ACT XV - Ryuudo Temple

Shirou's eyes opened slowly to the dreary basement of the Church. He yawned widely and found to his surprise that Saber and the others were nowhere to be found. He was sure that they would stay with him through the night. Now that he thought about it, Saber seemed to show more of her affectionate side when he was injured or when she was worried about him. The thoughts brought a smile to his face.

He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood up. He still felt rather weak but it seemed nothing was still broken, probably thanks to Ciel. He grabbed his armor which was folded neatly on a nearby chair and slipped it on, making a note to change as soon as he got back home. Not long after he'd buckled the shroud around his waist Ciel came down the stairs.

"Oh, good morning Shirou-kun. I was just coming to get you." She smiled when she saw him. "How are you feeling?" she asked as she stepped closer and leaned in towards Shirou.

Shirou leaned backwards preventing Ciel from getting any closer. "Everything feels fine. I appreciate everything you did." He then looked over Ciel's shoulder up the stairs, "Is there anyone else here?" Shirou was curious to know if Saber, Rin or Sakura were upstairs waiting for him.

"Well yes and no." she answered in a tone as if she was unsure of what to say. "Your friends aren't here but there's someone upstairs who's been asking for you."

Shirou looked puzzled, "Someone asking for me? Who is it?" He had absolutley no idea who it was that could be up there asking for him. Ciel motioned for him to follow her up the stairs and into the main part of the Church. The two of them walked up the stone staircase leading out of the room and soon he'd emerged in the main section. There was a girl sitting on one of the pews and she looked up when she heard their footsteps.

"Aiah?" Shirou asked, confirming her name as he'd only heard it once before. He thought it was strange that she knew he was here, asking for him directly like that. Had she and Archer been following him ever since she rescued him from Assassin and his Master?

"I'm glad to hear you remember my name." her lips curled into a weak smile as if she was only smiling for Shirou. Clearly by the look on her face she had something else on her mind. She stood up and walked up to Shirou, looking him and his armor over.

"What are you doing here Aiah?" Shirou had some questions for her. If she had been following him he would definately have to say something about it as he didn't appreciate being stalked.

"Archer was killed last night while he and I were on our way to investigate the Ryuudo Temple." Aiah explained the events of the night before to Shirou who listened intently. "So in short... I'd like you and Saber to help me." she added, her voice unsure of what his answer would be.

Shirou was a bit taken aback at her sudden request. Then again, she did save his life before so didn't he owe her something in return? In any case he should ask Saber first before making any kind of desicion. Her eyes pleaded with him like a stray puppy begging in the rain. It seemed like this thing meant an aweful lot to her. "I can't give you an answer right now, I'll have to run it by Saber first." If it was just him he'd help her without hesitation, but he had a partner again.

"Then let's go do something while we wait." Aiah suggested suddenly. "You said you'd take me somewhere the last time we met right?" she smiled. This time it seemed real, as if it was a chance to take her mind off everything that had happened. Aiah was indeed sad at the loss of her Servant, she'd had a bond with him that was suddenly severed with his death. As if she'd left half of herself behind.

Shirou leaned against the stone wall and thought for a moment. Had he said something like that? Either way it might be a good idea to at least talk to her a little. "Alright, we can take a walk for a few minutes." He looked outside through one of the windows on the side of the church. It looked like it would be a nice day anyway.

"Hold on. If you two are going somewhere then I'm coming too." Ciel spoke up and ran forward to grab Shirou's left arm. "After all I never get to spend any time with you either. Right Shirou-kun?" she smiled and looked up at him. Aiah looked rather unhappy at the prospect as she gave Ciel a rather angry look.

"Is that alright? I didn't know Observers were allowed to date the participants of the War." Aiah put her hands on her hips. Shirou looked rather uneasy when the word 'date' was brought up. Aiah gathered he was a rather shy man.

"Then it's fine if it's not. Besides Shirou-kun is an old friend of mine so I should keep an eye on him when he goes somewhere with some stranger." Ciel said politely however anyone could tell that she was insisting on going with them.

"Alright, that's enough from both of you. If Ciel wants to come along that's fine with me." Shirou scratched his head and spoke up. It seemed like such a silly thing to argue about but perhaps there was something else under it that he was missing. Ciel grabbing onto his arm made him a little uneasy. However she had done things like this in the past so it was probably just her teasing him some more.

"We should go out for curry." Ciel suggested as she walked next to Shirou still clutching his arm. Ciel had changed from her priest's robe to a long white skirt and a royal blue shirt. Shirou was actually surprised at how good she looked like that, usually only ever seeing her in her robes. She looked over at him and smiled, making his heart skip a beat. He noted that the color of her shirt really brought out her eyes.

"Curry? I would much rather have soup." Aiah said as she clung to Shirou's opposite arm. In tough competition ever since leaving the church the two girls seemed to have sparks flying between them. Shirou had agreed to take them out but he had also insisted on getting back quickly to wait for Saber.

"I believe the last time we met sweet bread was the subject of our discussion." he said recalling the last time he'd talked with Aiah. "I know a person who is exceptional at making it so that's where we'll be going." he glanced at the two girls holding onto each of his arms. Every person they'd passed turned their head for another look, not often did one see a strangely dressed person with two foreign women hanging onto his arms.

The trio arrived in Miyama's shopping district and Shirou bought the bread from his favorite stall and gave one to each of the girls who thanked him. "There's a park over here where we can sit down." Shirou suggested and led the two girls who were happily munching on the bread to a small park with a bench where the three of them sat.

"Shirou-kun you have some bread on your face. Let me get it for you." Ciel turned to him noticing a few crumbs on his face and started to lean in his direction, taking a handkerchief out of her pocket.

"Wait a second Ciel you can't just-" Shirou began and leaned back from her but she was too quick and wiped his upper lip. With the deed done she sat back and smiled at Shirou. He thought she must feel she had to make up for the time she had been wanting to spend with him lately.

Aiah watched this with a displeased look on her face. "Just old friends huh, Ciel?" It seemed like that on the surface but Aiah was beginning to think that Ciel liked Shirou a bit more than just a friend.

The three of them walked back to the chuch together and through the large double doors to the main room. Saber was sitting on one of the pews. She sensed Shirou was there and turned around, "Good afternoon Shirou. I'm glad to see that you are well." She spoke in her usual clear tone and smiled at him.

"Have you been waiting for us very long Saber?" Shirou asked and Saber shook her head. "Good, Aiah and I have something to talk to you about." Shirou was a little reluctant to ask Saber's opinion on Aiah's request, but she did save his life once and he owed her.

"Aiah? You know this person Shirou?" Saber looked over at Aiah with a confused look. As far as she knew they'd never met before as Saber had been by his side for almost the entire war. She couldn't think of any other time that her and Shirou could have met.

Shirou nodded, "Yes, she's Archer's former Master and she's the one responsible for you being able to find me when I was captured by Assassin." he explained. Shirou was sure if he mentioned her saving his life that Saber would be a bit more tolerant of her than normal. As she was sure to get a bit angry over Shirou associating with another Master.

"If that's true then it's a pleasure to meet you Aiah. What is it that you are asking of Shirou and I?" Saber greeted her as a friend just as Shirou thought.

"I've been hearing rumors lately about a strange foreign woman being seen during nighttime at the Ryuudo Temple. Unfortunately I got into a fight with Rider before Archer and I were able to investigate further. But Rider's Master seemed interested in the temple also." Saber looked a little apprehensive at the mention of Rider seeing as the two of them didn't exactly have the best relationship. "I would like you two to help me out tonight and go back to the Temple." Aiah finished glancing at both Shirou and Saber.

"Seeing as you've helped Shirou in the past I will agree to asist you. However if Berserker makes an appearance he will be my priority." Saber's voice took on a serious tone to it. Shirou thought that she was very good at switching her personas quickly.

"I'll agree to that. The War still remains your priority." Aiah nodded. She thought about what could possibly be so interesting at the Ryuudo Temple. Hopefully she would find out that night.

Shirou did not see Sakura, Rider or Rin at all that day. Though he had heard from Saber that Rin had once again started working on the Gem Sword in her room. Shirou had decided it would be best to stay at the church for the day since it was closer to Ryuudo Temple anyway. Aiah and Ciel had also suggested that Saber and Shirou stay as well.

They day drug on without anything eventful happening. Saber, Shirou, Aiah, and Ciel all had tea together after they had dinner which was curry made by Ciel herself. Outside the sky was starting to darken and Aiah suggested that Saber and Shirou leave with her then and the three of them headed out into the night.

"So what exactly are you expecting to find?" Shirou walked between Saber and Aiah. A foreign woman was nothing new in Fuyuki, after all they had an entire housing district designed after western houses. Though the location was nothing new. A lot of strange things happened around Ryuudo Temple during the Holy Grail Wars. Shirou had thought this was because it was build on one of the most powerful leylines in the city, and in the caves underneath used to house the Great Grail.

"I have no idea but it'll be interesting to check it out nonetheless." Aiah shrugged as she walked, her red hair bouncing off of her shoulders. Shirou didn't know anything about these rumors, probably because he only got into town just before the War started.

"Aiah, have you heard anything else about this woman? A discription perhaps?" Saber looked over at her. Aiah thought for a moment.

"Actually, she has the same color hair as you. Apparently her eyes are also an unusual and she only shows herself at night for a brief second only to disappear by the long staircase." Aiah explained as she recalled any information she'd heard over the past few days.

Shirou listened to Aiah as she described what she'd heard about the woman at the temple. An ominous feeling was starting to wash over him, as if something was telling him he should stay away from the person if they were to meet. The three of them walked along the street. The streetlamps created circles of light on the ground directly below them, giving the streets and eerie kind of look.

As they neared the Temple heavy, shuffling footfalls could be heard coming towards the group. "Shirou, a Servant is coming." Saber stated and stopped in her tracks. Aiah had a determined look on her face after Saber spoke, as if she hoped it was Rider.

"Aiah, get back." Shirou held out his arm to prevent her from running off. He heard her grit her teeth but she relaxed after Shirou glanced back at her.

The shuffling noises came closer and the three of them saw a black sillouette come into view. He was moving slowly and one of his arms was missing. The figure stepped into a streetlight and revealed a muscular man covered in blood, he was clutching his side with his remaining arm as blood poured from the stump where his other arm used to be.

Saber walked over to him and motioned for Shirou and Aiah to stay back. The man saw her and made no move to attack, he fell to his knees unable to stand up any longer. "What happened?" Saber asked as she neared him.

"So you are Saber?" The man coughed up blood which trickled out of the corner of his mouth. "It's too bad. I would have enjoyed our battle." The man fell to the ground and Saber knelt next to him and rolled him over on his back.

"Tell me what happened, Berserker." Saber said in a soft voice pressing him to speak, the man was wearing an iron breastplate which had been completely torn to ribbons along with his chainmail leggings.

"Master was killed in seconds... nothing I could have done." His conciousness was fading and his voice sounded tired. "She made friends with someone at the temple... Issei. Good man." Berserker coughed again. "Came down the stairs after spending the day with him not too long ago. Sensed massive magical energy and looked into it." He explained the best his weakening mind was able to think.

"Woman in a cave... had glowing eyes. Miss Attis... exploded. I ran." To Saber's amazement Berserker started to chuckle. "I guess this means you win if you can beat Rider." He raised his arm and grabbed onto Saber's gauntlet. "I know this is the first time we have ever met. However I want you to do me a favor." He looked up into Saber's emerald eyes. "I want you to kill me. I don't want to die unless it's by a sword."

Saber could only listen as Berserker explained what had transpired. With his last ounce of strength he staggered to his feet. Saber grabbed her sword and stood in front of him. She raised the blade and without hesitation swung and ended Berserker's life. His body fell to the ground where it exploded with a flash of light.

Shirou walked forward and stood next to Saber. He raised a hand and placed it on her shoulder to which she turned her head. "Let's keep going." Saber looked a little concerned at his words but Shirou was determined to know what was going on at the temple now. If Berserker was telling the truth, Rider wasn't the one who'd mortally wounded him and killed his Master. Killing both a Servant and a Master singlehandedly was no small deed and it piqued Shirou's curiosity.

Saber nodded towards Shirou and they began to walk closer to Ryuudo Temple with Aiah following close behind. "Wait a second you two. You don't have to keep going anymore. This looks very dangerous." Aiah said as they began to walk up the steep hill leading to the temple stairs. Aiah was now more concerned than curious, she didn't want to see Shirou die because of a selfish request she'd asked him.

"Too late to turn back now. I want to know what's in there." Shirou trodged up the hill, there were no cars on the road so the three of them walked straight up the middle. Shirou hadn't been to the temple in so long, he remembered Berserker mentioning Issei. Issei was one of Shirou's old friends from high school that he frequently used to help out. He wondered if he was alright.

"Shirou, Rider and his Master are coming." Saber said as she continued to walk next to Shirou. Her eyes told him that she was not looking forward to seeing Rider again, since they last time they met put her in such a bad mood. After a couple of seconds Shirou saw a familiar chariot led by the Divine Bulls land on the top of the hill. The trio soon reached them and Rider's Master waved at them.

"Emiya. Saber. Miss Cromwell." He nodded to each of them as he hopped out of the chariot, Rider standing next to him also nodding and then taking a long look at the mountain behind them. "I assume the three of you are here to investigate the temple as I am?" he stuck his hands in his pockets and Rider crossed his arms, showing no signs of hostility to anyone. The three of them nodded at his question. "Well then, what have you heard?" the wind blew his hair in front of his face which he flicked away.

"All we know is there's a strange foreign woman near here with blonde hair. We also believe she is responsible for singlehandedly killing Berserker and his Master." Shirou saw Waver's eyes widen as he mentioned the defeat of Berserker. "What about you? Do you know anything else about this?" Shirou asked.

"Berserker huh? I wasn't aware of that." he sighed. "Let me ask you all a question." the three of them prepared to listen intently. "Why is this War taking place? The core of the Great Grail was destroyed. There shouldn't be another Heaven's Feel here correct?" Waver took a cigar out of his pocket and lit it. "Why do you think I haven't been taking this seriously? It's because I'm looking for the reason and I believe this foreign girl is the reason."

"If what you say is true, then something else besides the Great Grail is responsible for creating this war?" Shirou looked puzzled. There shouldn't be anything else besides the Great Grail capable of performing the Heaven's Feel ritual. The way the Holy Grail War works is Servants are summoned by a Master and when one is killed it's spirit is stored in a vessel. When six are collected the vessel is consumed and the Holy Grail appears in one of a few designated areas, the conduit for all of this is the Great Grail which is located in a cave near the Ryuudo Temple.

"Yes, and I'm certain the Observer knows exactly what." Waver said as he took a puff on the cigar. "Think about it. Why would the church send a member of the Burial Agency to observe a Holy Grail War that's not supposed to exist. Something big is going on here." He let the smoke out of his mouth and it desolved into the air.

"Ciel? You think she knows something?" Shirou asked confused. He didn't think Ciel knew anything about what was going on, but then he remember the night Rin was kidnapped. She had said that she was out looking for someone, could that someone be whatever is causing this fake Grail War?

"Why don't you ask her yourself." Waver nodded to something behind Shirou and pointed upwards at the lamp post behind the group. All three of them turned around to see Ciel standing on the top of the light. She had a rather annoyed look in her eyes.

"Well it seems like you're all up to speed." She said and jumped down, her boots hitting the ground with a thud. She walked up to the group and looked at Waver and Shirou. "Do you two know each other?" she asked and put her hands behind her back.

"More or less. He was in the fourth war with my dad, and he's the one who destroyed the Great Grail at the end of the last war." Shirou explained. Ciel looked curious as if she wanted to know more but Shirou wanted to stick to the matters at hand. "So do you know what's causing all of this?" He was eager to find out, if she had something to do with it, it would explain a few things.

"Yes. I know who's responsible." Ciel said as she cast a glance up at the Ryuudo Temple. "I guess you could call her a vampire."