Wrought Iron Devil: Gate of Blades

Bloodline: Part I

"Kiritsugu Emiya....."

The named Heroic Spirit raised an eyebrow. Gilgamesh did as well.

"How do you know my name?"

"From an ability and a friend." You answered vaguely, unsure of how to go about this. There was no telling how he would react. Archer himself was in emotional turmoil. Standing in front of you was the man that was his adopted father. But was this even HIS father? Did this version even know of him?

"(F/n), did you just say 'Emiya'?" Akeno asked, her own eyes widened in surprise.

"I did."

"So that man is-"

"Shirou's father." Kiritsugu finished, a sad look on his face.

"How did-"

"I just now sensed exactly what you have in you. And any excuse for a father, even one as horrible as me, never forgets."

Now you were even more lost. It was great that this Kiritsugu knew of his adopted son, but how did he know that? How?

"But Kiritsugu Emiya never ascended to the Throne of Heroes." You protested. "Not the one Archer knew."

"Not in that timeline." Kiritsugu corrected. "You see my appearance, (F/n). You know what it means."

"A Counter Guardian. You made a contract with Alaya." You said.

"One version did. The memories of that is even more depressing. Thought I do not know the cause, I have the memories of different versions of Kiritsugu Emiya." He smiled sadly.

"Assassin." Baraqiel cut in. "While I understand the feeling (Akeno scowled again), this is not meant to be a family reunion. I am to instruct my daughter with the use of Holy Lighting, and the boy will be learning from me and you."

"That said." A light sword formed in Baraqiel's hand. "Both can be addressed through a proper match."

"More like an excuse to hurt him!" Akeno stepped in front of you in a protective manner.

"I have no intention of killing the boy. Azazel specifically ordered me not to." Baraqiel refuted. "Are you man enough to face me, (F/n) (L/n)?"

It was goading and you knew it. But it was a challenge that had to be answered. For one, the purpose of training remained. Nothing ventured meant nothing gained. And despite whatever tension there was, this was still Akeno's father. Perhaps the best means to mend this strain was a middle man. And as with any boyfriend, it one of the most important tests to make a good impression on the parents.

"I will." You gently moved past Akeno. To her, you said "I'll be fine."

"You shall be. If not, then she can be assured I will not have my fun ruined by an overprotective parent." Gilgamesh added.

Mentally, you made a quick assessment of the Fallen Angel. Ignoring the slight pain, you traced the sword he had formed in his hand, giving you the needed information on the owner.

Whoa.

That Holy Lightning was something else. Overall, you were outmatched. Maybe a Servant like Saber would give him a great deal of trouble, but you were not a proper Heroic Spirit by any means. This also meant what he said held true. He could certainly kill if he really wanted to.

Still, there were ways to counter what he was bringing to the table.

"Trace... on."

"Let us begin, boy." Baraqiel said before he launched his first lightning attack. This one was just lightning. But the discharge immediately dissipated when you held up the weapon you projected. Gáe Dearg negated the incoming attack with ease. The Fallen Angel raised an eyebrow, while Assassin winced when he saw the spear.