A quick note!

Y'all are a bunch of pervs. I hit my record on reviews last chapter and it was all about a certain pop idol. It was hilarious watching a full discussion pop up in the reviews over who it might be.

This chapter, as usual, took longer than it should have. I told everyone it'll take a few days... and that turned into two weeks. Not sure when the next chapter will be. Right after this, I will be updating Throne of Shirou. And after that? Well, a surprise.

Hope you all enjoy!


Chapter Eight

A Seed Starts to Sprout

He wasn't here. Dammit all why wasn't he here? Did he honestly think he was going to get out of his punishment just because he decided to skip school? He had kept Rider watching on the rooftops and was told to activate the Bounded Field once Shirou crossed through. But after the second hour of school starting Shinji couldn't believe the School Janitor wasn't going to be making an appearance.

Shinji wouldn't have any of it. He skipped his third period and marched over to the nearest phone. There was one at the school entrance for public use. He grumbled the entire way, scratching at the bandages wrapped tightly around his arm. And the sling chafed against his neck. It added more fuel to his rage.

He picked up the phone and dialed. It took three obnoxiously long rings for the other line to pick up.

"Shinji," the voice of Shirou was without emotion. He spoke before Shinji could announce himself.

It startled him. It reminded him of yesterday at his own home, right before breaking his arm like a twig. And how the hell did he know it was Shinji of all people who was calling him?

"Emiya," regardless, Shinji put up his most charming, friendly tone for this sake. "Where are you today? I wanted to talk to you about something. It's really important."

"I see you disregarded my warning entirely," Shirou returned as though it were a casual observation. "You plan on using the Bounded Field as soon as I step through."

"What are you talking about?" Shinji shrugged it off with some light laughter. "No, no. I had Rider remove it. I thought about what happened and there's no way I can stand up against you. I wanted to form an alliance."

"If you want to discuss something like that with me then you can meet me in neutral territory. The church on Kotomine Hill is the designated area for the Holy Grail War. Will you comply?"

Shinji had to force himself to not click his tongue. "It needs to be now. Before school ends. Y-You see, Tohsaka is also a Magus. She's a Master in the Grail War. I think she's trying to kill me. I really need your help."

"Rin isn't in school today," Shirou spoke in monotone. There wasn't a single shift in his tone. Also… Rin? What the hell? Since when could Emiya Shirou speak about Tohsaka Rin so casually?! "And she hasn't decided whether to kill you or not. But she will if you continue to leave that Bounded Field in place."

"I already told you," he started to growl. "I took it down. There is no Bounded Field!"

"I know when you're lying, Shinji. I always have. I only found it more efficient to ignore it. Now isn't one of those times. Once the Bounded Field is activated then all of those people within will fall victim to its effects. I'm also aware that if I don't come, you will activate it anyways. I will come shortly to meet with you. But consider this your last warning. Should you use the Bounded Field, I will have no more excuses for you. I will kill you."

Shinji didn't respond right away. He found his hand clutching against the receiver hard enough to hear the plastic creak. His teeth were grinding as a throbbing sensation pulsed at his brow. Shirou spoke so calmly and so dispassionately as though Matou Shinji were nothing but a cockroach beneath his foot. It was the other way around, dammit!

"Come alone," Shinji seethed. "As soon as my Servant senses yours, I will flip the switch. That's my warning, Emiya. Come alone or everyone here dies. Don't test me."

"I never intended to bring them," was all he said in that same, detestable, robotic tone. The line went dead after that.

Shinji slammed the receiver into the machine, not caring that the damn thing fell off and dangled around.

"Hey you!" someone called out to him. He turned his head to see another student heading towards him with purposeful strides. There was a badge pinned to her sleeve. She was one of the disciplinary squad students. "Handle school equipment with care. And are you supposed to be here?"

Shinji just had it with people like this. Her, Emiya, his grandfather. They could all die for all he cared.

"Rider. Kill her."

The girl looked so confused by his words. She thought him strange and a little dangerous. But then she realized he was but another student and reinforced her fortitude. She went to reprimand him. She didn't get any further than a single step forward.

Rider appeared behind her and wrapped her arms around this student. One hand covered her mouth before the girl could scream.

"I'm sorry," Rider said, as if it actually mattered. As easily as with a twig, she snapped the girl's neck. The poor thing didn't realize what happened. Her eyes stared off and rolled in different directions.

What a waste. The girl was kinda cute too. He'd have loved to have fucked her. But oh well. He blamed Emiya for this.

"Get rid of the body and wait for Emiya to appear. If he has his Servant with him, activate the barrier as soon as he crosses the gate. But if by some idiocy he doesn't, wait until he's inside the building. Then activate it."

"...Yes," Rider said with as little emotion as Shirou. No, she at least had something to her. Emiya was just a brick wall. She shouldered the body of the girl (dammit, the girl had strawberry print panties) and slipped away.

Shinji scratched his broken arm again and swore.

0-0-0

Shirou hung up the phone in a calm, if not mechanical fashion. Hardly a noise was made. He stepped out of the kitchen and moved back to the dining table. Both of his Servants were looking at him expectantly.

"I'm assuming you heard all that," he began.

"Quite," Caster answered with a sharp tone. She was still upset over breaking his promise with Sakura. "There has to be a better way, Shirou. Can't you just kill Rider before she activates the Bounded Field? You threw a spear across the ocean to snipe that Incarnation in a very specific spot."

"We discussed this," he said back.

"He won't stop, yes, I know," she waved a hand in a gesture to wave off his words. She refused to look at him for a few seconds. Eventually she had to in order to try and make a point. "You could have come to me for advice. I could have studied the Bounded Field and found a way to unravel it."

"You said it would take-"

"I know what I said," she snapped. "I would have found a way! That's what people do, Shirou! When we are pushed like this do we find ways to make the impossible happen."

He found her behavior strange. He couldn't explain it. He thought he understood her and could predict her behavior. But this was entirely new to him. Not the experience itself, no, but the fact she hid this side of her from him. Or did he push her to act like this? He wanted to know more. However, there was a more pressing matter. He would have to discard this chance for the sake of professionalism. He must continue to be the protector of the city.

"Why do you care so much, Caster?" he asked. "Shinji is a Master. Would you not have killed him if you had do?"

"Yes, and that's the thing," she jabbed a finger onto the table's surface. "I would have. I did not make the promise to Sakura. But such an opportunity has been robbed from me."

He had one answer but found it useless. He already knew she was upset on Sakura's behalf. But why put such vindictiveness in it? She had no relationship with Sakura. Her behavior fit that of a close friend or sister. He wanted to dissect this further but time was of the essence.

"I'm sorry, Caster, but I-"

"No you're not," she glowered at him. "If you were the least bit sorry you would show a glimpse of hesitation. But you're treating this like it's a chore. I might understand if you were doing this for the Grail; for some wish. Yet you're throwing away someone you claim to treasure and who treasures you undeniably in return for… what exactly?"

"Protection," his voice fell flat. He could never explain it himself, but an almost alien sensation swelled up within him whenever his profession was questioned. That and… "And I do treasure Sakura. Just as much as I treasure her. However, what I am takes precedence. I will protect this city from any and all threats so long as I exist."

"And will that creed of yours stand if it was Sakura in Shinji's place?" Caster questioned through narrowed eyes. "If she threatened the city in any way, would you cut her down as well?"

He thought about it. It took no longer than a second.

"Yes," he said just as plainly as he had with everything else. There was no emotion behind his answer.

"...You hesitated," Caster said in a low voice. "I don't know why that irritates me further. Is it because I know you will follow through with it or because you actually feel a shred of guilt in doing so?"

He couldn't answer. That was for her to come to terms with.

"Can I not convince you to take one of us with you, Shirou?" Saber raised her head to regard him. There was no animosity in her presence, unlike Caster.

"Not unless both you and Caster can learn to work together right now," he said while looking at her. "I know even for a common enemy the two of you will clash. You will only get in my way and prolong what needs to be done. Do you have anything else to say about the situation?"

Saber closed her eyes and reflected in her thoughts. When she opened her eyes, there was conviction in her gaze. "No. I believe nothing will dissuade you at this point. Caster and I will remain here and discuss our partnership in the Holy Grail War. Shirou? If I may ask… Should Shinji use the Bounded Field, please end matters quickly. I do not think you to be the sort to prolong his suffering but…"

"I still don't understand why you can't just go into the yard and throw another spear at him," Caster huffed. She rested her cheek into her palm while propping her elbow. "Say it was Lancer who did it. I'll still despise you, Shirou, but at least Sakura won't feel betrayed."

He bowed his head and asked silently. He listened to the whispers of Alaya. Would such a tactic work? Yes, definitely. Neither Shinji nor Rider would see it coming. However…

"The threat won't present itself," he returned.

"Ah yes," she breathed out hot air. "This so-called threat that you know nothing about. And it all miraculously ties in with breaking Sakura's heart. I thought you were apathetic. Don't tell me I mistook you as a sadist."

"I wish I was," he admitted. She snorted at the 'wish' comment. "I am going now. I expect the two of you to come to some sort of agreement by the time I get back."

Caster crossed her arms and looked away. Saber only nodded once and wished him well. Neither one of them moved from their position at the table. He felt their eyes on his back as he stepped out of the room. Though they could not see him in the hallway, he knew they were still keeping track of them through their other senses. It didn't stop until he was out of the door.

0-0-0

"You know something."

Saber regarded the other Servant sitting across of her. Caster continued to sulk but none of her foul mood had been directed at her. The two stared at another indifferently.

"Perhaps," Saber inclined her head slightly. "It's mere speculation. Caster, have you ever heard the term Predator before?"

She watched as all emotion washed away from Caster. The witch's eyes sharpened with clinical focus. The reaction told Saber more than enough.

"I have met one, once," Caster spoke slowly, watching Saber closely. "He was on my side. And so long as I did not stir his wrath, I felt invincible. I felt not even the gods could challenge me. And maybe the gods were terrified of this creature. You think Shirou is one?"

"It's mere speculation," she repeated. "I too have come across them in my time. His habits match theirs. He is also driven to seek adversity regardless of the consequences."

Caster lowered her head in thought. "Yes. That sounds about right. At least the habits do, but not at the scale I am familiar with. The one I accompanied used his prowess to perform feats the gods themselves deemed impossible. Shirou is nothing more than a local security guard compared to the one I know."

"I can only offer theories. Perhaps this time is more peaceful than the chaotic ones you and I come from. Perhaps the need for them is in fewer demand. Or he is not one of them. Either way, you cannot dismiss what he has done already. A normal human cannot stand up against a Servant. Especially like with the Berserker so easily. There is also the matter regarding the Incarnation."

"I won't deny he's… powerful," Caster didn't like using that word for whatever reason. "I certainly wouldn't want to make him my enemy. However, that doesn't excuse his lack of understanding. He knows doing this will hurt those around him. He just doesn't care. No, he can't care."

Saber nodded once in agreement. But she only agreed so far. "Caster, have you dreamt about a boy walking through fire?"

Caster looked at her squarely, "You're referring to the resonance between Master and Servant. Yes, I have had dreams of Shirou's past. I have seen that hellscape. I've seen him walk through burning bodies and people begging for help. It was the only time I've ever seen him show emotion. He's not that boy any longer. What of it?"

"...Have you dreamt about his time with his father?" she asked slowly, almost unsurely with herself. There were a few things she wanted to clarify. Particularly… the enigma that was Emiya Kiritsugu.

Caster seemed to soften, if not slightly. She took a deep breath. "I blame that man for installing the idealism of being a hero to him. It's so flawed and Shirou doesn't have the mentality to understand it. He doesn't have the heart, rather. Maybe that's why I'm so upset with him. He can't understand how- why people act the way they do. Someone should teach him…"

She became silent after that. Her mind wandered off at that last comment.

Saber let her have this silence as she contemplated something on her own. Kiritsugu… he was her Master in the previous war. He was a cold and calculating man. Despite that, the man still had a dream and was going to achieve it through any means necessary. Even if they were inhumane in nature.

She wanted to say his son, Shirou, was just like him. But the boy had no dream. If he was what Saber speculated, he was only listening to the warnings of Alaya. Her mentor, that old magus, had told her they were only guidances and advice. It was up to him to decide whether he wanted to react to them or not. But Shirou? Shirou was ruled by them… because that's all he had.

As he said, he had a heart of glass. So brittle. So transparent. So hollow.

"Perhaps we should discuss this further with him when he returns," Saber offered. "In the meantime, he gave us an assignment. One that I've been meaning to share with you for some time, Caster."

Caster was pulled out of her musings at Saber's comment. "He was right about that, you know. We do get in the way of each other. Despite our situation, or because of it, you and I are on the same team. For now."

"For now," Saber agreed. "We cannot afford to squabble like children in front of our adversaries. Discontent is the enemy. Until you and I are the last Servants in the war… we must work together. I would like to come to terms with you, Caster. But know I do not agree with all your methods."

"You took the words right out of my mouth," Caster leaned forward. "Very well, Saber. Let's discuss the terms of our partnership."

0-0-0

"Master. The boy is approaching the gates."

Shinji stood leaning against the wall on the second floor. His eyes flicked over to the window. He saw Emiya stepping through the gates. Their eyes met and Shirou disregarded him as he proceeded towards the building. The gesture infuriated Shinji further.

"I do not sense the presence of another Servant nearby. They may be waiting outside my senses."

"No, he's really just an idiot with a bleeding heart," Shinji couldn't hold back the smile. Despite all the bravado Shirou used on the phone, he was an idiot who treated people at face value. There was no way Shinji, his dearest best friend, would ever betray him. "Activate the Bounded Field."

The world became red as the sun was blocked and divine magic flooded the area. Blood Fort Andromeda, one of Rider's Noble Phantasms, dyed the world red with tendrils of magic flowing in every direction. A dark orb sat on top of the building, looking down at them all like the pupil of an eye. The entire school campus felt like it was inside an eyeball.

Though Shinji was left immune to its effects, he still felt a slight pressure from being within. The air was hot and thick. It felt like a beast was trying to gnaw at every inch of him but only being pulled back by Rider's constant will. He couldn't imagine how anyone else within the school was feeling.

He could feel his grin reach from ear to ear. He knew that this Bounded Field did. It would eat away at everyone's life force. It would drain them of their blood and melt their skin. All of their life's energy would transfer over to Rider. It was a gruesome and painful way to die. It was the perfect way for Shirou to go. That's what he gets for breaking Shinji's arm.

"Master," Rider appeared in front of him in a swirl of black and purple dust. "Something's wrong."

He frowned. "What do you mean something's wrong?"

Shirou appeared around the corner. All emotion was gone from his face. He looked straight at Shinji with a dead look in his eyes. He didn't acknowledge Rider's presence. He looked like a man possessed and driven for one task to fulfill. He also looked completely unaffected by Rider's Noble Phantasm.

"He is untouched," Rider stated the obvious.

Shinji growled. Of fucking course! Not only was Rider useless in what should have been her trump card, but Shirou had been able to annoy him further. Shinji had forgotten his Servant was a Caster. His Servant must have given him a protective charm. It was the only way they would let Shirou walk safely into a trap like this.

"Last words, Shinji," Shirou said, stopping a few meters away. "What will I be telling Sakura?"

Shinji's teeth continued to grind until the pain of them outdid what he felt on his arm. Last words?! As if he was the one about to die? "Rider. KILL HIM!"

She moved faster than the wind. Her hair whipped behind her as she leapt forward. Her dual nails were in her hand. She brought her arm forward to strike at him like a cobra going for a quick and clean kill.

Blood splashed all over the floor.

The nails clattered as Rider fell to her side and slid across the slick floor. She gasped as she instinctively wrapped her arms around her waist and compressed on herself. Blood continued to pool around her as she struggled to keep her innards from spilling out of the gaping wound that stretched from one side of her belly to the other.

A spear was in Shirou's grip. It had a curved blade at the end of it. When Shinji blinked, Shirou was posed as though he had just slashed Rider with it. Blood dripped from its edge.

His eyes flicked over to Shinji next.

There was something so horrendously wrong in that gaze. It wasn't natural. It wasn't human. Shirou was so far detached from any emotion Shinji really might be talking to a brick wall. And a brick wall cannot be convinced to fall on top of him and crush him underneath.

"E-Emiya, wait," still he tried. He took a few steps back. "A… A joke! This was all just a joke! No need to take it so seriously."

Shirou did not stir. Like a brick wall.

Shinji felt terrified beyond words. His heart raced as fast as his mind could process thought. He swam through his options. Something in Shirou's glare told him he was going to die unless he thought of something. But it was the fact Emiya Shirou, a pure beta, had pushed him into a corner like this that pissed him off. Fear eventually changed into rage.

"Then screw you, Emiya!" Shinji bellowed as he pulled out a small book from his breast pocket. It was the Book of the False Attendant, aptly named by his grandfather just for Shinji's case. It was the only source of magic Shinji possessed and the single thing that made Rider his Servant without Magic Circuits or Command Seals. He drew upon its power to create a curse to lash out at Shirou.

The book was no longer in possession. It was still in his hand, as Shinji could clearly see it, but it was no longer within his reach.

His severed hand fell to the floor.

Shinji let out a scream as he threw his body back. His mind did not register any pain but still believed his hand was there. He knew it to be untrue as he saw his hand lying at Shirou's feet. And Shirou, who had been standing near Rider moments ago, had crossed the distance before Shinji could react.

When Shinji's back hit the wall, Shirou jabbed the edge of the spear near his throat. The smallest movement would cut Shinji.

"Tell her to take it down," Shirou's voice was without life.

Anger returned to being fear as Shirou pressed the blade harder. Shinji felt a sharp pain as he felt something warm trickle down his neck. "R-Rider! The Bounded Field! Turn it off!"

It wasn't immediate. The oppressive sensation from before steadily dissipated and the world returned to its natural colors. She had done it even as she was cradling herself on the floor.

Shinji let out a shaky laugh as his body shook. "T-There. It's done. Now let me go. See? J-Just a joke."

He realized he was going to die when Shirou's eyes did not change in the slightest. All it would take was the smallest twitch and Shinji's lifeblood would spill everywhere. He knew Shirou was going to do it too. He only needed Shinji alive long enough to command Rider.

His saving grace came from the window that exploded inward. He saw Shirou's eyes turn towards the window at the last second before a projectile struck him square in the head and forced him off of Shinji. Shinji wasn't left unhurt as the force sent him sprawling to the side with cuts riddling the side of his face. All he could do was crouch down and cradle the stump of his severed arm. Blood continued to flow out of the clean cut no matter how much he tried to clot it with the sleeve of his uniform.

In the corner of his eye, he saw a tall man leap through the window. He had tanned skin, black armor, and a red overcoat. He had a sort of glow around him that forced Shinji to ignore his bleeding arm and gaze upon this man. It was like the first rays of sunshine after a dark and heavy storm.

"Archer," Shirou spoke up from where he had been knocked away. He had been impaled into the wall across of the hallway… with a sword sticking through one of his eye sockets. He reached up and pulled it out of him in order to stand upright. Half of his face was covered in a silvery liquid that folded and moved like a thousand ants marching into place. When it settled, his skin reformed with the eye regenerating.

Shinji was out of words as his mind froze.

"What are you doing?" Shirou demanded out of the Servant across of him.

"Saving your sorry self," Archer gave a smirk as though everything about this was a joke to him.

Shirou's expression never changed, but there was a tint of annoyance in his tone, "I won't ask how you avoided my detection. I do not need saving. You're in my way. Move so I can kill him."

"But you do need saving," Archer supplied. He extended a hand. A sword appeared in his grip. The sight of it, for whatever reason, infuriated Shirou further. "You need saving from yourself."

Before Shinji could understand, he only saw Archer spin around and there being a streak of silver. After that… nothing.

0-0-0

Rin returned to the Emiya estate a few hours after school would normally end. Her face was stony as she stood at the doorway. She took in a deep breath, exhaled, and only then opened the door and announced herself. There was something different about the building. It felt sterile.

She found Shirou cooking away in the kitchen. Sakura was there too, her eyes puffy and red. She tried to put up a smile and pretend there was nothing wrong. Rin herself didn't hide the amount of guilt she had. But that guilt only went so far.

"Welcome home, Rin," Shirou said from the stovetop. He gave her a welcoming smile as though they were the best of friends. "You hungry? I barely started dinner. I can make you a snack if you can't wait."

It bothered her how energetic he was.

"I'm not very hungry," she said and stepped in further. She wouldn't take her seat at the dining table. She crossed her arms as she glared at Shirou. "Archer told me everything."

Shirou continued to cook but his eyes were transfixed on hers. "Did he? I have questions of my own… but I doubt you'll be willing to give them up. In any case, I hope you know I meant it when I said I don't want you as my enemy, Tohsaka-san."

Her brow twitched, "Enemies? I think we're beyond that. I think I need to watch over you so you don't make stupid mistakes like that ever again!"

"And what mistake would that be?" he questioned through narrowed eyes.

"The fact you confronted Shinji and his Servant by yourself!" Rin planted her hands on her hips. "If Archer hadn't sensed something was wrong, you'd have been dead!"

"...What?" he stood a little straighter.

"You heard me," she stepped up to the counter so she could look at him closely. "Just what were you thinking going after Shinji without your Servants? Do you have a death wish?! Did you think because you got lucky the past couple of times you'd be fine?! You're lucky Archer struck Rider before she could do you in!"

"...What?" he said again, this time in a low voice. His eyes flicked over her shoulder and he spoke into the open air. "What did you tell her?"

He was asking Archer… as if he could see him in his spectral state. She wanted to know why and how he was there. He wasn't likely to answer and could only assume it was another gimmick from Caster. Still, despite how impressive the Servant of the Spell was, this was one too many gimmicks. She was starting to have her doubts about Shirou being completely vanilla. He did say his father had tried to teach him magic.

Regardless, Archer didn't respond. He remained stationary within the astral plane.

"Sempai," Sakura looked up at him with a hopeful expression. "What's she talking about? I… I didn't know you were in school today. I thought you went shopping…"

"I did," Shirou said. He turned off the stove and circled around the counter. He kept his apron on as he entered the dining area. "But that was after confronting Shinji at school. He called me and demanded I show up… or activate the Bounded Field with all those people inside. I couldn't ignore a threat like that. But when I got there… he activated it anyways. I had no choice but to go after him."

Sakura went very still as she stared up at Shirou for a long time. The silence took on a heavy pressure for everyone present.

"The Bounded Field was what Archer sensed," Rin spoke up. If not for Shirou's sake then for Sakura's. "I had him go investigate. Had he been any slower and Rider would have had your head. Though… it would seem the only way Rider would lower the field was to kill Shinji."

She steeled her heart when Sakura looked at him. As much as a sleazeball as he was, Shinji was someone Sakura loved as a brother. The amount of hurt in her eyes almost made Rin falter. Almost.

"That's not how it went at all," Shirou spoke sharply. When both heads turned towards him, he glared once more over Rin's shoulder. He spoke for all of them while glaring at Archer. "I confronted Shinji and made him put down the barrier. I was about to kill him until Archer showed up."

"You? Kill Shinji?" Rin scoffed. "Archer told me your Servants weren't around. You have no way to defend yourself against Rider, no matter how impressive Caster's charms are. I don't know what you're trying to pull by trying to take all the credit. You're only making yourself look like a fool."

She noticed how his hand curled as if to grab hold of something. The hand stilled before lowering back down. His head was turned as if something was whispering into his ear. His Servant perhaps? Either way, whatever he was listening to told him to stop… whatever it was he was trying to do right now.

"He would have died from blood loss," Shirou grumbled, almost sourly. "I cut off his hand when he tried to use some kind of grimoire on me. The wound can't be healed."

Sakura seemed to know what this grimoire was when mentioned. However… "Sempai, thank you. But you don't need to defend Tohsaka-san. You're too nice for her."

And now she became the center of spite for Rin. She accepted it. She didn't command Archer to kill Shinji but she would have if she were in that school at the time. He made the right decision in her stead. And she forgave Shirou, to a certain degree anyways. He was trying to protect her from Sakura's ire.

"Sakura," his voice fell to a firm pitch. "I went to meet Shinji with the intent of killing him. There was nothing I could have said or done that would have changed his mind. Tohsaka has nothing to do with it."

"Just let it go, Emiya-kun," Rin breathed out. "Shinji is dead regardless of who is at fault. He was a Master of the Grail War and he was dealt with as such. I spoke to Kotomine about the survivors of the incident. Most of them suffered from slight mana exhaustion. But those closer to the center of the barrier… they'll have scars and disabilities for the rest of their lives."

She was trying to push the conversation rather than play this pointing-fingers game with him. Whoever killed Shinji was irrelevant to her; so long as he was dead and the problem resolved. She can handle Sakura's spite just fine.

Sakura sat still with her head bowed. Without looking at anyone, she slowly got up and walked out of the room. Rin and Shirou watched her go, all without stopping her.

"You probably already know this," Rin went on. "Fujimura-sensei was taken to the hospital. She was away from the worst of it but will be there for the next couple of days. The school will also be shut down for some time."

"...The Rider is also still out there," Shirou stated plainly as he slipped back into the kitchen. He went back to work, probably as a coping mechanism. His legal guardian and older sister figure had just gotten involved in the Grail War, something he had sworn to participate in to mitigate the damage. It must be eating him apart.

"I wouldn't worry about her," Rin shook her head. Only then did she take her seat at the table. "Without a Master and an able source of mana, she'll disappear soon. I wouldn't be surprised if she's gone already."

"Can't she just feed off of people like before?" he raised his eyes to peer over the countertop.

"We'll know if she does. Only time will tell. And if she makes noise, we'll be close after her."

There was a moment of contemplative silence between them. At some point Shirou had served her some tea before going back to the kitchen. Rin thanked him as she sipped on the hot beverage. It soothed her on this winter evening. The house itself was warm but… all of this left her with chills.

"I wish to discuss the terms of our alliance," Rin spoke up after the conversation had fallen still long enough. "Now that the Rider is no longer a threat, there isn't much reason for us to be working together."

"I suppose there isn't," he muttered back. "But, Tohsaka-"

"I will throw this at you if you tell me you can't see me as your enemy," she gave a half-hearted growl. "At some point you and I will be enemies, Emiya-kun. It's only a matter of time. That might be sooner than you think now that Rider is gone. We still have Berserker to worry about and the absence of Assassin."

"I'm not worried about Berserker," he said so casually it was as if he had forgotten what that giant brute did to all three of their Servants. "And they say no news is good news. Maybe Assassin won't even be summoned?"

Rin's hand glided across the flat surface of the table. It was a very nice wood table. There were a couple of buffs and scratched on it from prolonged use. But Shirou made sure to polish it regularly. This thing was loved.

She wanted to bang her head on it until either it or her skull split in two. It would be unfortunate but her skull would win and this thing would be on the street for trash pickup by the morning.

"That's exactly what I'm talking about!" she raised her voice while slamming her palms on the aforementioned table. "You don't get it, do you?! You can't just casually brush them aside as if they're nothing! What, because you have two Servants you think you're invincible?"

"...But I am invincible," he said so plainly and so innocently he might have actually believed it.

She remembered the event with the Berserker. He was nothing but smiles for Einzbern. He stood in the way of Berserker's initial strike until Saber saved his sorry ass. When Rin and the Einzbern heiress were going toe-to-toe, he stood in the middle of it and asked her a pointless question while magic was flying everywhere. And then there was his question! Can Masters fight Servants?!

It was like he has no sense of danger… This might be true considering what happened today.

She groaned and rubbed her temple at an oncoming headache, "Emiya-kun… This is why I am calling for an alliance. No, you know what? You're stuck with me whether you like it or not. Someone has to drill it through your skull how dangerous this war is. I don't care if you have two Servants to watch your back! I'll hold your hand like a child if I have to!"

He raised his hand and looked at it. His eyes met hers with a quizzical look.

She pretended the heat in her cheeks was from the tea, "D-Don't give me that look. I mean it. It'll be on my conscience forever if you step into another skirmish and I could have stopped it."

He lowered his hand. The look he gave her next was… searching. He was analyzing her as though she were a book. He was trying to define everything written about her and trying to understand that definition. "Tohsaka-san, the other night you wanted to wash your hands of me. You even tried to kill me the next day. I understood the point of the alliance to deal with Rider. But you really have no reason to do anything with me. Just as I won't chastise how you will be involved in the war, you shouldn't with me."

"My way isn't suicidal," she pointed out.

"It is to me," he said in a cold and detached voice.

"And that's the problem," she jabbed a finger his way. "Your common sense is so warped you don't get what's going on. It's not how a normal human being should act!"

He went still. Impossibly, almost inhumanly, still. When she thought she was imagining things, life seemed to return to him. He blinked with his eyes widening slightly.

He looked unsure of himself. His eyes wandered around as if some answer was lying around in the kitchen. Eventually those eyes drifted back to her. He gave a sigh of resignation, "Alright, alright. I'll listen to you, Tohsaka-san. I was going to let you stay for as long as you need, but now you can stay because we're… partners, I guess."

"More like I'm your chaperone," she grumbled and sipped some more of her tea to hide her reddening face. Damn him. Saying things that made it sound like they were married.

"Why don't you go wash up?" he offered while putting a lid on the pot and adjusting the flame. He threw off his apron and put it on the hanger. "The bath is drawn if you want to use it. Dinner should be ready by the time you're done."

Gods. A bath. She didn't realize how badly her body wanted to soak until he mentioned it. "Then I'll take you up on your kind hospitality. What will you be doing in the meantime?"

"I need to tell Caster and Saber about our arrangement," he said without a shred of hesitation. He didn't doubt her nor did he guard himself. "The stew just needs to simmer so I can step out for a few minutes. I'll be back shortly."

He stepped out of the dining area after that. She heard the front door open and close.

She drank the last of her tea, stretched with her arms over her head, and headed for the washroom. "Archer, can you do me a favor and bring me some clothes from my room?"

She ignored his sarcastic remark. He'll get it done. Or else.

She stopped suddenly. If Shirou was going out to speak with Caster and Saber elsewhere… who or what had he been listening to earlier?

0-0-0

Saber sensed them through mundane means before her abilities as a Servant did. She had been meditating within the dojo for some time, mulling over her discussion with Caster as well as what she speculated about Shirou. It was sundown by this time and he would call her for supper soon. The time was too soon. And with Caster at his side, it meant he had something to discuss.

She raised her head and opened her eyes. Shirou allowed himself in with Caster in tow. She knew the Servant of the Spell had been working on the Bounded Field surrounding his house. He must have called upon her from whatever corner she was working on.

"Saber," he greeted.

"Good evening, Shirou," she returned. They have not spoken since this morning. "Forgive me for not welcoming you when you first arrived. There was… much I needed to consider on my end."

"It's fine," he said. His voice was lacking all emotion. He would not deceive her as he would the others. Not when they had figured out and he had confessed he was far from human himself. "I trust the two of you have come to an understanding?"

Saber exchanged a look with Caster briefly.

"Before that…" Saber began in a steady tone. "Mayhap you'd like to tell us how today went? What has become of the Rider."

Shirou studied the two of them in his unique way. It was impossible to tell what conclusion he came to when he began to speak. "Everything went exactly as I said it was. Shinji activated the Bounded Field when I crossed over. I cut down Rider without killing her with Harpe and forced Shinji to have her turn off the Bounded Field. When she did, I aimed to kill him next. However…"

In a rare moment, he showed genuine displeasure. "Archer stepped in. He appeared without my notice, got between Shinji and I, and then killed him before I could."

"How… strange," Caster muttered. "Why would Archer of all people do that?"

"He told Rin he did it to save me," Shirou's eyes sharpened. "But he saw Rider bleeding. He's lying. I don't know why."

"Did Archer tell you anything?" Saber inquired next.

"He said he wasn't there to save me from Rider. He told me he was there to save me from myself. I don't know what it means. I don't think even I can hurt myself." He bowed his head and tried to listen to the whispers only he could hear. His brows scrunched in both focus and confusion. These weren't masque emotions; this was how he was really feeling.

Saber recalled the conversation Shirou exchanged with Archer and their discussion about it afterwards. It had been when he used a Command Seal to bring her to the school grounds. Archer clearly knew Shirou as his words seemed to stir genuine reactions out of him. But Shirou claimed he could have been anyone.

"Shirou," she spoke up before Caster could. "Do you think Archer could have been someone like you in his previous life? Do you believe he was once a Predator of Alaya?"

His eyes focused on her so intently she felt violated. It was as if he was prying open her mind and seeing her deepest, darkest secrets. "Why do you know what that is, Saber?"

She met that gaze with one of her own, "I knew two in my lifetime. And I was a part of a third when we were fully united. I am familiar with the term and its significance."

"...Then you should know how dangerous that wish of yours is," he said in a tone befitting of a defender of the planet. Just as when Merlin challenged the two dragons. Just as when Galahad sought out the Holy Grail. And just as she went to war against the Saxons. It was a tone used to promise nothing will stop them from achieving their goal. Not even Gaia herself could stop them.

"I do not believe that is what we are discussing at the moment," she returned.

"No, I suppose not," he said readily. He had already anticipated her remark. "Archer might have been a Predator in his life. It might explain why he was able to avoid my detection. He might know something about Alaya that I don't. I can't say. I have only met two others in my life."

"If I may…" Caster spoke up. "Let's say for the sake of it that Archer was one of those monsters in his life. Then he should know the burden of being one. Maybe, and this is just a stretch, he already knew what you were going to do because he too was once guided by Alaya."

"...And then what?" His eyes searched through Caster with just as much intensity as with Saber. "All he's done so far is get in my way of my duty. The threat won't present itself now. I don't know where it is or how to bring it out this time."

"Do you think maybe that threat of yours is gone for good?" Caster mused. "Or that maybe since it has something to do with Shinji and Sakura that Sakura's the so-called threat?"

"I would know if it was Sakura," he said matter-of-factly. "I have checked everyone I've come across in Fuyuki. My only theory is the threat is Assassin. But I'm told he hasn't been summoned yet."

"Then maybe Archer did you a service and removed the threat before it could manifest," Caster offered. "Maybe, and this is assuming he was still a Predator in his time, he saw the signs and stepped in. The way I see it, he had no reason at all to step in if he saw you take down Rider. There must be something more to it."

Shirou looked away from them and stared off into open space. They waited, already familiar with the signs of him speaking to the Will of Humanity.

"Something's not right," he mumbled in a low voice. His eyes refocused on the two of them. "But… I have no choice. I will focus my time on minimizing the casualties of the Holy Grail War until something else draws my attention. Regarding that… what have the two of you discussed?"

With one mattered settled, they moved on to the next one.

"We can't work together," Caster began and put bluntly. She didn't believe there was a reason to fluff anything. "Not with the way things are. Our methodologies are too different. It's as you say; we'll only get in each other's way if we try to work together."

"And how will you then participate in the war?" he asked next.

"Separately," Saber answered. She stood up to look at him squarely. "Shirou, I will ask you this: do you intend on being my Master and assisting me in achieving the Grail?"

He studied her before answering, "I will help you for as long as possible. But if you continue to seek the Grail with that wish in mind, I will stop you before you reach your goal."

A childish part of her wanted to argue. He didn't understand. But he did. He had the Will of Humanity on his shoulder, telling him secrets she couldn't understand. Yes, she was the one who didn't understand. Her dream to redo the choosing process would do more harm than good. But it still aches her heart knowing this. A part of her wanted to proceed. But another part, the one that had once heard the whispering before, knew better.

"Then I ask for your permission to leave your company," she spoke sternly, unflinching, and without remorse or doubt. "Know that I am not doing this out of betrayal. I still wish to seek the Grail. I cannot deny there is much I need to think about on my own."

He raised his hand with the back facing her. The Command Seals started to glow a dim red. "And if I use these to free you, what will happen to you?"

"I should have enough time to seek another Master."

"And if you don't?"

"...That is my burden."

The hand lowered. The Command Seals remained on his hand. "There is still the Berserker to deal with. And after that, Archer. I will give you until we have killed one of them. After that I will seek you out and ask for your wish once more. I will deal with you appropriately depending on your answer. Until then, I will continue to give you all the prana you need. And, Saber, if you want, you can always return here. You'll always have a bed and a meal."

She almost faltered at the thought of food. His cooking was certainly… something. She steeled herself befitting that of a king. "Thank you, Shirou, but I believe isolation is the best choice. If you will seek me out in the future, perhaps it is best I not get another involved. I will go alone with your prana. I wish you good fortune in your quest against the Berserker."

He said nothing to her. He did not wish her anything else. He had already offered her a place at his side whenever she wished. To say anything further would be a deception and he wouldn't do that to her. He showed his true colors. It wasn't out of honor or respect. It was because there was no point in trying to hide.

With just the clothes he had given her, she left the Emiya estate.

0-0-0

"Are you sure about this?" Caster asked as they stood at the entry of the dojo.

"I should be asking you that," Shirou slipped back into his human facade as easily as Caster could throw over her hood. "She was another Servant you could have manipulated. You might have to fight her before dealing with Archer or Berserker."

"Maybe, but I could say the same thing about you. You have the power to keep her here. It wouldn't surprise me if you're a better swordsman than her."

"I am a better swordsman."

"Such a bold statement against the King of Knights," Caster rebuked dryly. "But then again, this is coming from the man as callous as he is dimwitted. I take it Sakura didn't enjoy the news of her dead brother?"

"She thinks my claim to kill him was me defending Tohsaka," he grumbled back. He crossed his arms. "I should have thrown a spear from the yard."

"Don't say I didn't tell you."

"I was going to say I ordered you to concoct a spell to do it," he bit back. She rolled her eyes and shook her head. "I almost told Tohsaka about me to prove it. But then she'd go and tell the Clock Tower about me. There were two possibilities; either she'd keep it as a secret or run off and tell the Clock Tower. The only guarantee she'd keep it a secret is if I killed her… which would make it all pointless."

"Is it really so bad?" she asked with a sideways glance. "If you really are what I think you are, there's nothing on the planet that can stop you. What's a few mortal men compared to you?"

"I am here to protect humanity, not lead them all to their own deaths. It's inefficient hiding this from Tohsaka but even more inefficient if I let her know. It's just the same if I told any of my friends and family about this. Not even Sakura knows."

"I'm flattered you shared this secret with little old me," Caster voice was colder than the winter air. "Does anybody know?"

"Raiga-jii," he answered. "And Kotomine."

"The war proctor?" she almost gasped.

He nodded. "He knew Shishou. He came looking for answers one day and I told him. There was no consequence in him knowing so I thought nothing against it. He stays out of my way when something comes along."

Caster could only sigh and place a few fingers to her brow.

"Dinner should be ready," he said after a moment. "You hungry?"

"...I will forgive you for everything if you tell me you cooked from scratch."

"I was told no one would die today if I did," he said before walking off.

"...Wait. What? That's a joke… right? Shirou? Shirou!"

0-0-0

"Gone?!" Rin slammed her hands on the table. Her face was flushed. "What do you mean she's gone?!"

"Exactly what I just said," Shirou said with a bit of impatience. He placed the pot down on the table and began to fill up everyone's bowls. He handed the first one over to Caster. "She believed it was counterproductive to work alongside Caster and decided to achieve the Grail on her own. I'm going to respect her wish and let her go. But it's not like she's completely out of my sight. I still have my Command Seals."

Caster was giving him an extra dry look. Rin didn't know what it meant but knew it had to do with much more than just Saber's disappearance.

"I'm gone for thirty minutes…" Rin placed her face in her hands. "Thirty minutes and you do this to me. Do I need to watch you at every waking moment?"

"That might be something," Caster commented. "Usually it's Saber and I who have to take up that role. But now that she's gone… someone's going to have to sleep in the same room as him."

Rin sat up and glared at Shirou, "Please tell me she's not serious about that."

"I couldn't say no to Saber," Shirou finished serving to take his own seat. He even offered one to Archer, who remained in his astral form. "She said she wanted to be around me for my own protection while I slept. It's not like we slept in the same bed. Just… in the futon beside mine."

"That doesn't exactly sound any better," Rin rebuked.

Shirou grumbled something and went at it with his bowl.

"It's on you if something happens to her," Rin mentioned. "Besides that, nothing about you and I has changed. Now that school is closed, we're going to have a bunch of extra time on our hands. Any idea on how to approach Berserker and his Master?"

With the question in the air, Rin took a scoop full of beef and rice, blew on it a few times, and put it in her mouth. Yup. She was sure of it. Shirou spiked the meal. There was no way in hell he made something like this without magic or drugs. There were too many flavors and it only made her want to eat more.

Gods. She just wanted to cradle the bowl close to her chest and dunk her face in it. She was so glad she proposed this alliance with him. She will learn from him, steal his secrets, and then cook just like this on her own. If she could open up a restaurant she would make bank.

"Maybe I'll run into them tomorrow at the market," Shirou shrugged. "We can always just go on patrol at night. They're more likely to attack like last time."

"Unless we can plan ahead and lay a trap, that sounds like a bad idea," Rin countered. "If we knew where they were coming from or where they're at now, we can strategize some plan of assault."

Caster's heavy eyes fell on Shirou once again. He was ignoring her.

"Is there something I'm missing?" Rin asked.

"Caster's under the impression I know where all things are on the planet," Shirou returned while giving Caster a blunt look. "Because, you know, normal people without any magic have this ability."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Caster huffed and went back to her meal. Any hostility she had against him seemed to collapse after her next bite. Rin watched as it returned tenfold and then collapsed just as easily after a few chews. It was… interesting seeing Caster go between the two emotions back and forth.

"How's Sakura?" Rin decided to change the subject.

Shirou immediately noticed the way she addressed her. He didn't comment on it. "Still in her room. I invited her to dinner but she told me she wasn't hungry. I'll bring her something later. She's still upset over what happened to Shinji."

"I don't blame her," Rin said as she stirred the contents in her bowl. "But it needed to be done. I won't lose sleep over it and neither should you. She'll come around eventually. Besides, most of her hate is directed towards me."

He didn't seem to like that. But before he could comment, Caster placed down her spoon and sat up straight. Archer also appeared in the dining room.

"A Servant is nearby," he said. "Unless it's Saber returning… expect it to be Berserker."

"A… Servant?" Shirou blinked with confusion. Honestly, this boy. Did he think he was so safe at home he never considered a Servant to attack here? That's just warfare 101.

"So it would seem, Shirou," Caster stood up. With a wave of her hand did her cloak and hood appear over her shoulder. She drew it up.

"The alarm hasn't triggered so maybe they're here to talk…" Shirou said but didn't fully believe himself. It still sounded like he couldn't understand how or why another enemy Master would attack him while he was relaxed and dining.

He got up to walk out of the dining room and towards the front entrance. Caster was right behind him. Rin nudged Archer with his eyes and he followed after. Rin proceeded at a safe distance in the back of the group.

When they all stepped outside… she blinked. She didn't lower her guard but she had difficulty understanding herself. Parked outside the gates of the estate was a black Lexus with a driver in a fine pressed suit opening the door for someone to step out. Rin saw a slender pale leg before a womanly figure step out.

She had long blonde hair with each strand as smooth and flawless as silk, an immaculate complexion with the beauty of a goddess, a form that made Rin green with envy, and an exotic pair of crimson eyes. The clothes she wore, while namebrand, were lackluster compared to her overall presence. She wore a white one-piece with heels, a brown jacket with fur lining, and plenty of gold jewelry to decorate her body.

While the driver looked uncertain of those waiting at the entrance of the house, she tread with one foot in front of the other and a gait befitting that of a predator. Her smile was carnivorous, triumphant, and regal. It was as if whatever contest there was about to happen was already hers to win.

Rin felt her Command Seals start to burn. There was a Servant present. This must be the Master of Assassin.

"Hi, can I help you?" Shirou was the one to open his big fat mouth. There was no grace in his tone. He spoke too friendly as if this person were a welcomed guest instead of a potential invader.

The woman, no, girl. She wasn't that much older than Rin. The girl stopped a few meters away from them. She struck a pose for all of those in front of her to take in her presence. At the same time, those crimson eyes drank in Shirou just as much as she expected them to gawk at her.

"At last the pup has grown into such an exotic beast," her voice was smooth, light, and imperialistic. The voice of a singer. A… pop idol…

It was only then did Rin realize this was the pop idol Fujimura's strange friend was gushing about this morning. Then… the interview this morning… Those words exchanged with the interviewer… The mutt this girl had been talking about what Emiya Shirou?!

"Why are you just standing there?" she snapped a finger at him. "Do you not have a place prepared for me? Why do you act as though you weren't expecting my arrival?"

"I'm… sorry?" Shirou said after a momentary pause. He had a thousand choices and chose to say this one. It sounded like he threw a dart inside his mind. "Who are you? Why am I expecting you?"

The girl's eyes flared as if insulted, "Surely you haven't forgotten about someone such as I! Though I might not look the same as I did when last we met, I am still the same person. Did Archibald not tell you I was coming? You are the only one he speaks to these days."

"...I have no idea who that is," Shirou answered honestly. "Are you lost? The nearest inn is a couple miles down the road. I can give your driver directions if you want."

Her brow twitched, "Did our time apart make you incompetent? I am referring to his public name! The same man who made you my replacement!"

"I still have no idea what you're talking about," Shirou began to rub at the back of his head.

"Do you have business with this place?" Caster stepped up. "We sensed the presence of a Servant. If you are the Master of the Grail War, reveal your Servant. If not then state your intentions or leave."

"Hoh?" the girl turned her attention to Caster. She put a hand on her hip as her smile turned to that of amusement. "I do not believe I was speaking to you, witch. Ruin my reunion with my student again and I will execute you where you stand."

She raised a hand and snapped a finger. Rin's eyes widened as a wall of gold shimmered behind the girl. The air itself rippled as portals opened. There were dozens of them as bladed weapons protruded out of each center. Each tip of a sword or spear was pointed directly at Caster.

Rin's magical senses were going haywire. There was a lot of power behind each weapon. This went beyond Mystic Codes. Was this their Servant's doing? How were they able to do this without manifesting themselves? Not unless they were hiding elsewhere and controlling this feat from afar.

Incidentally, the driver at the gate was about to lose his mind. He didn't seem to be aware of the magical world until right now.

"You're using those wrong," Shirou said as if he was the one this time greatly insulted.

Rather than taking exception, it seemed to amuse the girl further. Her smile spread. "Were it anyone else, I'd have struck them down. But, I dare admit, I've missed those words. I will pardon your slight this time. Do you now recognize me, Faker?"

With another wave of her arm, the weapons retracted back through the portals. The shimmer of gold vanished and the pressure in the air released. It was as if nothing had happened.

"I recognize you as the pop idol from the interview this morning," Shirou answered. When the girl quirked a brow… Shirou's brows fell into a flat line. "I'm sorry. I don't really follow those trends. And I wasn't paying much attention to the interview. What was your name again?"

"This goes beyond forgetfulness, boy," she said in a cold and sharp tone. "You have ruined our reunion by your own hand. So be it. If you will not address me as your precious teacher then you will address me the true overseer of the Grail War.

"In response to your presence, I have been summoned! I am the Servant of the Ruler class! Gilgamesh of Uruk! I am here to ensure you no longer interfere with the matters of the Holy Grail War!

"Now, will we discuss the terms of your cooperation like savages in the cold or do I have to drag you into a more civilized setting?"


Pat reon: Arrixam