An Opportunity of Fate

by PML7

Counter Guardian Emiya is given an offer he cannot refuse. He must somehow save Fuyuki City from the ravages of the Fifth Grail War without being allowed to participate himself! Can he influence his younger self and his friends from his youth enough to save the world before Emiya has to use a Counter Force against the Grail, destroying Fuyuki City and the surrounding area?

10. Chapter 10

An Opportunity of Fate part 10

Issei-

Issei almost regretted not going with Shirou and the girls to the City today. Almost. Instead he was home making ofuda for the Temple. He had those mostly finished.

Yesterday he had made such a fool of himself. But how could he deny the combined might of both Sakura and Ayako? So he had gone on stage and tried to sing. Twice.

Issei shook his head. Singing wasn't his forte. But it had been fun.

His older brother entered the room, "So, I hear you and a couple of cute girls spent time together at a karaoke bar. Which are you dating? Or is it both." He slapped Issei's shoulders. "I have to say, these last few years have been good for you. You finally have started to be a little less stiff."

Issei sighed. His brother had inadvertently made him miss a stroke. The ofuda was worthless now. Precision was key. "Sorry, older brother, but I was making these for father. Perhaps we can speak later?"

He shook his head, "Still the same old Issei. Are you up for some sparing later on tonight?"

Issei winced. He hated sparing with his brother. The man didn't hold back. But a healthy body was the key to a healthy mind. And some basic self-defensive skills could come in handy. So he reluctantly said, "Yes. Perhaps in a few hours?"

His brother thought about it, "Nah. I was going down to the City to see some friends. I should be home early. How about after dinner?"

Issei winced again and told himself that he should eat light tonight, "Sure."

Another heavy slap to his back and his brother was off, "See you then, little brother."

Issei glared after his rambunctious brother. He hoped he wasn't chasing after Taiga again. That never ended well.

He put out a clean sheet of paper and began to draw.

It was then he felt it, disturbance of the local Kami. Something had changed again. He had noticed something odd first a few weeks ago when one of the local forests had gone dark. He had approached cautiously and found a new Western Style Boundary field had been activated. It hadn't caused too great a disturbance because it had always been there, only passive. Something had woken it up.

There were other strange things happening too. There had been several strange disappearances. Five men had completely disappeared without a trace. These were not natural. He had sent word of it to the Doctor, but he was busy on another case.

He had told Issei to stand by and observe, that he wasn't ready for what it might be.

Ryuudou Temple sat at one of the great nexus points in the local ley line grid. There were several other points around the area, but the largest by far was under the Temple. It was why the Temple had been built there after all. All that spiritual power flowing like a river, meeting here and pooling for a time before heading off to other parts of Japan.

Issei finished his last ofuda for his father and got out his pendant. He whirled it around and sought to feel the local mana stream and if there was any distortion to it. And there was. It was like the land itself was boiling with potential. There were storm clouds on the horizon waiting for their time to sweep over the land, delivering its wind and rain and lightning.

It was time for him to prepare for them. He took out a piece of wood and began to carve a charm. It would be stronger and more durable, but also focused on the person carrying it. Metal would work even better, but he was not skilled at all at engraving. Not yet. He still needed to improve his carving skills as it was.

He had already done what he could to protect his home. And now he was working on ways to protect himself. When he was finished he completed the ceremony that would draw the Kami's attention to his intention and use the energy that suffused the Temple to strengthen its protective effect.

He then took a cord and strung it around his neck. Dinner would be soon and he really wanted to take a break. But he looked down at the other piece of wood he had set aside. And remembered the conversation he had had with Sakura on one of Ayako's attempts to sing.

Sakura had turned to him and said, "She is really special to me." She smiled softly, "Not like Shirou is, but in her own way as important. Maybe more so." She turned to look at Ayako, who had a large smirk on her face as she annihilated the song she had chosen.

Issei had just let her talk, unsure of where this was going. Despite all her kindness, Sakura didn't really say a lot of what was on her mind. There was a level of reserve and shyness that kept her from confiding in others.

He recognized it well. He was much the same. He looked over at Ayako and listened to Sakura.

Sakura continued, "But five years ago, back when I didn't have a real friend in the world, she forced me to be a friend. Forced me to take part in life." She turned to face Issei, "I know I am still shy. I probably always will be." She looked down, "There is much in my life that brings me pain, and at times shame. But it is part of the whole." She looked back at Ayako, "She taught me that life isn't just that. That there is more to it."

Issei quietly added, "She is a good person."

Sakura smiled and said, "Yes she is. She is courageous and daring and unwilling to quit. She never gave up on me, despite my secrets." She looked away, "She doesn't know, by the way. What I am. Or what you are for that matter. It is better that way." She took a sip of her drink.

Issei glanced between the two girls. "I don't know what you are talking about."

Sakura's shook her head sadly, "Issei, you may be good at many things, but lying is not one of them. From what I have seen, you are an onymoji of some level of skill. I had wondered what that ringing was, but had just thought it was feedback from some of the machines." She smiled. "I never would have suspected something like that had I not seen you today."

"But i…"

"Issei, those strips of paper you gave Ayako were real. Sure the Temples sell them, and perhaps they might have some value. Maybe." She shook her head slowly, "But those had magic. It was a different sort than what I use. And you don't seem to be radiating a prana signature." She looked down. "Issei, I don't want to fight over this. I am your friend. You are mine. This won't change. I won't even tell the others. Our little secret."

"Then why bring it up?"

"Because your magic works differently than mine." She looked again at Ayako, "If something happened, and I was there, I could help her. But I don't really have the ability to protect her when I am not there." She turned to look at him, "You do. I have read about Onymodo. Your charms can be made passive in nature, just harmless slips of paper unless activated." She turned to face Issei, her face grim, "Issei a storm is coming." She rubbed her arms, "I can feel it. There are so few truly safe places left," She smiled, "The school is one of them thanks to your help. And I would beg of you to make a charm to help Mitsuzuri-sempai for me." She looked back at Ayako, "The rest of us can protect ourselves, but I fear she might get dragged into something she can't protect herself from."

"Sakura." He looked down at the table, "I can do what you ask. But the charms I make. They are limited in nature."

She smiled sadly at him, "Please, Issei. It might not be much, but it is more than I can do myself. " She reached out to touch one of his hands, "Please. I can pay you…"

Issei shook his head, "No. Not for this. Not for a friend. I will do it." He looked down. Sakura's hand was so soft. "Just don't expect it to work miracles."

Sakura just smiled.

Ayako had chosen then to rejoin them, "Ah, I see. Having a moment?" She sent the two of them a knowing smirk, "I can come back later if the two of you need more time."

Sakura pulled her hand back, blushing slightly, "Sempai!"

Issei had looked up at Ayako and blushed slightly. The sarcastic and knowing look she was showing the both of them. He watched as she took her chair again.

Ayako looked at him strangely, "Do I have something on my face?"

Issei shook his head and looked away. He heard Ayako talk to Sakura, but he didn't really pay any attention.

Why hadn't he noticed it before? How pretty she was. It wasn't the delicate beauty of Sakura, or the manipulative beauty that was Tohsaka. It was much more stern and fierce and free.

How had he missed it?

Issei shook his head free from his reverie of yesterday and felt his cheeks warm. What was wrong with him? Thinking about his friend like that?

And yet…. No he was tired, but he couldn't let Ayako flounder in a dangerous storm without any protection. He began to whittle at the wood, carving In the symbols that would empower the charm.

It wouldn't be much. But the smallest stone could trip the mightiest warrior. He would have to pray it would be enough.

-Scene Break—

Ayako Mitsuzuri-

Ayako sat heavily on her bed. Today had started so well. Sakura had made some progress on claiming Shirou. And Ayako had truly enjoyed Rin's reaction to Sakura being caught kissing Shirou. Shock followed by a flash of anger. And then the smile.

Ayako had always known that sweet little Rin had been a fraud, but even she hadn't truly understood by how much her real personality was different. Had she not known her as well as she did now, Ayako might well have thought it a genuine smile. But no. Rin did have a genuine smile, even in her normal personality, but it was fleeting and rare. This smile on the other hand got a work out.

An evil smile.

There were days when Ayako wished she could get the courage to learn how she could pack so much malice into such a small facial movement. Ayako had tried to copy it a few times in the mirror, but never with quite the same impact.

Well that was okay, she had her own trade mark smile anyway. Her lips twisted into her own patented smirk. Watching as Rin, flipping her hair back and talking about how she had kissed Shirou over Sakura's unconscious body a few years back.

Sakura had asked an incredibly bored Shirou. "So. Is this true?"

Shirou hadn't really been paying attention. He had been obviously bored and only slightly following the conversation. Following it only because from time to time one of them would ask his opinion. And Shirou being Shirou would answer honestly. "Um, basically. I was just another experiment."

Ayako had shot a glance at Rin, "So just how advanced did these 'experiments' go?"

Shirou just shrugged. "She kissed me. That was the night before Dad died."

Silence fell and they walked on for a moment. Sakura said quietly to Rin, "You know this doesn't mean you have won."

Rin tossed her head, "I didn't know we are in a competition."

"Don't be disingenuous, sister. You know we are."

Again the Rin smile, "So, how about we make it official. First kiss is out. How about first…." Her face flushed, "Well first, um…."

Sakura shook her head. "No. Too easy."

Rin shot a glance at Shirou and then back to her sister, her face blushing, "Seriously?"

Sakura shook her head, "Too easy to cheat."

Rin spluttered, "Too easy to cheat? Are you crazy or just stupid, do you honestly believe that I would go so far as to…."

Sakura just sent Rin a flat look.

Rin looked over at Ayako. "Surely you don't think I would stoop that far?"

Ayako just smirked, "Far be it for me to get between two sisters in an argument." Pause, "But isn't your motto in a competition; 'It isn't trying if it isn't cheating'?"

Rin said, "Traitor." But a genuine smile flashed across her lips. "Are you in this as well?"

Ayako glanced over at a seemingly distracted Shirou. "I like him, but not like that. Good luck to the two of you. You will need it."

Sakura said dryly, "She likes Issei,"

"I do not!"

"Really." Rin said, evil smile in full display. "Good luck with that. I don't think he even likes girls."

"So he is a little reserved. So was Sakura. I got her out of her shell, is it too much to think I want to do the same for him?"

Rin snickered and looked over at Sakura, "So what is she like in bed, Sakura. If she's comparing you to Issei…"

Sakura blushed deeply, but long acquaintance with her sister let her speak something she wouldn't have with any other group, "She had her chances if she had wanted them. No need to feed your own perversions."

Ayako had to laugh. Sakura and Rin began to playfully bait each other behind her. Ayako glanced back at Shirou, to get his take. Shirou wasn't paying any of them any attention.

Ayako felt a hand on her shoulder, a smiling Sakura asking her a question, "So are you in?"

"Of course I am! There is no challenge a Mitsuzuri is unwilling to undertake!" Ayako paused a moment, "Uh, what did I just agree to do?"

Rin said quietly, "First one to get a confession and to have them state publicly that going steady with them."

Ayako glanced at Shirou, who was still scanning the background. "I told you I wasn't interested in him like that."

Sakura said, "No sempai. For you it would be Issei. I was joking before that you liked him like that. But he does like you. I don't know how you feel, and I am sorry if I offended you."

Rin continued, "But Issei will be challenge, as much as blockhead over there. If you are not up to it…"

Ayako shook her head, "I am up to the challenge. Just I do want a boyfriend in High School. So at some point if he doesn't give in, I will concede." She looked at the two of them and sighed, "How did the two of you get as smitten by that boy anyway?"

Sakura and Rin looked at each other. Sakura opened her mouth to say something when Shirou interrupted them, "We need to go and go now." He pushed all three of them into a shop. He looked at Rin. "Get them to safety. I will distract the tail."

Ayako remembered protesting there. And everything after was blank. She hadn't fallen unconscious, she was fairly sure of that. Thinking about those moments, even realizing that they were missing was hard. But she had spent years pushing herself, and she wasn't about to allow someone to take her memories away.

No. It was too much.

Good thing she had a back-up. She pulled out the voice recorder. This wasn't the first time she had needed it. In fact, the hardest part about using it was filtering through all the conversations she remembered. To actually find the moments her friends erased her memory.

It angered her. Didn't they trust her? What did she have to do to earn their trust?

Of course given how ridiculous the whole thing sounded, as much or worse than her Grandfather's ideas. Of course, he had actually been right. That was the kicker. Rin and Sakura and even Shirou were involved in a shady underground movement that spanned centuries.

Whenever she had doubts, and right now was such a moment of doubt. She took one tape out and put another in. It was set at a particular time so she would never forget.

Ayako's voice came through, filled with rage, "If you know that, if you KNOW Shinji is hurting your sister, then why haven't you done anything to stop it."

Rin's voice was thick, "I can't! It kills me every day to watch her go home, but I CAN"T do anything."

"Why, Rin, WHY?"

Rin's voice was quiet, "I can't tell you."

Ayako heard the contempt in her own voice as she said, "I never figured you for a coward, RIn Tohsaka. You have been mean and conniving and miserly, but never a coward. No, I wonder if I ever truly knew you!"

There was the sound of something happening, what Ayako could not imagine. Followed by the sound of her own pained breath as she slammed into something. There was a wave of static as the wire system she had been using readjusted to its new placement.

Thankfully it had continued to work. She heard her voice ask, "What the hell was that? What did you just do to me?"

"Mage craft. I am a magus, Ayako. You want to know the truth, well I will share it with you. Before I take it all away, because my friend, and you are my friend, it is too dangerous for you to know any of this. If I were a stronger woman, if my sister didn't NEED you, I would find a way to make you totally uninvolved in this entire situation. But as far as I can tell, you and Shirou and I, are the only things keeping Sakura sane."

"Keeping her sane?"

"My sister is also a magus. And her teacher, Zouken Matou, is evil and powerful and cunning. To save my sister we have to be prepared and ready. We will only have one chance. And you don't have the ability to help us. I am sorry, Ayako…"

"And Shirou?"

"Yes. Shirou is a magus too."

Ayako stopped the tape. What followed was more than an hour of tearful confession by Rin. Plans and ideas and dreams, Ayako had never thought the woman had had. No point in listening to all of that again.

Ayako clutched the voice recorder. She had knowledge now. She could bring this to her grandfather; he had contacts that could use this information. Maybe he knew someone who could help Sakura.

No. If her grandfather were right it couldn't be that simple. Or it would have been done already. And probably had.

Quite likely to her grandfather himself. Had he found out too much? So much they had completely purged the memories? And he had been an information broker, who ever spent time cleaning this up wouldn't have missed her tapes. Rin might be part of the conspiracies, but she wasn't the conspiracy herself. She hadn't told them Ayako knew. Hadn't tried to shunt her aside.

And give how thoroughly Ayako had forgotten everything…. She could have.

Rin was her friend. Things could have gotten so much worse.

It was why Ayako was so careful now. Why she kept this tape at this time bracket. To remind her that Rin was a friend. To remind her that it could all be taken from Ayako at the whim of some other magus. And Ayako would never even know.

She took out the short sword her grandfather had given her. It was supposed to be a sign of courage. A badge of her pledge to stand by her friend, no matter the cost.

But how? How could someone like her help Sakura? Never had she felt so helpless.

Her mind was spinning when she saw the ofuda placed next to a couple of posters on her wall. She had to smile, remembering as Sakura had flitted about her room, looking for the perfect spot. The look of satisfaction on her younger friend's face when she had placed it.

"Leave it there, Ayako. Leave it there for me."

"Why?"

Sakura smiled gently, "Please? Because I asked."

"Surely you don't believe in that stuff, do you?"

Sakura had only smiled.

Ayako's mind froze. Of course Sakura would believe in that. She was a magus. She knew well that magic was real. An ofuda like that was for protection.

Ayako was shivering as it came to her. Just how out of league she was to all of her friends. Because Ayako had taken Sakura to various traditionalist shops before. Sakura hadn't said a thing. But when Sakura had seen the ofuda Issei had made she had all but pushed one to Ayako.

"Amaterasu preserve me." She stroked it lightly, "This thing is real. That means issei…."

Ayako sat down on her bed and began rocking back and forth, holding the short sword she had been given.

Dawn found her long before sleep did.

-Scene Break—

Shirou Emiya-

Shirou pushed the bags at Rin. "Go. Before something happens. Before they put a Barrier up."

Rin said, "I can help you."

Ayako piped in, "What are you two talking about?"

Shirou shook his head, "I only need to delay them. If any of them pass me you will have to take care of them yourself."

Sakura pulled on Ayako's shirt, "We need to go."

Rin looked at him angrily, "Don't die you idiot. I expect to hear from you in a couple of hours. We have business later tonight." She brandished her bandaged arm.

He nodded.

Why was Sakura's face so white? She was shaking her head.

"Sakura?"

She calmed her face, but he could see in her eyes something was seriously wrong. "I will be fine Sempai." She turned to Rin, "We should go."

Rin nodded. And they left.

Shirou stood there waiting. He just needed to pause them. Why had they been following them? There were three of them. Two girls with hair of purest snow. And one with hair like ash.

The later must be the master of the others. Her eyes were a copper brown, whereas the others' eyes were a bright red. Now from his time spent with his father there were only two groups of people who had bright red eyes. Homunculi and Dead Apostles.

If it was an Apostle, he was dead. It would be years before he would be ready for one of those abominations. Not to mention he wasn't armed.

Shirou assumed a ready stance, one that wasn't flashy, but one that would allow him to react. "Who are you?" He quietly whispered his Reinforcement Aria;

Molten from the forge

Hammer Strikes Anvil to Shape

A Blade forged Anew

Shirou felt a little bit of confidence as he felt his mage craft bolster his physical abilities. Because even if these were only Homunculi, they likely were still faster and stronger than him. Or more magical. Or whatever specialty Einzbern had given them.

The ashen-haired one clapped as she walked up, flanked by the two red-eyed followers, "Impressive, brother." She looked about his age and was wearing a purple jacket and a white skirt. On closer viewing her hair wasn't actually grey at all, but a more a grey with strands of purest white and darkest black. "As befitting the son of the infamous Magus Killer himself. And while a three line aria for such a simple spell is somewhat disappointing, I must say it does seem to have an admirable level of strength and stability to it. I am almost tempted to have you spar with my Leysritt, to see its limits."

The girl with the shorter white hair nodded, "As you wish, Mistress."

The ash haired girl just raised her hand and the other halted. "You are named Shirou Emiya, yes?"

"That is my name. Who may I ask are you?" Shirou kept his eyes on these, but he kept looking at the rooftops. He could have sworn he had seen some people on there. It was why he had sent Rin and the others back to safety.

"Illyasviel von Einzbern," she said cheerfully, "Perhaps you have heard of me from Father?" She tilted her head, "You haven't summoned it yet, have you. Hmm, I guess killing you right now wouldn't be fair. I suppose I could wait another day." She looked around, "Is there anywhere we can have a little talk?"

"Are you crazy? You just said you were going to kill me!"

A look of expected sorrow crossed Ilya's face, "I see. Well then. I guess I should be going." Her eyes were beginning to water, and she turned away, "Tell Father I will not forgive his betrayal. I will be coming for him as well."

And Shirou's mind began to work. "Wait! Ilya, wait." He rushed behind her.

She turned around, eyes glistening with tears and surprise.

Shirou did what Kiritsugu had told him he always dreamed of doing. He pulled the girl close and said, "Don't go. Dad would have loved to have seen you." She was small but she felt good in his arms. "I can't believe I have actually met you. I thought they would keep you locked up in that castle forever."

Ilya just stood there and did nothing. Slowly he felt her arms surround him.

Sella said quietly, "Leysritt, see this commoner off."

And he was ripped away and tossed aside. Even with his reinforcement he hadn't been able to hold on. "Trace on" He needed a weapon of some sort. Something he could fight this homunculus off with.

The memory of a blade flashed before his mind's eye. A golden glittering blade with a hilt of blue. It called to him and he wanted it so badly. But he would need to fetch it from inside himself, and now was not the time.

Another frightening blade came to mind. One he was used to being on the receiving end of. The Torashinai formed in his hands. It had been the easiest use of Gradation Air he had ever done. It felt natural and right in his hands, and he rolled to his feet with it. And countless hours of kenjitsu training took over.

Ilya called out to both of them, "Stop. Stop it now!"

Shirou stood at the ready, to strike if needed. Leysritt stood likewise, her stance speaking of considerable hand to hand training.

Sella said, "Mistress, we are making a scene. We should either eliminate him now or go elsewhere."

Leysritt said calmly, "Your will, Mistress."

Ilya smiled, "Always the worrier, aren't you Sella."

"One of us has to be."

"Don't worry; no one is paying us any attention. And as long as we don't draw it, everything will be fine." She smiled again, "So, brother. Where is a good place for dinner. Make it a nice place. I will pay."

He looked at the small group, Torashinai still in hand, "Well I did have other plans and…."

Sella and Leysritt frowned. Ilya's face began to tear up again.

"Um, okay. Follow me ladies?" How did he always get stuck like this?

Ilya was walking at his side, "You know you almost impressed me. Although you can put that away now."

Shirou looked down. He was still holding the Torashinai. He let it disappear, gently setting it in a weapon's rack in his mind. It was not alone.

He led Ilya to a nice restaurant and they had dinner. And they talked.

-Scene Break—

Rin Tohsaka-

Rin paced in her room. She checked the clock again. Nine pm. Shirou had still not contacted them.

Taiga had called her earlier demanding to know where he was. Rin had called both Ayako and Sakura and neither of them had heard anything.

Shirou was missing. Missing and possibly dead.

Rin had constructed and sent a familiar as soon as she got home. By the time it had arrived, the police were combing the area, and there several bodies were gruesomely splattered on the walls.

That couldn't possibly be Shirou. First he hadn't been armed. Even then he would have attacked with a bow or a sword or fists. He was strong under his ridiculous three aria Reinforcement, but not that strong.

A Servant. That had to be what had done that. Or something worse. She would assume it was the Servant. The idea of there being an Dead Apostle or something worse in Fuyuki City…. Rin shivered. Her City had been lucky so far.

That was why she was still here. She knew she was strong, and had the potential to be a first class magus one day. But that day wasn't here yet. She was still young and inexperienced.

And she hadn't realized just how much she had depended on Shirou. These last few years he had always been there. It had been him actions and Kiritsugu's who had bridged the gap between Rin and Sakura.

What would her life have been like without that intervention more than five years ago? Would she even realize how lonely she was?

Rin looked at the clock again. Only minutes had passed.

She wanted nothing more than to leave here and search for her friend. But if a Servant was involved, then she needed aide herself if she was to be any help at all.

One A.M. That was when her power was strongest. That was when she would summon aide and go and rescue that blockhead. She had wanted him to be there, so he could watch her and learn for his own summoning.

She looked down. She had wanted Shirou to watch her mastery of her magic and be proud of her. To praise her skill. To quell her worries and inadequacies. To ask stupid questions that let her see things she had missed. (Not that she would ever tell him that.)

He was precious to her.

Rin gritted her teeth. This worrying was pointless. Shirou wouldn't die on her. Not like this. Not when she still needed him so much.

He wouldn't dare.

Her eyes drifted to the stairs that lead to the basement and her circle. If she did the ceremony now, she could search for Shirou faster.

But her Servant would be weaker. She heard her teeth grind and took a deep breath. 'Calm down, Tohsaka. This doesn't fit you or your lineage. Calm and poise. Face trouble with aplomb.'

She stripped and headed into the shower for a few moments to get her focus back. She picked up her clothes, separating them into the different piles for Shirou to clean. He was always fast and efficient as long as she had everything separated for him.

When she was finished she put on some light easy to move in clothes and practiced some kata. But even as she practiced, tears began to pool in her eyes. It had only been a few days ago she and Shirou had sparred. She had started sparring with him about a year ago upon realizing that as talented as she was with her families martial arts, she would get better if she practiced with someone else.

And it had taken a chore and made it fun. Plus, with Shirou she could use Reinforcement of her own and expect him to fight on an even level. Or close.

Shirou might not have many mage craft skills, but he was very good at the ones he had. She had laughed at his three line aria spell years ago. Now she was considering a variation for herself. Sure both of them had learned how to Reinforce without an aria, (She had forced Shirou on this, he had been content with the aria.) but his spell had such stability and seemed to let him push the Reinforcement further.

Still the boy was so shy, it was fun to set him up. She continued her kata while she recalled last week, where somehow, due to a leg sweep by one of them, and a confused attempt at a judo throw by the other, Rin had landed straddled on Shirou's lap. She still couldn't quite figure out how that had happened.

But the feel of his hard body underneath her, their breathing heavy, thin workout clothes sticking to each of their bodies; was it any wonder she had felt him stir underneath her? She had mocked him. Had leaned over, letting him get a better view of her breasts,

A part of her had wanted to experiment. To go with the moment. To not let Shirou reluctantly pull away. Because it had been reluctant. He had wanted her.

And she had wanted him. That had frightened her. So she had slipped into her sarcastic persona and taunted him, even as butterflies had twirled a frenzied dance inside of her.

Instinctively her kata began to speed up, as her mind swept into overdrive. No one but her closest friends would have recognized the frantically moving figure as she passed through a brutal series of combat maneuvers. Only Shirou would not have been surprised.

Her mind continued its own frenzied wander of its own….

Would it have been so bad if she had simply let nature take its course? If she had kissed him. Sure it would have changed her relationship to him. Possibly in bad ways. And there was Sakura to consider. What would her sister think?

And there were the risks to consider. So far as she knew, Shirou was a virgin, as was she. That eliminated the possibility of many venereal diseases. There was pregnancy to consider. But unless they engaged in regular intercourse, if they had simply let that be an experiment, then the odds were against it.

Besides, would being the mother to Shirou's children truly be that bad of a deal? Sure he wasn't much of a magus, but he was a magus. And he was the sixth in line to the Emiya name, if not the Crest. That had to help a little in the Association.

And Shirou would take responsibility. That was certain. He might be dense, but his word was his bond. If there was anyone she could trust in that regard it was Shirou.

It probably would put a crimp in her academic studies, but she would cope.

She was a whirling engine of destruction, subconsciously channeling her Reinforcement to aid her movements. A smile on her face as she pictured walking down the aisle at the Church, resplendent in a white dress. Kiritsugu was walking with her and Shirou was waiting at the Altar.

Rin stopped mid motion, her Reinforced reflexes being the only thing keeping herself standing. She stood there, breathing heavily. Recalling the last series of thoughts.

Of Shirou and Marriage and Babies.

She started to shake and felt her balance falter. She collapsed to the ground, eyes wide open. She could deny it no longer.

'I am in love with Shirou Emiya.'

She had been fooling herself for some time, she realized. She had known she was attracted to him. He was handsome after all, and athletic. Strong without being over built. She felt herself grow warm thinking of him.

She glanced up. No. No clock in here. She rushed to the next room. Only a little past ten.

No time. She couldn't wait. Another quick shower followed by a change into clothes suitable to moving quick. It might not be as impressive to her Servant, but she didn't care. She had to save Shirou.

Fifteen minutes later she was downstairs, doing one final check on her work. She was glad she had all of this prepared ahead of time. Or she might have forgotten something. An offering of her blood, and she began her chant. Calling for a Servant.

Rin focused and pushed herself at this ritual like she never had. This wasn't some minor competition for her now. She didn't give a damn about the Grail now. It was cursed anyway. Who cared for such a prize?

No they would deal with that when they came to it.

Rin poured herself into this because it meant Salvation. For herself. Quite possibly for her sister. But mostly for Shirou. Tears poured down and added their power to the blood that had been so eagerly given.

Red and white light surrounded her, filling the room and removing all the shadows. "I will be all that is good in the eternal world, I will be the disposer of evil in the eternal world…." Line after line she continued, her body shaking. Every circuit in her body was burning with strain, her crest a bar of fire on her arm.

The Ritual called for power, but not this much. In her haste and need, Rin didn't even activate a single gem, let alone the master gem her father had left her. Everything that was inside of her was thrown at this ritual, at this chance to save the ones she loved.

"Come forth Guardian of the Scales!" Light flashed around her, so bright she could see nothing. Then it was gone. She fell to her knees, exhausted.

And she was not alone. Wearing a suit of plate mail, a knight stood in front of her. "I presume, that you, my Lady, are my Master."

Rin struggled to stand. "We need to go. We need to save him, we have to save…." She couldn't stand. She had never felt this tired, this weak before. Never. She closed her eyes and cried in frustration. Now that she had the means to save him, she didn't have the strength.

The knight walked over to her and picked her up, "I am Saber. In life I was called Roland, my Lady. Duke of Paladins, at your Service."

Latent hospitality drilled into her made Rin give her name, "Tohsaka. Rin Tohsaka."

"You have exhausted yourself. I will carry you to where you may rest, and in time we shall accomplish all you desire." He laughed, "Assuming I don't screw up and get us all killed. Again."

Rin closed her eyes and wondered where she had gone wrong in the summoning. And she slept.

-Scene Break—

Sakura Matou-

Sakura stood their panting staring at the woman in white who stood in front of her. She was breathtakingly beautiful, with purple hair and a pleasant smile. Her eyes were covered with a long white bandage across her eyes.

She looked over at Shinji, at the lust openly displayed on his face, and made her decision. "Grandfather, I will fight."

The woman in white called out, to Sakura, "Are you my master?"

Sakura said eagerly, "Yes." She couldn't let someone be sullied by her family. Not even a Heroic Spirit that would only be here a short time. Surely there had to be a way to fight for the Grail without killing her Sempai or sister.

The woman looked around and said with a laugh, "I am Caster. I honestly never expected to be summoned as this. A priestess from the Age of the Gods." She said a couple of words in a language that none there could understand, but a light appeared on Caster's palm. "I haven't heard the Divine Language, let alone used it in what seems like forever. How pleasantly unexpected."

Zouken called to Sakura, "Turn control over to Shinji like we planned."

"No!" Sakura was shaking, no one could resist her Grandfather. Not and live. But she wouldn't let another become corrupted. The woman seemed so beautiful, so pure.

'I was once like that. That was who I could have been. I won't let it happen again. If I die, if he kills me, she will disappear. I will disappear. The nightmare will be over.'

She closed her eyes, trying not to think of the good things for once. Trying not to think of her sister. Or her loyal friend Ayako. Or Shirou. She had to forget Shirou. She needed to be strong.

Death did not come to her. Instead she felt her eyes open, felt as if someone were running her body. As if she had been possessed.

And Sakura gave Caster to Shinji.

Inside she was screaming. For someone to save her, for this hellish control to be broken. And she reached inside of her, to a part of her that promised the power to do so.

The being that was Sakura Matou broke just a tiny bit more. And she began to laugh. The shadows in the poorly lit basement began to twitch.

Again Caster summoned a ball of pure white light and she moved to cover her new Master, Shinji.

The shadows gathered around Sakura, strand after strand of her hair began to bleach in front of them. A strand of shadow ripped open her chest and tore into her heart. Another strand swept across the basement. And where it went the worms died.

The strand that had dug into her body pulled out a small parasite that lay encapsulated in a dusky bottle of shadow in her palm. Blood gushed from her torn body, but the body seemed to knit itself back together.

Zouken merely looked on and said, "That was wasteful, Sakura."

Sakura grinned at her Zouken, "I have learned much, Grandfather. And I will not be consumed by anyone." The shadow bottle compressed until the parasite inside was crushed. "Not by you, not by it. Not by anyone."

Shinji could only shake and hold onto his new Servant. Caster looked on with sorrowful eyes.

Zouken asked calmly, "What will you do now, Sakura Matou, with your new freedom."

Sakura grinned, "I will return to finish my training. But not until after the war. If you and yours do not move against me and my friends, I will remain neutral. Move against them…."

Zouken said, "You do not frighten me, child."

Sakura took a few steps to leave the basement. She turned and said, "It wasn't directed at you old man. I know some of your plans. And will work to help you with them, but I will not allow myself to be consumed by them. You must find a new vessel."

Zouken tilted his head to the side, "And you will help me?"

She nodded, "I am a Matou, Grandfather. Not by birth perhaps, but considering the pain and suffering I have gone through, I do not plan to throw away what I have bought. After the War is over, I will be back. And I will help raise the Matou family name higher than it has ever been."

Zouken laughed, "Where have you been all these years, girl. What about your affliction?"

Sakura nodded, "I will find an alternate outlet for my… needs. Perhaps a suitable permanent solution to that piece of filth over there." She directed her gaze at Shinji, "May your death come swiftly and painfully. May you suffer every humiliation you ever put me through, every pain and sorrow." To Caster, "To you, I beg forgiveness. I truly wish things could have been different."

Caster said quietly, but clearly, "So do I."

Sakura left the basement, left the house. She didn't stop to change her clothes. She ripped them off as she climbed and replaced them with Shadow. The fabric truly felt better than any she had ever worn. Her skirt was short enough to make movement easy, but long enough to preserve a level of modesty.

It could be altered at a moment's whim, so she might as well cater to the other Sakura.

'What are we going to do now?'

Dark Sakura sighed, and answered her counterpart, "For now I need a walk to calm myself."

'We should go to Emiya's. He will provide us shelter.'

Dark Sakura nodded, "Good idea. Sleep for now. I will get us where we need to go. Don't worry, you can trust me." She felt as her other personality faded and slept. Dark Sakura took in a deep breath. She had never truly had this body to herself. Not completely.

But the stress of the day, plus the summoning of the Servant, the strain of trying to hold on to Caster. It had been too much for her normally dominant personality.

Well, she wouldn't get herself into too much trouble.

She had been walking for a while, when a car pulled up. The driver's face was in shadow, but she could see it well. A predator.

"Do you need a lift young lady? A drive home or maybe to the authorities?"

The shadows twitched around him, reading his nature and intent. Dark Sakura smiled. He planned to rape and then kill her.

Excellent. A valid target. Sakura wouldn't be too angry over what was going to happen.

Because she was so very hungry….

-Author's note—

Okay, so here we have a few more Servants summoned. Hope you folks enjoy. The War's preliminaries are just about over and the War is set to begin.

Name- Roland

Class- Saber

Master- Rin Tohsaka

Strength- A

Agility- B

Endurance- B

Mana- B

Luck- C

NP- A/EX

Magic Resistance – B

Riding- B

Skills-Instinct B

?

Noble Phantasms- Durandal – A –An indestructible blade capable of cutting anything. (Supposedly cut a chunk of the Pyrenees when Roland tried to destroy his blade.) A blade with a long history.

The Oliphant- EX – A horn that summons aid. If the sounder is not saved, they will be avenged.

Servant Caster-

Master- Shinji Matou

Strength- D

Agility- C

Endurance- D

Mana- A

Luck- B

NP- ?

Territory Creation – A

Item Creation- C

Skills-

Divine Language- B

?