For a moment, Rin felt as though she were a child again creeping from her room to her parents' to seek her father's help with something. There was that familiar knot in her chest of discomfort at the thought of intruding upon them when she wasn't needed or wanted at the time. It was strange, because Rin's father almost never became short with her due to her dedication to the family craft, but Rin was sensitive to the subtle looks that sometimes passed over his regal visage. Impatience? Disappointment? Irritation? None of the above? It was hard to say. There was always the chance that Rin was misinterpreting. Perhaps her own insecurities were catching up with her when comparing herself to Tokiomi Tohsaka.

Nonetheless, Rin tried to be quiet as she pushed open the door to Sakura's room. Rider had brought her to the private space, the servant expressing that she would remain outside the door "just in case". Although Rin didn't prefer the woman to overhear whatever transpired between her and Sakura now, she understood the need for caution considering what the sisters' interaction had been like the last time they faced one another.

The room was dark, with only Sakura's deep breaths to indicate life. The white sheets upon her form rose and fell within the dim lighting created from the hallway. As Rin drew closer, she couldn't help but appreciate the calm that she saw on her little sister's face as she slept. She had been so upset and unhinged within Mount Enzou. She had truly lost her mind.

Or did she?

The question was an unpleasant one. Sakura didn't exactly seem "insane" per se. She was clearly fully aware of what she was doing. It was just almost as if…she had no inhibitions whatsoever. With such incredible power at her fingertips, she didn't care about anyone but herself and what she wanted. If she wished to mock Rin's wishes by returning Arturia to her only to slaughter the legendary king seconds later, she did so without even batting an eye.

Rin swallowed, knowing they were extraordinary circumstances but still struggling with her swirling emotions in relation to her sister. She loved Sakura. She did. But her sister's grudge against Rin ran so deep now that the older Tohsaka girl wondered if she had any right whatsoever even attempting to reconcile with her. After what Sakura did to Arturia, and even despite Rin's guilt, she struggled with how to conduct herself with anything resembling elegance when every feeling she could think of was vying for prominence in her mind.

Rin wasn't sure how long she stood over Sakura as she slept, her hands clenching into fists at her side at some point and arms shaking. She took a deep breath, biting at her lower lip. Part of her wanted to walk away again. She could leave Sakura to sleep for a little while longer. Who would that hurt? She clearly needed the rest. Besides, the longer Rin looked at her, the more clearly she could envision the way her sister had grinned wildly following Arturia's seeming death.

Rin knew, logically, it wasn't fair of her to feel hate for Sakura for what she had done. Her mind corrupted, with years and years of suffering fueling her actions, it was difficult to think of anyone that could've made it through such an ordeal mentally sound. But logic and emotion rarely got along. Tokiomi Tohsaka had attempted to teach Rin this on multiple occasions. He one time reduced her inability to completely distance herself from feelings down to her sex. It was like a slap to the face when he had made such an offhanded comment. She would remember it forever.

Shaking her head free from the barrage of thoughts coming from every angle, Rin stood her ground. She needed to continue getting a handle on her present, not dwell on the past to the point of petrification. She couldn't be a coward when her sister still needed her – when they needed one another more than ever.

Rin knelt next to Sakura's bed and moved some loose hair from her peaceful face. When was the last time she felt allowed to be so affectionate? When her little sister was sick and bedridden years ago? When Rin, even at such a young age, insisted she stay with her and dry her sweat as needed and bring her whatever she required be it food, or drink, or simply company. Rin, naturally, got sick as well quickly thereafter. But that just meant Sakura didn't leave her side. It turned into a joke between the siblings, because Sakura ended up smiling almost the entirety of the fiasco, going on about how much she liked getting the chance to take care of Rin.

They had been so close. Was there any way they could even capture a shadow of that bond again after what both girls had been through? After what they had done to each other?

'Hm…' Sakura nuzzled into Rin's touch, her eyes just partially open as she began to come back into consciousness. Rin hesitated to move, unsure of how her sister would react to her presence when she likely assumed Shirou was the one touching her.

'Hey.' Rin whispered, and her voice alerted Sakura instantly, the girl's eyes snapping open and searching suddenly. She flinched away from Rin, continuing to look about the room frantically.

'W-what…?' She muttered in confusion. 'Where…am I?'

'At Emiya's place, Sakura.'

The girl seemed to filter this information through her frazzled mind, settling into the wall next to her bed and nodding slowly.

'Senpai…' Sakura stared into the darkness blankly, and Rin watched as her sister's expression twisted into a multitude of emotions ranging from fear to despair. 'He's…not here, is he?'

Rin was taken aback by the question. Yet, before she could react, her sister's shoulders began shaking and she placed her hands over her face, whimpering into them miserably. Her sobs broke Rin's heart, and she leaned in subtly, unable to do much else in the moment.

'I…I-I…' Sakura wheezed. 'It…was real…wasn't it? It was all…real…'

Rin turned to the doorway, seeing Rider but noting that she wasn't budging from just outside the entrance to the room. She was allowing Rin this chance at the beginning of a possible reconciliation. Rin couldn't mess it up. Not this time.

'It was.' Rin kept her voice levelled but sympathetic. 'We've both made some questionable decisions lately, haven't we?'

Sakura continued to cry into her hands, incapable of responding immediately. Therefore, Rin took the lead. It was her responsibility as the older sister. Better late than never, perhaps.

'I'm sorry, Sakura.' She began, and Sakura froze, wiping her face on the blankets before meeting Rin's gaze with red and swollen eyes.

'Y-you're…? But I…Why are you…?'

'How much do you remember? When you let the Shadow in, what do you recall?'

Sakura breathed out shakily, a soft hum escaping her trembling lips.

'There are…some parts I don't quite know but…'

So, it's as Rin suspected. Sakura was completely aware of what she had been doing. Her current reaction indicated as much. She was becoming more distressed by the second, low moans filtered into her convulsing form. It was difficult to see, because Rin knew Sakura; the real Sakura. The regret, shame, and fear were consuming her. It must be a similar experience to the one she endured the first time Zouken took her in. The agony she had been through was unparalleled. The suffering she had to overcome was evident in the way she had lashed out to the world. No matter how awful it was for Rin to see her Arturia used as a tool of torture, she had to think about everything as intelligently as possible and evaluate the circumstances before her. Sakura was in pain again. Sakura was reeling with disgust and embarrassment. She was reverting to the arduous girl Zouken had no doubt took pleasure in breaking so that he could fulfill his own selfish wishes.

The difference now, however, was that Sakura was not alone. Not anymore.

Rin climbed upon the bed and embraced Sakura as tightly as she could, holding her back and head with both hands and squeezing her close.

'I'm here…Sister. I should have been here from the beginning.' Rin's jaw tightened and her own eyes began to water. 'I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I…failed you.'

'R-Rin…?' Sakura squeaked, but she didn't push her away. Rin half-expected she would, but Sakura remained still aside from her trembling body. 'No. I…I was so horrible to you…I…'

'If I claimed I didn't deserve your anger, Sakura, I would be a fool. I know you thought I was only distracting you so Emiya-kun could separate you from the Shadow, but everything…everything I said then was the truth. I was a coward. I was in denial. I conjured excuses to avoid a harsh and brutal reality about my own character. I allowed our relationship to spiral into a place I struggled to ever interact with again.'

'O-oh…' Sakura sniffed, her fit of sorrow calming ever so slightly. 'But…I've…I-I've killed…I…'

'Shhh.' Rin stroked Sakura's hair, overwhelmed by the relief she felt that her sister hadn't rejected her. If only she had reached out far, far sooner. How much turmoil could have been avoided? It was the regret of a lifetime. Then again, such imaginings of an altered timeline always threatened the present and, despite the gulf that would always exist between Rin and Sakura, would Rin really trade it for the love she had found in Arturia?

'Rin…I don't know…what I should do…'

'We'll figure it out together. I promise. I'm not going anywhere.'

'And Senpai…Oh, Senpai…'

The tears began anew, and Rin couldn't blame her sister for them whatsoever. She simply remained as much as was allowed. She continued to search the archives of her memory, knowing Illya had said something that made her believe Shirou wasn't gone for good. But what had it been? Maybe if Rin returned to Mount Enzou there would be a clue? Was it worth such a trip? It couldn't hurt, could it?

'Sakura.' Rin began hesitantly, taking her sister's shoulders and pushing her back a bit so she could meet her eyes within the dimly lit room. 'I…don't want to get your hopes up, but Illya-san said something to me before she activated Heaven's Feel.'

'Heaven's…Feel?'

'It's a form of magic that transcends all modern applications of mana. As far as I understand it, the purpose of the spell is to separate the soul…from the body…' Rin blinked, her brain practically sparking with sudden understanding and proper extraction of the conversation she and Illya had before she sacrificed herself.

'Oh, my God…' She uttered in disbelief and hope.

'What…?' Sakura's voice was almost hoarse from all her crying.

"I can only anchor one soul with this fragmented version, got it?"

Of course! Heaven's Feel! Illya had used it…to give Shirou a chance!

'Idiot. Why couldn't I figure it out sooner? Is it because such power is outside the scope of my perceived reality? Whatever.' Rin muttered angrily. She returned her focus to Sakura's now hopeful stare. 'We might still be able to save Emiya-kun, Sakura. But we have to go to Mount Enzou immediately. I know…I know we have a lot we should talk about, but I'm sure time is of the essence here.'

Sakura sniffed again but then nodded.

'Okay. If…if it means seeing Senpai, then I'll do whatever you need me to. I'll try and…stop crying.'

Rin shook her head, wiping some of the lingering tears from her sister's face.

'You have every reason to be upset. I don't think any less of you for being honest about your feelings. I could take a lesson from you in that regard.'

Sakura seemed unsure of how to take that, but when Rider entered the room, she smiled wryly at the tall woman, her attention diverted.

'Let's not wait, Sakura.' Rider encouraged tenderly. 'If Rin thinks we should hurry, then let's trust her.'

After hardly a beat, Sakura answered.

'Please, Rin. Please…Sister.'

Sakura had used the familial term "sister" with such venom up until this point that the elder girl was thrown by how impactful the title could be when handled with authentic affection.

'Of course. I'll do everything I can. Whenever you're ready, let's head out immediately.'

Rin racked her brain for any and all knowledge in relation to soul transference. As far as she was aware, unless the soul had somewhere to manifest within, it couldn't remain on earth without a vessel for very long. That was the bare minimum amount of knowledge Rin had, anyway. She hadn't focussed too heavily on that subject of her studies, if she was being honest with herself. She had read the chapters, and passed any tests her father verbally gave her, but it was so long ago, and she hadn't reviewed the information since considering it felt so otherworldly and impossible for her to even begin to manage.

Illyasviel Einzbern, on the other hand, possibly accomplished wielding even a fragment of the Third Magic? Impressive, to say the least.

'I'm ready.' Sakura interrupted Rin's brief moment of contemplation within the dining room of the estate. She was wearing a hooded sweater that looked too large on her with jeans. Shirou's shirt, perhaps? She looked adorable. Rider followed in behind her, sunglasses covering her eyes.

'Stylish, Rider.' Rin teased.

'Sakura thinks it will draw less attention than a blindfold or nothing at all.' Rider sighed.

'I guess not having access to an Astral Form is going to take some getting used to, isn't it?'

Rider thought about this for a moment, tipping her head slightly to the side.

'It's worth any inconvenience.'

Sakura giggled, if a little forcibly, considering what still needed to be done.

'Thank-you, Rider.'

'I should be thanking you, Sakura. It's because of you that I am here still.'

Rin put on her shoes, having already procured a light jacket from the closet near the front hall. It was difficult watching Rider and Sakura interact in such a way following the war. She couldn't help but envision herself and Arturia, possibly going about their lives together without a war looming over them. The things Rin could show Arturia. The adventures they could have together. The nights they could share. It was nice to be able to focus on something beyond what Rin was missing in her life now for the time. Bringing Shirou back was the perfect distraction. After this little side quest, however, Rin feared what living "normally" meant.

'We're going to need to take a taxi.' Rin relayed more curtly than she meant to, softening her interaction with a calming smile her father would have been proud of.

The trip to Mount Enzou was fairly quiet considering there was a driver present and the most important discussions yet to be had couldn't exactly take place amidst a stranger's presence. Fortunately, considering the time of night, traffic was light, and it took under a half an hour to reach the outskirts of the city that lined the forested area near the mountain's entrance.

Rin was thankful when the driver didn't feel the need to ask any questions as the transaction was complete. He simply told the girls to take care of themselves, and was off without another word.

'Okay.' Rin breathed out, seeing tuffs of her own air manifest in what appeared to be a cool mist due to the autumn night's low temperature. 'Let's try and make this quick, I guess.'

'I'll lead the way.' Rider held Sakura's hand, helping her into the dark perimeter of the mountain's forest. Rin didn't mind particularly, but was unused to not being at the head of the group aside from when Arturia was with her.

Still, soon enough, all that could be heard was the crunching of fallen leaves, Rider navigating the forest's faded path with uncanny ease considering her supposed "blindness" and lack of overt moonlight thanks to the overcast night. Rin projected a bit of light with some mana concentrated in her fingertip, and that seemed to help both her and Sakura enough as they progressed.

'How are you feeling, Sakura? I know this was something of an impromptu outing.' Rin wanted to ask, thankful she could in earnest now.

'Without knowing what happened to Senpai, there was no way I was going to be able to rest anyway.'

'What about your mana? Rider says it might feel…better?'

'Oh.' Sakura exclaimed softly. 'It's a bit strange, but yes. It hasn't been long enough to tell, but something does feel a bit different. Maybe it's a good thing. I'm not sure. I hope so.'

'Me, too.' Rin would leave it at that for the time being. Sakura was right; it was a bit early to draw any conclusions. The only real evidence Rin had that her wish may have come true was Rider's presence…and even that might not solely be the work of the Grail or Illya.

Rider suddenly shifted her pace abnormally and brought Sakura to the other side of her in one smooth motion, a small grunt escaping her lips a she did so.

'Careful.' She urged, hand finding Sakura's back and pressing her forward.

This strange interaction obviously made Rin curious as she herself began to pass through the same part of the forest and her light illuminated what could only be a corpse of some kind. Not wanting to startle Sakura, Rin muffled a shriek back down into her throat as she observed closer, noting the half of the body that was exposed outside some bushes and more trees. Leaves had already begun to cover the unmoving form, but not enough to dictate that this was an older death.

However, it only took a second more of observation for Rin's eyes to widen and the pieces of the puzzle to fall into place. The sudden realization of who was dead before her was so outrageous that Rin immediately covered her mouth and withheld the need to cough out the nausea that swept her up.

His face in a bizarre mixture of discomfort and joy, Kirei Kotomine was the corpse, his chest literally ripped open and what appeared to be multiple organs shredded save for a heart, which was notably missing.

'Oh, my God…' Rin whispered.

Had a servant done this? Or…

Rin looked up, seeing that Sakura and Rider were still progressing forward. Did Rider know which corpse this was? Had Sakura…killed Kirei? Did Rin want to know the answer to any of these questions? She didn't "like" Kirei, exactly, but she didn't wish death on him either. Certainly not a death as painful as this had to be.

Like many of the emotions circulating through her as of late, Rin muffled what she felt and moved beyond the body without looking back. Any war came with casualties that needed to be accepted. The fifth Holy Grail War was no different. Rin knew this better than most could at this point. For now, she needed to stay focussed. Kirei was gone. That was a fact. However she felt about that could wait until after she and Sakura determined whether or not Shirou had a chance at returning in some shape, way, or form.

When Rin caught back up with Sakura and Rider, both didn't say a word in relation to her temporary absence. It had only been about a minute or two, but Rin felt it was still noticeable enough. Thus, the sinking feeling in her stomach only grew worse, and the silence of the night became deafening amidst what the muted understanding between the three women meant.

After what felt like much longer than it had been, in all actuality, Rider brought the girls to the hidden entrance to Mount Enzou, a cool night's breeze whistling through the forest ominously as Rin investigated the area. She could feel the concentrated mana camouflaging the side of the mountain with relative ease, and beckoned her sister and her servant to the area before all three slipped through the barrier and into the dreary interior of the incredible landmark.

'And here we are again.' Rin sighed, the light at her fingertip easily illuminating the narrow pathways. 'Let's go.'

Rin took the lead this time. She preferred to be in the front, and noticed the way her pace quickened subconsciously. Did part of her hope to find something hinting at Arturia's survival as well? She wouldn't deny it. Her heart was speeding up with every step. She was nervous Sakura and Rider would hear it within the hushed paths they traversed any second now. Was this a taste of what the rest of her life would be? Was this what her father felt every time he thought he was getting closer to the Root? It was maddening. It was almost all-consuming. Perhaps she was beginning to understand Tokiomi Tohsaka more than ever before now.

'I hope Senpai is here…' Sakura expressed with obvious restraint.

'Emiya-kun's body won't be, I think. But his soul might still linger. That's why I wanted to come as soon as possible. I'm not sure how long a soul can be on its own. We might already be too late. Just…be prepared in case we are, Sakura.'

'I am.' Sakura responded, strangely calm. 'If I've lost Senpai…well…I guess I deserve that much for what I've done.'

Although part of Rin admired Sakura's willingness to repent for her sins, no matter how much she was clearly resisting the urge to break down again, she didn't want her sister to forget something very important. Turning, Rin stared the girl down with a narrowed gaze.

'You've been through hell, Sakura.' Rin snapped almost angrily. 'You've paid for your crimes and then some already for the hand you've been dealt in life. Any idiot can see that. I'm not saying you shouldn't feel bad for what you ultimately allowed to happen when the Shadow was influencing you, but you don't owe the world anything beyond the promise to value the second chance you've been given.' Rin paused, breathing out through her nose sternly. 'The second chance we've been given.'

'Rin…' Sakura uttered breathlessly.

But Rin was already resuming the trip. She knew her emotions were raw and fragile, and she didn't trust herself not to tear up the more she attempted to mend the broken relationship between herself and her little sister.

It wasn't much longer until the small group found the large opening where Shirou had ultimately fought the Shadow's copy of Berserker. Even with the little light that Rin used to illuminate her way, she could see the markings of a battle well fought. Berserker's incredible strength, no matter what form he took, was evident with every upheaval of cave and fresh, new carvings within the space. It was amazing to think that Shirou had stood before the titan of a man and came out on top (relatively speaking). Rin's respect for Shirou had certainly increased since she first intimately interacted with his bloodied form the first night of the war. She truly hoped she and Sakura could save him somehow. She hoped Illya had followed through with her implications. She hoped the Grail, or whatever was left of it in the form of the Einzbern Master, had been capable of granting at least parts of Rin's wish.

'Senpai.' Sakura spoke the boy's name with quivering intonation. Rin could imagine the way Rider held her Master then, clutching her close to remind her that, no matter what happened, she would be there for the girl. The elder sister couldn't turn to check if her assumption was correct. Her brain wouldn't let her. She was already shoving away how it felt to be held by Arturia.

This outing was proving much more trying than Rin had anticipated.

Nonetheless, the group pressed on, navigating a narrow part of the path once more until the cave opened up anew, the red, purple, and orange hues mostly gone and only the cool, natural colours of the cave dominating its exterior for the time being – until the next war, perhaps.

'This place…brings back terrible memories.' Sakura spoke as though she hadn't been a supporter of mass genocide hardly a day ago. It just went to show how corrupted her mind had become; how much the Shadow had perpetuated her darkest thoughts and desires.

'It's over now, Sakura. Let us search for any clues regarding Shirou's survival.' Rider calmly soothed. She was so good for Sakura. It was incredible. Throughout as much of the war as possible, Rider had only wanted one thing: to take care of Sakura the way no one had until exceedingly recently. Part of Rin was grateful, but more of her felt shame for needing someone else to step in before she had the courage to admit to her own shortcomings when it came to her only sibling.

'Agreed. Look for anything that Illya may have used as a temporary vessel for Emiya-kun's soul. That's the only way I can think of that she may have preserved the possibility of bringing him back.' Rin instructed, purposely distracting herself with the platform she had last seen Shirou rather than the one that had been closest to the monstrosity of a Grail where Arturia's final moments were.

'Rin.' Rider spoke out almost too quickly, beckoning her to the edge of the elevated platform, Arturia's aged blood still discolouring it distractingly so.

'You found something already?'

'Sensed.' Rider calmly explained, pointing to a small glimmer in the dimly lit setting.

'What is that?' Sakura asked, her voice higher likely due to the unavoidable hope that was beginning to clutch her heart.

'Oh…!' Rin's chest tightened, her heart pounding within notably. She knelt near Rider, the light from her hand reflecting off a crimson gem she knew all too well. It was the same jewelled necklace she had used to save Emiya-kun that first night of the war. However, as Rin touched it, even she could tell there was something different about it. It had a strange aura that subtly emitted from its core that hadn't been present before, and when Rin allowed her mana to connect with whatever was pulsating within, she flinched back, instinctively aware she was interacting with something too fragile to clumsily handle without professional assistance.

'Rin?' Sakura questioned.

'I'm not sure.' Rin replied cautiously. 'This might be it. If I were Illya-san, this would make the most sense if I didn't have many options left. She was really having faith in us figuring it out though if this does happen to be Emiya-kun's soul in here.'

'O-oh…!' Sakura covered her mouth, eyes shimmering with fresh tears. Thankfully, they were tears of joy this time. Rin was relieved she could partially contribute to them finally.

'What is the next step, Rin?' Rider was quick to want further answers that might hasten Sakura's comfort and happiness.

'Unfortunately, this is beyond me. I'll need to reach out to some of Father's contacts and go from there. This is a good first step though. Come the morning, I'll get right to work on figuring this out. Don't worry, Sakura. I'll do everything I can, okay?' Rin handed the necklace to Sakura, watching as the golden chain coiled into her hands. That idiot had held on to it this whole time, huh? The thought made Rin remember Archer and his unyielding affection for her.

Another timeline, I suppose…

'Thank-you…Sister.' Sakura clutched the physical representation of her hope tightly as she shyly expressed her gratitude.

'Of course.' Rin grinned, glancing to the higher platform and then diverting her gaze just as swiftly.

'Go.' Rider urged suddenly, catching the older Tohsaka girl by surprise. 'We can wait.'

'Rider?' Sakura wondered, and Rin could only sigh with feigned exasperation.

'How could you possibly know what I was thinking?' Rin asked with a certain amount of haughtiness due to feeling as though she had been caught.

Rider didn't wish to answer, merely waiting as Rin got to her feet and breathed out stubbornly.

'Fine. Just…give me a second.'

'Okay.' Sakura nodded, although she still seemed a bit confused.

Rin turned and closed her eyes for a moment before opening them back up and furrowing her brow. Was this a good idea? Unlikely. Would she regret it if she didn't listen to Rider's suggestion? Likely. Therefore, Rin convinced her body to put one foot in front of the other as she went to the higher platform within the final setting of the fifth Holy Grail War.

Once the older Tohsaka girl reached the desired part of the cavern, she felt her chest flip into a concept of emptiness she struggled to accept. There was nothing. Of course, there was nothing. Arturia was gone. Illya had said as much. The great king hadn't looked away from Rin the entire time she faded out from her world and returned back to her own. This reality is the one both Rin Tohsaka and Arturia Pendragon had come to accept. They knew it was inevitable the moment they agreed to embrace the feelings they had for one another.

Yet, if Rin was so smart, and if she was utterly sure of how her love for Arturia would end…

…Why couldn't she stop the tears that flooded her eyes and stained her cheeks?

Biting down on her lower lip so hard she broke flesh, Rin held her breath and let her hands tremble in fists beside her hips. She could see the light from her shaking palm illuminate where Arturia had dug her sword into the ground so close to her final moments with Rin, and then the words Illya relayed came to her cruelly in the proud king's tender, powerful voice:

'Avalon represented my fight for the Everdistant Utopia. Rin. I dare say, my utopia is hardly far from me any longer. My heart is yours, and memories of our time together will always be in mine. Fair thee well, my most precious of maidens. You shall never be forgotten.'

'H-hah…' Rin clutched her chest with both hands, clawing at the material that contributed toward encasing her bleeding heart. She knelt down close to the ground, and winced, more tears splashing between her eyelids. 'Damn it…!'

She missed her. She missed her so much…