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Chapter 11: The Calm Before the Storm

"I like it. After all, this is how men should approach the queen. On their knees."

"Becoming a king means no longer being human."

The wind was blowing gently, caressing the grass, and the sky, partially covered by the heavy clouds, was golden, like the hilt of sword stuck in a stone.

She grabbed the weapon without hesitation and felt her fingers burning, infected with a black mud. The curse was spreading like a disease through her body, the surroundings and finally through the world, destroying everything's on its way.

Ilya opened her eyes, experiencing the worst headache in her life. It was only a dream. A dream about the ideal kingdom. A beautiful, naive dream, that ended on the field of corpses.

But Ilya's fingers were still painfully burnt. Someone was carefully changing the dressing on her wounded hands. The injuries were not very serious, but her skin was not as white as before, covered with some strange shadows up to the elbows.

Wh…? Right, the ritual. I can't remember a thing, except the pain…

Still a little dizzy, she looked at the one, who was taking care of her bandages. The white-haired guy in a strange, black armor raised his head to look at her. His left eye was black and scary, like a gate leading straight to the abyss.

Huh? Clairvoyance of an Archer class? But what can he truly see with this corrupted eye?

"Ilya?" Berserker was clearly worried by her strange expression.

She did not expect him to speak and his voice brought tears to her eyes.

"It hurts? I'm sorry…"

"No, it's fine. I'm just… happy to hear your voice."

He smiled, but there was still a sadness hidden in his eyes. No, it was rather a feeling of guilt for infecting her with the curse from his magic circuits. Ilya was impressed that he was able to function normally, having something so painful and terrible within his core.

"Don't be sorry, it's not your fault."

He nodded hesitantly and let the girl hug him as much as she wants. The truth was that they did not need words at all, the bond between them was deep and strong. Only siblings could share something like that… even if it is just a memory, an echo from another time, another place.

Rin was trying to focus on spying and gathering information, but it was impossible now. Both Berserker and Rider insisted on repairing the damage after their unexpected fight. They were doing quite well and even managed to cooperate at last, but not without some minor quarrels and horrible noise. Even now Tohsaka could hear the sounds of hammer downstairs. She could not rest or cast any spell right now, so she sighed heavily and left the room, to check how her guest are doing.

They were still resting and licking their wounds, all tired and somehow depressed after the failed ritual and Jeanne's transformation. Tohsaka ended up with almost all her magical energy drained out and she still could not regain her full power. Scáthach was in even worse condition, although she pretended to be fine. The burden of keeping Berserker materialized rested on her shoulders now, not to mention the Command Seals she received from Ruler. She had two for Berserker, two for Lancer and one for Assassin. Unfortunately Jeanne still had the other spells, so neither Rider, nor Saber was safe and free from her possible influence.

Speaking of Saber… another troll was the last thing Rin needed in her house, truly. Arturia was even more tyrannical than before, and – although it was hard to believe – much more competitive. Yet she did not feel responsible for the devastation of the basement, when she was temporarily insane. She explained that it's not a suitable job for a king and there's no use for her to join the repair crew, if other Servants already volunteered.

Tohsaka sighed again, lost in thoughts. In the next room she found Berserker, who was painting the freshly renovated wall. He regained much control over his shattered mind, but some things about him were still strange and difficult to tolerate. Rin would say that he's now the proper Berserker class Servant. Or more like an Archer class turned into Berserker by force. Anyway, it was much better than before.

Tohsaka was watching him for a while from the doorway, analyzing her own feelings. She promised, both to Archer and Rider, to always do what her heart tells her. How could she act so strangely before? How could she hesitate even for a moment? She will never break her promise or disappoint them again, no way!

She finally dared to admit, that she missed her Archer so much, that it hurt. And now she had to stop worrying and open her heart to the joy associated with his return.

Even if it was too late to make things work the same way as before, it was still worth trying, right?

With this final conclusion, Tohsaka took a deep breath and entered the room at last.

"Archer."

He turned around instinctively and met her warm gaze. Rin walked up to him and hugged him without a warning.

"Welcome back, Archer," she said, her voice trembling, full of longing and happiness.

Berserker froze and was standing like this for a while, clearly with no idea how to react. Then he just let go and hold her, with his eyes closed and a thin smile on his face.

"I'm home, Rin."

Siegfried, determined to guard his Master always and everywhere, was watching them through the open door and he smiled gently at the view. He stepped back carefully to not disturb their reunion.

He had no grudge against this guy, despite the fact that he had tried to kill him not so long ago. How could he, when his presence was making Rin so happy? He's already loved his Master too much to make her feel sad or lonely ever again.

"Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes, I'm completely healed already. Thank you, Shirou." Assassin turned around and smiled to the boy, truly grateful. "You've improved as a Master lately. Soon you'll be a fine magus, I'm sure of it."

Shirou smiled and sat on the edge of the roof next to his Servant, watching her long hair blowing in the wind. For the past few days he felt like he was an assassin himself, outlawed and chased, both by Zouken and enemy Masters. He and wounded Medusa were constantly running from shadow to shadow, frequently changing their hideouts and destroying spying familiars. Shirou already knew that jade birds belongs to Tohsaka, but it looked like for now she was only gathering information and did not plan any action against him or any other participant.

The one who sent bats after him was not so predictable and friendly. Shirou was attacked by a sniper several times and he suspected that this mysterious ambusher was somehow related to Master of Lancer. What was his name? Emiya? The boy was wondering why this guy pursued him so stubbornly and mercilessly. If it wasn't a vengeance for their last clash with Lancer, then why? Maybe he protected another Master? Berserker and Rider were the weakest against Medusa, but their alliance with Emiya seemed doubtful. Then Saber? Most likely…

Shirou sighed and stared blankly at the town below. Assassin leaned over him and covered him with a jacket.

"The wind is cold, you'll get sick," she said and ran her fingers through his white hair. "You miss Sakura, right?"

He nodded. Sakura told them to act separately for a while, until she'll finish some important task. Kirei offered her a new Servant and, despite the fact, that Shirou could not force himself to trust this strange priest, it really could be an advantage for them. A chance to survive this mess, to be precise.

Shirou believed in Sakura, she was stronger than she looked. She told him to meet near the gate to Ryuudou Temple tomorrow night, so nothing will stop him from getting there on time.

"Sakura will be fine, don't worry, Shirou."

"I know, but… something else bothers me even more." He stared at Assassin with an incredibly sad expression. "Why don't you trust me? I've already figured out, that you have some deal with the priest... You could just tell me everything."

"Yes." Medusa tensed, visibly worried. "I was to finalize our agreement but Lancer interrupted." She clenched her fists in silent anger. "This is why Zouken still lives and chase you. Because I failed as a Servant."

"No, you didn't," Shirou said honestly and grabbed her hand. "I know that words are nothing more than words and they alone will not change anything… but I will prove it soon."

"Prove what?"

"That you can trust me. That I can protect you. If the deeds follow my declaration, you will have no choice but to believe in me. At least as much, as I believe in you."

He was so honest and determined, that Assassin blushed, touched and amazed.

"Shirou…"

"No." He shook his head categorically. "No excuses, no complaining. I am the Master here, remember?"

The way he said it made Medusa chuckle and Shirou had to admit that it was an unusual but a very pleasant sound.

For now they just had to survive the night. Just one more night. Tomorrow they'll meet again and decide, what to do next.

Siegfried almost finished repairing the stairs. The blue dragon circuits were shining on his bare chest, while he was working. He sighed, irritated by the trickle of blood, flowing constantly on his back, where Berserker cut him. Due to the curse, this shallow and meaningless scratch near his weak point was not healing well, even with a magical support from Rin. Good that a Servant can't just bleed out to death, but still it was annoying as hell.

Scáthach whistled through her teeth, not in a very royal manner, when she entered the room with a clear view on the corridor and the stairs.

"Nice!" She sat on the couch and crossed her legs. She was staring at Siegfried with a strange, mocking expression, like a she-wolf watching the chicken parading just before her nose. "Much better than TV."

"I'm sorry, it was hot." Rider said honestly and grabbed his shirt.

"Do I look like complaining?" She smiled viciously. "Better put it away, don't ruin my fun."

Rider chuckled but he put the shirt down eventually and got back to work. It went relatively smoothly and there was not even much sawdust around.

"You're a carpenter?" Ilya came in with some juice and started to pour it into glasses.

"I was rather a blacksmith when I was young, but I can handle some wood too." He shrugged. "It was common in my time to build a house and take care of all the stuff by yourself."

"But you were a prince, right?" - Ilya asked and gave him a full glass. He took it gladly. "You had no servants or maids? Even I had some in the Einzbern castle."

"Well, I had some, but later. I was raised far away from the court, in the woods. I got used to do everything myself there." He smiled, remembering something. "Those were the good old days, truly."

"What, do you regret becoming a famous dragon slayer?" Scáthach was sipping her juice like it was an expensive exotic drink, not just an orange nectar from the nearest family market.

"No. I regret nothing." He was not lying, the warrior queen was sure of it, and she smiled. "I used to think that some later disasters were caused by my deeds, but the truth is that I wasn't this important. Nobody is. Now I know that and all we can is to do what we believe is right."

"That's all?" Ilya sat next to Siegfried on the freshly repaired step. "It seems to be so simple…"

"It is," Scáthach said with a strange, nostalgic expression. "It is, Ilyasviel."

They all fell silent for a long time, immersed in their thought, and the steady hammer hitting was the only sound to be heard in the room.

"Well, I'll be going." Scáthach stood up swiftly and stretched herself. "I promised Berserker another training." The truth was rather that the troublesome Servant was more obedient when he was tired.

"May I watch?" – Siegfried asked unexpectedly, driving the last nail. The stairs will need some more finishing treatments later, but they were usable at least.

"Sure." A strange, dangerous light glowed in the eyes of the warrior queen, when she came up with a sudden idea. "Or maybe you would like to train as well?"

"A sparring? Why not." He smiled. "Spear-wielders are the most troublesome. It will be fun."

"Of course." Her voice was full of bloodlust and it seemed to still growing, making even Ilya shiver. "Let's prepare."

"So sad that Kotomine did not let Berserker finish you back then. Now I have to do it myself."

Cú Chulainn had no to time to even wipe the sweat from his forehead, totally focused on the fight. Archer keep firing countless weapons and Lancer keep dodging and repelling them, closing the distance step by step, trick by trick. Activation of his Noble Phantasm was nearly impossible in this situation, so he had to play with his speed and experience, and he was doing well so far.

How many hours have passed already? Four? Six? He was not sure, but this fight was too long and tiring. He was using all his abilities to fool his opponent and engage him in melee combat… and was pushed back every time he managed to do so. And again. And again. It was hard to tell, if it will be Lancer to run out of tricks first, or the King of Heroes of his weaponry.

But one thing was already certain for Cú Chulainn – he knew that if he stops moving, he'll die.

Scáthach had sent Lancer here only to observe, it was Gilgamesh who started this fight. The golden Servant came to the temple a moment after the girl contracted to Ruler left, like he was ordered to look for her. But he spotted Lancer nearby and attacked the other Servant instead, forcing him to participate in this endless circle of assaults and withdrawals.

First he was doing it for fun, but he seemed to be more frustrated with every passing hour. After all, even the best entertainment can turn into a nightmare, if it takes too long.

"You jump like a flea!" Angry Archer raised his hand to open the Gate of Babylon further, but this time it was somehow special. Cú Chulainn could not tell, what exactly was different than before, but he was sure, that a completely new kind of weapon will be used against him. "Stop moving, you irritating mongrel. You've bored me already. Disobedient dogs should be kept on a chains."

Lancer, struck by a feeling, that whatever will come out from these portals now, will become an instrument of his doom, clenched his teeth and retreated in a great hurry. He felt utterly frustrated, because running away like that was totally not like him. But the chance of victory was too low now to risk the more important mission to fail.

He should report to Scáthach first and then they will all work together to achieve victory. The situation was serious enough for Cú Chulainn to believe, that even his odd Master would not delay an official alliance with Tohsaka anymore.

"Look, everyone! I will show you a very useful maneuver to fight an opponent bigger than you."

All inhabitants of the Tohsaka residence gathered in the garden. Rin and Berserker were less enthusiastic about this sparring idea, but they decided to observe it anyway. Saber was watching the duel from the grass, with an emotionless expression, but she was the only one to openly eat popcorn during the show.

The warrior queen started the lesson. First she lured her opponent to the chosen position and forced him to focus on defense. Then she suddenly targeted his legs, using one of her spears as a leverage, to disable him.

"See? Every warrior should fall over now." But Siegfried was still standing – moreover, he already managed to go back to defensive position. Scáthach winced, surprised and angry. "Well, except this guy."

"Yep, my Rider is the best." Rin smiled and gave Siegfried a thumbs up sign of approval.

"It's nothing, really." He shrugged and improved his grip on Balmung's hilt. "I will not be fooled by the same trick twice, that's all."

"Oh? Who was the first opponent to do this to you?"

"The warrior queen from Iceland, the famous shieldmaiden. No man could defeat her."

Scáthach noticed a little bit of longing and affection in his voice. She also got nostalgic for a moment – this story sounded strangely familiar to her.

"So… Let's get serious, shall we?" She thrust one spear towards Rider without warning. The tip of her weapon bounced harmlessly from his hard, dragon skin. "Ah, so good that I don't have to hold back, you won't be wounded anyway."

"Wait a minute… Don't use my Servant as your punching bag!" Tohsaka's face turned red in anger and Berserker chuckled discreetly behind her back. "And you should rest while you still can, don't you think?"

"Come on, Riiiin!" Siegfried blocked all the blows, which were coming at him now with an enormous speed. "It's just fun."

"Sure." Tohsaka did not looked convinced, but she stopped complaining, captivated by the show.

The warrior queen had the significant advantage over Rider, both with speed and range of her weapons. He had to adapt his tactics quickly to her unusual style. It was just like with a little, aggressive dog attacking a wild boar, tormenting it with tons of little bites. At least until Siegfried finally managed to reach her with the tip of Balmung and knock her off balance for a second needed to prepare a counterattack. Now it was his turn to show off and corner her with a series of extremely strong blows. Scáthach avoided all of them with her almost acrobatic skills and lured his opponent into a trap, but he noticed it just in time and jumped back right before the final blow.

"Whoa!" Ilya clapped her hands, excited. Even Berserker seemed to be pleased by the show. Only Saber remained emotionless, slowly chewing her popcorn.

The audience held its breath, feeling a growing bloodlust within both warriors. They sped up ridiculously and soon it was almost impossible to notice single moves in their fierce clash.

But, after a few minutes of this nearly impossible exchange of blows, they suddenly stopped. When the dust fell, it was obvious that the fight was over. Siegfried was disarmed and on his knees, one red spear was pointed at his throat.

"I can see that your man pride is not damaged at all… Good." Scáthach placed her right feet on Siegfried's shoulder, and 'caressed' his skin with the tip of the spear. "I like it. After all, this is how men should approach the queen. On their knees."

Rider chuckled in response. They both were breathing heavily and the air between them seemed even more tensed than during the duel.

"I just got used to get my ass kicked by a woman with a spear, I suppose." Siegfried smiled widely, like a young boy who's having great fun, and bowed slightly. "It was a pleasure to lose to you."

"Splendid," Arturia said suddenly in a kingly manner and nodded approval. "But one thing is unforgivable." She stood up slowly and ended after a long, dramatic pause: "The dinner is delayed because of you!"

Scáthach blinked and Tohsaka rolled her eyes. This 'new' Arturia was really a pain in the ass.

"Please, give me back my old Saber…" Ilya lowered her head and cried hopelessly, but no one could relieve her suffering.

Two pretty girls were walking down the promenade, eating burgers and fries. The street was empty at this hour, but they seemed to not care for company or sense of security, while moving slowly from one streetlight to another.

"Tell me, Sakura… Is your Shirou handsome?" The blonde girl in black clothes licked her lips and wiped the ketchup from her chin. There was something obscene in her behavior, a manifestation of defiance in her every move.

"Very handsome." The other girl, who was trying to hide her two-colored hair under the hood, swallowed the last bite and gave her companion a very unpleasant gaze. She put her hands in the pockets of her loose grey sweatshirt. "I won't allow you to touch him, so don't even try."

"Sure, I will have my own plaything soon." Jeanne, or whoever was now inhabiting the homunculi body, smiled viciously. "It would be nice to have some handsome guys around, don't you think?"

"Yeah. We deserve it. But father Kotomine won't let you keep your pet alive. This one is to be used as a weapon and then sacrificed with the others for the Grail."

"Do I look like someone who wants to follow the priest's orders?" Corrupted Ruler laughed, it was obvious that she did not intend to obey anyone. First she objected even to call Sakura her Master, but the girls found a common language soon and decided to enjoy their time together, even if only for a while.

"But Archer…"

"Sakura, have you forgot about the Command Seals on my back? I don't fear this arrogant golden boy, I can order him to commit suicide at any moment."

"But you don't have all the spells, right?"

"Yeah, that stupid girl must have given them to the pagan witch… But it doesn't matter." She grabbed Sakura by the arm and clung to her affectionately. "I always get what I want. You should try it too."

Sakura tensed, like she was trying to remember something important, but she gave up eventually. It did not sound like her, not at all. But when Ruler said it, it seemed so simple and obvious, so…

"But father Kotom…"

"The priest can wait. You're the most important person here. You don't have to obey him. Or anyone!"

It was tempting. So tempting, that Sakura had to take a deep breath and accept this complete new feeling. The air in her lungs was so fresh, so different than before… Like she was born again, free from doubts, fears and despair.

"But… remember that tomorrow we must meet with Shirou."

Jeanne nodded and whistled cheerfully. She held her Master's arm even tighter and gently kissed her cheek.

"I will show you the true meaning of having fun, Sakura. Just trust me."