Fate/Zero: A Different Path

Chapter 26

I need to think of a way to corner Caster

From the knowledge from Canon combined with prompts from Zelretch, I was able to piece together the puzzle shortly after the deal with Avenger. What I need now is a proper staged assault before he could retaliate

The creaking of wood resounded behind me. Saber closed the door, a click resounded as she locked it

I remained silent as she walked forward, standing by my side as we looked out the window

The night sky of 1994 Fuyuki is beautiful. Despite it's glamorous outlook, the neighborhood are quiet and almost serene at this hour. Their unlit district even allow one to gaze at the stars through the window

Nobody would expect a murderer is walking among them. Nobody would expect there to be a secret war going on in their midst from centuries ago, or of the society standing behind it

Nobody know, which makes it the perfect hunting ground for people like me

"Master, is it truly wise to make an alliance with her?" Saber's voice pulled me out off my thought. I looked at her

Trusting an alliance between us to work out is a fool's dream.At the end of the day, the fact remains that we still have to kill each other for the Grail

However, considering the circumstance...

"It is the best decision" I affirm "It's not about a matter of trust, Saber. It never is. However, our goal line up, and it's all that matters"

"But still,..." She looked hesitant

"Alliance is a brittle thing. In this case, that contract is the lynchpin to our cooperation" I explain, staring out the window "Our enemies are still there, you just have to wait until after the larger one is taken down before taking care of the remainder"

Be swift, but be patient

Time is a weapon that needs an innate mastery to wield. 

"I still don't like it, Kiritsugu" Saber looked at me, her emerald eyes showing a rare glimpse of concern as the Servant frowned in thought "Too many variables not in our favor"

"What part about this plan are you not satisfied with?"

"For once, the contract is a one-sided truce that forbids you from actions that might lead to killing them. It does not prevent them from doing the same" She raised a finger 

"And two, that it will only be in effect until the defeat of Caster, meaning that they can still engage you prior so as to evade the consequence. It is an unfair deal"

As expected of my Servant who is once a king, she has a good eye for these matters

LIstening to her reasons, I allow myself a small smile

"It is a deliberate mistake. Irisviel and Caster is not my main priority" Walking to the end of the room, my hand traced around the edge of the suitcase "Kirei Kotomine is"

"The nun to whom you fought?"

"Exactly"

With a click, the case opened, revealing a set of neatly arranged firearms sitting inside

"She has an...unhealthy obsession with me" I picked up my Beneli and began cleaning it "Prioritizing me instead of the weakened Tokiomi, willing to sacrifice a Command Seal to observe me in combat, and making an alliance with Irisviel von Einzbern for a chance to capture me..."

"Like that pink-haired girl from Mirai Nikki?"

"...How on Earth did you know about them?"

"The Holy Grail provide me information pertaining to the modern world" She tapped her own head "Continue speaking, if your observation turns out to be true we must be cautious about her. She has the most potential to bring harm to you"