DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the Fate series or any other series I write about in this site.


Chapter 1 – Arturia

Shirou groggily opened his eyes as his disorientated head made his vision blur and move in a nauseating, dizzy manner that enticed him to give in to the urge of vomiting.

"Ugh," Shirou groaned as he attempted to sit up from his lying position before a piercing pain shot up through his head as Shirou instinctively placed his hand at the back of his head in comfort. "Ouch," Shirou winced almost inaudibly as his body landed back into his lying position at the unexpected stinging sensation.

Hitting the hard cold surface as the dull aching sensation rippled through his scalp, Shirou rubbed his eyes to clear his blurred vision as his sight continued to increase in clarity. Lifting himself up once more from his lying position, Shirou this time succeeded in the task when he got past his initial surprise of pain that assaulted his skull when he first woke up.

Shaking his head lightly to rid of his sense of disorientation, Shirou scanned around his new dark and gloomy surrounding instead of the expected familiar wooden floor and traditional Japanese rooms of his house.

"Where … am I?" Shirou whispered under his breath as his eyes gradually began to get accustomed to the dimly lit space that is covered with stone walls on all four corners of the room save for the small door at the far right-hand corner from Shirou's position.

Standing up, Shirou dusted off his shirt from any small pebbles and debris that were sticking on him as he eyed the stone floor that had multiple fissures and cracks running through it with interest.

"Not concrete," Shirou noted in surprise at the fact. To see a building made simply out of pure stone is now a rare sight.

Turning around while lightly treading for the door, Shirou had to duck under an obstructing cobweb before continuing any further. Walking out of the exit of the cramped room, Shirou immediately took a right turn around a curb as he sauntered warily through the corridor.

"This place is much larger than I thought," Shirou absentmindedly thought to himself as the sound of his footsteps bounced off the stone-built walls and echoed in the building loudly.

Spotting a spiraling stairway to the side of him, Shirou hurriedly yet cautiously rushed over to the stairway as he prepared himself to trace out the twin married swords, Kanshou and Bakuya, at any given moment.

Stepping down the stairs as Shirou steadied his breath, Shirou was prepared to expect anything from the blind corner to his right as he immediately rushed in forward for precaution. Ready to attack any hidden assassin, Shirou was met with air as nothing except for a blank stone wall appeared before him.

Shirou gave a relieved sigh before putting his internal guard up once again. After coming back to Japan, Shirou was met with an explosion inside his house with Rin and Illya, resulting in him being unconscious afterward. Shirou remembered that much. However, upon awakening, he was met with a totally different and altogether unforeseen surrounding that put Shirou's mental and physical defenses up, ready to expect the worst case scenario.

Walking past the simple yet well-designed stairway, Shirou continued to stroll aimlessly around as his eyes darted left and right for security. Reinforcing his ears for a second and hearing absolutely nothing, Shirou decided to relent the pointless chase in this clearly abandoned building where the furniture was already run down and the building walls severely weathered.

"Huh? What's that?" Shirou murmured under his breath as he approached a small object on a dusty old table that has not seen the light of day for several years.

Lifting up the beads of string, Shirou gazed at the glistening sapphire blue object in his hand pensively. "A pendant?" Shirou murmured as his face made a contemplating expression.

Using his other free hand to touch another object on the table, Shirou picked it up as he brushed his fingertips on the golden bracteate that had an ornate design on one side of it. "And a golden coin," Shirou added with a lace of uncertainty in his voice.

Tracing his other hand down from the necklace string to the jewel hanging at the bottom of it, Shirou's senses suddenly assaulted him as his breathing began to become erratic and his chest heaved in labor while his legs wobbled weakly. The smell of a deadly curse immediately invaded Shirou's nose afterward as Shirou resisted the urge to gag. Swiftly dropping the objects in hand, it wasn't until after a couple tense seconds did the oppressive feeling subsided, leaving Shirou panting from "exertion".

"What was that?" Shirou managed to get a coherent thought in his head after the powerful rushing sensation shot through his body. No doubt about it, by the way his body reacted and what he "smelled", the origin behind his intense reaction is bound to be magecraft. And a very potent one at that too. The concentration which Shirou has never witnessed or felt in his life before safe for people like Zelretch in the Mage's Association who can utilized Sorcery. But people who could use Sorcery were the rare minority, and if he remembered one of Rin's infamous lectures, it will be around five in the world currently who can perform True Magic, or in other words, Sorcery.

Downstairs, Shirou's senses continuously screamed at him as Shirou's legs moved unconsciously to the stone-built entrance to the side. Lightly kicking the heavy door as it swung open from its dilapidated hinges, Shirou entered into the pitch black room as a single source of dim light shone from where Shirou is at and into the unexplored space.

Entering without hesitation, Shirou suddenly felt a nagging pain in the back of his hand as he lifted it up for inspection. Widening his eyes in bewilderment, Shirou saw a set of three command seals in the shape of a sword instantly carving its runes on Shirou's hands. A powerful red glow ignited on the carved burning seals as Shirou gritted his teeth in slight pain before the glow finally died out.

A … command seal?

Shirou couldn't believe his eyes. This was the exact same command seals he received upon entering into the Fifth Holy Grail War as a Master ten years ago. However, even after the Grail's dismantlement from the Mage's Association, here he was, ten years later to receive the identical set of command seals he thought were done away with permanently.

Impossible? Unfathomable? Preposterous? Indeed it was, however, hard evidence appeared right in front of Shirou, erasing any doubts or protests of illogical in his mind of the situation at hand.

Not taking his eyes off at the unbelievable sight, the red command seals engraved on the back of his hand suddenly blinked steadily as it glowed a soft red light periodically off and on.

This was weird, never did he ever have a command seal that blinked like this. The only time Shirou was aware when command seals begin lighting up is when a Master is about to or has already used a command seal. And Shirou was doing neither of these actions.

Disregarding the odd phenomenon, Shirou continued to advance in the dark room as the command seals on him served as a makeshift source of light for him to see and go in deeper. Spotting a camouflaged trap door on the ground, Shirou grasped the metallic handle as he hefted up the latch. Shirou strained his muscles when lifting it before finally opening a large enough space for him to get through. That trap door was much heavier than it lets on. He should have known that even this small and seemingly insignificant door was also going to be made from stone … hence the extreme weight.

Stepping down the narrow sets of stairs, Shirou made his way down until he caught a glimpse of an opening up ahead of him as his handy flickering light on the back of his hand guided his way. Glancing down back at his command seals to get a better view around him, Shirou noticed grimly that his command seals were gradually blinking faster and faster as he continued to make his way down the stairway. Something is clearly wrong.

Extending his hand out, Shirou scanned around his perimeter warily before approaching a massive space before him contrary to the narrow staircase he was walking through earlier. Surveying his new surroundings, Shirou detected out of the corner of his eyes another source of light to his left. Whirling around his body, Shirou slowly approached behind the stack of scrolls and lying parchments blocking his direct sight when he saw …

Shirou gaped at the impossible sight as a massive summoning circle similar in design to the one at the shed back home in Fuyuki appeared before him, blinking and flickering steadily, matching the tempo of the glowing command seals on his hand.

Gingerly approaching the summoning circle, Shirou extended his hand towards the shining runes on the ground before his right hand accidentally brushed against the outside edge of the magic circle.

The effect was immediate when Shirou felt mana instantly draining out of his body when a massive explosion proceeded afterward as a might gust of wind swept across the room, sending Shirou forcefully flying as he tumbled over his side several times before he managed to grab on to a secure stone ledge of a wall during midflight.

"Argh," Shirou gritted his teeth against the crushing pressure as the rushing air forced his eyes closed while debris on the ground were lifted up in the air forming a mini cyclone.

With squinted eyes as Shirou placed his forearm in front of his face to shield himself from the flying debris, Shirou's heart lurched in bewilderment when out of the summoning circle a figure surrounding by glowing molts of light began to appear out of it.

Shirou grimaced at the sheering pain in his arm as his Magic Circuits began to glow from the cool neon green color to an unstable red and orange hue, his Magic Circuits growing more and more rampant as time goes by.

Suddenly, as if by an immense pressure buildup, the magic circle began to glow uncertainly as its color changed from its cool shade of blue to a volcanic orange, waiting for an eruption. Abruptly, the summoning circle began to crack in the middle of it before it completely shattered much like Shirou's projections would.

However, what happened next made Shirou's eyes widened impossibly large when the shattered summoning circle had two smaller identical circles taking its original place, now no longer in its angry red color but a soothing crystal blue one.

Shirou felt something thrum in his body with immense power as his Magic Circuits calmed at the foreign yet familiar otherworldly force in his soul. With another blast of wind, Shirou promptly closed his eyes when his hand finally lost its firm grip as he was sent flying to the other side of the wall, smacking the obstruction hard on his sore back.

Shirou groaned in discomfort and he shook away his momentary disorientation to witness a calm serene room as the breeze quietly drifted in the air around the decimated basement. Looking farther back, Shirou's words got stuck in his throat when he witnessed two ethereal figures before him standing gallantly in their full glory on top of the summoning circle with their blades held rightfully beside them.

"I, SERVANT SABER, UPON YOUR SUMMONING HAVE COME FORTH!" both of the identical looking yet contrasting Servants declared with boldness and an unwavering gaze fit for a king.

Both Servants, one who is dressed in a pure flawless white while the other gowned in a pitch black armor, then gazed straight at Shirou as they said their next words that will change Shirou's entire life from henceforth.

"I ask, are you my Master?"

"A-Arturia?" Shirou croaked as he gulped at the sheer absurdity of the sight. Here he was, coming home expecting a nice family reunion only to get thrown in an abandoned house after being unconscious for who knows how long to later discover he had somehow unwittingly gained a command seal and summoned not one, but two Servants! What … is going on?!

The twin Servant shifted their gaze as they glanced at the absolute runes engraved on Shirou's hand as they nodded in confirmation at the sight.

"Henceforth my sword will be at your side," the Arturia dressed in white spoke as her sword brightened for a second at her declared words.

"Henceforth your fate is my fate," the black Arturia spoke monotonously as the grip on her jet black blade with bloodthirsty red intertwining lines blazed with power.

"The pact is now sealed," both Servants uttered in unison as the two contrasting swords shone with radiant and miasmic power before dying out and reverting back to its original tranquil state.

Nothing was said for a moment as Shirou was stunned silent. Finally snapping out of his trance, Shirou shook his head vigorously as he stood up back on his feet.

"Sorry about that," Shirou apologized at his lack of action as he chuckled awkwardly while patting down the back side of his pants. "My name is Shirou, Emiya Shirou," Shirou approached the dual Servants as he extended a hand out in their direction.

Arturia who is gowned in feminine white armor and with a black ribbon tied around her hair in a ponytail to complement her dress met Shirou's handshake midway with a soft gentle smile. Seeing Arturia behaving and dressed this way made Shirou blush slightly at the contact, finding this experience to be almost surreal. Here he was, ten years later, to meet the partner who saved him and made him the man he is today once more.

"Shirou," the white Arturia rolled her tongue to pronounce the foreign name. "I like the sound of it," Arturia complimented. "I will then call you 'Master Shirou', Master!"

That … was a much more enthusiastic response than he expected from a person like Arturia.

"Just Shirou is fine," Shirou reassured with a smile as he let go of Arturia's hand naturally.

Arturia adamantly shook her head at Shirou's request as she pouted slightly with dissatisfaction. "No, I must not, Master Shirou! I will never dare as to be so rude to address my sole Master in that manner!" Arturia exclaimed.

It seems like he had completely underestimated the tenacious enthusiasm Arturia had. Was she always like this in the past? Shirou doubted it.

"Shirou is really fine," Shirou reassured once again.

"Master Shirou, to address my one and only Master like that will break my upholding vow to the Code of Chivalry! Please do not dishonor your Servant's humble request," Arturia asked as she gave a bow before Shirou.

That … was a bit over the top. And what kind of code was that?! Isn't it a general rule of thumb to obey your Master whether or not it's a command? It seems like Shirou will be needing to work on that "Code of Chivalry" of hers until he finally gets her to properly use his name without the honorary title attached to it which he found extremely disturbing especially when it's coming out from Arturia's own mouth.

Shirou mentally sighed. "If that's what you wish," Shirou replied to Arturia which Arturia returned with a beaming radiant smile which made Shirou dumbstruck at the rare sight.

Snapping out of his momentary trance, Shirou turned to the other – Shirou felt a headache coming along when he thought about it – Arturia as he likewise extended a hand in her direction.

Completely different than the other Arturia, she was gowned in pitch black armor with blood red "veins" seemingly running across her body, her pale face and hair accompanied with dead golden eyes that promised to kill if anyone defies her then met Shirou's own gaze dangerously. Unlike the other Arturia, she was completely cold-blooded and emotionless, truly worthy of a position of a longstanding tyrant.

"I'm Shirou," Shirou introduced to the stoic and pale Arturia.

"Shirou," Arturia stated evenly as she subtly nodded in acknowledgment.

Waiting for a few awkward seconds in the stretching silence, Shirou shrank back his hand away in uncertainty when Arturia didn't bother meeting him midway with a friendly shake. Her entire existence here spoke of hostility. At the very least, this Arturia seemed to have no qualms of calling him by his first name, something which he was grateful of.

By the looks of it, both of these Arturias operated under their own different "Code of Chivalries" … if there was ever more than one to begin with.

"So, you're both Sabers, right?" Shirou asked in an attempt to rid of the prolonged silence and tense atmosphere.

The white Arturia nodded while the one dressed in black merely glanced at him as if he were the stupidest man on the face of the earth.

"Hmmm," Shirou hummed in a thoughtful tune. "That will pose as a problem, I can't just call you both Sabers …" Shirou trailed off.

"Do not fret, Master Shirou!" the white Arturia exclaimed, eyes glinted with newfound joy. "You may call me Lily!"

"Lily," Shirou repeated under his breath with pensive thought as he gazed over Arturia's unblemished figure. It's no wonder she called herself Lily, especially when she resembled one herself by her white dress and her pure attitude. "That will work," Shirou said as he committed the English alias to memory.

"And what about you?" Shirou tentatively asked the frowning black Arturia by Lily's side. "Do you have a preferred alias or does Saber suit you?"

The seconds dragged on as the sound of air whistling through the cracks and fissures of the stone room could be heard. "Alter," the black Arturia finally answered evenly.

"Alter," Shirou reconfirmed, not exactly sure where she picked up that alias or why she chose it.

"Okay," Shirou announced before pointing in Lily's direction. "Lily," Lily nodded when Shirou pronounced her alias correctly, "and Alter," Shirou turned around to point at Alter to which she blinked in response, indicating in her own subtle cold way that Shirou had got the alias down.

Although Shirou wouldn't mind spending some time chitchatting with the girls who bore the same exact resemblance as Arturia, Shirou needed to reconfirm something.

"You both are …" Shirou hesitated at the absurdity carried in his next word, "Arturias, right?"

Alter nodded as Lily hummed in agreement. "Yes, we are Arturia Pendragon," Lily declared.

Ah, so this was going to be a headache after all …

Dismissing the mind-boggling thought, Shirou proceeded to ask another critical question. "How … did I summon you two?"

The Grail has been officially dismantled a couple years back due to Tohsaka's and Lord El-Melloi the Second's strong protest and insistence. But it was not until finally through the direct – and nonchalant – intervention of the Wizard Marshall, Zelretch, did the argument came to a close with the Grail's dismantlement becoming official.

However, here Shirou was, dragged into yet another war for the Holy Grail. And unlike the number of flawed replicas of the Holy Grail which Shirou had come to destroy several times during his journey as a Hero of Justice, he was able to summon not one, but two perfectly sane Sabers, something which a fundamentally flawed Holy Grail would most definitely not be able to accomplish.

Lily lightly shrugged at Shirou's question, "I was dragged under a summoning circle during my grand country-wide tour with Merlin and Kay," Lily answered. "What happened afterward I don't remember," Lily spoke as she placed her fingertip on her chin in thought, "but that I was being summoned by a 'Master'."

"Is it the same for you too, Alter?" Shirou courteously asked as he looked over at the silent Alter.

Alter nodded her head as she answered with a hint of annoyance, "Yes."

She's … tensed, Shirou decided to use the most appropriate word to describe the seemingly unapproachable Arturia in front of him.

Shirou sighed at both of the confirmed answers. "So both of you don't know what got you here, then."

Lily shrugged with an unknowing frown as Alter looked at Shirou intensely without batting an eye.

"In that case, do you both know where we are right now?" Shirou proceeded to inquire.

"No, we don't. We just arrived here, Master Shirou," Lily stated straightforwardly with an innocent smile as if wondering why in the world would Shirou ask such an odd question. "Why do you ask, Master Shirou?" Lily continued with a question.

"Well, it's just that I don't know where I am right now," Shirou revealed as he scratched the back of his head in pensive thought. According to what he's heard from Lily and Alter, it seems like the likelihood of another Grail similar to the one in Fuyuki City ten years ago existing was becoming more and more unlikely. Not only are these two "Heroic Spirits" still alive before the summoning, but also the imparted knowledge that the Grail like the one in Fuyuki should have given to them is completely nonexistent. They have no idea why they're summoned, no knowledge of the modern world, and lastly, they have no clue of their current location.

The only minuscule indication that a Grail – if it's even remotely like the one he's used to – exists is through the sole fact that they are aware of their status as a Saber Class Servant. Whether they possess the superhuman speed and strength of a Servant, however, is something Shirou still needs to put to the test.

"Anyway, we had better get going," Shirou spoke as he noticed the glowing light shining on his command seals gradually dying away after the summoning. "Lily," Shirou suddenly addressed.

"Yes, Master Shirou?"

Shirou resisted the urge to sigh at the unaccustomed title. "Do you mind if you use your sword to light the way?"

"Of course," Lily answered as she manifested Caliburn into her hands and exerted a drop of mana through the blade from her massive pool of magical reserves.

With the trio of Master and Servants walking side by side together, Shirou was able to easily navigate his way out from the destroyed cellar with the burning light of Caliburn. Lifting up the overhead trap door once he hit the ceiling of the basement, Shirou proceeded by lifting up the heavy stone slab before stepping up to the ground floor. Turning around while Shirou habitually offered a hand in Lily's direction to help her up, Lily smiled and gratefully accepted Shirou's lending hand despite her status as a Servant.

Upon Alter's turn to walk up the stairs, Shirou did the same to her albeit with slight hesitation due to her cold demeanor. But to Shirou's disappointment, she promptly refused his kind extended offer without bother acknowledging his goodwill or spare him a split-second glance. Withdrawing his hand so that it will not impede Alter's walk up, Shirou then led the group around the room until he finally spotted a source of light shining out through a moderately large wooden door than that he was used to seeing here in the stone mansion.

Reaching the exit, Shirou's senses blared again with sensitivity as Shirou felt a highly concentrated membrane around the entire house.

A Bounded Field, Shirou realized with a troubling face. What could this all mean?

Disregarding the momentary observation, Shirou trudged on forward and out of the resistant field while half-expecting an all-out attack coming at him from nowhere. Exhaling in relief to see that the bounded field had no countermeasures against people who come from the inside out, Shirou's eyes bulged out impossibly wide at the stunning and completely unforeseen view that is now in front of him.

With trees upright and standing still, Shirou is met with a magnificent sight of a spruce tree forest with the afternoon sun shining down on its earthly inhabitants. Perking up his ears, Shirou could also hear the euphoric melodies from the birds as they darted right and left through the maze of trees. The view was simply stunning and beyond what mere words could describe.

"Ah," Lily approached Shirou as she gave an exuberant smile, "is that not beautiful, Master Shirou?"

Shirou numbly nodded, the word beautiful was a huge understatement. It almost made him wonder why the owner of the house abandoned the building to forsake such a heavenly place. If not for his friends in Fuyuki City, Shirou himself would have seriously considered about moving here permanently if not for his duty and dream as a Hero of Justice.

Shirou was about to continue forward down the thin dirt trail that ran across the forest grounds before a woman with bright golden hair that gleamed charmingly under the sun while her draping hair and gray linen dress swayed in the chilly breeze emerged out of the foliage thicket from the side of the trail.

Shirou was immediately on high alert upon seeing the woman in the middle of nowhere when the lady with piercing hazel eyes glanced then stared straight at them before a tugging smile graced her lips.

"Oh my," the lady began as she placed her hand on her mouth almost predatorily, "what do we have here?"

Lily and Alter immediately drew their swords as they both stepped up forward on either side of Shirou protectively.

The woman's smile didn't relent at the discouraging actions as she gave a swift bow while lifting up the hem of her dress lightly. "Forgive my intrusion, it seems like I have forgotten to introduce myself. My name is Anja Brynhild Edelfelt."

"Edelfelt?!" Shirou exclaimed at the familiar last name. This was exactly the same last name that Luvia – commonly known as Rin's well-hated rival – bore as well!

The woman nodded when she mistook Shirou's exclamation as a question. "Yes, magus. I am the mage of the Edelfelt family. But you may call me Anja."

Shirou whirled back around behind him, "Then does that mean …" Shirou trailed off when he saw there was absolutely nothing behind him but the same forest environment all around him. The abandoned stone built building they were roaming around not even a minute ago was gone without a trace of its existence.

The lady who called herself Anja nodded as her straight golden hair that twirled a little at the end draped across her shoulders slightly. Aside from her last name, the lady's body features also reminded Shirou of the Finnish descent Luvia possessed. "That will be my house," Anja said as she pointed at the forest behind the trio of Master and Servants.

"But—"

"It's a Bounded Field," Anja spoke as if it was obvious. "A Bounded Field capable of camouflaging itself in its environment," Anja further explained as Shirou began to see ripples in the forest where the house was supposed to be before the projected image disappeared, replacing it with the weathered down stone fortress.

Shirou numbly nodded in understanding. Although it was different than Saber's Invisible Air that sheathed her blade Excalibur back in the Fifth War, it was still able to produce a similar effect by camouflaging the object around its surrounding, making it virtually but not perfectly invisible. Shirou should have expected nothing less from the long-standing line of mages of the Edelfelt family.

"So," Anja continued as she fixed her hazel eyes closely on Shirou, "you are the man who successfully summoned the two Servants."

Lily and Alter immediately tightened their grips on their swords, their intentions clear as day on what will happen to the Edelfelt mage if she crossed the "line".

"Ah, don't be like that," Anja waved her hands dismissively at Lily and Alter's protective behavior. Shirou himself was surprised to see Anja holding her composure so well despite Alter's deadly glare fixed on her which Shirou was sure can even petrify the strongest men if Alter really tried. "Please, come on in," Anja gestured as she walked on pass Shirou and the Servants. "I will make a bad host if I don't invite my guests."

"No thank you," Shirou swiftly replied, leaving no room for arguments. In the distant past he would have simply followed in with the seemingly nice and beautiful lady that appeared before him. However, after ten years of non-stop molding in his character and experience, Shirou has learned better than to immediately trust a person upon meeting them. In addition, no mage will be foolish enough to walk right into another mage's house upon their first meeting. A mage's house is essentially their own fortress, to walk into another mage's household is equivalent to suicide if you fight there.

"Is that so?" Anja asked as she peered into Shirou's eyes once more. "In that case, do you want to walk with me to the village?"

"Village?" Shirou asked. He knew he was definitely not in Fuyuki anymore, but how far away was he?

"You came here intruding my home without walking past a village?" Anja asked as she gave an amused subtle laugh. "Interesting. But we are going to the village, Lund, which is about fifteen minutes away by foot."

Although Shirou wasn't entirely enthusiastic about walking alongside a potentially dangerous mage of her power to the village nearby here, Shirou decided to indulge the woman seeing that not only does he possess the upper hand with two Servants beside him, but also Shirou hoped the lady named Anja will be able to answer the few questions he had in mind, including the existence of another Grail and her relation to Luvia.

Treading down the narrow dirt trail that ran through the dense forest, Shirou began to see the number of trees gradually thinning out as they continued to advance forward before coming in sight of a small orchard before them with countless plants' flowers all blending together in a gorgeous hue of several different colors.

"Like what you see?" Anja gave an amused grin as a soft chuckle escaped her lips.

Shirou could only gaze in wonder at the amazing sight, even Lily was enraptured by the beauty of it with Alter glancing occasionally at the variety of trees, gracing the sight her momentary attention.

"We're almost there," Anja announced in the standstill silence as she gestured the small clearing up ahead.

Emerging out of the forest, Shirou widened his eyes at the completely exotic and unfamiliar scene. Before him, as accurately named by Anja, was a village with rows of wood houses with hay roofs. Off to the far right side, Shirou was also able to spot a distinct longhouse built with the same natural materials as the other buildings.

In short, this looked in every way like he was reliving the Medieval times.

"Ah, looks like they're selling today!" Anja suddenly exclaimed in excitement. "Hurry along! I need you to help me carry the materials," Anja declared when she reached out to grab Shirou's hand until she was forcefully stopped midway when Caliburn's edge hovered barely above Anja's wrist.

Slowly retracting her hand cautiously, Anja frowned in dissatisfaction. "Tense …" she grumbled as she walked on ahead with Shirou and the Servants following behind.

Shirou had to agree with Anja's statement despite not being acquainted with her. That move Lily pulled out was really something serious. Aren't they being a tad bit too protective? He could, after all, handle himself in a close quarter combat – which is where he typically held the advantage – against most mages.

Catching up to Anja, Shirou witnessed a brief exchange of haggling and a short conversation before Anja finally got what she came for – strands of undyed linen.

"You weave?" Shirou asked in a mixture of interest and just simply hoping to initiate some sort of conversation between them.

Anja nodded tacitly. "Only when I need to."

"If you don't like to make your own clothes," Shirou began, "why not buy one instead? Is it not much easier and more convenient?"

Anja glanced at Shirou with a questioning gaze before scoffing. "Did you forget where we are? Up here in the north? Impossible! If I were still living in Britannia I would be able to, but no longer here in the village."

"Britannia?!" Lily's eyes suddenly glinted with untold excitement. "So it's still here?" Lily rushed over to Anja without any heed of caution as her eyes seemingly begged for an answer.

"Britannia?" Shirou murmured at the familiar sounding word. Wasn't that the name of Britain during the Middle Ages?

"Of course," Anja replied without hesitation. "Britannia has been around here for a while, however, last I've heard, the Anglo-Saxons are becoming more and more persistent and aggressive in invading Britannia. But sovereign King Arthur is holding his ground well against the Saxons. It has even been reported that he has never come out of a single battle injured!"

Shirou felt a sinking feeling settling in his stomach. He didn't hear that correctly, did he?

"Ehhh," Lily made a sound of wonder. "So King Arthur still exists?"

Anja made a strange expression at Lily's odd statement. "Of course, why wouldn't he?"

"Anja," Shirou tentatively addressed.

Anja veered her head backward to meet Shirou's golden amber eyes.

Shirou hesitated before speaking. "Do you happen to know a person by the name, Luvia or Luviagelita?" Shirou asked, deciding not to add the last name "Edelfelt" to avoid confusion if she didn't recognize the name.

Anja made a contemplative expression as she pensively thought. "No," Anja shook her head. "Never heard of a person with that name. Is it a person you know?"

Shirou felt a part of his heart plummet as gloomy dread replaced its empty chambers. Two Servants, Anja Edelfelt, ancient stone and wood-built buildings, Britannia, Anglo-Saxons, King Arthur, and the lack of knowledge about the modern world, all of these facts pointed to one grim truth … Shirou had unwittingly transported back in time.

He didn't understand how this was possible, but the sheer fact and evidence that laid there right before him straight in the face is undeniable. The last thing he remembered before going unconscious was coming back home to see Rin and Illya scrambling frantically doing something … dangerous when an explosion blasted right at him. Shirou couldn't possibly imagine Rin and Illya having the ability to do something as impossible as going back in time which requires the ability to use True Magic. However …

Shirou thought back to a certain ancient magus that is the head of the Mage's Association, the Wizard Marshall, Old Man of the Jewels, the Kaleidoscope; but ultimately, Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, the man who is the wielder of Second Magic. With that unpredictable – and often times spontaneous – old man, almost anything was possible and within reach for Zelretch. And Shirou is beginning to find the prospect of the culprit of his "going back in time" predicament being Zelretch becoming increasingly high.

"It's a friend I knew long ago," Shirou answered Anja's question after a momentary pause as he reminisced about his time at the Clock Tower during his two years with Rin and Luvia. "She bears some resemblance to you," Shirou continued. "I was wondering whether you two know each other."

Anja hummed in understanding before pointing in a direction of a wooden building that had a lot of muffled noise coming out from it. "Would you guys like something to drink?" Anja asked with enthusiasm.

Speaking of drinks, Shirou could really begin to feel his parched throat itching at the dryness. How long exactly has he been unconscious? Was it a day … or more accurately a millennium?

"Sure," Shirou immediately answered, "but …" Shirou trailed off when he realized he didn't have the village's currency.

"Don't bother paying," Anja said with a warm smile. "I'll treat you just this time," she said with a wink that made Shirou blushed a slight red at the unusual action. Do girls usually act this boldly? Or was a wink a commonplace in this time and culture? For some reason, Shirou doubted the latter.

Opening the door to the local tavern, Shirou felt a wave of putrid aroma assaulting his sense of smell as Shirou resisted the urge to gag at the odor while Anja, Lily, and Alter waltzed in the space as if they never noticed the smell or it simply didn't affect them.

Resisting the urge of covering up his nose with the sleeve of his shirt, Shirou trudged on forward with a passive face that masked his true inner turmoil. Another wave of odor hit Shirou full force once again as Shirou began to feel the early symptoms of nausea settling in his stomach. This. Place. REALLY. Reeks!

"What would you like, Master Shirou?" Lily asked as she placed her hand gently on Shirou's shoulder, snapping Shirou out of his momentary trance.

"Uh … water?" Shirou said with a lace of uncertainty. Would water be served around here, or did they just drink from a nearby stream or well?

Lily cocked her head sideways cutely in confusion. "Master Shirou, are you sure? Water is not very pleasant tasting," Lily cautioned.

Not pleasant tasting, Shirou repeated grimly in his mind. That could only mean the water here is not clean or at the very least has been sitting around some unpleasant environment for a while.

"Then … milk?" Shirou brainstormed for a non-alcoholic beverage this tavern most likely will have.

"Milk?" Lily made a thinking expression before nodding her head in determination. "I'll go tell Anja about your order, Master Shirou."

Which … definition of "order" was she using? Shirou just desperately hoped the seemingly overly innocent girl did not mistake his order for a cup of milk as a command. That will only end up horribly for him.

While Lily was skipping over Anja's direction as her plated armor jingled in the noise-filled tavern, a hand suddenly shot out and grabbed her wrist as Lily widened her eyes at the sudden direct contact.

"Hey Lady," a man addressed Lily with a dazed and hollow look as his voice barely avoided being slurred. "Gotta minute?"

Lily nodded while smiling gracefully. "Yes," Lily replied, "what do you need?"

Shirou gaped at the good nature attitude Lily carried despite the forcefulness of the man earlier. Did she not notice trouble kilometers away when she saw the man's drunken expression and his awfully red face? Shirou was tempted to barge into the conversation and get Lily out of there, but Shirou was quick to remind himself that Arturia is not a child, she is the legendary King of Britain. She should definitely know what she's getting herself into.

"Whaddya say yer buy me a drink and I'll tell no one 'bout it?" the man asked with mischievous eyes and an ugly obnoxious smirk.

"Huh? But I don't have money though," Lily stated simply.

"Bah," the man spat out with disdain. Shirou is quickly beginning to see things escalate badly really fast. This man is clearly mentally unstable right now to be capable of any rational thinking.

"Yer over there!" the man bellowed loudly. "You too, yer' her sister, right? Buy me a drink and I ain't tell anyone about yer breaking the law!"

"The law?" Shirou pondered in thought. What law are they talking about that is getting Lily and Alter in trouble. Shirou shrugged off the thought, it was probably best not to take a drunk man's word to heart.

Alter turned her head around as she glanced at the drunk man with unforgiving cold eyes. The malice and pure killing intent emitted from her look alone immediately brought a stun silence throughout the room as everyone was petrified in their seats, not even able to utter a single word in response.

"Hurry it up! Or do yer want the village to know yer are wearing men's armor?" the drunkard continued to demand as he spat out a string of curses afterward, the man being too busy in a confused daze to even register the look Alter was directing at him.

"You dare order a king, peasant scum?" Alter asked coolly as her ruthless and malicious eyes peered through the man's own.

Shirou could begin to see everybody's face in the room paling and even some notable trembling can be seen from the group of men in the room. Even the once composed Anja had a pale and worried frown making its way up her face.

"Woman, gimme more ale!" the man commanded as his words slur while he stood up from his chair and attempted to get within touching distance of Alter.

Uh oh. This is NOT good!

The man was about to place his filthy dirtied hands on Alter's black shoulder plate when Alter veered her head and directed a deadly glare at the drunkard's direction.

"Watch your place, peasant," Alter spoke emotionlessly, however, Shirou was able to notice a brief flash of annoyance and anger shown on her face.

The man guffawed at Alter's firm remark as his face furthered reddened from the lack of oxygen and the influence of alcohol in him.

"You shan't do that …" Shirou could hear some uncertain whispers and murmurs around the tavern dissuading their drunken friend to provoke the "cross-dressing" woman.

Ignoring Alter's command, the man audaciously placed his hand on Alter's armor that had bloodthirsty glowing red jagged lines stretching across it.

"Now can yer get—"

The man was immediately cut off when Alter's eyes narrowed and her blurred gauntlet fist met the man's lower stomach as the drunkard instantly flew backward until he violently crashed into the rear wooden wall of the tavern, snapping some of the wooden planks that held the building together at the stunning display of force.

Uh oh. This has now officially gone from bad to worse.

Shirou swallowed his thickening saliva at the literally breathtaking sight. Did Alter just punched a man for touching her?! Yes, it was clearly not appropriate for the drunkard to do what he just did, but still … was it necessary to punch him several meters back and smash him violently into a wall? That … is just overkill, and maybe even an overreaction in Shirou's personal opinion – though most people often accuse him of the exact opposite of having far too much patience towards others.

"Now yer've done it, blasted woman," the man cursed as he peeled himself off the splintering and caved in wall. Standing up straight while swaying indecisively from side to side, Shirou was surprised to see the drunk man up and walking after a direct blow from a Servant even though the power behind it was obviously restrained. But, if this man continues to taunt Alter …

The man smirked obnoxiously. "Yer comin'?"

Alter didn't bother answering or acknowledging his presence.

The man's smirk slowly strained before an angered expression painted over it. "Bah!" the man spat out a string of curses before spitting out blood right on Alter's armored foot.

That … was a BIG no no.

Shirou felt a part of him panick at the daring and unbelievable sight. That man is beyond insane!

Shirou could hear some petrified murmurs around the room telling the man to stop it, however, all that they said fell to the deaf ears of the hot-blooded and furious individual.

"You dare challenge a king?" Alter said with a gaze filled with killing intent as miasmic mana began to drift in the air and funnel around her hand, indicating she was about to summon her blade.

Shirou felt his heart plummet further at the action. Alter is serious! And she is going to KILL the man without hesitation. Despite not having hard evidence, Shirou just knew that was going to eventually happen if he doesn't intervene.

Before Alter could summon and reveal her sword, Shirou immediately rushed into the middle of the miniature battleground.

"Whoa … timeout!" Shirou barely contained his yelp when Alter directed a cold ruthless glare at him.

"Don't stand in my way, Shirou," Alter spoke coolly, her face not betraying any of the emotions she felt inside.

Shirou just began the conversation and now he is already running out of time. Great … just perfect.

"C-Calm down," Shirou racked his brain for an appropriate response given this situation.

"Did you reprimand me, Shirou?" Alter asked, her gaze unrelenting.

"Uh … ahh – NO! Of course not!" Shirou practically shouted. "I was just thinking … maybe you should let me deal with this," Shirou gave a strained chuckle while giving an obviously fake smile considering the dire predicament he was in.

"Are you asking me to surrender, Shirou?" Alter proceeded to ask with the same unnerving pale face as her golden eyes seemingly peered through Shirou's soul.

"YES!" Shirou exclaimed a bit too quickly now that Alter finally understood what he was trying to say before his face quickly morphed into a horrified one. "NO! I mean NO!" Shirou instantly corrected as he said the word twice for emphasis and good measures. "I just thought … um, you shouldn't sully your hands on such trivial matters."

Was he doing good … or was he doing an utterly horrible job?

Shirou didn't know the answer to the question. Having no idea to placate the different Arturia before him, Shirou is beginning to find himself reaching closer and closer to his wit's end.

"That matters not, these hands are already sullied," Alter spoke without hesitation as she redirected her attention from Shirou and to the drunk man wobbling in place unsteadily.

"Ah, wait, wait, wait!" Shirou hurriedly spoke as he grabbed for Alter's attention again.

Alter shot Shirou an annoyed look but Shirou still persisted in his explanation.

"Should a king deal with lowly peasant …" Shirou hesitated at the next word, "scums?"

Alter gave him another look, whether that meant she was interested or not, Shirou took that as a cue to continue his line of thought.

"Then maybe you should let a lowly and humble man like myself deal with the problem and deliver the king's judgment accordingly," Shirou spoke as he gave a subtle bow in Alter's direction while inwardly pleading that the perhaps overextravagant speech will be able to convince Alter to step back her assault and let him deal with the problem.

"Huh?!" Lily's bewildered voice resounded the room. "But Master Shirou, you are our Master and we are your Servants! Please don't degrade yourself like that!"

"Now's not the time, Lily," Shirou said hurriedly in a pitched voice at Lily's overdramatic comment.

Alter narrowed her eyes slightly at Shirou's words as if judging it. "Liar," Alter finally pronounced coolly as she looked in the opposite direction of Shirou.

Shirou immediately began to feel the early signs of a panic attack settling in. "It's true!"

Alter glanced at him once more for a couple seconds in silence for good measures when the miasmic mana that was swirling in the air finally dissipated away. "If you so desire, I shall let you have the bounty," Alter spoke. "However," Alter continued with an additional conditional statement, "I will kill you if I discover you lied to me about your statement."

"Right …" Shirou trailed off though a part of him was relieved to hear that she will no longer be trying to intentionally kill the drunkard. That will only spell badly for all of them and Shirou will definitely feel responsible for the event whether or not it was actually his fault. It's just the way he is.

"Givin' up?" the man taunted after the conversation had finally come to a hold as he slowly bid his time.

Shirou solemnly shook his head as he turned around. "No, but I will be your opponent."

"Hah! You?" the man guffawed in a mocking manner as he eyed Shirou's "scrawny" figure in comparison to his bulging muscular ones. "I feel bad hurtin' a woman, but with yer …" the man eyed Shirou predatorily, "I'll give yer all out."

With a defiant roar, the man charged forward with his fist raised as he attempted to punch Shirou straight at his jawline.

Reacting easily by sidestepping the blow as the man staggered forward, Shirou stretched one of his legs out in front of him right when the man whirled around to continue his attack only to trip right on Shirou's foot, making him crash onto the ground in a humiliating heap.

"Are we done?" Shirou asked stoically. Shirou didn't want to hurt the man especially when it was clear the drunkard's head was clearly not understanding his predicament. If that man was so much in a daze that he couldn't even recognize Alter's oppressive and killing aura, Shirou was not sure what else could deter the man's mind save for an Excalibur blast straight to the face.

The man answered Shirou by attempting to plant his fist into Shirou's teeth. However, Shirou was quick to veer his head over to the other side as the man's fist met air before Shirou delivered a fast jab into the man's shoulder, making it instantly fall limp.

The man attempted to fire another punch only to find that his right arm will not move. Growling in anger and annoyance, the man disregarded his immobile right arm and threw a powerful punch using his left arm.

Grabbing a wooden mug to the side of him, Shirou reinforced the object slightly as the mug caught the man's fist while the bones in the man's knuckles creaked in strain when the wooden mug refused to break under the power behind the blow.

Gritting his teeth in anger, the man lashed out a series of blows only for Shirou to catch the attacks blow for blow with the open mouth of the wooden mug with pinpoint accuracy.

"Y-You dare make fun of me!" the man roared out in attempt to crash into Shirou with his entire body as he arced his fist back and swung it forward right at Shirou's face.

Surprise to see that the man was able to have a clear enough mind to deduce that simple blows won't break through his "wooden mug" defense, therefore resorting to using his entire body to build up momentum and crash into Shirou; Shirou quickly dropped his hold on the wooden mug neatly as he immediately used the back of his hand to redirect the blow for his face before catching the punch midway at the man's wrist, effectively stopping the blow before it can even reach him.

"Now are we done?" Shirou asked with a questioning expression. "I would much prefer not hurting you."

Shirou could almost feel Lily's barely unbearable shiny eyes of admiration directed on his muscle tone back. "Master Shirou, you are amazing!" Lily exclaimed with excitement.

Alter didn't offer a comment of her own as she continued watching the spectacle on the sidelines.

"Don't get cocky, boy!" the man roared as he tried swiping his legs from under Shirou, making him lose balance.

However, Shirou saw the move before it even came. Shirou's eyes narrowed dangerously as his face made an expression of a hardened warrior tempered through battle.

Easily leaping over the incoming kick, Shirou then instantly stepped one pace forward as he released a rapid series of light punches across the man's entire body before going around his back and hitting three distinct points on it.

The man promptly groaned at the speedy yet lightweight attacks before his entire body went limp as he crashed onto the wooden ale-soaked floor.

"Y-You," the man let a groan again when he tried to move his body to no avail, probably the hangover of the effects of alcohol finally beginning to catch up to him.

"You won't be able to move for a couple hours," Shirou spoke matter-of-factly as he looked over grimly at the cratered wooden wall the man has crashed into due to Alter's courtesy. He will be needing to pay for that, Shirou thought as he mentally sighed before continuing the explanation where he left off. "Even a light punch can kill a person if the same injury is inflicted multiple times at the right places," Shirou stated. "By simply neglecting and brushing them off would only make you end up with the same fate as you do now."

The man glared at Shirou with hate-filled eyes as he gritted his teeth in a mixture of humiliation and anger.

"We're done here," Shirou said as he directed a soft smile at Alter and Lily's direction, grinning as if the entire battle earlier had never happened or perturbed him.

Exiting out of the musty old odorous tavern, Shirou walked out with Lily and Alter obediently following after him as Anja simply gave a grin at the entire spectacle. Anja had expected an inevitable fight to break out in the bar due to the dual Servants' unorthodox attires, but never did she expected such unique results. She lured them here hoping to guage the Servants' strength, but instead she got a glimpse of what the peculiar Master is capable of.

"This is going to be very interesting," Anja thought as she licked her lips thoughtfully while eying at the happily talking Master and Servants trio.


The wooden and humid smell wafted through the air as Shirou warmly smiled in a relaxed manner as he strolled around in the small village settlement away from his temporary lodging in the Edelfelt "invisible" fortress.

It has been about a week since Shirou arrived in this timeline and he has learned a lot about the world today without giving way to suspicion about his true origins … not that he told much about himself to Lily, Alter, or Anja to begin with.

"Ah, Shiro!" a man yelled out as Shirou turned his head to see a man in the planting field gesturing for him to come as the man walked closer to meet Shirou midway.

"Hi …" Shirou waved his hand in greeting before he trailed off.

"Halvar," the man filled in the missing blank when he reminded Shirou once more of his unique name.

"Right, Halvar," Shirou repeated as he committed the name to memory once again. "Do you need something?" Shirou asked with a kind smile. Two days ago he was able to help the somewhat distressed Halvar with his crops when both of his strong teenage sons were struck with a nasty fever, making them bedridden for the entire day. It wasn't until today when both of his sons were able to work part-time in the field to ease their father's burden despite Shirou's insistence on Halvar letting him work another day so his sons can rest some more. But, it seems like Shirou had sorely underestimated the tenacity and recovering speed of the village people.

"Ah, my wife wanted to give this to your young maidens you have back in the forest," Halvar said as he handed over to Shirou a fabric covered box. "My wife said those ladies need to be learned in the ladies' way," Halvar chortled before he came to a stop as he wiped off some tears that were gathering on the rim of his eyes. "Ain't my wife amazing," Halvar shook his head in praise as if amused by his wife's antics.

"Well, thank you," Shirou politely bowed as he gratefully received the gift. "And tell the same to your wife also, I'm sure they will appreciate this."

"They better!" Halvar shouted gleefully. "My wife will kidnap them and train them herself if she doesn't see any results!"

"Sounds … tough."

"You bet!" Halvar gave a loud laugh before turning around while scratching his back. "Anyway, got to get to work! See you around sometime!"

Shirou nodded. "Are you sure you guys don't need any help?" Shirou asked with a hint of concern.

"We're good around here, lad. Now get busy giving the package to your waiting maidens!" Halvar shooed Shirou away as Shirou couldn't help but smile at the elderly man's antics. Shirou was glad he was able to at least meet one decent person in the village in the short week he's been here.

But … his maidens? Those words irked Shirou to no end. What was that phrase supposed to mean anyway to the people here?! Shirou sighed, it seems like the news of his, Lily's, and Alter's unique relationship of "Master" and "Servant" has spread through the village must faster than he had anticipated. And Shirou was going to blame this troubling predicament on Lily who always called him as "Master Shirou" even openly in public much to his chagrin.

Treading along the narrow dirt trail which he has walked across multiple times already, Shirou finally came in front of a small clearing in the middle of the forest, indicating that this was the mansion's true location. Reaching out his hand to touch the Bounded Field's membrane, Shirou confirmed where the door was before going in through the Bounded Field with the entirety of his body.

"I'm home!" Shirou called out in the seemingly abandoned stone building.

Hearing steps coming down from the stairs, Shirou veered his head over to the spiraling staircase to see Lily hurrying down from it with an unchanging exuberant grin of accomplishment.

"Master Shirou! Master Shirou!" Lily shouted in an exclamation of glee when she saw her Master coming in through the doorway.

"Hi Lily," Shirou greeted with a warm smile before giving her a confusing gaze. "Is something wrong?"

Lily shook her head as her eyes glimmered with uncontainable joy when her gaze met Shirou's. "I did it, Master Shirou!" Lily said once more as she skipped from the stairway to Shirou before stopping right in front of him.

"Did what?" Shirou tentatively asked. There was no neutral ground with the upcoming answer. With Lily, it was bound to be extremely great or extremely horrible, Shirou just desperately hoped it was the former instead of latter.

"Tada!" Lily exclaimed as Shirou witnessed the big reveal at what was behind her back and in her hands.

"A … flatbread?" Shirou reconfirmed at the sight before him that Lily was most likely attempting to create.

Lily vigorously nodded in confirmation once Shirou identified the food. "Yes, the mothers in the village have been teaching me proper lady etiquettes."

"Hmmm," Shirou hummed as a thought popped into his head. "Speaking of mothers," Shirou mentioned as he lifted up the package wrapped in plain brown fabric in Lily's direction, "Halvar's wife wanted to give you this."

Lily gracefully grabbed the package with evident excitement. "I better thank her when we have a chance to meet," Lily noted to herself while Shirou nodded with a smile.

"Master Shirou," Lily whispered under her breath, forcing Shirou to almost lean in to hear her small timid voice. "Would you … like to try the flatbread?" Lily asked as she gestured over at the cooked food in her hand.

That … was it? Was there any need to become embarrassed over that?

"Sure," Shirou spoke offhandedly. "I will love to!" Shirou gave a soft smile as Lily's grin widened at Shirou's acceptance.

"And this!" Lily exclaimed as she took out a turnip from her baggy pockets of a homemade woman's dress a mother crafted in the village just for her.

"A … turnip?" Shirou voiced his thoughts aloud in uncertainty at the vegetation before him. Why … a turnip?

Lily vigorously nodded in a serious and straight expression.

"And … why a turnip?" Shirou tentatively asked as he saw a weird blend of colors on the turnip's skin, something which definitely didn't belong on a healthy growing turnip. "Did you … make it?" Shirou asked, wondering was part of the vegetable modified or further "enhanced".

Lily shook her head in response. "No, Master Shirou. Alter made it!" Lily revealed with a wide smile full of anticipation.

Spotting something in his peripheral vision, Shirou robotically turned his head to the right to see a cold stare being directed straight at him from behind a stone pillar.

Shirou's mouth gaped at the unbelievable sight. What is Alter doing there spying on him?! And is she trying to hide herself? If so, she's doing a horrible job right now as the entire fourth of her body went over the coverage the stone pillar provided.

"Is that … supposed to go with the flatbread?" Shirou asked hesitantly as he pointed at the unnatural looking whole turnip.

Lily placed her fingertip on her chin in thought, making an adorable pose that even Shirou was struggling to suppress his incoming blush.

"That is an excellent idea, Master Shirou!" Lily praised.

"I was just asking—"

"This will give you the best combination of two unique flavors by your humble and faithful Servants, Master Shirou!"

"It's just Shirou," Shirou sighed, hoping for the umpteenth time that she will drop the honorary title in front of his name.

Seeing Lily's expectant eyes, Shirou cautiously motioned the food closer to his mouth as Lily intently stared at the entire scene. Gradually holding the flatbread and turnip closer and closer to his mouth while Lily stared more intently at the act, Shirou's muscles clenched when the food met his lips as it swirled in his mouth while his tongue danced around the dish.

Trying to maintain his straight face that betrayed none of his inner turmoil, Shirou forced himself to chew the horrid food resting in his mouth. This dish goes beyond the mere realm of "bad". The existence of this very taste is blasphemous to the art of food and cooking. What did they put in this turnip and flatbread combo?!

Refusing to spit out the food in his mouth by sheer will alone, Shirou forced himself to swallow the food as he gave a strained smile in Lily's direction.

"How was it, Master Shirou?" Lily asked, her voice laced with excited anticipation.

Congratulations! You've managed to create the worst tasting food I have ever tasted and will ever taste in my entire life. The very existence of mixing whatever horrifying ingredients you had collected managed to bring out the worse of mankind's malicious intent by tainting the art of food. This is the very act of sacrilege! For a moment, you've even had me wondering was I tasting the manifestation of "All the World's Evil"!

"It's … unique," Shirou decided on his word choice with the same strained smile and an awkward chuckle after having all those thoughts running through his head.

"Oh really!" Lily yelped with enthusiasm. "Then I'll make more! Please eat up, Master Shirou. There will always be more for you!"

"No need for that," Shirou immediately rejected the "thoughtful" offer. "Just this will be plenty enough."

"Really?" Lily asked innocently as she eyed the small portion in Shirou's hand. "If that's so, Master Shirou, please enjoy what is remained. I will always be happy to make more whenever you feel like it!" Lily said with a determined expression as she rolled up her sleeve and fist-pumped in the air to show her unwavering resolve at the task.

"I'm good," Shirou replied Lily's statement. "But I'm sure Anja would like to try some also," Shirou said as he added a "I think …" to the end of the sentence in his mind.

"Huh? Oh, no, Master Shirou. I have already offered Lady Anja my masterpiece and she said you would love to have some of this," Lily then placed a fingertip on her chin with a thoughtful look while she pouted in contemplation. "Though, it seems like Lady Anja was not feeling well at the time when she spoke. She was gagging A LOT!" Lily opened up her arms wide to describe the magnitude and severity of Anja's "symptoms".

That traitor! Shirou's mind yelled out. How could a noble and proud honorary family of the Edelfelts be so underhanded as to make him taste this?! Shirou is going to have a long lecture with that deceiving woman. She should have known better!

"Master Shirou?" Lily interrupted Shirou's train of thought with a creasing worried look on her face. "Are you okay?" Lily asked as she looked at Shirou's intense expression.

"Oh, I'm fine," Shirou immediately replied after he snapped out of his thoughts. "I was just thinking how Anja and I haven't been spending enough … quality time with each other," Shirou said carefully, his voice laced with the intention of a strict instructor.

Lily cheeks instantly went beet red in an embarrassed blush. "Ah—!" Lily exclaimed.

"It's not what you're thinking," Shirou interrupted as he quickly halted Lily's line of misunderstood thoughts. Having been interacting with this version of Arturia for a week, Shirou has come to learn that this legendary king of Britain is far too innocent! Shirou oftentimes even wondered how was she able to lead a country without knowing the evil intentions of men? Shirou shrugged at the mind-boggling thought, most likely her brother Kay and the famed wizard, Merlin, were able to help her during her kingly journey of self-discovery.

Lily obediently nodded at Shirou's words though her blush didn't fade in the slightest bit.

"Anyway," Shirou began as he raised his voice up to normal volumes, "I came back early today hoping to tell you and Alter something," Shirou said as he periodically glanced to the side of his vision at the not-so-well-hidden Alter. "Do you mind if you get Alter for me, Lily?" Shirou asked, his voice bordering an exasperated sigh.

"Huh? But she's just right—" Shirou immediately covered Lily's mouth before Lily could blurt out anything that might set off the emotionally unstable sword-wielding girl, Alter, specifically.

"Shhh," Shirou whispered right beside Lily's ear. "Just go along with it. You know Alter won't take it too well if she discovers we knew she was there all along."

Hearing no answer from the girl, Shirou backed up his head to make eye contact. "Lily?"

Shirou's eyes bulged out and his mouth gaped when he saw Lily's face was completely red and her eyes were dazed as if having experienced shock or trauma. If Shirou had to describe in terms of the manga his half-sister, Illya, likes to read sometimes, then it would be best said that Lily's soul had left her body as she continued to lay limp in Shirou's arms.

"Lily! Hold yourself together!" Shirou shouted as he shook her shoulders to snap her out of her daze.

"T—clos—" Lily mumbled in between panting breaths as Shirou looked at the hopeless figure. This was going to be a very long day for Emiya Shirou.


It wasn't until a full thirty minutes was Shirou able to finally gather his two Servants, Lily and Alter, who are both counterparts of Arturia, into the room he first awakened to for a brief meeting and discussion. Despite the time-consuming endeavor, Shirou was at least glad he will be able to accomplish the job he came for today.

"What do you need, Master Shirou?" Lily asked.

Shirou shook his head at the question. "It's not so much that I need something but that I need your opinion on the matter."

"Huh?" Lily gave Shirou a questioning gaze. "But aren't you the Master?"

Shirou nodded. "Yes, I may be a Master; but to me, that's only by name. You both are still human beings and should be treated as such. So I want your personal input on what I'm about to say."

Lily gave what resembled as a smug grin, a rare occurrence for her from all the time Shirou has been interacting with the girl. "Hmmm, I have a strange Master indeed. You will always be my number one, Master Shirou!"

Shirou gave a strained smile. "Yeah … just don't go announcing that everywhere," Shirou gently reminded. "Anyway, should we get started?" Shirou asked.

Lily nodded while Alter remained seated in the same position without twitching a single muscle as she continued to fix her eyes onto Shirou intensely.

"Is … something wrong, Alter?" Shirou tentatively asked.

Alter continued to speak nothing as her prolonged stares didn't waver a bit.

"Ah," Shirou realized the source of the issue. "The turnip …" Shirou addressed the unworldly food that should eternally stay in the pits of hell and never come out to see the light of day, "was … thoughtful … and unique," Shirou added at the ended as his smile strained even further.

Alter nodded with a satisfied look on her face that was the closest resemblance of a smile Shirou has ever seen. Although his and Lily's relationship has been progressing well despite the numerous misunderstandings that occur often between them, his and Alter's relationship was different in the sense that Alter is only commonly misunderstood when she speaks of nothing, however, when she does speak, Alter is always demanding and forthright with her wants.

But, with the progress he's making in getting to know these two individuals who are a counterpart of Arturia better, Shirou believed they will begin to forge a closer and closer bond like he had with his family back in Fuyuki City.

"So what is it, Master Shirou?" Lily inquired again about the main discussion of the meeting.

Shirou's eyes narrowed as he clasped and folded his hands in front of him. "Next month," Shirou began as he eyes shifted from the ground to the two girls, "we will be going to Camelot, Britannia to see the Arturia of this world … your counterpart."

"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH~?!" a painful shout resounded the airtight walls of the Edelfelt Mansion as chaos ensues in the humble hidden residence residing in the tranquil forest of Lund.


Thank you for reading!

This is the rewrite on Blades of Fate chapter 1 starting before Shirou summons Lily and Alter. There are some minor plot changes, so please tell me what you guys all think about this chapter by reviewing! I would love to hear any suggestions, comments, questions, etc. from you readers!

Also, for people who don't know who in the world are Lily and Alter, just do a quick search on a web browser with the keywords: "Saber Lily" or "Saber Alter".

For the record, this is NOT a harem fiction. At best, this story may perhaps become a fiction with different routes featuring different heroines ... kind of like a visual novel. Why, you ask? Because, 1. I don't write harem stories, and 2. Shirou does not strike me as a guy who enters into multiple intimate relationships with different girls at the same time. I believe both valid reasons are self-explanatory.

Due to my earlier than expected busy college schedule, I'm afraid the two updates in a week for Blades of Fate will need to be postponed. Hope you understand! – SteelBlades333


Next week's update – Fate/Blade Zero!