Author Note

Hello there and welcome to another chapter of Fate Shadow Spear.

First of all, I understand some's criticism that last chapter was kind of rushed. Well, I tend to follow the movie's timeline rather than the Visual Novel and the movie placed the initial fights rather short. Although, the initial fights were just to test the waters so to speak. Like in all fate routes, the first fights do not actually bring a lot of action. That being said, the pace of the story will progress at a more sedated pace from here on out. With the obvious difference in scenery of course, since most of what happened was due to Shirou's inability to respond in kind to the situations presented to him. Actually, in all of Fate's routes, Shirou takes some time to gather his bearings. However, in Heaven's Feel, he does not have the luxury of time. Well, not in this story, I will tell you that.

And that in itself changes many things.

Well, I will not spoil what I have in mind beforehand.

Now, about the reviews, most chose to criticize the fast pace of last chapter, so there is not many reviews to respond. So, I will focus only on those who actually asked a question or made a comment about the story.

Hyperomegasonic26 - While I can't divulge much about the future events, I can tell that Shirou and Saber will be better prepared this time around. Much of what happened to Saber being enveloped by the shadow was due to Shirou's own inability to deal with the fights. This will not happen. However, I do plan for some other servant to be taken by the shadow.

jdragonslayer159 - Just fixed the part about Ilya calling him younger or older brother. Thanks for the info.

Manuel Rodrguez - Sorry, no harem.

Well, that's it. Now on with the chapter.

Heaven's Feel

Fate: Shadow Spear

Chapter 8 – Dreams and Memories

The King of Knights watched from a hidden spot as Shirou brought the unconscious girl named Ayako to her house. He appeared to be talking to the girl's parents who looked worried sick about their daughter, since she did not come home last night. Shirou told them that he had found Ayako unconscious near the school grounds as he was returning from his night shift. The mother surprised and hugged Shirou for bringing their daughter back home and Saber could not help but smile at the scene of her master scratching the back of his head in embarrassment at the praise.

She saw the genuine action from Shirou in getting out of his way to help others in need. To her, it sent all the right signals of someone worthy of respect.

Shirou, for his turn, bowed at Ayako's parents and then turned to leave.

The sun has yet to rise in the horizon, so he figured that he could a least have a few hours of sleep, before starting his training for the day. Taiga and certainly Sakura would definitely come home for breakfast afterward. The thought of Sakura came back in Shirou's head as he remembered about Shinji and Zouken. He could not shake the feeling that the girl was not safe living in her house, but he wondered what he could do. Sakura no doubt was also a magus, that much was certain. However, that alone did not help clear up his mind about what to do about her.

He would have to ponder about it later.

As to Saber, she was already briefed about the cover story she needed to follow as Scathach's Associate from Europe. She hailed from England, while Scathach was Irish. The King of Knights did not see any trouble in following this charade so long as it did not get in the way of their duties in the war. Reaching his house, Shirou yawned and turned to Saber.

"Hey Saber, I think I will try to sleep a little. I can show you a room for you to rest as well."

The King of Knights looked serious at him.

"Yes, rest is adamant for the both of us to be at our peak. However, to protect you, it is best if I sleep in the same room as you, Shirou."

The thought alone made Shirou blush and he responded with surprise. Scathach had joked about it enough for Shirou to shrug it off, but Saber looked quite serious.

"What are you talking about...why...you're a woman...and I…" Shirou was having a hard time explaining the prospect of sleeping together just like that out of the blue. The King of Knights frowned at the response.

"Shirou, my gender has little to no relevance here. I should be close by in case a servant attacks you. I can feel a strong bounded field in this house, but an Assassin or even a Caster servant could sneak in. Please do not fight me on this. It's my duty as a servant to protect you." Shirou looked at the blonde woman, wondering what else he could use as an argument, but sighed. Scathach would certainly be laughing at the scene right now. He really was in no mood to waste precious sleeping hours arguing with her.

"Ah...fine...ok I guess I can place another futon next to mine."

"Thank you for understanding, Shirou. Also, do you have something I can wear…" The redhead nodded as he was thinking of her clothes as well.

Taiga and Sakura would demand an explanation if they saw Saber's royalty clothes.

"Sure, there are some of my old clothes you could wear. Wait a minute while I grab it for you"

Shirou found a nice blue kimono that he wore when he was the same height as Saber.

The king of knights quickly got into the bathroom and put it on. A quick look in the mirror later, she smiled upon feeling the soft fabric and comfort in these clothes.

Leaving the bathroom, she followed Shirou to his room as he took another futon and placed it next to his own.

"If anyone asks, your luggage got lost by the air company, hence why you're using my old clothes. Tomorrow, I will try and get some more clothes for you."

Saber nodded with a content smile as she passed her hands through the kimono's fabric. Certainly, this was way more comfortable than the black suit Irisviel made her wear.

"I appreciate it Shirou."

Shirou nodded as he saw the king of knights get inside her futon for some rest. He smiled once the little kitten approached them and snoozed quietly at Saber's futon before the woman lifted her mattress to accommodate the feline. Truly, it astonished him how much Tsuki enjoyed being around his servant. It turned out, though, that every time the cat approached, Shirou could watch she completely lowering her guard. While their link was strong and that Saber did not require sleep, tonight was quite taxing on them, after facing four servants in a row. Plus, seeing as Saber could not dematerialize, she needed to find other ways of conserving energy. Sleeping and perhaps some food would fit in nicely. Shirou quickly changed his clothes and got into his own to sleep.

Eventually, master and servant began to dreamt about one another.

===Saber's Dream===

The Battle of Camlann was considered the end of King Arthur's rule.

It was a battle of amazing proportions and many noble warriors perished that day. However, it was merely the ultimate consequence of many events that happened seemingly all at once. When news reached the kingdom about Lancelot and Queen Guinevere's betrayal, Camelot became a pandemonium. Obviously, there were members inside her castle who wished to see the kingdom burn. Her sister obviously a top favorite and her son, a top second. Sir Agravain, Morgan's son. It was him who found out about Lancelot's affair and used it to his advantage in order to stir chaos. It was because of his actions, that Arturia was not able to quell the flames inside Camelot, despite her never blaming Lanelor nor her queen for the affair.

Arturia had respect Guinevere's sacrifice after all.

Because of the unrest, soon a civil war erupted in the kingdom, forcing Arturia to take on arms once more as those who were still loyal to her faced against those who no longer wished for her to be king.

The Battle of Camlann ended up being more brutal than she realized, with thousand mangled corpses of fighters filling up the hill as if they were a part of scenery. And it looked like one person was responsible for all the killing. Swinging her gigantic sword in all its silver glory and dressed in a silver armor from head to toe, Mordred Pendragon, the Knight of Treachery, son of Morgan Le Fey and Arturia Pendragon, though the latter never once consented to such a birth, slayed every one she encountered with as much viciousness as if she was slaying Arturia himself.

"WHERE IS KING ARTHUR?" The knight of treachery screamed right after gutting another fighter. "WHERE IS THE KING OF KNIGHTS?"

Despite the heavy fighting, Mordred could not help but use her sword as clutch, though her anger overcame any notion of unrest at the moment. The reason was simple. She went too far. Too far to simply back off now to simply walk away and be back to how things were. She had betrayed the king and killed too many. Just by looking down the hill, she could see the trail of blood by her own hands. Her armor became too heavy as she coughed. She was out of breath, though right now the only path was forward…forward in her goal. From her back, a figure stood with her sword drawn as the sun was just setting for the day. The King's eyes were covered by her hair, so no emotion could be seen in her visage as she stared at her 'son', butchering her knights like they were nothing.

Mordred soon turned and saw the source of her hatred. Despite it all, Mordred cursed at the majestic figure of her father. Arturia's armor was shining as if the king had just joined this civil war.

"How's that? How is that King Arthur?" Mordred was using her arms, while showing the carnage that stood behind her. She was taking responsibility for everything and she wanted her father to know that. "Your Kingdom is now over! This is retribution for not giving the throne to me." Arturia, though, did not respond. How could she…Mordred wanted to fight her, not talk. And frankly, Arturia had no words in her head, aside from blaming herself for everything that has happened. If she had not taken out the sword from the stone, then her kingdom would not have suffered like this. If she had not taken the sword from the stone, then her friends Lancelot and Guinevere would not suffer like they did. If she had not taken the sword from the stone, then her sister would not feel threatened by her and use her vile means to 'birth' Mordred.

It was all her fault that the kingdom was in ruins right now.

Mordred stiffened when she saw the king position Excalibur in front of her, ready to fight the Knight of Treachery.

"Is that hatred? Am I that detestable to you? You detest me, the child of a witch? ANSWER ME!" Mordred screamed as she charged against Arturia who simply stood in place and parried Excalibur against Clarent, though Clarent emerged victorious as Arturia could not hold Excalibur in her hand. The sword of the king flew and landed roughly on the ground close to the dead. Its metal struck on the ground echoing throughout the now silenced clearing. A couple minutes earlier, this land was filled with angry shouts, weapons clashing, flesh being cut, and blood being spilled. Now, a heavy silence erupted between father and son. Arturia could not help but sigh in dismay as she stood facing her son. She knew one thing in this entire mess to be true.

"I haver never found you detestable…" Arturia willed now Rhongomyniad in her arms. "I did not give you the throne…" When Mordred realized it, the holy lance had already pierced her stomach, dealing a fatal injury. "…because you were not fit to the king." Arturia's tone was devoid of any emotion as she watched Mordred's helmet explode, showing her son in all his once glory, a mirror image of Arturia herself. Mordred's eyes suddenly lost focus as she could feel her life draining away at the blow. Despite it all, this was perhaps the only chance she had as the king was inches from her position. The King had lost Avalon and could now receive a mortal wound. A last source of strength surged as her fist took a hold of Clarent and stroke Arturia's stomach.

"F…ather!"

This was the last scene that Shirou saw as he suddenly opened his eyes and found the room's wall as his back was facing the sleeping Saber, whose memory he now had seen somewhat. Still, the dream was so real that Shirou felt like being transported to the time where Saber ended up facing her destiny at the hands of the Knight of Treachery. However, it felt different than a dream. It was more like a memory and he was relieving something he never went through in the first place. Releasing a heavy sigh, Shirou now felt like he has taken another step in understanding Saber better. The troubles she went to as king of a divided nation. It made him want to help her even more in acquiring the grail as no doubt his respect for her doubled.

===Shirou's Dream===

Everywhere he looked there was fire. Molting pillars of fire everywhere. The ground was scorched black in pretty much every location he could see. Memories were hazy…he could not remember what happened. He could not remember how he got where he was right now. As he placed a step in front of the other, little Shirou could feel the soles of his feet burning up. All he could think of right now was this…a step in front of the other. His mind was focused in only one thing…survival. He needed to escape this somehow.

As he walked, his eyes laid witness to terrible sights. Bodies burned, bodies burning up, people screaming for their lives, children desperately trying to find someone to save their dying parents.

Shirou simply walked.

He blocked everything that would keep him from focusing on the single goal of escaping the hell he was in right now.

As he walked, he tried to cover his ears to prevent the terrible screams from reaching him, but to no avail. He heard it all. The scenes he witnessed, the hell he witnessed, burned into his brain and kept playing over and over again. Soon, Shirou had lost his stamina. He could no longer feel the soles of his feet, nor could he feel the rest of his body. His lungs had inhaled too much smoke and he was having trouble breathing. He was already going numb as his eyes slowly closed. In the end, small Shirou found that he did not have what it took to survive. Falling on the ground, he rolled to face the skies and saw the giant black ball in the sky engulfed by a ring of fire. There was a macabre structure just below the black ball like a hand reaching out to grab it.

Shirou's eyes became drawn onto the emptiness of the black hole as his ears became accustomed to the sounds of the fire dancing around the entire area.

He extended his tiny hand so as to reach the black ball in the sky. A part of his mind joyfully picturing his hand being the same size as the ball. Shirou's eyes were about to close entirely when two things happened almost at the same time. The fire in the area sent enough heat to the atmosphere that the skies responded by pouring rain, dozing the fires around the area. Also, Shirou's hand was engulfed by a different pair of hands, bigger than his. When his eyes searched for whom the hands belonged to, he saw a man looking down at him, with tears in his eyes.

"I'm so glad…I was able to save someone."

The look in this man's eyes, the notion of elation at the prospect of saving someone had drawn something in Shirou.

The area around them no longer catching on fire and the black hole above vanished.

Saber opened her eyes in surprise as she turned her head to her sleeping master. So many puzzles forming in Saber's mind about him. The scenes she saw from his eyes were too much even for her to handle. The despair of many around her, begging for help from a child who had lost everything himself and still managed to survive despite the odds stacked against him. The dream was so real that Saber felt what Shirou did back then. The heavy stench of burned bodies, the screaming of terror of people begging for the lives and even the fire slowly burning Shirou's little body. It showed how strong was their bond as master and servant. She also saw the image of her master's savior. To see Kiritsugu crying like that upon saving a little kid was nothing short of mesmerizing. The man she remembered was cold, apathetic, and calculating.

===Next day===

Saber and Shirou were already up and inside the dojo as he had asked her to help n his morning workout.

Saber with her sword and Shirou with his spear.

She was hesitant at first, but as the practice progressed, the king of knights could see in surprise that Shirou was not only keeping up with her speed but was also holding his own in their strikes. Of course, Saber was not giving it her all, but it was exciting to have a sparring partner once more. Plus, the way he fought reminded her of her fight with Lancer. Though Shirou was obviously more on the defensive than Lancer as he was not a servant.

Shirou explained that he did this every day with his teacher for over five years now, using not only body reinforcement but also the runes that were added to his body.

Also, for him it was a good change of pace to fight against a sword user. It helped him gain more perspective and experience. And against the king of knights herself.

Truly he could not find a better sword user to practice against.

Neither opted to talk about the fact that they had dreamed about each other. There really was no need for it as their goal was to face the Grail War and collect the reward in the end, assuming that the Grail would indeed grant any wish. Back to their spar, the pair was going at it for quite some time now and Saber could attest to her master's stamina. She would not bet on him against a servant of her caliber, but against those weaker servants, he could have a equal standing. Shirou had even adapted nicely to fighting her invisible sword and that attested to his adaptability.

The floor of the dojo was humid because of Shirou's sweat, though the redhead kept up the attack and defensive movements against Saber.

She could see that he was getting tired after a good two-hour workout. So, she stepped inside his guard and stroke with her sword, pausing just inches from his neck.

"Ah, yield…" Saber nodded as she took a step back and positioned into her battle stance. Shirou did the same as he then bowed in respect. Saber took solace in the gesture.

"I appreciate it, Saber…though compared to my teacher, you're too gentle." The woman frowned at the comment and Shirou smiled as he drank some water.

"Are you saying that miss Scathach would have hurt her student in a spar…" Shirou had to roll his eyes at that as clearly Saber was in the loss about Scathach's methods.

Still, Shirou remembered the moments quite fondly.

"Hurt is saying modestly…she would pound me into the ground constantly and even use the blade part of the spear to inflict great harm in me should I fail to block properly." Saber could not help but sweat drop at Shirou's description and the fact that he was smiling through it all only served for her to ponder.

"I always praised technique and finesse in my knights' training, though I can't complain about the end results of what I saw today…I can see both grace and ferocity in your movements, Shirou. Would it be favorable for us to practice every day, then…while not much of a teacher myself, I believe I can help you improve your attack movements. Fighting with a spear allows you to keep your opponent guessing, you must take advantage of that. You have good standing in defensive manuevers." Shirou nodded with a smile as he appreciated her help in this.

"I thought you said that you were not much of a teacher…" Saber blushed a bit, being caught off guard.

"Well, I did join into sessions with the Knights of the Round Table from time to time for battle exercises. Though, neither of them favored using the spear."

Shirou released his traced spear as he got up from the ground, aided by Saber. While he recovered his breathing, they had discussed about today's night activities, mainly about checking the Ryuudou Temple, where Shirou reported a high concentration of mana yesterday. There was only two servants left to find, Assassin and Caster. They soon left the dojo and headed towards the main house as in no time, Taiga and Sakura would arrive. Shirou urged Saber to wait for him in the kitchen while he took a quick shower and dressed his school clothes. As soon as he got ready to start breakfast for everyone, he felt Taiga and Sakura's presence entering the bounded field. The two women blinked at the presence of Saber on the table.

Shirou worked first in introducing her.

"Good morning Sakura, Taiga…this is Saber, she's Scathach's contact." Saber was wearing Shirou's old blue kimono that he had lent to her yesterday and both Sakura and Taiga caught on that.

"Pleasure to meet you two." Sakura said nothing, but Taiga was already shaking Shirou's shoulder, demanding answers.

"Oh Shirou, you womanizer…why is she wearing your old clothes?" Saber looked at the pair strangely, not knowing what the woman was implying.

"Fuji-nee, how many times are you going to reach that conclusion…honestly. Saber arrived last night, and she had forgotten her bags at the airport. So, I gave her some clothes to wear." Taiga still frowned.

"How do you expect me to think otherwise Shirou…when pretty women keep showing up at your house and wearing your clothes no less…I have to take care of you, you know. Kiritsugu would never forgive me if I let some woman take advantage of your innocence." Saber sweat dropped at this woman's way of mincing words. She could not vouch for Scathach's behavior and way of dress, but she would never do such a thing. Still, her eyes were now glued on the girl wearing clothes similar to Shirou's uniform. Sakura was actually caught off guard by this new development. A new woman appeared in Shirou's life and while not as developed as Scathach, Sakura found Saber more beautiful. Certainly, she was feeling threatened by the appearance.

Out of the blue, Saber saw Sakura smiling at her.

"Oh, pleasure to meet you as well, Saber…" Sakura bowed in respect and Saber did the same as she knew the costume of the country she was in, thanks to the Grail. Sakura, then, walked into the kitchen and offered to help Shirou make breakfast, which he accepted. Saber took a seat by the table in front of Taiga as they talked about Scathach and even Kiritsugu. Saber had enough knowledge about the man to tell Taiga bits and pieces about their interactions though she had to place Scathach in the mix somewhat. As Shirou observed Sakura helping around the kitchen, his mind went back to the fight he had with Shinji. If both her grandfather and her brother were magus, then chances were that she was as well, though Shirou would not bother calling up on that. As he looked at her however, he could see something that caught his eye.

"Sakura…" He released a few strands of her hair that was covering a bruise on her face.

"Oh, it was nothing senpai..."

"Who did this, Sakura. Was it Shinji?"

"Well, he has been quite stressed these days is all."

Shirou was rather furious at that as he vowed to do something about it. Shirou knew why the bastard was stressed out, but that was no excuse. Eventually, breakfast was finished as Taiga and Sakura waited for Shirou to meet them outside. Shirou, for his turn, was talking to Saber in the kitchen who in turn was absentmindedly caressing Tsuka on her lap.

"Sorry Saber, I won't be gone for long…I will be home in a couple of hours. Also, I will try to get you some clothes." Saber nodded at her master.

"There is no need to apologize Shirou…just be careful out there. You said that Archer's master is at your school as well, so she might want to retaliate for last night."

Shirou already knew about the possibility.

"Yeah, though I doubt she will try anything, and Archer was pretty wounded from your strike last night. If she does try something, then I guess I will have to do it all over again." Saber giggled since Shirou mumbled that last part.

"If you run into trouble you cannot handle, please do not forget to use one of the command seals. I will reach you instantly." Shirou looked at his hand and nodded with a smile as he said his goodbye to the servant.

Saber, for her turn, saw the empty house and got up with Tsuki in her arms. She went to the house's garden and took a seat by the porch in complete relaxation as Tsuki once more laid on her lap. It was a nice place, she reasoned. The bounded field was indeed strong from the outside and kept even outside noises from entering. That alone allowed Saber's mind to reach a tranquil state. Contrary to the last war, where there was turmoil every day, right now, at least, the Kind of Knights found herself at peace.

===At the school===

No sooner had Shirou and Sakura entered the school building, Shirou turned to the left and got dragged by an irate looking Tohsaka Rin towards the roof, earning the stares of many and even lewd whispers. Sakura looked at the two vanishing through the stairs as she heard the whispers from the colleagues and could not help but get irritated on the inside. Not at the comments itself, but at the prospect of any of them being true. She looked down as her hair cast a shadow over her eyes, before slowly walking to her classroom.

===At the roof===

As soon as the two reached the roof, Shirou yanked his hands from Rin.

"Would you stop pulling me, Tohsaka…what is the matter with you?"

Tohsaka Rin was beyond pissed at him as she turned out to confront him, showing her exposed belly with the wound given by him yesterday.

"What is the matter with me…ahhh, I'm even madder than before. You hitting me like that…and since when are you also a magus, huh?"

Shirou saw Rin's finger inches from his nose and he frowned.

"Why would I tell you about that, we are acquaintances at best. We met every other day to go to school together and it is not like you were open about it either, Tohsaka. As to me hitting you, bear in mind that I could have easily killed you if I did the same thing you tried to do to me yesterday." Rin though kept the frown up her face. "What I did was merely to spoke you. Was I anyone else, I could have easily ordered Saber to do the final blow as you were unconscious." Rin frowned and turned her face, but then released a sigh in dismay at her situation.

"True, you could. So, why did you not?" Shirou looked at her as if she was crazy.

"Huh, I don't plan on killing people any time soon, Tohsaka. Especially not someone I know." Rin placed both hands on her waist and bended forward in indignation.

"Great, so now what…you think I'm in your debt or something…"

"Ah no…I do not. Though come to think about it, there is something you could help me with…" Rin snorted as Shirou told him about finding some clothes to his servant, since for some reason, she cannot dematerialize. Eventually, the mood subsided and the two talked about the events of the war. Shirou told him about the other three masters he faced after Archer and even told her about the masters' identities. Rin was surprised that Shinji was also a master and the Einzbern had a member in this war as well. Though, come to think about it, the three families were almost certain to participate in all grail wars. Shirou had even explained about Matou Zouken's presence, to which Rin frowned. Surely, she knew about the old decrepit magus. However, if he was involved in this war, somehow, then Rin needed to be aware of his moves.

Rin had reported to him about her findings at the Ryuudou Temple, though she reported to being unable to easily bypass the bounded field around it. In the end, though, Rin was without her servant, so she did not find much nor she did she wish to be found by other masters aside from Shirou.

"I can get you some clothes for Saber, but that would be all I'm doing to repay you for not killing me. After this, we are enemies once more."

Shirou nodded in appreciation at the clothes.

"Thank you, Tohsaka…hope Archer gets better soon." Rin frowned at the notion, as Shirou turned his back on her and left the roof. She was afraid of the redhead magus as he realized that her servant was still recuperating. In one attack, Shirou's servant almost killed Archer. The strongest servant class was in his grasp and from what she remembered from yesterday, Shirou was quite competent as a magus. Those marks on his body still eluded her, though. Rin was a bookworm in terms of magecraft and she could not remember seeing anything like that.

===Emiya's Household===

The skies were clouded as Matou Sakura was seen slicing some vegetables in the kitchen. Her eyes were unfocused as she proceeded with the task just like Shirou instructed her to when she first arrived in his house. Pulling some strands of hair from her forehead, Sakura was feeling somewhat strange. Well, strange was a poorly chosen word as she knew quite well the feeling. Ever since she was adopted by the Matou family, she has beecome accostumed to it. High temperatures…dizziness…pain and...other feelings she cared not to think about. Just the mere memory of the repeated occurrences in her life was enough to make her feel hollow inside.

"Sakura..." The purple-haired girl turned to see Saber there by the kitchen's entrance.

"I just want to say that breakfast today was delicious, and you also made me lunch. For that I am truly grateful."

Sakura was taken off guard for sure at such a display from the blonde woman.

So much that she had no words to respond. Truly, Sakura was at a loss, but she was victimized by the King of Knight's natural charisma.

"Oh, that's n…." Saber kept smiling at her and even ventured forward, offering her own assistance in anything Sakura wished. Frankly, it only served to make Sakura even more uncomfortable as she looked at Taiga for support. Sakura was about to respond when they all heard Shirou announcing his arrival. Shirou came in carrying her suitcase and also a travel bag. Sakura, Taiga and even Saber looked at him in wonder.

"Saber, your suitcase has arrived." The king of knights blinked twice, before recognition appeared in her face as she nodded in appreciation at the smiling Shirou. Such a display was not lost by Sakura as Saber took the bag towards the table and unzipped it. She then grabbed what appeared to be a long-sleeved shirt and dark blue long skirt followed by some brown leather boots. Saber's hands passed through the clothes' fabric and was marveled by it. Truly, Shirou went out of his way to give her the best.

"Oh, it's cute." Shirou looked at the scenery, especially at Saber's smile as she folded her clothes back inside the bag and subtly nodded in appreciation at her master.

Sakura suddenly got up from the table, surprising the rest.

"Ah, uh, I will check up the laundry, senpai…be right back." Sakura quickly ushered herself from the kitchen, followed by Saber who grabbed her bag to take it back to Shirou's room she was sharing.

"I will come help you, Sakura."

Saber also left, following Sakura deep inside the house, leaving Taiga and Shirou alone in the kitchen.

Fuji was smiling at the scene and was about to tease Shirou, but stopped once she saw Shirou frowning.

"Why the long face, Shirou?"

"Did you know that Shinji hit her?"

The downtrodden look was not what Shirou wanted to see, however the conversation was brought to a halt once they heard heavy steps coming towards the kitchen.

"Shirou, Sakura is…" Saber looked frantic and Shirou immediately got up and followed her. Saber has placed Sakura in one of the western rooms, helping her to lie down.

When Shirou and Saber got inside the room, they saw Sakura heavily asleep. Shirou quickly placed his head on Sakura's forehead to see if she had a fever.

"What happened, Saber?" Shirou was surprised to feel that her forehead was burning up.

"I don't know…one minute she was folding some of your clothes and then she fainted. I carried her here and called you afterward." Shirou frowned in worry.

When Sakura slowly opened her eyes, she was surprised to see that she was lying on a bed and that Shirou and Saber were standing together, watching her.

"Sen..pai, Saber?" Her voice was weak and her eyes half-opened.

"Sakura, how are you feeling?"

"Ano, I'm alright. There is no need to worry about me, senpai."

Shirou frowned as Sakura covered half of her face, hoping to keep the clear image of her face burning up in fever.

"Nonsense, Sakura. You have a fever, please do rest. I will bring you something to eat shortly." Sakura saw as Shirou and Saber quickly left the room, leaving her to rest for the night. Once they stepped out of the room, Taiga was there to check up on her as well. She got inside the bedroom as Saber and Shirou went to the kitchen. Saber saw as Shirou stepped inside the kitchen and started making them dinner. Outside, it was still cloudy, but it was already nighttime, meaning that the servants and masters would be out once more.

"Shirou…" The redhead in question turned to see Saber. He knew what she meant to say before she even opened her mouth.

"Sorry Saber, but could we stay in tonight? I know we talked about checking the Ryuudou Temple tonight, but…" The king of knights only smiled at her master.

Yes, their battle was indeed important, but Saber would not be the righteous king that she was if they had simply abandoned Sakura here all alone.

"It's okay Shirou, Sakura is a guest at your house and she needs care. We can proceed tomorrow. Do you need any help?"

Shirou smiled in appreciation as he returned to making dinner.

"There is no need, thank you."

Saber just took position in one of the seats by the table as she quietly observed Shirou's meticulosity in the kitchen. Every action he took had merit, every move he made was coordinated with no wasted movement as far as she could see. In essence, Saber learned how to observe one's craft througout her life. When she first observed Camelot's most prized weaponsmith create their swords. When she first observed a fine swordsman in Sir Lancelot go about his every day practice. As she observed Shirou going about in the kitchen, she was just marveled at the perfected ease in which he moved around. Not to mention that Saber had already tasted his creations and became enraptured by it.

As she looked at his back, however, Saber flinched once the image of a young Shirou facing hell on earth appeared in her mind.

==Land of Shadows===

Far away from Shirou's house and even Fuyuki for that manner, one miss Scathach was busy doing her rounds around the land in which she called her home for who knows how many years. She stopped counting a long time ago. As she passed through the countless wraths and ghosts that kept her company, her mind drifted to her ward and the grail war he was fighting. The gateway to the land of the shadows went through Ryuudou Temple, and she was able to feel the high concentration of mana coming from the temple once she crossed over. Her curiosity on the subject being less than zero, however, as this was not her fight to participate in. However, considering the power that she sensed coming from the temple, Scathach firmly believed that Shirou would have no trouble against whoever servant was in the temple.

As she walked throughout the fields of this desolated land, she saw something quite unusual. A horde of wraths circling one dead Emiya Kiritsugu who was leaning his body against a tree with his eyes closed. It has been four years already since the man perished and as she approached her ward's father, she could see that the once blackened aura around him was pretty much gone. Kiritsugu opened his eyes as Scathach approached him.

"I can see you have been productive in your solitude. Got everything cleared up I see."

Kiritsugu nodded in a serious manner. In this place, there is not much else to do besides protecting yourself and thinking about your actions in the past. Well, he may no longer have his guns, but he also knew how to fight without them. As to his pondering, that took a while. He worked through many of his past traumas, wondering what he could do differently. In many situations, he had found himself unsure about a possible different path. Certainly not killing his father back then would bring dire consequences. It was the same with Natalia, though to this day it still hurt to be the one who caused her death.

If he did not blow the plane while airborne and the plane landed in New York, for sure the dead apostle bees would infest the entire city.

The rationalization in his mind showed that Natalia would have made the same decision.

The situations where he could see a different path were his actions in the Fourth Grail War. While he did not regret his actions against the enemies, he certainly regretted his actions to his allies, namely his wife Irisviel and his servant Arturia Pendragon. He should have better protected Irisviel and he certainly should have trusted Saber more. He remembered the look of betrayal in her eyes once he ordered her to destroy the Lesser Grail. It was something he deeply regretted, and it took time for him to find solace in the inevitability of not being able to change the past. Certainly, the valiant king of knights deserved a far better master than him. What brought a smile on his face was the notion that if Shirou is chosen as a master, then the King of Knights would be his servant. Shirou would no doubt be a far better master to her than Kiritsugu could ever be.

As far as Ilyasviel was concerned, he did try his best to rescue her. It was because he tried so hard that he died ahead of schedule.

"Since you are here, I take it you have news of the war."

"Yes, Shirou was chosen as a master and summoned King Arthur herself as his servant".

Kiritsugu smiled at that, wondering about Saber and Shirou's interaction.

"I see...well I have faith that he will succeed and make the right choices both to him and for Arturia."

Scathach remembered seeing Shirou's reaction once he laid eyes on the beautiful swordswoman.

It was too much for her...trying to tease him for years, both using herself as bait and even little Sakura.

"I, on the other hand, feel that I no longer belong here".

No sooner had he finished talking, a new gateway opened behind him as Scathach looked on with a smile on her face. It was quite unusual for someone as rotten as Kiritsugu was to find the path needed to leave the Land of Shadows. Kiritsugu started walking towards the gateway and he smiled upon seeing his wife there waiting for him on the other side with that beautiful smile of hers. He stopped short however as he turned to the landowner of this place.

"You plan on going back to him anytime soon?"

"Of course...I certainly wish to fight him to the death once his training is complete."

Kiritsugu looked surprised at that statement, but he could see that the woman held high praise for his son if she thought that Shirou could ever reach her level.

He certainly remembered Shirou's tenacity and unbreakable will. If something as impossible as reaching Scathach's level can be done, then his son would surely find a way.

"Certainly, that's a fight worth waiting for."

Scathach nodded as he saw the man crossing over before the gateway closed once more. Indeed, it was something worth waiting for and she will make sure that the kid is ready for when the time comes.

Author Note

Ok, that's it for now.

A couple of differences. While Rin and Shirou are not exactly enemies, there are not allies either. I'm not saying that they will fight each other once more, just that they will not be together much. Also, I have already came up with Scathach's role in this war. I won't say much, but she will have a responsability to deal with. Also, I know that Saber and Shirou's interaction are more akin to UBW and Fate route, so yes, I will be doing that on occasion, together with the Heaven's Feel interactions.

Lasttly, the scene with Kiritsugu finally ascending to a higher plane was something I did not plan to do it initially, but in the end, it was very nice to write about. He also had his personal hell to deal with. Plus, it allowed me to reintroduce Scathach into the story.

Now that this update is done, I will focus on the next chapter of Avalon Bond.

For those who does not know about it, I plan on incorporating Shirou and Arturia into the worle do Fate Grand Order. I just hope it will be to everyone's liking.

Feel free to comment.

See ya next chapter.