Wow, I'm so hyped I really made this chapter.

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A Truce

Rin Tohsaka stood there stunned at the sight of Shirou with a servant. Archer had an arrow fitted to the string of his bow and was aiming it at Saber. Saber didn't let his guard down either and had his katana out in front of him.

"Archer, we're leaving."

"Master?"

"Let's go."

"Of course."

Archer let down his bow and dematerialized them. He picked Rin up by the waist and jumped away into the night. Shirou watched them. His tongue was still tied with everything that's happened.

"Lord Shirou," began Saber as he sheathed his katana, "shall we retire for the night?"

"Ye-yes."

Shirou went back to his room and soon fell asleep. Fatigue didn't even let him think about Saber or Rin Tohsaka and whatever was happening. Saber sat in the room with the hole in the wall. He stared out into the night sky while keeping his ears alert for any sound.

Shirou woke up the next morning only to find that Sakura was already talking with Saber.

"Saber, you can just sit down and wait for the food you know."

"I would rather help you with preparing the meal, ma'am. It must be difficult for you to have to prepare Lord Shirou's food everyday."

"Oh it's not that hard. I just have to wake up a bit earlier, that's all."

"I insist."

"Okay then, you can set the table."

Shirou rubbed his eyes as he went outside. He took his bath when it suddenly dawned on him that the previous night was not a dream.

A man in the traditional Japanese kimono and hakama appeared out of nowhere last night and he fought the woman with the spear who killed me.

Shirou shook his head to attempt to clear it. Unfortunately his thoughts tumbled around as well leaving him even more confused.

And how does Rin fit into all this?

He changed into his school clothes and went into the dining room. Just then, the door could be heard opening. Taiga was finally here.

"Good morning Ms T."

"Good morning Sakura! My that smells lovely!"

"Well Shirou's just finished changing so we can eat now."

"YEAH!"

Shirou looked up at Saber who was arranging the food on the table.

"Saber?"

"Yes, Lord Shirou?"

"Do you mind explaining to me what happened last night?"

"Perhaps later, my Lord. There are people who should not hear it."

"I see."

Taiga and Sakura walked in and Taiga took in the servant who was now wearing an apron over his traditional garb.

"And who might you be?"

"Good morning Ma'am. I am Saber."

Shirou jumped in.

"He's a friend of mine who's going to be staying over for a while. Haha..."

"Oh I see. I'm Taiga Fujimura. Call me Ms T. Pleased to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine Lady T."

Taiga blushed at being called "lady." Sakura sat down opposite Shirou and Taiga took the seat next to her. Saber took the spot next to Shirou.

"Let's eat!"

They all bowed and then pulled their chopsticks apart. As they ate, Taiga kept asking questions about Saber with a full mouth.

"And what are your hobbies?"

"I often spent my time painting or arranging flowers. Sometimes I like to do a little origami to hang here and there."

"Wow! A traditional man."

Sakura and Shirou sat in silence although Shirou was considerably more tense than anyone else. That is until Saber and Taiga reached for the same strip of meat at the same time. Taiga's eyes flashed and she could be heard gritting her teeth. Her left hand gripped the table and her eyes stared into Saber's.

"Would you like the last piece, Lady T?"

Saber said this so calmly and with a smile that it knocked Taiga off-guard.

"Ye-yes, thank you!"

"My pleasure."

They headed off to school when they finished and Saber followed them. He hung back so that the others were free to talk. Shirou fell in step with him.

"Why are you following us?"

"You never know when there will be an enemy, my Lord. I am trying to keep you safe."

"I'll be okay. Don't worry."

"All the same, my Lord. Precautions must be taken."

"Could you at least hide? You look conspicuous."

"Right away, my Lord."

At that instant, Saber dematerialized. Shirou let out a gasp but quickly clamped down on it. The sound did not escape the ears of the two women and it caused them to look back.

"Shirou?"

Sakura looked worriedly at Shirou.

"What happened? And where's Saber?"

Taiga immediately looked to the left and right.

"He uh... had to go buy something! He'll be back at home later."

They went on to the school and they all sat through homeroom. Shirou stole a glance at Rin Tohsaka who was staring out into the sky. During the next few subjects, Shirou kept looking at Rin Tohsaka to see any changes in her demeanor. He could see nothing worth noting. Suddenly, he heard a whisper.

"Lord Shirou."

The voice startled Shirou so much, he let out a cry. Issei Ryudo, the student council president and Shirou's friend, glanced at him and deduced that there was something really wrong with him. The teacher, however, was annoyed at having his class interrupted.

"Mr Emiya. Please translate sentence number 4."

"Ye-yes Sir! It's um... Watashi wa hon wo mimasu ka."

Shirou sank into his seat with a sigh. Saber spoke again.

"My Lord, one master is here. The one from last night. I can also feel the presence of her servant."

"Lay low, Saber and don't draw attention to yourself. They're not doing anything yet anyway."

"Yes, Lord Shirou."

The lunch bell rang. Shirou saw Rin Tohsaka pass by his classroom and head up to the roof. He followed her there. He saw her looking down at the grounds with her back to him. He took a step forward when Archer materialized and fired an arrow at him. Quick as a flash, Saber materialized as well and cut the arrow in two. Their eyes locked.

"Stand down Archer."

Archer relaxed at Rin Tohsaka's order.

"What do you want Shirou?"

"I just want to talk to you."

Saber sheathed his sword at Shirou's statement.

"Fine. You don't know anything do you?"

"No. What's going on?"

"The Holy Grail War."

"War? What for?"

Rin Tohsaka explained the purpose of the Holy Grail War where the winner of the war is able to wish for anything he wants. She explained that she was a magus and that magi were chosen to participate and summon what are called servants. Epic Spirits who have been recognized by humanity. Upon explaining everything about the war, Rin Tohsaka suddenly realized something.

"You haven't been registered as a master yet have you?"

"Uh no."

"Well, you'll have to do so. Come with me after class."

"Wait. How do I know that you're not fooling me?"

"Fine. We'll have a truce for now, how does that sound?"

"That sounds okay I guess."

"Don't worry, you can take your servant along."

"Where are we going?"

"To the one who oversees the War. Kirei Kotomine."

Kirei was in a church in the city. He explained everything Rin had explained before and registered Shirou as Saber's master.

"Is there anything more you want to ask?"

"Not really. Look, I'm not exactly interested in this Holy Grail."

"You can't back out now."

"I don't intend to kill anybody."

"Suit yourself."

They left the church after that short exchange.

"You can't hold on to those high and mighty morals, Shirou."

"Look, Rin, I was only dragged into this."

"We're in a truce and I can't have you wimping out on me when someone attacks us."

"Don't call me a wimp!"

"I can't babysit you all the time Shirou. You'll need to be ready for this."

They walked on in silence for the next few blocks. Shirou couldn't help but feel that Rin was right. Still, he promised that he wasn't going to kill any of the masters.

"You two look all cozy this evening."

The high pitched voice turned their heads to the street intersecting the one they were on. A small girl, she looked no older than ten, in a purple dress and cossack hat was standing there. Their eyes focused and saw that behind her stood a towering man with a shield and sword. He was wearing golden armor that covered his entire body. His helmet had a very familiar shape. His sandals were large and thick.

"Meet Berserker. He'll be the one to kill you today."

"That helmet."

Rin said this quietly. Shirou almost didn't hear it.

"What about it?"

"It's Greek."

"We're facing a Greek hero?"

"Seems like it. Archer."

Archer immediately appeared. Saber took no word from Shirou but appeared of his own accord. He drew his katana immediately and Archer already had an arrow ready. Shirou had a question.

"Who are you?"

"I'm sorry, I totally forgot. My name is Ilyasviel von Einzbern. You may call me Ilya."

"Why are you after us?"

Rin snapped at this question.

"You idiot! Isn't it obvious why she's after us?"

"Bu-but."

"Not everyone's like you you know!"

Illyasviel tilted her head a bit.

"How sweet. I'm sorry but I'm afraid I can't wait anymore. Berserker, destroy them."

The large servant lumbered over and raised his sword. Saber immediately used the time to strike at his abdomen. The katana rang out as the two metals of sword and armor hit each other.

"Saber!"

"Archer! Aim for his eyes!"

Berserker swung the sword down. Archer jumped a little to the right and fired an arrow towards his eye. Rin dodged the rocks that came flying from the force of Berserker's blow. Berserker blocked his eye with his hand. The arrow bounced off as if it was rock.

"Berserker is one of the strongest servants around. You won't beat him with weak attacks like that."

Saber took the time to scan Berserker's entire body. Berserker swung the sword at Archer and missed. He then used his other hand to swat Archer out of the sky as he jumped. Archer landed several feet away. Saber stood his ground. Berserker brought down his sword on Saber. Saber sidestepped and used his katana to weaken the force of the blow. There weren't much rocks this time. He jumped up and Berserker's eyes followed him. However, it was a feint as he landed without even attempting to strike. Using his superior speed, Saber dashed forward to slash at Berserker's exposed neck. Saber felt his hand vibrate as his katana was knocked away. He was defensless against Berserker's next attack. Berserker swung the broad side of the sword at Saber. Arrows bounced off of him as Archer was already able to get up. Right before the blade hit, Shirou stepped between them.

"Dumb move, big boy."

Shirou was thrown against Saber and they were both tossed away. Rin ordered archer to pick Shirou up and escape. Saber, seeing that Rin had no other alternative, pulled out his wakizashi and thought to buy them time. Berserker fell for it.

"No you idiot! He's distracting you! Go after the masters!"

Ilya's shouts fell on deaf ears as Berserker swung at Saber. Saber dodged and ran for his katana. Soon, Archer was back.

"Archer!"

"Master's tending to Shirou."

"Is Lord Shirou all right?"

"He has some tough bruises. He'll need to rest. Meanwhile, we need to get away."

"Of course."

Saber kept Berserker busy and Archer fitted an arrow into his bow. He aimed at Berserker. In the moonlight, Saber could see that the bow had a metal string. It also seemed to be very heavy although Archer had no trouble with it.

"Now!"

Saber jumped away from Berserker.

"Draupadi!"

The launched arrow burst into flame and split into five fireballs. Berserker howled in the heat and the two servants were able to escape.

"It looks like we made good use of our truce."

Archer said this as he smiled. They were fast and Berserker could no longer catch up to them. Saber smiled back.

"Agreed."

I now know the identity of Archer. Perhaps I should tell Lord Shirou.

There it is. Archer's Noble Phantasm. What do you think?

See you again sometime!