An Opportunity of Fate part 9

CG Emiya-

Emiya stared at the now countless windows. "I am running out of time."

Alaya smiled at him, "Only Heracles has been summoned. You can still make finishing touches. Also there is one you can easily contact that you haven't. You've merely let the currents push him along." She laughed, "You've used less Counter Force on him than I usually do. Of course, Rin won't be summoning you this time, so…."

Emiya shook his head, "The boy is just so different." He pointed at a window where Shirou was conducting some research inside of a magic circle. "He is a magus. Not a good one, perhaps, but a magus."

Alaya looked at the window and watched as Shirou used Gradation Air to make something in the center of a magical circle. "I think you will find he is much the same as you are. He just has a different focus. The Reality Marble that is the center of your power is still there." She gave an evil Rin smile, "I have seen it develop, and while it is different than yours in a way, it is just as melodramatic. Befitting an Emiya."

Emiya sighed, "Different how?"

The scene of Shirou was suddenly filled with a loud blast and billowing smoke, most of which was channeled and contained by the circle.

Alaya laughed. Emiya just stared in consternation, trying to figure out what had happened.

Shirou looked on proudly at what had happened in the circle. He looked down at his palm and another device similar to what had exploded in the circle appeared in his hands. He closed his palm and it disappeared.

Alaya took a deep breath and said, "You, my dear, were never trained to make explosives by Kiritsugu."

CG Emiya just stared at the screen and a small smile slipped on his face. He looked at the proud Shirou on the screen and tilted his head back and laughed.

-Scene Break—

Ilya-

Ilya shrugged her shoulders. The flight had been long and they had rushed her to her new home. She looked over at Leysritt. It was good to see her two maids. They had been sent ahead to get the residence ready.

It had been the first time they had been separated since their creation. Ilya had almost been afraid that old man Acht wouldn't let her keep them. That he would saddle her with more trusted homunculi. As it was, Ilya was fairly certain Acht had several agents in Fuyuki City and the environs.

Certainly he had been doing some spying here, if the maps and dossiers she had were any clue.

Ilya said quietly, "Sella, Leysritt, to me." Of course, she added a tiny spell to it, so that they would have heard her anywhere on the environs of the Einzbern territory. A casual tracking spell told her that they were on their way.

"Mistress!" Sellla exclaimed as she walked swiftly through the door. She smiled uncertainly.

Ilya sighed. She knew the uncertainty had little to do with Leysritt's loyalty, only the fragility of her ego. Leysritt was a masterpiece of her own devising using the combat template for homunculi. Her magic capabilities were mostly defensive in nature, unlike Sella, but she made up with it in terms of sheer physical ability. Ilya walked over and gave her a hug. She could feel the nervous servant carefully hug her back.

Sella entered and quietly said, "How was your trip, Mistress?"

Ilya looked over at her other homunculus. Sella was a fairly standard model, one that the Einzbern had been using for centuries. Physically fragile, she had a considerable wealth of magical circuits. And the knowledge to use them. She had after all been created to teach Ilya the finer points of mage craft.

Ilya said, "I survived." She laughed lightly, "The first hour was a wonder. But the rest was an eternity." She let her smile fade, "You have searched the house? It is secure?"

Leysritt asked, "I still don't understand why you could imagine the others might wish to harm you."

Sella sighed, "We are secure. I have armed the ward stones. They are ready for you to assume control of the Boundary Field." She paused, "You were right though, Mistress. There were devices left behind. Why don't they trust you?"

Ilya left Leysritt's warm embrace and walked over to one of the mirrors placed to reflect the light and magnify the effect of the Grand Entrance. She looked at her reflection. Unless you knew, you might not recognize her homunculus origin. Her hair was no longer white, hadn't been for years. But now it was an odd mix of grey and white and black. Her eyes were more an auburn color than a solid red.

As she had changed, as she became different from the other homunculi, the other Einzberns began to treat her different. She hadn't truly understood the subtle contempt the Einzberns had for their own handiwork, but it was there. And where she had once been treated as a princess among her kind, the other homunculi were now… cautious with her.

Ilya knew of several attempts to force grow a replacement for her, all of them meeting odd seemingly inexplicable failures. They were forced to use her. But many were no longer sure they should. There had even been a tiny number who had wanted to welcome her as a full member of the family. Which had only highlighted that she hadn't truly been considered one before. She'd been a homunculus after all.

She wasn't really sure what she was anymore. But as far as she could tell, there were only two people in the world she could trust. And they were in the room now. Well, them and Heracles. But he couldn't really think. At least not anymore.

"They don't trust me, Leysritt. They look at me and remember my mother and father. And Acht, well he remembers all the countless times our family has failed to access our own magic. The Third Magic is ours after all." She looked away at the mirror and back at her two servants. "They believe I am tainted. That I am not able to retrieve the magic back for them."

And in a way it was true. To summon the Grail she would be subsumed into it. It was one reason there was a team of Acht's agents waiting and watching. There to make sure that the family got credit if she did indeed succeed.

Leysritt looked shocked. "But they have invested so much in you, Mistress? How can you believe they don't trust you?"

Sella looked down, "Leysritt, Miss Einzbern is right. They don't trust her. That is why both of us must do our best to protect her. To make sure she accomplishes her goals." Her eyes tightened and she looked directly at Ilya, to make sure Ilya could read the truth in her eyes, "No matter what those goals are. My loyalty is to you."

Leysritt looked between Sella and Ilya, "What is going on?"

Sella said, "I was approached by various senior members of the family, and told to keep an eye on Ilya. To make sure she knows and does her duty." She looked away and said, "I said I would. That I would make sure you did as you had been bid." She looked again at Ilya, "But my loyalty is to you. You fashioned me. It might have used Einzbern materials. It might have used their mage craft, but Mistress, I am yours." She looked down, "I will accept any punishment you desire to meet out, Mistress."

Ilya walked over and gave the somewhat stiff Stella a hug, "I trust you. Never worry on that." She called to Sella, "Sella, can you carry my bags to my room? And meet us in the War Room." She pulled back from Stella, "It is ready, yes?"

Stella smiled slightly, "Yes, Mistress. If you will follow me."

Ilya followed her servant and listened to Stella as she discussed the current situation of the upcoming war in Fuyuki. Her servant already had multiple familiars in place for reconnaissance. What would she do without them?

It was unlikely they would like some of her plans for the upcoming war. There were things she needed to know. Questions she needed answered.

And then she could fulfill her duty. What other option did she truly have?

-Scene Break—

Cassandra Martel

Cassandra got up from the bed, maneuvering herself from Waver's embrace to do make her escape. Today was the day. And her power peeked before noon, so she had no time to waste cuddling.

She looked down at her lover. She had once assumed that she would end up here, that her desire for personal aide would require a personal sacrifice. And while it had indeed come to that, somewhere along the line things had changed. He had never truly pushed her. Not really. And there had been that glorious night in Salamis, after she had secured her catalyst…. She smiled fondly. She had perhaps drunk a little too much, so had he.

It had seemed natural. Her previous lover, a man she still loved with a deep passion, had died a few years previous. And she had sworn to herself that there would be no other. That she would find a way to bring him back to her. That she would alter the horrible mistake that had led her to kill her own beloved.

Now as she looked down, Cassandra wasn't sure. The marks were still there, the Command Spells still dictating her fate. But she no longer knew if she wanted the same thing. Was it wrong that she wanted this new life too?

She left and got ready. Her family had always specialized in a form of Formal Craft. It wasn't as fast, but it allowed for results without the need for great personal power. She herself had a Crest and a decent number of circuits and knew a decent amount of standard Mage Craft. But to do a major spell, she fell back on her families traditions.

A quick ritual bath to purify her body, a series of exercises to purify the mind, some meditation to purify the soul, and she was ready. The Circle had been carefully prepared yesterday, but she cautiously went over the whole of the design. Big things were made of small things, and small mistakes could cost your life or your soul. It was always best to be as prepared as possible.

The Summoning Circle was inside a series of other enchanted Circles that provide various Boundary effects to isolate her from outside forces and influences. To keep the mundane away. To prevent and drive off other spirits that might be drawn to her Mage Craft. One by one she activated them, until only the central Circle remained unlit.

She began to chant the incantation, allowing her circuits to fill and get swept into the glorious feeling of Mage Craft. She never lost the awe and wonder of it. For a limited time and in a limited space she was dictating her will to reality.

And if she had the will and power and skill, it would answer. To fail was to risk death. Such was the life of a magus.

"Guardian of the Heaven's, come forth!" She finished. Already she could feel the immense pull on her and the air before her, in the circle where she had set catalyst a figure began to appear.

He was tall and heavily built. Easily more than two meters tall. He was clad in bronze armor and had a massive shield at his side. A spear in his right hand.

The two stared at each other for a moment before the hoplite spoke slowly, "Are you my Master?"

Cassandra said simply, "Yes."

He stood there for a moment thinking. "Very well. I am Lancer."

Cassandra asked, "May I have your name?"

The man stood tall, slamming his spear against his shield. "I am Ajax Telamon, Bulwark of the Achaeans before the Walls of Troy."

Cassandra smiled. Success. She was no longer sure of her motivation for the war, but she was determined to survive it.

Who knew? Maybe she could even win?

-Scene Break—

Luvia Edelfeldt-

Luvia frowned. She tried to keep her calm, but the trip had been long and she only desired to go to her first class hotel room and rest. She had eyed the bed there with some longing.

This would not be their permanent lodging, but the mansion they were renting was not available for a few more days. So a deluxe hotel room would have to do. She so ached for a long bath to wind down, maybe sneak a little wine to calm herself down from the aggravations of modern air travel.

No. That was not to be. Instead she was sitting in a taxi being driven to a mansion in the suburbs of Fuyuki City. She looked over at the reason.

He was her grand-uncle and the reason she was here. Hammond Alexander was a branch family member and the current Edelfeldt entry into the Fifth Grail War. She was merely a bystander.

Why had they been so reluctant to let her take her chances? The glory of doing the near impossible and actually winning this damnable affair was so very seductive. But it had been all she could do to simply be allowed to observe. "I don't see why we are here."

Hammond looked at her, and smiled, "Patience my dear. We are here because it is good manners to present yourself to the Second Owner of a region. You would prefer that any magus present themselves to you if they entered your space, yes?"

She looked out the window. The houses here were Western style, but still, there were hints of the barbaric native traditions everywhere. "But you said she is likely going to be participating in this War. Shouldn't you keep your identity hidden?"

He merely smiled, "Good manners are important, my dear. Especially in war. If we can keep things relatively civil, then some of the horrors I have read about this affair may be avoided."

Luvia merely sighed and watched the scenery. The cab pulled up to an older mansion. She could already feel the edges of a strong Boundary Field. "Are you sure this is wise?"

He paid the driver and bade him to wait for them. He got out of the cab and walked toward the Tohsaka Estate. And rang the bell.

A slightly harassed but well-dressed young woman answered the door. "Eh? Wait. Are you Mr. Alexander? You are a little early. Come in, come in."

Hammond bowed slightly to Tohsaka and nodded to Luvia, "This is my niece Luvia. She took the opportunity to join me on my trip to Japan." Tohsaka led them to the living room.

Luvia looked around at the various effects. It was reasonably well decorated, the furnishings a bit old, but well kept. A family of wealth but likely money poor. Well considering they had stolen the jewel sorcery her family was famous for, it was likely their magic drained their financial coffers considerably. It made her smile.

"Shirou! Shirou!" Tohsaka cried out.

A tall red head about Luvia's age peeked out, "Rin?"

Tohsaka glared at him, "Some tea for our guests."

"They are here already?"

Rin just glared, a smile forming on her face.

Shirou just nodded and left.

Luvia asked, "You seem awfully familiar with your servant, Miss Tohsaka."

Tohsaka turned to face her, her face serene, "Shirou is more my apprentice. Well apprentice and ally." She shook her head, "Come sit. I wanted to thank you for all your help, Mr. Alexander. Those photos you procured a few years back were a God send."

"The pay was considerable. Besides it is a tragedy that Kiritsugu was denied access to his daughter. Is he around somewhere? I would like to speak with him."

Tohsaka's face turned grim for a moment, "I am afraid he passed. But we received the photos in time. You helped make a dying man happy for a short while. And I thank you for it."

"I see. That is truly a pity. I long admired the man, even if I never met him. There are few mages who understand the need to adapt to the current era." He laughed, "I myself find myself stuck a few decades behind myself. One of the perils of age, I suppose." He looked intently at Tohsaka.

The red headed boy brought in an English style tea set, along with a tray of scones. "Let me know if you need anything while you are here. I am always happy to help."

Rin sighed and looked at the boy. He just shrugged and leaned against the wall.

Immediately Luvia began to reassess him. The muscles and callouses on his hand could be simple hard work, a handy man or simple worker. Or it could mean something entirely else. She looked up to his face to see if she could read something there. She met his eyes.

A thrill passed through her. This man was dangerous. And maybe a little interesting.

Hammond was staring at Tohsaka, a fond grin on his face, "You have her eyes. I didn't expect that. Not in her Grandchild, not here in Japan."

Tohsaka said, "Excuse me?"

"When I agreed to help you all those years ago, I told you that I was a friend of your father's. But I didn't tell you why." He looked over at Luvia, "It was you see, a point of contention in my extended family. They didn't want to admit it themselves. Luvia. Look at Miss Tohsaka. Look carefully."

Luvia shot her granduncle a glance, and looked at Tohsaka. And saw what he meant. Luvia tilted her head slightly. "So. It is true. My Great-grandmother claimed your family had stolen her sister's crest. But that wasn't all your family stole, was it?"

Tohsaka looked away.

Hammond said quietly, "One of the reasons I brought Luvia here was to mend the fences between both sides of the family. I know the Tohsaka are proud of their heritage, and have no intention of being made into a mere branch of a greater family. But I still say that you should acknowledge the truth. These petty fights demean both families."

Luvia bit out, "Cousin."

Tohsaka looked over at Luvia, and sighed, "It is true. We are cousins. Unfortunately this is a bad time to be dealing with this." She looked over at Hammond, "Mr. Alexander this is a bad time to be visiting this city. There is a dangerous contest that will be taking place here."

Hammond took a sip of tea and nodded, "Yes, the Fifth Holy Grail War. I will be participating myself. Have no fear. Luvia is merely here to watch. I would appreciate it if you would not target her. I will not target any of your noncombatant friends as well, if you agree to that."

Rin nodded stunned. The girl rubbed her palm.

As did the boy leaning against the wall. Was he participating too?

This could get complicated. And interesting. She took a sip of the tea. Perfect.

Maybe this trip wasn't going to be a waste at all.

-Scene Break—

Issei Ryudo

Issei was doing maintenance on his gird work of protection ofuda. They worked and worked well. The number of accidents and incidents of injury had dropped considerably since he had finished his work. He hadn't realized just how much time he would need to keep it up. So many people travelled in and out of the field on a daily basis, the field took a pounding.

Plus he was still learning. He had already made a more effective support grid for his magic and had even begun to include additional ofuda in the various student council posters that were scattered around the school. They were not primary functioning protections, but they did help support those in their immediate area and helped cut down on maintenance.

How he wished he had someone to help him. Just making the ofuda for the school cost him a few hours every week. What would it take to protect a whole town? Issei shuddered.

He finished the placement of the second to last ofuda. He looked outside. Normally this would be a day he would spend with his friends after school. But Emiya and Tohsaka had previous plans. Shinji Matou had already let him know that he was off with some of his friends. Girls no doubt.

Issei shook his head. The rumors he had heard of Shinji's womanizing ways were not pleasant. It brought shame on himself and his family. What could Matou say when he had by rumor caused the loss of virtue in so many of his fellow students. And now he was cutting a swath in the first year students. What did those girls see in him, anyway? They were all still teens, all still growing up, the time for considering a mate was still years off. They should be saving their virtue for their wedding night.

He nodded to himself. Sure it wasn't that the thoughts wouldn't occur, he had them himself. But still, his actions were scandalous and….

He startled as someone came up behind him. "Eh? You are still hard at work, Ryudou? It has been over an hour since even the clubs have emptied. And yet here you are. Did you honestly think Sakura and I would let you work yourself to death?"

Issei sighed and turned to face Ayako. Sakura stood nearby, a smile on her face as she watched the two of them. Why she was smiling, he had no idea. "I was almost finishing this new anti-littering campaign poster program. Just one more to go. There is no need to wait for me. Both Tohsaka, Matou, and Emiya have already said they have other plans. So…."

Ayako crossed her arms and looked over at Sakura, "So, do you think our fearless President believes he can escape his duty, simply because the others have."

Sakura had a small grin on her face as she nodded gravely, "I do believe so, sempai. It will be the shock of the school, his abandoning two of his classmates in their hour of need."

Ayako nodded gravely, "I agree, my wise kohai. We can't let him besmirch his honor by neglecting us. But at the same time, we can't steal him away from his job." She held up one hand, "I know, my dear kohai, let us help our diligent President in his duties here at school, so that he can protect us when we go to the City."

Issei waved his hands, "No, I, I don't need any help."

Ayako came over and divested him of his last poster. The ofuda on the poster stayed hidden, but a couple extra that he had been carrying, just in case, slipped onto the floor.

Ayako began walking towards the wall he had been planning to place the poster on. "Over here right?"

Issei rubbed his hand on his head and said, "Um yeah." He scrambled to get to the other ofuda, but Sakura picked a couple of them up.

Her mouth opened in awe, "These are amazing. Did you make these?" She reverently handled them. Staring at them intently, her head slightly tilted as if listening to something.

Issei looked at her, a trace of worry in his mind. He knew that her family had some sort of magical background, and there was some possibility that she had training in the Western Arts. He had quietly tested all his friends. Sakura had traces of Water and something else around her.

Her magical protector probably. Was it something she summoned herself, or had her family given it to her to protect her. That was something Issei didn't know. But messing with Sakura was a poor choice. Even assuming one could fight their way through Shirou and Ayako. To top it off, Rin seemed to favor Sakura of late as well.

How much magical training Sakura had from the Matou, Issei simply didn't know. "Er, yes. We make them up in the Temple."

Ayako came back, "Hey, what are these. Wow. Genuine Ofuda. Pretty." She looked at Issei in wonder, "Did you make these?"

Sakura said, "He did. Apparently he makes them up in the Temple."

Ayako looked at it closely, "The calligraphy is excellent." She took one and rubbed her hands slightly on the paper. "My Father would love one of these." She laughed, "He is such a nut about traditional things."

Issei said quietly, "You can have one if you want, Mitsuzuri. You too, Matou. I do make quite a few of them."

Sakura shook her head, "No, I don't need them." She looked up at Issei fondly, tilting her head slightly, "I think Ayako should take them both. One for her father, and one for her." She looked at Ayako, "They are supposed to be good luck."

Ayako looked up at Sakura, "I couldn't. You take one."

Sakura shook her head, "Back when he was young, my grandfather travelled to Western Europe. He doesn't care for traditional 'superstitions.' It would just be torn down. But I know a little about them. I can show you how to correctly place it in your room, sempai."

Ayako glanced over at Issei, "Is that okay?"

Issei felt strange as he looked at Ayako. "Um, er, sure. Let us finish up."

Ayako smiled and took the poster and placed it on the wall. "There, we are done."

Issei wasn't sure how he could tell her that it wasn't quite placed right.

Sakura calmly walked over and moved the poster two feet to the right and several inches higher. "This is right, isn't it President?"

"Um, yes." It was now perfectly placed. He could feel the grid strengthen with its proper placement.

Ayako pulled back and looked critically at it. "But it doesn't quite dominate the wall like that. I still think it was better placed before."

Sakura shook her head slightly, her eyes closing slightly, humming a small tune happily. "No. Much better this way, sempai." She opened her eyes, glanced at Issei, knowing look in her gentle eyes, before she faced Ayako, "Let us give Issei a couple of minutes to freshen up. Then we can go."

Ayako turned to him, her hands still gently rubbing the ofuda she now carried, "Is that okay?"

Issei nodded, "Yes."

The two girls left him alone for a moment.

Sakura knew. How she knew, Issei didn't know. But she did. Issei nodded to himself. She must have some training. Western training like Shirou and Rin.

Of course, neither Rin nor Shirou had noticed anything strange about Issei at all. Sakura's training must be similar in some ways to his own. He nodded again. Support magic most likely. Maybe Western style enhancement and boundary magic. Issei could not imagine that sweet girl ever deliberately hurting someone.

It was probably safe for her to know. Issei wasn't sure it was safe for them to talk about their respective magics, but simply knowing…. That was okay. As long as Rin didn't know. Dealing with her on the student council was difficult enough, on the days she showed up anyway. Imagining having to deal with her regarding magic too.

Issei shivered. He went to the restroom and washed his face and glasses. It would likely be a long Saturday. He just hoped they decided on a movie and didn't drag him off to karaoke. It was embarrassing enough when Shirou was there, if it was just the two girls….

He took a deep breath. He would survive this. He would. But Emiya owed him.

Issei went out to join his friends.

-Scene Break—

Rin Tohsaka-

Rin stared at the circle she had inscribed on the floor of her basement. It would be here she would summon her Servant. She had promised Shirou that she would wait for him, but she was considering simply getting it out of the way.

They would be safer, right? If she summoned her Servant now? Or would it speed up the danger?

Rin didn't know. And the book her father had left her about the Fourth War didn't truly give her any clue what she should do. "Why did you have to die on my old man? I could have used your help." She should have asked Kiritsugu more about the war when she had a chance. She should have, she….

Rin sighed and turned off the light. She quietly went upstairs. She would do a little casual experimentation to calm her nerves. They would follow the plan.

If only Hammond Alexander hadn't rattled her so much. To come here, as he said he would. To tell her to her face that she was family. To attempt to bridge the gap that existed between Tohsaka and Edelfeldt… And then to declare war?

Had he already summoned his Servant? Was he preparing to attack?

Maybe she should summon her Servant now…. She paused on the stairs.

She took a deep breath. Calm. Poise. She was a Tohsaka. Calm. Poise.

What if she called Shirou back and persuaded him to let her summon her Servant today. Surely he would be amenable. So she had said that her power would be marginally stronger in a week's time because of astrological conditions, so what if she had persuaded him that they should wait.

He would understand. Wouldn't he?

She went upstairs. It took a long time before she finally went to sleep.

-Scene Break—

Sakura Matou-

Sakura had spent a pleasant day yesterday with Issei and Ayako. But she wanted to check up on Shirou. He hadn't called and she missed him as he no longer came to the Archery club.

Thock. Thock.

She let herself in. Ever since he got hurt at work badly a year or so ago, she had taken to come over to help him. Although he had recovered in a remarkably short time, she still came over. Making breakfast and dinner with him had become a fun past time to her. Sometimes Ayako accompanied her, and sometimes not. More often in the morning where the two of them would go off to Archery together.

Ayako would never stop trying to get Emiya to come back. In truth, Sakura hoped Ayako was successful in that. Not just that she would get to spend more time with him, but also because he was a moderating influence on Shinji.

Shirou was Shinji's only male friend. A few months ago they had seemed to quarrel over something, Shirou had never told her straight out what it had been about, and Shinji flat out refused. But Shinji had been a little more careful with Sakura. He still visited her bedroom on a regular basis, and she endured what she must.

There had to be a better way to pass along the Matou crest. Years of endless torture and rape? Did Shinji not realize how LUCKY he was to not be heir? Didn't he realize that it would be him, not her facing this constant pain?

No. Her brother only saw the magic. Only saw his heritage stolen from him. The fool.

If only she could persuade Shirou to take over Shinji's… duties. She wouldn't mind it then. It wouldn't feel so wrong.

But at the same time, how could she do that to Shirou? To let him touch her now tainted body? She absently smoothed her skirts.

She walked out to the yard. Shirou was using his newest bow to send arrow after arrow into the target. Sakura smiled. He never slipped up at the dojo, but here in his home, he often forgot to not simply Project another arrow. It definitely increased his speed.

She shook her head, how could he shoot so well. It wasn't just practice. She had improved herself considerably over the last few years, but nothing like Shirou. He just seemed to turn off his mind and become one with the bow.

Thock. Thock. Thock.

Ayako was right. It was nearly Zen watching him shoot. Even his training with Taiga had gotten better. No longer did she simply beat him up, now she had to work for it.

Sakura sighed to herself as she watched his muscles move under his shirt. That was another thing; he only wore loose fitting clothes outside of his home. She never really got to appreciate him properly except at times like now, when she had come early and he was getting some early exercise.

She shuddered. Better this than going into his workshop. It was dangerous in there. Sure it was mostly junk, but there were also some chemicals she didn't want to touch. What Shirou was doing with them, she didn't know.

Frankly she wasn't sure she wanted to know. He made her feel safe, and she didn't want anything to detract from that.

Shirou stopped and looked over at her. "Oh, Sakura. I didn't hear you come in."

"That is okay, Sempai. I am early."

He smiled at her, "Trying to sneak and start breakfast without me?"

Sakura smiled softly at him.

Shirou shook his head. "Well Taiga will probably be here late. It is Sunday after all." He looked at her, "How did yesterday go? I am sorry I couldn't make it, but there was something Rin needed me to do."

Sakura hid a frown. She hated that her sister was on a first name basis with Shirou. Of course she probably could be too if she didn't feel like she wasn't worthy of it. She simply had trouble calling anyone anything other than their title. She thought of them by name just fine.

Sakura nodded to herself. This was what Ayako was always talking about. Sakura tried to hide behind formality. This was something Sakura was determined to fix.

Just not today, "It was no problem Sempai. We went to karaoke. Issei was muttering that you owe him for that."

Shirou winced. "Well, what are your plans today?"

Sakura looked down, "Well, I was talking with Ayako and well, we were hoping that you would spend some time with us. Do you work today?"

Shirou nodded, "A little bit of stockroom work for Neko. But that should be done early." He tilted his head to the side, "Wait. Rin said something about shopping with you today." He frowned, "What do you need me for."

She just smiled softly at him.

Shirou sighed. "Pack horse?"

Sakura nodded.

Shirou carefully cleaned up after himself at the archery range. "Well, let me finish up here and we will make a decent breakfast." He looked up at her, "How many am I cooking for this morning."

Sakura smiled at him broadly. Since Ayako had started to come to breakfast with Sakura, the news of Shirou's cooking prowess had become well known. "I think just five of us girls. Shinji bailed."

Shirou growled at that. "And Issei?"

Sakura said gently, "After yesterday?"

"Right. No need for weight training today. I will be getting it later." He finished up the clean-up. He place one hand on her arm.

Sakura tried, but failed to hide the wince.

He glared at her arm and then at her. "Sakura…."

"I fell and…."

Shirou said only one word, "Shinji."

"Please, I don't want the two of you to fight. It never helps."

Shirou was grinding his teeth and muttering under his breath.

And more. Sakura could feel more going on. She could feel a sudden heat as some of Shirou's circuits activated. So much more.

Sakura still didn't understand why her father couldn't have simply trained her as well as Rin. Sure, Sakura would have been in Rin's shadow. She would have been anyway. She was now, for instance. But her father had been right about the value of Sakura's gifts. Because she could see things other mages might miss.

It was why she had felt Issei's protection grid. She would have to ask him exactly what he was doing at some point. But she had finally connected all the dots and knew why her school had felt safe to her. Why there had always been a pleasant chanting tone to it. Issei had been doing something there. Protecting the school.

She could sense things that were real and yet were not at the same time. Things that were between. What she felt from Shirou was in that category. But it was frightfully close to becoming reality.

And if frightened her. Not just her surface personality, but the hidden Sakura. Dark Sakura had always came to her aid when she need it, often enduring Shinji's ministrations. Dark Sakura held Shinji in contempt, but enjoyed the sex anyway.

That was more than Sakura herself could do. No matter how pleasurable it felt. It just wasn't right.

She felt as if a wave of intense fire roared past her and surrounded her. The sky was bright and blue, but there were giant cogs in the sky that turned as Shirou began climbing a hill. On that hill was a sword placed in an anvil. If he reached it now….

Now was not the time. He wasn't ready.

There was a partly built castle in the distance, protected by a massive wall. And from the castle there was a fine lacey bridge that lead off to some distant island.

Peace. Safety. The absence of strife. The heart yearned for it, knowing it was unattainable. And yet….

Through it all was the countless ringing sound like bells ringing to the turning of the cogs in the sky. No. Not bells.

Anvils. The sound of hammers striking anvils by the thousands.

She had to stop him. Now was not the time. Later. He would need this later.

Soon perhaps. But not now.

"Sempai, sempai. Break out of it!"

Shirou just stood there, in his own private landscape, climbing that hill.

Sakura lightly hit him, "Sempai!" She steeled herself, "Shirou. Please, you are scaring me. Please, come back to me…."

Still he continued to climb. But he had paused when she had called his name. He could hear her.

She looked at him. She needed to do something that would shock him out of this. She flushed as an idea came to her. Before she could stop herself she kissed him.

Like a bursting soap bubble the image disappeared in her mind. Shirou was safe from himself. For now at least.

Shirou resisted for a few moments, but Sakura wouldn't let him go. She might never get another chance! She held him to her. She felt as he began to respond. As he began to kiss her back.

She longed to have her tongue duel with his, but it was too soon if ever for that to happen. She would enjoy what she had now.

Today was simply wonderful. Even if Shinji had been angry about her going out today. He could do his own laundry if he wanted it done early. She could still do it when she got home. It wasn't like the clothes would be any cleaner if she did them early.

Yes the bruises were worth this, this tiny slice of heaven for her.

Besides, Shinji had been shocked when Dark Sakura had appeared. Sakura highly doubted her brother would be bothering her any time soon.

"Hey, guys. Shirou? I just let myself in and…." It was Ayako.

Both Sakura and Shirou broke away, faces flushed.

Ayako said, "Hey, you know I can come back a little later, after the two of you are done. I am hopeless at cooking so, I guess, um coffee. Yeah. I will go make some coffee." She walked into the Emiya house.

Sakura said softly touching Shirou's arm, "Sorry to embarrass you Sempai, but I couldn't find any other way to distract you."

Shirou shook his head, "Sorry about that, I was just lost in thought. Sorry to make you go to such an extreme to get my attention. I really do apologize." Shirou bowed slightly.

Sakura smiled softly back, "It was nothing Sempai."

"But your brother…."

Sakura placed one hand on his cheek and let a hint of Dark Sakura influence her gaze, "Shirou, don't worry about him. I can take care of him myself."

He smiled at her and patted her shoulder, "Ayako has been good for you. She has helped you build confidence. Now if only we can convince her she is a girl."

Sakura laughed, "No, Shirou, she knows. Just because she doesn't like to cook or knit, doesn't make her a boy."

Shirou grumbled.

Sakura hit him on the shoulder lightly, "Come on, if Ayako is here, the others will be coming shortly. Let's start breakfast."

Shirou smiled at her, "Good idea." He looked around. "Just give me a couple more minutes…."

Sakura watched him. How she wished he would realize just what that kiss meant to her. But he was Shirou. He probably believed it really had been nothing but a distraction to draw his attention.

How she wanted him so very badly!

Absently she rubbed her hand where the Command Spells implanted themselves. She wouldn't notice for a few hours. About the same time she noticed similar but different sigils on Shirou's and Rin's hands as well.

Sakura Matou had been chosen to fight in the Fifth Grail War. And it would bring her to despair.

-Author's Note—

Okay. So three Servants summoned. Rin will probably summon hers next part, possibly the one after, but more likely next. As will Sakura.

Do I need to post stats for Berserker? They are the same as in the VN.

Here are Ajax's (or Aias)

Ajax Telamon

Strength- A (He chased Hector off a couple of times by throwing BOULDERS at him)

Agility- B (He is fast, but not super quick like most lancers. But then his fighting style is different.)

Endurance- A (The man held off the armies of Troy with little help a few times. Fought Hector to a draw in a duel lasting more than a day. The man is built to last)

Mana- D

Luck- C

NP- A (Rho Aias- When he was living this was just a really heavy shield. It has become a conceptual weapon, one that this Servant can make full use of. It should be noted that Ajax fought in the entire Trojan war and the only real wound he suffered was at his own hand!)

Class skills- Magical Resistance B

Independent Action- D

Skills- Bravery A

Mind's Eye (True) B

Disengage- C

Noble Phantasm- Rho Aias (as above)

More Servants to follow. Hope this looks reasonable, let me know if not. Or heck, let me know if it is.

Please let me know if there are any questions, and I hope you all enjoy the part.