I do not own any of the Fate series, the following is a non-profit fan-based parody. The Fate series is the property of Konoki Nasu, UFOTABLE, Type Moon, and Aniplex. Please support the official release.
A Long Night
Why am I having dreams like that all of a sudden? Shirou thought to himself as he threw the dirty sheets and clothes into the laundry bin. It was so real, I'm just glad Saber was already gone, an explanation out of that would've been awkward. Speaking of which….. He searched the house for his Servant before eventually spotting her coming out of Sakura's bedroom.
"Hey Saber, we've gotta head out. I need to go talk to Kotomine before school."
She turned to greet him, and already he could tell that something was wrong, "Good morning Shirou, there is something I need to tell you as well. It's Sakura, she's not feeling well, she's resting now but she's been burning up, and the way she tosses in her sleep, I wouldn't hesitate to guess she's having night terrors."
Shirou walked up to the door, but he stopped with his hand on the door handle. I should let her rest, we've got business to handle and she'll be in a better talking mood with more energy. He released the handle and backed away, turning back to face Saber, his face steeled in conviction. "Saber, what was the relationship Kiritsugu had with the Einzbern's in the last Holy Grail War?"
His Servant was visibly surprised by the question, Saber looked like she wasn't entirely sure how to answer it either. "He was hired by them to ensure their victory, with his previous history of combating magi he was a smart choice. Through circumstance he came to fall in love with who would become the vessel of the Grail, Irisviel von Einzbern. From there union came his daughter Illya, from what I observed his family loved him, and prayed for his victory. Aside from that, I don't know much, we were fundamentally different people and as such didn't operate as a duo much if at all."
As Saber fed Shirou information, his mind was running a mile a minute, trying to connect things to data he already had, but getting the full picture by piecing scraps together was arduous. "Let's go Saber, we can check up on Sakura when we get back, I think I heard Taiga around here so she won't mind keeping an eye on her." With that he turned on his heels and headed to the front door, waiting as Saber informed Taiga of Sakura's condition before heading off to see the fake priest.
"So this Irisviel," Shirou asked as he walked, the brisk air tickling his face, "Illya's mother, you said she was the vessel for the Grail, how is that possible?"
"Giving the Grail a vessel would give it the ability to protect and maintain itself until it was time to summon it." Saber explained.
Snow began to fall, lightly dusting the rooftops and sidewalk with fine powder. Shirou responded back to his Servant, "So they're basically a walking cocoon. I remember Illya saying something to Rin, that talent can be manufactured, are the Einzbern's….is Illya even human?"
"Irisviel was a homunculus created by the Einzbern's, that would make Illya at least half homunculus, but also half human. Shirou, what is with the new found curiosity, it provokes similar feeling within myself."
Shirou narrowed his eyes in front of him, blocking the snow from falling into his sight, "I'm not entirely sure myself, what do you know about the Matou family?"
"Nothing." She answered.
"That's why we're going to see Kirei, a Matou knows about Kiritsugu's connection to the Einzbern's, and it's not a stretch to assume that if Illya mother could be a grail vessel that she could do the same. Sakura's 'grandfather' asked me about her last night."
Saber's demeanor changed, she looked very seriously at Shirou, "Is that right? That would mean he had knowledge of the previous Grail War, of which I don't remember a Matou being involved, unless…." she trails off here, reflecting on her past within her mind.
Shirou doesn't notice as they approach the church gate's, he turns to his Servant before giving her an order, "Don't come inside. Kotomine seems like the kind of guy that enjoys getting under people's skin, I don't want to give a possible enemy the chance to figure out what makes you tick."
Saber nods, understanding her Master's reasoning and allows him to continue on into the church by himself. As she watches him disappear into the church, she can't help but worry about Shirou. If Kotomine could possibly break down her mental walls, would Shirou fare any better?
The church was well lit from the light that poured in through the window, Shirou couldn't help but admire the condition that the fake priest kept the church. He walked down the aisle, he noticed that someone else was already here. Kotomine was talking to a blonde haired, from the quality of his clothes, the jewelry, and immaculate appearance, Shirou could tell that this man held some position of power. As he approached the two, they finally gave notice to his presence, Kotomine was first to acknowledge him.
"Ah Shirou, to what do I owe the pleasure."
The Master raised a hand in dismissal, "Oh I can wait, didn't mean to be rude." He headed for a seat in one of the rows and tried his best to feign interest in the art hanging up on the walls. Kotomine and the blonde didn't speak much longer, as the blonde walked by him to leave he stopped in the row Shirou sat in.
"Quite a unique specimen you are." Shirou couldn't help but feel that the blonde was talking more to himself than to him. The blonde then walked out of the church through what Shirou guessed was a back exit. He turned his attention back to Kirei, who was now sitting on the other end of the bench.
"Now what was it that you needed, don't tell me you've changed your mind?" The fake priest asked, the smile slapped on his face dripped with arrogance.
"No, you were a Master in the previous Grail War right? Let's cut the bullshit, I need to know if any Matou's participated."
Kirei glared at him, "And why should I divulge that information?"
"I believe someone might be trying to make a move on the Grail and it's your duty to uphold the integrity of the War, figured it would peak your interest." Shirou said nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders as if it was no big deal.
Kotomine seemed to take a moment to think it over before saying, "A Matou?"
"That's right." Shirou said, nodding his head. "An elderly man who claims to be the grandfather of the youngest Matou heirs. Bald, wrinkling, eyes devoid of any life."
"Zouken, you filthy worm." Kirei spat the name out as if it was mud on his tongue. "Yes I know the man, I thought he might show up, monitoring his position is tricky considering his…condition."
"Condition?" Shirou questioned.
"The soul isn't everlasting Shirou, when the body dies that soul has no anchor to this world, and will return to the Root. Some are stubborn and refuse to go back, instead forcing their life force into other living beings."
Shirou thought about what the priest was telling him. The soul? Just what is he getting at.
The fake priest continued, "The Holy Grail War is conducted normally every 60 years, this is the 5th. Zouken Matou has been around since the 3rd, and that's just as far back as the Church was monitoring him."
"Wait, I could easily see the guy being 70, but you're saying he might be older?" Shirou asked.
"That's right." Kotomine stood up, "Killing him will be no easy feat. I believe Zouken is spreading his life force among a swarm of bugs that makes up his body, he has complete control of them allowing him to mitigate any damage that doesn't target his entire body." He began walking out of the aisle.
Shirou stood up too, "You sure do know a lot about him."
Kirei walked out of the aisle and headed towards the front, "By an encounter with him I was able to devise enough of a theory, but it is only that. I don't know his full capabilities."
Shirou headed out of the aisle himself, "One more question, why are you being so generous?"
Kirei shrugged, "Can it not be out of the kindness of my heart?"
"No." Shirou deadpanned.
His comment elicited a chuckle from the fake priest, "Honestly, I don't see you lasting long, figured I'd deserved a little help. C'mon you don't seem to be the idiot I thought you were, you have to have noticed."
Shirou sighed, the guy was right, "I figured you didn't stay cooped in this church all day, and a man like yourself has to have eyes and ears around the city."
"How perceptive."
"But your right, I appreciate your concern but we've handled ourselves so far, we can handle it." With that Shirou heading towards the exit.
Shirou Emiya what is your wish?" Kirei called after him.
Shirou stopped with his hand on the door handle, I guess it doesn't hurt to let the guy know, any publicity is good publicity.
He turned to the fake priest with a smile on his face, "Peace. Everlasting. Shirou Emiya is going to save the world." He walked out the door with his statement.
Kotomine stood in silence for a moment, "What a fool."
Shirou walked out of the gates of the church, there Saber stood guard, walking over to him when she noticed his return. "How was it? Did you learn anything?"
Her Master nodded, "Yeah, took a little longer than I expected though, we won't be able to check on Sakura. Taiga will set her up well, but we should head to school."
The duo headed off, along the way Shirou told Saber all he had learned about the Matou's, and the truth about Zouken. "So Saber, I was wondering, what abilities do you possess? Do you have anything that could beat him?"
The Servant looked down in contemplation, "I have abilities that benefit my swordplay, but I do have a Noble Phantasm that may be able to take him out if every bug that he possesses is in one spot."
"Which is no guarantee, well we'll keep that in our back pocket just in case." He said as he crossed his hands behind his head.
"Shirou, there is something I've been meaning to discuss, the amount of mana that an attack like that will take-"
"Don't worry about it, I've got it covered. I've been trying out some new training that naturally reinforces my mana," he lied, "plus I've got a few potions for mana as well."
Even though I hate using them, he thought, I got the plants from a magi caravan that came through town one day. It never comes around often enough for me to expect another visit soon though.
"Really? I must admit Shirou your progress is frightening." Saber praised.
He uncrossed his hands, looking up at the snow that was now blanketing everything. "Well I think about everything that you've done in your life. Even without the superhuman speed and strength you were still a great king and a warrior with no match. The story of King Arthur inspires hope and courage, you're a hero."
"Nobody is perfect Shirou." Saber scolded.
"That's not what I mean. Chivalry, moral character, and loyalty are all traits of a hero, traits you possess. It's not about your faults or your failures, it's about ensuring peace and happiness. As long as you tried and didn't waver in the face of all who would threaten that, then you've done the world a service."
Saber looked at Shirou surprised, the world hit home with her. "Those are very kind words Shirou, you have a very noble view, but I fear that you may hold too high of standards."
The Master chuckled, "Yeah, like you said nobody is perfect."
They walked for a little while longer, watching little kids throw snowballs at each other. The snow had stopped and the sun was beginning to peak from among the clouds. As they reached the school, Shirou told Saber to patrol the rooftop, keeping a birdseye view of the campus. With a nod they went their separate ways. Shirou's day was largely uneventful, Mr. Kuzuki and Issei appeared to have not came today, maybe there was a problem up at the temple?
Caster… he thought as he was walking down the hallway.
"Emiya!" He turned to see Rin walking towards him, with everyone behind her looking at him, he couldn't resist a grin.
Homurahara's Brownie with a school legend like Tohsaka? Must be frying their brains. He chuckled at the thought.
Rin spun him around as she past him, directing him by the arm up the school stairs, he could feel the collective eyes of the entire hallway on the back of his head. "We're eating together right?"
He began to separate from her grip, "Uh yeah but I have to grab my-"
"Nonsense, I've already packed you a lunch." She smiled at him reassuringly.
Shirou blinked hard at her, "Say what now?"
"Oh um well," she stammered, her face becoming slightly flushed, "I know how good of a cook you are and I wanted to see how mine stood up." She walked slightly faster, blocking the view of her face from him.
"Tohsaka…" he looked at the fellow Master ahead of him, he hadn't really learned any of her interests outside of the defeat of every other Master and her sheer tenacity in thaumaturgy. Shirou walked up to match her speed, placing an arm around her shoulder and giving her a thumbs up, "I can't wait to try it Tohsaka!"
They finally reached the top of the building, Shirou walked along its perimeter, then returned to the middle where Rin stood. He called out, "Saber, if you can hear me, Tohsaka and I are on the roof."
The two Masters sat next to each other against the wall of the exit. Shirou gratefully accepted the sandwiches and drink from Rin.
"Wow, this really is good Tohsaka." He said while he was in between mouthfuls.
Rin's glare burned into his soul, "Why do you sound surprised?"
"Umm I have no idea what you're talking about?" Shirou tried his best not to showing the Tohsaka heir that he was sweating.
Rin sighed, turning back to her lunch, "Thanks again for practicing with Sakura, I'm sure she appreciated it."
He dismissed her with a wave, "No thanks needed. Like you said I'm her friend, I shouldn't be neglectful. That being said I hope that one time is enough for now, considering I'm constantly in fear for my life."
This elicited a giggle from Rin, "Yeah that makes sense."
Shirou looked at Rin from the corner of his eye, "Your recent increase in concern for Sakura is curious though, never thought you guys were close."
"I've seen her around and know how much of a dick her brother is." She retorted.
"Speaking of shady Matou's, Sakura is staying with me until further notice, Shinji assured that. So we'll find out soon enough who the Master really is. Either I'll run into Shinji or get stabbed in the back by my best friend in my own house." He went back to calmly eating his meal as Rin looked perplexed at him.
"You are taking that way to well." She pointed out.
He shrugged his shoulders, "Saber says she's come down with something anyways. Plus she didn't kill me when we here yesterday, a part of your plan I'm sure, just like you to use me as bait."
Rin looked out towards the sun, watching it's rays reflect off the layers of snow in brilliant sparkles. "That's not it not entirely. You see, Sakura is my sister." She looked over to Shirou, upon seeing his dumbfounded look, she figured it ok to continue. "Magi families are only meant to have one successor, but my father gave birth to two girls, both with exceptional potential in magic. Since the Matou's were a dying bloodline, my father agreed to give her to them to be their heir. Hence why I had to see if she would kill you or not, then again she could be the Master and not kill you because you're her," she paused, looked at him and cleared her throat, "'friend'."
"Never would've noticed, so…... is that her natural hair color?"
"Yes, what are you going to talk with your red hair?" She shot back.
"You're right, leaving that one alone. Anyways, I went and talked to Kotomine."
Rin looked puzzled, "You're the last person I'd expect to talk to him."
"I ran into someone suspicious at the Matou residence, an elderly man by the name of Zouken Matou. He appears to be keeping close tabs on Shinji and Sakura, and if he isn't a Master himself, he's coordinating with one of them, maybe both. Kotomine says the Church has been tracking him perhaps farther back than the Third Grail War."
Rin stood up to stretch, "I should tell you that Kirei isn't the most trustworthy person for information."
"That's not it, he also brought up Illya."
"So he knows she's the vessel? Well that's definitely concerning." She added.
The redhead looked skeptically at her, How do you know that?"
She smirked and shook her head at his question, "The Tohsaka's provided the locale for the Grail War, which came to be known as Fuyuki. It is the Einzbern's duty to provide suitable homunculi to act as vessels for the Grail."
"Shirou, Rin." The two Masters turned to see Saber approaching them. "The perimeter is currently secure, although there is a distinct magical presence around the school."
"Oh that's just an enemy bounded field, Rin's already tried removing it with no luck. Anyways know that Saber is here, I can let you guys know what else I found out. Saber, the Servant you fought at the end of the last war, did he have blonde hair, air of superiority, and a penchant for shiny things?"
His Servant nodded, "Yes that sounds like the Archer Servant. You saw him?"
Shirou stood up to be eye level with the two women, "Well he wasn't exactly hiding, I saw him talking to Kirei when I walked in, wasn't able to get any of that conversation unfortunately."
"So Kirei has a Servant, and another Archer on top of that," Rin remarked.
So the two stayed atop the school building for a little while longer as Saber explained what she knew of Kirei's Archer's abilities. Once their business was concluded the two Masters went back to their classes, and Saber to her covert reconnaissance. Shirou didn't do much the rest of the day, instead using the time to look over his Servant Index and reading what it contained on Illya's Servant, Hercules. Unfortunately, it appeared the index only contained knowledge that he already knew, so it was for the most part useless. As the final bell rung to end of the school day, Shirou tried his best to hide his desire to leave the classroom.
I can catch up on all of this stuff when I'm sure I'll be living tomorrow, he thought as he exited the school building. Shirou didn't bring up the other thing Kirei said to him to Saber and Rin, but the words stuck to his mind nonetheless.
You won't last long. You have to have noticed? The fake priest had told him and Shirou understood why. As of now, every other Servant has come for his head, even from his own alliance. Telling others would only make them more paranoid, but Shirou still didn't like the target painted on his back.
"Hey Emiya," Rin walked up to his side as they exited the school campus, Saber walked up to his other side as the black haired Master spoke, "I meant to say something else. I talked to Issei if anything weird was going on at Ryuudou Temple the other day. Apparently Mr. Kuzuki has taken a fiancee, a woman who simply appeared out of nowhere."
"And you think he is the master to Caster? At this point I wouldn't be surprised."
"That's not all, I heard from the faculty that he's coming by the school to pick up some papers, so we should be able to catch on his way back home."
He sighed, "Good plan, I thought you wanted to outright kill him."
"Well not yet at least." She added.
"That's fine with me, Saber?" He turned to his Servant, who looked to be enjoying the scenery.
"Huh? Uh yes, my purpose is to battle after all." She looked in front of Shirou to address the other Master, "Will you not be calling on Archer?"
Rin looked away from the two, "Not unless we get in a pinch, I don't want him around Caster."
The three stopped at an abandoned gas station, Rin revealing this to be a prime ambush spot for Mr. Kuzuki on his way to the Temple. Rin and Shirou hid inside the schack, while Saber patrolled the forested area that was on the other side of the road, blocking off his main escape route. They waited for what seemed like hours, made only more boring by the fact that Rin restricted talking to preserve their stealth. By the time Rin nudged him to signal Mr. Kuzuki's arrival, his legs were well on their way to being asleep. Rin aimed her Gandr curse for their teacher's shoulder and let it fly, hitting him spot on, or so they thought.
"I told you Master, it is not safe for you to be travelling on the roads at night. Enemies will certainly try to attack you." A woman's voice came from the ether.
"Perish the thought." Mr. Kuzuki said, his face an expressionless canvas.
Shirou was the first to appear from the gas station, raising his hands up to signify he was no threat. "What's up Mr. Kuzuki. Caster, have you gave my offer any thought?"
His gamble worked out as the Servant showed herself, flying high above his head, "Hmmph, indeed. But you have attacked my Master, so what would be an appropriate response?" She replied.
The redhead scratched the back of his head, "So, Mr. Kuzuki, is Caster controlling you, I'm sure you understand the importance in my question."
"What makes you assume she is controlling me?" His teacher asked.
"Mage, hates men, seems to love her underlings." He looked up to the Servant flying above him, "She certainly plays the role of witch well enough." Caster sneered at his remark.
Mr. Kuzuki blinked at Shirou, "No, Caster is not controlling me, I simply follow her command of my own will. Death is not uncommon to an assassin, as such the lives of others means nothing to me, just as mine means nothing to them."
"For a teacher, you sure do make dumb choices. Trace on." Shirou said with a grin as he produced Kanshou and Bakuya. He took a step forward, drawing the full attention of Caster and Mr. Kuzuki. He watched as Saber emerged from the trees, lunging straight for the lung of Mr. Kuzuki. As Shirou's teacher caught Saber's sword between his knee and elbow, everyone present could've heard a pin drop at that moment. The assassin turned teacher immediately poured it on the Servant, closed fist strikes to her collarbone and ribs in quick succession appeared to heavily damage Saber, much to Shirou's surprise and horror. With the speed of a cracking whip, Mr, Kuzuki hit Saber with a spinning heel kick from hell that sent her flying into the gas station meters behind him. Shirou hoped Saber didn't end up colliding with Rin and incapacitate their backup.
"You said you wanted the blonde Caster? Here's your chance." Mr. Kuzuki said, he turned to Shirou, "I'll take care of Mr. Emiya."
The Master's circled each other, Shirou could only assume that Caster was enhancing Mr. Kuzuki's physical conditioning. The assassin made the first move, dashing inside of Shirou's swords and landing a punch to his left shoulder, Shirou moved back in time to mitigate the damage, but the force was enough to dematerialize Kanshou. A flurry of straights and jabs were sent Shirou's way, who used exceptional head movement to dodge most of the blows, he could feel the force of the wind being pushed from the strikes. The last few strikes he met with his lone sword, bright red sparks emitting from the point of their contact. The two jumped back from each other before rushing back in, each trying to gain the advantage. Shirou threw Bakuya at Mr. Kuzuki's heart, opening up a point when the teacher had to side step it for him to land a solid hook to the face, and a spinning elbow to the temple. The assassin looked unfazed, even as Shirou thew hook after hook into his teacher's gut, Shirou could tell the magic of Caster was definitely to be admired. Shirou ducked a kick to the head just for it to come crashing down on the top of his head.
Shirou tried to blink the haze from his vision, only to stumble back and fall on his butt. Before he could process his position, a foot came down on his chest, pinning him to the ground. Shirou looked up to see his teacher, no the assassin Mr. Kuzuki standing over him, the same expressionless mask he always wore looking down back at him. An explosion could be heard behind them, looking up Shirou could see that Rin had finally revealed herself to Caster and was now working with Saber on the offensive.
He's distracted, but I'm still pinned, if I trace a weapon he'll notice, Shirou thought. However, something twinkling behind Mr. Kuzuki caught his eye, looking past his teacher he could see his constellation in the sky, forming itself into an arrow. It was almost subconscious and Shirou said it so low that even he could barely hear himself.
"O' Heaven."
The constellation shone bright enough that Shirou had to turn his head, so he didn't see the bright light falling from the sky, gaining incredible momentum as it reached its target. When Shirou looked again, Mr. Kuzuki was not over him anymore, instead his teacher was howling in pain as what looked to be an arrow made of pure light had impaled his leg. Caster was the next to notice and was next to her Master in an instant. It didn't take her long to dissipate the arrow and stop the bleeding, but it was obvious that Mr. Kuzuki was done fighting for the night.
"Souichirou-kun, are you alright?" Concern was in her voice, and it sounded like she was close to tears.
"I'm fine Medea, no need to worry." He replied trying to console his Servant.
Shirou stood up, looking behind him he saw Rin and Saber running to his side, but he raised a hand indicating them to stop where they were, the two looked confused but did as he asked. He turned back to Caster, taking a step forward he was instantly met with Caster's spells pointed at his face. Shirou raised his hands hoping to quell her anger.
"Taro simmered in broth" He said.
Caster looked as if he had grown a second head, "Excuse me?"
Shirou took another step, "A good meal heals the body, mind, and soul. Perfect fro a recovery. As newlywed's you're bound to cook for him eventually, and I doubt food magic is in your arsenal, though I wouldn't be surprised."
"Did I hit you too hard on the head Mr. Emiya?" Mr. Kuzuki asked, his face didn't show concern of course but Shirou could definitely hear it.
The redhead took another step, "My mythology is a little rusty, but I'm familiar with the legend of Jason and the Argonauts." Upon saying the name Jason a sneer appeared on Caster's face. "A witch indeed. You're just a woman with exceptional skill given a bad rep. I only wish to fight those that would stand in the way of peace and justice, I feel that you desire something more...intimate."
A blush appeared on Caster's face, "You don't know what you're talking about."
"There might be a way to keep you around permanently, we've discovered that a Servant from a past Grail War is still walking around, the same could be done for you."
"Liar!" She spat.
Shirou dropped his arms and smiled, "No more tricks Caster, no more deception. Be honest, if you two are truly in love then I'll do everything in my power to maintain your holy union. The way I see it, neither of you are a threat, especially if you have each other. Even if you try to kill me again, I'll only incapacitate you two, and release you when the war is over and Caster, or Mrs. Kuzuki, has a real body." Saying that, he turned around and began walking back towards the now stunned Saber and Rin.
"Mr. Emiya," Shirou turned around to Mr. Kuzuki, "why?"
A wide smile graced the redhead's face, "I made a promise, to save everybody in front of me. I'll use the Grail to ensure world peace however it may be possible. Plus if it's how I believe, there should be more than enough mana in that cup to share. Shirou Emiya, hero of justice, remember the name." He turned again and didn't look back as Caster and her Master disappeared into the night sky.
"Master! Why did you let them escape?" Saber scolded him, Rin looked to demand the same explanation.
"I signed up to save the world, not kill at my hearts content. Besides, sometimes the good guys and bad guys aren't as clear as they seem." He didn't stop walking, going past the two and down the street, leaving the two women to catch up.
"Where are you going?" Rin asked.
"Home, then to Illya." He answered.
It was Saber's turn to ask him, appearing in front of him in the blink of an eye, "What are you thinking Shirou?" She placed a hand on his chest, "Don't leave me in the dark."
"Illya's the key to all of this, and if we can sway her to our side, it'd definitely help sway Caster into peace." He said.
"Four Master's on one side?" Saber thought the idea ingenuous, if more than extremely ridiculous. The three began walking again as Shirou explained.
"I'm not entirely sure what Illya wants, but I do know I'm one of those things. I'm hoping I can calm her homicidal tendencies and get her to see reason?"
Rin looked skeptical, "And if you can't?"
He took a long breathe, "We put her down, I can't allow a bloodthirsty girl and a raging Hercules to run rampant in Fuyuki." The idea made him sick, but he knew Illya would kill him if she needed to without hesitating, and he couldn't entrust his burden on anybody else.
The three continued back into town, where they went their separate ways after Shirou and Saber dropped Rin off at her place. "Meet us at the edge of the forest in about an hour, Saber and I won't enter until you're there." Rin nodded in agreement before disappearing into her house. Shirou could see Archer from the window, he waved at the Servant who responded with a middle finger.
About right, Shirou laughed softly as he and Saber headed off. Walking through the city at night always brought Shirou tranquility, the city always seemed to breathe like sleeping giant at night. As they passed an alleyway, Shirou could hear a woman's' muffled voice, he could almost make out cries of anguish. The two looked at each other and walked down the alley, and to their shock they saw the purple haired Servant from the school, with her mouth attached to the neck of a young woman. At the notice of their arrival, the enemy Servant detached herself from the woman, leaving a trail of blood down her neck.
"Hello, lover," She said in Shirou's direction, though her eye covering didn't make things easy. "I've missed you, have you come to be mine? Or have you found another? I promise you she cannot offer the pleasures and joy I can provide." Shirou could feel his hair stand on end, and his heart felt like it was being pulled in her direction. Her body language promised to fulfill his desires, but he couldn't help but feel like he's seen this situation before. He had, the nature channel as a snake stared down its prey.
Saber didn't waste any time, shoulder rushing into the Servant, who jumped up and around her, dragging her chains with her as she went. If she was attempting to corral Saber with her chain, it didn't work. The blonde Servant grabbed the chain and wrapped it in her fist, as the purple haired Servant made to free her weapon from Saber's grip, Saber pulled on the chain with all her strength sending her enemy crashing into the wall opposite of her.
"Rider!" Shinji appeared from an adjacent alleyway to stand in front of the downed Servant. "Get up! You have to!" From his hand he opens a book, which appears to glow for a moment before encasing his Servant in electricity which seems to put her in extreme pain. "Worthless! You disgusting snake bitch, this was our chance, we won't get another one. You've ruined everything!"
Shinji raised a hand to strike his Servant, but was caught by Shirou who appeared at his side, "That's enough Shinji." First he shoved Shinji away from the Rider Servant, then kneeling down he brought her face into his hands, caressing her softly. "I'm sorry this happened to you, you deserve to fight for your wish, but not like this."
In a flash the Rider Servant was on him, and before Shirou could react, they were engaged in a battle of tongues as she kissed him. She softly bit his bottom lip as they parted, breathing a "Thank you" to him as she disappeared. A yelp arose from Shinji, Shirou turned to see the book that was in his possession burst into brilliant blue flames.
"You truly are useless. A disgrace of a Matou for sure." A gravelly voice came from behind them, Shirou knew it was Zouken but when he turned to confront the elder Matou, all that was left were a few retreating bugs. While his head was turned Shinji made to escape, Shirou didn't stop him either seeing the former Master as no more of a threat.
"Let's go Saber, we have work to do." He said, storming past his Servant with the unconscious woman in his arms, he headed for his house. "I'm getting real sick of this."
Luckily the police station was on the way home, so Shirou was able to hand her over to the authorities, explaining to them that he believed she may have been the victim of an assault. As they continued home, with Saber following behind Shirou, the blonde Servant looked at her Master being overcome with nostalgia. Shirou reminded her of herself back in Camelot. A dream of making people smile, finding happiness in bringing happiness to others. She just hoped he didn't come to regret his choices as she did. They returned home to find Taiga and Sakura in the dining room, though Shirou paid them no mind, instead heading to the shed to grab a healing potion, changing into a warmer set of clothes, then heading right back out the door.
"If I'd stopped, I might have convinced myself not to go." He told her. Saber could see the look on his face, her Master was unsure of himself, there were conflicting thoughts clouding his mind. Something happened to him tonight, something that was bugging him, she wished that she could just know what he was thinking so she could help, they were partners after all. She shouldn't have been surprised though, the encounter with Shinji, Zouken, Rider, Caster, and his teacher all in one day must have been wearing on him and he was about to face the biggest challenge of them all. When the two finally reached the forest, they were surprised to see that Rin and Archer were already there.
Archer looked over to them, rolled his eyes and turned his back. "Heard you let the Caster Servant go, some hero you are."
"Just following your lead." Shirou shot back as he walked by them and into the forest, ignoring Rin entirely.
"What's his problem?" Rin asked Saber.
"I think the length of the day is starting to show its effects." She answered.
Shirou could hear them talking about him, but he didn't care, at least not right now. They were right though, as much as he had practiced, his cardio was not where it should have been, and his Stamina was paying the green bar representing it was nearing ¾, but he was still feeling the effects from his battle with Mr. Kuzuki. But that's why he brought along Rin and Archer, the extra firepower he hoped would pick up his slack, right now he just wanted to get his little sister home and take a nice long shower.
The four of them trudged along in the snow, moving deeper into the forest. Rin was the first to talk, "So what exactly is the plan?"
Shirou knocked some snow off the top of his head, "My dad couldn't find Illya for years, and Saber says that the castle is hidden, so we'll either get hidden or she'll notice us and come runni-" A blast of snow shot into his face, and he felt a sharp pain in the back of his head before everything went black. Shirou awoke for only a second 3 times, twice all he could see was snow but he could tell he was moving. The last time he was conscious though, he was entering a large door into an even larger room, the furnishing screamed luxury and he could only imagine that this was the Einzbern mansion.
"Welcome back mistress. I hope everything was successful."
"Oh yes, I believe that I'll be having quite a lot of fun for awhile."
Then, darkness again.
Shirou Emiya, Level 42
Health: 40/100
Magic: 25/100
Strength: 29/100
Endurance: 50/100
Dexterity: 47/100
Intelligence: 30/100
Wisdom: 20/100
Luck: 60/100
Skills:
Element: Sword/Sword
Resistance: Magic (5%) Curse (5%)
Unlimited Blade Works: Level 4 (Locked)
Passive increase in Swordsmanship
6% EXP increase in Sword skills progression
10% EXP increase in Archery skills progression
Charisma: C+
Cooking: A+
Cleaning: A+
Zen: D-
Alaya's Favor: 0%
Kenjutsu: C+ (Fighting Styles Inculded)
Reinforcement Magic: C+
Weapon Tracing: C-
Time Alter: C
Gun Fu: D
Pankration: Level 3 (Instant Travel: 2%)
Presence Concealment: D+
Perks:
Ironman
Miraculous Healing
Star Constellation: O' Heaven, Collapsing Star
Mana Fortification