Chapter 4: A Mysterious Master

"And this is Shinto park…"

Rin gestured towards the area around her to Archer. He, of course, was invisible in his ethereal form.

The land was a sheet of gray. Only copses of scorched trees remained propped like scarecrows of an infertile field. The air seemed to be shrouded in perpetual leaden clouds. Nothing of colour was in sight, save for the bright red coat on Rin's shoulders. Any spark of life or laughter seemed to be drained from the air the moment they entered, just as a spark would go out when thrown into the sea.

"What do you think?" - Rin asked.

"It's a big park. But why it is so empty?" – Archer's voice flowed through her mind.

Rin brushed back a stray lock of hair framing her face. When she spoke again her voice was heavy, and her eyes were intense.

"Well, that's because there's a history to this place." - Rin muttered - "A long time ago, they say there was a huge fire in this area. It burned on for a day before stopping just as it began to rain. The city was rebuilt, but they left this place as it is and made it a park. Everything within the vicinity was burned to the ground, after all." – Rin steadily explained.

"…"

Archer was quiet, but Rin could tell he was feeling something sombre. It was a deep and dark feeling that she could immediately sympathise.

"You guessed correctly. This was the sight where the last Holy Grail War ended, where the final battle took place." – told Rin.

"I see. That must be why this place holds so many grudges and ominous feelings." - Archer agreed grimly.

That intrigued her. "Can you sense those sort of things?" - she asked curiously.

"Servants are essentially spirits, made up of old desires and intense emotions during our past. It is natural that we are sensitive to such 'remnants' of hateful feelings. There were places in town with strong regrets. But this place is on a whole other level. It almost resembles a Reality Marble."

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A Reality Marble…Rin's thought echoed.Archer had brought up such a peculiar term. Briefly recalling her knowledge of the arts of sorcery, she reminded herself what it was.

One of the principles considered to be the pinnacle of all magic, said to be infinitely close to true sorcery.

For hundreds of years, a kekkai (or boundary field) has been the primary tool of defense for a magus. Simply put, it is a vicious security system placed around a house. It is something applied to an existing area or building to protect oneself from outside forces.

But it is a mere layer to that which has already existed.

It is different for a Reality Marble. A Reality Marble is an image that erodes reality.

An imagined world of a magus, it is a boundary field that paints over reality by allowing the magus' heart override and take form. That is what is called a Reality Marble.

"Rin? What are you thinking?" - Archer suddenly asked when she grew quiet.

Rin was jerked out of her stupor.

"Eh? No, I just didn't expect an Archer to know of Reality Marbles."

Rin could almost feel Archer quirking his brow.

"Is it strange for me to know it?" - he asked.

"Of course. A Reality Marble is the forbidden of the forbidden, the secret principle of all secret principles. It doesn't make any sense for an Archer to know it."

Rin sensed Archer sighing heavily besides her and could only prepare for his reply, which could only be patronizing.

"Rin, a Heroic Spirit is someone who excels at the use of both magic and weaponry. It's fine if you want to think an Archer can only use bows and arrows, but please don't take such a hopeful view of other Servants."

Rin realized with a hurtful jolt that her Servant was right.

"I understand. That was a careless thing to say. I'll be careful from now on." - she whispered to herself.

That wasn't enough to satisfy Archer, for he said quickly.

"Rin, I shall be honest to you. You are a wonderful Master, but you have the habit of underestimating the power of others. You should reform that habit before you grow up." - Archer's counsel was pointed and straightforward, which spoke volumes of who he was. It was said out of good intentions, but at the moment it only made Rin feel mortified.

"Y-You're being rather rude. 'Reform that habit', you make me sound like an unruly horse!" - she complained.

"Oh, excuse me. I didn't mean to make you sound like a wild horse. I used the word only because it seemed to suit your image."

That doesn't change anything! In fact, it makes it worse. She thought wryly.

Rin was ready to argue some more, but painful burst suddenly shot through her right arm.

"Rin!" – Archer said in alarm.

"I'm fine. Be quiet for a moment, Archer." – Rin said hastily.

The Command spell was sending her a warning. The pain was directing her attention to some invisible threat.

"Someone's watching us." – she whispered.

Archer went still immediately, his senses were instantly on the alert while Rin extended her consciousness to their surrounding area.

"I can't find him, Archer. What about you?" – after a while, she said.

"It's difficult. I can't even feel the stare." - Archer said, perplexed.

"It must be a Master then."

Rin did not know who it was, but if Archer couldn't sense this person, he or she could only be a fellow Master.

All Seven Servants have not yet been summoned, but technically, they can still fight any time.

It would seem that this Master wishes to duel. However…

"Rin, don't Command spells react to the presence of other Command spells? Then wouldn't you know when you are facing a Master for sure?" - Archer's voice distracted her from her thoughts.

"That is true, but if a magus is talented enough and decides to close his or her magical circuit, it will be difficult to find him or her." - Rin replied.

"That's troubling. It means that we are showing them our location." - Archer's voice sounded troubled and deep.

"That's right. Well, I'm sure there is something in the mansion that could eliminate my presence, but…"

"You don't need it?" – Archer finished her sentence.

"Right. If I don't hide it, they'll come to us, right? It saves us the trouble of going to find them." - Rin spoke lightly without batting an eyelid.

"…"

Archer took in a deep breath and went quiet as if shocked. Then his brows knitted together and he seemed to be lost in deep thought.

"What? You're going to tell me not to be overconfident?" – Rin frowned.

But Archer only said "No, not at all. You are the strongest Master. We can let those weaklings follow us around as they like."

He seemed to be holding back his laughter.

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Author's note:

I had planned to forestall this story for a while longer since it creates a lot of problems for me. However, you guys have been such great supporters that I was compelled to write more.

I should tell you that all of this story's dialogue follows the visual novel closely, since I wanted to be as accurate as possible. A lot of the story's inner explanations, such as the Reality Marble and Command spells in chapter 1 are also borrowed from the visual novel. Again, I thought it bring more accuracy to the story that way and I only alter it where I deem it would be easier to understand. I do try to add a more creative touch, but it can't be done more than occasionally if I am to stick to what is canon.

I hope you guys understand. Next chapter will deviate from the VN, but will still stick to the story line.

To let you guys in on a secret, reviews fuel the speed of update. You guys know what to do :)

Disclaimer: Fate/Stay Night belongs to Type Moon and creators of the VN. No financial gain is made from this transformative work and it is strictly for entertainment purposes only.