[ closed. ]

[congratulating]

Who: Kirei Kotomine (congratulating) & Rin Tohsaka (jewelling).
What: The art of manipulation is not an easy one when staring down a teenager who has known you for thirteen years.
When: After this encounter.
Where: House #46.
Warning(s): Possible spoilers for Heaven's Feel.

[ It is exaggerated the way that he moves to get into the house, shuffling and favoring one leg when he has already been healed. The blood staining clothes and skin covers up the lack of injury, however, and for that he is grateful. He drags himself forward to collapse into the nearest chair to the door. Kirei is deliberate in his movements, in how loud he is (loud enough to catch the attention of someone keen on picking up odd noises yet quiet enough to pretend he's hiding his injuries).

Resting his hand over his body, he waits until he can see Rin coming to inspect what is going on. He makes a show of using his mana -- of using his spiritual healing -- so the cover up that he is fine. As he has dealt with injuries like this before, he knows how long to keep his hand on his own body before he pulls away. Resting himself back on the chair, he closes his eyes like he may go to sleep. But he is not tired. Oh, he feels fatigue after a harsh battle as what he fought, but he doesn't feel tired.

There is too much to do, and he knows that Archer is still alive. ]

I did not mean to wake you, Rin.

Comments

[jewelling]

Ugh! Unbelievable… what a hunk of junk…!

[ Fortunately for Kirei, he wouldn’t have to cause too much of a ruckus to draw in Rin’s attention. While she should be sleeping, she decided to pull an all-nighter to work on her newest project. Broken shards of stones and jewels were scattered across her desk before her, and her both of her sleeves were rolled up to her elbows. She was trying to convey her mana into the stones, but so far, every stone had either cracked or scattered into pieces, deeming them useless.

Just before she gave up for the night, she hears a loud thumping sound coming from right outside of her room. At first, she brushes it off and blames noise on that dumb oaf, Jeanne who had a nasty of being loud and abrasive, even during the middle of the night when people were trying to sleep. After a couple more thumps, she decides to inspect the source.

So she leaves her mess on the desk and motions her way towards the door. As the door cracks open, she hears a deep voice calling out her name as if he predicted to see her. She sighs as she closes the door behind her. ]

Wasn’t sleeping, but if I were, I highly doubt I’ll believe that.

[ Rin peeks her eyes up to meet his gaze and instantly notices his state. This is the part where she should probably rush to his side and see if he needed anything from her. Instead, she approaches and stares him down. There isn’t a hint of remorse in her eyes, because, well, it’s Kirei… ]

Should I dare and ask?

[congratulating]

Of course, you shouldn't.

[ A half-laugh beneath his words. No, despite his act, he is not attempting to incite her sympathy or concern. The importance is not in her care for him, but seeing his injuries themselves. His immortality must be hidden, but unfortunately, Archer knows of it. But so long as he shows himself in a near death state to Rin, he hopes to subvert Archer being believed. ]

Archer attempted to kill me. [ A simple answer. ] I do not suppose you know why he would attempt to do so? [ Kirei waves his hand dismissively after he asks his question. ]

He has a misguided belief about me that much was made clear in our fight. [ Not completely untrue. ] I am sorry. You had already scolded me for having asked questions if I am going to answer them myself, and here I am answering them, again. [ His eyes close. ] Still if my Servant had not shown up... well, that is that...

[ He breathes out slow. ] I wonder what Archer is thinking... [ He will need to contract with someone in order to survive their encounter. His brief glance over Rin's hands means he did not return to her side. Even if she was the obvious choice. You would not let it end here. So... what are you doing, Emiya Shirou? ]

Can you guess what he might be thinking, Rin?

[jewelling]

[ Eyes widen at Archer’s name. Once more, Rin analyzes the man’s form and his obvious injuries, taking in the visuals before the initiative and react appropriately. However, Kirei had already made sure she wouldn’t and distracted her with his words. She bites down at her inner bottom lips as she draws herself back. Of course, she knew the answers. Prior to all this, Archer tried to consult with her about the issue and instead of considering his words, she instead scolded him. She was too wrapped up in her own problems with the servant to listen.

Immediately and internally, she takes the blame.

Instead of giving him a direct answer, she hurries herself over towards the door and slips on both her shoes. If there was some truth to Kirei’s words, she knew Archer was somewhere, slipping on his own pool of blood while still in all being ignorant to accept help. With that said, her concerns were only on him as she knew there was no way in hell the servant could survive a two on one match against a master AND a servant. ]

Like hell, if I know. [ She lies, aware that he's trying to dig out information from her. ] I don't have the time nor the patience to explain this to you, again, he rejected me as a Master. So don't pin this on me.

[ With that, she approaches the front door. ]

[congratulating]

I am pinning nothing on you. [ He is merely giving her the information and tools to damn herself. His eyes flicker over to watch what she is doing and smiles to himself. ]

Rest easy, Rin. Archer was not gravely injured by my Servant. I ensured that his retreat was absolute. [ Mostly true. ] Killing him will gain me nothing even if he tried to kill me. Defending myself is one thing but I have no desire or wish to kill a person on their knees.

[ To kill him, Archer need only continue to throw himself forward at Kirei. However, he fled and so the priest decides to let that be that for various reasons. Those injuries will force the Servant to contract with a Master. It will bring Emiya Shirou to a stronger state of being; that is far more important to Kirei than anything else.

Because Rin and Archer believe the Holy Grail Wars are over. Yet two Servants exist. Archer being Masterless affects the rules of the Grail and that cannot stand if it is to manifest in this world. More Servants may come in response to the two chosen Masters and Servants.

He smiles. It doesn't matter if it is ten, fifty or even one hundred years for the manifestation. He has the time to wait, and so he need only ensure that the birth of the Grail is complete this time around. Until then, he will see the state of this world and observe how rotten the core is. His answers will come to him. ]

You cannot hope to find him and so your running around will do nothing. However, if it troubles you so, I can ask my Servant on how he is. After all, I had placed her on sentry duty. [ He offers with a smile directed to Rin this time. ] This is not the Holy Church and as such, not under any protective rules.

Even if you are here, I cannot be certain Archer will not launch one final suicide attack to kill me... regardless of who is caught up in the assault.

[jewelling]

[ That may be true, Rin knew damn well that Archer could survive and maintain his materialized body for an extended period of time, even after an assault. Save your breath Kirei, that wasn’t a concern of Rin's at this point. She's more torn up about Archer's fate. She knew well he's the type to accept his fate and Kirei's probably right. She knew her feeble attempts would resolve in results that’ll leave Rin in utter disappointment, despair or both. The servant is stubborn and would reject her again and again until his last drawing breath. The scene repeatedly plays out in her head and causes her hand to clutch tightly at the doorknob. ]

I-I refuse to leave a task like that to Avenger! From my standpoint, she’s both incapable and useless. She couldn’t even do her damn job and protect you! [ She knew her words were harsh and discrediting the Dragon Witch is unjust. Her emotions were driving her to be almost irrational. Admittedly, it's a huge flaw Kirei highlighted well. How did Kirei describe Rin to Sakura again? A bomb with a lit fuse? Sounds about right. ]

I’ll handle it myself. If what you said is true… [ Her back is still turned towards the priest and her eyes were glued at the hand currently grasping at the doorknob. She turns it slightly. ] and if he's this reckless, then as a magus I can’t allow him to live among people. He’s hanging on by a thread, correct? I’ll mercy kill him and be done with it.

[ There’s no sign of hesitation in her voice, she made sure of that for her current audience. There’s some truth behind to those words; it’s an option she explored, amongst other options. She wanted to hear the story from Archer’s mouth and decide where she wanted to go from there. An option like that is more or less, a last resort. Either way, she needed an excuse appealing enough for Kirei to let her go.

She curses under her tongue–how could Archer put her in this position? Her shoulders tremble at the thought of his deception. Or rather, his on-going deception if she included their conversation from earlier. ]

Unless you have a problem with that?

[congratulating]

She protected me. I would not be here if not for Avenger.

[ His words lack a defensive tone, but remain neutral. Like pointing out a fact such as the sky is blue. It is what it is. If she had not been capable, he would not be able to have this conversation with her. No, that isn't true, but he would have had to wait possibly days to recover. The black mud can and will keep him alive, as far as he knows, but depending on the damage, he may have a slow regeneration ahead of him. ]

I do, indeed, have a problem with you attempting to kill your ex-Servant, Rin. [ He decides to pull his gaze away from her -- if she continues to feel him staring, that will make the next couple steps difficult at best. Rin is the only Master that Archer could contract with. Why is he not showing himself here? Yet Avenger still can tell he lives.

Kirei holds his chin in thought, attempting to look as though he is sorting his thoughts out even if she is not looking at him. Archer should be arriving and find that while Rin would may be willing to contract with him, the trust she has in him has worsened still. That would end up cornering Emiya Shirou until I can figure out how to manifest the Grail. Yet he is not coming. Indeed, regardless of what Rin says, he does not believe she would allow the Servant to "die." What am I not seeing? What did you find out about this world, Shirou? ]

You have no means to kill him. The only means that you have is only what I could give you. [ He reaches into his blood-soaked jacket to pull out the handle of the Black Key to show it to her. ] I am still your guardian, Rin, and you were already cornered over what had happened with Matou Sakura. At that time, I could only perform a surgery to prolong your sister's life but the outcome did not change.

[ Kirei lingers just long enough on that hurt before pressing on. ] The number of times that you have relied on me can be counted on one hand. [ Turning his head away, he smiles as he recalls that he said this very same thing to his Servant. ] The number of times that I have asked anything of you can be counted on that same hand. [ Indeed, he never actually ordered or commanded Rin to do anything; that is something decided on her own with what information he gave her. ]

And so I am telling you to not seek out Archer, because it is something I am asking of you. [ He controls his smile to return his expression to a neutral one. ] You need not corner yourself into having no out, because that is not the way of this world... is that not what you told me? [ A beat. ] Natha Observers are always watching. You need not do anything, and you need not see what happens.

[ Folding his hands on his lap, he continues: ] If Archer is reckless and endangering others, they will ensure he is no longer a threat. It is as you said, Rin, the rules of the Holy Grail War do not apply here. I did not tell you what happened between Archer and me as a means to force you to kill him. I told you so that you can steel yourself for the conclusion to come.

[jewelling]

[ Instantly, Rin regrets her needless question. Kirei was right, which made her bluff slightly less convincing. Despite the fact that Archer been weakened since his arrival, it’s still wishful thinking on Rin’s part in believing that she could take on another servant. Her resources were limited. She also made that mistake with Jeanne Alter and thus, she’s still trying to recover her mana from that mishap. The door, which was slightly open has now been slammed shut by the force of Rin's hand. If that wasn’t enough indication for Kirei, she decided to reconsider her decision of seeking out the servant. Instead, she turns to Kirei and gazes down at his hand, noting the black keys handles presented to her.

Unlike Rin, Kirei had the resources to take out a masterless servant with ease, so if Kirei truly wanted Archer out of the equation, the priest would had done so. So, it perfect made sense that he’ll object to Rin’s rash decision. Perhaps he thought he’s saving her the trouble of placing her in an awkward position and save her the heartache of taking out one of the few people she had put her trust in. The thought made her nose crinkle up and prompts her to murmur the words “spare me” underneath her breath. Her emotions were spiraling within her, that much is certain, but, she’s simply choosing to disregard those feelings, because that’s just the Rin thing to do…

She hates to admit it, but Kirei has been both more honest and open with her than her formal servant, and that alone made her slightly more resentful towards Archer. Rin stands back over Kirei and crosses her arms over her chest. She took in most of what he had to say and was now processing his words in her head, piece by piece. ]

Fine, fine. I surrender– [ She sounds defeated. ] and I've already concluded my thoughts on him. He's selfish! Archer failed to consider the consequences for his foolish actions.

[ and her feelings, but she'll leave that bit to herself. ]

For the time being, I'll accept Avenger. I still think she's a halfwit, but I suppose she's better than nothing at this point.

[congratulating]

Indeed, but if it is just an attack against me, that is fine. [ And so he curls his hand around the handle of the Black Key. He holds it in his hand for a second before slipping it into his jacket -- his way of showing that the matter is closed on killing the Servant. ] Those observers know much about us, Rin. They should understand that Archer and I are at odds with one another. It is only natural given the Servant's personality that he would attempt to kill me.

[ As always, he talks like it doesn't concern him. ] However, if it is only directed at me, I believe the matter will be considered understandable rather than punishable. Like I said... it is only if he's considered a danger to everyone else, but being considered a danger to me is only natural. [ Because if Natha observers truly know him, they should not be surprised or troubled. ]

She is much better than nothing, RIn. [ He lightly taps his chin as though he's just remembering something. ] That is right... I had already talked about you to her. She won't be your babysitter, but she won't be a threat to you, either. I feel that is something I need to say... you were a Master chosen by the Grail, after all, and I am a Master now. Even if there are no rules, I can understand that there would be some concern.

[ He makes a dismissive wave as though he's batting those concerns away with his hand. ] First and foremost, you are my pupil and I do not want all the time I've devoted in your training to be wasted. [ If he says anything too sentimental, he knows that would be dismissed. Kirei realizes he almost sounded so just moments before in convincing Rin not to leave. No, there have never been anything that could be considered warm feelings between them, and so attempting to play on any heartstrings would be pointless. He, instead, goes for the selfish and the rational answers. ]

I would rather not those ten years become worthless for me.

[jewelling]

[ Perhaps listening to Kirei Kotomine’s longwinded speeches did serve a purpose after all. “They should understand that Archer and I are at odds with one another.”, now those words prompted an eyebrow to raise. While her facial expression remains unbroken, his words trigger her to reflect on her conversation with Archer earlier. His voice echoes in her mind, remembering his warnings which lacked substantial evidence for her to heed his concerns. She recalls his story and highlighting the many gaping holes within it and how he consciously left out the priest, someone who apparently made him fretful, enough to warrant a sneak attack. Taking Kirei’s words into account, Rin could say with confidence that her suspicions weren’t just suspicions. Something happened between the two men—possibly in both timelines.

She pretends to pay no mind to the explanations and just shifts her eyes off the corner of her eyes to display her lack of interest. Rin couldn’t have Kirei pick up that his words rattled her. So, with that, she starts to stray away from the topic altogether. ]

The fact you had to make a point to mention it, means she’s a babysitter—Just don’t let me catch that witch shadowing over me like some weirdo stalker. Otherwise, we’ll have a problem.

[ Kirei didn’t have to explain this to her. She knew very well Avenger wouldn’t serve as a threat to her, especially now that she’s under a binding contract with him. The servant could have easily speared a vulnerable Rin right through the heart with her flag post, but the servant opted not to... for whatever reason.

And finally, for his last statement: ]

Hm. Perhaps if you were a decent teacher, your mind wouldn't be clouded with those concerns.

[congratulating]

I would not insult you or her in such a way by sending her to babysit you. [ He turns his head, pressing his fist lightly against his lips as he chuckles. Whether that means that he won't one day ask for it just to vex the two of them, or merely amused that both of them will think that he'll one day ask and be vexed in general; is hard to say.

His hand lowers as he breathes out a tired sigh. The black mud has done what it can to heal him; his own healing to maintain a lie finished the miniscule amount of recovery that he had to do. But he won't deny that it leaves the body tired. Amusing in its own way given that he is but a dead man kept alive. ]

Even if I was a decent teacher by your standards, I still would be plagued by those concerns, Rin. [ Kirei mulls over his next words. He contemplates about the verbal dagger that he could use but it would be best to leave that alone. ] I am priest, after all. [ Is what he decides to go with, instead. ]

Well, that would be that. I'll be resting here for a time, but I wonder if you have any questions that you have for me. [ He rests his head against the back of the chair, turning to look at her. ] But before that, I wonder what it is that you are going to do in this world. That is... what are your goals? It feels [ Kirei pauses to roll his eyes up to the ceiling, mulling over his word choice. ] wrong as your guardian to not take more of an interest in what it is that you're doing.

[ A beat. ] Especially since we are of the few that are awake from our world. I doubt there is anything that you would want me to do, but if there is, I am willing to listen to your request. I may have just awakened and injured, but you know my offer is real.

[jewelling]

[ Pft. Like she’ll believe Kirei would refrain from degrading her very existence, but she’ll take his word for it for now. She just won’t be surprised if she catches the servant lurking around a corner or two. Perhaps it’ll even be beneficial for her in the long run to have a servant close by without the having the hassle of having that servant feed off her mana for survival–Jeanne and Rin could very well be a force to be reckoned with… if they don’t kill each other first. ]

No, that won’t do at all. You have a bedroom, don’t you? I refuse to come out here in the morning and still see you slouching in that chair. It’ll ruin my entire morning! [ Look, she’s expressing her concerns for him in the most Rin-y way possible. It was only right to return the favor as his worries made her somewhat tender for a second.

As for his question, she ponders for a second. Of course, she’s stack full of those, questions of her own that is. However, most were best left unanswered for now. But if they were going to have this talk right now, she might as well make herself more comfortable. Dropping her hands down to her side, she props herself on the couch, sitting directly in front of him. ]

If I were to be blunt, I'd say I have no plans. As of now, it’s been seemingly peaceful, but I’ll be a fool to believe that’ll last. [ Especially If she takes Archer attacking Kirei into account. ] Perhaps, we can continue your lessons? If I’m going to be forced to listen to your constant blabbing, I might as well gain something from it.

[congratulating]

I do have a bedroom. Though, it has been converted into a temporary clinic. [ His eyebrows come together as he looks over Rin's shoulder toward the aforementioned room. ] I didn't realize that it would be needed so soon for that reason. And I also didn't realize it would become my hospital room, either. Such is the nature of surprises, I suppose.

[ In not so many words, he brings up how he treated Aranea to Rin. He still is wondering what to do about that, and he's wondering about what task that he should give the mercenary. There are no tasks that immediately come to mind for him; as amusing as it might be to hire her to hunt down Archer, he would rather keep all cards close to the chest. (Amusing in that Aranea would find out that she's created an agreement with a rather dubious individual rather than Kirei believing Archer would be put out at all.)

But since he has no immediate plans, he sets those thoughts on a mental shelf to "get to later." His full attention focuses back onto Rin, eyebrows raised a little as she takes a seat on the couch. ]

The peace felt is mostly from confusion and the desire to escape from the reality of the situation that we find ourselves. [ He agrees with her that it won't last. ] The refugees may forever remain in denial about what has happened and never fully acknowledge that what everyone knows, what we've lived with ... is gone. In a way, that would probably be for the best. The artificial peace will remain so long as people keep pushing the reality as far away from their minds as possible.

[ He nods idly. But, of course, Kirei has no intention of having people live so peacefully. Granted, he cannot disrupt the lives of every single person -- that would bring too much attention to himself, for one, and for another, time management makes that impossible. As with all things, it is best to pick a few to inflict misery and let it spread. But that is the slow game that he has going for his own entertainment. The rest of his plans, of course, is finding out the answer to his question. ]

Oh? You're actually willing to continue to be taught by me. I'm actually feeling a little honored that you're humoring the idea, Rin. Very well. I shall return to teaching you what I know. [ A soft laugh. ] You're always looking for the best way to achieve victory for yourself. In that way, I believe that you've adopted my way of thinking quite well... despite hating it.