It's been a long time since Shirou came back to London as visiting the streets of this European country surely brought back memories. Both the good and the bad ones.

In the distance, he could see the headquarters of the Mages' Association. The imposing structure that, at first glance, is a tourist spot. But beneath the famous Clocktower lies a bunch of people who will do anything to keep the secrecy of Magecraft from the masses.

Coming closer to the building, Shirou reflected a little as to why he was returning here. It was simple, someone with certain connections requested his presence. Asides from some brief information as to who wanted to speak with him, nothing was mentioned after that as he would learn the details upon arrival. Though it didn't take him long to reach the designated meeting room when Shirou saw the man he was meeting today.

Sitting in a comfortable chair, Shirou saw a middle-aged man sipping some tea. Given by his appearance, t's suggested the man came from a higher pedestal of life. Once he entered the room, the middle-aged man looked up and greeted the new arrival. "Ah~ Good morning, Mr. Emiya."

"A pleasant morning to you too, Sir Vincent." Shirou politely said as he and Vincent shook hands. "It's an honour meeting you."

"Yes, seeing the adopted son of Kiritsugu Emiya... it's a surprise for me too. I never thought he'd ever adopting an orphan.

"There are just some subtleties my late father hasn't told to anyone. So, let's cut to the chase, shall we?"

Vincent couldn't agree more as he's not here to make any pleasantries. For a man of high stature, such as him, he needed protection against anyone who ultimately wanted to harm through his two daughters. That's where the name of Shirou Emiya came into the picture; he can be regarded as a client of the mercenary, Kiritsugu, whom he hired as his bodyguard several times in the past.

"As you can see, my eldest daughter has been kidnapped by a group of 'people' that has a bit of animosity towards my family. I just want you to bring her back to me... safe and sound." Vincent looked even more solemn than before.

Shirou wouldn't blame the man for his situation. For their family are members of the Flemish Principality of Eastern Europe. The Magus Killer's son did catch a glimpse of his eldest daughter on television one time: Sylvia Van Hossen.

Given by her outward appearance and posture, Sylvia's behaviour is close to that of a knight as it reminded him of Arturia. The only thing they have in difference was their body proportions… specifically the chest area.

"Alright, I'll take the mission, Sir Vincent. Just where do I find her exactly?"

Vincent nodded as he briefly placed his teacup down before handing Shirou a folder. "Here is her last known location. Only you, me and a handful of people know about this." Once sipping the last of his drink, he continued. "It's been kept on tabs since I believe the bastard could be an insider."

The Magus Killer's son nodded as Vincent continued telling him about the necessary equipment that he might need. However, he politely declined his offer as he already has his own arsenal and gear. That was the last time he's going to see Vincent's vestiges for a while as it seems the man really does care for his eldest daughter.

Shirou stood on the cliff's edge as he observed his surroundings. As of now, he's now following the trails of the kidnappers at their last known location. The weather forecast also said that a snowstorm's slowly approaching.

It seems that luck was on his side as he managed to confirm that inside the fortress, he caught the silhouette of Sylvia being dragged inside. She's actually holding out on her own and was able to kick one of the guards in between their legs.

They immediately cuffed and forcefully dragged her inside. By his assumptions, they're all heavily guarding her and the only way of gaining access into the one room was with a keycard. And said item is in the possession of the head guard.

'Well, this should be easy. I just need to grab that keycard and get her out of Edonia in one piece.' Shirou dropped down the gorge with a loud thud as he slowly approached the fortress.

'This couldn't get any worse. Sylvia thought as she stared at the white ceiling of her room. At least, they have the decency of just leaving her all alone, seeing their stares were all filled with desire towards her. She's also quite a beauty if she takes the accounts of everyone saying those things to her.

Essentially, she would also like to have a normal life. And by that, spending time like a teenager should suffice. However, that commodity is something that has slipped past through her hands since adults surrounded her all the time.

"Someone broke into the compound!" Her train of thoughts was broken when a thug came barging in at the other side. The others look astonished at his words since they have not seen anyone through the cameras. Even if someone did break in, what's waiting for them is death by bullets.

"I'm serious! He took out a quarter of our men! He's coming for that damn girl!" Sylvia can say the man is truly in a state of panic. She was both glad and perplexed at the same time. Glad that someone is out there to save her while perplexed since that someone is a male.

BOOM!

An explosion shook the entire building; the lights went out for a moment before the emergency backup ones flickered to life. Whomever that person is out there, Sylvia has come to an accurate statement…

He's dead serious about taking all of them.

Moments earlier...

Does it have to do with his goddamn luck? Or perhaps his carelessness got in the way? Whatever's the case, Shirou found himself in a bit of pinch as he took cover behind a nearby support beam, avoiding enemy fire. He was sure that once he grabbed the keycard; he can think of another plan to find the exact location of his target.

However...

The moment he swiped the card, the group rose their firearms, a multitude of assault rifles and submachine guns are pointed at him. Did they even know that he was coming? That shouldn't be the case unless someone tipped the bastards that someone was coming here.

"Kill him!"

Without forewarning, Shirou ducked behind the nearest container. By his estimate, there should be at least 30 or more men inside with 10 of them are at the nearest in his current position. The others are on the platforms too.

"Okay... let's see here."

Shirou adjusted the briefcase that he was carrying. Not only it can hold his firearms, it has other uses as well. In situations like this, a shield is necessary but not some ordinary one. Apparently, he discovered through the constant use of projection that composite metal foam could be used as an ultra-light, high strength material. He dotted it with gas-filled 'pores' that formed a network of cells.

He created this by combining hollow metal spheres with a metal powder that is then compressed until the pressure causes them to solidify into a matrix.

The air-filled cell with the foam help to reduce the dissipation of heat through the material while also allows it to absorb force more effectively than a solid metal.

With a little Alteration, he manipulated the properties to be fine-tuned by changing the size of the cells in the foam and how they are ordered. In short, a briefcase that is stronger and resilient against high-grade rifles with the exceptions of sniper rifles.

"BRING THE PRINCESS TO ME, ALIVE, AND I WILL MAKE SURE THAT I WON'T MAKE THIS HARD FOR YOU!" He shouted at them with pregnant silence followed and firearms being reloaded surrounding them. They eventually erupted into laughter at his bold declaration.

"Are you literally out of your mind!? We are like... an army and what can you possibly do to stop us!"

'That's quite unprecedented.' Shirou mused to himself and he leaped out of the container with the briefcase 'aka' bulletproof shield in his hand. The thugs were a bit surprised upon seeing him effortlessly advancing towards them with only a briefcase in his hand.

"Don't just stand there! Shoot him!"

The sound of discarded bullets reverberated the area once more as they started to pour lead on the briefcase 'aka' bulletproof shield. The smoke was cleared and so do their clips ran out of ammunition... the briefcase was still there with no evidence of being damaged together with its owner unharmed.

"Damn!" Upon seeing they are reloading their guns, Shirou took the opportunity to trace some Black Keys and starts throwing them at the ground. The blade pinned their shadows and for a moment, all of those on the ground were unable to move.

"What the hell is this!?"

The silver-haired mage advanced yet again with a single Black Key in his right hand. His movements are smooth, even though he's holding a shield in his hand. The ones in the platform were unable to shoot properly in fear of hitting their fellow comrades. As for those who 'froze' in their position, their weapons are now destroyed and they were defenseless against him. Shirou, yet again, traced some Black Keys and threw each one up top. At a skewering speed of 0.7 seconds, they could only watch as their assault rifles were split in half.

The last one was cowering inside a locker out of fear. That not only he used a single Glock pistol but he knocked everyone out. The thug dialled a number on his cellphone and whispered on the receiver.

"Send reinforcements immediately! Our enemy is a monster!"

*Tap, tap*

An echoing sound reached his ears and the thug holds his breath. Surely, that man won't be able to detect him since he is hidden, however, a set of grey steel eyes stared at the thug. For a moment, he thought he had seen the gaze of a demon. He broke the locker doors and threw the man out.

"Good day, sir. Would you kindly show me the way to Sylvia?" Shirou smiled deviously at the man, which seems to be a bit fazed by his behaviour.

"What if I refuse?'

"Simple, I'll hang you upside down just like the others. If you do something dangerous, I'll see that you'll be severely punished." Shirou said with a venomous voice.

The man gulped and with his legs still trembling, led the 'monster' to her location.

The reinforced steel door broke down as the smoke entered the room. Sylvia and the remaining two 'masterminds' closed their eyes as the dust was getting to their eyesight.

"We're so doomed!"

"Shut it! He's just a normal person!"

A pebble suddenly rolled through the centre of the room and the two men raised their eyebrows. It started cracking, along with a blinding light and they covered their eyes.

"Damn! I can't see a thing!"

Even Sylvia involuntary closed her eyes too when suddenly...

"Just stay put, I'll get you out of here in no time." The cuffs in her hands were released and her unknown saviour led her out of the room. The other two who only recovered from the light immediately gave a chase.

"Kill them!"

"But the girl!?"

"It's better than to allow them to escape. Just do it!"

The man was hesitant but due to fear of being the one to blame for their failure, he readied his gun on the two. Fortunately for the escapees=, his aim was off put as the bullets hit the windows.

"Are you alright?" Sylvia nods her head, still a bit fazed by the situation. She could feel the cold winds outside and her guess is that they were caught in the middle of a snowstorm. "This is bad; we need to get to the snowmobiles. Let's take a shortcut, grab hold." She complied with him as she grips her both hands on his shoulder.

Shirou gazed at Sylvia's weakened form, the girl herself is still a bit out, probably due to the effects of the rune he used earlier. He barely dodged the bullets before grabbing his grapple gun. Sylvia's hold to him tightened a bit and they both landed safely in the parking lot where the snowmobiles are.

The snow outside obscured his vision a little bit. He reinforced his eyes and got a better view around. He shivered a bit and checked the girl, she obviously needed to warm up or else her condition will get even worse. "I'm sorry; please just stay with me, Sylvia."

"It's alright... I'm used to this..." Sylvia weakly muttered as she was able to see the face of her saviour. His eyes were grey steel and even his hair is also silver as he wore a shroud over his shoulders.

Shirou didn't waste any time as he mounted the snowmobile. His mission was already accomplished and he only needed to escape with her. Just the thought of him, failing his set of ethics...

"No, I'll get you out of here. No matter what."

A rumbling sound interrupted him and the worse indeed happened. The noises from the earlier confrontation have caused the snow to shift its position, causing an avalanche that is heading towards them. He immediately started the vehicle and put Sylvia behind him; the girl clung to him and was a bit aware of the dire situation.

"Crap! The whole mountain is coming down on us!"

Shirou didn't waste any time as he put the speed into its utmost limit. The last thing that he wanted is to be buried alive under the layers of snow.

"Go right!" Unconsciously, Shirou shifted to the right path to hearing his passenger's words. They passed on a grove of large trees and thankfully, his driving skills are not that bad.

"Dead end ahead!"

"Great! I'll make a jump for it!" Sylvia's eyes widened at his bold statement. Is he even serious? There is no way that they will make it into the other side of the cliff. She can feel the rushing wind as the driver maintained his momentum and the only thing she can do is to pray.

"Jump!"

Sylvia groaned slowly before opening her eyes slowly. Somehow, the crazy plan of her saviour really did work. However, they are now both trap inside an underground mine. At least, there is surely a way out of these caves. She followed her gaze on the man...

"Sir?"

"Ah... you're alright. That's good..." He muttered under his breath and he got up to his feet.

"You're bleeding!" She exclaimed in concern upon seeing Shirou's back being pierced by a piece of metal. "W-What should I d-do?" Her concern was fixated on his lifeless form. Even she can tell that he is in pain.

"Remove it."

"No! You'll bleed to death!" She argued back, though she has a limited knowledge about first aid, Sylvia knew that once she removed it, there is a possibility that he'll die of blood loss.

"Please, Sylvia... I beg you, remove it."

"I'll think of something else," She can rip the sleeves of her dress to apply pressure to the wound but that would mean removing it. Perhaps, she can find some medical supplies around...

"Don't worry, just pull it out." Shirou smiled at her, though for Sylvia it's more of a lie. Whatever façade he's putting, there is no way that she wouldn't be conscious of him.

"Don't tell me that I didn't warn you." She grabbed hold of the end part and slowly pulled it out and the sound of his flesh was also heard. For many years, Shirou has probably felt pain that's enough to make him go crazy. The mud of the Grail was a prime example. Not only that it scalded his skin but his sanity was also put to the test. There are also limitations on how a human body can tolerate such.

"Hah..." Sylvia put her palms on the now open wound, applying enough pressure on it. However, something unthinkable happens, the wound was healing by itself, not only that it was being replaced by...

"Don't even ask." Shirou groaned, even more, he slowly walked ahead of her, ignoring the horrified girl behind him. By his assessment, they both ended up in Edonia's underground mines and right now, the country is in the middle of a civil war. He can't draw either the Ultranationalist or Loyalist's attention at this point.

"Wait!" Sylvia caught up from behind.

"Hm? Oh, we better get moving; the rendezvous point is just beyond these caves." He holds his back, feeling the sensation of his wound.

"Is that normal? I mean, the whole 'healing' thing?" Sylvia queried and he faced the girl with a stern face.

"It's a long story, but if I were to summarize this? It's not normal. By the way, don't mention it to anyone." Shirou preferred to keep it to himself, that his Reality Marble is the one who fixes every critical wound he gets either from stab wounds, slashes and the like.

"Is that so? I guess I'll leave it like that. What's your name, good sir?"

"Shirou, your father sent me here to... rescue you." His voice trailed off and chuckled a bit. Sylvia didn't miss his remark and glare at him.

"What's so funny?"

"Sorry, your facial features remind me of someone I knew. Anyway, we should consider ourselves lucky."

With all the events unfolding before her; starting from the kidnapping, being rescued, eluding that avalanche and somehow still breathing and alive. She can see his point though the whole 'regeneration' thing is still nagging her.

The snowstorm outside has yet to dissipate as Shirou and Sylvia huddled up around the bonfire. He suggested to keep going, though she didn't like the idea of it. Who in their right mind would actually try to brave the blizzard outside? It was Shirou, of course, she insisted, however, to stay here until the storm stop on its own. "It's even colder here than it was outside," Sylvia whispered to herself as she wrapped her arms around her. As for Shirou, he doesn't seem to mind the cold rather he was sitting quietly with his eyes closed.

That's when Sylvia got a better look at him. He's wearing another shroud at his waistline and a pair of metal grey boots. His skin is slightly tanned too. By her earlier assumption, he might be of Asian descent; the way of his speaking has a bit of an accent to it.

"Here, you should cover yourself at least," He removed the shroud in his shoulders and has given it to her. "You should preserve your modesty at all times," Shirou said which cause her to be a bit embarrassed. The dress that she's wearing has only a bit of cloth in it. As for her companion, he's disciplined enough not to stare at her.

"You want to talk about it?" Sylvia initiated the talk, seeing that they'll be here all night and to lift the awkwardness around them.

"Talk about what?" Shirou said, his eyelids still half-opened.

"The healing thing that happened earlier."

Shirou opened his eyes and stare at Sylvia, is it alright to tell her about the existence of magic? It was a horrible idea actually... maybe he can bend the story behind his so-called 'powers'.

"I don't remember anything about my biological parents," Shirou started as if reminiscing the past. "I was a survivor of a fire that not only killed my family but many others. After that, someone from a pharmaceutical company took all of the orphans including me. They used us like animals; each one of us was injected by a strain of a virus." His voice sounded like he's lamenting it.

"I've seen every orphan turn into monsters until I was the only one left. My body at that time is starting to fail and I just stood there waiting for my inevitable demise. But you know a miracle happened..." He flashed a smile that she found very endearing. "A man barged into the place and treated me with an antidote. He took me as his own, the virus was never cured but it mutated. It's been a part of me ever since."

He did see how Kirei used the orphans to sustain Gilgamesh in this world and after a decisive battle with the King of Heroes, he came out victorious.

"That must have been hard for you," Sylvia said with sympathy. She might consider herself fortunate since she still has a father and a sister. But Shirou might never know the identity of his parents. "You know, it's not really that... bad, I guess."

"How can you say that?"

"The one that saved me, he treated me as his own, I met people who taught me things that I may have missed and foremost, a family. All of them influenced me, that and I got superpowers too." Shirou jokingly declared the last part to avoid the solemnity of the topic. He somehow succeeded as he managed to stifle out a giggle from Sylvia.

"You have a positive thinking in life, thanks for sharing, Shirou. It's been an eye-opener for me."

"Glad to be of help. Now then, let us call this a night, you'll be back to your family in no time."

With that, Shirou shifted in his position as he closed his eyes permanently. As for Sylvia, he wrapped the red shroud around her shoulders... at least, she's not alone in here. She shut her eyes to a deep slumber, dreaming about battles and swords.

Shirou opened his eyes and stretch his body out, the snowstorm has passed now. The outside is all covered in white, at the distance, he can make out of a nearby town. It's only about an hour of walk towards the rendezvous point. He glanced at the sleeping form of Sylvia; he admitted that the girl is indeed beautiful even in her sleep. Though it would be bad to disturb her, they need to get moving.

"Ms. Sylvia... please wake up." He tapped her shoulders and the girl nudged his hands away. 'She must be tired of yesterday's events. What should I do?' He tapped his chin to think of something and an idea form on his mind.

Shirou grabbed her by the sides and positioned her at his back. She's actually lighter than she looks, at first, he was thinking of carrying her like a princess. However, he opted not to do so. He can even feel her 'assets' pressing against his back and as a male; it's a bit of a problem. He shook the thoughts forming in his mind and trudge the snow-filled path.

As he leaves his imprinted footprints behind, Shirou started to think of things to keep him distracted. He dug deep into his mind and he started to recite every weapon inside Unlimited Blade Works.

'Kanshou and Bakuya, Hrunting, Caladbolg, Harpe, Kusanagi, the Grass-Cutting Sword, Masamune, Granasaber, Ig-Alima, Sul-Sagana, Excalibur...'

Shirou suddenly noticed that something fall out of Sylvia's hands, he grabbed said object and studied it carefully. It was a pendant of sorts, inside was a picture of her family. Sylvia bares all resemblance to her mother, the hair, and even the facial features. He put the pendant in his pocket; he can give it to her later.

The trip back has been quiet in the most time; Shirou was still carrying Sylvia on his back that is still deep in her slumber. By the time he arrived at the rendezvous point, Vincent is already waiting for them.

"Shirou! Sylvia!" He called out and run beside them. He ultimately felt relief as if a thorn was finally removed from his worried soul.

"Here, take Sylvia out of here, fast. It's not safe to prolong your stay here."

Vincent nodded as the white-haired mage helped put his daughter into his arms. "Thank you for bringing back my daughter! Please, if you have anything that you want as a reward, just say so."

Now, Shirou is a man who doesn't need any kind of recognition nor a reward for his actions. He took this job out of a whim, seeing that Vincent was an acquaintance of Kiritsugu. Actually... he would probably still take it anyway. At the end, the outcome that he wanted is to see their family is reunited once more.

"No, I think I'm alright." Shirou waved his hands in dismissal.

"Please, I do insist... if you want to have my daughter as a girlfriend, I would allow it." The humorist side of Vincent acted up again.

"That... would be a terrible idea," Shirou was a bit abashed by his sudden statement but seeing that he won't leave anytime sooner, he slowly whispered in Vincent's ear.

"Ah, I see. Then, it shall be granted to you. Once again, my eternal gratitude for saving Sylvia. Won't you come with us?"

"No, I still have some business to do here."

Vincent, who's carrying the still sleeping Sylvia, boarded the helicopter. It's rotor blades started whirling as it soars into the sky, Vincent gave a salute to Shirou for the last time.

"Hah... finally, it's over." Shirou sighed deeply and put his hands in his pockets. He took out something from it; the pendant was still in his possession. The shroud was still on Sylvia's shoulders and he forgot to claim it back. "I guess I'm keeping you around, for now." He twirled the pendant and put it back again so he wouldn't lose it.

He could enjoy some hot chocolate on his way back.

The blonde girl slowly awakened by the rushing wind passing on her face.

"You're awake now; did they do anything to you?"

"Uhm... no, father. I..." Sylvia who is still half-awake groaned as she positioned herself. The last thing that she remembered was that she and Shirou were having a conversation and she had fallen asleep in the underground mines. "Wait, Father!"

"Woah, it's alright now, we're going home."

"Is… that so?" She calmed herself down and look outside. Indeed, she's onboard a helicopter back to her homeland but there is something that she had forgotten to do. "I didn't even get to thank him."

At that moment, she took notice of the cloth that's keeping her warm all this time. The red shroud that Shirou is wearing is still on her shoulders! He must have carried her while she's sleeping until they reach the rendezvous point. He didn't even bother of waking her up.

"Did Shirou give you that? Hah, he's a nice man, isn't he?" Sylvia smiles at her father and mumbled under her breath.

"Yes, he is.."

A week later, back in the Clock Tower…

Rin Tohsaka couldn't believe what she is seeing right now, a package delivery has been brought to her workshop. She didn't expect any sort of deliveries as of this moment, nevertheless, the source of her surprise came from the contents of it: a stack of jewels of different kinds!

Ranging from rubies, emeralds, amethysts and even diamonds that she never dreamed of handling. She can imagine the stars in her eyes twinkling but who is the mysterious sender of this? She grabbed the enclosed letter, opened it and read its contents.

'Here are the rewards that Mr. Shirou Emiya requested after doing an excellent service towards the Flemish Principality of Eastern Europe.'

"Just what have you been doing behind my back, Shirou!" Rin shouted at the top of her lungs. Another piece of paper falls out and she begrudgingly picked it up.

'If you're reading this... I'm very sorry for destroying your beloved workshop. It was an accident, really! I'll never put in a Blu-ray player ever again without telling you how to turn it off! Back on the topic on hand, I'm hoping that this is enough compensation for the damages.

-Shirou

P.S: I'm here in Edonia to help the relief efforts.

As much as Rin wants to drag the white-haired magus back in the Clock Tower and beat the crap out of him, she wanted to indulge herself with the riches in front of her.

Beta: Jebest4781

A/N: It's a bit rough around the edges and probably not that great when it comes to sentence structure. I don't know if I'll expand on this but tell me what you think. Even though I wanted to recreate the first scene in the anime, where is my originality? In this one, he first met Sylvia rather than Charlotte.

I won't spoil anyone who wanted to watch the anime, this is based on the visual novel of the same name which is an eroge.

Constructive criticism is appreciated and flaming reviews will be ignored.