hEmiya Shirou never thought he would find a chance like this.

In his time, when he made that compact with Alaya, he expected an eternity of service, salvation in the name of the human order. He found eternal slaughter, a headsman's job of execution without end. One of many faceless heroes, a hopeless existence that could only kill and kill, never save.

It drove him mad, betrayed by the ideals that let him face death at the gallows with a smile. And when he returned to the Grail War that defined his path, face to face with his younger idiotic self, he resolved to kill him and spare him this torment. And if it had even the slightest chance of freeing him from damnable, grey existence... All the better.

But he endured. He stood by his ideals. And he won in the end, tempered, wiser, and equipped to avoid the mistakes of the future.

The man who was once Emiya Shirou simply trusted in him from that point on. He put his faith in the girl he loved, and returned to slaughter with newfound resolve. He, too, would do his best.

...Returning to that timeline, and witnessing the fruits of his betrayal, was never in the cards. But here he is.

Saber, the King of Knights, sets down her steaming cup of green tea with a satisfied sigh. She was wearing her casual attire, the blouse and skirt that Rin lent her at the start of the War. Did they have those in stock, or did she have them made? "So, Red Archer," she asks, eyebrow raised as she smiles thoughtfully at him, "Have you done your best?"

Archer smirks as he sups at his beer, slouched back on the couch. "As well as a faker like me could ever hope," he laughs. "And you, Saber?"

Humanity burned in 2026

The only way to save them is to turn back the clock

Save the past to save the present

But when you have a time machine you have all the time in the world

So take it slow, have some tea

Maybe stab your stupid sister in the face, just a thought

All this and more, in...

FATE/SUNNY ORDER

His arrival in Chaldea was one event amidst a veritable whirlwind, bombarding him constantly with new information. His arrival, right after the King of Knights he loved as a boy. Being summoned by his own children with Rin – twins, at that, one of them given the crest at such a young age. Meeting Lancer, who remembered everything. Taunting Lancer, just to test their relation. Getting into a fight with Lancer, which nearly turned fatal again. And then losing to Berserker again, that same black giant that nearly split him in half in his youth.

And then there was Rome, the day later. Sweet, merciful Rome. It was, ah... quite the battle. A simple blacksmith like himself has no place in such grand battlefields. But here we are.

Saber nods, sitting neatly with her legs tucked in. Prim and proper, like she always is. "Quite well, yes. The cake you made the other day was excellent."

"You flatter me," Archer smiles. It is no humble brag. They both know that he can do better. Or, rather, 'he' can do better. Emiya Shirou has no idea what Emiya Shirou has done ever since the end of the Fifth War, but if he has had two children with Rin... Well, she might have actually succeeded in teaching his stupid self the meaning of self worth. "What happened to you after the Fifth War?"

"Rin made a contract with me, and I lived with her and Shirou ever since as their familiar."

Archer raises his eyebrow. It would surprise him, but if anyone could do something so audacious it would be Rin. He takes another sip of beer. This brand tastes terrible, but he'll have it anyways. "Oh? Is that why our Masters refer to you as auntie?"

"Indeed," Arturia nods, "I was named their godmother, and I helped raise them. It wasn't much; I simply minded them when Shirou was away and Rin was busy with her research."

"I see."

"Yes."

They sit there, in relative silence, the both of them trying to tune out the muffled kareoke happening a few rooms away. These rooms need better soundproofing, Archer decides. "What happened after the Fifth War, then?" He asks. "I don't need a full sequence of events. I doubt its relevant."

Saber smiles. "Well, I suppose we should start with the children..."

"...So," the man says, laying in bed and looking up at the ceiling. "That happened."

"Yes," the woman beside him says, also looking upwards and hugging his arm. "That did."

They lay there in bed for a long time, not sure what else to say. What else is there to say. It simply happened. Deep down, the woman scolded herself for just doing it. This was reckless. It was the height of irresponsibility. She should have discussed this with Shirou first. Dammit, what will happen if he can't keep his promise? Idiot, idiot!

She starts hitting his arm, but Shirou just takes it. After all... They just did something dumb. "...So I guess you regret it after all."

"No, idiot! You're an idiot!"

"That explains nothing," he says laconically. Emiya Shirou has gotten very good at cutting through bullshit in the years since the War. He rolls over to face her, conveniently laying down on one of her hands. "... Not that I'm complaining, but what was that about?"

"...Well..." She says nothing, just looking at him. Her face is red. Her heart is pumping. Dammit dammit dammit, what now? How is she supposed to explain this? It was supposed to be a secret plan... Except it won't work unless he knows! Gah! She messed up a detail again! "... I mean... You're leaving tomorrow, and..."

"Tohsaka." Shirou looks at her, smiling in that way that always just makes her heart skip a beat. "I'll come back this time too. I promised, right?"

"I-I know! But every time you come back more and more hurt, and I don't like it! You're just going to hurt yourself again, until you can't even come back!"

"I'll come back. I promise. But I have to do this."

"No, you don't." There are tears welling in her eyes. Angry tears. Fearful tears. "There's always someone to save. Somewhere under attack. You don't have to go every time, you know?"

"Tohsaka..."

"Shut up. You're becoming like him. He told me to not let you become like him." She leans forward, putting her head in his broad chest. It was nice and safe here, even though she knew she should be mad. "I'm scared you'll become like him."

He puts his arm over her bare back, bringing her closer under the sheets. "I won't. You've taught me that much, Tohsaka. And Saber, too."

"I know. I made sure."

Shirou starts to ask, but Rin grabs his hand and moves it over, placing it against her belly. His eyes widen.

"It's not just me and Saber you have to come back to now," Rin says softly. "So come back, okay?"

"...Okay."

"...So in essence, Rin gave up," Archer says.

"Just about," Saber nods. "But it worked, I think. After that mission – I believe he took out a dead apostle operating in Vietnam, I did not join him for this – Shirou stayed home and studied law. Nine months later, Ritsuka and Kana were born."

"...I see." Archer says. That is interesting. "So, he is a practising lawyer now?"

"Yes, a defense attorney. He still embarks on a few missions, but they are few and far between," Saber says with a smile. "There's more that happened, but... I think we'll talk about that another time."

"Mmhm." Archer tries to sip his beer again, but there's nothing but air. He finished it before he knew it. "And what did you do, Saber? How did you raise them?"

"I minded them when Shirou and Rin were away," Saber nods. "I even taught them how to fight," she adds proudly. "They have a natural instinct for it! If they were presented to me in Camelot, I'd have happily inducted them as squires!"

"Mm, speaking of," Archer adds, "Have you been to Cornwall since? There are the ruins of Camelot."

Saber looks away. "...Yes. We don't speak of it."

"Is it because-"

"It is perfectly legitimate to introduce yourself as Arthur, King of the Britons when you are Arthur, King of the Britons. They overreacted."

"I'm sure," Archer says with a smirk. He stands up, taking his can and Saber's empty cup too. "Well, we've been here long enough. Shall we go, Saber?"

"Yes, we should." She stands, gently straightening her skirt as well. "I should check in on Ritsuka. Do you have an appointment, Archer?"

"There is something I wished to check," EMIYA says. He nods at her. "I will take my leave, Saber."

As a matter of fact, he didn't have anything to check. He only wanders Chaldea, walking its labyrinthine walkways and tunnels aimlessly, only paying enough attention to make a mental map of the facility. The rest of the time, he simply ruminated. Or brooded, he supposed Rin would call it.

...What kind of world was it in 2026? What was life in their household – his household, in a way? Did they still live in that same damn house? He wanted to know. He wanted to see it. But he couldn't bear to ask the two who would know it best.

Ever since he reaffirmed his promise to Kiritsugu, in that clash of blades against the young fool he was, Emiya Shirou has never looked back. He bears his sins happily, trusting that even as a storm of death in the employ of Alaya, he saves people – and that saving people, no matter the form is never wrong. But he wants to know that house. He wants to know that life.

For the first time, Archer wonders if he should have stayed. If he should have taken Rin's offer, and remained a constant presence.

...No, it wouldn't have been right. He didn't need that kind of shadow looming over him. It would be annoying.

"Yo, Archer."

Archer breaks out of his reverie and spots Lancer emerging from the deployment center. Herakles is here, too, standing guard dutifully by the doors. It seems his mindless walking has brought him here. "Lancer. You were away?"

"Found a smaller Singularity that might have some materials, so Master sent us to plunder it. Found some stuff. Good times." The celt sniffs. "What's with you? Done anything yet?"

He had gone to Rome, made a lot of cake, and that was the end of his contributions to the war effort. "Who knows? Maybe I've been cooking."

"And you didn't invite me? That's cold, Archer." Lancer walks up to him, his red spear balanced over his shoulders. Cu stands face to face with Archer, looking him in the eye with a scowl. "Not planning anything sneaky, right?"

"Can't imagine why I would," Archer reponds coolly. "We're all here to save humanity, aren't we? Or are you just here to fight?"

Cu looks him in the eye, his expression steady. The constant presence of Herakles looms over them, intimidating and promising swift defeat even with the small white creature sitting atop his head, eagerly watching their contest of wills. Lancer laughs and looks aside with a shrug. "It's true, I do like testing my strength against other strong opponents. But I am still a Hero." He looks testily at the Counter Guardian. "Can you say the same, Archer?"

Herakles grunts before he can escalate, promising swift fury if they fight again. His arms are crossed; his axe-sword had been shattered in Rome with his strength alone. It seems the greatest son of Greece continues to surpass himself with every incarnation.

"...Of course," Emiya responds with a smirk. "I have something to prove now."

Lancer laughs again. "You're a son of a bitch, Archer. We should have drinks someday."

"That's not how you invite people to drink, Lancer."

"Isn't it? C'mon, just because I think you're a piece of shit doesn't mean we can't get drunk together."

Herakles grunts again, growling just a bit for emphasis. Cu raises his hands above his head.

"Alright, alright. I'm not interested in the young Master losing his temper at me again." He walks off, waving back at Archer without looking back. "See you around, Archer! Try not to make any girls cry this time."

Archer waits for Lancer to leave before replying. "Of course," he mutters. "I have to try my best, too."

Berserker nods tersely at him, as if acknowledging him. Archer could not figure out why. Surely, Herakles has better things to do than mess around with some blacksmith. The doors to the deployment chamber open again, revealing Robin and Atalanta; the rest of the strike team, Emiya supposes.

"-don't even have to reload, it's great—oh." Robin looks up from the Huntress and frowns at him. "Archer, you're here."

"Just taking a walk," Emiya responds. He bows. "I'll take my leave."

"Hold on," Atalanta says. Both Archers turn to her. "I was about to compete against Robin in a test of archery. Would you like to come, Archer? Your performance in Rome was..." She purses her lips, finding the words. "...Adequate."

She looks over her shoulder at Herakles. "...Would you like to come?"

Herakles looks back at her. He says nothing.

"Fou," the small bunnycat on his head says.

"He said no," Robin says blandly.

Atalanta nods. "Just us, then." She tilts her head at the Counter Guardian. "Interested?"

He smiles and shakes his head. "Maybe next time," Emiya apologises. "I'm not confident in my abilities against Atalanta the Huntress and Robin Hood just yet."

"Alright then. Next time." Atalanta nods. "See you around, Archer."

They head off, and then it is just him and Berserker in the walkway. Archer thinks back to days past. He killed Herakles once with Caladbolg, didn't he? Is that why the demigod is paying attention to him?

Herakles smiles at him. Or, at least, tries to. It's like someone trying to smile for the first time, except they were hewn from obsidian and menaced with spikes. The point is, were he not already dead on the inside, Archer might have tried to run away screaming for his life. Still, he appreciates the gesture.

Archer smiles back at him and nods before moving on, haunting the next leg of halls in silence.

There is a knock on the door. Archer already knows who it is; the bond between Servant and Master endures even in this strange system, it seems. "Can I come in?" Kana asks.

"Come in," Archer says. The door opens, and his daughter-slash-Master enters, closing the door behind her. Emiya Shirou never really thought what he would look like as a girl – it was a waste of time, you see, and something that could never actually happen anyways – but all signs indicate that he would look something like the girl in front of him.

Fluffy orange hair tied into a sidetail and bright, mischevious golden eyes are her most striking feature, making her stand out immediately, and she seems to have inherited her mother's looks as well. But Archer knows that her cute looks and cheeky grin hide a fit and toned physique and a keen mind that is sharp, quick, and above all calm in the heat of combat. In this regard, she has Ritsuka beaten. As a commander, she already has him beat. They both do. It's shameful, in a way, but it seems his young Masters have already surpassed him when he was that age.

...He won't comment on the body. But he wonders: is it from his side, or Rin's side?

"How may I help?" Archer asks, while Kana clasps her hands behind her back. From what he can gather, Kana is closest to her father – that is to say, 'him'. But to what extent? Has she inherited their dream? How far does her projection go?

"Do I need an excuse to spend time with my daddy?" She asks, grinning. "Do you mind if I sit in your lap? I always used to do that when I was younger!"

Archer shrugs. "As you please, Master." She does so, beaming at him from ear to ear. "But I'm sure you have questions. So, what would you like to know?"

"Oh, not much! Just wanted to know what the Fifth War was like from your end!" Kana places her hands on her lap, letting her legs dangle off the side. "I mean, I kind of get the gist of it, but how was it on your end?"

Archer knows what she actually means. 'Why did you betray mom', and 'why did you betray her in the way you did'. Those are the real questions on her mind. "Well, my wish wasn't something the Grail could grant. Not really. At the time, my memories were hazy. I did not remember much, due to a botched summoning."

"Sounds like mom," Kana nods smugly.

Archer smirks. "Yes, it sounds like her, doesn't it?"

"You had opportunities to kill dad beforehand, though... Why didn't you take them?"

"Because at first I was hoping that he wasn't an idiot," Archer explains. "...But killing him – me – was never the point. The point was to break him. Show him the hypocrisy of that belief we share. No one can save everyone."

Kana nods. "Right, but ultimately dad reminded you that it's not the result he cares about, but the process, right? Being a hero at all?"

"Which in itself has issues... But yes," Archer nods. "As for why I did it the way I did...Ultimately, I wanted Rin to survive and win the war. If she had Saber, the war was easily hers. Call it selfish, but... I suppose I was following my ideals even after I rejected them."

Kana nods sagely. "Right, right... But what about when you shot Gilgamesh? I thought you died."

"Independent Action allows me to survive a damaged Spiritual Core for some time," Archer explains. "Not as well as Battle Continuation, but... It allows a degree of independence, as you'd expect. In that regard, Independent Action is a very useful Skill."

"Yeah, but I thought you were drained from mana after having nearly killed yourself fighting Lancer, then fighting Saber, then fighting dad while inside Unlimited Blade Works..."

He frowns at her. "...I only used Unlimited Blade Works once, and that was inside the church. When I fought 'me', it was just in the Einzbern courtyard."

"...Dad said he saw a hill of swords, though. And the skies cleared when he broke through to you!"

"He was imagining things," Archer says flatly. "Calling upon a Reality Marble is incredibly taxing, and my reserves were never very substantial to begin with. I wouldn't have survived to sunset even if I didn't get shot full of swords."

"...But Auntie Arturia said-"

"She was also imagining things. Saber has a very active imagination."

Kana thinks on this, and then nods. "That's true, she does. One time she told us the story of when she fought a giant cat monster!"

"...I believe that was the hunt for the Cath Palug," Archer says flatly. "That actually happened."

"Huh." Kana blinks owlishly. "I guess it did."

...He's going to have to adjust his estimate of her. Kana Tohsaka may actually be an idiot. "I got shot full of swords by the King of Heroes, entrusted defeating him to your father, got shot some more, escaped, and gave what support I could from hiding. If I revealed myself, I would have died in an instant."

"Dad mentions Rho Aias appearing before him when he was doing his chant," the girl with the sidetail says, a finger on her cheek. "Was that you?"

"Probably," Archer says. "It might have been him. Or it might have been me supporting him. You know, it's actually not very clear who did what, or how."

"You definitely stole dad's kill, though," she pouts.

"I saved his life," Archer corrects. "Besides, is it killstealing if we are the same person?"

"...Probably, in your case."

"I suppose you're right."

Archer smiles as Kana giggles. She claps her thighs as she ponders her next question. "Oh, Archer-dad! Why're you dark skinned and white haired?"

"Overuse of magecraft beyond my means," he replies immediately. "You should be fine, but my circuits are poor. It was only ever a matter of time."

"Riiiiight, but dad's not much tanner than I am, and he's only got like, one white hair. His eyes are still gold, too!" Kana taps her chin with her index fingers. "Actually, I'm pretty sure the only reason he has a tan is because he goes out so much. Are you sure it's projection magecraft?"

"Your father has the support of Saber and an active contract with your mother, and he did not dedicate himself to a life of aimless murder in the name of justice. I'm fairly certain it's projection."

"...Maybe it's contracting with Alaya," Kana says.

"It's not contracting with Alaya," Archer states firmly. "This change did not occur until after many years later, long after I made that compact."

"...What if it happens slowly?" Kana suggests. "So slowly you think it's projection magecraft, but it's actually not?"

It might be an answer, but he doubts it. Why would Alaya brand its servants like that in life? "That would be dumb. And pointless. You'd be able to identify contractees immediately."

"Hey, it's a theory," she shrugs. "Maybe you survived longer than most contractors! Who knows? Maybe Alaya is just really into ganguro... guys," she corrects at the last moment. "Anything's possible! Mankind's weird! It might influence the guardian spirit of human survival!"

"Alaya is timeless and also I'm fairly certain an actual sociopath," the Counter Guardian says bitterly. "I really don't think it works that way. If it did, why isn't Jeanne D'Arc brown?"

"Because she died early," Kana says, like it's the most obvious thing ever. "Also she never used magecraft and also she became a proper Heroic Spirit after canonisation. Check and mate, daddy-o."

"Never say 'daddy-o' ever again," Archer sighs. Yep, she is definitely an idiot. And he was so hopeful it was a facade. That poor boy. "And I still disagree. It makes literally no sense."

"Alright then, we'll make a bet. If the next Counter Guardian we summon is dark skinned, grey eyed and white haired, I win! Otherwise, you win." A beat. "Joan of Arc doesn't count because we already know who she is. Also she's not a 'proper' Counter Guardian anymore."

Archer sighs. Childish games it is then. "And what does the winner get?"

Kana taps her chin some more. "Hmm... If I win, you owe me a favor! Like a Command Seal sort of deal, except I don't actually have to spend it, and it probably won't provide any combat benefit. But basically an absolute command, that kind of thing!"

Archer scoffs. That is absurd. She already has Command Seals; she can already compel him flawlessly, considering that her seals regenerate. "Very well, I accept your terms. And if I win, you'll be more responsible and take equal share of the duties with Ritsuka." Truthfully, the boy could use all the help. He seems like just a few bad days from making a contract with Alaya himself, just to end it. Assuming Alaya is even still relevant, with the extinction of most of mankind.

Kana grins and grabs his hand. "You're on, daddy-o!"

"...Also you'll never say daddy-o ever again."

"Too late you didn't say that before I grabbed your hand! No deal!" She sticks her tongue out and laughs, before hopping onto her feet and stretching her arms over her head right in front of him. Archer closes his eyes immediately. It's disgusting normally, and it's doubly-disgusting when she is your own daughter – even if technically, her father is your alternate self.

...There is surprisingly little bounce – no dammit Emiya Shirou do not return to that state of mind. Never return to that state of mind. It leaves you at the mercy of women who know how to toy with innocent boyish hearts. This girl is still the daughter of that woman, and might know her tricks. Ever vigilant. Never interested.

"Alright!" Kana folds her arms and looks at her father. "Now, let's spar!"

"...I would destroy you," Archer says matter-of-factly. "It is not even a question. You would lose."

Kana snickers. "Wanna bet?"

"Be serious. You are still only human, and you would overtax your circuits. I cannot approve."

She pouts – and like this, she looks so very much like her mother. "Fine! Then go easy on me! Human baseline or something!"

"I'm not a video game, I can't just arbitrarily set my difficulty level."

"Come on, I used to fight dad all the time! But now he's not here and you're the next best thing!"

His eyes widen in realisation. It's not about being a better fighter then. She just wants to feel like she's sparring with Emiya Shirou again. Chuckling, Archer stands up and folds his arms. Disgusting, since when did he start submitting to gir—oh, wait. That has literally never changed.

He should do something about that. Ever vigilant. Never interested. But this much should be alright.

"Very well, Kana. We will spar. But," he adds, before Kana can cheer, "Although I won't kill you, I won't go easy on you. Understood?"

"Yep!" Kana nods. "I'll bring Asriel. That should even the score a bit!"

A personal mystic code? Interesting. A thought occurs to him, just then. "Kana, you were taught by Saber, yes?"

"She taught me swordfighting, yes," the girl nods. She tilts her head. "Why?"

Archer smiles at that. "Let's see how good she is as a teacher, now that she has time."

Forty minutes later a ponytailed Kana and Archer emerge from the sparring grounds, the girl in a sports bra and bicycle pants bruised and sulky. She frumps and shoulders her blue-grey sword as she sighs and shakes her head. "Dammit," she says grumpily, "I lost again..."

"I am a Servant and you are not," Archer says matter-of-factly, exiting behind here without even breaking a sweat, not that Servants sweat. He glances at her blade, the mystic code she calls 'Asriel'. "...I am also extremely disappointed."

She frowns and looks up at him. "What? It's my azoth blade. I blade things with it."

"I thought Azoth Blades were supposed to be mana batteries."

"Yeah, well, my mana battery can blade things."

"Evidently." He frowns disappointingly at her. "But you named it Asriel. Why?"

Kana shrugs. "I like video games."

"...Besides that, I have some comments, Kana."

"One second." She sits down on a bench and pops open a water bottle. "Go on," Kana says, before starting to drink.

"...So you're using Arturian swordplay," Archer starts. "Which, I assume, Saber taught you."

"Yep!"

"But you also used Bajiquan, which I assume Rin taught you."

"Also yep!"

"Mm." Archer nods and folds his arms. "Kana, as you are right now, you will never defeat your father."

She spits out her water all over Archer. He just takes it, not even wiping it from his face. He's a servant, colds are for the living. "What?!" She exclaims. "But I try so hard!"

"Hard work doesn't matter if you lack focus," Archer points out. "And your two styles do not mesh. You are running two races at the same time – and that is why you will never win. Bluntly speaking, I am still the strongest any version of Emiya Shirou can be. But you'd lose against your father if you found him right after the Fifth War."

"...But didn't he beat you?"

"I let him win," Archer says flatly.

"That's what sore losers say!"

He just looks at Kana, with eyes so empty he can almost feel like Kana is getting closer. She bows her head eventually. "...Point taken," she mumbles. "So, what do I do?"

"Have you tried Archery?" He asks.

"I was in Kyuudo in high school," Kana points out. "I was okay, I guess. Could never empty my mind like you apparently can."

"Go back to that and try to find that focus. That is my only advice. The sooner you find focus the better."

Kana sighs heavily and nods. "Fiiiiine..."

He nods, satisfied. Truthfully, her instincts are very sharp, her physique is like a whipcord, and she has a better grasp on Reinforcement than he did at the age. If she had just focused on a single form of combat... He should test Ritsuka like this, to compare and contrast. Does he have a sword too, or did he dedicate himself purely to bajiquan? Questions for later.

He takes another look at her and frowns again. "...Are you wearing two sports bras?"

"It's annoying when they move!" Kana protests. She quickly downs the rest of her bottle and slams it on the bench. "Dammit, if I'd just learned your style-"

"Absolutely not," Archer snaps. "It is a suicidal style, requiring one to be good at reading opponents, planning multiple steps ahead while in mortal danger, and be an actual idiot." Which is exactly why only Emiya Shirou could create it, he adds quietly with a sigh. Man, now he has a stupidity migrane.

She pouts at him. "Please? It lets you fight against superior opponents!"

"Are you even liste-"

Something clicks in his head. The massive, tremendously pendulous gears of the Unlimited Blade Works churn precisely once. Archer only vaguely registers that the ground rocks violently once beneath him, harsh enough to send Kana off the bench. "...Dammit you take after me."

"The hell was that?!" Kana exclaims. "An attack?!"

The door to the sparring ground next to theirs flies open suddenly, Arturia in full armor panting. "I am so sorry," she says quickly, her face bright red, "I was, I mean, Okita nearly stabbed me with her technique, and I had already released Invisible Air, and I was just so caught up in the moment please don't hate me I'll fix the-"

"Saber." Archer goes up to her and grabs the blonde King by the shoulders. Arturia stops babbling, only shivering as she looks up mortified at the Red Archer. "Did you know. That she takes after me."

"...E-Eh?" She looks over at Kana, the girl already hurrying over and into the sparring ground. "Eh?" Arturia looks back up at Archer, her head tilted. "Eh?"

"How did you teach her swordplay. Did you cooperate with Rin. Her style is a mess. And she takes after me."

"...Oh." Arturia coughs, straightens out her hair, and takes a deep breath to compose herself. "Shirou approached me when she was eight, asking me to teach her the basics of swordfighting. I agreed, and I've proceeded to teach her as much as I can. Rin and I..." Her gaze sharpens. "...Have an agreement. We would just teach her our respective styles, and that would be it. And yes," she adds last, "She does take after you as you were: a nice, thoughtful, and kind girl with an innocent wish to help people.

"...OH MY GOD OKITA ARE YOU OKAY?!"

"B-Bleugh..."

"Alright, okay, good you're still alive. Stay still so I can heal you!"

"...She doesn't have his focus, however," Saber laments. "She dabbles, unlike either of her parents. And she has her mother's evil."

"...She is an idiot who wants to save the world," Archer sighs.

"She understands that it's impossible and is happy to just do what she can," Arturia points out. "She knows her limits. Unlike another boy I know who looks just like her," she adds, giving Archer the stink eye.

"My decisions have been made," Archer asserts, "Hers are still to be made. And back to the point, her style is a mess. She fights like half of you, and half of Rin – creating less than half of each of you on your own."

"That sounds about right," Arturia sighs. "That said, Rin and I have a truce. However Kana unifies our teachings is up to her." She looks up at Archer again and a gentle smile splays across her lips. "My... I didn't expect to see that face again."

"Hm?" It is only now that Archer sees his hair has fallen, like a mop over his eyes. Did this happen when she spat out her water? "...Heh. This probably means something."

"It means something if we think it does," Saber says sagely.

"...I'm back, Saber."

"Yes..." She smiles, kind and radiant, like all those years ago. "Welcome back, Shirou."

They stand there for a bit, just enjoying this rare chance to be together again, no war looming over their heads.

"Alright," Kana sighs, "Okita should be fine now. I really hope Medea finishes that charm soon!" She skips over to Saber and Archer, the both of them just standing along the walls. "Soooooo what did you talk about?"

"You take after me," Archer says again, calmly this time.

"...Dad said that when I asked him to teach me the first time," the girl muses. "Why? Is that a bad thing? Are you going to teach me?"

"No," he says, like ripping off a bandaid.

Kana pouts. "Aw, but dual wielding is so cool!"

"It is also wildly impractical, because the brain can only track so much and two swords is stretching it," Arturia says. "There is a reason why people typically only use one sword, or a sword and shield. Archer, and your father, are exceptions. Walk your own path, Kana."

"...Fiiiiine," she pouts again. She giggles and claps Archer on the shoulder. "Thanks, archer-dad! I'm taking a shower, you have a nice day! You too, Auntie!"

"And you," Arturia nods. She looks up at Archer again. "So, what are your plans?"

"Archer!" Before EMIYA can respond, Caster arrives in a gust of wind. She points dramatically at the Counter Guardian. "I challenge you! The theme will be udon!"

He chuckles. "Alright."

"...Winner is Red Archer," Atalanta says flatly, as the three judges behind her – Arturia, Roman, and Da Vinci – all raise the banners with Archer's face on it. "Better luck next time, Medea."

Archer smiles as he undoes his apron, Caster slumped over her counter in defeat. "It wasn't much," he says slyly.

Da Vinci claps her hands and stands up. "Yes! And as Deputy Director of Chaldea, I appoint Red Archer as our Head Chef!"

"As Director I second that," Roman says with a smile. He frowns. "Wait, where's Ritsuka?"

"I think he's working," Arturia says gently.

"Ah... What's a good, hardworking boy he is!"

Archer smiles and bows politely at the Caster. "Then I humbly accept."

It's not what he expected to do here. But it's something he enjoys doing. That, he thinks, is good enough.

- Chapter Six End -

"Also, feel free to come to my workshop anytime, Archer!" Leonardo Da Vinci adds. "We can do some... experiments."

"...And there it is," Archer sighs.