-108:24:36

Risei set down the report to rub his tired eyes. His shoulders ached, his fingers were beginning to feel numb. I'm not a young man anymore, he grumbled to himself while falling back into his seat. He grabbed his cup from nearby and took a sip of water, lamenting with a dash of irony that it wouldn't magically transform into wine. What I'd give for that miracle...

The priest had been spending the last few days coordinating the coverup of Caster and his Master's continued kidnappings. The rescue of ten children in the previous night had been wonderful (he'd taken the time to bless those Heroic Spirits responsible) but still necessitated him to have their memories cleaned of any magical properties behind their abductions. That included handling their families, the police officers, and just about anyone close to them.

The TV nearby was coincidentally showing a reporter delivering the official story: "The children had been trapped somewhere in Miyama Town's outskirts, but a group of people stumbled by chance upon them and tried to free them. The kidnappers had intervened, and a bloody battle broke out. All ten slipped away in the confusion and stayed together until reaching the police station, but officials have stated that they're all heavily shaken by the events. Parents have collectively insisted on postponing all questions; they're just happy to have them back safely. The criminals, however, remain at large." The man shuffled his papers before continuing. "The same goes for the robbers of Fumihiko Bank-"

Risei picked up the remote and hit the power button, shutting off the TV. He sighed to himself about the admittedly rushed solution. It had been exhausting but crucial. A single loose thread could unravel the entire shroud they'd established, revealing not only the Holy Grail War, but all of the Moonlit World.

But no sooner had he managed to stabilize that situation did a new complication arise. Miss Sophia-Ri had "regretfully" informed him that her fiancé Lord El-Melloi had perished. At the hands of one of his own Servants, no less. In the long term, Risei and Lord Tokiomi were sure to have a number of lengthy discussions with the Archibald family about this. But even putting that charming prospect aside, the lady had also explained Lancer had agreed to fighting in her name, thus making her a new Master. The way she had described it made it sound like an engagement.

Oh yes, and she remembered amidst her bliss to mention that Archer X, her betrothed's killer, had gone rogue, as an afterthought.

Tokiomi had not been happy when Risei relayed the news. Granted, he had already seemed on edge due to repeatedly arguing with Lancer X (She's been rather tense as well, a shame. She's a charming conversationalist.), but this was yet another event he hadn't anticipated. From the standpoint of a magus, El-Melloi's death meant perhaps the one Master who might've surpassed the Tohsaka patriarch in Thaumaturgy was no longer a threat. Sophia-Ri lacked her family crest, she couldn't hope to match his prestige.

However, Archer X was now the third Servant that had deviated from the Grail War's outline. The first, Berserker X, had joined forces with Iskandar, a Heroic Spirit whom Risei's master considered to be a potential rival for Archer, and the second, Caster, had gone on a kidnapping/killing spree. The report on his desk had been transcribed by one of the Hassan's; according to them, Waver Velvet's team had recently sundered that lunatic's base of operations. Technically, a good thing that a Caster's territory was gone, but with the Servant still running free, he could simply set shop elsewhere.

But at the very least, they had some idea what Caster was up to. Archer X's motives and targets were a complete mystery. What's worse, none of the Assassins had mentioned any idea to her whereabouts. Even Risei, the overseer of this Holy Grail War, had failed to discern her exact location. Either she is that good at hiding, the priest frowned at himself, or someone is concealing her. Lancer was apparently chasing his ex-partner, but she was still a major loose end. It made him wonder why that sort of Servant had yet to show any sign.

The frown shifted to a scowl. Speaking of loose ends… His thoughts had drifted to a certain Servant of metal and mockery.

No matter how much Risei tried to calm himself through prayer or self-assurances, he just couldn't shake the feeling that Rider X was trouble. The way that behemoth came and went as he pleased, offering nothing but derisive jabs at his beliefs and faith what few times they had conversed, those crimson lights for eyes, shining with an open malice that brought scriptures of the Devil to the priest's mind…

He trusted and loved his son with all his heart, but a question had emerged the very first time Kirei had introduced him to the "Heroic" Spirit, one that had continued to scratch at his mind over the War's course: how could my boy summon a soul that wicked? He'd been telling himself it was likely a test set by the Lord, a chance for Kirei to prove his light against a force of great darkness.

But the worries had not lessened.

Another sigh escaped the old father. The Third Grail War had never been this complicated, even with the Imperial Army and Nazis getting involved.

The spark of humor faded, though, when he remembered the flames. The sounds of battle, echoing all around him. The cries of agony and death. The failure…

Risei started at the sound of something dripping. He glanced about to find the source before realizing it was close. He looked down; the cup in his hand had been crushed. Droplets of water mixed with blood dribbled through his fingers onto the floor below. The priest wiped away the sweat from his brow and made to clean it up.

The War seemed to be more erratic with each passing hour, but he trusted Lord Tokiomi to find a way to resolve this. He had to. This will most likely be my last chance to witness a miracle. And who better to use it on something reliable than a magus like Tokiomi Tohsaka?

Risei Kotomine never regretted serving the Tohsaka family. It had been a pleasure and an honor. But he couldn't help but worry about his son. His son who had always looked so lost in life, who may still mourn the passing of his wife and the relinquishment of his daughter. A tear began to gather in the grandfather's eye. Caren…

As he picked up the broken ceramic, his right sleeve curled up, giving Risei a glimpse of the many Command Seals he'd been entrusted with. As the overseer of the Holy Grail War, he was responsible for maintaining a neutral position. But as a father… as a grandfather… wasn't it his responsibility to help? Especially against a being as monstrous as that Servant?

Risei cleaned away the broken cup and spilled liquid. There was much to do while the sun was up. But his thoughts would persist.

Ūhei stepped slowly along the grass, snout low and sniffing carefully. A moment later, he muttered, "Yeah, she was definitely here." He took another sniff. "And she wasn't alone."

Kiritsugu crouched next to the dog and brushed along the grass. "Little sign of tracks for someone wearing heavy armor," he noted. He patted a spot where earth had sunk in. "She must've dropped something heavy. Any scent there?" The greyhound shook his head. "An object, then." The Mage Killer muttered while scanning the area. Nobody around in this part of Miyama Town right now. Bounded Field up made their job easier.

Then his eyes narrowed at a spot further away where the ground appeared to have sunk in. Or something heavy had fallen there. Assassin X was already there with another hound. Akino circled the slight crater before stopping with a growl. His master crouched down to scratch his head. "What's wrong, boy?"

The sunglasses on the dog's snout did little to hide his concern. "I think Rider X was here." The non-canines stiffened at the mention of that Servant. Akino sniffed again before nodding. "No, I'm positive he was here. This spot looks like somewhere he'd land, and his sight is all over the spot."

The Servant of Assassination checked the forest. "Well, whatever confrontation happened here, it didn't turn into a fight," he observed from the obvious lack of damage to their surroundings. "I doubt even Rider X could kill Archer X without her putting up some form of a struggle. And Archer X isn't one to restrain herself when dealing with an enemy."

Ūhei shuffled nervously. "You think they're working together now?"

"Or they're at least not fighting each other," Kiritsugu answered, absentmindedly scratching the hound's ear. They'd been trying to track down Archer X ever since Shiba had reported her falling out with her team. Lancer and his spear were still a credible hindrance to Saber's performance, but the black-armored Servant cutting ties with him had been unexpected. She'd become a wild card, and Kiritsugu wanted to have at least an idea of what she was up to. It was either that or get blindsided by someone obviously well-trained in guerilla tactics.

So far, his group had followed two different trails that had led nowhere, and Maiya, accompanied by a Shadow Clone of Assassin X, had reported the same for another one. Archer X had obviously been setting up false tracks to throw them off the scent. She was clever, but the Mage Killer's persistence had paid off.

And this new information confirmed his prior suspicions. While certainly having a short temper, the foreign Servant hadn't struck him as someone who'd kill her Master so rashly. Or at least, not without a backup plan. She had to know that Independent Action could only sustain her for a limited time without a steady mana supply, so she would've both claimed Archibald's Command Seals and striven to find an alternative. A new Master, or something else.

Kiritsugu remembered the curious gaze Saber had given him when he'd first explained his theory to his team. "With respect, Master, you seem fairly confident of what Archer X's actions may be." She'd noted.

Her Master had simply collected his things. "They're what I would do."

Assassin X was remembering that exchange as well even as he grew apprehensive about Rider X's involvement. Did Kirei Kotomine send him to collect her? Does that mean Archer X has become his Servant, too? Not a comforting prospect, and judging by his Master's expression, they were on the same page.

Another growl from Akino drew their attention. His nostrils flared again before he bared his teeth in a snarl. "And something… vile showed up too." He hacked up a cough. "Almost as bad as that Caster bastard."

Kiritsugu frowned at the information. Someone else was here? Who could that be? Another Servant, or a human to be her new Master? He mulled over the possibilities. Kirei Kotomine? …No. Even if Akino's never smelt him before, I don't think "vile" would be the word to describe that man. But who else?

Kakashi considered the possibilities as well, the confusion on his face hidden by his mask. He glanced down to his boys. "Can you guys trace them?" Their best chance of getting answers (and maybe putting an end to both Servants) was to go after the ones that had been here.

Both hounds began to walk slowly about in a circle, widening their area with each pass. Their snouts went to the ground, then up, then back down again. But after a minute of careful sniffing, the duo grumbled in frustration. Akino finally reported, "Something was used to mask the scents. A spell, or something? Either way, the trails stop here."

Kiritsugu clicked his tongue disappointed. So many questions with the answers eluding them. And the sun was soon to set, meaning that they'd have to get moving lest another group appear and decide to attack them. He pulled out a cigarette. "Let's go. Maybe we have a better chance from higher ground." With a snap of his lighter, smoke began to waft from him.

The hounds looked down, growing guilty at the man's discontent. Assassin X gave both of them a light pat on the head. He'd hoped that his pack would simplify tracking down the other teams, but if experience had taught him anything, it was things were never that easy. He followed his Master, both still pondering the possibilities.

Then Ūhei, his snout still hanging by the grass, let out a low growl. His eyes narrowed at something amidst the blades. Assassin X turned to find him pawing at the spot but keeping his distance at the same time. Curious, the Servant bent down and reached out his left hand.

Kiritsugu had been gauging how to adapt a plan originally for dispatching Kayneth. But if done right, it could be used to get rid of Sophia-Ri and Lancer. When he turned back, cigarette in hand, he found the veteran ninja holding something up to the sun's light. He stepped closer to have a better look. "What is that?"

"Something Ūhei found just now." Assassin X briefly pushed up his headband to check with the Sharingan. "…I think it's a dead worm, but there's definitely traces of mana here."

"Mana?" Kiritsugu accepted the slender thing with care; it was so frail it nearly crumbled at his touch. Indeed, the remains of a worm, but not quite like anything he'd seen before. Still, he too could sense a hint of magic amidst its decaying body. "Fresh, too. But the worm shouldn't be rotting this quickly." He had a hunch what it could really be, though.

The Master pulled out a plastic bag from his coat pocket and carefully laid the worm inside. As he stowed it away, he said, "Come on, while there's still daylight." He took another puff from his cigarette while rubbing first Ūhei's head, then Akino's. "Good boys."

Kiritsugu tried not to smile from their pleased noises before they poofed away; he might've retained a hint of his childhood love for dogs. An infinitesimal part of the cynical magi hunter had been delighted when he felt the experience of his Shadow Clone summoning Biscuit for the first time. And now I can do it whenever I want.

Assassin X still noticed it, of course. But he chose to let them walk in silent contemplation, his own smile hidden by his mask.

In the Shinto district, Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri was walking slowly down a branch off the main street. She stared down at the collection of vibrating nails in her left hand before giving a tired sigh. 'Lancer, this isn't working,' she explained telepathically. 'Even if I knew exactly how these functioned, Archer X could be on the other side of the city by now.' She pocketed her late fiancé's Mystic Code. 'Let's return to the Hyatt and make a new plan.'

And perhaps enjoy some time alone… Sola-Ui added to herself as she awaited her Servant's reply. 'Please, Lady Sola-Ui. Let's try for a little longer while we have daylight. Archer X is a credible threat that we have to stop as soon as possible.' He tried to sound calm, but an undercurrent of anger laced those words.

Still, it rankled the woman slightly. 'I understand your frustration,' she pushed herself to be reasonable, 'but don't give that brute too much credit. Remember, I severed my mana connection to her yesterday. Even with Independent Action, she can only last so long in this world on her own terms.'

'But she retains her Command Seals. And there are ways for Servants to replenish mana. Archer X will certainly be aware of them via the Holy Grail's knowledge.'

'You mean drinking the life forces of others?' Sola-Ui scoffed at the notion. 'That sort of method yields little energy. She could drain an entire building's worth of people dry and expend all of that mana in one drawn-out battle.'

'What of that contraption she stole? The Reactor our lord had told us of, originating from-'

Her patience had begun to fray. She briskly stepped into an alley and "said", 'Lancer, materialize yourself. If we must have this talk, let's do it face-to-face.' Her tone brokered no argument.

And Diarmuid, first knight of Fianna, would never refuse a lady's request. Sola-Ui's heart fluttered as the handsome Servant appeared amidst a shower of blue dust with a frown. He opened his mouth to speak, but while she'd normally welcome his velvet-laden words, the Master preempted his protests. "Anything associated with the Lord Wizard Marshall is extremely risky, Lancer. Even with Kayneth blurting out how it works, Archer X doesn't have the slightest idea how to work the Reactor. She came from a world of science, technology. What could she possibly know about a device of such advanced magecraft that Kayneth showed reluctance around it?

"If she tries to fiddle around with it, she'll likely scatter herself across dimensions." Sola-Ui stepped closer to him with a soft smile. "We don't need to worry ourselves silly over that cretin."

But Lancer crossed his arms while shifting to the side with a frown. "Regardless of Archer X's plans or aptitude with magic," he stated, "she was my partner and chose to betray our lord. That makes her my responsibility." He cast a gaze so determined at her that she took a step back. "My apologies, Lady Sola-Ui. But I cannot relax until Archer X has been stopped." His right fist clenched. "Preferably at the tips of my spears."

With that, he stepped carefully out of the alley to avoid being seen while Sola-Ui silently fumed behind him. The wretch is a fugitive and he still thinks more about her than-

"Oho, Lancer!" Master and Servant jumped to see Rider and Berserker X in civilian clothes standing in front of a wine store. The slightly bigger Servant gave a friendly wave while his Master just trailed behind him with an appearance of utter resignation. "Fancy seeing you here!"

Lancer tensed up when he saw the eager grin stretching across the Servant of Madness' face, but then his partner stepped jovially between them. "Now, now, it's unfortunately too early for a good brawl. But seeing as you're here, Lancer, why don't you join us to a banquet later this evening?"

Three-and-a-half sets of eyes blinked at the King of Conquerors before four mouths chorused a dull, "…What?"

-105:27:00

Rin Tohsaka peered into a Shinto alley and felt her face scrunch up in disgust. She glanced down to the magic compass her father had gifted her and breathed in relief; the needle was pointing to the left, away from the trash. Good on two counts, she decided before moving on.

A cold wind swept through the area, drawing a shiver from her, but Rin held her coat more tightly around herself and continued. She wasn't stepping through Fuyuki City at night for fun, after all.

The last few days had been tense. She'd been staying alongside Mother at the Zenjou house, awaiting Father's triumphant return from the Holy Grail War. The Tohsaka heir had begged him to let her help, to let her fight by his side, but he had said no, and her attempt to boost her knowledge about magecraft had… not gone well. So, Rin had grudgingly accepted that she wasn't ready yet to stand by Father's side.

She told herself not to worry. Her father was the greatest magus she knew. He was bound to win this War, Rin believed that with all her heart.

Even if it meant working with that jerk, Kirei.

But then she began getting a bad feeling at her school. Kids were failing to show up, teachers were talking, even some classes were cut short. Though most of the others were delighted with the latter development, Rin grew unsettled. Especially when she overheard a news report from a television about recent kidnappings in and around Fuyuki City. Rin considered herself a clever little lady, but even an idiot would've considered there to be a connection between the report and the Grail War.

And then her best friend Kotone didn't show up for two days.

At first, Rin had tried to keep calm about it; maybe Kotone had just come down with something. She was a meek, friendly girl, after all. But when she tried to call her house and find out if she was okay, no one answered. And that was the final straw for her to collect what gems she'd managed to charge with her mana, purchase a cable car ticket, and head into Fuyuki.

Rin couldn't ask her father to help her with this. The Grail War was an important event, and he represented the Tohsaka name in it, just as she would have to one day. Besides, he had already given her what she'd need to find Kotone as an early birthday gift: a mana compass that pointed to the highest concentration of magic around. But when Rin had checked it upon her arrival to Fuyuki, the needle had begun to spin freely around. So much mana must've been around them to provoke a reaction.

But she noticed that a strange chime emanated whenever the needle spun into a certain point. That's got to mean the mana's seriously strong and recent there. With that in mind, she began to run through the streets and into the darker alleys, wherever the needle sang. The process wasn't easy, of course. More than once, the little girl had to duck out of sight from a passing police car. She knew a curfew was in effect because of the kidnappings, and that she'd be brought to her father if the cops picked her up. That couldn't happen. Not yet.

Suppressing the feelings of cold and trepidation, Rin sprinted from one spot to the next. She continued to watch the fluctuations on the compass, noting how she was getting closer. All of her focus was on the device and her friend. Hang on, Kotone, I'm-

"Look out!"

The shout and a sudden tug on her shoulders brought the Tohsaka heir back to the real world. Someone was pulling her from behind, and she really didn't appreciate that. Rin swung back her arms to dislodge her assailant's grip (patting herself mentally on the back for knowing how to use the word "assailant" in proper context) and turned to face them, mana flowing in her fingers. This has to be the one who kidnapped Kotone and the others, so I'll take him down and make him tell me every-

Her thoughts were interrupted again, this time by a strong rush of wind from behind. She glanced back and then turned around to stare at the big red car that had just barreled past her. It released an angry honk while speeding on. Rin looked down; sure enough, she had been so fixated on the compass she'd nearly stepped onto the open road. One more second and Rin would have been in for a long lecture from Father about minding her surroundings.

After he'd peeled her off the cement and resurrected her.

Inside the red minivan, an obese man with stubble and tired eyes simply turned at the next right without another glance back. He'd just gotten finished with extra work (likely without more pay) and wanted to head home and collapse onto his couch with a beer. Damn curfew, damn Kida saddling me with his damn shift 'cause of his damn kid…

Back at that street… "S-sorry about grabbing you," Rin's "assailant" mumbled behind her. She spun back around to see a boy about her age, fidgeting in a tan winter jacket and small jeans. "Mom told me I'm n-not supposed to grab girls," he was looking away from her, scratching the back of his head, "but that van was heading your way and I thought you hadn't noticed and I-I di-didn't mean-"

"I-it's okay," Rin quickly assured him. "I-I really didn't see where I was going. Was focusing on something important." A slight blush crept onto her cheeks, making her chide herself. Stupid. A Tohsaka does not admit fault because a Tohsaka does not make mistakes. She should've maintained her elegance and asserted that she had the situation under control, that the boy's help was at best appreciated but unnecessary.

But she found she couldn't. One look at the nervous kid and for some reason Rin couldn't find it in her. Instead, she mumbled, "Th-Thank you. Really."

The boy looked surprised, like he hadn't expected thanks. "Y-You're w-w-welcome," he replied with red cheeks of his own. Rin almost giggled; they were brighter in color than his shaggy hair, and she bet it wasn't from the cold. First time talking to a girl, huh? She teased him in her mind. Probably first time helping one too. He's kind of cut-

W-w-w-wait, t-this isn't right! I-I-I j-just met h-h-h-h-him, I don't even know his name! Argh, I'm too you- smart to have a crush, and Kotone would tease me for life-

Oh, no. Rin's eyes widened in alarm as she looked down at her hands. Sure enough, they were empty! She'd lost the mana detector, her only chance of finding Kotone, there wasn't any other way, she didn't know how to perform tracking spells, her friend was going to die-

"S-sorry, but isn't this yours?" The boy was offering her something. Rin didn't know what she'd have answered if she hadn't seen the compass gently cupped in his hands. "This fell near that streetlight when I pulled you away from the road. I think it's busted, the needle-"

The girl snatched it up and inspected it. Yes, thank all her lucky stars, the relic still functioned fully as before, and the signal was close enough! "I-it's fine, not broken at all!" She hurriedly told the boy before moving for a nearby crossing. Fortune was back on her side. Rin quickly called back for etiquette's sake, "Thanks again so much for all the help, I'll repay you some other time!" then took off across the street. Her friend still needed her.

Meanwhile, golden-brown eyes blinked in confusion after the running girl. …Okay, Takumi loves calling me a moron, but I have no clue what that was all about. He scratched the back of his head again, as if the way to understand what that girl had been up to was hidden amidst his hair. Yeah, right. Like Dad always says, no guy can ever hope to understand the thoughts of a girl. He sighed while his cheeks finally cooled down. Hope she's okay, though…

"Shirou, where are you?" A familiar voice from above caught his attention. Right, they were staying with Ren and his family for the night. His best friend was still shaken by his kidnapping, couldn't recall a thing. "Having trouble with that trash bag?" The voice teased. "It wasn't that bigger than you!" There was a trace of worry, though; and even he understood why.

The boy looked up to the window and waved with a laugh. "Coming, Mom!" He called back before quickly sprinting inside. The girl's probably gonna be fine, she looked tough.

A little brown moth fluttered through the night air, its wings dancing amidst the many currents. Normally, it wouldn't be this late out but would've curled up into its home, safe from predators. But not tonight. It had seen something passing through. Something that made it feel… threatened.

And while its regular instincts would've been to find a hiding spot, a friend of a friend had told it that a nice man had asked them all to let him know if they ever felt like that. So, it flapped its wings as swiftly as it could in the search of the one fitting its-

There. Between the big walls made by man. It swooped down.

Kariya paused in his scribbling as something fluttered before the light. He looked up to find Caster X's hand outstretched, a little moth on its fingers. The Servant murmured something gentle to the insect as it beat its wings. Not to fly, though, but in a sort of pattern. Kariya was no expert on insects (despite the multitude of them burrowing through his body), but he understood that the moth was trying to say something.

Something important, judging by how Gandalf's brow furrowed. He whispered something that seemed like a thankyou before letting the moth fly away. Then the wizard reclaimed his hat and staff from their placing before addressing his Master. "I might know where Caster or his Master may be."

"Then let's get moving." Kariya snapped his notebook shut and put it and his pencil away as Berserker appeared in a swirl of black. The Servant of Madness growled like a hungry animal.

"It's not far from here," Caster X explained while leading the way out of the alley, "but perhaps for your sake, you should remain here, Kariya."

He received a negative headshake in return. "If it's close, I can manage. Besides, I'm the Master." Kariya had been receiving a number of dreams lately of heroes leading other heroes into battle. Maybe it was the Crest Worms gnawing at his brain, but those images of tall men with handsome faces inspired him. "The least I can do is stand by your sides in battle."

Now, the Grey Pilgrim appreciated his friend's newfound bravery, but he was still in a precarious position physically. He wanted to object when he felt a tap by his shoulder. "Cr." Both glanced in surprise to see Berserker walking (relatively) calmly to a black Toyota parked outside the alley.

The trio exchanged a look.

-105:19:53

Rin raced through the alley, hopping over bags and cans scattered as she tried to regain sight of her quarry. The compass had been leading her steadily along she noticed a man walking along the street to his right. His left hand was completely covered by that arm's sleeve, but his right one wore a weird bracelet and was clutching that of a little boy around Rin's age. Someone walking around this late with their kid? Rin had thought skeptically. Yeah, right.

The needle singing towards the man and the blank look in the boy's eyes further raised her suspicions. So, she'd quietly set off after them, trying not to be noticed by the man. Something just felt… wrong about him. Especially that smile on his face.

Unfortunately, she knocked over a stack of objects by accident that caused a loud ruckus, forcing her to hide lest he saw her. Rin wasn't spotted, but her hesitance caused her to lose sight of the man and the boy, but the compass still seemed to be picking up a heavy mana signature, keeping her hopes up. He can't have gotten far, pulling that boy with him. They've got to be close.

Rin ducked behind a corner upon seeing a patrol car, holding her breath. Once it slowly passed by without stopping, she relaxed again. I can't be spotted. Not now. The next glance then made her gasp: there the creepy man was again! She ducked back out of sight while he chuckled. "C'mon, now. No lagging." The guy passed her hiding place, allowing her to see that he was now pulling two boys along. The newcomer had glasses and longer hair than the other one, darker shade, too. "Really wish Mister Oni was here to carry these brats…" the man mumbled cheerily as he led them along. Rin thought she heard something wet from him.

Once they'd all passed her, Rin tried to relax again. She failed. "He's gotten more of them…" She cradled her compass with one hand. "Why? And what was that sound?" The situation kept getting scarier. The little magus girl wasn't sure anymore if she could do anything. If she'd ever been sure from the beginning.

Then she remembered the dull glaze of those poor boys' eyes. That nice boy that had helped her a while ago flashed before her eyes, followed by an image of Kotone smiling shyly at her. And then an image of… Sakura.

No. That isn't right. Rin's expression hardened alongside her resolve. She glared at the detector, its needle swinging about after the man. If I just sit here, I can't help any of them at all. And that guy will just take more of them away! The heir of the Tohsaka line jumped to her feet. The needle had settled on pointing straight ahead, so that's where she ran. It's not what can I do, it's what should I do!

Rin passed about five different places with flashing neon signs before she came panting to a stop in front of some stairs leading down to an entrance. The sign above the door was for some bar while the walls by the stairs had papers glued all over, among them advertisements for beer mostly. But most importantly, the needle began to spin counterclockwise. It always slowed a bit when pointing at the steps.

Then the device exuded a sudden flash of mana akin to red lightning, drawing a surprised yelp from her. She took a step back in her shock, panting at what this likely meant: whatever was down there, had a lot of magical power. Definitely more than she did. Rin's mind flashed back to only a little while ago, where she had gone down into her family manor's workshop, determined to learn more about magecraft and aid Father in the War. That memory ended with a very scary book, a lesson from Father, and her receiving the compass she now held. But one part stood out in particular now: her father's warning while holding the device to the book. "Be careful, Rin. Anything that triggers that kind of reaction is beyond your abilities."

The dark-haired girl pushed those thoughts aside to bring forth the images from before, trying to will her feet forward. She had to go down. She had to find Kotone and those boys. She had to-

What's that sound?

Rin's eyes narrowed as she wearily looked about, trying to pinpoint that weird… squelching she could hear. It was like something fleshy against a solid surface. Another chill went down her spine, then her compass flashed again. The needle was shaking, almost like it was trying to point-

Up! Rin raised her head just in time to see something squirming falling towards her. She screeched in fear as the thing landed with a wet splat next to her, tentacles slapping the pavement. Needle-like teeth gnashed together before it launched itself towards the girl. She stumbled and fell on her backside, tears running from her shut eyes. I'm sorry, Kotone!

Flesh sounded against flesh. She awaited her death… But nothing happened. Hesitantly, she peaked open one eye, then the other…

And found herself staring at a guardian angel.

-105:19:53

Tokiomi Tohsaka wasn't sure what he was doing, sitting in his car as it drove past Fuyuki's borders. He should've been at the family manor, considering whether or not to deal with the recently rogue Archer X or concentrate on discerning the true powers of Rider and his entourage. There was so much to do with this blasted Grail War, so much beyond what he had anticipated. The man couldn't even enjoy his afternoon tea, evaluating the situation again and again hounded him so.

And here he was, taking the time to spontaneously head to the Zenjou house. Tokiomi knew checking on his family during the War was a risk, especially with degenerates such as Archer X or that Mage Killer running about. It was precisely why he'd sent them away in the first place. But still he made no move to turn around.

The logical magus side of him rationalized this ridiculous behavior as taking a brief moment to recuperate. Tokiomi would spend some time with Aoi, check up on Rin, thereby revitalizing his resolve so he could return to winning the Holy Grail War. A simple reason, one he could accept were it not for the strange ache in his chest. Perhaps tonight's dinner hadn't agreed with him.

As for the security concerns, he had Lancer X tailing the vehicle from the outside. She would maintain watch from a distance in case any unwelcome guests appeared.

Was keeping her at a distance odd? Not to the Tohsaka Master, not after how their last few interactions had been a mixture of snide barbs and the Servant's repeated assertion she needed to be more proactive. Tokiomi refused to waste a Command Seal on making her keep her mouth shut, he was better than that (and Lancer X had yet to actually disobey him), but neither did he care to tolerate more of her presence than necessary.

It's probably that woman's fault I'm even taking this trip, Tokiomi grumbled to himself as the car drove into the road towards the house. I should've never grown so conversational with a familiar. Talking with her has let me become sentimental, and if I'm not careful, I'll make a mistake that could cost me the War. I have to establish boundaries once this visit is done.

A part of the man lamented his decision; he genuinely respected Lancer X as a Heroic Spirit, and her memories he'd glimpsed in his dreams had been fascinating from a magical viewpoint. Edenia prior to Outworld's invasion (the image of that tyrannical beast Shao Kahn still sent a chill through him, no less because he inadvertently though of Rider X) had appeared to be every bit as wonderful as the warrior had described. And the feats he'd seen of Ja-Lancer X and her childhood friend, the princess Kitana, gave him new ideas for magecraft.

He shook his head. Regardless, Lancer X was a Servant. Moreover, she was Tokiomi Tohsaka's Servant, a vital key to finally achieving the ultimate goal of his family: reaching Akasha. He couldn't allow himself the luxury of sentiment when the time came for her sacrifice.

The Zenjou house came into view, and Tokiomi breathed slowly as a calm smile settled into place. As the car came to a stop, he smoothed his jacket. Always elegant. He opened the door and stepped out, cane in hand. Lancer X was off surveying the neighborhood. As instructed.

The father was imagining the look on Rin's face at seeing him when he saw his wife practically burst out of the house, car keys in hand. She froze upon him, the massive worry on her features slightly giving way to shock. "…Tokiomi?"

"Aoi," the magus greeted her while walking over, "apologies for the abrupt visit. I should've let you know I was coming." His eyebrows furrowed a bit, the most he'd allow to show his confusion. "…A bit late to be driving out. Is everything alright?"

Aoi trembled, panic flashing in her eyes. "I-it's…" she stuttered, fingering her keys. Tokiomi made to step closer when she managed, "It's Rin."

That name stopped him cold. "What…? Is something the matter with her, has she come down with something?" He asked her quickly. If it was a cold or the like, he could easily cook up a remedy for her. He tried not to think of the alternative.

But a panicked shake of her head dashed those hopes. "N-no, she's gone." She explained hurriedly the day's events. "She came home from school, but there was something bothering her… she kept talking about a friend of hers, Kotone, who had been absent… I told her not to worry, but-" Aoi's words hitched as he started rubbing her arms. Her whole body was shivering. "She's not inside, I-I think she's headed into Fuyuki."

Tokiomi felt stiff as a statue. His brain processed the information and compared it to other pieces already sorted away. Caster, child abductions, absent friend, Rin missing…

"Even if one of them were your daughter?"

His grip tightened around his cane despite his attempts to remain calm. Aoi was moving jerkily to the garage. "You don't know where to look…" Tokiomi got out, rooted by the spot he was.

"Rin can't move that far on foot." She sent him back a look filled with panicked determination. "I have to find her, Tokiomi," she breathed, "I-I have to try…" Her eyes said what her mouth wouldn't: I can't give up another daughter.

A lesser man would be scrambling right alongside his wife, desperately trying to find their little girl. A Tohsaka had to maintain his posture, keep a dignified appearance while coolly determining the solution.

Staring into Aoi's eyes, Tokiomi was wishing he were a lesser man until he remembered one privilege of his situation. He looked down at his hands; yes, his Command Seals were still there. And even if he doubted Archer would ever deign to aid him in rescuing his daughter, he still had one move he could make. Tokiomi lifted his head and said in a loud tone, "Lancer X."

The emerald-clad Servant shimmered into existence next to him, her initial cool stare shifting into concern when she saw their expressions. "What happened?"

"Our daughter has gone missing." Aoi replied where she stood by the half-open garage door. She'd known there was little chance the car could get into Fuyuki and find Rin in time, but it had been the Servant's appearance that stopped her. There was no time to waste. Not with what they could all imagine.

And Lancer X needed only one look at Tokiomi's outstretched left hand to know what came next. "Lancer X, by the power of my Command Seal," the father intoned as the yin-yang symbol on his hand glowed crimson, "go to Rin and bring her back safely."

He received only two words in reply before the Heroic Spirit was gone. "Yes, Master."

-105:18:56

Lancer X felt ripples of mana surround her, the possibility of infinity for a single moment. The power of a Command Seal. Then the energy enveloped her. One second, she was in an open neighborhood, standing before Tokiomi and the woman she discerned to be his wife. The next, she was inside a dark alley, and something grotesque was jumping at her.

That would not do.

She ducked, her left hand batting away the tentacle reaching for her head, and lashed out with her right leg. Her heel tore through demonic flesh while the force of her kick sent it screeching across the alley. It crashed into the ground with a splash of blood.

Lancer X spun into a crouch in the opposite direction and found herself facing the wide turquoise eyes of a little girl with long dark hair fashioned into twin tails down the sides of her head. "Rin Tohsaka?" She inquired gently. The girl nodded once, her expression trapped between fear and utter awe. Lancer X held up a finger. "One second, please." She then stood and turned back to see the disgusting thing slither closer to them. Her eyes narrowed at the bloody slash it had suffered from her heel. It was visibly closing up the longer she looked. Assassin wasn't exaggerating the regenerative capabilities these things possess. Regular attacks may not suffice to kill them.

The Horror made to lunge again, but the Edenian warrior was faster. She closed the distance with one swift step and pulled her right hand back, fingers straightened. When green magic gathered around the golden claws on their tips, she thrust the hand forward with a yell. The physical strength alone would've sufficed in piercing through the demon's putrid flesh, but the enchantment on her hand ripped through its insides and blasted it apart with a sickening screech. Lancer X eyed the tiny pieces flying apart, then relaxed her posture, shaking her hand to remove the bloody remains. If I break them into enough pieces, they can't regenerate. Magic proves assistant to the process. She nodded to herself. Good.

Rin gazed in wonder at her rescuer, standing proudly amidst the artificial lights and the alley's shadows. Tall, braided ebony hair poking out from the sleek hood, beautiful green clothes with specks of golden armor that showed off her amazing body with clear muscle here and there. Mana… radiated from her, the compass around Rin's neck pointing straight towards her with magical sparks flying. The right arm dropped to the side with a sort of grace that just appeared natural to her. Like she'd been born that way.

She blinked, then the woman's left arm was outstretched towards her while something whooshed above Rin's head. She got up and spun around to find two more of those things splattering bisected onto the gravel. Green mana crackled from their bleeding wounds, but not a drop of blood had touched Rin.

Lancer X sauntered over to the little girl when she turned back to face her. "Pack hunters, I suppose," she said conversationally, Promise Keeper spinning back into her waiting hand. She collapsed the tri-blade while thrusting it upwards like a dagger. The Servant didn't even bother to look at the impaled Horror that had tried to drop on her. She simply channeled more mana into her Noble Phantasm, causing the wretch to be blown to pieces. "Apologies for the drama."

Rin barely registered the pieces of gore raining around her (but not hitting her, thankfully) as she just stared up at the woman. "Who… who are you?" she asked in more reverence (was that the right word?) than she ever had before.

Her savior pulled down her green mask to reveal a beautiful face shifting into a warm smile. "My name is Jade," she knelt down to Rin's level while introducing herself, "and I am a Servant contracted to your father."

"Father…?" Rin repeated almost in a daze before snapping back to reality. She quickly made to recompose herself, crossed her arms and nodded in understanding. "I-I see! Father's your Master, then?" She took on the patented "Tohsaka-look" she practiced every day. "Thank you then for the assistance, Jade. I take it Father sent you?"

Jade held back a giggle at the little girl's adorable attempt to appear dignified. "Yes, he had gone to visit you and found you weren't home." The girl's composure was shaken by the information; the Servant assumed the reaction came from conflict with this world's (in Lancer X's opinion, near sociopathic) magus traditions she learned. "Your parents are worried about you." She held out a hand. "I've been commanded to bring you back."

Rin looked down at the hand in guilt; Father coming to visit had surprised (and delighted) her, but the mention of Mother made her remember she'd snuck out leaving only a note behind to explain herself. She made to take the hand but stopped when she recalled why she'd snuck out. "I-I can't leave yet!" Rin stammered, pulling her own hand back. She made to explain when Jade looked confused. "I came here to find my friend Kotone, I think she's down there." Rin pointed to the stairs next to them. "She and a couple other kids. They need our help!"

Lancer glanced down at the door below. She didn't doubt Rin's sincerity about children being at risk. That explains the demons that appeared. But I don't sense Caster. A temporary base for his Master? Or it could be a trap. She still wanted to go down there, but Tokiomi's express command had been to find Rin and bring her back. Even now, she felt the pull to pick up the little girl and head immediately to the house. My Magic Resistance isn't high enough for me to fully ignore a Command Seal, and I accepted it willingly, no less.

Rin saw the Servant's hesitation and hoped it meant she had a chance. "Not yet…" she whispered to her, not daring to touch her lest it meant she'd be transported back to Father and Mother. "I have to help her…" She knew she'd gone against her instructions and that she'd be in for it when she got home. But that was okay. So long as Kotone was saved.

Though a Tohsaka shouldn't beg, Rin continued to plead with Jade. "Help me…" Her father had told her about the Heroic Spirits, the beings formed from great tales and legends. Rin had been worried she wouldn't stand a chance against whatever was done those steps. But now… "…Please help me save them."

Lancer X eyed her, then the stairs, before releasing a big sigh. "Oh dear," she mock lamented, "it seems the daughter of my Master has charged fearlessly into the beast's lair. I have no choice but to go in to rescue her." She shook her head while giving Rin a playful wink. "What a troublesome situation you've put me in, little sister."

Despite the tense situation, Rin couldn't help but giggle in relief at her tone.

The little girl stepped carefully through the dark parlor, trying to make as little noise as possible. Dust and cobwebs caked most of her surroundings save for the main part of the floor. Empty bottles and trash bags littered the place. This bar hadn't seen patrons in a while.

"No one here…" Rin whispered even as she snuck a glance to her compass. She thought she could hear something but tuned that sound out. She hoped their plan would work.

A rumble from the office caught her attention. Rin stepped cautiously towards it, then shrieked when something brushed her foot. Fearing it could be another of those monsters, she looked down to see it was a little girl dressed in her school uniform. Rin knelt down to check on her. "Are you ok-" She felt her heart stop.

"Kotone!" Even with the empty look in her eyes, Rin would recognize her best friend anywhere. She quickly pulled the girl up, trying to reach her. "Kotone! Kotone!" But it was no use; Kotone showed no reaction.

And then she felt someone step right behind her. "Huh?" She slowly turned around to see the creepy man from before lead another dull-eyed kid. He glanced down to give her chilling smile. "Who do we have here? Did you get lost?" Another strange sound.

"U-uh…" Rin stammered before forcing down her fear. "No… j-just having a look around…" I'm not alone. I'm not alone. I'm not alone…

"Well, your timing's great." If the man was surprised by her (relative) lack of terror, he didn't show it. He tossed the kid to the side and began to pull back the sleeve on his left arm. "We were just about to get the party started." He stepped around, and Rin noticed then that at least a dozen other kids were in the room as well. "But we're still a little short on guests."

The man knelt down behind her with a smile that had nothing in common with Jade's. "Wanna join us?" He raised his left arm.

But Rin's eyes were drawn to his right wrist, specifically the purple bracelet covering it. It seemed to be pulsing with something. A glance to her compass confirmed it was radiating mana. That must be what's got Kotone and the other kids in a trance!

Rin quickly pulled out a gem from her pocket and held it up, mana crackling from her fingers. Like every other time she'd poured too much Magical Energy into one of them, the jewel burst apart with a flash and a puff of smoke, making the man fall onto his butt with a yelp. The young magus quickly tried to scamper away.

But then something wrapped around her ankle. "Whoa, now…" Another caught her right wrist, then a third was circling her waist. "You sure know how to start things with a bang, don't you?" Rin struggled against the binds before realizing to her horror they were tentacles.

Uryuu Ryuunosuke pushed himself up one-handed. One hand was all he got, after all. Meanwhile, the other three of his totally wicked tentacles found grips onto the little brat that somehow wasn't affected by Mister Bluebeard's cool gimmick. Maybe she had magic powers, too? Eh, who cares. "We'll get you to be a nice-mannered party guest." He smirked as one went for her throat.

But even as the slimy things both disgusted and terrified her, Rin kept telling herself one thing. I'm not alone. And she wasn't.

"That's no way to treat a young lady." A green beam sliced through the tentacles as a strong arm curled around Rin's stomach and pulled her to safety. The man barely had a chance to react before something very green and very sturdy cracked against his right wrist, breaking both it and the bracelet.

Rin breathed in relief as she saw the kids start to stir. Murky fog seemed to gather around them before dissipating. She spared a shakily proud glance to her new friend. "You were a bit late."

"I was busy cleaning up, and as I recall, you were supposed to keep your head down." Despite snarking back at the girl, Jade didn't take her eyes off the moaning degenerate stumbling away. What remained of his tentacles writhed about his damaged wrist, but she knew better than to underestimate an injured monster. And I'm not sure I've killed them all.

She'd have slipped into the bar by herself, but this tiny girl in her left arm had insisted on going in, too, to find this Kotone. Despite Jade's protests, she had put her foot down (figuratively and literally) on the matter. The girl's inherited her father's stubbornness. And unfortunately, the way Tokiomi had phrased his command to the Servant prevented her from straying too far from Rin. So, she'd had little choice to send Rin ahead while sneaking in and doing a little housecleaning. Kitana, forgive me for using a little girl as bait…

But now the need for covert had passed. Readying Edenian Sojourner Staff for another swing, Jade set Rin down on her feet. "Lead Kotone and the rest outside. No more discussions or detours, Rin." She emphasized the last sentence before stepping towards the Master.

Rin didn't need to be told twice as she knelt by her friend's side, trying to rouse her. Kotone groaned from where she lay on the floor. As Rin gently helped her up, she opened her eyes and gave a weak smile. "…Rin?"

Rin returned the smile before noticing the rest had recovered as well. One asked where they were, a guy rolled away scared from the creepy man, and everyone started bawling. A glance to Jade reminded Rin of her job. "You can all cry later," she said determinedly to the others while helping a teary-eyed Kotone up. "We need to run!" With that, the kids all scrambled to their feet and made for the exit as quickly as they could.

"Hey, I didn't say you could go," Uryuu called out while straightening. His wrist still hurt like a bitch, and his bracelet was busted, but the tentacles had regrown their parts. The hot masked chick in green was glaring at him, but he kept cool. Mister Bluebeard had been a teensy bit paranoid ever since his adventure last night. "Boys, keep 'em company."

Rin had almost gotten Kotone and the others out of the hall when bigger versions of those monsters popped up around them. Five of the monsters circled them as the kids began to cry again. The Tohsaka heir looked about her warily and slightly panicked.

But Uryuu was puzzled. "Hold up, weren't there eight of you guys?"

The Horrors made to snatch up the sobbing children when they went flying to different spots of the room. Lancer X twirled her class weapon before the amazed youngsters. "There were." A benefit of Presence Concealment. Silent assassination of monsters. "Rin."

"R-right!" The girl snapped out of her gawping to usher the rest to safety. "Come on, this way!"

As the kids bolted out as quickly as their little legs could carry them, Uryuu sighed to himself while walking out of the office. "Oh, man, he's not gonna like this…" He gave a lazy glare to the chick with the green stick. "Hey sweetheart, you're one of those Servants, right? Just like my teacher." He made to scratch his head before wincing at a jolt of pain from his right hand. And the tentacles were lousy at scratching. "Look, I don't really care about the Holy whatever you guys are all fighting over, so just hand over the snots, and we'll pretend nothing happened." The Horrors lumbered across the room, surrounding the babe. Uryuu shrugged with a smirk. "Not exactly winning odds."

"Indeed." Lancer X rolled her shoulders as the demons approached. "You haven't a prayer." Then she moved.

Rin took a moment to glance back at the battle… and stared.

Jade wasn't fighting the Horrors, oh no. She was dominating them. Even with so little space, she weaved and flowed effortlessly around tentacles that reached for her. Those few that came close were battered aside by a blur of green that could've only been her staff. The Noble Phantasm surged around its wielder's limbs as though it were made of water, not enchanted steel. Lashing, thrusting, blocking, kicking, slashing, dodging, the Heroic Spirit did it all with a nigh effortless… elegance. A dancing green light overpowering the darkness.

It was the most amazing thing Rin Tohsaka had seen in her life.

"Rin, come on!" Kotone's panicked call brought her back to reality. The girl tore her eyes (with some reluctance) away from the display and scrambled after the others.

Lancer X swung her Staff hard enough to blow back two of the Horrors, then flipped over a third that tried to grab her from behind. Promise Keeper crackled with verdant mana as it sliced through the demon's flesh. As it stumbled forward screeching, the Edenian tore it apart with a flurry of jabs so rapid her Staff appeared to have multiplied. Meanwhile, the tri-bladed Noble Phantasm sank into another before unleashing its magic payload, blasting it to pieces.

Two down, Lancer X noted with satisfaction that grew when she checked to see that all of the children had escaped. These beasts weren't only bigger than their cousins outside, but tougher to put down. But now she no longer had to restrain herself.

She reclaimed Promise Keeper before stowing it away, then grasped her Edenian Sojourner Staff with both hands to concentrate. As the three remaining Horrors lurched towards her, green magic crackled around the Servant's body. Then Jade released a defiant cry before attacking in a blur of her namesake's color. To an onlooker, though, she didn't appear to have moved an inch. The Horrors simply flew apart amidst a torrent of violent green flashes. Deep cracks formed across the bar's walls and floor from the sheer pressure of the combo.

Alone, Lancer X lowered her weapon with a long sigh; she'd expended a trace more mana than anticipated, but best be sure these things couldn't recuperate. She scanned the room, but there were no more… enemies…

Wait a minute… Her eyes narrowed, where did the Mas- before widening. Oh no.

Outside, Rin was talking to the kids. "A patrol car passed not far from here a while ago, but if you don't see anything, head to the next station," she instructed in as calm a tone as she could. Jade had trusted her with this, and she wouldn't let her down. "Go, and don't look back!" They complied so hastily part of the girl wondered if she'd needed to say anything. Kinda rankled her pride.

Kotone made to follow the rest but noticed someone missing. She called back in concern, "Rin! Aren't you coming?"

"I am, I just…" Rin faced the start of the stairs, fists curled. Hoping. "I'm waiting for Jade…"

"Oh…" was Kotone's answer. "I-is she your friend?" The fear in her voice was palpable.

"…Yeah." Rin then shook herself before turning back to her schoolmate. The short-haired girl was still trembling, she needed Rin's help more than Jade. She put on a smile that was honestly more for herself. "She'll be alright, she's tough-"

"Tell me about it."

Rin's eyes shot open in horror. She barely pushed Kotone away before tentacles were wrapping around her again. "Run!" was all she could call to her teary-eyed friend as she was hoisted up and turned around to see that crazy man saunter up the stairs.

Uryuu might've been a crackpot, but even he had enough brains to figure h couldn't do much fighting that bitch with the magic stick. So, while she'd been busy clobbering his buddies into sashimi, he'd snuck off after the kiddies. Crap, looks like only two of 'em are left. Now I've gotta round them all up again, wish Mister was here to help out.

But the struggling of the twin-tail brat kept him from noticing his Command Seals glowing.

Rin gripped two different tentacles, desperately trying to free herself. But they were too strong. She'd need her magecraft to escape. Too bad one had wrapped so tightly around her waist that it kept from getting to what few jewels she had left. A look back showed that Kotone was standing there paralyzed with fright. She'd be next! Panic welled up in the girl…

And then she remembered her father's lessons on Conversion of power. Forcing down her revulsion at tightening her grip on the slimy appendages, Rin began to concentrate on her Magic Circuits. The image of Jade gathering mana into her hand before striking appeared before her. She directed her mana into her hands and what they held, Father's words coming back to her: "If you channel too much power or the wrong way, you risk harming yourself and what's around you." And she really, really wanted to harm this creep.

Ryuunosuke stared in confusion as energy began to surge around the little girl's body. The compass around her neck slowly levitated from the sheer mana, its needle shifting for just a tiny moment from the left towards Rin Tohsaka. A second later, the two tentacles erupted into blood and gore.

The killer fell yelping back from mana static flashing amidst the air, barely keeping himself from tumbling down the stairs. Rin landed with her back first on the pavement, blood trickling from her fingers. The price of overcharging. But she ignored the pain from her hands and back as Kotone rushed to her, trying to help her up. "I-I'm okay," she assured less convincingly than she'd have liked. Rin nudged her towards the exit. "We need to-"

Only then did the girls notice the new presence in the alley.

Only a few minutes ago, Gilles de Rais had been commanding his demonic legion to fend off that damnable monk who had interrupted his great work. What's worse, the elderly fool had brought with him a man that commanded a swarm of vicious insects and some… beast shrouded in darkness. Their combined assault had put him on the defensive, and just when he had decided to tap into more of Prelati's Spellbook, he had felt a strange pull, a shifting of the world… then he was elsewhere.

Ah, Mister Ryuunosuke is here, the Servant noticed, his expression brightening. He must have requested me to join him by Command Seal. Then his eyes were graced by two young souls before him. And he has been busy, I see.

"Why, hello, my dears." Rin and Kotone shivered at the tone as the newcomer with big eyes loomed over them. The former's compass began to crack, its needle fixed tightly on the glowing tome he held. H-h-how powerful is that thing?! Rin shivered while pulling Kotone behind her. Is he another Servant? B-but he doesn't look or feel anything like Jade!

Uryuu pulled himself back up the steps and smiled brightly at his colleague. "Hey, Mister Bluebeard!" He waved his (still-broken) right hand at him. "How did you get here?" He didn't even notice part of his tattoo having faded, instead giving a regretful sigh. "Sorry, but a lot of the runts I collected are gone now. The twerp with long hair and some chick in green down below helped 'em get away."

Caster waved his apologies off with a cheery smile. "Oh, no need to feel down, my friend. We still have two of them here and now. Besides…" Bile rose in Rin's stomach at how mana of a particularly revolting nature oozed out of that book. The darkness that splashed on the ground and formed into more of those writhing creatures couldn't be called magecraft.

And that expression the robed big-eyed man wore couldn't be classified in any way as a smile. "…We can recover them soon enough." Caster finished as he and Ryuunosuke stepped back to let the Horrors close in on the two girls.

Uryuu would've clapped in delight if he could. "Who-hoo, this is so cool!"

"Yes… 'cool'…" Caster rolled the unfamiliar word about on his tongue. His Master had used it before, and it had a curious appeal to it. "Cool…" He almost forgot about the little ones they wished to collect for their work. Almost.

Holding a trembling Kotone behind her, Rin desperately fumbled for her remaining gems. Please… please make it in time…

Green flashed before her, driving the Horrors back. Everyone covered their eyes from the sudden light, then when it settled, a familiar figure stood staff in hand in front of the girls. "Hands. Off." Lancer X enunciated each word with unmistakable menace.

Rin and Kotone both grew calmer even if by a tiny margin of the sight of the verdant-clad woman. Jade for her part assessed each of the beasts before her with cold scrutiny, then her gaze sharpened at the greater monsters further away. Caster here as well… If I want to keep these children safe for good, I have to kill him. Her eye traveled to the nauseating tome he held. Or least destroy that spellbook. Then she glared at the miserable specimen of a human. But his Master likely called him to this spot with a Command Seal, same as how Tokiomi sent me here. Which means he has at the most two more. I should finish them both. Now.

Granted, that was not how Tokiomi had planned their demise, but Lancer X trusted her partner as far as she could impale him. Better end this now when she had the opportunity and Rin and her friend's lives were at stake.

The Horrors seemed to have shaken off their confusion, and Caster had opened the book again. She had to act now. Lancer X readied her mana to teleport again, this time to right behind the kidnapping pair…

Rrrrrrr…

She paused amidst her preparations. What was that sound? None of the Horrors were making it, and Lancer X noticed both Caster and his Master glancing about confused. Kotone was too terrified, but Rin couldn't help but wonder herself. It seemed to be coming from-

Jade barely noticed crimson lights blazing outside the alley before realizing with wide eyes what was about to happen. She swiftly spun around and wrapped her left arm around the two girls. "Hold on!" She whispered urgently to them before planting her Sojourner Staff into the ground and using the momentum to vault high into the air, Rin and Kotone held tight by her side.

"HRAAAAAAAH!"

Something black and red tore into the alley at high speed, smashing part of the left wall in the process. The Horrors had no time to react before the object surged into them. The collision didn't even slow it down as it continued, grinding the demons into miniscule chunks. Uryuu managed to fling himself towards the stairs, but Caster wasn't lucky. The thing collided with him and pushed him screeching down the alley until finally stopping. Even with the sudden halt, the Demon Marshall went flying straight into the back of the alley, cracking the wall with his impact.

Jade had turned her jump into a graceful flip that carried her and her passengers to the alley's exit. Rin and Kotone both carried a mixture of relief that they were still alive, amazement towards their savior's athletic prowess, and frightened confusion towards what had just happened. They landed softly, and she released the girls to stare back at the intruder.

As did the girls. Rin glanced between it and her compass; the needle was pointed straight at the rumbling black thing even as mana cracked the glass. S-so powerful… What in the world is it?

Ultimately, it was Kotone who spoke up hesitantly, "I-is…" she faltered, but Jade's presence calmed her enough to try again. "Is that a… car?"

That observation made something in Rin and Jade snap for clarity: it was indeed an average-sized car, but warped by mana. Darkness seemed to cover nearly every inch of it, with cracks of red crisscrossing through the mist. Twin gouges had been carved into the ground that led to the wheels, more red swirling about them. The lights burned like crimson torches, and the front and back bumpers were much thicker than a usual model. Overall, the vehicle looked as though it could plow into a mountain and come out the other side unscathed.

Wait… Jade readied her weapon. There's only one Servant who has this power…

Part of the darkness swept out to the left side, making the female Servant tense up, but she grew perplexed at what came out.

"Confound it all!" Rin blinked in confusion as an elderly man in grey robes stumbled out of the darkness, wooden staff thunking against the ground to steady himself. He released a grumpy huff while moving a bit closer to them, long scruffy beard swaying with each movement. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, Berserker, but couldn't you try showing more restraint?"

"Nnmmm!" The other side erupted as well, and a large black… thing emerged. It slammed darkness against the greater mass, and once it ceased to touch it, the black aura around the car disappeared, allowing them to see the vehicle underneath: a simple black Toyota. The thing stalked to its front, raising its arms. "Gn… cr! Sssp…" He almost seemed to be sulking.

The old man merely sighed to himself while pulling open the back door. Only then did Rin realize that someone was sitting in the back. Someone that was gently helped out with a groan to stand on pretty wobbly legs, she noticed with concern. A man in a hoodie and pants that looked kind of familiar… "F-from now on…" the man mumbled underneath his hood, right hand clutching his stomach, "…Gandalf is the designated driver."

Rin's eyes lit up as the bearded man chuckled (and the black thing grumbled something). She knew that voice. "Uncle Kariya…?"

The hooded man shifted in her direction. "Rin?" He called back. With Gandalf's support, he moved towards her, though she couldn't yet see her face. Jade meanwhile stepped a bit closer to the girls. "What on earth are you-" A sound further inside the alley interrupted Kariya's question.

Caster fell moaning to his knees from the wall, blood staining his robes. By some miracle, he had survived, but half of his ribs had been broken by the impact, and the entirety of his remaining bones were screaming at his addled mind.

Even as he tentatively tried to rise again, an invisible force pushed him back against the wall. He struggled in vain and gnashed his teeth together while glaring at the source. So, that decrepit fool and his demons managed to follow me, did they? Curse you, God!

Caster X kept his staff trained on his deranged counterpart. Kariya meanwhile shuffled to in front of Rin, ready to summon a swarm of Blade Wing Worms. When the enemy Servant had vanished before their eyes, they had discerned that it had been due to a Command by his Master, and it had been by sheer luck that the wizard sensed him still being within his range. His only regret had been letting Berserker drive. Not how I imagined my first ride in an automobile…

Still, he wasn't about to let this monster slip again. Neither was Berserker, for that matter. The black knight stalked towards him with a growl, not even bothering to pick something up as a weapon. One good punch would suffice to kill the injured Servant of Sorcery.

Jade had been watching the development with conflict. She'd heard plenty of these two Servants and their capabilities from Assassin's reports: the black one countering a direct barrage from the Gate of Babylon singlehandedly as well as matching Rider X in a brawl, and the grey one confronting the other Caster to save a group of children. Either one could prove a deadly adversary, and here they were as a team. Fortunately, she wasn't their target, but that was another concern. Tokiomi had been planning on having Lancer X or Archer finish Caster off. If she did nothing, the other Master could attempt to argue that his Servants alone were responsible for the rogue's death. And if the overseer tried to grant Tokiomi Seals anyway, it could lead to their alliance being exposed.

Then the Edenian Servant noticed something in the corner of her eye. Speaking of Masters… "Rin, Kotone," the girls glanced up at her, "Look away." Though confused, they complied.

Uryuu Ryuunosuke had pulled himself back up the stairs and gained some sense of what was going on: some weirdoes were bullying his buddy. He didn't like bullies, so he wanted to teach them a lesson. Problem was, the wizard cosplayer and the misty black dude looked like they were Servants, so, uber badasses. No way he could take either of them even with these cool tentacles. Hang on… Uryuu peered down at his right hand with the funky tattoos.

Whether or not the serial killer turned Master would've had the wit to use the Command Seals and empower Caster to win would prove to be an unanswered riddle. On account of a certain Servant with a magic staff that rammed through his head.

Before his brain fully died from impalement, Uryuu Ryuunosuke stared at his blood splattered across the green-glowing rod in his mouth… and thought Cooooool…

Then Lancer X hoisted up the whole body with her Staff, flipped over and smashed it against the pavement. Everything beneath the head burst apart from the force behind her swing, while the head somehow remained intact. Well, as intact as it cold be impaled on the end of the Staff. Straightening, Lancer X removed it effortlessly and stowed it away. "Fatality."

"No sh-kidding," Kariya corrected himself while shielding the kids' eyes. Leave it to Tokiomi's Servant to make a killing both brutal and stylish… Then a shriek of despair drew their attention.

"Ryuunosuke!" Caster redoubled his efforts to escape, tears streaming from his eyes. "You… you despicable wench!" He thrashed like a fish on the wall. "You took the life of a pure soul, one who understood the truth of this world!" He strained to leaf through his Noble Phantasm's pages, but Caster X kept him pinned with his own magic. The Demon Marshall could glare up hatefully at the black beast about to strike him. "Curse you God and your demon spawn! Curse you all!"

"Berserker," Kariya called over to his Servant. "Shut him up." He'd had enough of this.

But just as the black knight threw his punch, something hurtled down from above and exploded against him. Berserker hurtled to the side with a surprised howl.

Caster X made to aid him when he saw another rocket speeding towards the humans. He snapped up his staff and redirected it while Lancer X leaped high to redirect a third, but in the process, Caster was freed of his binds. He slumped bawling to the ground as a new dark shape landed next to him.

"This had better be worth it…" Archer X grumbled while dematerializing her rocket launcher. She then crouched, hauled up the other Servant over her shoulder, and jumped high enough to grab hold of the ledge above. Lancer X and Caster X moved to follow her, but the rogue dropped a series of explosives that forced them to shield themselves. By the time the smoke cleared from the alley, she was gone. And so was her fellow rampant.

Berserker leaped to his feet growling like an angry bear. "Rahhh!" He took one glance at his slightly singed partner before launching himself upwards with one bound.

Gandalf called after him, "Berserker, wait!" But his comrade was already out of earshot. He sighed, hoping that the maddened knight wouldn't rampage too much about in pursuit of Archer X and Caster. The wizard glanced up at the roofs one more time, then headed back to his Master.

Kariya was looking over Rin and, to a slightly lesser extent, Kotone carefully. All the while he angled his face's position so they couldn't get a good look underneath his hood. He didn't want to scare them anymore than they'd been tonight. "Are you alright? What happened to your hands? Did either of them hurt you girls?"

Slightly reeling from his fretting, Rin held up her hands to stop him. "I-I'm fine, Uncle Kariya, really! My hands are just a little banged up, nothing more." She smiled at the approaching Heroic Spirit. "Jade protected us."

"Jade, huh…" the Matou Master looked over the Servant of his enemy. And, he grimaced at the thought, this girl's father. For a brief moment, he considered ordering Gandalf to attack her. Sure, the Lancer was a knight class, but he'd yet to expend any Command Seals for either of his Servants. The wizard could beat her.

But then the emerald-clad woman collapsed her glowing staff, knelt down by the girls and began ruffling their hairs tenderly, making Rin giggle and even the other girl, Kotone, smile again. Their appreciation of their rescuer was obvious. One glance at Caster X, and he knew the wizard would refuse to fight her now. Hell, Kariya didn't have the heart to make him, either. Dammit. I can't do this in front of Rin. Another time, then.

Once she'd played enough with them, Jade eyed the other Servant and the man present. The latter gave off a sickly, broken appearance, but she'd noticed the Seals on both of his hands, and it didn't take a genius to figure which Servants they held dominion over. They must've been chasing Caster and stumbled upon us. But that doesn't explain everything.

She wanted to ask what the man's connection is to Rin, but something banged inside her mind, making her sigh. The others looked at her in confusion, prompting her to say, "Eventful though this evening has been, and meeting you both as well as Berserker has been an experience," she gave a pointed look to Rin, "it's high time I fulfill my Master's command and return his daughter to him."

A pang of guilt went through Rin's stomach; right, Father had sent Jade to rescue her. He and Mother must've been worried sick. And this excursion, these Servants around brimming with such magical power that her compass had practically given up the ghost, had shown her just how far out of her league she'd been. But could she leave now…?

She spared a glance to Kotone, who noticed and gave a shaky smile back. "I-I think I'll be okay, Rin. You and Jade saved me, remember?"

"…Yeah." Rin smiled back at her. She pulled her best friend into a tight hug. "See you tomorrow?"

"I-I kind of have to," Kotone managed a giggle. "We have that literature test next week."

"Ugh, don't remind me…" But that little joke helped steady Rin's nerves while she broke the hug.

Further reassurance came from the elderly man kneeling down to the two. "I shall be more than happy to escort the young lady home," he said with a smile and a bow. Rin couldn't help but giggle at how Kotone blushed from being called a lady. She knew though, when she locked eyes with the kind spirit and he nodded silently that he would have to wipe her memories of all this. It's for the best. Kotone's suffered enough from the world of magic. So, despite a hint of pain, Rin put on a smile to her friend as she accepted the wizard's offered hand.

Next to her, Kariya was doing much the same as Rin but for different reasons. Tokiomi Tohsaka… He disliked him for being the oh-so-great magus prodigy everybody loved, he despised him for taking the woman he had loved, the daughters that could've been his, he hated him for throwing Sakura into Zouken's clutches…

Rin then stepped over to the patiently waiting Jade who hoisted her up into the crook of her left hand and snarked, "Thank goodness. He's pushing me for more updates with each passing minute." She winked at her in good nature.

The sweet little girl covered her mouth to hide her snickers. "Best we get going before he uses another Seal on you, huh?"

"That would be preferable. You're in for an earful as it is, young lady."

"Me?" Rin swatted her shoulder playfully. "I'm the precious innocent little girl and successor to the Tohsaka line. If anything, you deserve punishment for drawing out my rescue, Jade."

The woman put on an affronted expression to their increasingly amused audience. "Can you lot believe this? Such a demanding girl." She shook her head with an overdone sigh.

And just like that, Kariya settled for a short laugh. "Wait till you get to know her." Rin shot him a look that screamed "Traitor!" for three seconds before bursting into giggles. The sound warmed his heart. And at least the bastard cares enough about Rin to send his Servant to save her. Command Seal, no less, huh? Didn't think he'd go that far. He flashed her a weak smile in goodbye. "Give your mother my love, Rin."

Rin smiled softly back. "I will. And…" She hesitated before finishing, "Can you hug Sakura for me, please, Uncle Kariya?"

That name made him choke up and almost double over. A tear trickled from his single functioning eye, but he forced himself to stand tall and gaze resolutely at the somber girl and her visibly confused protector. "I will. And… one day… you two can play together like you used to." One last smile. "I promise."

Jade followed the exchange with growing interest, noting how Rin's grip on her tightened. This was something she'd be looking into. But for now, she bowed her head to her fellow Servant, who returned it in good grace, then a flash of green, and both females were gone.

Kariya Matou then felt the last strength in his legs evaporate. But even as he stumbled, he felt a sturdy arm catch him. "I believe it's time we made our own exit." Caster X offered, little Kotone nestled in his arm. She was slumbering peacefully now, part of a spell of his that would erase her memories of everything involving her abduction.

"Right…" Kariya steadied himself and moved back to the Toyota they'd "borrowed". Even without a key or Berserker's Noble Phantasm, getting it moving wouldn't be a problem.

As they set Kotone inside and sat at the front, the Master slumped in his seat. Thoughts buzzed like locusts in his head, all around their encounter with Rin and Tokiomi's (nicer) Servant. Starting up the engine next to him, Gandalf watched him closely. "Sobering, isn't it?" Kariya glanced towards him. "Remembering that your enemy has loved ones."

"…Yeah." They drove silently out the alley.

Unknown to them, though, a crow with red eyes had been circling the area. It exhibited curious behavior for its species; it had originally made to fly after a certain Servant but then began flapping about with quiet caws. Now it went after the Servant-driven car with a demeanor that almost looked exasperated.

A telepath would've picked up the strangest thoughts from the bird: 'You owe me for this, Kandy Bar. Big time.'

And besides that, a pair of Assassins had been observing the whole thing. 'Lancer X is carrying Tokiomi Tohsaka's daughter to safety,' one reported to their Master, 'but are you certain we shouldn't follow Archer X? She took Caster. Alive.'

'That's irrelevant for now,' was the answer he received. 'Focus on tailing Caster X and Berserker's Master.'

'Very well.' The most recent orders the Hassan's had received had been strange: observing the Masters and Servants at all times and report everything they learn. Some believed Rider X was responsible for tacking on this extra workload. Still, they complied. Even with eight of their number dead, the only ones they couldn't keep an eye on without being discovered was their counterpart. The white-haired Assassin with eyes of a different color and odd hounds at his command… he'd been exceedingly troublesome to observe. Would've made a worthy Old Man of the Mountain.

The duo silently trailed the car and unknowingly the crow following it as well.

-105:02:43

Aoi clutched her arms tightly, just shy of drawing blood from her skin. It was the only thing that kept her from pacing. She couldn't act like a regular mother even in this situation. No matter how much she worried. "Where are they?" She asked for the fourth time in ten minutes, barely keeping an even tone. Her eyes kept flickering across the neighborhood.

"They should be close." Beside her, Tokiomi tapped his fingers against the jewel atop his cane in a rapid pattern, his own method so he wouldn't pace. His turquoise eyes glared straight ahead. "I can sense Lancer X's presence. She'll be here any second." He didn't bring up her tension. He understood it. In fact, the Master was even more on edge. His Servant had stated upon being teleported by the Command that the situation was more complicated but hadn't elaborated. The only thing she assured (repeatedly) was that Rin was all right.

He almost scowled over the lack of shared perception between them, but he'd sent the Servant off without establishing it in the first place. I acted too rashly. Should've kept my cool at the time. But between Aoi's panic at the time and his own mind imagining all the possibilities…

Then just as either of them might've lost their composure, a slim shape appeared atop the opposite house. It crossed the distance with a single effortless bound and landed gracefully before the couple. Aoi covered her mouth and looked to the familiar woman with desperate expectation.

Jade gave her and Tokiomi a single nod before gently setting a starry-eyed Rin onto the ground. The girl had enjoyed every second of the "scenic route" they had taken; the Edenian couldn't normally teleport more than herself, it had only worked with Rin due to her tiny size. Even then, she couldn't cross such a wide distance with her power.

Rin couldn't complain one bit about the method of transport, though.

"Rin!" She turned around a second before Aoi enveloped her in a tearful and tight embrace. Her mother cradled her tenderly, rubbing the back of her head. "Thank goodness…" she murmured into her daughter's shoulder. "I was worried sick for you…"

Rin herself began to cry while hugging her back. "I-I'm okay, Mother…" Her voice hitched a bit as her adventure fully caught up with her. A feeling of apprehension grew inside her that only increased when she opened her tear-filled eyes to look to her father. Her father that was slowly stepping towards her, she saw the red pants covering his long legs striding closer. "I-I'm s-sorry, I just wanted to-"

A hand clapped down on her head and began to rub it in a familiar manner. "You had us worried, young lady." Rin's gaze traveled up to Father's face. He looked… tired, but at ease. A tender smile directed at her. It may've been a trick of the moonlight, but his eyes seemed to… glisten. "I see I have much to teach you." His tone reassured and slightly excited her; he was still going to teach her magecraft! The prospect of him denouncing her had terrified her all the way back to the Zenjou house.

While the parents stayed close to their precious daughter for another while, Tokiomi briefly glanced up to give Lancer X an appreciative nod. Despite his recent frustrations with her, the least he could do was acknowledge her protecting Rin. The woman returned the nod, albeit with a telling gaze. 'There are a few things you need to know,' she told him over their link.

Tokiomi's eyes sharpened, but he remained by his family. 'We'll discuss them on the way back.' There was still a War to fight. His responsibilities as head of the Tohsaka line could surely allow him to spend one more minute holding his wife and daughter… right?

'Of course, Master.' Even with her mask, Tokiomi felt that Lancer X was smiling warmly.

Sadly, all minutes pass eventually. He pulled away from them with more reluctance than his training should've allowed and rose to his full height. "Alright," Tokiomi said in a cordial manner, staff at hand, "I'll be returning to Fuyuki then." He almost wanted to stay the night, but he knew he shouldn't. For one, he couldn't allow himself any more unnecessary distractions as a Master, even from his own family.

For another, if the other Masters discovered his current whereabouts, they'd send their Servants here. Rin and Aoi would be at risk. And he'd sooner take his own life than allow that.

Aoi straightened before giving him a calmer, understanding smile. "Yes. Thank you," she turned and bowed deeply her head to Lancer X, "both of you, for bringing Rin back."

Lancer X put her right hand to her chest and bowed back. "No thanks are necessary, Lady Tohsaka," she assured her gracefully. "Should either of you need further aid from me, I am happy to assist."

Tokiomi cocked an amused eyebrow at how a certain girl's face lit up. "That is not an invitation to have her over after school, Rin." He shared a laugh with the adults at how Rin's cheeks puffed indignantly. "I'm afraid I still have need of her."

"Yes, Father…" Rin was only pretending to pout. If she were fully honest with herself, not having Jade around was a fair price knowing the Heroic Spirit stood loyally by her father's side.

Her father… standing perfectly straight, one hand crossed behind his back, the other resting on the crimson jewel of his cane. Rin couldn't help but compare his image to that of the other Servant she'd met only a few minutes ago. The one who was with Uncle Kariya. It was funny, she'd grown up reading fairy tales of wizards looking just like him. There was something about the old man with his staff and beard, something made her feel like he was both the most powerful mage on the planet… and the most benevolent.

Maybe it was because of how similar the Servant looked to Father right now… either way, the picture left Rin Tohsaka wondering. Yearning.

Lancer X watched warmly the little girl eyeing her Master with such adoration. After learning quite a bit of the magical practices of this world, it was honestly refreshing to see the spark of wonder in one's eyes. Hopefully she retains it into adulthood, but life is so rarely kind. She thought bitterly of her home's invasion, her time as Shao Kahn's bodyguard/assassin/glorified trophy. Still, I wish…

But she kept such thoughts to herself, knowing Tokiomi wouldn't appreciate denunciation of their ways in front of his daughter. She locked gazes with him, an unspoken question in her eyes. And the magus consented with a rather kindly nod. Perhaps their friendship had been mended a bit. Jade hoped so while stepping over and getting down on a knee before Rin. She removed her mask and hood, allowing the girl to see her entire head for the first time. "Well, it seems our adventure has come to an end, little sister."

Little sister. Those words churned a multitude of different emotions inside Rin: childish irritation at being called "little" however justified; elation and pride that this amazing, beautiful, powerful woman would call her that; and regret that the one she would've called that wasn't her family anymore.

The result was her jumping over to Jade and pulling her into a tight hug. The Servant barely hesitated before returning it.

Neither of the parents objected to this, chalking it up as lingering emotion after an exciting night. Besides, Aoi and Tokiomi knew from the way she held her that Lancer X would sooner die than harm their daughter.

While still in her arms, Rin remembered with some bitterness a certain exchange. "Jade… can you promise me… you'll protect my father?"

"With my life," the Heroic Spirit's response was immediate. "I'll do everything in my power, Rin, to ensure he comes back to you."

A big smile grew on the girl at her words, moreso because she sensed Jade meant every word. Take that, stupid Kirei!

They stayed like that for a few more seconds, then Rin pulled herself away, gnawing on her lip. She had one final question. "Could… could I be like you? One day?"

Those turquoise eyes gazed up at her so full of awe and hope that Jade couldn't help but smile. She tapped her chin, her voice taking on a playful tone. "Hmm, who knows?" She stroked the little girl's hair while pretending to mull it over. "Perhaps with steady training and a strict diet, you might come close to my level one day."

Rin puffed her reddening cheeks and crossed her arms in a pout. But both knew it wasn't real. "And perhaps with a little resolve…" she perked up as the Servant continued, "…you just might surpass it." Joy surged in her when she saw the sincerity sparkling in those hazel eyes. Then a finger rose between them suddenly. "But" Jade emphasized, "to do that, you must take care to nurture your gift."

Rin bounced her head up and down in excitement. "Oh, of course! I'll learn everything about magecraft there is," she babbled enthusiastically, "Father's going to grant me our family's Crest when I'm ready, I'm improving with Conversion of-"

Then she stopped in worry at the older woman shaking her head. Did I say something wrong? But her concerns lessened when she noticed Jade's kind smile remained on her face.

The Edenian was trying very hard not to laugh at her expression. I've teased her enough tonight. "While your ability in magic is remarkable," she explained patiently while continuing to run her fingers through the girl's beautiful black hair, "it isn't what I meant." Rin took on a curious expression, so she leaned in to whisper the answer into her ear. "It's what drove you to head out tonight and use it."

Rin looked away with an embarrassed blush before mumbling, "I-I… still couldn't s-save her… not on my own… You saved us, Jade…" Helplessness washed over her. Tonight, she'd been shown just what kind of beings were fighting in this War… and how powerless she was compared to them. The magic compass hung broken around her neck as a testament to that.

A chocolate-colored finger lifted her chin back up. "But don't forget, Rin," Jade assured her softly, "Kotone is alive, and in no small part thanks to you."

Before rising to her full height, she offered one last piece of wisdom. "Your empathy is a strength, Rin Tohsaka. Do not be so quick to cast it aside."

She then turned around and made for the car where Tokiomi was already waiting. Aoi then stepped to the side of her daughter, tenderly grabbing hold of her hand to lead her back inside. Rin let herself be pulled along, but not before calling to the leaving duo, "I-I'll make you proud! Both of you! I promise!"

Both Master and Servant looked back to smile in acknowledgement of her vow. Then as the girl and her mother walked back into the Zenjou residence, Lancer X held open the door for Tokiomi to get inside. He did so and beckoned for her to join him. She slid into another seat and closed the door.

"Quite resourceful for such a young girl." Lancer X commented as the car drove off. "Feisty, too." She smirked at her Master before redonning hood and mask. "Even stubborner than you."

Tokiomi Tohsaka returned the expression. "Tell me about it…"

Back inside the house, Aoi had quickly checked on Rin's injured fingers. She might not have been capable of magecraft, but Lancer X had already applied some treatment, and she at least knew how to make fresh bandages. While they sat, Aoi had given her little girl a good scolding for her recklessness.

Rin had accepted it all with a chastened face, then once done, she told her mother of her encounter with Uncle Kariya. Mother had been shocked to hear he'd become a Master as well, and then she'd heard of his promise.

As Rin walked up the stairs to her room, she wondered why Mother looked so crestfallen. Maybe it's because she misses Sakura, too… She rubbed her arm while opening the door and stepping inside. One glimpse at the bed made the girl feel like her weight had tripled. A tired yawn escaped her before she could catch herself. Man, I'm beat… But she refused to succumb to the soft temptations of her blanket and pillow. Something else caught her eye.

Rin picked an old toy wand from its spot in the corner. A silly thing she'd insisted on having when she'd been really little, back when she'd just learned that magic was real but didn't know how the whole story worked. The events from before played in her mind; Jade taking down the Horrors with ease, whirling her staff about like it had been a ribbon…

Before she knew it, her wrists were spinning. The wand danced between her fingers. Rin smiled at how it grew in speed, almost becoming a blur…

Until one wrong move made the plastic smack against her face. "Ow!" Rin dropped the wand to cradle her throbbing nose.

Wow. I've really got a long way to go…

Archer X sprinted along a rooftop, leaving a flurry of expletives in her wake. They had proven to be just as ineffective as the bullets, grenades and flashbangs she'd already used. What's it take to shake this nutcase off?!

"Drahhhhh!" Berserker was hot on her tail, arched over so low he was practically running on all fours. That lunatic had been chasing her halfway across the city, and it took every bit of strength she had just to stay ahead of him. Not to mention he would sometimes smash something like a chimney to pieces while running, collect said pieces, and throw them at her like fucking bullets. That kind of attack shouldn't have even tickled an ordinary Servant, let alone Archer X with her armor, but one had clipped her shoulder hard enough to almost cost her her balance. The Freelancer's own ordinance had slowed but not stopped him. Classic Berserker.

Dead weight's not helping me, either… The bug-eyed fruitloop on her shoulder had bawling like a baby the entire chase. He could've called up some of those calamari nightmares to help out, but noooo, he just had to mourn the death of his whackjob Master. Got too late to get the guy's Seals, too. Just my luck, I break up-off my partnership with Lancer and find myself in a team of sickos, and my first job is to pick up another sicko for the collection.

…Alright, I ought to be close enough now. Time for Plan B.

Plan B consisted of Archer X grabbing Caster with both hands, jumping high off the current roof, twisting in midleap to aim, and then hurling him with all her might towards a particular residence.

For once, the plan was a complete success. Well, aside from Caster's squealing while she chucked him. Seriously, a grown man should not make that high a pitch.

The Freelancer's boots sank a bit into another rooftop's shingles, but she kept moving. Either way, she'd completed her mission, and now she had her hands free to properly deal with that black bastard gaining on her.

Gilles de Rais crashed headfirst into a front garden, his screech shifting into a groan of pain. His brain was a whirlpool of despair, rage and confusion of everything that had happened. W-where am I? What sort of trial does that cretin of a God have planned for me?

"Well, well," his ears managed to pick a strange voice amidst their disorientation, "that's an odd way of delivering a Servant if I've ever seen one. But I can't really argue with the results."

Then he heard a wooden cane thumping along the grass just before a man-sized shape loomed over him. For a moment, the Demon Marshall thought it that pious monk that had caused him such troubles the last few days.

But then his Jeanne-graced eyes focused. No… this man was much shorter and lacked any hair on his head. His eyes were black pits. Oddly beautiful things.

Then a smile twisted like a worm onto the man's face. "Hello there."

Alright, this is quicker than my usual posts, but I wanted to get Rin's excursion out of the way before concentrating on a certain event everybody's expecting to see. There's been glimpses of it throughout these passages, but the main focus is on Rin, as it should be.

But the image of Berserker tearing up the streets in a Knight of Honor'd Toyota was too good for me not to include :-D.

Just a few questions I'll answer preemptively before I wrap this chapter up:

Is the boy Rin meets in this chapter the same one we caught a glimpse of in Chapter 8? Yes.

Is he a certain future protagonist with an affinity for swords? Yes.

Do I deem his appearance relevant for the future of my story? Yes. I'm striving not to add meaningless scenes to my works.

Will he appear in later chapters of this story? Maybe, and if so, sporadically.

Does his interaction with our resident tsundere-to-be indicate my shipping preferences? Yes.

Are said shipping preferences up for debate? NO. I understand that some of you may have other pairings with him in mind and respect that, and I ask humbly that you in turn respect mine for you-know-who. This may cost me readers, and I accept that. What I won't accept are any complaints or attempts to sway my mind, bully me or fill comments with laments of lost possibilities.

And in case some of you have forgotten Chapter 5's footnotes: Harems aren't my scene.

And no worries, next chapter will feature the long-awaited Grail Dialogue (sorry, but I can't really call it the Banquet of Kings cause not every attendee in this story is gonna be a king) with a whole lot more participants than in canon. It might take me a while before I post; aside from other responsibilities, I plan to take my time with polishing this gem until every single part of it sparkles. Oh, and I'm open to suggestions for a catchy name for the next chapter.

TTFN!