I don't even know what to say… Upon waking up, after a pleasantly deep slumber, I'm greeted with an unwelcome surprise. Tohsaka is sleeping on my futon, next to me. You really weren't lying when you said you wouldn't budge till I took you seriously.
Upon letting my eyes drift down from her sleeping face, I'm met with another unwelcome surprise. Somehow, the first few buttons of her pajama top came undone while she was sleeping, currently causing her bare chest to be exposed to me. Boobs. Boobs. Boobs!
Despite not totally being unveiled, having only mostly her cleavage shown, I can see the light pink of her right areola barely peeking out from behind the hem of her top. Annnnnnd, that's enough. I quickly tug the blanket covering me off and toss it over onto her, enveloping her sleeping figure underneath.
"Honestly," I grumble while sitting up from the futon "do you not have any self-awareness? What kind of girl carelessly falls asleep in a guy's bed?" Imagine if Saber or Archer found us like that. Or Irisviel… Never mind, I don't want to imagine that.
Hm, I wonder what time it is? I glance to the right to see my phone hooked up to the charger across the room. Time to see how late I slept in… I rise to my feet. I lift my left foot to step off the futon and begin crossing the room. …huh?
My right leg spasms and jerks from beneath me, causing me to kick it forward, up into the air. What?! I lower my left foot to the floor to try and catch my balance. As soon as the pad of my foot touches the floor, a spasm mimicking that which broke out in my right one echoes throughout my left.
"W-What the- my balance is!" Suddenly, the muscles cramp and tense up all throughout the leg. The slight bend in my knee straightens completely as my leg stiffens as tight as a knot. The rapid erecting of my leg propels me off the ground.
My eyes, widened with shock, dart around the room as I clumsily flip through the air. I flail my arms around to try and latch onto something to anchor myself to. Before I know it, I'm falling onto my back.
"Gyuegh!" I groan in pain as I crash on top of, and shatter, something. "Ohhh… that wasn't pleasant." I lower my gaze to see that my coffee table, or what's left of it, is what cushioned my fall. "What the hell… was that?"
In that moment, I seemed to have no motor function of my legs. That, and my calf and thigh muscles were having strong convulsions. I stare at both of my legs, neither appearing to be injured or differing in any way. Though, the convulsions and spasms didn't hurt. Even still, to think they were strong enough to cause a jumping somersault. With one leg, no less. I roll both of my ankles, causing my feet to rotate in little circles. They seem fine now…
My startled cry and the sound of my wooden table being demolished causes my bedmate to stir underneath her blanket tent. Tohsaka rises up from the futon and lets out a loud, tad unladylike, yawn. The blanket rolls off her as she sits up and it haloes around her waist.
"Nnnh, what's with all the ruckus…?" I open my mouth to respond to her, but the words die in my throat. From the current angle I'm at in the room, I can now see her side boob, in all its nakedness, beneath her unbuttoned shirt.
"Nothing! Time to wake up! Going to make breakfast-BYE!" I unleash the string of awkward-situation-evading incantations before leaping up to my feet and rushing out of the room. I gotta make distance before she realizes the situation. That she slept next to me, ended up with her shirt unbuttoned, and let me get an eyeful of her chest.
Once safely out of the room, I turn on my heel and dart towards the dining room. Good grief, that girl is too careless! My light jogging slows to a walk as I arrive at the doorway. I'm surprised to see neither Saber nor Irisviel at the dining table within. Huh, I guess I didn't oversleep.
"Alright then, better start breakfast." I state quietly to myself, moving towards the kitchen.
When I enter the cramped kitchen, I glance at the microwave clock to see what time it is. 9:23 a.m.? I would've thought I slept later than that, but I guess I did pretty good. Feeling a bit more motivated after seeing how early I awoke, I begin eagerly preparing breakfast.
Just as I put the finishing touches on the food, I hear footsteps enter through the doorway to the dining room. I glance back to see Irisviel and Saber stepping in and kneeling at the table.
"*yawn* Morning, Shirou." Irisviel murmurs while stretching her arms above her head.
"Yes, good morning indeed." Saber follows with.
"Morning, you two. You got here at the perfect time, breakfast is ready." Saber's eyes light up in delight at the news while Irisviel sleepily smiles.
"Good, good." Irisviel mumbles. "We can finally get down to business while everyone's eating."
I nod before turning around and gathering up the plates to balance on my arms. Oops, I think I'll need to make two trips. I made a bit more food than I meant to. I twirl around and step into the dining room before arranging the dishes I could carry on top of the table. After which, I return to the kitchen and grab the remaining two plates. Once the table is fully arranged with everything I prepared, I take my usual spot and immediately begin digging in.
"Thanks for the food." Irisviel and Saber state in unison.
"Wait." Irisviel states, looking around the table. "Aren't we missing someone? Where's Rin?"
"Still sleeping, probably." I respond between bites of food. Irisviel nods, probably knowing full-well how heavy of a sleeper Rin is.
"Probably," she begins "but we can't exactly discuss our next move without her." Saber shakes her head after Irisviel states this.
"Not necessarily, Irisviel." She responds. "While Rin is indeed our comrade, we needn't consult her on all executive decisions."
"Is that right? Then what do you think we should do, Saber?"
"Well, she seems oddly affixed on finding and stopping Caster. She would never admit it, but it's no doubt because of all the innocent people Caster is harming. I agree that Caster is a high priority, but I would also like to get a better perspective by identifying the last three remaining servants; Berserker, Rider, and Assassin. We know Shirou encountered at least one, whom we assume to be Assassin, but that still leaves two unknowns."
Well, technically there's only two servants I haven't met yet: The Rider/Assassin and Caster. I've already stumbled across Berserker and whichever that pink-haired servant was. Good grief, I wish I would've asked her what her class is. Even still, Saber's plan makes a great deal of sense. Technically, all the servants and masters are enemies in this war. Even Archer and Saber. That means that Caster is just as much a threat to all the servants as to us.
Given that… from my perspective, it seems as though waiting out a Holy Grail War until only one other servant remains seems like the best method to prevailing. I look across the table at Saber. Knowing her personality though, I doubt that would fly. Since she's the literal definition of a chivalrous knight, I'm sure she'd refuse to fight any way other than proud and gallantly. What a hassle. If it were up to me, I'd take Irisviel and run as far away from all this idiocy as quickly as possible. However, she decided that she has to stay and fight in it, so that's that.
I begin arranging my plate with seconds from the dishes on the table, having already finished my first. Meanwhile, Saber and Irisviel continue to discuss their plans and ideas. Eventually, I hear footsteps again enter through the doorway. My assumption of whose it is is confirmed when I notice Tohsaka walk around the table and take her seat. I glance at her chest to see she rectified the few unbuttoned buttons of her pajamas at the top.
"Emiya." She suddenly states while glaring across the table at me. Oh no. I hope she didn't get the wrong idea about that situation. "Your futon is so uncomfortable. I'll never understand why people prefer them to a proper bed." Whew, close one. Irisviel gives me a mischievous gaze. Wait. Oh no.
"Ohhhh? And how would you know his futon is uncomfortable, Rin?" Irisviel's question causes both Tohsaka and I to stiffen where we sit. Dammit Tohsaka!
"I… Well, I. I Slept there the first night I stayed here! Yeah, I was referring to that time." Considering how horribly she pieced together that explanation, I don't expect Irisviel to buy it.
"Is that right?" Irisviel queries while running her finger along the rim of her glass. "I thought that, considering you mentioned it right after waking up and joining us, you must've slept with Shirou last night. You were awfully insistent about all of us hurrying off to bed, after all."
"W-Well, that's…" Tohsaka mumbles, trying to piece an excuse together. Damn! You suck at this! The obvious blush on her face doesn't help to mediate the situation, either. "As if I would sleep in the same bed- no, in the same room as that jerk!"
Ah, I see. The classic Tsundere approach. It's the only thing she's good at, so maybe it'll work. Still, I didn't expect to actually take offense to the repulsion she feigned at me. All while this conversation takes place between Irisviel and Tohsaka, Saber merely watches on the edge of her seat. Occasionally, her face will grow flush as something, I assume, she deems scandalous or she'll let out a quiet "oh!" at something one of them say.
"Alright, alright. Whatever you say Rin. I'll just leave it at that for now." I can practically hear the mental sigh of relief Tohsaka has upon Irisviel finally backing off.
Why are these women always so noisy? Weren't we supposed to be having a war meeting this morning? Almost as if she read my mind, Saber speaks up upon me thinking this.
"Now then," she begins "if we're done discussing pleasantries, we should finally begin debating what we'll do from here on. In the War, I mean."
Tohsaka and Irisviel nod in unison at the proposal. Irisviel begins repeating Saber's idea, of trying to identify each of the classes, before making any big moves. Instead of listening though, Tohsaka appears to be staring at me. She's making strange eye movements; rolling them, alternating her gaze between me and Irisviel, skewing her brow, rapidly looking between me and the doorway. What the hell is she doing?
"Do you have something in your eye, Tohsaka?" I ask, interrupting Irisviel. Instead of the myriad of eye movements she was just making, Tohsaka instead glares at me now.
"Emiya. Would you mind allowing us three a moment of privacy? I have something I wish to discuss with Irisviel, that I'd rather you not hear." She states, barely managing to conceal her anger. I tilt my head in confusion.
Is that what she was trying to hint with all those weird eye gestures? Why does she want me to leave? I ponder for a moment on what she's thinking and then it hits me. Oh yeah! She was going to drum up a story about her and Archer encountering Berserker so that she could mention the child to Irisviel. I completely forgot about that. I shoot her a knowing look and nod while standing to my feet.
"Ok, ok." I begin, walking towards the doorway. "I'll get out of you guys' hair. I have a few things I need to take care of outside anyways. I'll be in the backyard, so just come get me when you're done." With that, I exit the room and hastily walk down the hallway before Saber or Irisviel can question why I must be absent. Good luck, Tohsaka.
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I watch Shirou fumble over his words while excusing himself from the room. Before I can ask Rin why he must be absent, he ducks into the hallway. I soon hear rapid footsteps as he runs off. Strange… Normally he'd start complaining and protesting, but this time he left immediately at Rin's behest.
"Irisviel." Upon Rin calling out to me, I pull my gaze from the doorway and affix it across the table to her. "Sorry to chase Emiya out like that, it's just… What I want to discuss with you seems a bit sensitive and private. I wouldn't want to uncover anything you've been trying to keep hidden from Emiya."
Rin's words force my body to tense up slightly. "Uncover what I'm hiding"? "Private"? What exactly did she find out? I begin worrying that perhaps she realized my true nature; the role I played in the previous Grail War. I open my mouth to respond.
"Huuuhh?!" Rin suddenly shouts in shock, halting me from asking my question.
"W-What is it, Rin?" I warily ask. It at first doesn't seems she can hear me. Instead, she rapidly darts her gaze around the top of the table.
"W-Where's all the food? Did you guys really eat all the breakfast without me?"
Her question catches me off guard and eases the tension I'd been feeling. I join her in looking across the dishes Shirou had arranged on the table. As Rin had observed, the dishes are indeed almost completely empty. Almost in unison, Rin and I turn to stare at Saber, the most-likely culprit. She returns our gazes, mid-sip of her tea.
"W-What?" Saber questions. "Wait, you both think it was me?!"
"Well, it certainly wasn't me." I respond. "I have a very small, ladylike appetite."
"And it couldn't have been me." Rin immediately follows up. "I only just sat down."
"Also," I continue "you do seem to have a hefty stomach, Saber. You ate Rin's supper last night to satiate your hunger, no?" My comments cause Saber's face to burn with a raging blush.
"Th-That's not true! I-I just didn't want her food to go to waste!" I don't bother correcting her that she explicitly asked for seconds before taking it. "Besides," Saber continues "trust me when I say I wasn't the one who made short work of the breakfast this morning. If anything, I held back." I look at her curiously.
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"Well, Shirou seemed ravenous this morning. So, I took a back seat and let him eat his fill since I received the most rations last night." Shirou?
"That seems believable." Rin agrees. "I always thought Emiya was a picky eater. I mean, he always brought intricate-looking, healthy lunches to school. However, I've noticed that here, at his house, he's been eating pretty heavily."
"Yes…" Saber responds. "When I was summoned, he at first seemed fairly reserved when it came to food, but now it feels like he's eating more than usual."
I have noticed that. For practically as long as I've known Shirou, he's always eaten extremely healthily and portion-sized his meals accordingly to the approximate amount of daily nutrition he's needed. However, recently the meals we've eaten, particularly these last two, have been very hearty. Despite Hamburg Steak being my favorite, he's hesitant to make it because of how much of a health nut he is. Yet, he cooked it last night without hesitation, receiving no request from me to do so.
Strange. Is this what they call "stress eating"? Or perhaps he's trying to pamper me and cater to my desires because this Holy Grail War is making him anxious. Like an inmate on death row getting his final, favorite foods! I pause my train of thought, seeing it once again spiral down into bizarre absurdities and comparisons.
"While we're on the topic of Emiya acting strangely," Rin suddenly begins "I should probably mention that, this morning, I awoke to find the little coffee table in his room completely destroyed." Saber and I stare at Rin.
"Wait…" Saber begins. "Let me get this straight. At some point last night, the furniture in Shirou's room got messed up, presumably by him. So that, when you woke up, it appeared different than you recall it looking before you went to bed…"
"And then this morning," I continue in Saber's place "he's inexplicably hungry, ravenous as you said, after waking up and then eats almost all of the food he prepared by himself?" Rin nods her head.
"Yes, it seems so." She responds, looking serious. Saber and I exchange glances, then look back to her. A mischievous smile spreads across my face.
"My word, just how hard did you work him last night, Rin? And while Saber and I were under the same roof too, no less." Rin raises her brow at me in confusion.
"Huh?" She questions, apparently missing the implication. Meanwhile, the raging blush has returned to Saber's face and she's looking at Rin wide-eyed while stammering.
"H-How s-scandalous." Saber murmurs under her breath. Rin then looks to Saber in blatant confusion.
"Scandalous? What do you mean?" She hastily questions.
"I must've been even more tired than I'd thought." I continue. "If I was able to sleep through the table getting broken and whatever other noises you two were making while you… well, you know." Apparently, Rin finally gets the hint of what conclusion Saber and I had drawn.
"W-W-W-W-What are you saying?! You think that I- that we- that me and him did that?! A-As if! To even think something like that is- is stupid!" Rin hastily and messily refutes.
"Weeelllllllll," I playfully begin "you just confirmed you woke up in his room this morning, in turn confirming that you did in fact sleep in his room last night, after telling us you hadn't, so how are we to believe that's all you did?"
"I- no, you don't understand. It's not that! What had happened was- he was tired and wasn't giving me attention, so- Wait! That came out wrong!" Upon Rin making that little slip-up, Saber's mouth forms a little 'O' and her ahoge stands straight up.
"I never would've guessed that you… and Shirou… oh dear." Saber's mind is clearly becoming occupied with images of what she thinks transpired between the two last night.
"Shall we begin making wedding plans? Or was it just a one-night fling?" My questions force Rin's blush to deepen and spread even more while her face dons an angry, pouty expression.
"I said it wasn't like that!" After once again shouting her innocence, she grabs both of her twintails and wraps them around her face before slamming her head down onto the table in embarrassment.
I can't hold back my giggling from the embarrassed Rin that resulted from my incessant teasing. Perhaps I went too far? I look to Saber to see her face is still beet-red and steam is practically rising from her head. It looks like Saber didn't realize it was a joke…
I pour myself another cup of tea while waiting for the other two girls to cool off. While stirring a spoonful of sugar into the tea, my mind begins to dwell on what the two girls observed about Shirou, again. I made light of the situation because I couldn't help but tease Rin, but… Is there actually something going on with Shirou? If that's the case, I wish it were something as simple as just fooling around with Rin…
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"Ahh… Aha… Ah! AHHCHOO!" My unexpected sneeze almost causes me to fall back from where I'm kneeling. "Ugh. *sniffle* What was that?" Those girls must be talking about me…
After leaving the girls, I'd planned on going straight outside, but I thought it'd be best to come back and get my lucky arrow before I left the house. Even if I was only going right outside, in our backyard. With all these freaks running around, I think it'd be in my best interest to keep it on my person at all times.
I reach under my pillow and fumble around until my fingers brush against the wood of the arrow's shaft. I wrap my grip around it and pull it from under the pillow. I stand up and turn to leave but stop when my eyes catch a glimpse of what's in the corner of the room. The shattered remnants of my coffee table.
"How strange." I mumble, walking towards the pile of wooden fragments. I stop myself from moving closer and shake my head. I'll clean it up later tonight. I should do something productive while I'm free from Tohsaka and the others. Upon convincing myself, I turn towards the door and hastily make my way out the room.
I grow slightly disheartened upon entering the shed and seeing the lopsided bag on the floor, within which is the shreds of my previous archery target. Ugh. I need to go and get another one soon, too.
I pass up the bag and begin walking towards the back of the shed. Now would be as good a time as any to start trying to fix the broken roof. Almost the entirety of it covering the back porch was destroyed, some above the hall leading to the porch was even damaged, and two window panes are shattered; I'll have to buy new ones.
"Damn it! Just thinking about it pisses me off! I swear, the next time I see that Lancer!" My grip around the arrow tightens while I rant about the rude servant. Alright, alright. Calm down Shirou. If you start fixing it up, it'll look better and won't irritate you as much.
After calming myself, I continue walking towards the back of the shed. While walking, I notice the rack holding my bows on the left wall of the shed. Ah, they look so pristine. I'd been so enamored with the new bow that Archer constructed for me that I'd almost completely forgotten about the other two, fine pieces I have.
I stop walking and continue staring at the bows, feeling myself grow anxious. Maybe… maybe I can go shoot one, just for a few minutes. The girls will probably be talking for a while, so it isn't likely that I won't have enough time to squeeze in a few shots.
I raise my foot and begin to take my first step towards the bows lined on the rack. N-No! I stop and retract my foot. I already decided I was going to work on the roof. It can't stay broken forever. Besides, I don't even have a target. I wouldn't have anything to shoot at.
I sigh and shake my head before continuing my trek to the back of the shed. The sacks with the roof tiles should be back here. Most of my non-woodworking tools are back here too. For starters, I should just get my toolbelt and the ladder and see what rafters and beams can be salvaged. I'll have to buy new decking to lay over that, along with some new felt layering, before I can actually… arrange… the. Tiles. Back.
My steps slow and falter as I continue walking. My train of thought disappears. W-What the hell? An unpleasant, warm sensation radiates throughout my head. I slowly lower myself to my knees.
I release my grip on the arrow so that I can catch myself with my hands. It clatters on the concrete floor as I plant my palms firmly on the ground to prevent myself from falling down completely.
I breathe heavily while keeping my upper torso lifted in the air with my arms. A light stinging sensation graces my arms and legs. I feel a warmth similar to the one in my head break out in my chest. Ngh. Something's not right.
Soon a steady pounding rhythm sounds off. It takes only a moment for me to realize it's my heartbeat. I feel as though I can hear it within my skull.
A sense of dread wells up within me. W-What's happening? A-A heart attack? Heat stroke? The fact that whatever's happening isn't necessarily causing any acute pain- it only fuels the idea that something is really wrong.
The pounding noise, that I assume to be my heartbeat, slowly subsides as I feel the warmth within my head slowly wash away. Or, rather, it slowly trickles down my body.
The warmth drips down my neck, imitating the sensation of swallowing slightly-too-hot tea. I feel it envelop the already-present warmth in my chest before swirling and merging into it. My chest tightens as the bundle of heat constricts and compresses on itself. Ugh! What a disturbing feeling… Like someone's holding my heart, ever so gently, within their grasp.
My hands shiver slightly. Perhaps they shiver because of the subtle stinging throughout my limbs, perhaps it's because I'm scared of whatever's happening.
Then, like a drop of water falling into a bucket, the bundle plummets from my chest and falls into my gut.
As soon as the focal point of the odd heat seats itself in my stomach, the subsiding pain throughout the rest of my body vanishes, all at once. My eyes, which had been tightly shut, snap open upon the sensation dissipating. I look down at my body, slick with sweat, to see it loose and no longer tensed up all throughout.
Despite a little aching, my muscles don't protest when I attempt to lift myself back up to my feet. Ughh, my head. Despite it being void of the profound, burning feeling, a headache now lingers. I place my hand over my chest. I feel my heart still beating rapidly, but I can no longer hear it pounding.
"What in the hell was all of that?!" I angrily shout. First the incident with my coffee table this morning, and now this?! Ugh… I need to go see a doctor.
I give my shoulders a test shrug and roll before lifting each of my feet up and doing the same with my ankles. Well, for now they seem to be working. What was that awful sensation about though? The only thing I can think of is maybe one of the enemy servants poisoned me or cursed me or cast a spell on me… or something! I don't know what all these weirdos can do to me!
A likely candidate would be the pink-haired one I encountered. Irisviel and Saber seem to think it's the "Assassin" class servant. If the name is any indicator, it wouldn't be a stretch to assume she poisoned me or something, then. She did drive her stake through my arm, after all. I shake the thought off while sighing.
Well, whatever the case is, I seem to be fine now. Better than fine, actually. I feel practically the same as when I first walked in here. Almost like I'm imagining what just took place. I'll bring it up to Irisviel later or something, but for now I need to stick to my resolve and take a look at the roof.
I try my best to ignore the disturbing event that just took place while walking towards the back wall to grab my toolbelt. Along the way, I reach down and snatch up my lucky arrow that I'd dropped when the experience first started. With my free hand, I rub my stomach as I walk. A warm, lingering sensation persists in my core…
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"Anyways, you said you had something to discuss with me, Rin?" She nods at my question while fidgeting with one of her twintails.
"Y-Yes." She nervously responds. "I actually have something I want to fess up about."
Fess up? Rin's been hiding something? Perhaps that's why she looks so anxious.
"Alright then," I begin "out with it. There's no need to look so on edge. Whatever it is, I won't get angry or bitter at you about it." I shoot her a warm, reassuring smile after pressing her to tell me. My words do little to ease her tension, as she just feigns a, nervous, laugh while scratching the back of her head.
"Right… of course, Irisviel. I'm just trying to figure out exactly how to tell you is all." How to tell me? Saber joins me in looking at Rin in confusion. "Alright, I'll just say it plainly. Archer and I… we may have had an encounter with a servant that I neglected to mention to you." I tilt my head at her.
"Is that all?" I query. "That's not that big of a deal. Just fill me in on it so we can be on the same page."
"Right, of course! Wait- no, that's not the main thing. I-" Rin's jittery, jumbled explanation continues to perplex me as she keeps talking. She sounds like she can't even remember what she's describing to me…
"Rin," Saber suddenly chimes in "what exactly are you trying to say to Irisviel?"
"I- Well, while the servant is important, it's not the main reason I'm bringing it up now. It's because of its master." Its master?
"What about the master?" I ask, intrigued.
"Well, she… looked like you, Irisviel." Rin's response sends a chill up my spine.
"Huh?"
"The- the little girl, she-"
"Little girl?!" I blurt out, standing to my feet. I lean across the table, my face only inches from Rin's. "This- this little girl, you said she looked like me?! That she's a master? How young do you mean by 'little', exactly?! Your age?"
"Irisviel, I-"
"What was her name? Did she give you a name?!" I breathe heavily, trying to replenish the oxygen I'd expelled from my lungs from talking so loudly and quickly. My eyes widen slightly upon realizing Rin had fumbled away, her back pressed against the wall, from me suddenly getting in her face and having an outburst.
"I- I don't know her name. All I know is she looked just like you, wore clothes just like yours, and was undoubtedly the master of her servant; Berserker." Rin responds after hesitating, her tone sounding slightly offended. Despite knowing I should apologize for my outburst, I instead continue pressing her for more.
"Where did you find her? How long ago was this?" Rin also stands to her feet while I question her.
"It was at the intersection right before the school. The place where Shirou and Saber said they found a giant gash mark left by a servant; that gash was left from our brief fight. Archer and I encountered them two nights ago; I'd just kept it a secret because… because I felt suspicious of you, thinking you're hiding something." I feel myself grow offended now.
"So, you just neglected to tell me?!" I ask, sounding angrier than I intended.
"What would you have done?" She quickly responds. "If you'd encountered someone who looks just like me and, to boot, is a master in the war? Would that not put your faith in me into question? How the hell do you think he… I felt after seeing something like that?!"
I bite my tongue at her explanation. Seeing it logical, but still feeling hurt she'd keep it from me. Though, she doesn't know the story of Illyasv- no, of the Einzberns. I can't exactly blame her.
A silence fills the room as Rin and I exchange glances, not knowing how to follow up in the awkward, tense atmosphere. Saber finally perks up after a few moments.
"I don't blame you, Rin." She states. "You tell us now, so that must mean you eventually decided you do, in fact, trust Irisviel. That alone makes it water under the bridge, to me."
I affix my gaze on the still-seated Saber to see her returning a knowing look to me. That's right… Saber still has her memories from the previous War somehow. She remembers… her. I nod at her, silently thanking her for the sensible comment.
"That being said," Saber continues "what do we do from here?"
"I'm continuing on what I believe is the best course of action." Rin immediately states before I can say anything. "I'm going to find and stop Caster, foiling whatever she's planning before it's too late." She looks at me inquisitively, prodding me to declare what I will do.
"Berserker's master." I state. "I have to find Berserker's master as soon as possible." Rin sighs at my decision, looking frustrated.
"I'm not even going to pretend like I know the context," she begins "so will you tell me before I speak my mind?" I shake my head.
"I'm sorry." I murmur.
"Then, if it's none of my business, I won't be joining you. Though, I'm sure that doesn't bother you. You likely weren't planning on asking for my help." I shake my head.
"I'm sorry." I murmur.
"Have you forgotten that we're in an alliance? What happened to being on the same page?" I can't bring myself to look her in the eyes as she questions me.
"This is just something I have to do." I finally respond. "Don't concern yourself with it." After stating this, Rin walks around the table and past me, to the doorway.
"I assume this means our coalition is over with?" She asks from behind me. I nod.
"Until I take care of Berserker's master, yes." I confidently state. I hear Rin let off a prompt "hhmph!" before walking out of the room. Saber stands to her feet.
"W-Wait!" Saber calls out to Rin. "Let's not be hasty!" Her statement is met with the sound of the front door sliding open and slamming shut. She sighs. "I understand where you're coming from, Irisviel. However, I believe Rin is someone we can trust. Why not tell her? Have her help us?" I shake my head.
"It isn't a matter of trust, Saber." I grievously respond. If this is her, if she is a master… there's no telling what happened while I've been gone. "It's a matter of how she views me in her eyes… and those who are close to me."
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"*whistle* *whistle *whistle* Gonna fix me a roof~ Gonna fix it like poof~ In the pudding, here's the proof~ Just gotta grit my tooth~" I pull down a splintered rafter while singing my merry tune, placing it amongst the other pieces of shattered decking and roof fragments.
"*whistle* *whistle* Once it's done, it'll be pure bliss~ If you ask me, it's my one and only wish~ And then I'll gut Lancer like a fish." I pause while leaning down to place some more debris on the pile. That last part doesn't flow too well… But it makes me happy, so it's ok. A familiar blue mist starts converging in front of me, on the roof.
"Archer." I state, pulling my measuring tape from my belt.
"Oh, it's you, Shirou Emiya. I thought it was a dying, wailing cat I'd heard." I frown at his critique of my singing.
"Sorry to disappoint. Anyways, where have you been? Normally you show up immediately when I come out, but I've been here for almost an hour and you've only just graced me with your presence." He smirks at me.
"What? Did you miss me that much?"
"No."
"Heh. Well, since you're so curious, I've been running the perimeter of the surrounding blocks and streets." He nonchalantly responds. A prolonged silence ensues after his brief answer.
"…alright, I'll bite. Why were you out checking the surrounding area?" Upon my urging, he continues.
"Well… for the briefest of moments, I detected an enemy servant somewhere on the premises."
"W-What?! Are you serious?"
"Mm. I was in spirit form and it was so sudden that it caught me off guard."
"What servant was it?"
"How should I know? Like I said, I only picked up on it for a moment. And whoever they were, they sure as hell knew. The moment I noticed the presence, they must've bolted as far away from here as possible. Because I couldn't find a trace of them anywhere around here." There was a servant that close to us? They must've been observing us. What for? Lancer, Berserker, the pink-haired servant- there's already three potential candidates out for my head that it could've been!
"Maybe they just entered spirit form, like you?" I ask.
"Ha, that's not how it works. I'd still be able to tell if they were around, spirit form or not. Odds are, they already were in spirit form when I sensed them. Given how quickly they appeared and vanished… chances are it was the Assassin servant. Though, I find it hard to believe they'd carelessly slip up on their presence concealment like that."
The Assassin, huh? I wonder if that's the pink-haired woman… For the first time, I genuinely feel grateful that Archer's been perched up here constantly observing and watching for enemies.
"I've been thinking," he begins "I really should talk with Rin and Irisviel about setting up a simple bounded field for the house. Since I'm constantly on watch, it's not that important, but if I were ever gone then-" He stops upon noticing my confused gaze. "Hey, don't give me that look. I'm not concerned about your well-being or anything, but my master- she will be living under the same roof, so." I nod while smirking.
"Riiiiiiight."
"Anyways," he declares while clearing his throat "I see your beginning renovations on the roof. Would you care for an extra hand?"
"Actually, yeah. There probably won't be many chances to work on it for a while, so any help I can get will-"
"Archer!" Tohsaka's loud, annoyed shout rings out across the yard, cutting me off. "We're leaving!"
"But-"
"NOW!" She shouts from the front yard, even louder somehow, cutting off Archer's attempt at a protest.
"Welp," he begins, looking to me "she's pissed. I'm going to hurry and go before she rips me a new one. Try not to die while we're gone, hm?" With that, he jumps from the roof and down into the front yard.
"You too." I mumble.
What in the world was Tohsaka so upset about? I ponder on it while descending from the roof down the ladder. Oh yeah! She took the blame for the Berserker encounter so that she could tell Irisviel about the little girl. I begin worrying about how it went down to make Tohsaka so angry. I better go check on Irisviel.
Saber and Irisviel sit at the table in the dining room, in silence. I quietly step through the doorway and into the room. Yeesh! What's with the tense atmosphere in here?!
"Um… Irisviel?" I softly call to her. She perks up slightly upon hearing me before turning to face me. "Did something happen? Tohsaka snatched up Archer and left in a tissy." I sit down next to her while asking.
"Oh, yes. We may have had a bit of an argument." She responds while forcing a smile. "I believe Rin is going to split from us, at least for a little while. Her current goal differs from mine, so…" She trails off, not finishing her sentence. I can't help but worry more when I notice her distraught, yet thoughtful, expression.
"What do you mean by that? I-"
"Shirou." Irisviel states abruptly, cutting me off. "Why don't you go have your lesson with Saber now? I think I need a little time alone. To think."
I open my mouth to protest but stop myself. Remember, Shirou. This is what you wanted. I notice Saber has already rose to her feet and begun walking out the room. I sigh before nodding at Irisviel. I stand up from the table and join Saber in exiting the room. I suppose she really doesn't want me to know…
"You aren't going to try and squeeze out info on what happened from me?" Saber queries while placing her hand firmly on my hip.
"Ehh! You're being kinda handsy, Saber!" I yelp in embarrassment, feeling my face heat up. She tightens her grip on my hip and pulls me closer to her figure.
"Oh, be quiet!" She barks back, right into my ear. "You wanted help improving your form! How else am I going to show you?"
After leaving Irisviel and coming to the dojo, Saber finally agreed to help me with my archery. She told me we'd start from the ground up and improve on my form. I'd been quite consistent and diligent with my stance and form, so I thought there wasn't anything she could teach me in regard to that… She proved me wrong.
"S-Saber, will adjusting the spread of my legs and the torsion of my upper body, by just a few centimeters, really make that much of a difference?" As soon as I finish my question, she lifts her hand from my waist and grabs either side of my chest with both hands.
"Your torque is still wrong!" she states, twisting my upper body forcefully. "And of course, it will help. Any unnecessary movement and muscle expenditure should be eliminated if you want to perform optimally." I sigh in defeat, surrendering myself to her bear paws.
"Fine. Whatever you say, teach." I mumble. "Also, what do you mean by 'squeeze info out of you'?" Her grip on my sides loosens a bit at my question.
"I just thought you'd like to know what happened between Irisviel and Rin." She states. Well, I kinda already do know. Besides…
"Even if I said I did," I begin "you still wouldn't tell me, right? Your master didn't so neither will you, right?" She remains quiet for a moment, occasionally adjusting my torso whenever it begins to relax and uncoil. Eventually, I hear her mumble "mhm".
"It's just…" she continues "that you seem so passionate about my master, Irisviel. Ever since I was summoned here, I couldn't believe how close you two are. I just thought… the idea of secrets being kept between you two would be too much for you to bear." I smile slightly at the unexpected thoughtfulness of Saber.
"No, Saber. It's fine. Whatever she decides not to confide in me about… that's her business. Of course, if and when the day comes that she decides to tell me about it, I'll be all ears! But until then… I can wait. I feel in my heart that whatever she keeps hidden, whatever she keeps a secret, she does so for her own benefit. As well as mine. That's enough for me." Saber removes her grip from me and pulls her body away, taking a step back. I glance back at her in confusion.
"Intriguing." She quietly states, staring at me. Her eyes display a myriad of feeling that I'd yet to see in the servant. Surprise, curiosity, and… sadness? "You're an interesting man, Shirou Emiya… I wish I could understand you." With that comment, her face returns to its stoic expression and she walks out of the dojo. I call out to her, asking if we were already done with the lesson, but she ignores it as she exits through the doorway.
"Saber…" I quietly state. For the first time, I remind myself that she may be one of these heroic spirit things, but she's still a young girl. I wonder what's troubling her.
As I walk down the hall leading out of the dojo, I gaze out the window panes of the hall, at the orange sky being painted by the setting sun. Ugh, nighttime. Over the last few days, my opinion of the night has officially been ruined. That's when the freaks come out to play.
I enter the kitchen to see Irisviel sitting at the table. Only Irisviel. Saber is not present in the room with her. I quickly walk to her and take my usual seat, noticing that she's changed from her pajamas into actual clothes and a long, white coat. Is she planning on going somewhere?
"Uh, Irisviel?" She faces me upon calling her name. "Are you ready to talk now? It'll be dark soon and I have no idea what's going on." She nods.
"Indeed. We'll be finding and engaging on Berserker and his master." My eyes widen slightly at her declaration. I shouldn't be shocked that that's what she decided, but it's still pretty sudden… Time to play the ignorant card.
"Berserker? That's random. Have you already identified the servant? Where's it at?" She shrugs her shoulders.
"That's what I will find out. Rin seems to have encountered the servant two or so days ago and neglected to tell us about it. In front of your school, where you and Saber saw the aftermath of a battle." I laugh nervously at her statement.
"W-Well, I don't know exactly why we're hunting this servant specifically, but alrighty!" I state, energetically. "I see that your dressed. Will we be starting the search tonight?" She nods after a moment.
"Yes, we will." I tilt my head in confusion at her tone.
"Huh?"
"Shirou, Saber and I will be hunting down Berserker. I don't want you tagging along with us." I feel my heart ache at her abruptly shooting me down. Apparently, my sadness is apparent because Irisviel's firm expression falters and her eyes flash with sympathy. She begins stammering.
"I-I-I I mean, it's not because I think you're weak or incapable or anything! It's… I-I wanted you to help Rin with her endeavors instead! Yeah!" Her poorly pieced-together excuse doesn't convince me, but I can't help smiling, nonetheless.
I shouldn't take offense to her not wanting me to accompany her. She just seems to really want me uninvolved with Berserker's master, that little girl. I recall the child's bitterness and hatred of me. I recall the bloodlust she harbored for me. I can see why…
"Help Tohsaka?" I ask, sighing. Irisviel nods. Does she legitimately want me to or is this just something to keep my hands full while she deals with the child? If so, I'd rather just stay home than help the redcoats… Regardless, "What exactly is she doing?" She smiles at me, seeming to have taken my question as affirmation that I'll help them.
"If you recall," she begins "they're trying to identify and stop Caster." Caster… I recall Tohsaka mentioning how this servant is siphoning mana from people and stockpiling it to use for something. That does sound dangerous… I remember something Irisviel mentioned the first time we discussed this servant.
"Irisviel, you mentioned before that the Caster class becomes progressively more problematic the longer the war draws on. Why is that?" Her face lights up in surprise, probably shocked that I actually remember her saying that.
"Well, it's mostly because of their class abilities. Most of them possess the 'Territory Creation' and 'Item Construction' skills. These two skills allow Casters to create advantageous workshops and items, respectively. If their proficiency in the skill is high enough, and given they have enough time, a Caster could construct a weapon on par with a mediocre Noble Phantasm." A Noble Phantasm. The magical weapons the Heroic Spirits wield. I briefly remember the destructive force Lancer's spear was capable of.
"Hm. That does sound troublesome." I mumble. Irisviel giggles slightly at my reaction.
"Well, don't let my words frighten you too much." She states. "It's only true if this Caster has the Item Construction skill of such a high grade. If it's of C rank or lower, it doesn't pose much of a threat."
"Interesting." I murmur. "Item Construction", huh? I'll have to remember that.
Irisviel and I talk for a while longer. Eventually, I hear footsteps enter through the doorway. I turn to see Saber enter and nod at Irisviel.
"Irisviel," she begins "it's time. Night has fallen. If you wish to have as much time in finding them as possible, then we should go now." Irisviel nods while sighing. She stands from the table and joins Saber at the doorway.
"Very well Saber, let's go." She states. Saber walks out of the room and Irisviel follows her out, turning to look back at me as she does so. "We will be back in the morning. Sooner, if things go well. I asked you to help Rin, but you don't have to do it immediately tonight. You can just sleep in if you wish. Oh, and I made a little dinner for you. It's wrapped up in the fridge." I open my mouth to question her. "Ok! Bye!"
After cutting me off, she rushes down the hall. I jump to my feet and rush out the doorway to tell her to wait up, but the front door slams shut the moment I enter the hallway. Dammit. She was sure in a hurry… Wait. Did she say she cooked dinner?
I rush through the dining room and into the neighboring kitchen. Upon arriving at the fridge, I sling the door open. I see a boxed lunch on the top shelf. Just to be sure, I lift the lid and see that, sure enough, there is food inside. Albeit, a simple meal, but still food, nonetheless. Irisviel? Cooking? Something's definitely wrong…
I close the fridge and enter back into the dining room. When was the last time Irisviel even made food for me? It had to be back right before I started working around the clock… It's been so long, I thought she'd forgotten how to.
I pull my cellphone out while walking down the hallway to the front door. Might as well call Tohsaka. Ask if she needs any help from me. I guess it beats sitting around here by myself with nothing to do. She wrote her house phone number on a note and stuck it to the fridge when she first started staying over here. "In case of emergencies" she said.
After dialing in the number, I press my cellphone against my ear and sandwich my shoulder against it to free my hands up. I sit in front of the door and slip my shoes on before tying up the laces. …She's not picking up.
After waiting a few seconds longer, I stand back to my feet and hang up the phone. She must not be home. That, or maybe she's just passed out asleep again.
"I guess I can walk to her house and check, just to be sure. I've already put my shoes on and all…" I mumble while opening the door.
The cool night air sends a shiver down my body as I step out and close the door. I keep forgetting how chilly it is out at night. Has it gotten even colder? I begin thinking how nice it'd be to pull out the kotatsu one of these nights to enjoy with the girls… maybe even Archer, too. Well, that's then and this is now. I should just focus on getting to Tohsaka's and seeing what she's up to.
After making sure the door is locked up, I turn and begin walking to the gate leading out to the street. Only a few steps forward, and I stop in my tracks. A familiar, eerie feeling spreads throughout me and a nagging sensation jabs into the back of my head. I jerk around to face the front of the house.
"Who's there?!" I shout, staring up at the roof.
Indeed, a figure stands on the ledge just above the door, their figure silhouetted by the moonlight. Upon my noticing them, they take a step forward and fall down to their feet on the ground right in front of me. Once they're on even ground with me, I realize who it is. Her skimpy outfit, pink hair, and blindfolded eyes are all the indicators I need.
"Y-You?!" I shout in disbelief. She straightens up and smirks at my reaction.
"Hello again… Emiya Shirou."