Disclaimer: I don't own anything in the Fate series.

Thanks like always to BlindSeer0 for editing this chapter.

Author's Note: This chapter has been re-uploaded with minor corrections to spelling and grammar. Also added in some clarification on some points in this chapter.

Warning: Contains cheating. And a brief mention of super creepy violating worms, like in canon. Sorry

Fate/Zero: Heroes of Justice

Chapter 3: The Rescue of Justice Purple!

"As you already know," said Risei Kotomine, "as Supervisor of this Holy Grail War I have a limited ability to sense major changes or outcomes to help me better determine the events that are transpiring." He addressed both his son who was in the room below the church with him and Tokiomi through a magical communication device. "I can sense when a servant is summoned and when a servant is truly defeated."

"It is as you said," replied Tokiomi through the device. "We all already know this. But I also know you and know that you wouldn't bring up something trivial like a refresher on the basics at this hour of the night. What is it that has you so concerned friend?"

Risei sighed. "It is hard to explain, but when Caster was summoned I heard something strange. I heard the summons, but I also heard a faint echo. I ignored it, thinking it a trick of my old age. But tonight, I heard the familiar ring of a servant dying, Caster. This wouldn't be strange, but immediately after I heard the strong ring of a completed summoning. For Caster."

Risei saw his son's eyes narrow in interest, although the rest of his face stayed as impassive as usual. "That is strange. But what does it all mean?"

"I believe it means that there was a complication with the initial summoning," replied Risei.

"Like two Casters being summoned simultaneously?" asked Tokiomi. He sounded fascinated by the concept.

Risei nodded to the device, despite knowing that Tokiomi couldn't see the gesture. "Yes, that is correct. I think what I felt tonight was the completion of the fight between both Casters."

"So now one Caster has been defeated and the other has risen as the true Caster for this war?" asked Kirei.

"Yes, I believe it is so," replied Risei.

"Then, what does this mean for us in the War?" asked Kirei.

"It means something of interest," answered Tokiomi, "and nothing more. It means that Caster is now at full strength and likely to act soon and make themselves known. Beyond that, it means that Caster is likely behind in preparations. Already the final servant summoned, and now having to take a week to regain full power. It's something to be pitied briefly, but only briefly. Now, we proceed by continuing to discover Caster's identity, Master and location."

"Understood," said Risei and Kirei together. No more was needed to be said between the three men. There was work to be done.

She could feel the worms. Every inch of her skin was covered, the worms flowing over her water. But no matter how much she focused on that innocent image she was still aware of them crawling, writhing. They were on her. They were in her. Violating every piece of her. Nothing was safe. The horror was never ending. She'd long given up screaming, instead staring dead eyed up at the dark stone ceiling. The only sounds she heard were the chittering, scuttling, slithering sounds of the worms and the cackling of her Grandfather. A scene that was familiar to her after all these years. She was unable to shed a single tear.

Rin woke up crying. She could see the images, burned into her mind. It had been a vivid dream, almost like a memory. She'd changed much since Rin had seen her last, looking even older than Rin was now, but she could still recognize her sister. Sakura. She shivered as the sensation of the worms faded from her skin. She wasn't a morning person, her mother usually needed to shake her awake. But now she couldn't get out of bed fast enough as she rushed to the shower and turned on the hot water. As she rinsed herself she felt the sensation of the worms leaving her, but the images still lingered in her mind.

When she was done dressing she did one final check in the mirror to make everything was in order. She clenched her fist at her side, emotion suddenly overtaking her as she failed once more to get the dream out of her mind. "Sakura," she whispered to herself.

Rin hadn't known going to sleep what she was going to do about having a Servant and becoming a Master in the Holy Grail War. But now, she thought she knew exactly what she was going to do with her new-found power. She had a lot of work to do before school.

In a rare event, Saber, Irisviel, Maiya and Kiritsugu were all eating a meal together. Usually her Master and his student were off to their own devices. Neither were large conversationalists and Irisviel was company enough, so Saber didn't mind that they were always away. Plus, whenever Kiritsugu was around Saber could only think about how much distaste she felt for his methods and for all the time he spent away from Irisviel. She was his wife and yet, he seemed to be actively avoiding her. Saber disapproved of such shameful behavior. Irisviel deserved much better.

Of course, even while they ate, Kiritsugu and Maiya talked about their plans for the day. They had maps and written notes laying everywhere on the table around them. Saber scanned the papers while she ate, trying to divine what her Master was planning, but never asking.

Irisviel was a lot more honest with her feelings and interest. She leaned over to look at the maps and then looked quizzically Kiritsugu. "What is your plan?" she asked.

Saber noticed the quick glance shared between Maiya and Kiritsugu. She also noticed the split-second glance both directed at her. Kiritsugu gave a heavy sigh, the man always seemed tired and weighed down by something. "We're going after Lancer's Master tonight," replied Kiritsugu.

Saber was surprised and annoyed since she hadn't heard anything about such plans, but she hid both like she'd been taught to do by Merlin. "What is it you need me to do Master?" she asked.

"Nothing," replied Kiritsugu. "This mission is only going to be done by Maiya and I. We're not going to fight Lancer. We're going to attack his Master and his fiancee directly. They will be together in their hotel room tomorrow night. They have magical protections up all over the top floor and that means they're going to think they're safe there."

Saber frowned. "I don't approve of such methods like this. They aren't honorable."

Kiritsugu stared at her directly with his dead eyes. "This war isn't about honor. It's about strategy and doing whatever is needed. Honor will just get all of us killed. Our wishes unfulfilled. Do you want that?"

Saber refused to balk. "There's no meaning or point to a victory like this."

Before anything else could be said between the two, Irisviel leaned back from where she'd been studying the papers on the table. "This looks like a diagram of the structural weaknesses of the hotel," she said, pointing to one of the papers. "Are you planning to blow up the hotel?"

Kiritsugu's expression didn't change, which told Saber all she needed to know. She couldn't help but gasp in horror at the implication of what was being discussed. "Master! How could you plan something like that?"

Maiya wasn't very talkative, but she spoke up at that moment. "We plan to evacuate the building first. The bombs will only be detonated when everyone is confirmed out of the building."

"But destroying a building will still do massive damage to the surrounding area," said Irisviel, looking between Kiritsugu and Maya. "The area will be closed for months as they assess structural issues and investigate the cause. There's also the personal damage. To property kept in the hotel, cars in the garage, and the jobs that will be lost."

"Iri," said Kiritsugu, his voice and expression softening in a manner Saber thought was uncharacteristic for him. "For our dream, for what we're fighting for, this is a small cost to be paid. It will all be worth it in the end."

Saber couldn't take it anymore. She slammed her fist on the table, shaking it and causing everyone to look at her. Irisviel looked worried, Maiya looked as if she was reevaluating a possible threat and Kiritisugu just had that same infuriatingly blank expression. "I know you are my Master and I am your Servant, but I can not allow something like this to happen. The end does not justify the means. I came to this War to fight in honorable combat. That is what I will do. If you want to engage Lancer's Master like a proper mage, then feel free to do so while we fight each other, as is proper. This short-sighted method…"

She stopped speaking there, memories flashing in her mind. Atrocities she'd ordered and committed in the name of her ideals. It had all been for naught. That was why she needed the Grail, to undo her mistakes and allow everyone a chance to live their lives without her influence. To find salvation. She would not suffer a Master who seemed to embody all the dark impulses and capabilities she herself harbored.

Saber could remember the Traitor Knight staring her down in her final moments. He had accused her of not understanding, of being detached, of being unfit to be King. She had disagreed with him, because to do otherwise would've been admitting that everything she had done as King was a mistake and she had never been fit to rule. In this moment she felt like she understood a bit of what he had meant when he'd confronted her though. She was a Servant now, meant to serve a Master, and her duty was to listen. But maybe, just maybe, there was more to being a Servant than just listening and agreeing with actions and ideals she didn't believe in.

Kiritsugu's eyes narrowed as he stared at her. "I'm in charge here and there will be no further discussion on this. I don't think a knight like you will ever understand what truly needs to be done." He gave a heavy sigh. "This is why I've kept you in the dark so far. You are to do nothing. You are to stay here and protect Irisviel. Or are you going to disobey your Master and shirk your duty to protect her?"

"I will do no such thing," said Saber, never breaking eye contact with those dead eyes.

Kiritsugu gave another sigh and was the first to break eye contact. "Thank you for breakfast Iri. Maiya and I will be leaving now to make our final preparations. We will inform you of how everything is resolved."

And with that, he got up and left the room. Maiya quickly cleaned and gathered up the papers and went after him, bowing slightly to Irisviel. "Good day to you Madam." She didn't acknowledge Saber's presence as she left.

Saber let out a heavy sigh, the tension finally allowed to leave her. She turned to Irisviel, who's expression was filled with concern. "I apologize for my outburst," she said. "But I could not allow such conduct to pass by without comment. I guess I now understand a little of-" she stopped herself before completing the sentence, but Irisviel noticed.

"You guess you understand a little of what?" asked Irisviel, her voice filled with innocent curiosity.

Saber considered her words for a moment. "I guess I understand a little of what he felt when he confronted me on the battle field all those years ago. When he told me I wasn't fit to be King."

Irisviel nodded in understanding. Saber knew that she had a thorough understanding of her myths and legacy, she wouldn't need an explanation of the issue she was discussing. She knew it all. Irisviel became thoughtful for a moment. "Hmmm, I agree with Kiritsugu's ideals and I'll do anything to support him." She threw a glance and smile at Saber. "But I understand where you are coming from as well. You both want to win and make the world a better place. You're closer to each other than either would like or admit."

"If you say so," said Saber, feeling uncomfortable with the association that Irisviel insisted on making between them. "But be that as it may, I can not allow him to sully the Grail War like this. Is there any value in a world created like this?"

"You may have a point," admitted Irisviel. She leaned in close to Saber, a gentle smile on her face. "Do you trust me Saber?"

Saber didn't hesitate as she responded. "Of course I do my Lady. You are one I have no trouble in serving."

Irisiviel backed up slightly, her expression resolute. "I will assist you in fighting Lancer honorably. We will draw him and his Master away from the hotel and to an abandoned area. We won't tell Kiritsugu that we're about to do so."

"Lady Irisviel," whispered Saber, hardly believing what she was hearing. "Are you sure?"

Irisviel nodded. Melancholy overtook her expression and she stared directly into Saber's eyes. "I am. I will gladly assist you in this, but first, you will need to do me a favor."

"Of course, anything," said Saber, wondering why the other woman looked so sad. She found herself speaking her thoughts before she could think better of it. "Especially if it will wipe away that sadness I see on your face."

Irisviel smiled and Saber felt her heart flutter in response. "Thank you for that. Although I fear this may be too much or the wrong path. Kiritsugu has kept it a secret, but I know that he's cheating on me with Maiya."

Saber couldn't help but be aghast at that news. She clenched her fist. "I knew that man was despicable, but this…"

"You should not judge him yet until you hear my favor," said Irisviel. "I wish to be unfaithful as well. With you."

"Irisviel…" Saber couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Irisviel smiled gently at her, putting her arms around Saber. She didn't fight the embrace, instead feeling her heart flutter in a way she knew was wrong. It was a familiar feeling though. One she'd felt on a rendezvous with another woman many years before. One that had been out of her control and had led to the demise of everything she'd worked so hard for. Not that she'd known either at the time.

"I am sorry to soil your honor like this, and this may be presumptuous of me, but I have fallen for you in the time since your summoning. I wouldn't do something like this with anyone else."

Saber thought for a moment. She could feel Irisviel against her and she craved more. But she forced those thoughts out and thought logically about what Irisviel was asking of her. She had reasons she wasn't telling Saber. This was more than just about cheating. Saber didn't know what her reasons were, but she knew she trusted Irisviel. She wrapped her arms around Irisviel. "I understand. I will gladly accept your proposal."

Irisviel smiled at her, tears in her eyes. "Thank you Saber." And then they kissed, and Saber's world went blank with pleasure.

Rin sat in the classroom at lunch. The usual crowd wasn't around her. Instead, her desk was covered in non-school books. The intensity she was reading kept everyone away from her. Something important was happening and they would honor that.

None of this deterred Kotone for more than a second as she walked over to Rin's desk, smiling brightly at her. "What are you reading Rin?" she asked, trying to study the book upside down."

Rin was startled for a moment by the noise, but when she saw it was Kotone she returned the bright smile. "I'm just doing some research," she replied. "These are just encyclopedia's and books on ancient mythology and heroes. I think I've narrowed down what I'm looking for."

Kotone came around the desk and sat down in the chair next to her. Rin pointed to one of the books and Kotone leaned in to read it. She saw an old drawing of a winged woman in a robe. "Who is that?"

Rin pointed in the book with her finger and started reading aloud. "Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and the messenger of the Olympian gods. She was often described as the handmaiden and personal messenger of Hera. Iris was a goddess of sea and sky-her father "Thaumas the Wondrous" was a marine-god, and her mother Elektra "the amber" a cloud-nymph. For the coastal-dwelling Greeks, the rainbow's arc was most often seen spanning the distance between cloud and sea, and so the goddess was believed to replenish the rain-clouds with water from the sea. Iris had no distinctive mythology of her own. In myth she appears only as an errand-running messenger and was usually described as a virgin goddess. Her name contains a double meaning, relating to both the Greek word iris "the rainbow" and eiris "messenger.""

"That sounds neat," said Kotone, interested in the winged woman. "Why are you reading about her though?"

"Uh," said Rin, looking suddenly flustered. Kotone couldn't help but giggle at her friend's reaction. Rin was really bad at lying. "It's a game from my mother. She challenged me by giving me some clues and I need to figure out which person from mythology she was describing."

"That sounds fun," said Kotone. "Do you think it's Iris?"

Rin nodded. "I think so. The only way to find out is to ask her though."

"Good luck."

"I brought you the samples you asked for boy," said Rider, dropping the box of vials down on Waver's bed.

"Hey!" protested Waver. "Be careful with those you big oaf!"

"What do you need all of this for?" he asked while Waver unpacked the vials and started to set out equipment throughout the room. Rider was impressed with the precision and focus he completed his tasks with. He was scrawny and unseasoned, but he clearly had the abilities to be a talented scholar. Unfortunately, they weren't at a school but fighting a war. The boy would need to be much more than a scholar if they wanted to take victory.

"I'm sampling the water from the river that you collected," explained Waver, setting up the vials of river water.

"I can see that. But why?"

Waver gave a heavy sigh, like he tended to when dealing with Rider. His Master seemed to forget that wise teachers had taught him, and he was no dullard. He just preferred action over dithering. Too much thinking could poison a mind and cloud judgement. But he listened carefully as his Master explained why he wanted the water and what he found as he tested each vial one by one. Rider found himself impressed by the methodical approach Waver had taken. With just a simple sampling of river water he could discern the location of Caster's lair and lead them to the other servant.

"Truly impressive," said Rider.

"Stop teasing me," replied Waver, seeming offended by the compliment.

Rider held up his hands. "I swear, I mean every word of praise. This is a genius method that I doubt any of the other Masters would think of. Simple yet effective. I like that. Now, with this we can track down Caster and take the battle to him. This will be a glorious hunt!"

"Are you going already Uncle Kariya?" asked Sakura, looking down the stairs at her uncle. He had his hood pulled up like he usually did to hide his worsening condition.

He looked up at her and smiled, trying to make himself sound confident. "Yes. Sorry I can't stay and play much longer Sakura. I have important work I need to do now. I'll be back soon though. Hopefully with good news."

"Can we play then?"

Kariya hesitated for a moment and then nodded. "We can. We can play a lot."

And then he was gone once more. Sakura knew that she would need to go back into the worm pit that night. It wasn't pleasant, but it had also stopped being unpleasant. The worm pit was a constant of her life now. Like the knowledge that Uncle Kariya was lying to her. Like everyone did. No one could be trusted. Not Uncle Kariya, not Grandfather, and not the family she only vaguely remembered having. The only thing she could count on was the worm pit. She spared a moment wishing for something more. But only a moment. She had learned to be realistic.

Rin stood at the foot of the apartment complex and checked once more that the address she had matched. It did, so she straightened her book filled backpack on her shoulders and marched to the elevator. She keyed in the floor number she'd been given and headed up. As she did she felt herself getting impatient. She'd been waiting all night and day for this. She had so many questions and so much she now wanted to do. What if they'd given her a fake address? She'd need to seek them out the hard way using the compass. Or she could use a Command Seal to bring her new Servant straight to her.

Just in case, she pulled out the compass from under her shirt and examined the needle. It seemed to be pointing very firmly at the building, indicating that it was in fact the right place. She felt relieved by this but berated herself for not checking before she'd gotten onto the elevator. The door opened, and she stepped out. She took note of the apartment numbers and headed in the proper direction. When she got to the number she'd been given she looked at the plate next to the door, Manjome. She got on her toes and rang the bell.

The door opened, and Rin found herself face to face with the boy from the night before. He was wearing his orange hoodie again. He smiled at her. "Welcome," he said. "Come on in?"

"Thank you for having me," said Rin as she was already stepping inside. She took off her shoes, leaving them by the entranced and then looked around. The apartment reminded her of Kotone's home. Simple, average, and non-magical. Not the type of place she'd imagine finding a Master and Servant of the Holy Grail War living.

That same Servant was currently cooking in the kitchen. She looked much less intimidating now, wearing regular clothes instead of her black cloak. Rin found it interesting to note that she was a young woman. Instead of covering her eyes with a blindfold she had on glasses, clearly showing that she had one orange eye and the other purple. The Servant's necklace from the night before was still around her neck. Strangely, there wasn't a red gem but instead an orange one. She looked up briefly at Rin and smiled slightly. "I'm making snacks," she said. "Get comfortable and we can talk in a moment."

"Over here," said the boy, leading Rin to the couch. They sat down together on the couch and the boy fidgeted, seeming nervous. Or maybe just unsure or where to start. Rin decided to take the initiative. She took a deep breath, let it out and then spoke. "My name is Rin Tohsaka."

"I'm Shirou Manjome," replied the boy. He pointed to his, their, Servant. "That's Iris." He frowned. "Or I guess she's also known as Caster?"

"One of the seven classes of Heroic Spirits fighting in the Holy Grail War," said Rin.

Shirou nodded. "That's what she told me."

Rin held up her hand, the Command Seals visible. "And these entitle a person to participate in the War and command a Servant. Command Seals."

Shirou held up his own had, matching symbols visible on it. "She also told me that. So, this means we're both her Master now?"

"It seems so," said Caster, walking over, and putting down a tray of apples cut to resemble rabbits. She sat down on an empty spot on the couch. Her necklace featured a red gemstone again. "My casting was strange from the beginning, but it seems that with the defeat of the fake Caster the situation has gotten more complicated instead of less." She let out a sigh. "Well, at least I can confirm that my mana capabilities are much higher than they were before. I should be able to use half of my power without overtaxing and draining either of you."

Rin frowned at the Servant. "Wait, you can only use half your power?"

Caster nodded, looking annoyed that she even had to have this conversation. "I've worked to improve his magical circuits but he's not from a mage family. You are part of a mage family, but you're still children. There's only so much mana you can supply me with before it hurts you."

"So, you're the weakest Servant then," muttered Rin.

"Only to someone who fails to think strategically," replied Caster. "I know how to take care of myself and I have a few tricks up my sleeve to take on unaware opponents. As long as neither of you do anything stupid like rushing into a Servant's lair by yourself, we should be fine taking this war slowly."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" asked Rin, feeling herself get angry.

Caster shrugged. "I don't have time to explain myself to a child. There's so much to do."

Rin held up her hand. "Do I need to order you to respect me?"

"That's a childish act."

"Why you-" started Rin before a hand was placed on her shoulder. She turned and saw Shirou, smiling at her.

"Hey now," he said. "Can't we all get along? We're in this together, aren't we?" His smile got wider. "We're just like a Super Sentai team! The Justice Rangers!" He became thoughtful for a moment. "Since we're a team now, don't we need a leader?"

Rin pointed to herself. "Of course, I'm the leader."

"Oh?" asked Shirou, sounding honestly curious. "Why's that?"

"Because I'm from the prestigious Tohsaka Mage family," she said. "I've been trained to use magic."

Shirou's eyes widened. "Really? That's so cool! Can you show me?"

"Yes,"' said Caster, smirking. "Show us."

Rin felt herself getting slightly flustered. "Uh, I can't show you right now. I don't have the proper materials. Plus, we still need to decide the leader."

Shirou became thoughtful. "I summoned Iris. Does that make me the leader?"

Rin felt her mind rushing. She needed to become leader. She had plans and they might not happen if she wasn't the leader. An idea occurred to her. "You said we were the Justice Rangers, correct?"

He nodded. "Yeah!"

She pointed to his hoodie. "Your hoodie is orange, so you'd be Justice Orange, right?"

"That sounds so cool…"

She pointed to herself. "My jacket is red, so I'm Justice Red."

Shirou nodded even more enthusiastically. "That makes sense." He pointed to Caster. "Iris wears a black cloak, so she should be Justice Black."

"That sounds good," said Rin, smiling as she felt her plan working. Just to spring the trap. She only had vague knowledge of Sentai shows from the boys at school talking about it, but she knew enough. "I'm the Red Ranger and the Red Ranger is the one who's always the leader, correct?"

Shirou had to think about that one for a moment. He frowned. "That is true…And you are Justice Red." He smiled. "Okay! You're the leader. What first Justice Red?"

Rin felt proud that her plan worked. She smiled broadly, sitting up straighter and puffing her chest out. "First, I want to confirm something." She turned towards Caster. "You, who are you exactly?"

Caster gave a sigh. "All you need to know is that I'm a Servant of the Caster class," she said. "As a child, your mental defenses aren't trained yet. Information could be easily leaked if you knew anything."

Rin frowned at that deflection. "Shirou called you Iris last night. Is that your true name?"

"It is the name I go by, yes," admitted Iris.

Rin reached into her backpack, pulled out one of the books and opened the bookmarked page to the entry on Iris. "Is this your true identity?"

Shirou leaned in, reading the entry, then looked up at Iris in wonder. "Whoah. You're a goddess?"

Iris's expression was blank for a moment before she burst out into sudden laughter. Rin frowned. "What's so funny?"

"I can't believe you did research before coming here," said Iris, brushing away a tear. "You're too much. Did you have that leader argument prepared beforehand?"

"Stop laughing at me," said Rin, annoyed. "This is serious."

"Fine," said Iris, getting herself under control. "I'm not that Iris. Sorry to burst your bubble."

"Aw," said Shirou.

"Then who are you?" asked Rin.

Iris shrugged. "I told you, I'm Iris. That's all you're getting from me. Now, is there anything else you need to discuss, or can I get back to fighting this war?"

"Of course there's more," said Rin, failing to control her annoyance. "Before we can fight the war we have a very important mission we need to do."

"Oh?" asked Iris, looking confused for once.

Shirou leaned in. He looked very excited. "What is it?"

"We're going to rescue my sister," she declared confidently. "Just like Heroes of Justice."

As soon as the sun finished setting in Fuyuki, Rider and Waver made their move. They rode in Rider's chariot down the River and into the spacious sewer system. They soon found themselves exiting into a large room, lit only by the magical light of Rider's mounts. Waver snapped his fingers and sent several magical balls of light into the room, illuminating it.

"Is this the place?" asked Waver, looking around.

"It would seem so," said Rider, pointing. Waver looked where he was pointing and saw magical diagrams drawn on the floor. "Your method worked."

Waver couldn't help but smile at that. He stuck his chest out proudly. "Of course it did." He got out of the Chariot and started examining the circle. "This seems to be a ritual circle. Used to sacrifice something for mana."

Rider frowned. "Has it been used?"

Waver shook his head. "It doesn't seem so. I wonder why though?" He wandered around one of the pillars in the room and was shocked to find himself face to face with a screaming man. "Aaaaaahhhhh!" he yelled, backing up quickly.

"What is it boy?" asked Rider, joining him around the pillar. He looked and started to chuckle. "It's just an ice sculpture. A bit of a gruesome one though. Someone has no taste."

"An ice sculpture?" asked Waver, finally getting a good look. It was indeed an ice sculpture. It was a rough block of ice and inside the block there looked to be the shape of a man. Screaming in pain. He walked up to it. "This is definitely magical."

"I wonder why anyone would waste magic to make such a tacky thing?" asked Rider, walking up to the statue. He waved his hand in front of it for a moment. No response. He then flicked the ice. The whole thing shattered into thousands of pieces.

"You oaf!" yelled Waver, furious at his Servant's careless attitude. "I was studying that!" He stomped his foot on the ground and water splashed. Looking down he saw that the ice had melted immediately after landing on the ground. There was now a puddle around him. Even stranger, one end of the puddle seemed to be slightly pink. He followed the water and couldn't believe what he saw. "A person!"

"Is that a dead body?" asked Rider, looking where Waver was pointing. He walked over and knelt by it. "Hmmm, yes, it is." He looked up at Waver. "Do you have any type of magic to figure out how long this body has been here or anything else of interest?"

"Give me a minute," said Waver, kneeling carefully by the body. He carefully laid his hand on the body, closed his eyes and concentrated for several minutes. "Surface information says he's been dead for about a day. Killed by a powerful curse. And…something else..." He concentrated for a moment before frowning. "That can't be right."

"What is it?" asked Rider.

Waver looked up at his servant. "This guy seems to have been a Master. There's residual energy on the body indicating Command Seals."

Rider seemed impressed. "You can really tell all of that?"

"Of course."

"Could you use that to track the other Masters?"

Waver shook his head. "No. The spell takes took long to use and I need direct contact with the person." He frowned. "What's really strange is that a Master was killed like this and we didn't notice a fight going on. Or hear about the defeat of one of the servants."

"What could it mean?"

"I don't know," replied Waver.

Rider laughed and slapped Waver on the back, almost knocking him on top of the corpse. "Then don't worry about it. This is good information, even if we don't know what it means yet. We're on the right track." His expression became thoughtful. "What should we do with the body?"

Waver wanted to say that they leave it, but he couldn't get the words out. Instead he said, "We should bury him. Even if he's our former enemy, he doesn't deserve to just be left here."

"Compassion for the dead is the proper option," said Rider. He knelt and picked up the body carefully in his arms. "Shall we bury this fellow?"

Waver nodded. "Yeah. Let's do that."

Kiritsugu stood monitoring the hotel that Lord Kayneth El-Melloi was staying at. Night had just fallen. Everything seemed to be in place for their mission to start. He clicked the button on the walkie-talkie. "Maiya," he said. "How does everything look?"

Her reply crackled back, "Both the Lord El-Melloi and his wife are in their room at the top floor of the Hotel. Lancer also seems to be with them. Should we proceed?"

"Yes," he said. "We'll pull the alarm, empty the building and once everyone is gone but them, we'll blow it up. Safe and secure in their little nest up there, they'll never see such a tactic coming."

"Then the mission is-," started Maiya, before stopping suddenly.

"What is it?" asked Kiritsugu.

"It's Lady Irisviel and Saber," said Maiya, her voice shaking with surprise.

"What?" asked Kiritsugu, feeling honest surprise. "Where?"

"They're entering the hotel," said Maiya from her vantage point of the front entrance from a building. "They're just walking up to the front desk. A letter has been passed to the man at the desk."

Kiritsugu's mind raced. This was not part of his plan. He was partly shocked that his servant would do something like this, but he was even more surprised that Iri seemed to be going along with it. What did the two of them think they were doing? Should he use a Command Seal to force Saber to leave and take Iri with her? No, it was too late for that. They'd already entered the hotel. Lord El-Melloi would know they were there by now.

Maiya's voiced broke through his thoughts, brining him back to reality. "Orders sir?"

Kiritsugu took a drag of his cigarette and breathed out slowly before speaking. "Stand down and just watch them for now. Our plans have been ruined. We'll just need to trust that they aren't about to get themselves killed. Prepare to support them if needed."

"Roger."

Kayneth El-Melloi couldn't help but laugh at the sheer audacity. Saber and her Master had just walked into his hotel. Knowing he was there. He read the letter that had been presented to him once more. "They're mad idiots!" he laughed.

Sola-Ui took the note and read it over. "You're of course going to accept their letter of challenge, aren't you?"

Kayneth sneered. "Why would I do that? This is such an obvious ploy."

"So, you're just going to be a coward and hide up in this room until the end of the war?" asked Sola-Ui. They'd had this discussion many times over. She wanted to fight directly with the other Masters and Servants. He on the other hand was no fool. He was smarter and more talented than anyone else in this War. He was going to prove it."

"I believe that we can trust their intentions," said Lancer, walking into the room. "If it was any other Servant, I might be suspicious, but this is Saber. She's an honorable knight and if she's challenging us to a duel, then we know that she'll keep her promise."

"You're just going to blindly accept that?" asked Kayneth, annoyed that both his fiancee and Servant were disobeying him. "This is absurd."

Lancer shook his head. "No, this is honor. This is what the Grail War is about. Not hiding in the shadows and making underhanded moves."

"I agree with Lancer," said Sola-Ui, smiling sweetly at the Servant. That smile became wicked when turned back towards Kayneth. "You are the most talented mage in this war. An upfront confrontation with Saber's Master would be the perfect opportunity to show off your skills. She is the Einzbern Master, is she not? One of the three families that founded this very War. Beating her will dethrone them."

Kayneth considered the words of his Servant and fiancee. He didn't like the idea, but he knew that he couldn't back out without losing face. Sola-Ui was right. He was the greatest mage in this war and everyone else needed to learn their place. He didn't want to make himself a target, but if he showed his superiority he may deter any further misguided challenges.

Plus, he had his trump card. The little alteration he'd made to the summoning. Usually, a Master's mana supply would be busy being drained by the Servant, limiting their fighting capabilities. He had used his brilliant mind and linked the Command Seals to himself but the mana link to Sola-Ui. Despite not being as talented of a mage as him, she did have a large supply of mana. She supplied the mana and he kept his ability to perform all his magic at top form. No one would see it coming.

Kayneth stood up. "Fine. We will accept these fool's challenge." He glared at Lancer. "But you'd better win your fight quickly. I won't do with my Servant being delayed by anyone else. Understood?"

"Understood," said Lancer with a bow.

This was the second time Irisviel found herself standing with Saber while facing off against Lancer. There were several differences between the two occasions though. Last time she'd been standing back as support. Now, she found herself facing off against Lancer's Master while their Servants faced off. She touched her gloved hands together to her heart. Kiritsugu, watch me, she thought.

"Are you ready to face the power of a true mage Einzbern?" asked Kayneth. He had a strange floating silver orb at his side. Irisviel didn't know what it was or what his fighting style even was. She barely knew how to fight. Kiritsugu had taught her, of course, but she'd never been in a real fight.

Her heart beat sped up, but she steadied it with a glance at Saber. She remembered the other woman's touch on her skin. The gentle smile as they became one. She also found herself remembering similar moments with Kiritsugu. He was rough and bad at showing his emotions, but in those moments Irisviel had truly known him and the wonderful, if pained, heart he hid. She also found herself remembering her daughter Illya's smile. Bolstered by the smiles of the three people she cherished the most in the world, she readied herself.

"I see no mage, only someone too full of themselves," replied Irisviel. Kayneth growled at that, his expression twisted in hatred.

"Lancer!" yelled Kayneth. "Destroy Saber while I teach her insolent Master a lesson."

"Yes Master," replied Lancer, falling into a combat stance. "Are you ready for our rematch Saber?"

Saber fell into her own stance, smiling. "Of course. I've been waiting eagerly to fight you. To fight a skilled and honorable knight such as you is always a thrill."

"Do you think you'll be able to beat me with your arm still injured?" teased Lancer.

Saber smirked, looking more truly confident in herself than Irisviel had seen prior. "I'm different from how I was in that prior battle. I will defeat you."

No more words were spoken as the four combatants engaged each other.

"Master," reported Kirei. "Reports indicate that Saber, Lancer and their Masters are once again facing off at the ship yard. Meanwhile, Rider and his Master have appeared at the church with a corpse that my father believes belongs to the Master of the other Caster."

"Interesting," said Tokiomi, leaning forward in his chair and examining his glass of wine. "Did Risei tell them who it was?"

"He did not," replied Kirei. "They told him that they thought it was a Master, but he assured them that no one had fallen. He took the body and is examining it now. A full report should be available soon."

"Very good. Has there been any news on the other two Servants or their Masters?"

"Still nothing on Caster or their Master," said Kirei. "Kariya Matou and Berserker have been keeping a low profile. I do not think they'll do anything until later in the-" he stopped suddenly in the middle of his report.

"What is it Kirei?" asked Tokiomi through the magical device connecting the Church and his mansion.

"Master, it's Berserker," said Kirei, his voiced filled with uncharacteristic surprise. "He's on the move."

"What's he doing?" asked Tokiomi, curious.

"The Assassin's say that he's latched onto a fighter jet flying on a routine flight over the city. He's…taking it over with that strange ability of his."

"And?"

Whatever Kirei's response was going to be was cut off as something quickly passed through the magical barriers around his mansion. Tokiomi had a fraction of a second to put up a powerful personal barrier before everything exploded. Missile after missile hit the mansion. As gem after carefully prepared gem was drained keeping up the barrier he felt like the onslaught would never end. The world that had once been dark was bright orange and he had to close his eyes to keep from going blind. The roar of explosions was deafening.

Finally, everything calmed down and Tokiomi was able to gather stock of his surroundings. His mansion, his beautiful home, was destroyed. Missiles had destroyed even the rubble that would've buried him. There was nothing left standing but him.

A golden light flashed from his left and into the sky. It impacted a dark shape and caused it to explode.

"Curse that mad dog," said a voice. Tokiomi dropped his shield and turned to see his Servant, Archer, walking toward him. A look of displeasure on his face. "He really thought an attack like that would defeat me?" He spared a glance at Tokiomi. "Tokiomi, I'm glad to see that you survived. It really would be unfortunate if the one supplying me mana had been unable to survive. I still have so much to do in this world."

Tokiomi bowed. "It is no surprise to see you unharmed my lord. I humbly beseech that we make dealing with Berserker our first priority?"

"Usually I wouldn't want to associate myself with such filth," said Archer. He turned and looked at something in the darkness. Tokiomi followed his gaze and saw the shrouded figure of Berserker slowly approaching them across what had once been his beautiful garden. "But it looks like he needs to be taught a permanent lesson."

"Indeed," agreed Tokiomi. He noticed movement and saw a familiar man walking towards him. He smirked. "If you wouldn't mind my king, I have some business of my own to attend to."

"Do as you will," said Archer before rushing off to meet Berserker in battle.

Tokiomi ignored the furious fighting happening behind him. Instead, he tightened the grip on his cane and walked towards his foe. When he was close enough, he spoke. "Kariya Matou."

"Tokiomi," said Kariya, his voice filled with hate. Kariya clearly had something he wanted to say. Tokiomi knew that whatever it was, it wasn't worth his time. He was going to enjoy defeating the man though.

"It's time for your lesson," said Zouken, walking into Sakura's room. She got off the windowsill where she had been admiring the sunset and started to walk over to him without any prompting.

"Yes Grandfather," she said. He called it a lesson, but she knew that that just meant another trip to the worms.

"Good girl," said Zouken, smiling cruelly like always. Suddenly, his expression changed to one of confusion and then annoyance. "What in the blazes-" he was cut off as an explosion rocked the Matou Mansion.

The noise was deafening, and Sakura couldn't help but let out a little cry of fear as she covered her ears. Zouken scowled. He glanced at Sakura. "Go into the dungeon and stay there while I deal with the intruder foolish enough to think to directly attack us."

Sakura did as she was told without question. As her Grandfather went off to deal with the intruder, she walked to the secret passage that led downstairs. She opened it up and moved to walk downstairs but was stopped by a voice.

"Sakura!" yelled the familiar voice. Sakura turned slowly towards it. She saw a bright red blur running at her and didn't have time to react as the shape through her arms around her. "You're okay!"

"Rin?" asked Sakura dully, not returning the hug.

Rin released the hug, tears in her eyes. She nodded. "Uh huh. It's me."

"What are you doing here?" asked Sakura, confused. Sakura and Rin weren't sisters anymore. Grandfather had said so. They were never supposed to meet again. She'd been given up by her parents. So why then was Rin here at the mansion?

"We're here to save you," said an excited voice. Sakura looked past Rin and saw a boy in an orange hoodie smiling at her.

"Save…me?" asked Sakura

"Yep," said the boy. He pointed to himself. "I'm Shirou. Also known as Justice Orange. Rin here is Justice Red. Justice Black caused a distraction while we snuck in."

Rin wiped away her tears and took Sakura's hand. "We need to leave. Now." She went to move, but Sakura didn't budge from the spot.

"Why?" she asked.

"Because you're my sister," replied Rin. "And I saw a vision of what they were doing to you. Those worms." She shook her head. "It's not right. You can't stay here."

"I've been given up to Grandfather and the Matou's," replied Sakura. "I can't leave."

"Yes, you can," insisted Rin. "You must. Once father finds out what they've been doing to you, I'm sure he'll make the Matou's pay. Until then, we need to make sure you're safe." Rin looked at her, pleading. "Please."

Sakura felt conflicted. She knew instinctively what happened to people who disobeyed Grandfather. The worms were a kindness compared to that. But she also felt the tug. The chance to be reunited with Rin. Something she'd never expected to experience again. Her and Rin locked eyes. "Can I really join you?" she asked.

Rin smiled brightly. "Of course!" she said. A bright red glow appeared around where they were holding hands. They lifted them, and Sakura saw that they each had a single red crescent moon on their hand.

"What is this?" asked Sakura, confused.

"It's the sign of a new Justice Ranger," said Shirou happily.

"Justice Ranger?" asked Sakura. "Me?"

Shirou nodded. "Yes, Justice…uh…Purple! Because of your purple dress." He became thoughtful for a moment. "We'll need to get you a purple jacket to help fit the theme better."

"I'm Justice Purple?" asked Sakura, looking at Rin. She also nodded.

"That's what that means," her sister said, pointing to the crescent tattoo. "It means you're a part of our team and that you can come with us."

Sakura looked over her shoulder at the dark entrance to the dungeon. Then she looked towards the sound of fighting on the far side of the mansion. Explosions causing the building to shudder. She looked at her sister at her friend. Then she grabbed Rin's hand again and smiled. "Please, take me from here," she begged, her voice choked with emotion that she hadn't allowed herself to feel in over a year. She felt tears running down her cheeks.

Rin and Shirou both smiled. "Of course. That's what Justice Ranger do," said Rin.

Author's Note: Wow. Covered a lot of ground with this one. Lots of changes to canon are happening. Both due to Iris and just general preference. This story is a lot of fun to write the variety of characters, but I'll enjoy it when there's fewer characters to have to juggle. I wanted to make sure most of the characters got at least a little bit of time to shine. Plus, there's a new Justice Ranger on the team. Things are really heating up. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed or commented so far.