form a battle plan. Most plans were mostly the same in basis: seek, detect, wipe out, hitting in back. Assassins aim was to distract enemy Servants, while I was to kill the Master. Of course, I was not the best in this area, but I had my ways.

Though, it should be kept in mind that Assassin is not the class that can endure some good beating with such low stats. But the surprise effect and his high agility should help him. And. of course, I was not going to go into the fight without a proper plan.

We were closing to the hotel in spiral, when something got on my mind.

"Assassin, what is your Noble Phantasm?"

At this time there was no one around, so I could ask freely, though still on a bit low voice, so that not a person could hear us even by chance.

"I would prefer to hide it even from you, Master."

As he was in his spirit form, it was difficult to understand his mood.

"And if I keep on asking?"

He kept silence for some time.

"With all respect to Master, but your powers as a magus are… not high, which means a chance to be magically influenced by other Masters."

"Does it mean that my awareness of your name is not enough?"

Another pause.

"For Heroic Spirits being aware of the name is the key to know the foe, but one Servant can't know of all heroes. Some of us are rather locally-famous guys, who haven't committed something widely known. For example, me. Of course, our granted knowledge is enough to recognize most heroes, but… in one word, I wouldn't like to learn it by practice."

"And you don't wanna put all the eggs in one basket?"

"Exactly."

Well, sounds plausible. I am a weak magus, frankly speaking, so even with my artefacts I can't be 100% protected all the time from all kinds of mental suppression.

"OK, I got your point. But could you give a hint, for tactical purpose?"

"Hmm, a hint… Let's say, it's an auxiliary combat Phantasm."

Well, that's something. Quite reasonable, as long as Diego is an Assassin, though I would prefer it to be a purely combat one.

Though, crap it.

…

We finished circling around the hotel and, finally, returned.

I slept till 10 a.m., which is rather understandable, keeping in mind, how much I have experienced for the last day. I wish I could lay in bad a little longer, but my stomach reminded of its existence. It was decided, that good eating is better than leisure. I can turn hedonistic before the evening departure.

I breackfasted in the hotel. The previous desk-girl was nowhere to be seen, pity.

While stuffing in I was reading news on the net. Nothing interesting, as it should be. Or…

"A young couple mysteriously disappeared. Young couple went on date never to return. Police carries investigation…"

Strange. If they were not killed by a robber, it can be only the work of a Servant. They can "feed" with human souls, if they feel not enough. Rather effective, but not every Heroic Spirit will take an innocent's live even for grater cause. Hmm…

By the way, where is he?

I went out of the building and called him in a very low voice. Mumbling in Spanish was heard somewhere aside. Alright.

We had discussed that during daytime I would casually go around as a tourist, and Diego would warn if something goes wrong.

This day I dedicated to Shinto, the new part of the city.

…

22:40

This night I decided to patrol the same places, where we were the same day.

Still, we went carefully, trying not to draw unpleasant attention and not to bang against a sudden foe. In spite of our day excursion, it was more difficult than it seemed.

Once again we moved in form of a spiral, but this time outwards.

We went silently. An hour. Two.

One moment we went to the river bank. To the left there was the bridge, connecting two halves of the city, to the right far away was the sea, and in front…

Oh, sweet Mother of Jesus! THAT was the reason we were crawling like this.

"In the shadows, now!"

Further and a bit down was a person. Nothing criminal in some other case, but there were two points.

Firstly, a second later our hiding a huge figure, standing near the man, disappeared, as if there was no one else. Secondly, I could recognize him, in spite of the distance.

Emiya Shirou. The previous winner of the Holy Grail War.

He didn't really changed, only his red hair discolored a bit, as it happens when exposed to extreme sun light. His skin also was darker.

"Noticed?" – I asked Assassin.

"A Servant and a Master. The Servant seems strong. A Caster or a Saber I'd say."

"Recommendations?"

"To avoid."

Hmm, not the thing I wanted to hear.

"Did they spot us?"

"No way I can tell. I am Assassin, so I can hide my presence for some extent, not on the contrary. I can only say that the enemy Servant does not come closer".

I looked out carefully. It was really like that.

To avoid…

I didn't like this word. Of course, I was perfectly aware that by choosing Assassing I had put myself in the position where I can't fight with the enemy face to face. But sitting in a trap like a spider was not in my character.

The plan was born almost immediately. In fact, it was a creative add-on to my common plan, so "born" didn't actually fit.

"Suicide." – commented Assassin.

"Any other ideas?"

"Not to get to them at all."

"If everything works, the battle will be quick."

"If not, it'll be quick too. Master, though I have been a soldier in my previous life, now I am Assassin, not a class for face-to-face combat."

"I don't ask you to fight, just don't let him touch me, I'll do the rest."

"Still suicide…"

"And if I put it like that?" – I stretched out my hand, showing the signs of the Command Spell.

Diego shrug his shoulders.

That's out of time, man! I don't even know, whether using it unmasks us!

If he doesn't want to follow the order, then so be it! I activated the spell with willpower.

"Follow my command! Get up that building and be ready to attack the Servant and don't let him touch me!"

"Yes… sir…" – Assassin answered unwillingly.

The "blade"-part of my spell tattoo went blank, leaving only "guard" and "hilt".

I ran to Emiya, trying to reach him, but I managed to and started my physiological attack.

"Oni-chan, oni-chan, can you tell me, how to get to the library?"

Plan went well. Surprised by my appearing, my way to address him and out of place question, he could only ask.

"W-what library?"

"Named after Pushkin or Lermontov. But better – Gogol!"

Suddenly a deep bass was heard:

"Master, it's…"

He didn't manage to finish. I erased eiwaz runes on the crossbows, took them and shot at Emiya Shirou with magic-piercing bolts, dropping them right after

Both of them exploded as his Servant revealed himself. Yeah, quite a giant, a couple of young Schwarzneggers, I suppose, and sword… Hey, have you robbed Berserk fan museum? The blade of the giant sword was about to fall on my head, when suddenly Assassin fell on the opposing Servant from the building, just like Mila Jovovich, putting his dagger in his shoulder and almost hitting him in his face with the epee. The giant guy managed to dodge, but got a deep scar from elbow to right ear.

But a moment later they disappeared of might sight. I rushed to Emiya. I raised my daggers, ready to finish that gamble…

And then something happened! My daggers hit something!

Unable to understand, what had happened, I instinctively dodged from a double attack, blocked right swing and jumped back, making some distance between us.

His strike was almost perfect. If it were not for my work, hunting and taking down fearsome creatures around the world, I would have been already lying with my guts on the ground.

I had only a moment of rest, but it was enough to analyze the situation.

Emiya Shirou, who at the moment of the beginning was completely unarmed, lacking any place to hide his weapon, got a couple of curved shortswords.

There was no time to observe, as he rushed to me. I tried to jump away again and counterstrike, but he had the initiative for now.

Shirou made a wide swing with the right blade, which I dodged, and a quick hit with the left, which movement I twisted by a dagger. I tried to sting him with my right blade, but he repeated my move, twisted his wrist and hit once again.

There was no reason to block. My daggers were not designed for that. What is more important, I didn't know, what the blades were, whether they could cut my ancient daggers

Instead I waited for a moment and hit him in a shortsword, taking him of the balance, making his blade move further, then he intended, moved forward and stung in stomach.

Emiya went away in the last moment.

Once again a second of rest, which I used to analyze the case.

He had shortsword, I had daggers. His weapon is a bit longer, heavier, designed mostly for cutting strikes. Mine was shorter, but lighter, a bit quicker, cutting and piercing. Our physique seemed equal, so the question was, who would keep the initiative and outwit the enemy.

This time I attacked first, combining right swing and left pierce, then right pierce. Shirou avoided the first, the second, blocked the last and then sliced with his right hand left and down.

I dodged this combination and went on with two cuts and one pierce. Emiya blocked all of them, once again used my move and hit my dagger, making it move further, and sliced me in the stomach.

I didn't manage completely, leaving with not deep, but wide wound.

That's bad. In a short-weapon fight usually wins not the one, who makes the final blow, but the one, who wouldn't bleed out first. For now I am the most wounded, so stakes go higher.

For some time we were dancing around each other like crazy, exchanging with short, lightning-like strikes. If anyone could see us, they would be profoundly shocked.

Don't believe those, who say that long-bladed duel is beautiful, until you see a short-bladed one. When the enemy is two arms from you or even closer, the duelists exchange shot-like short strikes, that an untrained eye can't even track, changing poses and stances like quicksilver.

In such manner it seemed that we had been fighting for hours, though, as I calculated later, it lasted for about 5 minutes, including my pantomime.

One moment I managed to choose a moment, avoid his scissors-like strike and instead of counter-strike went a bit to a side, erupted with a series of stings, which were finished with two throat-level cuts.

Shirou blocked them, but one of the blades changed its direction in the last moment and went higher, leaving a wide cut on his forehead. Being pumped by stomping heart, blood immediately rushed down, covering his eyes, which made him jump back, increasing distance.

He got a situation too. Though in long terms my wound was worse, bleeding much more, than his, blood was literally flooding on his eyes, and he had no time to wipe it away, unless the enemy would have mercy on him.

A thing I was not going to do.

Of course, Emiya could use magic, but once again, it would require time, and even if he had some, I in turn could use my magic, the type of which he hadn't revealed.

We both were trying to get our breath, when I noticed him looking behind my left shoulder. I turned with my whole body and saw our Servants fighting their best.

The opposing Servant, who was most likely a Saber, was extremely strong. Every hit with his rail-sword, left a hole in asphalt and caused a mini-earthquake. It was easy to imagine not only Assassin, but a tank cut into halves with only one blow. But in the same manner he extremely lacked speed, at least, compared to his enemy.

Assassin seemed to be on the top. He was dancing around, evading all attacks, trying to pierce the most-likely-a-Saber. His quick epee was like a viper, biting the prey. But who could say what kind of an ace the giant Servant had in his sleeve. He could suddenly take Assassin out of balance with a quick blow or even use his Phantasm.

I was ready to order Diego to use his own, to move the situation from status quo, but then Emiya gazed on me.

Everything was clear. We were going to kill each other as there was no other way out.

Bu we were not to clash again. As we were ready to continue the fight we heard clapping sound from the side of the bridge.

"Bravo! Bravo!"