Wassup readers. It's been a while since I've updated, I know. My bad. I finally got around to making a cover art for this story, which I'll upload along with this chapter. Before you start roasting me, no, I'm not an artist, so don't expect it to look good. The art depicts what Shirou's lucky arrow roughly looks like, in case you were curious as to how it looked. Alright, peace.
I set the boxed lunch Irisviel prepared for me down on the table, in front of Tohsaka. She offers me a smile before lifting the lid, preparing to dig in. Her smile vanishes after seeing the contents of the box.
"Huh?" She mumbles, confused. "This looks pretty bland. Couldn't you have made something a bit more appetizing? And maybe hot, too?"
"You better watch what you say." I respond in irritation while taking my seat across the table. "That's food Irisviel made before she left. It's as valuable as gold; you better savor it." Looking slightly taken aback by my words, she begins pushing it across the table to me.
"Eh, that's alright. You can have it, if it's that important. I'll just go get some cookies or someth-"
"No, no, no." I interrupt, pushing the boxed lunch back across the table. "I'd much rather you eat it… and tell me how delicious it is when you're done. Besides, I'm not hungry." She nervously takes it back before nodding.
"A-Alright." She grumbles before taking her first bite.
I sit quietly while Tohsaka eats, checking my phone's emails in one hand and scratching my back using the arrow with the other. Still haven't heard anything from Sakura. Nothing from Issei, either. I should probably drop by school over the next few days to check up on them. I occasionally glance at Tohsaka, who's still dutifully eating without saying a word.
"I know the class of that servant who ambushed me, by the way." I mention while twirling my arrow around. "She's the Rider class servant."
"Rider, huh?" Tohsaka questions between bites. "So, how did you find out the class? Did you just happen to remember it?"
"Something like that." I respond after pondering for a bit. "Also, are you planning on telling me how you got that key to our place?"
"Irisviel thought I should have one." She responds simply. Guess I can't really complain then… But damn, I wish she'd talk to me about these things before she goes and does them.
"Regardless," she continues "that is not what's important right now. We need to finally talk about this Rider servant and her master. I believe you told me you'd have a full list of potential people who hate you?" She asks the last part sarcastically.
"Yeah, yeah. Give me a sec." I mutter.
I begin thinking about all the possible people who could hate me enough to have a hit put on me. Of course, I know plenty of people who don't like me. However, I can't think of anyone who could possibly hate me that much. The only person I can think of would be that rich asshole who I clobbered after he tried to force himself onto Irisviel. That couldn't be right, though; you have to be a mage to have a servant and he didn't exactly strike me as the magic-type. Not to mention, as far as I know, he doesn't even live in Japan anymore. The Yakuza made sure of that.
"…I don't know." I finally state, not being able to think of anyone. "All I know is it's a 'he' and he hates me."
"Well, it'd likely be in your best interest to figure out who it is soon." I nod at her statement. Though, I doubt I'm really in any danger if Rider's words hold any truth. Her words…
My gaze falls down to my hand idly twirling the arrow. What does she know about it that I don't? If only I knew who that man was; I could find him and learn more about the arrow. I sigh and drop the object from my grip, letting it fall on top of the table. Maybe one day…
"*yawwwn* Mm, thanks for the food, Emiya." Tohsaka tiredly states while rising from the table. "I think I'm going to go crash, finally. I haven't slept all night. Will you be using your bed, or?" I shake my head without looking up.
"No, I'm not very tired yet. Though, I'd prefer it if you didn't use it, either." But alas, it was too late. The girl had already left the room to make her way there as soon as I'd said "no".
I contemplate for a few moments what I should do now. Even though last night was extremely busy and hectic, I feel oddly sluggish and bored. I still haven't gotten a new target, so archery practice is out of the question. I've done about as much as I can on the roof without buying the new supplies. Hmm…
I recall how I haven't heard from Issei or Sakura in a while. Oh, that's it! I can use this day to swing by school and check things out! I doubt Irisviel or Tohsaka will be busy since they were out all night, and I've been itching to make sure Sakura's ok. There's also the matter of that strange woman who crept up to the Ryuudou Temple last night; I'd like to let Issei know about that as soon as possible.
"Alright then, it's settled." I declare whilst standing up.
I walk out of the dining room. As I step out into the hallway, the front door further down the hall simultaneously opens. A disgruntled Irisviel walks in, followed shortly behind by Saber.
"*sigh* Oh? You're already up, Shirou? Did you-"
Her sentence falls short. It's interrupted by two arms wrapping tightly around her in an embrace. My arms. Without even realizing it, as soon as I saw her face, I rushed up to her and pulled her into a hug. This warmth, this sensation. It really is her.
"…Thank goodness." I state quietly.
"Um, Shirou?" Irisviel shyly questions against my chest.
I open my eyes to see Saber looking at me curiously with a slight blush tinted across her cheeks. I look down to see Irisviel matching Saber's blush with even more intensity. My rationality catches up with the sudden spur of emotions and I realize I tugged Irisviel into a bear hug the moment she walked through the front door. I quickly remove my arms and take a step back.
"S-Sorry, I don't know what came over me." I apologize while feeling my own face begin to heat up. "Well… I have to go get ready so, later!" I quickly begin walking down the hall in the opposite direction.
"Shirou, wait." Irisviel calls after me, but I ignore it and keep walking, hoping to avoid any further embarrassment.
Dammit, Shirou. I silently curse myself while sorting through the folded clean clothes in the washing room. It's not like me to let my emotions get the better of me. What's the deal? I'm usually the one fighting off Irisviel's constant attempts at hugs and kisses, but here I am wrapping myself around her the moment she walks through the door. I sigh while setting aside my uniform from the rest of the dry laundry.
I hadn't realized… how worried I was. Sure, I've constantly been fretting over her finding that child all night in the back of my mind, but… when I saw her walk through that front door, I only then realized just how worried I'd been. How scared I was… I change into my school slacks and undershirt before stepping out into the hall, simultaneously pulling on my school jacket.
Upon arriving, I peek my head through the doorway into the dining room. Irisviel is nowhere to be seen, but Saber, however, is sitting at the table dutifully with her eyes shut.
"Um… Irisviel isn't with you?" Saber reacts to my question by opening one eye to look at me.
"No. My master went straight to bed after that little encounter with you. I'd also be in my quarters resting right now, but I thought you may want to train some before I do so." I shake my head.
"Actually, I was planning on going to the school today." I answer. "There were a few things I wanted to check out." Saber shuts her eye.
"I see…" She responds. After a moment passes with her saying nothing else, I move to head down the hall towards the front door. As I do, she speaks up again. "This afternoon, then?" This afternoon? Oh, she must be referring to training.
"Yeah, sure thing. I'll try to get back home as soon as possible." She nods in response and I take this as permission to finally head out.
Before I walk away from the doorway, something catches my eye on top of the table. The arrow. I stare at it for a bit, thinking. I can't shake the disturbed feeling lingering in me after that encounter with Rider. After debating with myself, I decide, against my better nature, to leave the arrow here for the day.
I rip my gaze from the object and continue walking down the hall while pulling my phone from my pocket. I find Sakura's contact and hit the dial button while bending down to pick up my shoes.
"*ring* *ring* Mn, hello? *yawn*" Sakura tiredly questions through the phone.
"Hello? Sakura?" A pause.
"S-Senpai?! Hi- Hello- Good morning! What's up?"
"Hey, I know I haven't been to school lately, but I'm going to attend today. It's been a while, so do you want to walk together?"
Once the Matou estate come into view further down the street, I see Sakura already waiting in front of the gate. It doesn't take her long to notice me and begin running my way. After reaching each other and exchanging greetings, we begin the route to school.
"So, how've things been?" I casually ask after subtly sizing her up and down to see any signs of abuse. She giggles slightly.
"If you're asking if Shinji's been bothering me again, you don't need to worry. Ever since he mysteriously became all battered and beaten up, he seems hesitant to even tell me hello." I feel slightly relieved at her response.
"I see." I respond. "That's good."
"What about you?" She asks. "You haven't been to school the past few days. What's the deal?" I'm surprised by the mom-like sternness in her voice.
"Ah, you know. Life's been kinda hectic lately. Irisviel wanted to plan a trip out of Fuyuki and then… an associate of my late father came to stay with us, so we've been dealing with that as of late."
"You… mean that Saber girl- right?" I notice Sakura sounds short of breath while she asks this question.
"Yeah, her. Weird name, right?" I ask jokingly. "You know, I actually wasn't planning on coming to school today. But I wanted to ask Issei something that's been bugging me. Plus, I haven't seen you in a while and I wanted to make sure everything is still going good."
"Oh yeah?" She questions from a few paces back, having fallen behind. "I'm *huff* happy you wanted to see me. You- You've been on my mind too. Um, Shirou is there… any way you can slow your pace a little? I'm *gasp* having trouble keeping up."
"Huh? I'm not walking that fast." I look back at Sakura, out of breath, in confusion, but still comply by slowing my pace. "You might want to cut back on the carbs if you're that out of shape." I state teasingly before poking her stomach.
"Wha-?! No, I take my diet very seriously. I don't look overweight!... Do I?" I quickly backpedal and assure her I was just teasing her after noticing her eyes getting watery.
We continue discussing pleasantries, Sakura having to tell me a few more times to slow down, until we arrive at school. It takes me a while to finally shake off Sakura and send her off to class, allowing me to begin my search for Issei. There's still a bit of time until homeroom, so he's likely in the Student Body room. I've already begun making my way there while thinking this.
As I'm turning to cut the corner to the hall the Student Body room lies, I feel a hand firmly plant itself on my shoulder. I turn, alarmed, to find Miss Fujimura behind me.
"Well, well. Look who decided to show up." She states, trying to sound stern.
"Good morning to you too, Tai- Miss Fujimura." I notice her eyebrow twitches at me almost slipping up.
"Yeah, sure. You know, if you want to skip school that's all well and good, but you should at least show up to practice." Uh, I don't think that's something a teacher should say. "I'm sure you already know, but there's a competition just around the corner. Are you going to miss that as well?" I scratch the back of my head while smiling nervously.
"Well, I mean… Yeah, probably. I wasn't planning on missing so much school and practice, but some baggage of my old man's rolled into town recently and I've had all my time preoccupied with that." She stares at me curiously.
"Kiritsugu? Is this pertaining to that blonde foreigner who you came to school with a while back?" I nod.
"Yes, her name's Saber. She's an old associate of Kiritsugu. Me and Irisviel have been trying to sort out some business regarding her." She appears deep in thought by what I've said.
"Speaking of Irisviel," she finally begins "I think I'll be paying you and her a visit in the coming days. Just to make sure you're telling the truth and not actually sneaking around with a foreign lover."
"W-What? Do you really think I would-"
"Alriiiiight!" she loudly states while patting me on the back. "I'll see you later in class!" With that, she rushes off down the hall. Ugh, the last thing I need is her popping up at the house. There's no telling what she'll do when she sees Tohsaka squatting there as well… Oh well, cross that bridge when I get to it.
I open the sliding door of the Student Body room immediately upon arriving. Thankfully, I find Issei sitting at the table inside, sipping on a cup of tea. His eyes light up in surprise as I enter and close the door behind me.
"Emiya?" He questions. "I didn't expect to see you this morning. I haven't seen hide nor hair of you for a while now. I was starting to worry." I scoff while taking a seat at the table across from him.
"You must not have been that worried." I respond. "I haven't gotten and email or text, much less a phone call, from you while I've been gone."
"*sigh* Sorry, sorry. It's been a busy week. I've been lining up paperwork and meetings with the school about replacing and resupplying classes with heaters and other necessary appliances. Oh, and it only gets worse once I return to the temple. It's been nothing but work and drama there lately." The temple…
"That reminds me, Issei." I begin. "That's actually the main reason I showed up at school today." He perks up slightly and becomes more attentive as I say this. "I don't know if you know anything about this, but there was a suspicious woman skulking around late last night. I saw her head up into the temple, so I was worried she might be up to something."
"A woman?" he asks after thinking for a moment. "Did you see what she looked like?" I shake my head.
"No, she was wearing a dark cloak and I was far away from her the whole time."
"Hm. Well, if you're sure it was a woman, then it was probably the fiancée who's been staying at the temple recently. Though, I have no clue why she'd be out so late."
"Fiancée?" I ask, curious. He nods his head.
"Yeah, you didn't know? Well, probably not considering you've been absent recently. Mr. Kuzuki apparently got engaged and has been staying in the temple with his soon-to-be wife, as per his request." I'm surprised by this revelation. Mr. Kuzuki… He's a strange man, I never would've pinned him as the settling down type.
"Issei, when did he and this woman show up and start staying at the temple? If you don't mind my asking." I make a mental note as he tells me the precise date. What a coincidence. That's only a couple of days before Irisviel and I got roped into this Holy Grail War.
"Um, Emiya." Issei begins, snapping me from my thoughts. "Is there something different about you?" I look at him inquisitively.
"How so? I look different?" He shakes his head.
"No, I don't think it's that… Is it your personality? No, not quite… Hm, I can't really explain it, but it's just something about you. Your vibe is different."
"My vibe?" I question while suppressing the urge to laugh at how focused he seems. He nods in response. "Maybe. You're probably picking up on all the stress I'm harboring from how hectic it's been lately." Issei shrugs his shoulders before picking up his glass of tea.
"Maybe." He states after taking a sip.
I enjoy a cup of tea and a bit of idle chitchat with Issei for a while before excusing myself and standing from the table. Considering the time, and the encounter with Assassin, it makes perfect sense that this woman is, or rather was, a master… but, how does Mr. Kuzuki fit into the equation, then?
I think this while opening the door and walking into the hall. As I close the door, I notice a presence standing next to the doorway. I look to see Shinji leaning against the wall, apparently waiting for me to emerge from the room.
"Hello, Emiya." He greets me in a nasally voice. I notice a thick bandage and metal bracket across his nose bridge, causing me to cringe upon the memory of breaking it. I feel like I should apologize, but-
"What do you want, Shinji?" He doesn't appear surprised by my obvious hostility at all. Instead, he straightens to his feet and turns to face down the hallway while beckoning at me with his hand.
"Would you mind joining me? I have something pressing that I really need to discuss with you." I shake my head and begin turning the opposite way.
"No thanks, I'm good. I don't believe I have much to say to you. Besides, homeroom is about to start." He scoffs at my response before continuing.
"Please, you expect me to believe you care about attendance after all the days you've missed? Besides, I believe you'll want to hear me out. Any new information about this Holy Grail War is of use to you, right?" I stop dead in my tracks at his mentioning of the war. I turn back to look at him with a harsh glare, to which he responds by smiling and walking away. I begrudgingly follow him.
I find myself on the roof with Shinji, looking down through the fence at the courtyard, empty save for a few students. He hasn't said anything since we've arrived, and I begin growing impatient as he remains silent. I open my mouth to demand him to get on with it, but he speaks up before I utter a word.
"I was surprised to find out you have a servant, Emiya. You must be like me, having barely enough magic or skill to qualify as a mage." I raise my brow at him in confusion. He thinks I'm a master? I decide not to correct him, believing it's to my advantage to play along with the idea for now.
"If you know I'm a master, and if you know about the Holy Grail War, I suppose that makes you a master, too?" He nods. I grit my teeth and feel myself beginning to get angry. "Don't tell me… you're the master of Rider?" He turns his attention to me and appears surprised at my answer.
"Oh, so you've figured it out? I applaud you. Yes, I'm Rider's master. How did you know?"
"It wasn't very hard to piece together once you told me you were a master. During my first encounter with your servant, she mentioned that her master was male and that he hated me. You fit the bill pretty well." He chuckles.
"Well, that saves me a good bit of explaining then. I'll get straight to the point; I want to join with you in an alliance." I stare at him blankly for a moment, not sure I heard him correctly.
"Are you kidding me? You want to join an alliance with me? Why in the world would I ever do that?"
"There's no need to be so overdramatic, Emiya. I know we have our differences, but you and I are weak mages, weak masters. If we want to win this thing, we have to band together. Besides, it isn't as if you're opposed to the idea of an alliance. Rider told me you have two servants residing with you at your home, meaning you must've already allied with another master." Wow, he almost has a point. However, Shinji got several things wrong. I'm not a mage, I'm not a master, I don't want to win this "thing", and it was never my idea to form an alliance with Satan.
"Shinji, are you possibly forgetting that you literally sent your servant out to murder me?" He averts his gaze nervously when I ask him this.
"Can you blame me, Emiya? You assaulted me and I-" I interrupt him while instinctually clenching my fist.
"Do you really want to open that can of worms?"
"Ok, ok." He responds in irritation. "I know at your core you're a reasonable person, Emiya. All I ask is if you can let the past be water under the bridge and allow me to join in your alliance. At the very least, just until the rest of the servants have been defeated." I'd sooner pull off my fingernails than work with you.
"You're barking up the wrong tree, Shinji. Even if I wanted to ally with you… let's just say, there's no way my partner would allow that." Yeah. The only person who might dislike Shinji more than me is Tohsaka. He clearly looks upset at my refusal of his offer. "Wait. While we're on the subject, if you're a mage, does that mean Sakura is too?"
"What? No. Only one child can be trained and learn about magecraft, you know that." Is that right?
"Oh. Yeah. Right." He appears to be suspicious of my response.
"Ugh, whatever." He spits out, apparently still pissed off at my rejection. "If you won't work with me, there's no helping it. However, I have one more question for you." I nod impatiently, wanting to wrap this up as soon as possible. "What exactly did you do to Rider? Why is she refusing to fight you?" I'm slightly taken aback. I didn't expect him to ask that.
"Um, I'm not exactly sure what you mean."
"Don't you? First, she comes back from me sending her out to kill you with a hole through her head and barely able to stand up. Then, she later suddenly tells me she won't partake in any conflict with you again." I don't respond. "Mind you, I'm not saying that I'm planning on an attempt to hurt or kill you again. However, this will be a real problem for me later on, especially if you decide to set your sights on me with your servant. I'll have no way to defend myself."
"Look, I have no clue why she'd refuse to harm me. However, I won't complain if it means it'll keep you out of my hair from now on." He grits his teeth at my response.
"I feel like you're withholding information from me." Huh, more than you realize, buddy. "At the very least," he continues "if you won't agree to an alliance with me, can you settle on a ceasefire? It's hardly fair if you can attack me and I can't defend myself." I rub my temple in annoyance.
"*sigh* Again, I have no reason to negotiate with you on anything, but sure. Why not. I promise I won't attack you or your servant." But Irisviel, Saber, Tohsaka, and Archer can sure as hell knock themselves out.
"Ah, perfect! Thank you-"
"Wait." I state, interrupting him. "There's one stipulation. You also have to continue refraining from doing anything unsavory to Sakura." He scoffs at my demand.
"Oh, give it a rest, Emiya. You seriously think I'll do anything again after this?" He asks while pointing to his bandaged nose.
"I never know with you, Shinji." He's like a dog that keeps chewing up furniture no matter how many times you squirt them with the spray bottle. After having this thought, I hear the dinging of a bell over the school speakers, signifying the end of homeroom. Shinji begins walking towards the doors upon hearing the bell.
"Regardless, you have my word on me not making any moves against you or raising a hand to Sakura. You better keep your end of the deal, too." He says all this before opening the door and descending down the stairwell. I groan in relief while turning back towards the fence overlooking the courtyard below.
It may have been a boring task, but I suppose I still learned a good bit by talking to him. Between my talks with Shinji and Issei, I gathered plenty, more than I bargained for, information today. I suppose my trip to school was a success, then.
I decide there's no reason to stick around school any longer, especially since I still have to train with Saber. I begin walking towards the doors while pulling out my phone, sending a message to Sakura letting her know I'm returning home early. After debating for a moment, I also send her a text wishing her good luck at archery practice, before entering the stairwell.
The trip home was quick and quiet. Considering everyone is at school or work during this time, there were no passerbys or traffic on my way back. I manage to make it home in no time thanks to this.
All of the lights except for the ones in the dining room are out. This fact, accompanied by the light snoring emanating from my room, courtesy of Tohsaka, tells me everyone must still be asleep. I decide I better hurry and use this chance to go train with Saber, before everyone gets up and active again.
I arrive at the large wooden door to the dojo. I raise my hand to the handle. Upon entering my field of vision, my outstretched hand freezes midair. …what? I'm filled with shock as I stare at my hand. Within the grip of my clenched fingers is an object I hadn't realized I'd been holding until I tried to open the dojo's door. My arrow.
I don't remember grabbing this from the dining room. I don't even remember entering the dining room. Did I seriously pick this up without realizing it? It wouldn't necessarily surprise me, considering it's second nature by now for me to have the arrow with me, but… I tuck the arrow away in my pants, deciding not to dwell on the how or why, lest I begin getting paranoid. So much for not keeping it on me today.
Saber is waiting for me within the dojo but, surprisingly, she isn't stoically kneeling in the center of the room, meditating, as per usual. Instead, she's reading a book while sitting at a small table, a new addition to the barren dojo.
"Oh, Shirou." She calls to me upon noticing my presence. She places the book down and stands up from the table before making her way across the dojo to me.
"Nice table." I comment as she arrives.
"O-Oh, yes. I hope you don't mind. I found it in the attic when I was gathering some books to read." I walk to the rack holding the shinai as she explains.
"You knew we had books in the attic?" I ask while bending down to pick up the bow I left here. She nods.
"I asked Irisviel if there was anything I could do to occupy my time with while she's resting. After rejecting her suggestions of reading her manga and watching the television, she told me that there are a lot of old books in the attic that have been there since before you both moved in. There are quite a fascinating few among them." I'm honestly surprised the heroic spirit enjoys reading. This whole time I assumed all she liked was chivalry and fighting. In the end, she is still a girl, I suppose.
The lesson was much tamer and more mundane today compared to the other ones. It's refreshing to have a teacher that promotes using a bow efficiently, as opposed to Miss Fujimura who just wants me to hit a bullseye every time. Saber also seems to be opening up to me more. Instead of always looking stern and serious, I've even seen her smile a few times as we've trained today. Strange… I feel closer to her since the last time we've talked. Without being sure as to exactly how, I now understand her more.
"So, Saber," I begin while wiping the sweat from my brow "did you and Irisviel do whatever you set out to do last night? Defeat Berserker or whatever?" She shakes her head.
"Did it appear that way when you saw Irisviel this morning?" I recall how she looked before I wrapped her in a hug. True, she did seem disappointed. "We covered a good bit of Fuyuki last night. It's hard to believe we didn't run into Berserker. Given that class's disposition, I would've thought it to be difficult to not run into him. It's almost as if they made a point not to be found. Like they were hiding." That's an interesting theory.
"Why's that?"
"I'm not sure." She responds while appearing lost in thought. "Again, it's just what I'm assuming. It could be possible the master and servant were just attending to business elsewhere from where we searched." I begin pondering the possibility as well. That child… why is she suddenly playing hide-and-seek?
"I suppose this means you and Irisviel will be going out again tonight?" Saber nods.
"Yes. My master told me so before she went to rest." I frown slightly at Saber's confirmation.
"Could I... possibly come with you two?" Saber shakes her head.
"I believe Irisviel already answered that question for you."
"But!" I instantly retort, not sure exactly what to say. "Saber I… I have to be there, you know? If something were to happen… Even if me being there changes nothing, even if I'm too weak to do anything, I wouldn't be able to go on living knowing I wasn't there for her." Saber offers a smile at my reasoning.
"Well…" She begins. "It isn't as though we can force you to stay here and not come. If, for example, you were to follow us without our knowing and jump in to help if something transpired, it'd just be out of our hands." I crack a wide smile at Saber once I realize what she's hinting at. I grab her hand and shake it enthusiastically.
"Thank you, Saber. I owe you for this." She skews her brow and offers me a confused look.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just saying if you were to follow us, and make sure to not be discovered by Irisviel, there'd be no helping it." I begin walking to the exit while stifling a laugh at her wink-wink nudge-nudge command.
"Yeah, I guess there wouldn't. Until next time, teach." I offer her a small salute as I exit the room.
As I enter the hall leading to the dining room, I hear a door further down the hall slide open. I look to see Tohsaka emerge from my room, looking fully awake and dressed.
"And so, the dragon emerges from its cave." I call out to her. She gives me an angry, yet tired stare before approaching me.
"Wouldn't a better analogy be Sleeping Beauty waking up?" She asks.
"I don't like telling lies." She half-forcefully elbows me in the side after hearing my remark as she passes. I follow her to the front door where she begins putting on her shoes.
"Leaving?" I ask. She nods in response. "I suppose you're out to hunt Caster again?" She nods once more. "Before you go, I learned a good bit today that I think you might want me to relay to you."
"Learned a good bit?" She repeats. "What do you mean?"
I explain that I went to school today to follow up on a few things that were bothering me. I tell her that there was cause for suspicion on that woman I saw last night; she and, surprisingly, Mr. Kuzuki became engaged and took up residence at Ryuudou Temple right around when the Grail War began. Given this, she was probably the master of the Assassin servant we fought there. However, there may be more to it, considering I've yet to discover how Mr. Kuzuki is involved with her.
I further explain that, not only did I discover Shinji is a master, but he's also the mystery master of Rider. He's under the misconception that I'm the master of Saber and he knows that I'm allied with another master and servant, though it appears he doesn't know it's Tohsaka. He negotiated a ceasefire with me, but that doesn't include the two servants or Tohsaka and Irisviel. Unbeknownst to him.
Tohsaka blinks a few times after my lengthy explanation. She averts her gaze and begins twiddling with her fingers nervously. Is it just me, or does she look a bit uncomfortable? No, it'd be more accurate to say she looks ashamed.
"Emiya, I…" She begins, hesitantly. "I feel like… I owe you an apology." This time it's my turn to blink several times in confusion.
"Huh?"
"It's been on my mind, recently. I realized you've actually been helping quite a bite throughout this whole ordeal. You've unveiled most of the masters and servants, all by yourself. Even though you don't have a servant, you've still fought against them alone."
"Hey, come on now. It's not like I wanted to."
"Sh-Shut up! Let me finish." I shut my mouth at her command. "And, if it wasn't for you, Archer and I wouldn't have been able to secure the first kill last night." You're giving me too much credit. All I did was stumble upon him; Archer is the one who did all the work. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, when we first formed this alliance, I thought you were just going to be useless, a hindrance even. However, …you've proven you can be of use. Even if you are weak and stupid." That last part wasn't necessary, but still.
"Am I hearing right?" I ask sarcastically. "Is the great Tohsaka actually commending me?" A blush paves its way across her cheeks, and I swear I hear what sounds like a growl come from her.
"Ugh, whatever! I should've just kept my mouth shut." She states while standing to her feet and opening the door. "Don't let it go to your head! All I'm trying to say is that you've proven instead of being 0% help you're about 10%- no, 5% helpful!" With that, she walks out and slings the door shut. Refreshing to see she's still the same.
After putting on dinner, I find myself with nothing to do. I debate for a while on what to occupy my time with, eventually deciding to go out to the shed and make sure the bow Archer made is there, ready to go.
The shed door opens with a quiet creak, as usual. I find the bow inside right where I left it, on my woodworking bench. It'd be a good idea to bring it with me tonight. I'm not hoping Irisviel finds that little girl, but if she does, I can only hope to do something if I have it with me. Even then, I don't know. I recall how my normal arrows merely deflected off of Rider's body, as if they were made of plastic. But if push comes to shove… I unsheathe the arrow from my pants. This should be able to do something, right?
A warmth spreads across my abdomen. The sound of footsteps, paired with the familiar nagging feeling in the back of my head, tells me Archer has entered the shed.
"Archer?" I ask while turning to face him. "What are you still doing here? Your master left a while ago." He shrugs his shoulders. The aloof action, however, betrays his overall visage. He seems oddly serious.
"I wanted to have a word with you before I left. I've been waiting for a chance to catch you alone." I stare at him in confusion.
"How did you know I was going to come out to the shed?"
"I had a feeling you would. After watching you these past days, you seem more likely than not to come out to this shed at least once a day. Usually in the evening." I feel unnerved at the servant once again revealing to me just how often he watches me.
"Very perceptive." I respond, not knowing what else to say. After a short pause, Archer continues.
"So, you're going to follow Irisviel when she searches for Berserker tonight?"
"You heard that?" He nods.
"A word of caution; don't get in over your head. You may have pulled off a miracle the first time you faced him, but I highly doubt you can even scratch that monster Berserker." I scoff at his warning.
"It's nice to see you're so concerned about me. However, I'll do whatever's required of me if the need arises." Yes. Whatever it takes.
Archer doesn't appear pleased with my response. He furrows his brow and gives me a critical look for a moment, but it quickly disappears. He turns away from me and looks out the doorway of the shed, at the setting sun over the horizon.
"Tell me, Shirou Emiya." He suddenly begins. "Why is it that you fight in this war? Tohsaka desires the grail, Irisviel is suspicious about the overseer of this war, Saber has her own wish... What of you?"
"…stop doing that." I mutter under my breath.
"Stop doing what?"
"Every time you talk to me, you consistently address me by full name, Shirou Emiya. Just pick one or the other. Shirou or Emiya. Or even just call me 'you'."
"Hm…" He lightly hums, continuing to stare out at the sunset. I grow slightly annoyed that he's averting his eyes while talking to me. "Sorry, but I'm going to refuse your demand."
"Excuse me?" I ask, feeling my own temper shortening. "What do you mean you refuse?"
"Well, in so many words, I feel the necessity to do so."
"Why?"
"Because. Someone has to remind you who you are."
His words irritate me. His words infuriate me. I can't fathom why they fill me with such anger, but they do. What exactly does he think he knows about me? I swallow my anger. I swallow my pride.
"Whatever, do as you please." I pull my own gaze away from him, deciding to mimic him if he feels no necessity in looking at me while we talk. "As for why I fight in this war, I'm surprised you feel the need to ask such an idiotic question. I've made my motivation clear from the beginning. I'm fighting because that's what Irisiviel chose to do. I just want to stand by her, keep her safe, and see her through the end of this moronic fairy tale."
"Yes," Archer begins "I figured as much. I've just been wondering lately if your reasons are a bit more convoluted than that. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something else compelling you, isn't there?" Something else…?
"What? I assure you, my goal in this goes no further than doing whatever I can to help Irisviel."
"Just Irisviel? What of the bystanders in this town who may end up caught in the fray?"
"That would be regrettable, but it's not my job to protect everyone who walks the face of the planet." I retort sarcastically. A long pause ensues after I say this. Finally, Archer responds.
"Just to clarify… You have no desire to be a hero?" Huh? What in the hell kind of a question is that?
"No. Not in the slightest." I state with little thought before picking up the bow and running my finger along the string. I wait in the awkward silence to hear Archer's response, but he says nothing. I finally glance at him just to see the shed doorway empty. He'd already left.