A/N: The poll on whether I will choose to take on Rani or Rin as a sidekick is still on my profile. So far the score is:

Rin:19

Rani:15

Week: 2

Days Remaining: 4

Midday [Private Room]

When I open my eyes I notice that my body feels much lighter than yesterday. I get out of bed and stretch my arms. It almost feels like my body was never poisoned in the first place.

I look around the room, but there is no sign of Saber. I find that odd because he is always there to greet me when I wake up. I look at my Terminal and see that it is already midday. I wonder if he took this opportunity to sleep in for once. I walk over to Saber's curtained off side of the room.

"Hey, Saber, are you awake?" When I don't get a reply for several minutes I pull the curtain aside. I'm actually surprised that there is no sign of Saber. I then realize that this is the first time I have seen what Saber has done with that side of the room. There is a pile of neatly stacked chairs and desks, and on the floor is what could be best described as a futon made out of several cardboard boxes.

Right now I'm perplexed about where Saber could possibly be. As I think about where Saber could be, a thought comes to mind. It's about the strange dream I had while I was in the nurse's office. This is the second strange dream I've had involving Saber. The first time, I got a glimpse of what Saber looked like without his helmet, even though I have never seen Saber's face before. The second time, Saber was with a woman that I have never seen before. I can't help but wonder if these dreams have any special meaning.

Just as I'm pondering about what to make of everything, I hear the door behind me slide open. I turn around to find Saber walking in. when he sees me, he takes off his helmet.

"Welcome back, Saber. Where have you been?" I'm not angry or anything. I'm just curious about where he went to.

"My apologies for making you worry, Lady Ailita. Early this morning, Miss Sakura stopped by and… requested that I clean the nurse's office and repair any damaged furniture." Considering how much of a disaster area the nurse's office was when we left it, I can imagine that Sakura didn't just politely ask Saber to clean up the mess. "You were still asleep when Miss Sakura came by, and after yesterday's events I thought it would be best for you to get as much rest as possible." That's just like Saber to be considerate of my health.

"How are you fairing now? Please let me know if you are in any pain." His face is stoic, but I can hear the concern in Saber's voice as he waits for my reply.

"I feel like nothing was wrong with me in the first place." I give him a reassuring smile. Saber lets out a relieved sigh.

"I am truly relieved to hear that. However, I wish that you would not exert yourself."

"Don't worry. I feel fine." Despite my protests, Saber still looks concerned. I decide to just change the subject. "By the way, did I miss anything while I was passed out in the nurse's office?" I was unconscious for nearly a day, so I might have missed something.

"A few interesting events transpired while you were unconscious. For starters, you had a number of visitors who were worried about your health. Including Miss Tohsaka." I couldn't believe what I just heard.

"Huh…? Tohsaka came to see me?" That bit of news was shocking. I thought that she couldn't care less what happened to me.

"Yes. I also now know that her Servant falls under the Lancer class, and I know what he looks like." He managed to get a good look at her Servant? More importantly, why did Tohsaka bring out her Servant in the first place?

"Tohsaka didn't try to kill me in my sleep like Archer did, did she?"

"No. I assure you that Miss Tohsaka did not intend to cause you any harm during her visit." That's a relief. At least I know that as much of a pragmatist Tohsaka is, she won't try pulling a stunt like Archer did. There was something that confused me though.

"Then why did she bring out her Servant?" Saber seemed slightly irritated when I mentioned Tohsaka's Servant.

"Lancer materialized by his own will. He… did not intend to harm you in your weakened state the way Archer tried to. He was merely accompanying his Master." I feel like Saber is leaving something important out. I shoot him an accusatory glance.

"Saber… You didn't get into a fight with him, did you? Is that how you found out he is a Lancer class Servant?" I understand that Saber can be protective, but the last thing I need is for him to pick a fight with another Servant and get a penalty.

"I assure you that I have done nothing to be ashamed of. Miss Tohsaka revealed the class of her Servant when she called him by his class." He has a serious expression on his face. I can tell that he is telling the truth.

That aside; from what Saber is saying, Tohsaka wasn't the only person to stop by the other day.

"Did anyone else drop by?"

"Yes. Miss Rani also came to visit you shortly after Miss Tohsaka left. Like Miss Tohsaka, she too was concerned for your health." So, Rani came by too. I guess it makes sense for her to want to check on the person she tried to make a deal with.

"She didn't bring out her Servant, did she?"

"No, she did not. However, I gave her one of the arrows that Archer shot for her to use as a relic."

I'm then reminded of the nature of Rani's deal. She offered to tell us more about Dan and Archer. I think about Rani's offer. I'm still suspicious about the offer. For all I know, she could be setting us up for something.

However, after seeing Dan's act of generosity last night, I think I have more hope in the goodness of others. Dan used one of his Command Seals to help his enemy when his Servant used underhanded methods. After seeing another Master go that far, I'm now more confident that I can trust Rani.

"Did anyone else come to visit?"

"No, Miss Rani and Miss Tohsaka were the only ones who came to see you."

At least now I'm caught up on everything that I might have missed while I was knocked out the other day.

"Alright then. Let's go, Saber. We have to make up for all the time we wasted yesterday." Saber simply nods and puts his helmet back on as we leave the room.

[1st Floor]

As I walk around the campus, I notice that I'm the talk of the school about how I was attacked on campus. There are a number of Masters that are amazed that I'm still alive after being poisoned by a Servant. Some people say this gave their opponents the idea to try the same thing

While I was walking around, I noticed Taiga Fujimura, so I decided to just get her errand over with and give her the glasses she asked for.

"Ms. Fujimura, I found those glasses you were looking for." As soon as she notices me, a big grin appears on her face.

"Ah! You actually found them! Thank you so much. You really helped me out! Wait here a second. I'll go get you your reward!" Taiga puts the glasses in her pocket and runs off.

"How do you think she intends to reward us for our efforts?" I hear Saber's voice from behind me.

"I honestly have no idea…" If I know Taiga, it's going to be something pretty random.

After standing around for a while I hear someone grunting as if they are carrying something heavy. When I turn towards the noise, I see someone carrying a potted persimmon tree. The tree is much taller than the person carrying it, and there are some small persimmons growing from the branches. When I look closer I see that the person carrying the persimmon tree is Taiga. I also notice that her clothes are slightly dirty. She then stops in front of me. From the way her arms are shaking, I can tell that the tree must be heavy.

I hope that's not what I think it is…

"As a token of my appreciation, allow me to present to you this fabulous decorative plant!" My fears are confirmed. Her voice is slightly strained as she plops down the small persimmon tree. It lands with a loud thud. It's a wonder the pot didn't break. She then steps in front of the tree and stands there wordlessly with her arms crossed and a smug look on her face. I know that she is just waiting for me to lavish her with praise for her fabulous present.

"Um… Thanks a lot for the plant…" I give her a wry smile. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised about this gift considering that this is Taiga we are talking about.

"You're welcome!" She certainly seems pleased with herself. "If you keep up your good work, I'll keep on giving you even more cool stuff! Bye-bye!" Without leaving any room for protests, Taiga dashes off.

Wait… does this mean she plans to make me do more errands for her in the future? I let out an exasperated sigh as I take a good look at the plant that I'm now stuck with. I'm pretty sure that persimmon trees are not meant to be used as decorations. At least it looks healthy.

I bend down and try to lift up the tree myself. That doesn't work out well because I can't even get it to budge. How Taiga managed to carry this is beyond me. After giving up on trying to lift it myself, I manage to push it towards the stairs.

However, there is still one small problem. My room is on the second floor, and I'm on the first floor. With no other option, I try once again to lift the tree up. I still can't get it off the ground. Just as I'm about to give up, I manage to lift the tree off the ground as if it was as light as a feather. I guess all I had to do was really try.

"I wish that you would ask for my help during times such as this. All you have to do is ask, and I shall offer you my assistance in any way I can." I look around the plant, and realize that the reason that the plant is off the ground… is because Saber is the one holding it up. It looks like something like this is no problem for him.

"Thanks, Saber." I hadn't even thought of asking him for help. "It's just that you are the one doing all of the fighting. I thought I shouldn't be giving you more work like this." I'm sure that looking after me is a hard job by itself. I'm also not sure it's a good idea for Saber to be walking around in his physical form. I take a quick look around. At least it doesn't look like there are any other Masters around.

"Nonsense. A task such as this is not a problem for me." He takes a few steps up the stairs and stops. "However…" He seems slightly hesitant. "May I request your assistance in directing me back to the room? I am currently finding it difficult to see in front of me." I guess he is having a hard time seeing what's in front of him because the tree's branches are blocking his view.

"Sure. No problem." I didn't even realize I was smiling at the idea of him asking me for help.

[Private Room]

We manage to get the persimmon tree to our room and put it in a spot where it should get plenty of sunlight. I take a look around the room. With a plant and a lamp in the room, it's now starting to look like a place you could live in.

"You truly have a wonderful instructor to receive such a generous gift for such a small task." I think Saber might have the wrong idea about Taiga.

"I'm actually wondering where exactly she got this thing from." And what random stuff she might give me in the future.

"I may have an idea. There are some small trees in the garden near the chapel that resemble this one." I have a face-palm moment. So, in other words… Taiga dug up one of the trees in the garden, put it in a pot, and decided to give it to me…

Well… That's one mystery solved. At least she had good intentions. I just hope I don't get into any trouble for this…

Evening [Library]

After we find a place in our room to put Taiga's gift, I decide to do some research while I have the chance. The first thing I look up is the Yew Bow that Dan mentioned the other day. Before long, I have a pile of books as I sit down at a nearby table.

-About the Yew Bow-

A short bow made from yew. Considered sacred by the Celtics, using the bow is thought to signify that one has 'become one with the forest'.

I'm not sure how much this information will help me, but at least this is better than nothing. I stretch my arms as I stand up. A certain person suddenly comes to mind.

"Maybe I should go see Tohsaka, and thank her for visiting me earlier." I'm really surprised that Tohsaka would care at all.

"I would advise against it, Lady Ailita. Miss Tohsaka actually requested that I not to tell you of her visit." I guess she would be embarrassed to find out that one of her potential enemies knows she has a soft side.

Since visiting Tohsaka is out, the only thing left to do is head to the Arena to train.

Week: 2

Days Remaining: 2

Midday [Chapel]

For no real reason, Saber and I head out to the chapel gardens. I see Dan walk inside the chapel. With my curiosity getting the better of me, I decide to follow him.

I look around to see Dan Blackmore. Noticing my presence, he turns around to face me. Saber immediately materializes beside me. He doesn't have his sword, but I'm sure that Saber is prepared to fight if he feels I'm being threatened. Despite Saber's appearance, Archer is nowhere to be found.

"You… I would like to apologize again about what Archer did the other day. At least it was a silver lining that the wound did not affect your life too much." He gives me an apologetic bow.

"Umm… Don't worry about it. So, is Archer with you now?" I know that Dan used a Command Seal to prevent Archer from attacking any Master on campus, but I still can't help but be cautious.

"No, he isn't. I'm honestly not sure where he is at the moment. However, I'm sure he is still upset about me using a Command Seal."

Saber then decides to break his silence.

"Sir Blackmore, I am truly grateful that your actions have saved the life of my Master. However, I am still perplexed that you would go so far as to use a Command Seal to aid your enemy."

"Yes. I have been questioning my actions as well. To use one of the three Command Seals given to me to help my enemy, of all things…"

Command Seals… Three irrefutable commands given to all the Masters in the Holy Grail War. If it's within the rules, they will guarantee that the Servant will carry out that command, whatever the cost.

"But it was the right thing to do. Also, I'm here on behalf of her Majesty, the Queen. It has been a long time since… No, I believe that this is the first time a fight has been for personal reasons. As a mere soldier, I'd have praised Archer for his actions. As a knight, I must condemn them. And as I did, I could almost feel as if the spirit of my late wife approved, and was proud of me."

So he had a wife. His eyes now seemed clouded with a sad nostalgia.

"It's the same story every old man has. It's been so long I've even forgotten the sound of her voice. I can't even recall her face… It's an obvious truth. As a soldier, one is required to abide by military regulations. There are no allowances made even for one such as myself to go beyond what is permitted."

He then looks into my eyes. He seems almost disappointed.

"It seems you are still lost. Reflect on how you ought to live." He then pauses for a moment. As if remembering something from long ago.

"Let me tell you an old story… There was once a man I met with the same eyes as yours. It was during a certain battlefield mission. And there, in the rubble, on a mound all alone was a young man in a white coat. The young man was a doctor. The man would try to help anyone he could. And then, he was bitter for those who didn't survive in the warzone. I was interested in this young man with no name, and asked him a question. 'Why is a person like you in this hell hole?' He then told me, 'It might be better not to know why. To not know the true nature of war is to deny the very existence of war. What is the point of war? I must know.'"

I just stand there quietly as I listen to Dan's story. Saber has been standing next to me the entire time.

"That was all he said. When I see you, I think of that young man. It was a conversation of days gone by. In order to win, it is not only to fight by military regulations, but to face battle and the others in the trenches." He then gives me a stern look and puts his hand on my shoulder.

"Young girl, if you are still lost, then it would be best to become acquainted with this war. The path you take may be harsh, but eventually will come to bear fruit. Listen well, do not feel ashamed in the deeds done, but carry on for the future. That is the key to unlocking one's self. You should also keep this in mind. The ends don't always justify the means. Regret is an insidious thing. If you let it, it will blind you to the future and all it holds. So know this, young girl. I will never condone any conduct that would stain my conscience."

Dan takes his hand off my shoulder and pauses for a moment.

"Well, this isn't like me. It's odd that I'd speak like this to you. To carry on such an uninteresting conversation. You'd do well to laugh at the musings of this old man."

Nothing more came from what seemed to be an apology of sorts. With that said, the old man sits down and closes his eyes. It'd be the worst form of bad manners to disturb him while he's praying. It'd be better if I just leave.

[Garden]

We then leave the chapel. I sit on a bench near the fountain and go over everything that Dan said. To be proud of the life I have lived… How would it turn out if I got ahold of the Holy Grail? And beyond the journey itself, the path to the Grail lies in dignity and self-respect. The problem is that I don't have a wish to offer the Grail. The only reason I entered the Grail War was so that I could live.

Suddenly, Saber materializes in front of me.

"I withdraw my previous opinion of Sir Blackmore. He has proven that he truly does have the spirit of a knight." Saber actually sounds happy about this. "I was also impressed with your actions, Lady Ailita." I look up at Saber with a confused expression.

"Huh…? What did I do?" All I did was stand there and listen to Dan's speech. I didn't do anything that deserved praise.

"I was impressed by your generosity to forgive your enemy, even after they attacked you." I think that Saber is seriously overthinking this.

"W-Well… Technically Dan didn't do anything wrong. It was Archer who attacked me without Dan's permission." Although, I'm actually a little embarrassed by Saber's flattery.

"Regardless of that, Sir Blackmore was the one who failed to keep his Servant in check. Regardless of Archer's Independent Action Skill, it was Sir Blackmore's responsibility to make sure that his Servant follows the rules." I perk up at the new term Saber used.

"I don't mean to change the subject but, what's an Independent Action Skill?"

"Forgive me. I did not realize that you were unaware of this information. Allow me to explain." Saber paused for a moment. As if thinking of how to explain everything to me. "Servants under the Holy Grail War system are attributed with various Personal Skills that reflect the abilities they had in life, or sometimes the Servant will gain a Class Skill, depending on which class the Heroic Spirit is summoned as."

I was once again reminded of just how little I know about the Grail War. In a place where information could mean life or death, I guess I should know as much as possible.

"What's the difference between a Personal Skill and a Class Skill?"

"Class Skills are skills that are granted certain classes upon summoning. They generally reflect the abilities that they had in life, but they will not always have had the corresponding skills. Even if the Heroic Spirit did not have the abilities in life, they will still get a lower ranked version of the skill automatically if they fit the class. However, if the Servant already has a certain skill, it would be increased. Ani-Magic for example. I had some resistance to magic to begin with, and being allocated to the Saber class made it even higher."

"Does that mean that Independent Action is a Class Skill?"

"Correct. Independent Action is unique to the Archer class, and is the ability to remain independent even when rejecting the mana supply from the Master. It is both useful and troublesome depending on the disposition of the Servant and the rank of Independent Action. Acting in autonomy from the Master's mana supply, the Master can concentrate their own mana on large spells, or the Servant will be fine even in the case the Master cannot supply mana due to injury. The downside is that the Servant can be harder to control. Archer's attack on school grounds was the unpleasant side of that skill."

So Archer class Servants are free from their Masters to a certain degree. It's kind of like how snipers act on their own. Considering that Dan used to be a sniper, it's kind of ironic how poorly he gets along with Archer.

"What about Personal Skills?"

"Personal Skills are those displayed by the Heroic Spirit during life. They can use these powers no matter what class they end up in."

It sounds like there is more to Servants than I could ever imagine.

"If you wish to know details about Archer's skills, then I would recommend looking at the Matrix section of your Terminal. It should allow you to look upon all known abilities of Servants in the War. However, the information is limited to what you discover. When you discover something new about a Servant, the information shall be recorded to the Matrix."

Curious about what Saber just told me, I take out my Terminal. Sure enough, there was a section that displayed information on Archer, and even on Rider. Everything in Rider's Matrix was filled in. Although, considering that I'll never be encountering her again, I turn my attention to my current opponent.

When I selected Archer, his picture appeared along with some of his skills.

CLASS: Archer

MASTER: Dan Blackmore

TRUE NAME: ?

Some of the spaces are blank, such as his parameters; there were a few sections that had some information in them. Some of his skills were listed, along with details about those skills.

CLASS SKILLS

Magic Resistance : D

Cancels single-action spells. It also bestows magical resistance equal to that normally provided by a physical talisman such as an amulet.

Independent Action : A

Saber said that the higher ranked the Independent Action skill was, the more freedom the Servant has. I guess this explain it. The section listed as Personal Skills is left blank.

Another bit of information that caught my attention was Archer's Noble Phantasm.

NOBLE PHANTASM: Yew Bow – Holy Bow of Supplication

Rank: D

Type: Anti-Unit

The wood used to make the yew bow wielded by this Servant was taken from a specific tree located in the forest he used as his base of operations. It has the power to identify and amplify any impurities (both physical and mental), causing them to explode with incredible force. Yew trees have many mystical and religious connections attributed to them by Celtic beliefs, and the act of making a bow from the wood of a yew was seen as a contract to 'become one with the forest.' It was also believed the yew trees served as a signpost for the deceased to guide them to the afterlife. It was this connection between the yew and death that caused this Servant to remark that he wanted to be buried where his final arrow fell. To nobody's surprise, it landed at the foot of the yew tree where he first got the wood to make his bow.

As I skim the information the Matrix is providing me, I notice that there is even a section on Saber. I guess the Matrix isn't just limited to enemy Servants.

CLASS: Saber

MASTER: Ailita Furude

TRUE NAME: ?

CLASS SKILLS

Magic Resistance: B

Cancels spells with a chant below three verses. Even if targeted by High-Thaumaturgy and Greater Rituals, it is difficult for him to be affected.

Riding: B

Most vehicles can be handled with above average skill. However, cannot ride the likes of Phantasm Races such as Monstrous Beasts.

NOBLE PHANTASM: Knight of Honor - A Knight Does Not Die with Empty Hands

TYPE: Anti-Unit

RANK: A++

Rather than an overt weapon, it manifests as a "unique ability" retained by his body. Once Saber grabs hold of anything that can be even remotely conceptualized as a weapon by his own recognition with his gauntlets and he recognizes that he wishes to wield it, it instantly gains the property of "becoming his Noble Phantasm." Even control of other Servants' Noble Phantasms will instantly go to him should he grab hold of them. It can only be activated for objects recognized as a weapon. The ability allows for something as worthless as a piece of scrap iron to be turned into a spear or sword capable of damaging Servants and striking legendary weapons. He can make use of weaponry regardless of how it was created or its time of origin, allowing him to take control of anything from legendary weapons to modern weapons and machinery. The ability soaks the affected items with Saber's mana that permeates from his hands. They slowly change as they are tainted with his black color as dark lines invade the item and multiply like the veins on a leaf. The items, covered in a spider web pattern of black veins, look alien and repulsive compared to their normal forms.

Modern weapons turned into Noble Phantasms will be greatly strengthened and have modified capabilities. He can give up the weapons at any time, returning them to their natural state, and immediately switch to another without any trouble. The weapons will stay under control for a brief moment after he lets off his grip, allowing them to be used as deadly projectiles. He is able to naturally control any weapon that he wields as if it were an extension of his arm and a favorite weapon with which he specialized in and polished his skills for many years. The items will be advanced to D rank Noble Phantasms, and if he takes another Servant's Noble Phantasm of a superior rank, its quality will be maintained while under Saber's control. Saber is able to freely catch and wield the weapons shot at him as if they were extensions of his arms, and use them to deflect volleys of weapons capable of completely destroying the surrounding area.

I though Saber's Noble Phantasm was amazing to begin with, but seeing the details of how it works puts me at a loss for words. Saber mentioned that he had more than one Noble Phantasm. If his first Noble Phantasm is this impressive, I wonder what else he can do.

As I put my Terminal away I notice that the sun has begun to set. I didn't realize so much time had passed.

"Lady Ailita, I believe it is now time to see Miss Rani." With that, Saber disappears. That's right. I don't know how much Rani can help me, but I think I'd rather trust and regret than doubt and regret.

"Right. Let's go, Saber." I stand up and head for the third floor.

Evening [3rd Floor]

The sun has nearly set. I find Rani exactly where she said she would be at the end of the hall.

"Hi, Rani. I came like I promised." When Rani notices me, she gives me a polite bow.

"Good evening, Miss Furude. I give you my thanks for bringing me a relic of Sir Blackmore's, as I had requested. You came at an ideal time as I can read Sir Blackmore's star today."

She said she wished to learn more about people and humanity in general. But still, I wonder if what I'm doing now is really ok.

"Thanks again for your help. However, as a Master, I still feel uneasy having another Master help me." Especially when we might have to fight one another eventually.

"My professor's words are my guide. She told me specifically to learn about humans. So please put your mind at ease. You have nothing to worry about from me. Learning more about Sir Blackmore will help your cause as well, correct?"

While I'm still uneasy, Rani takes out one of Archer's arrows. She examines it carefully. She mumbles and then nods in understanding.

"With this…"

Brushing the object softly with her fingers, Rani closes her eyes and turns her face to the sky.

"The fate of which the stars speak, you can learn many things if you simply open your mind. The star which governs Sir Blackmore's Servant shines brightly in the heavens today."

To be honest, I have no clue as to what astrology is or what it's supposed to accomplish. She claims that today certain portents can be read in the stars, and I believe that she can see things about my enemy's Servant.

"I see myself in a… forest? It's deep, dark…"

Running her hand along Archer's arrow, the now entranced Rani begins speaking in a quiet tone.

Questions asked, answers given, fortunes told.

We search for an explanation of the past, a prediction of the future, and a way to cope with the present.

But how do we know which questions to ask and which answers to believe?

There are those who would answer our questions with illusion.

When words are inadequate, silence is the only honesty.

Recently I've been interested in Kamigami no Asobi, and all I can say is that how amazed I am at how much the character Thoth reminds me of Fate/Stay Night Archer. I also think that the character Hades reminds me of Ailita's Saber in a way.

❤ Remember that your wonderful reviews are what motivate me to write! :D