Closer to morning, the clouds finally dispersed, opening the way for the crimson light of dawn. Sunday, the last day off before another grueling workweek of hated routine. Most city residents were still asleep, and only a few could witness such a rare sight. After all, few wake before dawn, and even if they do, there's usually no time for admiration.
An already middle-aged man sat in the park at a chess table. They were placed there for those who wanted to play the kings' game in the fresh air. Only this air wasn't as pleasant as it should be. Fuyuki Park had been nearly deserted for ten years. It appeared after the great fire that claimed five hundred lives. A monument at the entrance still reminded of it. Few saw it, as the site of many deaths evoked an unpleasant feeling. Something dark, something... evil.
Yet this old man, with a natural squint, examined the pieces on the board. It was unclear what he was doing here at such an hour, alone to boot. Perhaps just pondering his thoughts where no one would disturb him. Or, on the contrary, waiting for someone. The truth turned out to be the latter, as a similarly tall man with gleaming platinum hair combed to the side—exposing the right side of his head—approached him. Several thin braids woven from metallic-shining locks held the refined hairstyle.
Stopping nearby, the owner of purple eyes peered at the unusual old man with a sturdy build. The latter even felt uneasy under the intent gaze. Those pupils sparkling with noble color seemed to see right through. Every movement of facial muscles, every breath, even heartbeat. It was the last that drew the Primarch's attention to the unusual man sitting alone in the deserted park. With slow steps, the youthful-looking man approached the old man.
"What's the matter, young man? Do you need something from me?" The seated one spoke in the voice of one who had seen much, breaking the unnatural silence. The newcomer, without answering, sat on the free chair and peered at the chessboard. The pieces were in starting formation. The battle on the field hadn't begun, which the platinum-haired one decided to remedy. He started with one pawn, marking the clash of minds.
The gray-haired man shifted his gaze to the board and smirked. His hand moved and advanced a pawn as well. Over the next minutes, the duelists exchanged invisible blows wordlessly, as befitted masters of tactics. The one who moved first chose the method of a precise and calculating commander. He struck unerringly, each move leaving no paths to retreat, increasingly cornering his opponent. The latter preferred tricks and deceptive maneuvers. Even the opponent found it hard to discern the old man's intentions, yet he managed. Without exception.
"Good game—chess. It teaches thinking like a true warlord and anticipating the enemy's thoughts." The Primarch, pausing before responding, glanced sidelong at the speaker.
"It teaches fighting on equal terms, by certain rules. That never happens in war. Such thinking leads only to death." The rebuttal was backed by a stiff attack cornering the opponent. But he deftly escaped, turning the battle. Now Fulgrim was on the brink of defeat.
"Ha-ha, maybe you're right, young man, but such words are too grand for someone with your skills." The Primarch leaned back, which seemed like acknowledging the enemy's superiority. However, that wasn't what concerned the Phoenix.
"Who are you?"
"Me? Just an old man who likes watching the sunrise in places like this." Near-sincere incomprehension reflected on the speaker's face. Nearly.
"Even old men's hearts beat many times faster." The cold gaze pierced the gray-haired man. He began fiddling with his short well-groomed beard. And his lips curved into a smirk.
"Ho-ho, so that's the only reason you approached me. Well, fine, I wasn't planning to hide anyway." The feigned friendliness vanished, leaving a cocky expression on the wrinkled face. "I came to this city because I sensed the arrival of something... unknown to me. And believe me, that happens less often than the sun rising in the west."
"And what do you plan to do? Try to get rid of the intruder?"
"First, I'd like to find out what it even is. It came from places so distant even I haven't been there." The old man gripped the cane propped against the table leg and laid it across his knees. "And I love to travel."
"You'd better not tangle with that entity if you want to stay sane." The golden-eyed one burst into loud laughter.
"Ha-ha-ha, I think I've long ceased needing to worry about that." The elongated pupils of the strange man fixed on the Primarch. "And you seem to know what it is. Am I right?"
"Better than most."
"Well, alright then. Guess I'll have to find out myself how dangerous the guest is. You won't tell me?" He stated more than asked.
"Why should I? I don't even know your name." At that, the gray-haired man bristled and gave a jester's bow without rising.
"Oh, what manners, we haven't even introduced ourselves. I'll go first, if you don't mind." He placed a hand on his chest and spoke in a deep voice. "You can call me Kishua, it'll be simpler."
"Fulgrim."
"You're not verbose. And secretive. Is there a reason?"
"What do you think?" Those words elicited another burst of laughter.
"Yes, yes, indeed. Every action has causes and consequences. Pity most know that but don't understand." After those words, the platinum-haired one rose, lastly moving one piece.
"No point talking if neither of us will reveal the truth about ourselves." The man's legs carried him toward the park exit. However, before vanishing, he spoke once more. "You really shouldn't tangle with that being. I don't know who you are, but it's more dangerous than anything you've faced."
The Primarch left; his steps didn't echo in the silent surroundings, as if hinting he no longer belonged to this world. He was like a ghost, arousing no small interest in the still-seated Kishua.
"What an interesting Servant I've encountered in this war. No shortage of pride..."
The golden-eyed one broke off when he noticed the battlefield. The piece Fulgrim had moved last reversed the duel again. Only now, the old man couldn't escape defeat. He realized that from the start, his rival had simply manipulated him. Made him seem slightly inferior in skill, leading to an apparently losing position. But that was the plan, and with one lightning move, the Primarch secured a brilliant victory, effortlessly calculating Kishua's moves as if he were a child. That was the impression the old mage got when he recalled the game from start to finish.
"What a... little bastard."
The doors of the Emiya Estate were open as always. Passing through them, Fulgrim headed to the living room, where all the inhabitants of the house were gathered, including one new one. As every morning, Shirou had prepared breakfast. The young man's culinary skills were quite high, so he constantly delighted those he fed. Among them were Rin and Artoria. Rylanor quietly ate sliced fish given to him by the one responsible for his feeding. And only one minor fact made the moment far from idyllic. Though "minor" was a rather soft formulation.
Against the wall stood Vergil like a purple statue. The Phoenix Halberd was slung over his shoulder, as otherwise it would pierce the ceiling. With its sharpness, even inactive, that would be no trouble. The crimson helmet lenses were fixed precisely on the pair of war masters. And both felt decidedly uncomfortable with such a colossus a couple meters away. The guardsman had taken his lord's will with all seriousness, even excessive. As always. When his Primarch entered the room, the Astartes immediately bowed, startling the young people. After all, the warrior hadn't moved all night since his arrival. Which, by the way, hadn't been very verbose. He had only deigned to say, "My Primarch ordered me to protect his summoner and the red-haired boy."
"So you finally deigned to show up. What, did the night life of the city swallow you? And let me guess, this is one of your 'sons'? I don't know how you managed to summon him, but you could at least warn us!" Rin, from nervousness, was somewhat out of sorts and couldn't hold back the barb.
Her words didn't touch the Servant, but the one who served him thought otherwise. The halberd blade glowed with energy, its tip pointing at the girl. The armor's visors flashed dangerously, followed by the Space Marine's angry voice.
"Insolent wench! How dare y—" The righteous tirade was cut off by Fulgrim's raised hand. Vergil immediately obeyed the silent command, returning to his initial position. Only Tohsaka still felt enmity from him. And enmity from a man created for war, who had spent centuries in its crucible... that was terrifying.
"Rin, have you prepared the materials?" The Primarch inquired in a calm tone.
"They're in my room. You seriously think something will come of it?"
Fulgrim didn't answer, shifting his gaze to Artoria, who approached with mincing steps. Her emerald eyes held their usual calm, but the man didn't miss what was hidden at the bottom of the shining pools. He chuckled almost inaudibly and gently smoothed a disobedient lock of hair. It fully betrayed its owner's intentions, swaying impatiently. After all, Archer had been gone all night, and the tea had long run out. Contrary to precedent regarding encroachment on the unruly resident of the bright crown, Arty didn't draw Excalibur. She seemed not even to notice the affectionate stroking.
"Extortionist."
And a few minutes later, which seemed hours to the girl, she held a steaming cup. And once more, around the tea lover formed a soft, soothing atmosphere. Vergil watched this wide-eyed. Though he had seen his Primarch interact with the queen, in person it seemed too... just too much. The guardsman preferred to dismiss thoughts of it.
"Rin." Fulgrim spoke again. "We have work."
"Fine, fine. Maybe when you've emptied your... Ahem, let's go already." The magus wanted to toss another quip, but the surging blood lust tempered her ardor. More like lust for destruction. The head of the Phoenix Guard was, after all, a warrior who had seen much. Very much.
So master and Servant left, leaving the trio in uncomfortable silence. For Shirou, at least. He couldn't relax in the company of the two-and-a-half-meter giant. And worry about the floorboards nagged him too. Vergil weighed plenty, two or three centners at least. To dilute the atmosphere, the youth attempted conversation.
"Um... care to join for breakfast?" But he was ignored, though Emiya had a retort. Reverence for Fulgrim was obvious to anyone, and it was worth using. "Teacher Fulgrim never refused a meal."
And that worked. The guardsman finally stirred, tilting his head thoughtfully. Now, reminded that his Primarch hadn't minded eating—and even cooking himself—disdaining the current morning ritual seemed to the warrior... disdain for the Phoenix himself!
"Very well." Heavy steps made Shirou worry again about the floor's stability. Fortunately, it held. The sabatons were quite wide, so the pressure wasn't that strong.
Vergil carefully sat before the table, which was too small for him. Though with his size, everything in this house was. With surprisingly graceful movement, he sat on bent knees. The synthetic muscle system allowed holding a position the armor wasn't designed for. Now the warrior awaited his portion from the host. Though food of such calorie content would be useless, the taste remained. When the Astartes saw the plate of unfamiliar Japanese cuisine before him, he removed his helmet.
Beneath was a face betraying noble birth. Regular features, groomed appearance, and a frozen expression of focus. Also noteworthy were the hair and eye color. Platinum and purple, like Fulgrim's. Taking tiny chopsticks in his armored gauntlets, the scion of Terra's noble houses began to eat. Only even now, the atmosphere didn't change. And Shirou tried again to engage the Space Marine.
"We haven't properly introduced ourselves; I'm Emi—"
"I know who you are." All this time, the guardsman had seen through his lord's eyes, so he knew everything he had seen. "My lineage is Anusoran. And the name given at birth—Vergil." Paying tribute to the youth's hospitality, the man silently continued his meal.
"Ah, I see..." Shirou didn't know how to continue and decided to joke. "Just like in the Divine Comed—"
"I don't recommend mentioning that." The guardsman hated being compared to Dante's guide through the circles of hell. Even in the 30th millennium, that literary masterpiece hadn't faded from human memory. And there were plenty of smart alecks wanting to show wit. It never occurred to them they might not be the first to joke on the subject.
"Ahem... sorry..." "What's wrong with him?! Can't get a word out."
Fortunately, at that moment Artoria came to. That tea Fulgrim prepared for her had some enchanting property. All worries vanished, and one just wanted to surrender to the refined taste. The girl herself didn't understand why the drink affected her so. Shirou and Rin drank it too, yet felt no such thing. She should beware, but her well-being and mood improved. So she wasn't concerned about potential danger.
"Vergil, can you tell about Fulgrim?" Arty was more versed in people, understanding that to get someone talking, ask about what they like. And that word was too mild for how the warrior felt about his Primarch.
"He is my beloved lord, to whom I am absolutely loyal." The guardsman didn't even realize he'd been read like a boy. Experienced Astartes though he was. When it came to his lord, the guardsman became the Primarch's chief fan. Just short of a poster. And that could be said of many third legion legionaries.
"He already told me he participated in some Great Crusade. Care to elaborate on what happened then?"
"The greatest conquest in all human history. The Emperor led us into battle for many years. I was even fortunate to fight beside him in several. Then my Primarch returned, and we, the Emperor's Children, rallied under the Phoenix's banner. It was a glorious time. The legion was reborn under his leadership. At first serving alongside Luna Wolves legionaries, then independently." Shirou could only admire Saber's social skills. Getting this silent one talking was a true feat.
"And what was your service?"
"We brought the light of Imperial Truths into the darkness of ignorance. Brought worlds to compliance and returned them to the Imperium's fold. Countless planets were conquered by word and fire alike. And as countless enemies of mankind fell to the onslaught of the Phoenix Legion. Our lord, by his example, made us desire perfection. To approach the ideal he embodied."
"But at one point something happened, right?" That was why Artoria started the talk. She was very curious what past burdened Archer.
"True, a... misfortune occurred." The face full of reverence changed in an instant. Clearly, the topic was as unpleasant for Vergil as for his father. "But I dare not speak of it without my lord's permission."
"Yes, I already see it pains you to recall. In that case, tell about the Emperor's Children?" And the Space Marine was off again. Even Fulgrim was surprised by his talkativeness, listening from another part of the estate. Maybe he lacked the chance to share what he valued so? Once more, the Primarch was convinced neither his sons nor brothers differed emotionally from ordinary humans. "Maybe Father too..."
The Master of Mankind sometimes committed acts incomprehensible to all. Burning the city embodying the pinnacle of faith and worship for Lorgar alone could be deemed too cruel. Though he went against Imperial Truths, he was raised in a religious environment—that worldview was natural. Fulgrim had seen pict-captures of that city. In every building, statue, and icon was the greatest love for the Emperor. "Couldn't... he have been gentler? Maybe then everything would have turned out differently..." That became one reason for half the Primarchs' betrayal. Though he couldn't predict it, so no reproach... but they were his sons. They called him father, so why did he sometimes act not as a parent should?
"Much as I admire him, I'm not so blind as to ignore mistakes. Seems even the greatest among men isn't immune. But if even the most perfect of the perfect can be wrong, doesn't that mean... perfection lies not in the absence of flaws?"
Such thoughts were what the primarch had previously driven as far away as possible. But now he was not the same as before. His pride had dissipated like smoke in the wind, so he no longer considered himself perfect. And he wasn't even seeking perfection. How could a traitor be worthy of it? No, he would simply do what he must and not succumb to doubts again. Only such a path suited the one the current Phoenix had become.
"How much?!"
"Twenty-six kilometers. Pride of the Emperor is the pinnacle of human engineering thought. Its guns are capable of erasing continents." Vergil, at the moment, was telling about the legion's fleet. This impressed the young Emiya. After all, boys love cool toys, no matter what they are.
Footsteps were heard in the passage. Tohsaka and Fulgrim had finally finished their magical research. As soon as they entered the living room, the blank expression on the girl's face caught everyone's eye. Without a word, she sat down at the table and slumped onto it with her whole body. It seemed like pitiful sobs even came from her. And all eyes turned to the primarch who entered after her.
"A compact atomic arc reactor is even more complicated than the mysteries of the local mages." Now it was clear to everyone that Archer had succeeded in optimizing the production of accumulators. And this had dealt critical damage to Rin's pride.
Fulgrim, though he didn't devote much time to engineering, considered it necessary to be able to maintain any legion tech, even a Dreadnaught-Contemptor. Speaking of dreadnoughts, one of them, of the fluffy class, decided to move from Artoria's head to the primarch's shoulder. A smart kitten, he understood what the Phoenix had done for him, so he had already grown attached to him. And this despite the fact that only Shirou fed him. An amazing event. Although he also liked the golden-haired one. She smelled nice and was always warm.
Stroking his friend on the top of the head, Fulgrim placed him in his favorite spot and sat down at the table himself. It was already getting crowded behind him. And in a minute, it would get even tighter. Some person was approaching the doors of the estate. With a nod of his head, the primarch ordered the Astartes to switch to spirit form—after all, he was the only one who didn't fit the local era. Vergil immediately understood what his lord wanted. Now, the next guest wouldn't go into shock at the sight of humanity's greatest warrior. Though there would be plenty of reasons for surprise for her.
"Shiro-o-o! I'm here!" Like a wild whirlwind, the youth's guardian burst into the room and caught a most interesting scene. There were three more people in the room besides Emiya.
The already familiar gallant man turned out to be Rin's uncle. His handsome face, as always, shone with a friendly smile, and his unusual eyes glowed with a soft light. His presence made Taiga not notice the others right away. A very beautiful girl, and a foreigner at that. A natural blonde with green eyes. Fujimura considered herself quite attractive, but the perfect face and snow-white skin made her doubt it. One of her students, Fulgrim's niece Rin, for some reason was lying face-down on the table. And in the midst of it all was Shirou, who had completely forgotten that the Tiger of Fuyuki constantly dropped by. Yesterday she hadn't been able to come due to some business. But today she paid a visit, a rather late one, since it was a day off.
"Shi... ro. What's going on here?" Her tone wasn't too hostile. After all, the presence of an adult man calmed thoughts about the impropriety of living together with girls.
"Uh... Fuji-nee, this is..."
"Young Emiya kindly allowed us to stay with him when he accidentally learned about the forced disinsection in Rin's house." After these words, a tragic expression crept onto the primarch's face. "My dear niece, though a true genius, sometimes forgets very important little things. So, termites infested her estate. Ah, if only I could have come earlier and looked after her. She's such a scatterbrain sometimes, and she lives alone."
"Oh... Oh! So that's it, I didn't even know what to think—after all, a young guy suddenly inviting a girl his age to stay..."
"Don't worry about it, Miss Fujimura. I already stopped the improprieties that young Emiya was trying to commit. How could I allow him to throw my dear niece to the floor and leer at her greedily while she's defenseless?"
"I see, I see. As I thought, we can count on you, Mr. Fulgrim... Wait, stop..." The poor guy, unfortunately experienced, had already covered his ears.
"Shirou, what were you going to do to Tohsaka!!!"
***
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