(A/N: Here's chapter three. Will Archer finally be summoned in this chapter. We will just have to wait and see.

Saif Omar: Thanks for the review! You kinda confused me. I get the Lelouch part, but who are you comparing Lelouch to? I'm guessing these are Code Geass fanfic crossovers you are talking about, right? Sorry, I was really confused at first. But yeah, Tokiomi and his daughter, Rin, are really intelligent magi, but they are not chessmasters. Their pride and arrogance really do hold them back.

Spoodste21: Thanks for the review! I really do hope I don't disappoint you. Too much. Cause- you already know- I know little to nothing about the Fate lore. Everything this story is basically going off from I know and understand from the Fate/stay night series [the anime, not the visual novel], Fate/Zero, and whatever information I can find from the Fate Wiki and TVTropes page. And also- due the bother respective Archer's personalities- it is why Rin survived her war while her father did not.

Guest review [Guest]: Thanks for the review! I want Archer to see into Orihime's memories. The only question is how? Because… Doesn't the dream cycle only work when the characters are sleeping? And Servants don't need sleep, right? I know they still can. It is optional, but it is not required. So… in a way… am I just going to have to just… make Archer become curious about Orihime's past or something [because she keeps quiet about it]? Enough that he just forces himself to sleep, so that he may get that dream cycle phenomenon? The only problem with that is that I'm going to have to make EMIYA care enough for that to happen, and it'll be quite awhile before it reaches that level.

GlassyHades: Thanks for the review! What can I tell you? Everyone's gay for Archer! Everyone is! And if they are not, they are some lying motherfuckers. Hehe! Just kidding. But seriously, everyone is an Archer simp! I tried rewatching the Deen's adaptation of 2006 Fate/stay night and Unlimited Blade Works movie, and realized I couldn't do it. I think Deen-Shirou is the worst Shirou. He just won't shut the fuck up about justice. "Justice will prevail!", "Justice is on my side!" "Justice proves that right makes might!", blah, blah, blah… Just shut the fuck up already. Deen's Shirou is so fucking annoying! Compared to that, ufotable's Shirou is more… tolerable. At least, he isn't spouting nonsense about justice every five minutes. Although- and I think I'm going to get some flak for this- but my favorite Shirou [not counting the visual novel Shirou, never played it, remember?] is the UBW abridged-Shirou. I don't know why. In the abridged version, Shirou is just amusing to me [forget the fact that he's supposed because it's an abridge]. He is actually a likable character in the abridged version. The guys really did a good job with him. Though I really would do my best to be unbiased towards Shirou and all other characters in this story. My opinions are not the opinions of my characters. I'll try to let everything flow naturally. You know what I mean?

I'd like to remind everyone of Archer's character sheet.

Servant: EMIYA

Class: Archer

Master: Orihime Nazuki

Alignment: True Neutral

Master's Alignment: Neutral Good

Strength: D+

Endurance: C+

Agility: C+

Luck: E+ Rank

Mana: A- Rank

Magic Resistance: C Rank

Independent Action: B+ Rank

Clairvoyance: C+ Rank

Mind's Eye [True]: A- Rank

Magecraft: C- Rank

Projection Magecraft: C - conditionally A+

I'm showing it again because… it is not permanent yet. Though there are no complaints about it. Which is great, I guess. But like I said before, I'm going to give you guys until after the next chapter for changes you think EMIYA's stats might need to undergo. If there are no complaints or suggestions by the time the next chapter gets posted [not this chapter], then this will be Archer's stats for the duration of the War.

Okay then. I think that's everything finally. Enjoy the chapter!)

Past, Present, and Fate

"And that would be two hot philly cheesesteak sandwiches and a large-sized glass of lemon iced tea, correct?" Orihime repeated a customer's order with a polite smile while jotting it down on her tiny notepad.

"Y-Yes, ma'am," the man in question stammered, his cheeks flushed a light shade of pink as he gazed at the auburn haired waitress' beauty.

She smiled, nodded, and politely bowed at the male customer before leaving to inform the chef of another order for table 6.

It was another slow day at Cafe Angel. This was good for Orihime and her coworkers, who don't have to stress themselves out while working. Though, they do have to worry about getting bored on account of not doing anything because of the lack of customers. Sometimes, Orihime preferred days like this. Days like this gave her more time to think without the hustle and bustle of collecting orders and satisfying customers occupying her time. She could relax and not constantly force herself to put on a cheerful, carefree, and smiling facade for customers.

It's not like she found the customers annoying. After all, she did genuinely like working at Cafe Angel. Well, for the most part the customers weren't annoying. But even she could be exhausted at times, if she had to act overly peppy and happy to keep customers pleased and happy at every minute of the hour she was working- not including her lunch breaks obviously.

The auburn haired woman volunteered to keep herself busy by cleaning the dirty dishes. Honestly, she was only doing this because it allowed her to be in the kitchen, and- being a big foodie that she is- she enjoyed the smell of- well- food. She wondered when the next time she'd be able to be one of the chefs in the kitchen and cook the meals again?

"Orihime?"

"Hmm?" She gazed up from her cleaning to address her blonde, female coworker.

"Do you know where Kenji went?" her coworker asked curiously.

Orihime thought deeply for a moment. "Last I checked, he was taking the trash out back, Ai," she answered nonchalantly.

The blonde coworker- now dubbed Ai- clicked her tongue in annoyance. "He better not be lazing around in the back alley."

"You can't really blame him, if he's sleeping out there," she said, putting a clean plate in the rack with the other clean plates. "Business is slow today."

Ai huffed, one hand on her hip. "Slow or not, there's no excuse for him to be goofing off out there. I'm going to go get him."

It was a well known fact that Ai Natsukaze and Kenji Smith were dating. They have been a couple for 4 months now. Ai has always been the more responsible of the two while Kenji was somewhat of a slacker. They were nice and caring people though. Orihime doesn't know who asked who out, and she doesn't particularly care for the details. Nor does she harbor interest to find out if they started dating before they started working at Cafe Angel or while working here. She was not the type to pry into the romantic lives of others. She wasn't a gossipy hen of love lives like Namani was.

The cafe was not against coworkers hooking up, but it was against employees publicly displaying romantic affections during work hours. This was a professional environment, after all. If Ai and Kenji wanted to hug, cuddle, kiss, smooch, or even hold hands, then they are allowed to do all those mushy couple things only after both their shifts were over. Even the healer herself would be somewhat uncomfortable and annoyed if she saw Kenji and Ai kissing behind the counter where they keep the desserts in a display case. As long as they are working and not being a total burden or annoyance in the workplace, she doesn't care for any of the lovey-dovey things they like to do after hours. They could be a sexually active couple. Who knows? It wasn't any of her business.

Orihime torpidly listened as Ai walked out of the kitchen, most likely heading for the back door where it leads to the back of the cafe and where the big dumpster was. After she finally finished cleaning the dishes, another round of customers entered the cafe. Plastering on a sweet smile, she resumed her work of kindly greeting customers and taking their orders.

"Here's your paycheck, Orihime."

"Thank you, Mazuki," Orihime replied to her manager quickly and thankfully, taking her paycheck from her and putting it inside her beige tote bag. She was in her manager's office, dressed in casual clothes of a yellow sweater, light blue jeans, and black boots. Her manager looked like she wanted to say something, but hesitated because she was unsure how to address whatever issue she had in mind. So the auburn haired woman saved her the trouble.

"What is it?" she asked patiently, egging her manager to reveal what was bothering her.

Mazuki stared into her gray orbs intently before breathing silently through her mouth with a worrisome sigh. "Orihime," she started slowly, "About your request to work extra this week, I don't mind granting it- but why?"

She shrugged. She didn't really have a particular reason why she wanted to work extra hours this week. Normally, Orihime only worked four days a week and usually about 4 - 6 hours for everyday she works. She is only a part-time employee at Cafe Angel, not a full-time employee. She merely requested for more work time because- besides her date with Hector Franz tomorrow afternoon- she really had nothing planned the rest of the week. So why not use her extra time to earn more money?

Her manager scrunched up her face in slight concern. It was a given. It was not the only time she asked for more work hours. Ever since she graduated from Suzumiya Academy, she had more free time on her hands. After all, she doesn't have to worry about homework or studying for tests anymore.

"I don't mind putting you in the schedule to work Thursday afternoon, Orihime," Mazuki finally said, but there was a hint of concern in her tone. "But are you sure? You have been asking to come in to work a lot more frequently lately. Don't you want to spend more time on yourself? You are 18, Orihime," she stressed. "Perhaps you should think about going to college. I really don't mind you working here. You are incredibly intelligent and beautiful. The customers really adore you. One of my best works."

Mazuki crossed her arms, exuding a pose of a person who's about to lay down some wise words of wisdom on their juniors. "However, I don't want you thinking you have to stay and work in this cafe for the rest of your life. You should really consider attending a university. Earn a degree. Get a better job, a better career. With your brains and diligence, there should be a plethora of opportunities for you. Don't limit yourself, Orihime."

Her manager rounded the desk, stalking towards a file cabinet behind it on the right side. She opened it up, and pulled out a slip of paper. Orihime immediately recognized it as this week's employee schedule sheet. It's a form to keep track of who was supposed to be working this week, when they start, and when they get off.

"I'm not firing you," she continued, grabbing a pen from on top of the desk. "I simply don't want you to feel pressured to continue working- to deprive yourself of any opportunities that may have been presented to you. And if you end up finding college here in this city, you can still continue to work part-time here at Cafe Angel. That's not me saying to look for universities only in this city. If you happen to find and like an out-of-city or out-of-the-country college, then go attend it. You like cooking and baking, right. Perhaps you should find a culinary school to apply to. Besides, don't you have friends to hang out with? Parties to go to?"

The auburn haired woman shook her head. "Not really," she answered casually as if she were commenting on the weather. She had nothing to hide, and no shame in her recent lack of a social life. It was inevitable that she would lose contact with her high school friends once she graduated. She was never particularly close to them, after all. She was not going to whine in self-pity on something that was bound to happen.

She watched as the older woman scribbled her name down on the sheet. She had no doubt that her response troubled her manager even more, judging by the way her hand slightly tightened around the pen. Although she only sighed as if she was half-expecting that kinda response from her employee.

"I have you down, Orihime, for Thursday afternoon," her manager stated, "from 2:00 pm - 7:30 pm."

The young woman bowed politely at Mazuki, thankful that she did not press the issue any further. She was getting rather tired of people bothering her about her future. She means, are they going to be paying for her college expenses? If not, then stop nagging her about how she should attempt to "further her education". She appreciated their concerns, but- boy- does it get annoying after awhile. They treated her as if she were a kid unsure about her future and simply needed careful guidance on what to do with their life. She has already reached adulthood twice now. She was not a lost infant learning how to walk on her own two feet for the first time.

No matter. She would always do what she wants. And she was too content with her life right now to change anything.

Seeing as there was no longer any reason to stay, Orihime proceeded to make her way towards the door. She figured she'd head to the bank to deposit her paycheck into her bank account. It was only 4:00 p.m., and the bank closes at 6. She should have plenty of time to make it. Most of the time, she always prioritized efficiency. If she could do something, do it right away or as soon as possible.

But she also promised to hang out with Namani later in the evening. Though she can't leave Blueberry alone at the apartment for too long. She pondered for a bit before finding a solution. Okay. Here is what she should do. Stop at the bank first. Then head home to feed her dog and take her out to potty. She knows it's a bit early for dinnertime, but what choice does she have? Also if Namani does not mind it, she would like to take her with them. She felt a bit off leaving Blueberry home alone at night.

Orihime paused- however- when her manager spoke up again with genuine worry in her voice.

"Orihime, have you seen the news lately?" Mazuki suddenly asked out of the blue.

The auburn haired woman turned, gazing at her manager with a face twisted in confusion. The older woman's own expression showcased perturbed fear and distressing worry.

"What about the news?" she inquired perplexed. She didn't think her manager would bring this up. Then again, she should have expected for her to bring it up sooner. She may not look it, but Mazuki was extremely caring and protective of her employees, especially those of a younger age than most of their coworkers. "You mean all those mysterious deaths that've been going on around the city lately?"

"Yes," Mazuki replied solemnly. She breathed out a dejected sigh. "Things have gotten quite hectic lately. There are even reports of dangerous and random gas leaks rendering people unconscious."

"Gas leaks?" Orihime slightly narrowed her eyes at that. It's the first she heard of it. First mysterious deaths…? Now gas leaks…? Call her paranoid, but it seems like something or someone is trying to cover these incidents up. It was nearly the same tactic the Soul Society would use whenever they are trying to cover up the supernatural happenings from the eyes of the mundane humans. The only difference was the apparent lack of a memory-wiping device. However, it is proving to her that these… activities are beyond suspicious. Were these horrific occurrences mundane or magical was the question? Was it part of a criminal organization getting rid of people who have opposed them, and using one of their corrupt politicians to conceal the crime? Or…

She subtly grit her teeth in anger, hoping her manager would not notice.

…Was this some cold-blooded, wicked magus or sinister group of malevolent magi's doing?

Either way… she was going to find out and put a stop to it. It's been going for far too long in her hometown for her liking. Plus, if it really is someone using their magical powers for the sick, twisted pleasure of hurting people, all the more reason to stop them. The thought of people using their powers to commit evil really rubbed her the wrong way. There were too many sociopathic magi in this world for her liking.

This was in no way her attempting to play superhero. She was not foolish enough to rush headlong into danger like a reckless neanderthal. She was more cautious than that. Idealistic yet grounded and cautious. That's the price she paid and the experience she gained from her former life as Orihime Inoue. She has long since accepted that she was not as strong or powerful as her husband, Ichigo. She can't brute-force way through nearly every opponent that comes her way.

She would probably use her Shun Shun Rikka- in hindsight something she should have done quite awhile ago- to track down any suspicious, abnormal activity, and Tsubaki and the others report back to her with what they discover. That's why she could come up with some sort of strategy to deal with the issue. Once she knows her enemy and figures out a proper plan of attack, then she would make her move.

"It has become quite unsettling," Mazuki continued, snapping her auburn haired employee from her grim musings. "It has me concerned because- if I recall- you live alone. Don't you, Orihime?"

"That's right."

"That was what I'm worried about. For a while- until this whole incident is resolved- can't you stay over at a friend's place or something?" she questioned with absolute concern and worry in her tone.

At first, Orihime wanted to reply with an honest "no". Then she quickly retracted that thought. She didn't want her manager to worry any more than she already was. She might end up suggesting she'd stay at a coworker's place or something. She could easily say "no" to that, but the disquieting look in her manager's eyes stopped her. She must alleviate all her concerns to fully get out of this. So she had to play this delicately.

She smiled in a disarmingly sweet manner. "There's no need to worry, manager," she calmly remarked, "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Besides, I double checked my apartment this morning, and everything's perfectly fine." She knows that would not completely dissolve Mazuki's worries. After all, she hasn't mentioned anything on what to do if the strange, bloodthirsty serial killer ends up barging into her home. It's a long shot, but hopefully it'd suffice for now.

And she was right as Mazuki's expression twisted . She was not completely convinced. She opened her mouth to offer a gentle rebuttal, but then closed it. What right does she have to control the lives of her employees outside of work? She was their employer- not their mother.

She sighed, reluctantly resigned. "You know you can always come to me- to us whenever you have a problem, Orihime?"

The auburn haired woman nodded. "I do." She was satisfied. Being forced to have a roommate would throw a wrench in her plans. It'd only serve to hinder her rather than provide extra protection and security for her like her manager would imagine it would.

Her manager smiled, seeming satisfied with that. "Good."

Taking it as a sign that the conversation was over, Orihime promptly left the office before Mazuki had second thoughts again and changed her mind.

Okay. First things first. Time to head to the bank to deposit her check before it closes.

Orihime strolled across the streets, making her way towards the Velocity Bank. She had sent her Shun Shun Rikka to scout out the city, and texted Namani if it's okay with her for Blueberry to tag along with them. She has not gotten a response back.

With her Shun Shun Rikka out covertly patrolling the city, she was more than aware that she was more or less vulnerable in the meantime. She has enough self-defense skills to deal with mundane threats, but magical threats would be tricky without her Shun Shun Rikka. Fortunately, she has been doing all she could to keep her powers a secret- even from other magi. Her innate ability to sense other magi as long as they were close enough approximation to her or her fairy sprites most likely helped as well. She was not sure if magi sensing other magi is an ability all magi have, or simply another skill she inherited from her past life. If it is the latter, then that is simply another advantage she has over other magi.

Although, her senses do tend to be a bit off sometimes. And though she can sense magi, she can't exactly sense how powerful they are. For that, it definitely has its drawbacks. She can't easily let herself be caught off guard by the strengths of each individual magus, regardless of appearances. Luckily, she was quite used to the unpredictability concepts of power levels. She knew where her strengths and limitations lay, and was not stupidly influenced by excessive arrogance or ridiculous, narcissistic pride.

Well, for the most part. She did take some pride in her abilities as a healer. But it was not enough to have an inflated ego over it. Most people would find it appalling for her not to have egotistical pride in abilities. At least in this world apparently filled with so many conceited magi everywhere. Many people would consider her healing powers to be on par with the divine skills of a God. Even Captain Unohana has stated once or twice that her healing powers far surpasses her own. Her only initial problem was that- although she could heal wounds- she had a hard time to restore one's spiritual energy. Something that was thankfully later addressed and fixed.

The auburn haired woman continued treading along the pathway that led to her usual route to the Felocity Bank. She caught sight of a pregnant woman holding her pouting, 7-year-old son's hand. She had a bag of groceries in her other hand.

"Mom! I wanted that chocolate bar!" the little boy whined.

"No sweets," the mother scolded the child. "It'll ruin your appetite for dinner."

The mother had a point. It was already past 4:45. Most families have dinner sometime between 5:30 and 8:00 at night. It was usually the ideal time for dinner. Parents- who mostly work during the day- would be home. Kids attending school would return home- even if they have after-school activities.

The boy whined again, throwing an obvious mini temper tantrum. Orihime could only smile fondly at the mother-son duo. A glimmer of wistful nostalgia shone in her gray irises. She unconsciously flexed her hand. The side of her arm that is not occupied with her beige tote bag. Watching the two reminded her of her own son, Kazui, and brought tearfully sentimental feelings of melancholic longing.

~ Flashback ~

"Mom?"

There was a small tug on a flowing, yellow, floral-patterned skirt. The auburn haired woman glanced down at her 8-year-old son, a gentle smile plastered on her face. The boy had the same brown eyes and spiky, orange hair as his father, but inherited his mother's eye shape and smile.

"Can we have omurice for dinner?" Kazui asked with an innocent look in his pleading gaze.

Orihime smiled gently at her son. "Of course we can, sweetie," she replied sweetly. "But you have to help me with the grocery shopping." She held her hand out for her son to take.

Kazui beamed in delight, grasping his mother's outstretched hand with his own tiny one.

Orihime strolled along the streets to the grocery store. She was out shopping with her son while her husband was working. They had spent a wonderful afternoon in a park together. Just the two of them- minus the other people and families around.

In all honesty, the auburn haired woman never imagined her life would end up like this! She always dreamed of it, but never thought it would come true! To be married to Ichigo Kurosaki- the guy she has been in love with since the start of high school. No. Possibly even before that.

She never pictured a scenario where he would ask her out!

But that's what happened! Right after Rukia Kuchiki and Renji Abarai's wedding. It had caught her completely off guard!

The young, auburn haired mother could remember it clearly.

Orihime had not seen any of her friends in years because they went to separate colleges. They and all of their friends were off pursuing their own careers for the future. She had gone off to culinary school, greatly wanting to improve her skills as a chef and baker. She had always loved cooking, and had hoped to turn it into her dream job by opening up her own bakery or diner.

Of course, university's tuition was expensive, which was natural. University fees usually tend to cost a large amount of money. Luckily for her, she had managed to apply for many, many scholarships beforehand. Unfortunately, she didn't win all of them. However, she was able to earn large sums of money thanks to those scholarships. Enough to pay for her first year of college.

That's beside the point. She was getting off topic now.

A year had gone since she started college whenever she had eventually received an invitation for Rukia and Renji's wedding. She was filled with so much happiness and delight when she received the invitation. Her heart swelled with pure, unadulterated elation. How can she not be ecstatic? Two of her friends were marrying each other? She couldn't believe it! Plus, it wasn't any ordinary invitation. She was a bridesmaid too! It really can't get any better than that!

During the weekends, she would often take the train back to Karakura Town to prepare for the wedding. Not only does Orihime have to be fitted with her bridesmaid's dress, but she also wanted to knit a wedding veil for Rukia.

It was also during that time that she got to see some of her friends again after so long. Especially Ichigo.

One could bet that the auburn haired woman was filled with nervous excitement when she was reunited with after so long. It seems her love for him has not diminished even a tiny bit. In fact- being away from for so long- only caused her heart to yearn for him more strongly than before. She swore that he had grown a few centimeters taller than when she last saw him, and he was slightly muscular too.

However, something strange was going on with Ichigo. He seemed nervous whenever she interacted with him. Especially so when they were alone together. Sometimes she can't help but feel if she had done something wrong. She tried not to dwell on how hurt she felt when he would sometimes hesitate to talk to her. She was there to prepare for Renji and Rukia's wedding. She didn't want to ruin it by becoming gloomy and depressed over Ichigo's attitude towards her.

Orihime had spent weeks, perhaps months knitting Rukia's wedding veil along with Yuzu and her other female friends. Fortunately, she was able to do most of her homework online and there were no important tests from her classes during the time she stayed in Karakura Town.

Eventually, the wedding day came. She has never been to a Soul Reaper's wedding, so of course she was giddy with excitement. She had wondered if Soul Society's weddings were like human weddings in any way? Did they have Japanese-style or Western-style weddings? Turns out it was a Japanese traditional-style wedding ceremony. With only a few minor differences, but they weren't worth mentioning.

The wedding was wonderful! Orihime had to keep the tears of joy that were threatening to spill from her eyes at bay. There was no way she could ruin it by crying in the middle of the ceremony. She had to hold it in until the end. Only when the wedding ended did she allow the waterworks to fall.

Then- unexpectedly- Orihime was made to cry twice that day.

It genuinely caught her by surprise when Ichigo wanted to talk to her in private. It was the first time since their reunion that he initiated a conversation with her. Apprehension crackled at every nerve of her cell. What would he need to talk about alone? With her? This entire time he has been… She won't exactly say avoiding her, but… he has been acting less like his usual self when around her. He gets fidgeted and tends not to look her in the eye at times.

She couldn't understand the reason for it. Even now, she still doesn't. Sure, they have not seen each other in over a year. Yet is that enough of a reason to get uncharacteristically weird reactions from him?

"Orihime? Um?" Ichigo sheepishly scratched the back of his head. His face was flushed slightly pink. That was weird. Was he sick?

"Ichigo, are you okay?" Orihime asked concerned. "You look sick. Do you have a fever?" She reached out to place her hand on his forehead, her blue kimono dress bellowing in the wind.

"No. I'm fine, Orihime," he responded self-consciously, holding her hand away from his reddening face.

It was now Orihime's turn to blush. She had forgotten how big, strong, and warm Ichigo's hands were. She inwardly shook her head. This was no time to be distracted.

"You are going to be leaving town again, right, Orihime? Now that the wedding's over?" he questioned.

She nodded her head. "I'm planning to leave the day after tomorrow. I gotta get back to my school, and return to my classes."

Her answer earned a frown of wistfulness from him. Which was unexpectedly strange coming from Ichigo. He usually always has an angry scowl or a worried frown, but this was an expression she has never seen coming from him. It's almost like he doesn't want her to go, yet was acutely aware that it was inevitable that it was gonna happen. After all, they were all only here for Rukia and Renji's wedding. And now that it was over, there was no longer any reason to stay.

It was after that moment that they divulged into idle chit-chat. It was pleasantly nice to converse like this with Ichigo again. They have been so busy being apart due to going to separate colleges, and later wedding preparations that they barely had time to just… talk. To reminisce about the old days, and simply catch up. Everyone else was busy enjoying the reception.

Then Ichigo suddenly asked the question that completely caught her off guard.

"Would you like to go out together tomorrow, Orihime?"

Her gray orbs immediately widened in stunned surprise. Her first thought was that he merely wanted to hang out with her, possibly with Uryu, Chad, and Tatsuki too. Make it into a group gathering before going their separate ways again.

However, there was a strange, intense, almost hopeful yet fearful look in his chocolate brown eyes. It was like he was sincerely afraid of her rejecting his offer. His cheeks were tinted a deep crimson red color. She tried really hard not to get her hopes up. Because there was no way that Ichigo was asking her out in that way. There was just… no way.

So- in the end- she simply said "yes" because she missed him truly.

Who knew it would turn into something more. Much more. Something that she had never imagined it'd come true in a hundred years.

When Ichigo asked her out, he really did mean it like a date! She was overwhelmed with elated happiness. She was trying to build up the courage to confess her feelings when she graduated from culinary school. A part of her was starting to accept that he would never reciprocate her feelings. Yet she still wanted to confess, so that would know how she truly feels about him, and leave no more regrets behind.

But who knew that he really did feel the same way about her as she felt for him. Of course, their relationship started out as a long-distance one. Even though they- technically- began dating after Rukia and Renji's wedding, they were still college students. They could not just drop out of college. They still sent texts and emails to each other on occasions. They would visit one another during school breaks when their school schedules coincided.

Eventually, they both graduated and dated for several more months. They got married and started a family together.

"Mom! Mom! Can we get this?"

Orihime snapped herself out of memory lane at the high-pitched sound of her young son's voice. He was excitedly holding up a box of chocolate chip cookies in his hands, brown eyes twinkling in delight.

A family… That was something she has not had in a long time. She was extremely grateful to Ichigo for gifting her with such a wonderful, blessed happiness of a family. For blessing her with a son and a soon-to-be daughter.

She tenderly placed her hand on her slightly bulging belly as she steadily walked to where her son was with a small smile on her face.

~ End of Flashback ~

Orihime exited the Felocity Bank- having finished depositing her paycheck into her savings account- when her cellphone alerted her of text notification. She grabbed her phone out of her bag, and flipped up open to see that it was Namani. She must've finally responded to her text. She carefully read the text. It seems that Namani does not mind if Blueberry tags along. In fact, she has been wanting to see the border collie again.

This was good. All good. So she would go home, feed Blueberry, let her potty, and meet up with Namani.

Her Shun Shun Rikka were busy scouting the city. Hopefully nothing happens while she does not have her fairy sprites were away from her.

Hopefully.

(A/N: The end of another chapter! Yeah, I'm so sorry, but the chapter is gonna have to be cut off here. I know everyone's waiting for Orihime to finally summon EMIYA. This prologue arc is really longer than I thought. I really thought this was going to be the chapter where Archer gets summoned, but the chapter was getting too long. However, that does leave the good news, that it's definitely going to be the next chapter! So look forward to that!

I know there are some people who are going to be asking why I won't just summon him now? The reason is that I'm trying to incorporate some sort of action scene. Yes, that is a bit of a spoiler, but not too much.

Now I do have some questions that need answering from polite Fate fans to help move the story along. Or- at least- that I won't end up butchering the series too much.

Should Orihime's Shun Shun Rikka be perceived as familiars? I mean, when she's facing other magi and Servants should she just call them familiars to simplify things? I know Fate is all about keeping your powers a secret- unlike Bleach.

Should Orihime's powers- the power of rejecting reality- be able to bypass anything with Magic Resistance? Or should there be a limit? Like she can't harm anything over Magic Resistance B+ Rank or A+ Rank or EX Rank? Of course, this is possibly excluding the fact that her powers are more or less strengthened by her resolve and emotions.

Can magi sense other magi? I know Servants can sense other Servants, but can magi sense other magi?

Someone needs to clearly explain Archer's Mind's Eye [True] skill to me. I know it allows him to see all possible outcomes for victory, but does that only apply to combat? Or does it work outside fighting as well? Or is it some sort of variation of future sight or something? Like it lets him see all possible outcomes of the future and pick the best one? Need clarification, please.

That's basically it. For now. If I have any more questions, I'll ask again in the next chapter or later or never. Who knows? Drop any comments or questions in a review, and thanks for reading!)