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?

12. Chapter 12

An Opportunity of Fate part 12

Arturia Pendragon-

Arturia could barely suppress her rage. She had been summoned by the son of her betrayer. And Kiritsugu must have betrayed more than just Arturia to have a child the age of Shirou.

Poor Irisviel. Kiritsugu had played them all for fools in the end.

Arturia looked up and stared at the man who was Saber this time around. She didn't recognize him, although some of his equipment seemed to speak of a continental heritage, possibly Frankish or Alemanni. Possibly Frisian?

It wasn't the armor itself. That seemed like it was High Gothic plate mail. No it was the little accoutrements, the little stylized bits, and his scabbard. The blade looked short for an arming sword, not nearly as long as Excalibur.

Why did she feel so out of control right now? She had been summoned before, had even stood and fought and killed other Servants. Why did she now feels so insecure. Was it simply her pride? That she didn't bear the title Saber this time? She muttered an annoyed oath under her breath.

Saber chuckled and added in his bit. In Breton. Accented Breton, but familiar. Close enough to her native Cymri. She glared at him regally, and in Latin asked, "From where do you hail?"

The knight removed his helmet completely and she could see his honest smile. The man had the nerve to laugh at her! "Ah, that is not how the game is played, my dearest Lady. I must say your dress does confuse me, a modern look. But your speech sounds so very similar to what I have known myself." He laughed, "Not quite Breton, but close. Cymric perhaps? Some valiant Welsh maiden that has made herself comfortable at the Throne of Heroes? Ah, or better yet, and my best guess to be honest, is a maiden who hid her gender among the Knights of the Round Table."

Arturia grasped the handle of Invisible Air, "You sir, speak with much too much familiarity."

Saber smiled, "A duel perhaps? We are allies of course. But I can not help but be curious as to your abilities. You were summoned as a hero, so a hero you must be. But at the same time, your small size and lack of reach, your lack of physical development, makes me wonder how you arose to such heights? What legend did you rise to glory?"

Arturia wanted nothing more than a few moments of peace to still the pressure that still lay heavily on her mind. She could remember her throat being parched as she stood dying on that hill. She could also remember a few moments earlier standing right in front of her nation's salvation, mere seconds from victory. And hated command spell after hated command spell compelling her to destroy it.

She needed something to distract her. A fight or something to keep her mind off of it all. Yes a good fight would calm her, "So. You wish to test my skill and steel, Saber?" She drew Invisible Air, "I am more than happy to oblige."

Saber laughed as he drew his own blade. "First blood? Or first touch?"

Saber's master, a pretty dark haired girl's eyes tightened, "Saber, stop this madness. Shirou, make your Servant stop."

Shirou, Arturia's 'Master' tightened his eyes. "No Rin. Both of these Servants have their pride." He looked at both of them. "As a acolyte of the blade myself, I understand them. But sparing should not be done here, in my home. Not unless you meant harm to me and mine." He glared at both of them. "We are supposed to be allies. Both of you are guests here. I was under the assumption that both of you lived in times when hospitality was honored. I know who both of you are, even you Rider." He looked at her, his honest golden brown eyes looking at her with disappointment. He looked away, "Like much of his later life, my father regretted he treated you as coldly as he did. That he treated everyone around him like tools. But then at the end, he had little left to him save regrets."

The dark-haired girl gasped, "Shirou… You can't mean?"

He looked at her, "Yes, Rin. There is little doubt. My father had photos of her looking like this. Mostly taken at Irisviel's whim, but he was grateful to have them. They were among the few photos he had of his wife." Shirou's voice grew quiet, "He never shared them with me until his very last. I almost wonder if he would have shared them if he hadn't known he was going to die right then. Or if he would have put off the chance."

The dark haired girl looked down, "Shirou. I am sorry."

"Rin, you did what I should have, what both Father and I knew that I did not have the strength for. And I thank you." He touched her face. "Both of these warriors are aching to test themselves."

The quiet girl, the one with purple hair, "And you Shirou? Do you ache to test yourself against them?"

Shirou laughed then, "Of course! They would slaughter me in seconds. I can see that. But still, I am curious. How much have I learned from Taiga. Or better how would Taiga fare?" He shook his head. And looked back at the purple haired girl, "Sakura, it is unfair of me to ask, but can you prepare a dinner for all of us? We will be in the Dojo and I think Rin will wish to cheer on her Servant, as I shall wish to do mine."

Sakura smiled softly, "Of course Shirou." The girl glanced at Rin and moved over to give Shirou a hug. "Be careful."

Shirou's cheeks flushed. Saber laughed until Rin hit him on the arm, glaring up at him.

Arturia sighed and looked up at the sky. These were allies? The two girls were obviously in love with the boy. The boy obviously didn't realize he was stringing them both along.

This would not end well.

While she herself never had the opportunity to dally with the opposite sex, she had watched her knights make fools of themselves. Often ending in tragedy. She closed her eyes and remembered Lancelot.

Had her stoicism truly cost those she had loved that much pain? Would Lancelot forever exist without her pardon? Without knowing she had understood, even if her duty as King had kept her from showing it. Arturia put a hand to her head. This pressure.

Shirou led them to another building. "Rin, can you raise a quick barrier to minimize damage and limit noise?"

Rin sighed, "It will take a few minutes." A slight pause, "Shirou, do you really think this is wise?"

"Yes." He walked over to the two of them. "Alright, no Noble Phantasms." He tossed them each a Shinai. "These should work."

Arturia blinked. She hadn't seen him actually grab anything from one of the shelves. They had just appeared in his hands. An illusion? She swung it a few times. No it was real enough…. No she could feel the magic to it. It was sort of real and yet not. A Glamorie of sorts.

Rin was walking around the room, eyes open just a slit, chanting softly.

Magi. She sometimes forgot. Her summoners were all magi. Even this boy with the clear eyes. He was as much a magus as Kiritsugu or perhaps Merlin. No. No he didn't seem like that. The girl walking the line, she seemed more the mystical sort. More interested in her craft than people.

Her opponent smiled, "Now that is a useful thing. Can you make other things too?"

Shirou nodded, "But nothing that lasts. You two will shatter those long before they dispel. The real ones I have are more durable, but much harder to replace."

Glamourie. She really didn't trust Faerie magic, for all she wielded a blade wrought by them. Outside of the few really precious gifts, too much of it was simply fool's gold. Seeming one thing only to turn into another. Arturia knew that magi could do similar things, but not this real. She asked Shirou, "Do you have a piece of iron I can use for a second?"

Roland laughed, "I was thinking the same thing."

Shirou frowned and muttered and a few small iron hammers appeared in his hands.

Roland took his and rapped it against his shinai whimsically. "Of course if he can make iron, he definitely is not a changeling, wouldn't you agree my dear Lady?"

Rin called out, "It is simple Gradation Air. My apprentice isn't a very good magus. His skillset is too limited. But he is good at what he does." She shook her head in mock appreciation, "Never seen anyone better at Projection in my life."

Shirou bit back, "You are the one who trained me by making me fix your house!"

Rin waved her hand, "Sure, but by now you should be using basic summons and elementals or something other than Structural Analysis, Projecting the tools and doing the work yourself."

Roland dryly stated, "Perhaps we can deal with the lover's quarrel after we finish this duel."

Rin flushed and turned her head, arms wrapping firmly around her. "Just win, Saber."

Shirou shook his head, "I have confidence in you, Rider."

Rider and Saber stared at each other. Roland smiled and put his blade at a guard position, "Let us see what you have got, little Lady."

Arturia attacked!

-Scene Break—

Amelia Abernathy-

Amelia watched as Assassin finished her makeup. "Why are we doing this again?" Amelia was already finished. Assassin on the other hand was enjoying the variety of modern beauty tools.

And Medea was beautiful. Even Amelia could admit that, if only to herself. Even the slightly odd elfin ears didn't detract from her beauty. Then again she was a Servant.

Medea looked at her through the mirror, "Yes. It serves multiple fronts. First, it lets me scout the town. I can use my magic to keep any other Servant from finding me, and I doubt they will be out clubbing like we are. Second, it allows me to place devices that will allow me to see if any Servants routinely pass certain ways. Finding patterns or rhythms to our enemies' movements will be very valuable." She smiled. "It will also allow me to find targets to feed off of, providing me mana."

Amelia had to nod. It did make sense. Just she hadn't expected to go partying while she was in Fuyuki.

Medea grabbed her hand, "Plus it is has been to long since I have been out dancing. There is no need to avoid mixing business and pleasure if you can have both is there?"

Amelia felt herself dragged out the door. But she had a smile. This was going to be fun.

Even if she wasn't entirely sure who the Master was in this relationship. Did it matter? She would get her wish, she was certain of it. Or die trying.

Maybe a night of fun on the town was the right way to start after all.

-Scene Break—

Shinji Matou-

Shinji stared at awe at the ocean below. The cliff he was standing on, that the whole Temple was on was at least fifty feet high. The small stream wandered around the Temple, winding amongst the scattered statues.

Shinji looked at them. So very lifelike. Almost as if the individual had once been real and turned to stone. Caster was certainly a perfectionist.

He looked over at Caster. She was sitting by the stream bank, shaping something out of clay. It looked like a lizard with fine delicate wings. Was she making another statue?

Shouldn't she be doing something productive towards the war?

"Ah, Master. You have returned. Did you bring clothing of this day and time?" She didn't even look at him, still focused on the tiny statue of a lizard.

"Yes, they are my sister's though. They might be a little small." Shinji eyed Caster's taller athletic body. For a moment he smiled at the memory of those hands roaming over him, caressing him. So much better than what he had been used to, either the fumbling of his fellow students, or the empty cries of passion and endless tears of Sakura.

Caster blew gently on the small statue she had made. "That won't be an issue. It is much easier to alter than to simply create."

Shinji shook as the statue moved ever so slightly, a slight resonate trill emanating from its throat. Shinji blinked as it took off from Caster's hand and shot into the twilight.

Caster sighed, "One of many familiars I have created today. I do hope we can find several targets when we hunt tonight. I have used a great deal of prana."

"And your work on the school?"

Caster began to strip her clothes off and waded into a deeper part of the stream. The only thing she never removed was her eye coverings. He often wondered what lay under those wraps. Why was it so important to keep them covered?

He didn't wonder long, enjoying the erotic scene of her bathing. She was so beautiful.

After a moment, and a small indulgent smile never leaving her lips, "It is proceeding. I will need a day or two to finish." There was a small pause, "Are you truly sure you wish to do this. Hunting strangers is one thing, but this will lead to the death of many of those you know. I will consume them utterly."

Shinji waved his hand, "They have all slighted me in one fashion or another. If they can help me achieve my desires, what better thing for them to do. It is just a little sacrifice after all." Shinji smiled, "Just their lives."

"I see." There was a thoughtful pause, "The prana from your classmates will speed up the time table a considerable bit." She spent a bit of time finishing up.

Shinji walked over and picked up a towel he had brought. "Come to me, my beautiful Caster, and we will go let you feed."

Caster smiled and walked up to him. And gave him a kiss. She said with a smoky voice, "More of that when we return."

Shinji could only smile.

-Scene Break—

Ilyasviel von Einzbern

Ilya stared up at the Church in front of her. She could not imagine that the local Christian flock was large enough to support this large of a facility. But then Fuyuki City was a spiritually active community, and so this building likely also acted as a safe house and staging point for the Church's more esoteric activities.

She was not looking forward to this. She had left her maids back at home, taking only Berserker as protection. No need to show the Church her whole hand.

Suddenly she wondered if Shirou had been here yet. He was going to be a Master and the thought of fighting him, of killing him had become an uncomfortable thought. Just spending that tiny bit of time with him….

Well there was always Wednesday. Maybe he truly would have some plan or idea to solve this problem. Ilya closed her eyes and crushed the tiny spark of hope that fluttered into being.

If she cursed meeting Shirou as she had, that was why. She knew she was here to die; it was what she had been made for. It was her sole purpose in existence. Had not old Acht driven that into her? Had he not told her that her very birth had been allowed as a back-up in case her father had turned out to be faithless.

And hadn't he indeed betrayed the Einzbern? Had he not in the end given up the small girl he had loved as a future sacrifice, one that would purge the sins of the father with the very essence of her soul?

Ilya closed her eyed. 'Damn you Shirou, for making my life so complicated. This was supposed to be fun. One final romp before I was subsumed by the Grail for the betterment of my family.'

Now she was uncertain. The park Sella had shown him had made her even more so. It was indeed close to one of the points at which the Grail could manifest itself. What Shirou had said could indeed be true. And the park was indeed cursed with a vehement anti-human vibe.

She would come back tomorrow with her maids again and conduct some experiments. She didn't know what good it would do, but still it was something to pass the time. Maybe she would get lucky and someone would attack her. That would be entertaining.

The door opened and a tall dark haired man stood there. He was dressed in formal church garb. This must be Kirei Kotomine. She had heard rumors, had read some of her old father's reports on the man. A dangerous man of many skills.

He looked down at her, a slight smile on his lips, before a frown flitted across his face. "You are the Einzbern Master?"

"Yes." Last time, according to Father, this man had been allied with the Tohsaka at the start of the war. Together they had been plotting with the previous Church Administrator. She would have to be cautious here.

"I was made aware that it would be a homunculus this time."

Ilya tossed her hair slightly, "I am."

"And the Grail Core is secure? It is not tainted? EInzbern homunculi are typically white haired, yours is a mix. One would hope that we will not witness tragedy and suffering all for nothing." For just a moment his eyes brightened.

Ilya sighed, "They conducted tests." She placed a hand on her chest remembering the pain of those circuits being opened. Circuits that surrounded and pervaded her heart. Circuits that should only be opened once the Grail was nearly ready to appear. After the Fifth or if she was lucky the Sixth Servant fell.

It had felt like her heart had been cooking even as it remained beating. It had felt like a wave of searing acid passing through her with each beat of her heart. They had left her like that for several hours, pain coursing through her just to see if she could maintain consciousness enough to order Berserker to suicide.

Of course ordering that would open up the extra circuits in her brain, effectively killing her. There would be no space inside of her for her at that point.

"And your Servant?"

"Berserker."

A slight smile from him, "Ah, their plan seems certain. A Berserker powered by the holder of the Grail Core would be truly potent. Strong enough to win through many if not all the battles you will face. And if they kill you, it all becomes a farce." He spread his arms, "Rejoice my dear, you will have the opportunity to truly appease your family. This magic had once been theirs, and now in you, they will recover it. Surely it is no small thing to be a sacrifice for such a worthy cause?"

Ilya stood up straight and glared at the priest, "I am proud to represent my family."

"Then you will indeed be participating? You must understand I mean no insult when I ask if you would prefer to withdraw. The contest will be bloody, and you look so young to be forced into such a hardship. You should be enjoying the fruits of your youth and not about to face certain death. Ah, the vagarities of family honor. Such a tough path to face, truly I wish you the best my dear."

Ilya's eyes tightened. He was mocking her. She was tempted to sic Berserker on him and give him a hands on approach to how well she was prepared for this war. But the damage that would do to her family's standing, not to mention the fallout it could lead to between the Church and the Magic Association kept her from doing so.

"Don't worry about that, Kirei Kotomine. I plan to fight. And I plan to win. I will uphold the honor or my family." Inside a tiny voice, a dangerous and subversive voice said, 'I simply haven't figured which one.' She shook her head at the seditious thought and turned to go.

"No questions for me, madam?"

Ilya didn't even look back. "I am an Einzbern. I likely know more about this ceremony than you do, priest."

She left. And while she tried to crush it, a tiny flicker of hope, dangerous seditious hope would not die in her heart.

'Please be real, Shirou. Please be honest and true…. Please save me from what I must do. You say my father tried and was too weak and torn from his War in my family's name to do so. So please, Shirou, please brother….

'Save me.'

And she drove back to the mansion.

-Scene Break—

Rin Tohsaka-

Rin's mouth dropped as she watched Rider blur as she began her attack. Saber was ready and for a few moments the two of them moved. Rin had no idea what their swords were doing, it was too fast.

Until Rider's exploded after a particular hit.

Shirou entered the bounded space and gave Rider one and then after looking at Saber's gave him one as well. He retreated back to safety, "Begin."

This time it was Saber's turn to attack. He didn't move quite as fast as Rider, there was an unstoppable ponderousness to his movements. Only Rider was waiting.

Again a flurry of impossible movement in the small space Rin had created for them. Such rapid violence. Again Rider's blade exploded, this time partly taking Saber's with it. Both of them withdrew.

Neither of them were breathing hard.

Rider sighed, "I suppose that point should go to you."

Saber smiled, "More of a draw really."

Rider shook her head, "If I had my armor I would agree. But without it…." She sighed, "I am going to have to be careful."

Saber nodded, "I see. Best two out of three then?

Rider nodded.

Shirou looked at both blades and shook his head. "I know one thing I can Project that might last longer, but. Well." He sighed and he projected not one but two, Torashinai. "These are just training blades, but well." He handed one to Saber.

Saber looked at the blade in askance, "Kid, you do realize that this blade is cursed, right?"

Rider took the blade quietly and waved it about. "I am not sure I want to wield this, Master."

Shirou sighed, "Call me Shirou. No need to be so formal."

Rider looked at him strangely, "Very well, Shirou. Where did you come across this blade that you could copy it so well."

Rin looked at Shirou. Shirou had often remarked that the blade was cursed, and there was a small level of malevolence to the training blade. But maybe she had made light of his claims if two Servants weren't sure about it. "It is his teacher's blade. The other students and Shirou joke that it is cursed, but I always assumed it came from Taiga. She does have a violent streak."

Saber waved his blade, "Steel sentience do you think? I mean it doesn't feel like it wants to kill anyone. Just beat them to a pulp."

Rider nodded. "Shall we?"

The next match was very quick. Rin didn't see exactly what happened only it looked like Rider had streaked past Saber and had attacked from the flank. Both stopped, and Saber was chuckling, "Very good. Point to you."

Rider backed up, her green eyes still hard, "Adjusting for my speed. It pains me a little to be forced to such tricks, but without armor…."

Saber nodded. He looked over at Rin and winked.

Shirou walked back in and looked at both of the blades. He left the circle without needing to replace either blade.

Saber smiled and said, "Well, this is for the win." And charged.

This time the battle was not fast. Like blurs they moved about the enclosed space. Attacks and feints, blocks and dodges, all occurring at rapid speed. She almost thought she caught her Servants small mistake, a tiny opening. Maybe it had been part of a ploy, RIn could see Saber's sword move in to make a counter attack.

Saber stumbled and fell as Rider's Torashinai exploded on his side. Rider leapt back from Saber's now hesitant attack. Saber winced and looked up, "So match to you. We will have to do this again."

Rider nodded stiffly and handed the hilt to Shirou. "This Servant is competent. You will be safe as long as you stay next to your ally. I need to conduct… a reconnaissance. Do you have a vehicle for me to use?"

Rin watched as Shirou led his Servant away.

Saber tilted his head to keep Rider in view, "She is definitely not hard on the eyes."

Rin glared up at him, "IS that all you have to say? She is pretty? You are SABER, you should have won that fight!"

Saber shook his head, "My dear Master, I am good. And trust me I am indeed very good, but she is better. She should be Saber, not me, I think."

"She is tiny!"

"So are you, my Lady. I am willing to gather you are tougher than you look yourself." He smiled down at her, "Pretty too, but then I have always preferred blondes, so you do lose on that account."

Rin hit him. Why did all the men she know have to be so FRUSTRATING! "So then why?"

Saber shrugged, "I got summoned first. I mean I could easily have been Rider or even given the tales if not my history, Berserker. That Lady out there, no, no I should say that knight out there, is perfect Saber material. All I can guess is that whatever item that kid had was strong enough to pull her in, even though the class wasn't a perfect fit." He chuckled and shook his head.

"What."

"Just imagining her as Caster. She would probably be good at it. Maugrim would have killed for her mana output." He kept laughing, "Of course, would she know any spells to use it with?"

"Mana output?"

Roland put a hand on RIn's shoulder, "My dearest Master, you have seen Rider, yes? Just a shave over five feet maybe? Looks like a maiden, although her eyes say she has seen war and conflict on multiple battlefields. I have more mass, greater reach, and possibly more experience. In a straight up sword fight, I would LOSE against her. Because of her mana output. Why do you think those training swords kept exploding? It wasn't me. It was her. I would wager that I am stronger than her. Certainly given our classes I would assume so. She seems almost startled at her current speed, so my guess is she is learning how to compensate her normal fighting style. Which from our fight seems remarkably like mine. Get into the fight and cut the enemy down like wheat on a harvest day. Of course, without armor she is definitely going to be a little rattled about it." He looked over to where Shirou and Rider had left. "She probably has a few things to think about." He shook his head, "To think I would actually meet a member of the Round Table."

"Not just a knight. A King. The King of Knights herself, King Arturia of Britain." Rin smirked. "Bet you didn't see that coming!"

Roland opened his mouth for a moment, "But. That. I mean." Then he nodded, "Actually that makes some sense. Explains a few very odd rumors I got from the Breton March."

Shirou poked his head back in, "Hey, Rin, Saber, dinner is ready."

As Rin left to go to dinner, her mind was lost in thoughts. What were the odds that Arturia would be summoned again, after only ten years. And why had she come? Shirou didn't have any catalyst that she was aware of.

She would have to read up on the legends of King Arthur when she got home. Maybe something would ring a bell, give her some clue.

And Rider was acting strange, looking at the surroundings with what almost seemed remembrance. But that was impossible, right? The Heroic spirits that broke off didn't directly return to the Throne of Heroes. That energy would power the Grail. So there was no way she could know or remember any of this.

Something was strange here, and she would have to figure it out.

-Scene Break—

Ayako Mitsuzuri-

Ayako finished her makeup and sighed. She thought she looked pretty good. She had to laugh, she didn't wear makeup that often. She didn't bother much at school and outside of her friends she intimidated a lot of the boys of her age.

But between her mother and Sakura she did have some and knew how to use it.

Her mother came up behind her and said, "Ah, my little Ayako! You look so pretty. Who are you staking claim to today?"

Ayako grinned, "I was just meeting with Issei this evening. At the Copenhagen."

"Isn't that a bar?"

"Well they also serve food, including this fish fry thing they are doing today. Both of us have school tomorrow so we won't stay late. We know the owners so as long as we don't tie up a table, we should be fine. Trust me, I do not plan on liquoring up the President of my class and the son of the local Temple to have my wicked ways with him."

Her mother hugged her close, "Oh, Ayako, what am I going to do with you?"

"Eh. Mom, are you okay?"

Her mother pulled back a little and looked at her. She smiled and wiped a tear from her eyes. "I just remember you rampaging around the house like some brigand, and here you are all grown up and so pretty." She shook her head in remembrance, "Stay here, I have something for you."

Ayako watched as her mother hurried off. What had gotten into her normally stoic mother?

Her mother was smiling with a mixture of pride and worry as she came back with a tiny box. She took one hand and touched one of Ayako's earlobes, "Good, you are still wearing studs. I was always afraid you would let the piercing close up." She removed the studs that were in her ears and replaced them. "There. Much better. I have been meaning to give those to you for a while."

Ayako touched her ears gently. There had been a small shock at the placement of each stud. She walked back toward the mirror. She recognized the earrings. The diamond earrings. "Mom, I can't take these! They were a gift to you and…."

Her mother came in a with a smile, "And now they are a gift to you. Who knows. They might save your life sometime."

"Mom."

She just smiled at Ayako. "Your father got called in for some business, so I will drive you. That will be okay?"

Ayako nodded and ruffled through her purse, making sure she had everything she needed. Including the copy of several tapes she had made from her discussions with Rin.

It was time for the secrets to stop among her friends. She was a little frightened of what might happen if she just confronted Rin or even Sakura about this. Sakura would want to protect her, just like Rin claimed she was doing by removing her memory. There was also Shirou, but somehow it just didn't feel right approaching him about it.

No. Now that she knew Issei was involved it gave her a perfect opportunity to get some answers. She just knew that Issei would be an easier target.

Besides, she had made that bet. No need to wait on her rivals to make their move first. Not that Shirou would likely notice. She liked the boy, but was he dense about somethings. She chuckled to herself, what exactly would it take to make him understand? Obviously not a kiss. Sex? Birth of the first child? Grandkids?

No Issei would be easier. It would take slow but steady work to calm him to her presence, not as a friend, she already had that. But as a girl. As his girl. She couldn't help the smile as her thoughts went to the sheer challenge of winning over someone so chaste.

It would be fun. As long as she didn't scare him away. She looked at the purse again and its contents. It had the potential of scaring him away at the very beginning. Maybe she should….

She shook her head. No. She would not start a relationship built on lies. She would let him know what she knew up front. Ask for his help in confronting or aiding Sakura and the others. And hint at her interest in him.

They pulled up to the Copenhagen. She got out and waved good bye to her mother.

Her mother was smiling back at her, "Be safe honey."

She greeted Neko as she went in and was led to her table. Neko told her they would have to clear out early. But that was okay with Ayako. A quick dinner. Some idle conversation. A quick confrontation, and she should be on her way.

When she saw how wide eyed Issei was when he saw her walk towards their table she had to stifle her typical smirk.

This was going to be fun.

-Scene Break—

Sakura Matou-

Sakura basked in the praise that she got as dinner was served. She just hoped she had made enough.

She knew that the Servants did not require food, but Shirou had invited them to the table, and Sakura had served them. Saber ate slowly savoring the dish. Rider on the other hand plowed through plate after plate like she was on some sort of conquest march.

Honestly, Sakura had never met anyone who could out eat Taiga. Until today. And the stream of compliments from the woman helped ease some of the tension she felt from her.

Taiga seemed surprised at the new additions, and had balked upon learning that Rider would be staying. Which reminded Sakura of something. She still hadn't asked Shirou yet.

She stood up and walked back to the kitchen, where Shirou was wiping up a quick desert for his guests. She stood there a moment. How she wanted to just go up and hold him. To kiss him and more.

Now was not the time. If ever. Shirou liked Rin and Sakura found it hard to compete against her near perfect sister. She closed her eyes and felt her other self stir. A warning of sorts. She could deal with this, or the other Sakura would. "Shirou?"

Shirou whirled around and faced her. A broad smile filled his face. His gaze slipped a little lower than her face and then back to her eyes, eyes open as always, and looking a little guilty. "Yes?"

Sakura couldn't help but smile. "Um, it is a bit much, but can I stay here for the next couple of weeks?"

Shirou immediately said, "Sure. Um, but why? Is your brother troubling you again?"

Sakura looked down. "I know about the Grail War, Shirou." She looked up at him, "Moreover, I am a Master."

Shirou nodded, "Okay, Rin is too. We will find a way to make this all right. Where is your Servant."

Sakura couldn't help the tears, "I don't have it. They, they TOOK her from me. Grandfather knows all about binding spells, he made a book, a magical book and they took her from me." She felt herself waver.

Shirou held on to her, "I hate to pry, but who was it?"

"Caster. She was so beautiful Shirou, so pure. And Shinji has her. He will ruin her Shirou. Just like he does so many of our stupid classmates. Just like he, just like he…." She couldn't say it. Not here. Not to Shirou.

"Just like he did you." There was a bit of anger in Shirou's voice. "I knew he was not good to you. I suspected he hit you. But… this."

She looked up at him, expecting him to look at her differently. Expecting and knowing that she deserved, disgust. But he held her close.

"I will protect you, Sakura. You are precious to me. Of course you can stay. As long as you need. Consider this place home." Again the anger filled his voice, "Shinji will be dealt with."

"Please, Shirou, don't kill him. He is still my brother, despite all he has done. He is as much a victim of my Grandfather as I am. Do what you must, just don't kill him."

"And your Grandfather."

"Shirou, he is too dangerous to fight. His older and more powerful than you could ever believe."

"I will save you Sakura."

Another voice added in her comments softly, "As will I. Whatever it takes. We are with you."

Sakura looked over her shoulder and saw Rin.

Rin looked conflicted for a moment, before her eyes hardened, "We will help you in anyway that you need. If you get tired of this place, my house is always open to you."

Sakura said quietly, "Thank you sister."

Shirou just smiled at the two of them.

Sakura couldn't stop a small feeling of frustration as she pulled away slightly from Shirou. Why did Rin have to ruin the moment?

Rin said softly, "Sakura, the reason I came in here was to tell you have a phone call."

Sakura frowned, "From whom?"

"Mrs. Mitsuzuri. She sounded like it was important." Rin waved her hand, "Don't worry, Ayako is fine. She just said she needed to talk to you."

"Okay." Sakura walked to go get the phone. She picked up the receiver and said, "Hello?"

"Sakura?" It was Mrs. Mitsuzuri.

"Yes. How can I help you? Is Ayako okay?"

"She is fine. On a dinner date with Issei Ryudou of all people. No, the reason I am calling is that I need to speak to you. In person. Say tomorrow after Archery practice?"

"Um, okay. That would be fine. If you don't mind my asking, What is this about?"

"It isn't something I can talk about over the phone. Tomorrow then. Good bye, my dear." And she hung up.

Sakura stared at the phone. Why would Ayako's mother need to speak to her? And Ayako was on a date with Issei. She sure moved fast.

She walked back to the dining room. She would have to break the news she was staying her to Taiga herself. It was only fair. He had after all gotten grilled over Rider already.

Sakura was so grateful she had such good friends. She didn't know what she would do without them. She often feared they were after all the only thing keeping her sane.

Chapter End-

-Authors Note-

And here we are with another transition chapter. The first real moves of the war start in the next chapter. Just setting everything up. Hope you folks enjoy.