Fate: Without Justice

by Destrox

It has been ten years since the fires that engulfed Fuyuki, and the Holy Grail War is almost here once more. Shirou's Father took measures to prevent him from becoming caught up in the conflict of ancient heroes, but it would seem that his fate is entwined with that of the Grail's. Having summoned a servant, Shirou Kotomine joins the Fifth Holy Grail War.

7. Where Power Lies

Chapter 5: Where Power Lies

#18-The best way to win is not to fight.

I looked out over the dusty plains as dark clouds rumbled above, golden shafts of light breaking through to reveal the world the shadows hid. Blood and death littered the landscape no matter where I turned, broken weapons rising from the earth like gravestones. Everywhere I stepped, armor rang and flesh gushed, the horrific scene leaving no space uncovered.

As I walked over the mountain of bodies, the wind began to blow through and catch the tattered remain of flags without symbols. The clouds rolled away as the sun continued to peer through the darkness. Rays of light spread out in a wave over a sea of corpses before finally revealing what had been hidden through the miasma of shadows.

A hill rose from the earth, fallen warriors, armor shattered and red, encompassing the slopes as a lone figure stood above it all. They leaned heavily on their sword, their blue and silver armor streaked with crimson as their shoulders rose and fell.

I found myself climbing over the deceased men lining the hill as my curiosity urged me onward. My hands had begun to add my blood to the pile as jagged metal cut into my skin with each handhold. I soon found myself standing behind the familiar knight, her golden hair marred with dirt and blood as it fell over her shoulders.

The dark roiling clouds pushed away as the sun cascaded over her, her head lifting from the bodies that laid at her feet to cast tired emerald eyes upward. I tried to follow her gaze, but the light was brighter than anything I'd ever see, making it impossible to directly view, despite the knight having no such inhibitions. Her hand raised reaching out toward the blinding array of gold.

"I accept."

The world became engulfed in blazing white before darkness swept over my vision again.

My senses slowly returned to me as I felt her in my arms, her slow breathes telling me she was still asleep. I opened my eyes and gazed at her; a peaceful expression having settled on her face. Remembering the fear in her eyes last night, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to face her again, let alone like this. I lightly brushed a strand of hair from her face, causing her to mumble something indiscernible.

I thought about staying there together with her for a little while longer, but I knew that I needed to prepare for today. Slowly and deliberately, I moved my arm out from under her and lightly slipped out of bed. I moved to the foot of the bed and found Saber still fast asleep in her futon. I narrowed my eyes as I recalled the hill of steel and blood I'd seen her on. I believed I was beginning to see the full picture.

I carefully placed my steps to avoid her as I moved toward the door. I glanced where I had haphazardly tossed my ruined clothes after the school, but found they were gone. Archer really was an efficient butler.

I closed the door softly behind me before heading down the stairs. The phone in the main hallway had a new message as I expected. It informed me that, due to recent events, Homurahara Academy would be suspending all classes for the foreseeable future. After all the missing students, what will likely be chalked up to vandalism, and the sudden, strange affliction both students and faculty experienced yesterday, I wasn't surprised.

I moved to the sitting room to find Archer sitting with his arms spread atop the back of the sofa and his legs in a 4 figure. His eyes opened as I shut the door.

"I assumed you'd be making breakfast," I told the servant as I moved to the chairs.

"It's already been made," he gestured to the clock over his left shoulder. I noticed it showed it was eight eleven.

"I suppose that's to be expected after last night," I shook my head as I took a seat across from him.

He hummed in response before closing his eyes.

I watched him for a moment, thinking about that dagger. Those swords. The power he somehow knew I had.

"How did you know, Archer?"

He remained unmoved by my question. He took his time responding, letting the silence draw out between us. I wasn't sure if he was thinking about his response or if doing it to spite me. It honestly could be either in Archer's case.

"I knew a boy who was very much like you. A thickheaded and foolish boy who believed that, if he was strong enough, he could use his power to save others."

His head tilted back to rest against the sofa.

"However, unlike that boy, I don't believe you have such lofty goals. Your want for power stems from a similar place, and even your reasons for seeking it are closely linked."

He brought his head forward, steel grey eyes watching me carefully.

"But where you truly differ is your drive. That boy was chasing after an impossible dream and was driven by his ideals until they broke him. What is it that drives you, Shirou Kotomine?"

I felt as though his gaze was inescapable, trying to draw the answer out of me with an iron grip. That night was drawn out of me, flashing through my mind.

"A promise," Father reached out his hand to me. Rin held me closer to her chest. "That things can be better. That there's something worth fighting for."

Archer sighed and shook his head.

"You may be more alike than I thought."

Archer rose from his seat and walked to the door.

"Well," he looked back at me as he opened the door. "If that is what you seek, then you must imagine a world where it is possible and make it reality. That is the only way you can ever hope to reach your goal."

A world… where my dream is reality?

"I'll be waiting for you outside but be prepared to fight for your life."

Archer shut the door, leaving me with my thoughts.

I don't know why I told him. I wasn't sure why I did a lot of things over the last three days. I could hear Father scolding me for my actions, reminding me how open I kept leaving myself. Illyasviel and Shinji shouldn't be problems, but I let them both go. I shouldn't care about what happened to Sakura and everyone at the school, but, even now, my blood ran a little hotter at the thought.

Father once told me the Holy Grail War brings out the true essence of its participants. With their wants and fears exposed, the masters acted only on their desires. What part of me was this war revealing?

I pushed it aside like so many other times. I could worry about it when the war was over. Until then, Archer was waiting for me outside. Another step toward the grail.

"And I still have a way to go."

---

OP: ASH [LiSA]

---

After around an hour of training with Archer, I slipped in and out of my room to grab a change of clothes, careful to remain quiet as not to wake the still sleeping girls before heading to the downstairs bathroom. I would've used the upstairs shower, but I remembered how noisy the pipes were.

As the hot water cascaded down over my shoulders, I felt the soreness and sweat from fighting Archer wash away with the heat. When I left this shower, I would be working toward the grail without fail. Until then, I would push those thoughts aside and enjoy this peaceful respite, letting my mind wander.

Was I that fragile back when the fire was fresh in my mind? No, I think I was even more so. There was nothing peaceful or restful to be found in the flames, an abyss of isolation and fear. She pulled me out of that. I tried to shake her off, but she wouldn't let go. And worse, I don't think I've ever been able to pull myself up. I wasn't strong enough.

I stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel from the wall rung. I dried myself off as I approached the mirror, using the towel to also wipe away the steam fogging the glass. I looked myself over, finding the circular scar had fully vanished from my chest. I tousled my hair with the towel before running a hand through it. When it finally dried, it would set itself in the same spiky way it always did. There wasn't much point in fighting it.

I put on the blue pants and white shirt I'd brought with me, carrying the used clothes out to the laundry room. When I left, I peeked at the digital clock of the phone. 9:23. It was about time Rin got up. We had a long day ahead of us.

As I stood at the bedside, I thought about materializing the whistle, but thought better of it as Saber was also in the room. She may act without thinking and perceive it as an attack. Therefore, I moved over to the futon and kneeled down to give Saber a light shake. Her eyes flicked open and settled on me.

"Master," her words came out slightly irritated, which I was a little surprised by. "Is there something you require of me?"

"Today is the day we defeat Berserker," I said as she sat herself up. "Go down and get some breakfast. We'll be joining you shortly."

Saber raised an eyebrow before looking over at the bed. Her eyes widened at the visible form under the covers.

"I see," she said with calm understanding. "Then, I will be waiting for you in the dining room."

I didn't bother trying to explain the situation as Saber rose from the futon and walked out the door. I shook my head before standing once more and returning to the bedside. I materialized the whistle and brought it to my lips.

"If you blow that whistle," Rin said as she rolled to face me, her eyes slowly opening. "There is no servant you could summon that will save you from me."

I felt a soft smile spread across my face.

"How long?"

"A few minutes," she let out a tiny yawn as I dismissed the whistle. "But the bed's so nice and warm."

I went to one knee to be level with her, and she met my smile with one of her own, strands of hair lightly falling across her face.

"I think Saber has the wrong idea about us," she said, nuzzling a little deeper into her pillow.

"Well," I rested one arm on my knee. "Enemies, and even allies, don't typically share beds."

"Then, what does that make us?"

I began opening my mouth before stopping myself. She had asked it jokingly, but I never really thought about it. I'd never put a label on our relationship because there had never been a need. Even then, as I pushed the thought about in my head, I couldn't find a way to describe it. I just knew she was someone completely integral to me.

"I'm not sure."

Her smile slowly faded as she realized I'd answered seriously. I rose to my feet and walked to the door, looking at her as I opened it.

"We'll be waiting in the dining room for you. We might not be getting lunch today, so you should eat while you can."

I started walking through the doorway when she called my attention back.

"Shirou."

I faced her as she struggled to say something, now having sat up. Her eyes and lips moved uncertainly, struggling to find the words. I may have caused her to think about it as well.

"Rin."

Her eyes focused on me.

"Not everything needs to be expressed with words."

It was the only answer I had.

She stared at me for several seconds before sighing.

"You don't have to say it so clinically," her smile returned to her face.

I smiled back as I walked out and shut the door with a click.

---

Breakfast was a quiet affair, none of us really saying anything of note. I did notice, however, that Saber was a lot more focused on her food than usual. She was eating a lot more as well, and she was no slouch in that regard to begin with.

When we had finished, I scooped up the dishes and brought them to the kitchen, placing them in the sink and idly wondering if Archer would have these done before or after I got back.

I stepped out to find Rin waiting for me, her arms crossed behind her back with her head tilted to the side.

"So, what's the plan for today, Shirou?"

I walked past her to see Saber and, surprisingly, Archer standing in the sitting room. The eyes of all present were on me.

"I'm going to pay the Einzberns a visit," I motioned with my head for Saber to head for the door. "Whatever you and Archer do is your own business."

Caster wouldn't be an issue for them, so they would likely spend the day preparing to eliminate Lancer. Once Saber and I eliminated Berserker, we could deal with Caster and Assassin, leading us to our final battle. A simple and effective plan.

"If that's your answer," Rin walked up and pointed at the bottom of my chin. "Then you didn't understand my question."

I had, but I pretended to misinterpret it. Berserker was by far the deadliest servant in this war. The best solution was to kill Illyasviel, and I didn't want her to see that.

"I…"

"Me and Archer will be going with you. You should just accept it because there's nothing you can say to change my mind."

Before I could protest, she grabbed a surprised Saber's hand and walked out of the room. I watched after them for a second while Archer let out a soft chuckle.

"When the master speaks…" he faded away into spirit form.

I was left alone in the room, and I felt a small smile crawl across my face.

"So selfish."

---

It didn't take long for the taxi to arrive after Rin called for it. Saber, ever the gallant knight, held the car door open for us before slipping in herself. Rin gave the driver the directions, and we were off.

I closed my eyes as I leaned back into the seat, knowing it would be a long drive. We'd have plenty time to plan our attack when we arrived, away from the prying ears of civilians.

With two servants, Berserker and his master would not hold as much sway as last time. Saber distracting him would allow me and Rin to take on Einzbern. When I killed her, Archer should be enough of an advantage to keep us safe while Berserker raged.

When I killed her. There was a strange, calm certainty in that thought. It wasn't like with Shinji, who had brought on a freezing cold. With her, it just felt like the only option.

My eyes opened and wandered over to the windows. People and buildings whizzed by, blissfully ignorant of the deadly ritual unfolding in their city. I wondered how they could be so complacent with everything that occurred during the war. It was the church's duty to cover up all events directly related to the Grail, but, even then, I found it baffling how they are so ready for everything to be explained away that they will take any answer at face value. The entirety of Homurahara being afflicted with the same types of burns, droves of office employees becoming unconscious and drained simultaneously, city property being destroyed randomly. The church may be able to make excuses for some of it, but I believed the people of Fuyuki have simply accepted that the answer is worse than the lie.

Rin moved her head forward to block my view of her window, giving me a curious look.

"Something on your mind?"

"Nothing I can say right now," my eyes flicked to the front seat.

Rin rolled her eyes and reached out, shutting the gap in the partition.

"Unless you plan on shouting it, we should be fine now."

"If Saber can't beat Berserker," I said after a pause. "We'll have to kill his master."

"We could make her surrender," she suggested, but I was already shaking my head.

"She won't. This is the only thing she has. She'll either win or die trying."

"How can you be so sure?" she gave me a suspicious look.

"I didn't tell you, but, when I went out two days ago, she tracked me down."

Her eyes widened.

"She attacked you in broad daylight?"

"She… wanted to talk," I faced my eyes forward, the red lights of the car stopped in front of us blazing. "She's not going to surrender. She's going to die, no matter if she wins or loses."

I thought of that sad smile on the bridge, the wind wisping through her hair.

"At least this way, she will die on her own terms."

"And… you'll be okay with that?"

We both knew what she meant.

"I'll be fine."

I closed my eyes and let the silence settle over us again. None of us spoke for the rest of the ride, but when we arrived at the forest, Rin told the driver to stop. She paid him after we got out, but he seemed a little reluctant to leave three teenagers out in the woods.

Once the car was out of sight, Saber materialized her armor. I looked at the pathway leading deeper into the misty woods. There wasn't a presence like that of Central Park, but instead actual spirits filled with remorse and pain wafting through the trees. The branches stretched out in a canopy over the forest, constricting the light to further make the mist seeping between the dark trunks an opaque wall.

I took a few steps forward…

"Shirou, wait!"

I placed my foot down and felt a thin shock run up my leg. I jumped back and pulled a key into my hand. Rin let out a sigh.

"Don't act so recklessly," she berated. "You're lucky it just seems to be a surveillance field. It could have been a defensive barrier."

"So, she knows we're here," I replaced the key in my pocket.

"So it would seem," Archer materialized beside his master. "I don't think it will be an issue, though. If she wanted to keep us out, that recoil would have been far worse."

"He's right," Rin agreed.

She walked up to the point I felt the shock. She reached out and placed her foot before pulling it back with a yelp. She looked over her shoulder with a slight smile.

"Well, we've got a long walk ahead of us. Shall we get started?"

---

After walking for around two hours and seeming to be no closer to our destination among the cavernous trees of the forest, Archer held out a hand to signal us to stop.

"There are two figures up ahead. The mist prevents me from making out specific details, but they seem to be approaching us."

I slipped a few keys from my sleeve to my hands while Rin prepared a gem in hers. Saber took up a position in front of me while Archer continued to stand beside Rin, arms at his sides.

We didn't have to wait long before they came into view. Two figures dressed in white and blue dresses that covered them from head to toe approached us. They both walked with a strange purpose and ease, which was impressive, considering one of them carried a large halberd with a white and red blade. I was even more impressed as the halberd opened up to me and I realized how heavy the weapon truly was. Even if I were to reinforce my arms to their fullest, I'd hardly be able to carry the weapon, much less wield it effectively.

The women stopped a few meters from us, and I noticed more details. Their faces were pale with red eyes like Illyasviel. Their facial structures were even similar. For some reason, I had forgotten that the Einzberns were one of the foremost creators of homunculi. Even if Illyasviel had parents, she would have to be a homunculus as well to become the Grail. I wasn't sure why I didn't realize that.

"Shirou Kotomine," the empty-handed maid said. "Rin Tohsaka. Your presences have been requested by Lady Illyasviel von Einzbern."

The homunculus that had spoken curtsied. Her companion mirrored her, though, with only one hand.

"My name is Sella," she spoke once more. "And this is Leysritt. We are the Mistress's personal maids, and we have been sent to escort you to the castle."

I glanced at Rin who gave me a small shrug. If they wanted to keep us away, the last two hours would have been a lot more difficult, especially with their surveillance field. She wanted us to come, and she was rolling out the red carpet.

I raised my forearms and let the handles fall back down my sleeves.

"I don't suppose you have a faster means of travel," I asked as I approached the maids.

"Unfortunately, no," the maid named Leysritt replied in a monotone voice. "It makes going to the market rather difficult."

"Now then," Sella turned and began heading back to where she came from. "Follow us and do not fall behind. I will not waste time waiting for you."

Leysritt followed her fellow maid as the others moved up beside me.

"What do you think will be waiting for us," Rin asked as we paced after them.

"If I had to make a guess," I answered with a touch of wryness. "Tea and conversation on the sidelines of Berserker slaughtering our servants. At least…"

I paused for a second. I wasn't sure if the homunculi had greater hearing than a human's, but they likely wouldn't take to kindly to our intentions with their mistress.

"…I assume that's what's waiting for us," I finished the thought.

Rin fell silent after this, and we spent the next couple hours trailing behind the maids through the dead forest. Every step further in seemed to bring us no further than the last. The landscape of barren and withered trees over crunching dead grass stretched on as far as could be seen, the dense fog cutting off any hope of seeing the end.

Which made it all the more striking when the mist finally cleared away to reveal the castle. A towering structure of red stone with windows and white arches lining its face and spires rising up to pierce the grey sky. There was something oddly peaceful about it, but also something very cold, like it was an image frozen from a time long passed. I had read that the Einzberns moved this castle from their homeland and reconstructed it here. If this was anything like those they had back home, I could understand Illyasviel's isolation. This castle was too big for one girl.

I wasn't given much time to contemplate the view as the maids brought us into a spacious entryway. A checkered floor stretched out from us to white stairway, a crimson carpet rolled down to rest at its base.

"You will wait here," Sella turned to face us. "While we alert the Mistress to your arrival. Please…"

"That won't be necessary, Sella."

Everyone's eyes were drawn up the stairs to the girl in purple and white who had spoken. She descended the stairs, unbothered by the stern look her maid was giving her.

"Mistress," the maid admonished. "It is one thing to allow them into the forest unimpeded. It is another to…"

"They are my guests, Sella," Illyasviel said as she stepped off the stairs. "And they will be treated as such."

She stood a couple meters away, her red eyes glinting with what I interpreted as happiness. Again, the keys hidden throughout my jacket felt a little heavier.

"It's good to see you again, Shirou," she said with a smile.

"Einzbern," I gave a slight bow of my head.

Her smile disappeared, replaced by an irritated pout.

"I told you," she crossed her arms in a childish manner. "You can use my first name."

Despite myself, a tiny smile moved on my face for a moment.

"I don't believe you've met my companion," I gestured toward Rin beside me.

"Hello, Miss Einzbern," Rin gave a small smile. "My name is…"

"Rin Tohsaka," Illyasviel's pout vanished, replaced by another smile. "I must say that I was a little surprised when I found out you two were working together. Then again, didn't something similar happen in the previous war?"

Rin's smile froze on her face before she laughed softly.

"I hadn't really thought about it," she linked her hands behind her back.

I hadn't either, but she was right. Mine and her fathers had formed an alliance early on in the last war. It was why Father gained possession of Archer after her father's death. I suppose history repeats itself.

"Well, now that introductions are taken care of," Illyasviel bounced over and grabbed my arm, pulling me toward the stairway with Saber following suit. "We'll be waiting in the living room. Please prepare us some tea."

"Mistress!" the maid exclaimed indignantly as she led me past her. The girl ignored the maid's outburst, wrapping both her arms around my left.

I looked back at Rin and Archer, Archer watching with mild interest while Rin now frowning. They moved after us as Illyasviel continued ascending the stairs with me.

I'll give it to the girl. She was as shrewd as I thought she could be. If Rin and I had barely known each other before this war, these actions might've caused her to start suspecting foul play. However, Rin knew better, and all Illyasviel likely did was irritate her. Then again, that may have been the actual reason for it.

As we walked further into the castle, I was surprised by the aesthetic compared to the outside. The dark and washed-out hues of the forest were in direct contrast to the warm reds, greens, and golds of the castle interior, as though the colors were meant to bring summer into a land of winter.

The entire walk through the corridors of the castle, Illyasviel held tightly to my arm, leaning against it with a contented smile on her face. That day, when she was dragging me around Shinto, she had the same smile. I wondered how often she wore that face.

I wondered what face she would make when I pierced her heart with my blade.

She opened a door and led me into a large room with three windows bearing red drapes, light reflecting off the white floor before ceasing against the forest green carpet at the center of the room. Two red sofas sat across from each other on either side of a table that matched their length' Two chairs of similar design were placed on the ends of the table, all of which rested on the carpet. A fireplace sat on the far side of the room, unlit and visibly dusty from lack of use. There were even a few logs waiting to be placed within. The "living room" didn't seem very lived in.

Illyasviel released my arm and danced over to a sofa before plopping into it. She looked at me expectantly, patting the empty space beside her. I moved forward, and it seemed to be Rin's turn to grab my arm, pulling me to the sofa opposite Illyasviel before letting go and sitting down. I sat and watched Illyasviel puff out her cheeks and glare childishly at Rin. She was really playing it up for her.

"Einzbern," I started to say.

"Illya," she crossed her arms and gave me an imperious look.

"You know the reason that we're here," I continued past her statement.

"Of course," she cheerfully nodded her head. "I just thought you might be tired after your long walk. It wouldn't be nearly as satisfying to beat you due to exhaustion."

"Or," Rin countered. "Your buying time while your maids prepare some form of trap."

"Rin," I saw Rin bristle as Illya used her name. "If I wanted to trap you, you would have never made it through the forest."

Rin continued to frown at the girl as I spoke.

"I would assume you already have somewhere in mind for us to fight, considering I doubt you want this castle to be torn apart."

Illya glanced around the room for a moment.

"No," she said with a shrug. "I don't really mind. This place can't get much colder, so a few breaks in the walls wouldn't change much."

Rin tilted her head to the side, obviously wondering about the girl's nonchalant words.

"So," Illya glanced at Saber and Archer who had decided to stay by the door. "Which one of you will be fighting Berserker?"

"I will be his opponent."

Every eye in the room was drawn to Archer.

"Archer," Rin said, just as surprised by her servant's interjection as everyone else. "I actually think it would be better if Saber fought him."

Archer side eyed my servant.

"I suspected that you wouldn't tell him. If you aren't careful, your pride will be your undoing."

"Saber," my servant met my gaze. "What is he referring to?"

"She does an excellent job of hiding it," Archer continued. "But she's still recovering from the previous night. There's a reason she was unconscious when you brought her home."

I narrowed my eyes, and Saber looked mildly ashamed. It explained the way she acted this morning.

"Besides," he finished with a shrug. "I was growing rather bored of being a butler."

I sighed. None of this was going as planned.

"If you want," Illya offered. "Berserker can fight them together."

"No," I told her with a wave of my hand. "Archer will be fighting alone."

I didn't need to confer with Saber. It would have been enough that Archer volunteered to fight, but add in the reveal of her weakness, and her pride as a warrior wouldn't allow it.

The door opened and Sella walked in with a tray holding three teacups on saucers and a slowly steaming teapot.

"Thank you, Sella," Illya told the maid as she placed tray on the table and poured the tea into each cup. "That will be all."

The maid stayed a moment to glare at me and Rin before taking her leave. She was a lot more wary of us than her master.

"I am a little disappointed," Illya picked up a saucer and sipped from the steaming cup. "I was hoping we could finish our fight, Shirou."

"If Archer fails," I gave her a smirk that I didn't feel. "I'll be more than happy to finish what he started."

I could still make this work. After Archer's exhausted Berserker, I could slip in and deliver the killing blow. Saber would be able to keep him off us until he burned out, and I'm certain Rin and I could kill the maids, though the one with the halberd may be an issue.

Then again, maybe Archer would win, and no one else will need to die. If that happens, it's possible I could convince Illya to join us until she becomes the Grail. A powerful magus like her would be a useful ally even without a servant.

Wishful thinking.

"You know," she replaced the cup on the saucer in her hand. "You'll both be at my mercy when Berserker kills your servants. I wonder what I'll do with you."

"If you believe it will be that simple," Rin picked up her own cup. "Then you underestimate the power of the Tohsaka heiress."

Putting the attention on yourself to draw it away from where it should be. Every now and then, Father's teachings shone through.

"I'm not underestimating anyone," Illya replied in a cheery tone. "Berserker is the strongest servant. With your servants gone, there won't be anything you can do to stop him."

She took another sip as I stared down into the rich brown liquid of the remaining cup on the tray. I found that I wasn't very thirsty at the moment.

"Really, Rin," she continued placatingly. "You don't have to be so cold. Just because we're enemies doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves. Right, Shirou?"

For someone who barely interacted with people, she was remarkably effective at getting under their skin. That innocent smile she wore as she did so only served to accentuate the jabs, whether they were intentional or not.

"Einzbern," she frowned but didn't correct me this time. "The time for fun is over. You should know that better than anyone."

Her eyes drifted down into the cup in her hands. The same sadness I'd seen that night welled in her eyes. I pushed it from my mind. This was what had to be… this was the only thing I could do.

She took one last deep drink from the cup, blocking our view of her face until she was done. When the cup and saucer were placed back on the tray, her face had frozen over, and her red eyes had hardened. My jacket was beginning to weigh me down.

"Alright," her voice had lost its previous cheer as she rose and moved toward the door, passing between the servants. "Come with me if you're so eager to die."

She slammed the door as she exited, one last bit of childishness shining through. If Emiya had survived, how different would she be?

"Shirou?"

I realized I'd been staring at the door. Rin was giving me a concerned look.

"I'll be fine," I reassured her, avoiding her eyes.

She watched me for several seconds before standing up and moving to the door, Archer already opening it.

"You can take a minute if you need to."

She walked out without another word, her servant following.

I found myself gazing into the dark brown depths of my untouched tea once more.

"Master," Saber came to stand beside the arm of the sofa. "Do you truly believe this to be the correct path?"

I watched the steam waft into the air, an amorphous cloud that vanished before it had a chance to form into anything.

"I'm not sure anymore," I stood and looked to the door. "But there's no turning back now."

"Even if it leads to ruin?"

Her words bore a somber familiarity, as though she understood the sentiment all too well.

"There's something my father once told me," I walked to the door. "You must accept what you cannot control, and you control what you have accepted."

I opened the door, giving Saber a calm smile as I did.

"So long as it's my choice, I will take responsibility for the consequences."

The King didn't meet my eyes, looking down at the floor.

"Let's go," I nodded to the door. "If Archer fails, it will be up to you to finish what he started. Will you be able to carry out your duty?"

Saber's hand curled into a fist, and she lifted her head to show a steely resolve in her eyes.

"Without question, Master."

---

Berserker kneeled in the intersection of the courtyard, surrounded by four beds of white flowers. The castle walls rose high above us, closing us in and separating us from the outside. Illya stood on the opposite side of the courtyard, her maids flanking her on each side. Archer began walking toward the giant servant with his swords at his sides, leaving Rin, Saber, and I standing near the entrance.

This would make getting to her difficult, but I trusted Saber to give us the opportunity. All we could do for now was wait.

"Berserker," Illya called. The giant had had seemed more akin to a statue moments before began to stir. "Kill him."

The beast stood, its massive blade lifting into the air before swinging down alongside an inhuman roar of challenge. Archer watched with calm eyes as mana began flooding the air, wrapping and writhing across Berserker's form as an aura of blood red energy. Archer spun the swords in his hands before readying himself.

The stone cracked underneath Berserker as he charged toward the smaller servant like a train, the slab of rock he held in his hand whirling toward Archer. Archer dodged to the side as the weapon slammed into the ground, shattering the stone pathway with little issue. Archer delivered a gash to the servant's arm before dashing back to avoid Berserker's followed-up swing.

Archer flashed forward, swords swinging with blinding speed as he drew himself into Berserker's guard. Berserker took two thin slashes to his chest as he reeled backward and flipped onto his empty hand, spinning his legs toward Archer before taking to his feet once more. Archer leapt forward, jumping the attack, and jammed his swords into Berserker's shoulders before pushing off him. I was surprised to find that he left the blades imbedded in the giant's skin and created two more in his hands.

The servants continued this earthshattering battle with greater speed and ferocity after every clash, Berserker's rage and incredible power somehow being matched by Archer's methodical strikes and fluid motions.

However, it was clear to everyone watching that Archer couldn't fully compensate for the increasing attacks. Berserker spun the massive ax like it was weightless, his furious blows sweeping through the air and carving through the surroundings unimpeded. Archer was admirably avoiding the strikes while dealing attacks of his own, but it was visibly obvious each evasion was closer than the last.

Even so, Archer continued to impale swords into Berserker. As he retreated back to a wall, he had finished placing two swords into Berserker's side, with matching blades in his shoulders, one leg, and both arms. Berserker seemed unbothered by the metal jutting from his flesh, chasing after the servant relentlessly.

Archer jumped back and launched off the castle wall, avoiding Berserker plowing his blade into it and unleashing a cloud of dust. Archer materialized a black bow as he flipped through the air, a sword projecting into his other hand. A strange blade with a spiraling design appeared, and he knocked it into the string like an arrow and drew it back, its form shrinking and lengthening, all within the span of a breath.

Berserker's head jerked up to look at the archer, his body spinning and leaping up toward him. Meanwhile, Rin's eyes went wide as she pushed me behind her, a green gem in her hand expanding into a large wall of emerald energy in front of us. Saber grabbed me and pushed me behind her in turn before I could object.

"Get down!"

Berserker roared as he flew closer to Archer, his blade already swinging to meet him. Archer didn't flinch, releasing the projectile directly into the giant's face.

"Caladbolg!"

It was almost instantaneous. One moment, both servants were hanging in the air. The next, Berserker was flung backward into the castle wall before the entirety of it was consumed in a monstrous explosion of power. The foundations of the earth shook and cracked as the force rippled out from the blast. Waves of energy washed over us, and Rin stretched her arms toward the field, taking the brunt of the attack. Her face contorted from the strain of holding the field against the aftereffects of the weapon.

When the dust finally settled, Rin lowered her arms with heavy breathes, and the field vanished. Just how much force had she held back? I moved to her side and put a hand on her shoulder. She turned her head and gave me a tired grin.

"A lot," she said between breathes. "Harder… than I thought."

I chuckled a little at that as I set my eyes once more on the scene of destruction before us.

The wall Berserker had crashed into was decimated in the most literal sense. Save for the spires connecting it to the other segments of the castle, the wall, along with the hallways and rooms within, were gone. Rubble and what appeared to be the remnants of furniture littered the ground leading out to the thick forest surrounding the estate. I could make out Berserker's headless body crumpled into the crushed remains of tree trunks. All that power, and only his head was missing? Even the swords Archer impaled in him were still there, thought their pommels had been shredded.

I moved my eyes over the broken courtyard, fixing my eyes on the group on the other side. The maid known as Sella had begun dissipating a blue barrier around her companion, the other maid having moved in front of Illya to put something else between her and the attack. As they gazed upon the missing section, they each had different reactions.

The maid with the halberd looked completely unmoved, her face the same neutral mask at had been since I first saw her. The other maid, however, was obviously very displeased by the damage inflicted on the structure, which was a tamer reaction than one might anticipate. Illya, in direct contrast to her maids, was wearing an excited grin on her face.

I continued my surveil of the yard but couldn't find Archer. At least, that was until I looked up. The blue shingles lining the roof of the castle were shattered by a red figure embedded in their body. Despite that, Archer managed to look relaxed, like he had planned it to unfold this way.

"Well, Einzbern," Rin gave the girl across the courtyard a triumphant look as her breathing steadied. "It would seem your servant wasn't as strong as you thought."

Illya's giggles could easily be heard across the distance.

"Silly Rin," she called over to us. "You really shouldn't celebrate so quickly."

Rin's smile shrank as we turned to look at Berserker's body. The area where his neck had been shook and bulged. I couldn't avert my eyes as a new head, long mass of hair and all, rapidly grew from the stump. His eyes burned red as they opened, and he pushed himself from the broken trees.

"The curse of resurrection," I heard Saber say as Berserker roared, his head turning upward to Archer on the roof.

"Curse?" I asked, glancing at her.

"The rolling back of time," her eyes were fixed on Berserker. "A noble phantasm that activates after death."

Could something that powerful really exist? Is this why Illya called him the strongest servant?

"Master," I saw Archer standing up from the roof and noticed a gash in his side seeping blood. "Forgive me, but I'm about to put further strain on your mana."

Rin watched Archer as he jumped off the roof and landed in the courtyard, Kanshou and Bakuya appearing in his hands.

"Whatever it takes," Rin swept her hand in front of her. "Just kill that monster!"

Archer smirked as Berserker rushed back in at breakneck speed. With renewed vigor, the beast slashed his blade to clash against Archer's. They danced around the courtyard with deadly velocity, the sound of metal clashing together mostly absent from before echoing out from the servants.

Archer was blocking and parrying more attacks now rather than dodging them. Each impact drove Archer back, the servant beginning to show the wear from absorbing the attacks. Berserker slammed his sword down on Archer, growling in frustration as Archer held his ground under the weight.

Keeping Archer pinned under the blade, Berserker swept his leg under the servant, tripping him as Berserker continued the movement and spun to kick the servant into the air. Archer tumbled into the sky as Berserker leapt above him, spinning on his side to swing the sword into the airborne servant.

Archer was sent crashing back down into the stone, Berserker close behind him. Archer rolled out of the rubble as Berserker bashed down where he had been. Archer flipped to his feet only to immediately block a strike from Berserker. Archer was driven to the wall opposite where he'd shot Berserker, his back cracking the castle as he was forced into it.

Berserker drew back his sword, pointing it at the trapped servant. Rin looked about ready to use a command spell to save him, but then Archer smiled.

"You may just be the strongest servant in this war," Archer stared the beast down. "But, despite that, I find I can't bring myself to disappoint my master."

Berserker let out a reverberating growl before covering the distance between them, thrusting the slab in his hand toward Archer. As he did, I noticed a large shadow shifting on the ground. I looked up to see what was casting it.

A massive black sword plummeted from the sky and stretched from the hole that had been the wall to the servants. Its edge cut down the middle of the courtyard with its head cleaving the giant servant in twain.

Archer extricated himself from the wall and the enormous sword disappeared as the halves of Berserker fell apart. He walked between the halves that had already begun to move back together to arrive at what had been the intersection. His movements were slower, and I could see the back of his mantle was shredded to pieces. Despite his demeanor, how much damage was he actually taking?

"Shirou Kotomine," he said as he turned back to face the reviving Berserker. "If power is truly what you seek, then this is your ideal."

I wondered what he meant by that as mana began to weave through the air around him in blue waves.

I am the bone of my sword.

Mana pulsed out from him in waves across the courtyard. The maids stood at the ready while Illya's eyes widened in wonder while staring at Archer.

Steel is my body, and fire is my blood.

As he spoke, Berserker's body drew together as threads of mana anchored and pulled the pieces.

I have created over a thousand blades.

Berserker's chest mended, and his body rose to its feet.

Unknown to death,

Nor known to life.

Blue flames grew from the fissuring cracks littering the courtyard, flashing up and burning around us without heat. The ground opened further as fire swarmed across the ruined flower beds and up the broken walls.

Have withstood pain to create weapons.

Berserker's head knitted together, and his eyes lit up.

Yet, those hands will never hold anything.

Berserker whirled on the servant, roaring in rage and defiance. He launched forward, becoming a whirlwind of destruction as he tore through the distance between them.

So as I pray, Unlimited Blade Works.

The world exploded as the flames erupted, carpeting the courtyard in a swirl of blue and red. Clouds of ash and dust swirled around us, causing me to cover my eyes. As I drew my arm away, I saw it.

Dark clouds roiled across the horizon of the desolate world. Embers from dying flames flickered over the rust covered desert. Blades of every shape and size jutted from the wasteland like grave markers. Massive and ancient gears slowly rotated through the shadowy cloud expanse. And, above it all, Archer stood on a hill, overseeing his domain.

This world. I'd never seen it before. Never once, in my most fantastical of dreams, had I witnessed anything like it. Yet, I knew this place. I intrinsically understood this world the moment I saw it, like it was ingrained deep within my soul. I knew it, I understood it, but that was impossible.

A world of infinite weapons. A factory born of steel and fire.

Saber was kneeling next to me, asking me if I was alright. Wait, when did I fall to my knees? Why did my head feel like it was going to burst? I tried to push myself back to my feet, but the world spun like a carnival ride.

"So, this is your noble phantasm, Archer."

Rin hadn't noticed my weakened state, which I appreciated. She was focused on her servant who now stood a distance away from the rampaging Berserker.

"Heh," Archer shook his head, a smile still on his lips. "I have no such thing. However, if a noble phantasm is the symbol of a heroic spirit, then this would be mine."

Through the pain of the hammer banging on the inside of my skull, I forced myself to watch the battle. Archer wanted me to see something, and I'd be a fool to ignore him.

Berserker bounded toward the red servant, but his assault was hampered by a barrage of swords and spears launching from the ground toward him. His pace was slowed, but his weapon bashed the projectiles aside as he continued advancing on Archer.

Weapons rose and fired from every direction at the unstoppable monster, piercing his flesh and forcing him to the ground before he rose again, continuing his mad charge. Four times he fell before finally reaching the foot of the hill from which Archer watched upon.

As Berserker raced uphill, Archer readied the twin blades in his hands. The servants clashed once more atop the hill, every furious strike from Berserker threatening to smash it back into the earth. Every swing of Archer's blades sent weapons cascading down upon Berserker.

There was a moment where his enemy stopped moving, and Archer dove between his legs, swords slashing through them as he did so. The servant rolled down the hill as Berserker was revived, swerving as he reached the bottom before flipping back, facing his enemy.

My head pounded incessantly with every second I watched the exchange. Archer was dying. I think Rin could see it too. The fight had been moving so fast, it would be impossible to pick up every detail.

Wounds spilled blood over his armor and mantle, gashes littering his limbs and body. His white hair was gaining streaks of red running down its length and matting to his skull.

His smile remained fixed on his lips.

Berserker rushed him, and Archer hurled his blades at him. The swords spun past him, and Archer mirrored his charge while creating two more swords in his hands. Berserker swung his sword, but Archer allowed it to deliver a glancing blow this time. Archer reeled for a fraction of a second before slipping into the servant's guard. He impaled the swords in Berserker's chest, quickly followed by the swords that had sailed past the servant jamming into the giant's back. Berserker's free hand whipped out and smashed into Archer's chest, driving the servant away.

Archer landed on his feet, coughing blood, but still materialized two more swords in his hands. He charged Berserker again, his blades elongating and widening into something more akin to longswords as he ran. Berserker roared as his weapon swung to meet the servant, but the blade in his right arm, barely visible after all the damage compounded on the servant, suddenly grew wider, severing it at the forearm. The hand and blade dropped from Berserker, and Archer slashed the blades across his chest.

The swords in his hands vanished as Archer watched Berserker regenerate. Just as the beast's eyes flared to life, the swords in his back burst through his chest before disappearing. Next were the two he'd placed in Berserker's chest shooting out the back. Then, the two in his right side divided Berserker into a top and bottom half. All the while, Archer kept himself standing within arm's reach of the hulking beast, staring it down every time it came back.

When Berserker came back again, the last five swords imbedded in him burst. The two in his right leg tore into the dusty ground while the ones in each shoulder separated his arms from his body. Finally, the blade in his left arm anchored it in the earth after it fell.

Berserker howled and, despite missing two limbs and having a third limiting his movement, forced his body forward as though in an attempt to crush Archer beneath him. A longsword with a gold and black handle appeared in Archer's hand, and the blade met Berserker's neck.

The world was drained of sound as the giant fell to the earth. His head tumbled a few meters across the rusty dirt before coming to a stop next to a grave marker. Archer stood still for several seconds before his knees started to give. He planted the sword in ground, leaning heavily against the weapon to stay on his feet.

"I can't believe it…"

I was somehow able to make out Illya's quiet words. I glanced over to see a look of utter shock on her face as she gazed at the slowly fading form of Berserker. Her maids, however, were watching him carefully, aware that their defense against our servants had just disappeared.

"So, Master," Archer looked over his shoulder at us, unbothered by the blood running down his face. "Did I meet your expectations?"

"Archer," Rin was breathing heavily. The pull on her mana must have been strong to cause that. "I can honestly say you have surpassed my expectations."

"Well then," Archer turned his face to the dark sky. "I suppose there's no point in keeping this world together."

As he spoke, the winds whipped up and the gears cracked. The landscape began to fall apart as some fundamental aspect of the world was stolen. Its collapse was a direct contrast to its emergence. A silent vanishing without fanfare, dusting away with the wind.

We were once more in the destroyed courtyard of the Einzbern Castle. My headache almost immediately lessened as a pressure was lifted, but it wasn't gone. At some point, Saber had looped my arm over her shoulder, pulling me up to my feet.

"Saber," I winced from the pulse of pain. "Walk me to Einzbern."

"Huh?" Rin turned toward me, noticing my condition for the first time. "Shirou, what happened to you?"

"Master," Saber gave me a curious look. "I don't believe that is necessary."

I looked over at Illya. Tears were running down her cheeks, but no cries escaped her lips. She just stared at Archer, unable to pull her eyes away.

"Take me over there."

Rin looked on worriedly as Saber helped me across the crumpled remains of the courtyard. Illya's maids put themselves between us, ready to fight. Illya shifted her gaze to me, and the sadness and fear in her eyes made my next step clear.

"I must say, I'm impressed," a pompous voice filled the courtyard. "That was wonderfully entertaining."

Then, everything exploded.

Saber jumped and danced around, everywhere she stepped immediately impaled with a different weapon. I tried to find where they were coming from, but my head spun too much to narrow it down.

I was thrown through the air and I tumbled till I hit one of the three walls. I wasn't sure which until I pushed my back to it, keeping myself upright. Even through the haze my head was in, I was able to see what was happening.

I was against the wall opposite Rin, and I confirmed that Illya and her maids were to my left, meaning the hole in the wall was to my right. I watched Saber dodging and blocking a barrage of weapon with every shape and size, the high velocity projectiles smashing everything they touched. Rin was sprinting toward me, weapons and debris rushing past her as she crossed the battlefield. Archer was nowhere to be seen, and I got the feeling he wasn't just repositioning. Then, there was Illya.

I recognized the servant that pulled his spear from her maids. Illya screamed something, but I wasn't able to make it out. Lancer was in front of her, and his hand flashed over her forehead before she could even flinch. Her body fell, and the servant threw her over his shoulder.

I followed the servant as he jumped up the wall and landed next to someone dressed in black and white.

"Archer?" Saber cried incredulously; her eyes set on the two figures. "How is this possible?"

Archer?

"Saber," the modern looking man said. "After ten long years, that's the first question you ask? And here I was expecting so much more."

"Shirou!" Rin kneeled down next to me. "Are you alright?"

My back was sore from the hit to the wall, my head pounded with a furious rhythm, and I just watched a girl I barely knew lose everything once again.

"Where's Archer?" I asked, putting a hand to my head.

"He… he's dead," Rin looked down at her left hand, the seals symbolizing their connection missing.

"I would love to stay and catch up on old times," The golden-haired man on the roof spook once again. "But this is not a battleground befitting kings. Besides, I have important business to attend to."

A large golden portal appeared in the air, and something in my head itched at the sight. Lancer placed Illya on the roof, and the portal descended over her before vanishing.

"However, this place is perfect for a dog. Don't disappoint me and die before we have our time to dance once more."

The man then turned and leapt off the other side of the castle with Lancer returning to ground level. The servant strolled casually toward Saber, his spear resting across his shoulders.

I began pushing myself up the wall, my headache continuing its slow ebb. Rin stood as well, looking over at the two servants.

"Lancer," Saber spoke to the man in blue. "Why are you working with that servant?"

"My master seemed concerned about my ability to battle two servants alone," Lancer said with a shake of his head. "Imagine my surprise when it was not Berserker, but Archer who was left standing. Gotta admire him for that."

"Then you were coming here to finish us off?"

"Believe me, if it was up to me, we would have met a lot sooner. My master's a bit of a coward though, so I was surprised when gave me permission to do this."

Lancer's spear left his shoulders and he flashed forward, the weapon becoming a red blur as it struck toward Saber. Saber parried the strike and counterattacked immediately, but Lancer ducked the invisible blade and slid to her side, striking once more.

They bounced around the rubble, a discordant harmony of metal ringing with every move. I began sliding myself along the wall toward the fallen maids, Rin close behind.

The blows dealt in this battle were less earth-shattering than the fight with Berserker, but the speed at which the combatants dueled was dizzying. Lancer streaked around, chasing Saber with the ferocity of a wild animal as his spear attempted to weave between her guard. Her sword was always there to meet it, retaliating with powerful swings.

I stared down at the maids, their white clothes now stained red. Lancer had made it quick, each maid only bearing one wound. The one called Sella had taken it directly to the heart while Leysritt's neck had been pierced through, severing her spinal cord. It happened so fast, they barely had time to react.

Leysritt's perpetually neutral face showed mild shock, unable to process what had happened. Sella, on the other hand, showed the pain and anger from her final moments. Sella had known she had failed.

"Rin," I pushed myself off the wall, and a wave of nausea almost sent me to the ground. "How are you doing on mana?"

"Archer took a lot to pull off that reality marble," Rin moved closer, linking her arm under mine to help keep me up. "But I still have six gemstones left."

Which wouldn't be enough to let her escape, not that she would accept leaving me here. It was all up to Saber. However, that didn't mean I couldn't bolster our chances.

"Saber," I held out my left hand. "With the power held within this command seal, fight beyond your limits."

The seal flashed and faded from my hand as the mana ran along the its bond to Saber. Golden light enveloped Saber, and she suddenly went on a greater offensive. Lancer was now being forced back by her onslaught of strikes.

"You're everything I hoped you would be," Lancer said as he leapt away, putting serval meters between him and his opponent. "After watching you for so long, I knew you would be a worthwhile opponent."

Lancer spun his spear, locking it in his right arm and crouching low to the ground.

"Come now, King of Knights! Show me everything you have to offer!"

Saber readied her unseen blade and charged.