Co-Author's Note: Many of you were surprised that we suddenly lapsed into smut last chapter. If you are, then this is your only warning: there will be a lot of smut in this story. Really, how often does a harem story (though we'd call this polyamory) fade to black instead of following through? Just sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself. This is going to be a fun ride.
Author's Note: Everything Minerva said, and more. This story was upgraded to M, and apologies if that hadn't updated for everyone yet. Given Fate's eroge roots, it feels natural to follow through on hinted relationships with the full scene, so to speak. If that's not your cup of tea, fair enough. For the rest of us filthy animals, buckle in.
Thanks to Kat 2V for being our beta reader on this chapter and on the previous three.
I can't believe this is happening.
Rin forced her eyes to stay on the soap in Archer's hand. There were so many danger zones that would reduce her to either mortified ashes (her definitely-not-crushing-on-him crush handling her nude sister) or a hurricane of hormones and lust. Emiya hesitantly took the soap from Archer, and a little pang of envy worked its way into her heart.
She pushed it away. After everything that happened to Sakura, she deserved this sliver of happiness, and anything else Rin could give her. Time to let Shirou go, before anything started. It was safer that way.
Then Emiya turned back to pull Sakura along, and watching any longer would cross into outright voyeurism. Not that Rin would mind a bit more time to—grk. She wrenched her eyes away, only for them to linger on Archer's generous breasts before she forced them yet again to the ceiling, the only refuge left for her gaze.
Getting really familiar with these tiles, she sighed to herself. One, two, three… an eyeful of tattooed chest told Rin her eyes had slipped. Godammit, not again!
"Why haven't you disrobed yet?" Archer's voice cut into her thoughts. "Did you think my edict did not apply to you?"
Rin coughed and forced her eyes back up to meet Archer's smirk. "I'm fine, though. I don't need a cure."
Archer made an impatient gesture. "How selfish of you. All of my handmaidens are required to attend me. You are no exception, little mage."
Rin's pride bristled, even as her hormones insisted that obeying would be a good idea. Attending to her meant getting to touch her, right? All that creamy skin, right at Rin's fingertips... and if she enjoyed this new 'duty', no one had to know.
Keep cool, Rin, she chided herself as she turned away and reached for the hem of her sweater, feeling the Servant's eyes on her back. Remember: equivalent exchange. You got what you asked for. Now hold up your part with as much dignity as you can manage.
She awkwardly hiked the sweater up and over, then fumbled with her bra. A quick glance at Emiya and Sakura confirmed that they were in their, ah, own world. That gave her just enough reassurance to slip her skirt down her legs.
Then she glanced up directly into Saber's emerald eyes. The Servant coughed and looked away, her cheeks dusted with pink. Rin envied her, as her own were as red as the sweater lying on the ground.
An impatient click of Archer's tongue reminded her of her bargain. She hurriedly pulled off her stockings and turned back to the demanding king. She felt an urge to cover herself with her hands, but forced them down to her sides. Archer would only laugh at her.
She circled the marble edge, wishing she could relax in the water just as Archer was. It was unfair for someone to look that good just lounging around. Every breath lifted Archer's breasts and sent another spike of lust flaring between Rin's thighs.
Archer took a seat at the edge of the bath. "You may begin with my back."
Rin gave a tight nod and settled herself on the marble tiles behind her Servant. Her fingers certainly weren't itching to caress the lean shoulders. When she noticed a golden brush on the side of the bath, she felt only relief (not a hint of disappointment whatsoever shut up) as she picked it up.
Spotting a small urn of sweet-smelling soap, Rin poured a generous amount on the ridiculously soft bristles. She took a deep breath as she turned back to her Servant. Her hands picked up the woman's hair. She'd really just meant to move it out of the way, but the moment she touched the golden tresses, her mind went blank. Every strand felt like a ray of tangible sunlight in her fingers, soft and warm.
A low sound rumbled in Rin's ears. She blinked as she realized that Archer was purring.
"Are you going to start now?" said the woman with an amused smirk.
"W-what's your hurry?" Rin asked through clenched teeth. "Are you in a rush to get somewhere?"
"Were I pressed for time, I would have forced you down and taken you already."
Rin's eyes widened. "D-don't joke about things like that."
Archer looked up with what was becoming a very familiar smirk. "What gave you the impression I was?"
If it hadn't been for Sakura, I would be kicking all of the bathwater in your face right now.
Rin huffed, reluctantly finished tucking the hair over Archer's shoulders, and got to work with the brush. She used a light touch, afraid of marring the perfect skin. The shimmer of bubbles between the woman's shoulder blades made her mouth dry. Stupid sexy Archer with her stupid sexy skin and her stupid sexy curves and her STUPID SEXY SMIRK—
Biting her tongue, Rin moved on to the toned arms, lingering on the biceps as she lathered. That left the front, she realized with what was definitely not a blush. It was just... the steam, that's all. The heat in her face didn't mean anything.
She licked her lips.
"Would you turn around? I need to do the other side."
Archer idly played with a strand of her hair. "You are the handmaiden. It is your duty to cater to your mistress, not the other way around."
Rin's brows knitted. "Cater, is it?" she grumbled. "Then I'll go fetch some ice water to cool that impossible ego."
Archer laughed. "That sounds quite refreshing!" Her head leaned back, her sparkling eyes catching Rin's in a challenge. "It is good to see that entering my service has not turned you into a tame kitten."
The praise washed golden over Rin's head, and she hated herself a little bit for it. She looked down at the infuriating woman again, lingering on her chest. She didn't think Archer would appreciate having her breasts abruptly handled (however much her hormones wanted to). Steeling herself, she instead dipped the brush past Archer's slim collarbone.
"For this," Archer's tone stopped her, "I grant you permission to use your hands."
The gears in Rin's mind creaked to a halt. "You want me to touch you?" she asked, and winced at the eagerness in her own voice.
"What better instrument to wash the King's flesh than the touch of her handmaiden?" Even if she couldn't see it, she could feel Archer's infuriating smirk. "You may proceed."
Another deep breath to steady herself, then Rin slid her hands down to palm Archer's breasts oh my god they feel amazing. Silky smooth with just the right heft. Rin's fingers curled of their own volition, tentatively caressing and—
The realization hit her like a sledgehammer.
I'm bi. Oh fuck, I'm bi.
She had always managed to bury the little jolts of excitement when she watched Ayako practicing her archery, or some of the other beauties around campus. But there was no denying it now, not with the flare of arousal in her veins.
Archer's purr gave way to an annoyed rumble, and Rin hurried to move her hands again. Pleasing this impossible woman might finally shut her up a bit, or at least repay all the embarrassment she'd suffered the last couple of nights.
A sly grin crept over Rin's lips as she did her best to tease Archer, using every trick she used on herself. Kneading the soft flesh, rolling the points teasingly between her fingers as they stiffened under her thumb and oh my god I want to put them in my mouth. She bit back a groan. It was just as well she was seated behind Archer and safely out of reach or she might not have been able to resist, and then where would her pride be?
Archer sighed. "Centering your focus on one spot dulls the sensation with predictability. You would do well to learn from the boy."
Rin harrumphed as her eyes instinctively drifted to the other couple, only for her jaw to drop open. Emiya was busy kissing Sakura's neck, his hands sliding all over her sister's body. Rin couldn't help but stare, her entire face flushing.
Oh my f... I wish that was me.
Then deft hands covered her own and slid down, gliding them over Archer's breasts down to the flat plane of her stomach, brushing along the navel then back up again. A smoky voice cooed instructions in Rin's ear, but she didn't have the focus to resent it. Not when the ripple of muscle under Archer's wet skin made her fingers tingle and fogged her mind with lust.
Water splashed up on Rin's nose, surprising her as Archer lifted herself out of the bath to sit on the edge, trailing her long legs in the water. "You will improve with time. For now, I would have you take your rightful place."
"What do you mean?" Rin asked, a ball of dread and anticipation forming in her throat.
Archer spread her legs slightly and Rin's eyes widened.
Oh. Oh fuck.
The words "As your Master..." died on her lips. As much as she wanted to protest, the taste of magic still lingered on her lips from where she'd kissed Archer's hand. And it wasn't so bad, was it? Hadn't she been admiring Archer's easy strut since the first night she'd crashed her living room?
Think about how nice that skin felt... and imagine your tongue on it. On her.
Face combusting, she slowly slipped into the water. She could feel every wave against her skin, every bubble of the lather as she drifted between the king's thighs, as if pulled by invisible strings. Those toned legs felt divine under her fingertips as she caressed them, trying to engrave every inch to memory.
I'm going to be dreaming of this for—oh god, the rest of my life.
Rin wasn't sure when her lips pressed against the inside of Archer's thigh, savoring the skin. She only knew that she never wanted to leave.
Archer patted her condescendingly on the head. "While I enjoy the worship, your mouth would serve better elsewhere."
"Huh?" Rin blinked, her hands stilling on Archer's hips. She had the nagging feeling that something in Archer's words should have upset her, but one glance at the woman's smile and god that smile…
Archer's long fingers wound into Rin's hair and gently but firmly guided her down. Her face brushed on the patch of silky golden hair. Hastily, she thought back to her secret stash for guidance. Obviously fiction didn't hold a candle to reality but it was all she had.
And Rin really wanted to impress Archer. She didn't realize how much she wanted to, until she wanted to.
Tentatively she licked at the slick folds, encouraged when the hands in her hair tugged her forward. The scent held a pleasant musk, with overtones of smoke and sun. She lapped a bit, enjoying the tangy taste, before wrapping her lips around the clit and sucking hard. A small huff of breath from above made her smile, even with her mouth busy. Perhaps the indomitable King of Heroes had her weak points after all.
Fingers closed around one of Rin's hands and settled it on Archer's hip.
"Steady yourself," the king's voice commanded, frustratingly steady for all the energy Rin was expending. "That will allow you more precision to match your enthusiasm."
The rejoinder burning Rin's lips was unfortunately muffled by Archer firmly realigning the angle of her chin.
"A little higher." A small pleased sigh. "Good girl."
The approval felt good, far better than it should. Rin had been praised by many for her achievements, but it never mattered. They were simply admiring a carefully constructed image, a shell, not the lonely girl inside. Archer's eyes bored down and stripped away all artifices, really saw the girl with all her flaws, and still fondly stroked her hair.
It made Rin desperate to please more, dignity and elegance be damned. She wanted to have those eyes on her forever and have that voice tell her that she'd done well. She eagerly responded to the signals of Archer's body, following the rhythm expertly set by the hands tugging in her hair.
Before she knew it, her free hand slid down to her own aching core, rubbing herself in a desperate bid to quell the fire raging inside.
"Use your teeth. Lightly, or your head will roll."
Rin obliged, and was rewarded with a honeyed purr. Archer's breathing grew shorter and harsher, her hips moving insistently against Rin's mouth. Knowing she was pleasing the king—it was intoxicating, sent her head spinning and her lips (and fingers) pressing even further inside. It didn't matter that her jaw and tongue were getting sore, not with Archer's nails digging into her scalp.
The purr grew louder as the powerful thighs tightened around Rin's face, and then Archer's throaty moan sent a shudder through her. It was joined by an answering jolt of pleasure that shivered through Rin's core, a small release but not enough to satisfy. Not when the sight of Archer languidly reclining in her afterglow set Rin's blood aflame all over again.
The hand on her head stroked her hair once more, then released. A small smirk crept over Rin's face as she rose. Ignoring the uncomfortable curl of stifled desire in her loins, she peered up triumphantly at Archer's face.
The smirk fell away when she saw Archer's pressed lips. "Adequate for a novice," said the king, and Rin's heart gave an uncomfortable lurch before the hand descended on her head again. "I can see, however, that you are a quick study, and most willing. We shall make a proper handmaiden of you yet."
Cheeks burning with embarrassment and frustration, Rin extracted herself with what little dignity she had left. Her mind was roiling with conflicted emotions.
There's going to be a next time!
Oh no, there's going to be a next time.
If it keeps ending this way, I might just die of horny.
Rin wanted nothing more than fingers back inside her, preferably Archer's. From the idle smirk on the other's face, it was clear she wasn't getting them. Insufferable woman. Rin really needed to get to her room to take care of herself as soon as possible, but she was a magus. Duty came first, above the demands of the flesh.
Delicately wiping her chin, she turned away from Archer towards her sister... and straight into the gaze of Shirou "I've been rejecting romantic advances for four years and have never touched a woman before" Emiya. Furious would be a polite way of describing his blush—it could have set off several forest fires.
As soon as their eyes met, he looked at the wall. He cradled Sakura in his arms, shifting her to avoid contact with the part that Rin's simmering hormones directed her gaze towards. She stared for a long moment before managing to snap her eyes back to the boy's face. It wasn't much better, but at least she was only suffering of shame instead of dying of embarrassment.
The same couldn't be said for Emiya, judging from the mortified twist of his mouth and the darting glances he kept shooting her.
What the hell do you have to be embarrassed about? You just fingerblasted my sister into unconsciousness, and somehow I'm making you blush?
Rin took a shuddering breath, resisting the urge to clap her hands defensively over strategic assets. He'd already gotten an eyeful—several, actually—and Rin didn't think she could bear to lose any last shreds of dignity.
Control, Rin. She released the breath. Keep it together. Just act like you planned for this.
Hoping she didn't look as awkward as she felt, she waded through the water towards Emiya. Unable to meet his eyes, she settled for looking over his shoulder and holding her arms out.
"Here, give me Sakura. I'll put her to bed."
Emiya hesitated, his hands tightening protectively around the sleeping girl.
Rin sighed impatiently. "I'm her sister, and anyway you're a guy. You can't dress a girl for bed, it's inde—" Realizing the absurdity of what she was saying, she shook her head. "Look, just let me have her already."
Emiya sighed. "Right. Sorry."
Rin tilted her head disbelievingly. "What are you even apologizing for?"
Emiya shrugged uncomfortably, still holding Sakura. "I'm not really sure. Something. Everything. I just felt the need."
What the—
Rin put her hands on her hips. "You can't be serious. You're really going to take responsibility for—what?"
He was looking away again. "Uhh... Tohsaka... you're still..."
Her cheeks flamed but she refused to let it get the better of her. "Emiya, consider what we've both been doing for..." She winced. "However long it's been. We are far past the point of getting embarrassed over nudity."
"Then why are you blushing too?" he asked, still looking away.
"Sh-shut up!" She turned to the side and crossed her hands over her chest. Then she remembered what she was doing, huffed, and held her arms out again. "Just... give me my sister, go put some clothes on, and get out!"
Not necessarily in that order...
YOU SHUT UP TOO.
Her hormones cackled but she managed to choke them down before they could make any other "witty commentary". There was almost an encore when Emiya finally handed Sakura over, and Rin was made aware that her sister was warm and incredibly soft. She tried and failed to ignore the throbbing between her legs.
"Sorry..." Emiya mumbled as he turned to get out.
"I said stop apologizing!" she hissed.
"S... okay," he replied. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he hauled himself out of the water and walked over to his discarded clothes. If his blush hadn't told Rin how out of sorts the boy was feeling, she would have known when the school brownie picked up his wrinkled shirt without so much as flinching.
There was a shifting of metal boots on marble. "Rin. You will need to ask your… Servant… how we may leave... her baths."
Both she and Emiya froze as Saber spoke.
God, if you are up there, please strike me down right now. I'm begging you. End my suffering. Rin was absolutely certain that her face would never be anything but bright red for the rest of her life. Given how wrecked Emiya's composure was, she'd at least have decent company.
With the infuriating smirk she always wore, Archer snapped her fingers. Some of the steam cleared, revealing a doorway between two pillars. The familiar russet carpet of her hallway was visible beyond.
Emiya hastily pulled on his clothes. He was just putting on his slippers when Saber spoke again.
"Master," she said, carefully neutral. "You may wish to... avail yourself of the other restroom before we... retire for the evening."
"Why did you have to say it out loud!?" he groaned and lunged for the door. Rin would have giggled if she wasn't in a similar predicament.
Sighing, she looked past Sakura's graceful form and down at the remaining bundles of clothing. "Saber, could you bring these down to the laundry? I've got my hands a little full here."
Saber nodded, and Rin turned to leave when the invisible strings pulled tight. She clenched her teeth and glanced over her shoulder at Archer. The king had resumed her place in the water, an arm draped comfortably over the bath's marble rim. Scowling, Rin waited for permission to leave. She hated that she was bound this way, but her life was not only her own anymore. Something in Archer's eyes reminded her of it.
Then Archer gave a little wave, and Rin felt some of the tension drain from her shoulders. Too bad she couldn't say the same for the pressure still coiled low in her belly.
No, Sakura first, she reprimanded herself as she headed for the door. Dress her in some of mother's old nightclothes, put her to bed in her room… she swallowed hard. Then lock my door and don't come out until tomorrow morning.
The comparatively cold air of the hallway against her bare skin didn't do a damn thing to smother the fire inside. She moved as if on hot coals, and after dressing Sakura and tucking her in, she quickly made her way back to her room. The lock clicked shut behind her, and she threw herself on the bed.
Father… with all the notes you left to prepare for the War, and the catalyst you entrusted to me… She gave a deep sigh. Why didn't you tell me she was so hot!?
Shirou yawned over the grill as he drizzled sauce on top of the salmon fillets. Between the still unfamiliar bedroom and the remaining tension from the night before—what am I supposed to say to Sakura when she comes down!?—he'd only managed to fall asleep after the birds had started chirping. Even worse, he'd had the pleasure of being woken shortly after by Archer and Saber quarreling outside his door. Luckily a promise of breakfast was enough to appease them both.
Which led to him cooking his fifth dish of the morning, rubbing tired eyes between chopping and simmering.
Saber banged her fist on the table. "That is my waffle, Archer! Unhand it at once!"
"What, this?" There was an exaggerated crunch, then Shirou could hear Saber's anger like a teapot kettle hissing with boiling rage. "Mmm. Quite delicious. You continue to impress me, boy."
The plates rattled dangerously. "Intolerable!" growled Saber. "In that case, I shall claim this for my own!"
"You would dare steal from the King?" Archer said lowly.
"A true king knows generosity more than tyranny at the table," sniffed Saber between slurping down what must have been Archer's miso soup. "Speaking of which… Master, more rice!"
"Only if you two promise not to fight anymore," he replied with restrained annoyance.
"That is a completely unrealistic request, Master," Saber protested. "We are in the middle of a sacred battle, and you would demand peace of its champions?"
"You would do well to heed my words, maiden knight—" Archer started.
Tohsaka groggily slipped into the kitchen and sidled up to him. The light blush on her face made some color rise in his own. "I'm going to bring some food up to Sakura," she said, refusing to look him in the eye. "Which… which do you think she'd like best?"
"Here, take her up some salmon." He plated a portion of fish and pointed her to the rice cooker for the rest.
"Thanks," she muttered, and hurried away before he could ask how Sakura was doing.
Sighing, he turned back to the stove. He really hoped that his kouhai had managed to get some rest. After a... hasty session in the restroom, Shirou had burnt the hours before bedtime with his remaining homework and practicing the formation of his circuits. Tohsaka had previously raged at him and snarled about unlocking them, but until then this was all he could do. And as long as there was a chance it might let him save someone, he had to do it.
The familiar pain of repeatedly shoving a lightning rod down his spine made him gasp in agony, his nerves burning with the effort. He might have passed out halfway through if not for Saber interrupting. Her anger was only softened by the worry in her eyes as she helped him up. The concern was more than he had expected—he thought she only tolerated him as an (admittedly terrible) mana supply. But she had helped him all the way to bed with a gentleness belying the severity of her scolding.
"You're definitely nothing like him," she had mumbled at one point. He was too tired to ask what she was talking about.
They'd ended up lying awkwardly in bed, backs turned to each other. Shirou could feel her warmth even with the distance between them. It made him think of a certain other girl he'd held in his arms that evening. Which then conjured lovely but unwelcome images of other naked bodies he couldn't help but see through the steam, and then Shirou was aroused once more.
Goddamn it.
He was just burying his head in the pillow when Saber murmured something.
"What was that, Saber?" he asked, turning his head to the side.
"You were very kind to Lady Sakura," said the Servant quietly, hesitating before adding, "You are a good partner."
"T-thanks," he stammered, too mortified to say anything more.
Some of that same embarrassment warmed his face when Tohsaka returned to the kitchen and helped herself to a plate of food. Another vision of last night bloomed before his eyes.
Damn it. If it's like this for Tohsaka, it's going to be a disaster when Sakura gets here.
"She said she'd be down in a bit," said Tohsaka, grudgingly loading up an extra plate for Saber.
"Ah." He scratched his cheek. "How is she doing?"
Tohsaka arched an eyebrow. "What do you think?" Then seeing his look of concern, she softened. "She's much better. Not perfect, of course—nobody could be after everything she's gone through—but... better."
Better. Shirou had been hoping for more, but it was a start.
"Thank you," he said with a nod.
"You don't need to thank me, idiot," she said with a huff. "I didn't do it for you. I did it for my sister."
"So..." he trailed off. "You two are sisters?"
Tohsaka sighed.
"What, you can't tell from how much we look alike?" she said drily. "Yes, Sakura was—is my younger sister. She..." She struggled for a moment with the words. Shirou gave her some space to think by stacking some dishes in the sink. "A mistake was made that had her sent to the Matou house. I have to make up for it."
"So you two have the same parents?" he continued. Her expression twisted into a frown.
"We did, yes. Things... happened... and they're not around anymore." She waved a hand in an attempt at nonchalance. "I told you that this War is dangerous."
"Oh. I'm sorry." He stopped soaping a pan momentarily. "I... also lost my parents ten years ago. I was taken in by someone, but he.. he passed away five years ago."
"That's awful." Her blue eyes creased in sympathy. "Listen, if you ever need to talk, I'm here—"
"Little mage!" Archer called from the dining room. "Bring tea in your best porcelain. Your king thirsts."
Tohsaka scowled, and Shirou smiled.
"The kettle boiled just a little while ago," he said, nodding to said item.
"Thanks," she replied, setting out a fancier tea set than last night. Shirou saw her fingers hover over a bottle of hot sauce before she shook her head and carried out the tray.
He was just finishing the dishes when footsteps echoed down the hall, becoming more timid as they approached the kitchen.
Okay. Stay cool, Shirou. You don't want to make her uncomfortable. Don't think about how soft she was in your arms last night. Don't think about it. He shook his head and turned to greet her. I SAID STOP IT.
"Good morning, Senpai," Sakura said, raising her chin to look him in the eyes. He found himself lost in that violet gaze for a moment before wrenching himself back to the sink.
"Uh, hi, Sakura." He scrubbed a bowl he had already washed twice. "Why don't you take a seat? I'll bring you a plate."
"Thank you, but Neesan already brought some for me," she smiled.
Right, stupid. Can't believe I forgot.
"Why don't I help you clean up?" she asked, rolling up her sleeves.
"No, no, that's okay," he said hastily. "I'm already done."
"If you're sure," she said, shooting an amused glance at the sink before her expression turned shy again. "About last night… thank you, Senpai."
He blushed. "Um. No problem. It was, uh, my pleasure. To help, that is."
She giggled behind her hand. It didn't hide that her cheeks were just as red. "I'm glad it was you."
Shirou's gears shuddered and stopped. "Uhh..." he said intelligently. "Yeah. Sure. Um. Right. Happy to help."
Sakura's hands wrung in front of her. "I know you're staying here until your house is repaired, but… do you think that after, you might…" She hesitated. "Visit? Often, I mean."
Shirou took a deep breath.
"Of course," he replied with a nod. "Maybe you can still come over for breakfast, and I'll come over for dinner."
"I'd like that," Sakura said with a serene smile.
She followed him as he walked into the dining room to join the others. Saber gave Sakura an appraising look before smiling.
"Good morning, Lady Sakura. If you will forgive my indelicacy, you are looking much improved."
Sakura shyly tucked in her chin as Archer preened.
"Naturally," said the other Servant. "She was fortunate enough to receive the king's generosity." A satisfied smirk spread over her face. "As were you all."
Tohsaka choked on her food.
"I will admit that you appear to have fulfilled your part," said Saber grudgingly. "However much I think your methods excessive and in poor taste."
"Here, Saber. Have another sausage," said Shirou, forking one over from his own plate.
"Mmm. Do not think—munch—that simply by appeasing my stomach—nom—you have settled my doubts—slurp—Master," she said in between mouthfuls.
After a little conversation and a lot of eating, Tohsaka put her cup down and tapped the table for attention.
"Alright, glad we all enjoyed eating on my dime," she said with a false cheer. "But we have a War to fight. Let's go over the plan for today."
"Indeed," said Archer, turning to Shirou. "While this waffle was pleasing to my palette, it would be improved with some cinnamon. Be sure to remember it for tomorrow's repast, boy."
Shirou nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."
"That waffle was meant for me!" snapped Saber, unwilling to quit the battlefield. "As such, it was meant to suit my tastes! Cinnamon is…" she paused, then pressed her lips together. "...admittedly delicious, but demanding it is an insult to the chef." She whirled on Shirou. "Master! Do not let Archer blithely impose upon you. Remember that you have sworn no oath to her."
"You people are using my kitchen," Tohsaka interjected, "and—stop it, we're getting off-track!" She massaged her temples and groaned. "Listen. Yesterday, I noticed a number of magic circles around Homurahara." Her mouth tightened. "Drawn in blood, and slowly sapping the life force from anyone who comes near. I didn't get a chance to map them out, but their placement suggests they're building up energy to raise a Bounded Field."
"You think it's a Servant, Neesan?" Sakura asked. Shirou felt a strange sensation hit him as he realized that she was just as much a part of the Moonlit World as anyone else at the table.
"Given the timing, almost definitely." Tohsaka straightened in her chair. "We're staying after school to rip them all down. With any luck, that will force their owner out of hiding."
"That sounds dangerous," said Shirou. "What can I do to help?"
"You? Just take cover and try not to get in Saber's way," replied Tohsaka dismissively before pivoting to the Servant in question. "Unfortunately, you can't dematerialize. I'm still not sure why, but it means you'll have to wait until nightfall before joining us at the school. That's okay though, Archer will be on guard duty during the day—"
"I think not," interrupted Archer, rising from the table. "I have yet to complete my inspection of this village."
"You mean you want to hit the shopping mall again," grumbled Tohsaka. "Seriously, where do you keep getting all these clothes?"
Shirou glanced at Archer as the woman flicked her hair back over her shoulder, noticing for the first time that unlike Saber, she was wearing an entirely new outfit. A white jacket framed her shoulders, accented by a crop top that showed off most of her abdomen. Swallowing hard, he found his eyes pulled by the red lines of her tattoos, down to the delicate dip of her navel…
Not again.
"Even in this degenerate era, the people still know to make offerings to their king." Archer tilted her chin to a haughty angle. "I accept those that please me."
"And throw the rest in my closet," huffed Tohsaka. "It might not be so bad if any of them fit me, but…" Shirou could have sworn she stole a brief glance at Sakura's chest before sighing and spreading her hands. "Fine, fine. I know better than to expect you to follow a plan, Archer. Can you at least tell me where you're going?"
"I shall, if only so you know where to run if I feel the need to call for you," said Archer, ignoring the cup splintering in Tohsaka's grip. "I left Caster to purify the blight in this era's pale imitation of a park. I wish to see if she has succeeded in correcting my handmaiden's negligence."
Tohsaka's eyes flashed. Drawing herself up, she crossed her arms stubbornly before her chest. "If you're talking about Shintou Park, I have tried to clean up the mess from the fire. The corruption always creeps back—wait, hold the fuuuuuuuuront door. What do you mean, Caster?"
Saber pushed her plate aside and glowered at the other Servant. "What is the meaning of withholding this, Archer? Are we not allies?"
And after all the trouble I went through to keep the peace...
Archer favored her with a superior smile. "We are not. You are simply an imposition that comes with the boy, one I tolerate for the sake of his... talents."
Shirou groaned and put his head in his hands. Why do I even bother?
He felt Sakura pat his back, whispering a small comfort.
Thankfully Saber said nothing more, only shot daggers at Archer with her eyes. Still, Shirou felt he should move the conversation along as quickly as possible.
"So what should we do about Caster?" he asked, looking around the table. "If she was cleaning things up, does that mean she's also here to help people?"
"She seems quite taken with your kind," Archer nodded. "I doubt she will be anything but benevolent."
Tohsaka ground her teeth from across the table. "May I remind you that we're at War? We'll have to fight her sooner or later."
Archer smirked, her eyes deliberately drifting towards him even as she spoke to the girl. "The same could be said for Saber and her Master, yet they do not seem to concern you."
"T-that's different!" protested Tohsaka. "They're... they're my guests, so I have to treat them with hospitality! I'll save them for the end!"
"Why do you have to fight at all?" Sakura's voice was barely a whisper, yet it plunged the entire table into silence. The younger girl stared into her tea.
"That…" Tohsaka drew in a breath. "What kind of question is that? There's only one winner of the Holy Grail War in the end, you know that."
"Is it really so important to win?" Sakura looked up and caught her sister's gaze. "What do you wish for so much that you would hurt Senpai over it?"
Tohsaka was the first to look away. "It's not a matter of wishes," she muttered, picking at the ceramic shards of her cup. "It's what I'm supposed to do. I've prepared my whole life for this."
"Then you have truly learnt nothing," Archer said calmly, staring at Tohsaka. "Indeed, you continue to infringe upon my generosity by refusing to accept the truth. As you have summoned me, you will have the honor of being part of my triumph. It does not matter what happens between now and the moment the Grail enters my treasury—only whether anyone chooses to stand in my way."
Saber abruptly rose from her chair. "You have not yet won, Archer. Not while I still draw breath."
"And yet you curl up before my handmaiden's fire, like a stray taken in from the cold." Archer gave Saber a pitying look. "Such a humiliation for such a noble knight. Tell me, what wish does your heart crave, that you are so willing to throw away your pride?"
Sakura took his hand as Saber's emerald eyes blazed with indignation. "A tyrant like you, so convinced your people exist to serve you, could never understand."
Archer laughed uproariously. "Whatever your struggles before the Throne claimed you, it only led to failure. Do not insult me by denying it, maiden knight. It is written all over your pretty face."
Golden light flared around Saber's body, forming her armor. She was drawing her foot back into a combat stance when Shirou quickly moved between them.
"School!" he blurted out. "We have school!" He turned to his Servant and offered her his best smile. "Would you mind escorting us, Saber?"
Saber's eyes darted between him and Archer, then she sighed and dismissed her invisible blade—but not her armor. "Of course. I shall not shirk my duty." She glared at the other Servant. "But what does Archer intend to do after her inspection? I doubt that would take more than an hour for even the most indolent of despots."
Archer's smirk didn't falter an inch. "I shall find something to entertain myself. That is the prerogative of the king, however paltry the offerings placed before her."
Shirou sighed, and heard its echo from Tohsaka. Weary blue eyes turned to land on him and Sakura.
"We're doomed," Tohsaka said glumly.
"It can't be that bad, Neesan," Sakura replied with injected cheer.
"Doomed," Tohsaka repeated.
He couldn't help but agree.
"That's the last straw, Matou!"
Ayako grabbed what was now her former vice-captain by the collar of his gi and dragged him towards the dojo exit.
"What's wrong with you, you gorilla woman!?" Shinji cried indignantly, dragging his heels in a pathetic attempt to stop her.
"What's wrong with you?" she spat, muscling him forward. "I kept hoping you'd straighten up your act with the younger members, but today you crossed the line. Yumizuka ran out crying because of what you said, and you don't see the problem?"
"I only said it like it is," he said with the hint of a smirk. "If that bitch can't handle it, she should—"
He yelped as she shook him by the collar and threw him out the door.
"Get out," she said in a low tone. "I don't want to see you here ever again."
He brushed himself off with what he obviously thought was great dignity. "Fine. Be that way. But keep in mind I'm the only reason half of these people are here. You won't find someone else to keep them coming back."
"Oh, that's not a problem," Ayako replied sweetly, putting on her best Rin smile. "I'll just ask Emiya to take your place until we can fill the role."
Shinji's smirk dissolved into a death glare, his mouth twisted in rage. "Emiya! Always fucking Emiya! It's not enough he's fucking my sister, now he's gotten into your panties too!"
Ayako took a step back, before she matched him with a glare of her own.
"How dare you—get the hell out of here before I turn you into a practice dummy."
"Fujimura would never let—"
Ayako slammed the door shut in his face, then turned to the many club members gaping at her. She sighed, rubbing her face with one hand, then looked over her club. Very few seemed disappointed, which helped her feel a little better about the disruption.
"Practice is cancelled for the rest of today," she said. "Inui, go grab that Matou's stuff and toss it outside. Let's make sure we're only keeping the good one around."
"Yes, Captain!" he said with far more enthusiasm than was necessary. It put a smile on her face.
"Alright!" she clapped her hands. "Let's clean this place up for the night. Be careful going home." There had only been a few disappearances in the last week, but it was enough to put everyone on edge.
The club shouted its affirmation, and the members scattered to grab dust cloths and brooms. Ayako nodded to herself and walked towards the dojo's small kitchen to fill a bucket. She was just walking by the changeroom door when her foot brushed against an object.
"Huh?" She looked down to see a small red book lying on the floor. "What's this?"
It felt surprisingly heavy in her hand. She couldn't make any sense of the weird writing embossed in gold on the cover, or the sharp-angled letters inside that made her head swim.
"Weird," she muttered to herself and pocketed it. I'll give it to Fujimura-sensei later. Maybe she can find the owner.
Soon the cleaning finished and her fellow club members scattered, all of them eager to go home. Ayako herself wasn't in any hurry—it would be a little while before she had to pick up Minori from school. He would whine about embarrassing him in front of his friends, but there was no way she was letting her little brother walk home alone after dark these days.
She returned to the kitchen and put on a kettle. The hot tea was soothing as she settled on the platform overlooking the shooting range, admiring the winter sky of the late afternoon.
It's been a while since I hit up the gaming center. I guess I'll take Minori there later. She sighed. Damn it. Why aren't there any hot single guys at this school?
There was one, of course. It was fun to fantasize about it, but he had stayed resolutely single for years. There was no reason for that to change now.
The last bell rang. She lingered a little longer, enjoying her tea and the setting sun. Eventually she stretched and started to pack up when a furious knocking at the door interrupted her.
What the hell? Grimacing, she strode towards the door. Whoever that is, I'm going to tell them off for being so rude in front of a dojo.
She yanked open the door and found herself staring at Shinji Matou. His face was a mask of anger and distress.
"Where is it?" he shouted, shouldering his way in.
Her nostrils flared. "Didn't I say I didn't want to see you here ever again? What part of that was difficult to understand, Matou?"
She moved to block him from going further inside. He stopped, his entire frame trembling.
"Someone stole one of my books," he said angrily. "It has to be in there somewhere. I need to search for it."
"No," Ayako replied. "You stay here. I'll find it. What does it look like?"
"Just let me in," he snapped. "This is more important than you can understand."
"I've had just about enough of you." She crossed her arms. "Get out now before I tell Fujimura-sensei."
He stared at her for a moment before an unpleasant smile spread over his face. It filled her with nausea. "You think she can help you? You really have no idea who you're dealing with."
"What are you talking about?" she asked, beginning to feel somewhat unsettled.
His hand closed around her wrist with frightening speed. "Why don't I show you?" he sneered, pulling her towards him. His grip was surprisingly strong as she wrenched herself loose, only for him to crowd her up against the wall.
"Whatever you think you're doing," she growled, preparing to knee him in the crotch, "it's not funny."
"Oh, I think it—"
A purple shadow coalesced into a blindfolded woman behind him. Before Ayako's astonished eyes, she grabbed Matou's wrist and snapped it back. He yowled as he fell to his knees.
The woman's grip only tightened, making him whimper in pain. "Rider—gah—what do you think you're doing!?"
She ignored him and tilted her head towards Ayako. Blindfold or not, Ayako could feel the woman's eyes boring into her.
"What would you have me do, Master?"
Ayako would never admit it to anyone, but that voice sent shivers down her spine that weren't entirely from fear. Then she blinked as the words sunk in.
"What?" she said intelligently. "Master? What are you—"
"Rider, let go!" Matou continued to struggle in the woman's grip, but she didn't give him an inch.
"This worm raped his sister," she said bluntly, and Ayako recoiled. "You would let him walk away?"
Her gaze turned to Matou who was growing more and more pale. She almost wanted to deny it to herself, but a thousand little pieces were clicking into place. The way he would place his hands on the female first-years, how Sakura flinched around him when he raised his voice, and just now—
"No," she said quietly, staring into the purple mask. "Absolutely not."
The smallest smile crept up on the woman's face.
"You earned this," she said to Shinji.
"Wait, wait, Rider—Rider st—" Shinji screamed as the woman threw him down the range, and his body shattered one of the targets. Ayako gaped as wood splinters flew, and the woman flowed downrange like a snake. Chains appeared in her grip, and Shinji squealed like a stuck pig.
"Rider please I didn't—" he groaned as the woman stomped on his stomach. Blood spewed from his lips, and he turned a pleading eye towards Ayako. "Ayako, m-make her stop!"
One part of her considered it momentarily as the ground was stained red. The other remembered Sakura's eyes, and her resolve hardened.
"Just don't kill him," she said.
"What a shame," the woman murmured, kicked him in the face, and then sent him sailing over the dojo. Ayako gasped and ran outside to find him sprawled in the yard, face down in a pile of mud.
The woman was hauling him up by the collar when a familiar voice cut through the evening air.
"What did you do this time, Matou?" Rin Tohsaka said with a sigh, her arms crossed over her uniform. Next to her stood a golden model, straight from the runway. Ayako's jaw dropped.
Holy hell. With a woman like that, who needs a boyfriend?
Matou reached a trembling arm towards her. "T… Tohsaka! Help me!" He spat out a tooth, looking up at her out of a rapidly bruising eye. "Our families are allies, so you've gotta!"
"Uh, yeah, sure," Rin replied drily. "I'll just ask Sakura if she has any homework I can help her with. That'll be enough to fulfill my obligations."
"Rin!" Ayako called. The mentioned girl's eyes widened as she turned to Ayako. "What the hell is going on here?"
Rin groaned and massaged her temples. "Goddamn it, here we go again. Can we at least take the trash out first?"
The model laughed. "You may carry on. Watching hounds turn on their tormentors never fails to entertain."
The blindfolded woman kneed Shinji in the groin, and then dematerialized, leaving him to fall to the ground crying. Ayako might have felt a little pity for him if he hadn't been literally breathing down her neck a few moments earlier.
She sighed. "I guess I should call the hospital. But first... Rin, please explain."
"Damn it, Emiya," Rin grumbled. "It's your turn to do this. Why am I always stuck as the exposition dump?"
"You were the one who so firmly sent him home, little mage," the model replied.
"He fingerfucked my sister!" Rin cried, and Ayako's eyes widened and her cheeks flared in embarrassment. "He should at least walk her home and keep her safe."
"Hmph," the model smirked. "Well, I will not have my time wasted. The sigils are fading and I have more preparations to conclude."
"Wait!" Ayako called and pulled out the book, coming a little closer to the other two. "Can you explain this before you go? This little bastard was looking for it." She kicked Shinji as she passed him, eliciting a weak groan.
"I think… is that a Command Seal inscribed on it?" Rin said with a puzzled expression. "Then this transfers—"
"Her Servant can explain the rest," the model said, and Rin squeaked as she was picked up in a princess carry. "If runts cannot stand on their own, they do not deserve to join the hunt."
Before Ayako could say anything further, the woman disappeared with one lunge, carrying Rin away into the night. She stood there stupefied before the blindfolded woman materialized again at her shoulder.
"We have a lot to discuss, Master," she purred and placed a hand on her shoulder. Ayako definitely did not feel anything at that touch. Absolutely nothing. "Better to do so in your home."