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?

33. Chapter 33

An Opportunity of Fate part 33

Cassandra Martel-

Cassandra stared at her reflection in the mirror. How had she ended up here?

A few hours ago she had finally woken from her enforced nap. Surprisingly she had felt refreshed and ready to face all the data that had surely built up while she had slept.

Luvia had other plans. Today was a recovery day, and that included Cassandra. Luvia had booked reservations to an expensive restaurant and after viewing Cassandra's wardrobe had declared that they were going shopping. Not just for her, but for Ajax as well.

"But it's snowing!"

"So?"

Right. Luvia came from Finland. This was likely nothing. "All the stores will be closed."

Luvia had tilted her head, "Well we don't have time to have something sown for you, assuming I could find a seamstress that I could trust in this backward nation. But their public services seem quite orderly. Most stores should be open." She smiled broadly, "And if they are not, I am sure I could convince them otherwise."

Between her money and her magecraft, Luvia usually got what she wanted.

Which is how Cassandra found herself in a silk dress waiting for Luvia to return. Next to her, a small blonde was grumbling in her own blue dress. Grumbling in what sounded almost Welsh.

It wasn't modern Welsh though, probably an ancestor to it. For the small girl with the straight back and the hard green eyes was a Servant. Servant Rider if her ability as a Master was working correctly. And for such a class her stats were very high. A-rank Magic Resistance? As a Rider?

Who the hell was she? Her mind racked her English legends looking for a match. A famous female known for her skill on horseback, or perhaps with a chariot? Could the girl be Irish maybe? Or….

The Servant looked over and smiled at Cassandra. The eyes remained hard, but the smile was pleasant, "Sorry, I am not used to wearing dresses like this."

"Going to a fancy party?" Running away and screaming in terror would only draw her attention. A normal person wouldn't notice anything unusual about a Servant during the day. The most perceptive might notice that they seemed a little out of place, that there was an indefinable sense that the Servant was somehow superior.

The woman looked down.

Cassandra smiled, "I am sorry. I didn't mean to pry." It was strange, but she liked this small woman. 'She probably has Charisma, likely at a high level. Joan of Arc? Blonde. Charismatic. Hmmm….'

"It is fine. Just a task I would rather avoid."

'I am insane,' Cassandra thought. She should excuse herself and find Luvia and Ajax. Or maybe use a Command Spell to summon Ajax. But the curiosity that had plagued her entire life was driving her now. Sure the being in front of her was likely an enemy that could crush her like a bug. However, this was a priceless opportunity. She was speaking to a woman whose action had warranted her inclusion to the Throne of Heroes!

How could she not at the very least talk to her? How she wished they could talk openly. How many chances did one get for something like this?

Who was she? How had she earned her place? And how accurate were the legends that people still told of her?

She knew from Ajax that the legends were close on some points, over dramatized on others, while completely forgetting important information. How she desperately wanted to ask question after question, and to be honest, ask for an autograph. Sure the likelihood of surviving this death game was slim, but to have a concrete reminder that she had met a hero of legend….

Unfortunately she didn't have that luxury. Despite her curiosity, she didn't want to die. So she tried her best to skirt around the edges, wracking her brain trying to think of a way to ask the Servant of her life while not actually seeming to.

Cassandra closed her eyes and said, "I do think that dress looks good on you. Blue is definitely your color. Although, have you thought of having your hair down?"

The Servant turned away, a small bit of uncertainty in her demeanor.

Cassandra continued, "Don't get me wrong, that blue ribbon in your hair makes that bun look not quite so severe. It adds to your youthful demeanor."

The Servant glared at her. Her bright green eyes demanding Cassandra's silence.

Cassandra felt intimidated. How could she not? This was a Servant, a human being who had gone far beyond normal human capabilities to be honored in song and story. An entity so powerful there were few on the planet that could stand against them.

Likely none of those creatures was human.

That didn't stop Cassandra from moving from the mirror she had been in front of over to where the blonde Servant stood. The curiosity that had gotten her lover killed by a Dead Apostle, the curiosity that had led her to read up on ways to bring him back, to twist the world to repair her error…. That very flaw which had set her on this course, which had led her to take part in this glorious and horrible War. Someday it would likely kill her. Perhaps today.

She reached up and removed the ribbon, letting the Servant's hair run free. "See, beautiful."

And she was. The Servant, dressed in a well-cut blue dress looked absolutely adorable. Cassandra reached into her pocket, forgetting for a moment she was wearing a dress waiting for Luvia to get back….

The Servant just stood there frozen, seemingly uncertain of what to do.

'She doesn't realize I am a magus. Certainly not a Master. I am making her very uncomfortable.' Cassandra looked at the blue ribbon, "I am sorry if I seem so forward. But you look so dismayed." Cassandra smiled, "Even in this day and age it is often a man's world. But just because you may have to emulate some masculine traits, doesn't negate who you are. And you are a beautiful woman. Don't be afraid of yourself."

The Servant's eyes tightened and she began to pull away slightly.

Cassandra smiled sadly. Just as she thought. The girl in front of her had likely spent most of her life pretending to be a man. Likely her legend recorded her as such. "Pardon me, my name is Cassandra Martel. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

The Servant pulled herself together and drew herself up proudly, "I am Ar… Lily King."

Cassandra smiled, "It is a pleasure to meet you. When I saw you, I just knew you were a fellow countrywoman. How long has it been since you have been in…" She had been about to say England. But the odds of her being say, Maid Marian or some heroic Queen was unlikely as a Rider. Well maybe Eleanor of Aquitaine, but she would have sworn in Occitan or French not an ancient relative of Welsh. No, odds were this woman had lived before the Saxon conquest of most of England. So instead she said, "Britain."

The woman looked away, a flash of grief and guilt quickly buried under a stoic demeanor.

Ah. Her story had not ended happily.

Well most of them didn't. Quiet and happy lives were often boring. Danger and adventure might not be fun to experience, but it certainly made for a better story.

Her thoughts were disrupted by a vaguely familiar young woman walking into the room, "Arturia, let me take a look at you." The girl was pretty, with a long skirt and jacket. Her hair was an oddly dull black that seemed just slightly purple under the stores lighting.

Cassandra backed away and prepared to make her escape.

"You look good with your hair down like that." The girl turned and asked Cassandra, "What do you think? She looks good in blue, doesn't she?"

Cassandra stopped and examined the Servant again. "Blue suits her." She cocked her head slightly, "But it's not perfect." She paused, "I take it there isn't time for something to be properly fitted?"

"We need it ready by Friday." She frowned, "You know you are right. This one is good, but not perfect."

'I need to run. I need to leave NOW!' Cassandra thought. "I think I saw a couple of dresses that might suit her better. Just let me change back into my clothes and I'll help you."

The girl pursed her lips slightly, "You don't work here? I am so sorry; I thought you were another clerk." She bowed slightly, "The name is Sakura Matou, and it is a pleasure to meet you."

"I am Cassandra Martel. It is a pleasure." 'Oh, God. A Matou! One of the Founding Families…. Wait, didn't Luvia mention a Sakura Matou?'

"Hey Cassie, are you done yet?" Luvia asked as she walked in. She paused, "Sakura?"

The blonde Servant moved swiftly in front of Sakura, "There is a Servant nearby."

Cassandra looked at Luvia who nodded. "Lancer, attend me!"

The small room was now packed. Lancer with his spear and shield, Rider in a dark suit holding an invisible sword.

Luvia rubbed her head, "I really don't need this right now. It is the middle of the day. This shop might be slow, but there are plenty of people about. Even under the best of circumstances this will be a disaster. Both of you put your weapons down."

Sakura pointed at Cassandra, "You're the one trying to catch Ayako!" She looked over at Luvia, "You are with her, Luvia?"

Luvia said, "It is a long story."

Arturia spoke up, "She is right; this isn't an appropriate place…. But I do wish to fight him."

Ajax slammed his spear on his shield. "I am Ajax Telamon, Bulwark of the Achaeans. I accept your offer to fight!" He glanced at a glowering Luvia, "Perhaps this evening?"

Arturia smiled, "Tonight then. Know that you will face Arturia Lilian Pendragon, King of the Britons!"

Ajax smiled, "The King of Knights is a little slip of a girl?" He tilted his head back and laughed.

Arturia looked ready to attack him then and there, "You impugn my honor."

Ajax shook his head, "I merely am enjoying the irony. You are a Servant and have earned your place. But I imagine that many who faced you underestimated you. I assure you I will not."

Luvia shook her head, "Can we do this later? I am in need of a stiff drink."

Cassandra said, "Well I did promise to help, Lily, I mean Arturia find a dress."

Everyone stared at her. "What? She needs it by Friday, so it can be adjusted if we get it for her today. After that we can get lunch and set up the duel between Lancer and Rider."

There was silence in the room.

Arturia said softly, "Do we have to?"

Cassandra, Luvia, and Sakura shared glances before looking at Arturia. Sakura shrugged.

Luvia nodded, "I'll go hypnotize the rest of the shop."

Cassandra turned to Ajax, "Out. Stay close, but we'll need privacy."

Sakura turned to Arturia, "Can you change back, please?"

Cassandra smiled, "Now there was this blue and white dress near the front of the store that I think she would look great in…."

End Scene-

CG Emiya-

CG Emiya sighed, "Well that went well."

Alaya in the form of Rin smiled maliciously, "Counter Force in action."

"You have to be kidding! Counter Force is being used to get Saber a dress?"

Another smile, "I believe she is using Arturia now. And yes, getting her a dress is important. Not because of the dress, but because it will tie Lancer to your little band of heroes. It will stall the Grail War." She pointed at another window, "Now we only have to work on Assassin. Then the real work begins."

"Gilgamesh."

Alaya nodded, "And Kirei. You have no clue how much I hate having to crush my former champions."

CG Emiya looked over at Alaya, still clinging to Rin's form. "Was I one of the heroes you crushed?"

Alaya did not respond.

End Scene-

Ilya von Einzbern

Ilya stared down at the struggling body that lay on table before her. A tiny alchemical device lay nearby providing the homunculus with a heart analog. She closed her eyes and tried to will the tears away.

It was her twin, coined to be a nearly perfect replica. Ilya could even detect residue of the Grail Core that had once dwelt within her. That Grail Core, that Conduit was probably the reason she hadn't absorbed more from the deaths of Archer and Berserker. Ilya could feel fragments but most of it had been absorbed by someone else.

It made her happy and guilty at the same time. To not feel the constant pressure weighing down on her mind, slowly squeezing her existence away until her soul was scoured clean of her personal thoughts. But the energy went somewhere. If the homunculus in front of her were whole, she would understand what had happened to that missing energy. But its heart was missing. As was the Grail Core that would have rested right above her left ovary.

She looked over her shoulder at the stoic Kuzuki. To most people he would seem impassive, his emotions well hidden by experience. But everyone has small tells, tiny micro expressions that could be read if you knew how to look. In some ways, due to her constant exposure to the mostly stoic homunculi, it was easier for her to read someone impassive than someone being overly emotive. Emotional control was highly regarded by the Einzbern.

Not that most homunculi had a great deal of control, not at first. They were typically designed to not have emotional responses; those who did were typically reclaimed unless emotional emulation was a desired trait. Social models were considered quite difficult. The right balance had to be struck between the ability to remain in control regarding mission objectives and having functional emotional emulation capability. Failure rate was well over ninety percent.

But as her experience with her admittedly faulty homunculi, standard models did have emotions. She knew that she did. It wasn't just emulation either. It was never spoken of in the Family. Those who were alchemists had to know, even if they wouldn't admit it, that their creations had feelings. They would never admit it she was certain.

Because that would mean that homunculi were people.

Ilya hugged herself and closed her eyes. The faulty clone behind her told her the truth. Victor hadn't been lying to her. She was just a copy. A replacement.

Not real.

Not human.

How much of what she thought and felt was real, and how much was simply programmed into her. Were any of her memories true? Was anything about her real?

She felt the tears come and she sighed, she looked up at Kuzuki again and told him everything. She didn't embellish, didn't add the extra details. That could come later, assuming he didn't just abandon her.

And if her suspicions were now true, then she had nothing. Not even the Einzbern name. Even free she was a renegade, a target that those of the Mage Association would not only be required to recover, but be rewarded for doing so. Having escaped her family, she now would need to find a place to hide, some place far away from everyone. Her very presence was a danger.

She had almost finished her explanation, was almost ready to use her Eyes of Enchantment to compel Kuzuki away from this whole mess, to force him into safety, when she was encompassed in a massive hug.

"Ilya!" Shirou held her close.

Rin asked, "Mr. Kuzuki? What are you doing here?"

"Something has invaded my home. Miss Einzbern is going to save the monks at the Temple." He paused for a moment. "With my help."

Rin was shaking her head, "I don't think that is wise."

Ilya pushed back at Shirou slightly so she could address Rin, "He saved me. He's, he's…."

Kuzuki looked at her, "I have been commissioned by the Lady of Winter to protect Miss Einzbern." He shuddered for a moment, "That being…" He gave another shudder, "Is not one to cross."

Rin just said, "The Lady of Winter?"

Shirou smiled at the Ethics Teacher, "Thank you sir. Thank you for saving my sister."

Ilya turned to face Shirou, "Shirou, I…."

Shirou put a finger over Ilya's mouth, "Yes you are. Gretchen promised me she would tell us everything tonight. Supposedly it's complicated."

Rin gave a barking laugh, "Of course it is. Heaven forbid anything in our lives could be simple!"

Kuzuki looked at Ilya, the tiniest of smiles on his face, "Are you ready? You said that you needed support to get rid of Assassin."

Rin nodded, "I couldn't get ahold of Sakura, but I have Saber with me. That should be enough."

Ilya nodded, "I have a pack of supplies on the table in the living room. We just need to grab that and we can go."

Shirou turned to Kuzuki, "How did you find her?"

Kuzuki quietly said, "I was not always a teacher. I wanted to… atone for that life. But the life of a monk or priest holds nothing for me. But to shape minds, to provide the discipline and structure necessary for a successful life. That I can provide."

Rin looked in askance of her homeroom teacher, "But how? Shirou said Ilya gave him a sense that told him where she was. I would assume she did the same for you."

Kuzuki sternly looked at Rin, "You children may be full of Moonlit lore, and you may possess powers beyond what I can conceive. But you are still children. I followed the instincts developed over many years of hardship. Experience isn't learned, it is earned."

Rin sighed, "Yes, teacher."

Ilya could only smile at the humbled Rin. "They are right, it is dangerous. The being known as Assassin is just that, capable of killing from the shadows." She looked at Shirou and then at Rin, "This one seems different than past iterations. If I am right, it is Medea that we are facing. She would have been a better Caster I think, but as an assassin she brings knowledge of herbs and magic. She will be very dangerous."

Rin nodded, "Those strange overdoses in the City."

Ilya nodded, "I thought it was Caster, but that seems to not be her style."

Rin's face fell, "No. She is even more dangerous. She is an ally, but Ilya, if she ever offers you something…. Think through every possibility, because she is subtle and ruthless. She is honorable in her way, but if you give her an opening, she will take it." Rin looked guilty and wistful, "And a mistake with her could cost you something you didn't even know was at stake."

Shirou moved over to Rin and held her.

Kuzuki simply watched.

Ilya could see the concern for his students flicker in that impassive gaze. The man had a ruthless side, and would do whatever he needed to, but he really did have a hidden soft side. He really did care about those in his charge.

It gave Ilya a warm feeling.

She smiled, "Let's go."

-Scene Break—

Issei Ryudou-

Issei continued on through the destroyed airport. It hadn't been a major airport, just a small private one, but that was large enough. Worse, he was hunting for a Youkai. And if it was in a spiritual form, there was a chance Issei might not be able to see it. That it was strong enough to physically manifest was evident by all the damage, but Issei was still new to this. His pendulum would be able to lead him to close proximity to the Youkai, but there was no guarantee his skills would be sufficient to let him see it if the spirit chose to hide.

That could be problematic. Not for the first time, Issei wished he had the Sight. He could sense the supernatural, but he couldn't see it without using a small basic ritual. One that was too fragile to hold when he moved at anything more than a snail's pace. One that took close to a minute to cast.

Like most of the basic magic Issei knew it was nearly useless in a fluid situation. Which made what he was doing now insanely idiotic.

He wasn't a hero like Ayako or Shirou. He wasn't a powerful magus like Rin or Sakura. He was just himself. Class President of Homurabura Academy. A neophyte diviner and onmyodo practitioner.

What was he doing here?

With a voice that sounded like glaciers grinding together the Youkai addressed him. At first he couldn't understand it. The language was not Japanese or Chinese, not even English, although there were some tiny similarities.

A European Youkai. That would make sense, although that brought its own problems. How could he communicate when neither of them could understand each other? He looked toward the source.

It was huge, more than two and a half meters tall, with blond hair and bluish skin. It wore fur lined European style garments. It had been examining a plane before Issei had come upon it, a long spear resting along a partly shattered wing.

It spoke at him again, head tilted slightly.

Trying to keep from hyperventilating he tried to remember the translation spell he had memorized. It was a bad spell to make mistakes on, with mistranslation being the mildest of possible backlashes. But before he could cast it, pain blossomed in his head. Warmth seethed through his body.

And he could understand.

"Little one. Is it true that humans have learned to fly?"

Rubbing his head Issei said, "Yes. This is an airport. The device you are examining was a plane. It could fly."

"But how? The wings are immobile. And it doesn't stink of human magecraft. But the local kami speak of humans flying away like birds. How is that possible, little one?"

How to explain a technological marvel to a mythological creature? He took a deep breathe, "Natural Philosophy. By understanding various physical phenomena it uses a fuel to power its engines pushing it fast enough to cause a pressure differential on the wings allowing it to fly."

The Youkai sat on the wing of the damaged plane. "It has been a long time since I have visited human lands. They have always been treacherous and tricky, but to be able to fly…."

"Is that why you have remained here?"

The Youkai smiled, "Is that why they sent you little one? Are there no brave warriors or crafty magi amongst men now? Only artificers?"

Issei kept his face impassive, holding in the terror that he felt. This creature could kill him in an instant. A quick mental exercise and he replied, "This is a human place. You do not belong here. I would ask you to leave."

"Little one. You cannot compel me to leave this place, and I will not until I see a human fly! To fly without magic…. Not even the Dwarfs were able to do that. Those humans may be tricky and clever, but I will not believe it until I see it for myself!"

Supernatural creatures were tied into nature. This being was not twisted, Issei could tell. It was dangerous and likely inimical to human life, but it was not unnatural. It would be able to sense the truth of his statements as long as he simply stated them. So it would know that he spoke the truth, "I have flown myself."

"I see. Then can you make these devices fly?"

Issei thought quickly. They had to make this being leave quickly, before the local police tried to rush in. They would all die. It might only be two and a half meters tall, but it had immense power. Issei wasn't sure what level of normal force would be required to banish this creature. He shook his head, "You have broken them. But I offer a memory of flight if you will leave this place."

"You are brave, little one. I accept."

Issei raised his eyes to meet the Youkai's. This was dangerous, but if he was right, and this creature wasn't twisted, it would honor its bargain.

And he felt pain. So much pain. It wasn't physical. It was more than that, a deep tearing that went all the way to the very core of his essence.

Memories were stored in the soul. He had offered and given up a part of himself.

And it hurt. That tiny emptiness hurt.

Once, years ago, Issei and his class had flown to Okinawa as part of a school trip. All he had left now was the memory of that memory.

Was this what his Ayako was going through? Only magnified by years? There had to be a way, a way to return some of what she lost, to relieve this pain….

The Youkai's eyes were wide. "To fly…."

Issei's voice was harsh, "You have what you wanted. Now depart."

"Little one, for your bravery I grant you my blessing. Give my regards to the Child of Winter, and should you meet the Winter Lady, tell her we remember our pledge and will come if she calls."

And it was gone.

Issei turned to go back to Jin Mitsuzuri and tell him that the Youkai was gone. He couldn't quite remember what happened on his way back or for much of the rest of the afternoon.

The last thing he remembered were the bright golden eyes of Eiko MItsuzuri and the single word she spoke to him.

Sleep

-End Scene—

Ayako-

Ayako was having fun. Sure she was hurt, and her wounds were starting to slow her down. But there was something about fighting an implacable enemy, the feeling of insurmountable risk.

There was a really good chance she could die in the next hour or so.

It had started simple. She had escorted the witch to Ryudou Temple. It had been calm and peaceful, normal for the quiet place her lover had called home. He was actually kind of similar to this place, calm, placid and a little boring.

She needed the first two traits, they would keep her grounded. She was certain she could cure the boring aspects of his personality in time. At least she was willing to bet she could. It would be a challenge.

Ayako had always wanted to go hang-gliding. Or maybe sky diving. Ayako smiled at the thought of feeling herself freefalling.

She ducked the bone golem's swing and smashed it the leg and then crushing its head. Courage worked well against these monsters. It didn't stop the enemy from making more, from sending a nearly endless army of moderately weak monsters at her.

They would wear her down eventually. But it beat trying to dodge those powerful beams the enemy had fired at them at first. The witch had been able to deflect a couple, but mostly she had been useless.

Well useless in a way.

Ayako took a breath and backed up towards the witch, "So do you have anything to stop these things. I could smash them all day and they would keep coming."

The witch glared at her, "Without me she would have enchanted you a long time ago. You would have been a sitting duck while she ripped the power from your spirit and destroyed you."

Ayako shivered in memory. She had felt that a couple of times now, once to near fatal levels. "Well, as much as we need to help these poor monks we need to retreat." She looked at the distant gate, "Somehow."

The witch placed two more intricately designed strips of paper onto some invisible surface. These were the wards that kept the Youkai from simply using her enchantment abilities to ensnare the two of them. As long as Ayako remained within a few meters she was safe.

Or she would chase down the Youkai and kill it. It was stronger than her. Faster too. The quick cut Ayako had given it would have put down a human, so it was tougher as well.

But whatever that woman was, she did NOT know how to fight. Sure, massive beams of magic, dazzling enchantments, and bewildering illusions were great. But up close….

It had been so strange, those few moments when the Youkai had tried to rush them. Because it was SO much stronger and faster. It wasn't like Ayako was a grandmaster or anything. She probably had her first dan, or would when she took the examinations. But her new speed plus her knowledge had been enough to wound the enemy and drive her back.

And for all she hated the witch she was working for the woman was GOOD. Sure she had very little in the way of magical attacks, or physical defenses, but her magical defenses were top notch. Not strong enough to take the Youkai's magic blasts straight on, but good enough to deflect them so they wasted their power somewhere else.

Hence the standoff. The enemy Youkai couldn't rush Grandmother because Ayako was there. But she couldn't blast Ayako to bits or enchant her because Grandmother was shielding her. Outside of the static defenses Grandmother had raised, neither Ayako or Grandmother could harm the Youkai.

It had become an endurance contest, and that was one Ayako was going to lose. Grandmother was powerful, but she was old. The heart attack had induced on the woman didn't help. And when the old witch fell, Ayako would be a sitting duck.

It would be like Sunday all over again. The Youkai would tell her to stand still. And Ayako, even with all the strength of will she now had, even with her new abilities, she wasn't strong enough to resist.

Ayako smashed a few more golems.

Grandmother just glared at Ayako, "We just need to hold on. Help is coming."

Ayako smirked, "They better be packing serious firepower or they are going to be toast. Heh, they might even make things worse for us."

Grandmother growled, "The local spirits recognize who it is, but they aren't being clear. Whoever it is will at the very least give us an opportunity to withdraw."

Ayako reached out. She was a little too tainted for the local spirits to be fully comfortable with her. But she could sense a disturbance in the natural order not too far from here. Coming from the steps.

Two actually. One was likely a Servant. It felt like a distortion, but a glorious one. The other felt wrong, like a constant pressure on Gaia. Like a world view completely at odds with Gaia's. Gaia held it completely suppressed, but if enough power and conviction were applied, Gaia would be overwritten if only for a time.

A Reality Marble.

One that she had felt before.

Emiya.

"This should be good."

Grandmother asked, "You sense something?"

Ayako smashed another golem and grew closer to Grandmother. She wouldn't want to get in the way of Emiya. "Do you remember when Raiga told you to use Emiya as your guardian?"

"You heard that?"

Ayako just smiled.

Emiya crested the top of the stairs and made his way to the Entrance.

Ayako waved and pointed at the golems with Courage and smashed another. For a moment she was certain that he would draw some sort of blade and join her in crushing the golems. What he did was better.

A bow appeared in his hands. Arrows began to unerringly strike down the golems. Explosive arrows.

Rin, flanked by Saber crested the stairs, gem in hand. And watched.

The Youkai could rebuild the golems, true, but not as fast as Emiya could destroy them.

Grandmother cried out, "It is trying to escape! Stop it!"

Ayako reached out with her senses and felt…. Nothing. Something was deliberately making it so she couldn't sense the Youkai.

And it was invisible.

Silence reigned in the Courtyard in front of the Temple. Emiya was searching carefully. Saber was shielding Rin, who still cradled a gem. Ilya crested the hill as well, Kuzuki in tow.

"Is it gone?"

"No, there will be a brief moment when it will turn visible when it crosses the threshold of the Temple," Grandmother replied.

"Who is she?"

Ayako still looking everywhere said, "Not important. We need to find this Youkai."

Ilya dryly said, "It is a Servant. Assassin to be exact. She must have a device to let her become invisible. Useful, I am sure." She reached up and whispered something to the sky.

Ayako felt the world distort. It was nothing like Shirou's Reality Marble. It was similar in some ways to what she could do herself, only she was limited to what could naturally happen. This was artificial, and Gaia was NOT happy with it, trying to suppress it like it did with all magecraft.

Ayako tilted her head, and examined Ilya as she basically began to glow to her sight. It was different from what she sensed with Rin or Sakura when they cast something. That seemed to flow along set guidelines, to be channeled. Like a field being artificially irrigated. Ilya just put her will against the world and pressed, using her immense power. And while the World was much stronger than she was, Ilya's power was focused in one spot, and so her will became reality.

And it began to snow. Not heavily, and there was no wind.

Ayako smiled. Unless Assassin could also become intangible, the snow would be deflected by her presence. It would likely take superhuman senses to see the small changes, but then between Ayako and Emiya, that shouldn't be a problem.

There!

Ayako rushed to attack, only to be surprised at how FAST Emiya moved. There was a burst of magic as he moved, and it was in a straight line, but it was very fast. A blade appeared in his hand, a long dagger or perhaps a short sword. The same one he had pulled on Ayako a few days ago.

Only now Ayako knew that it was stored in his own personal world. She almost wished he would manifest his Reality Marble so she could examine the treasures that must be stored there. That and find out where they had all come from .

But, as fast as Emiya had moved, the Servant was faster. Emiya was able to cut the Servant, but a backhanded slap, poorly executed but still connecting threw Emiya a dozen yards back to slam into a wall.

She herself fared little better. It was funny. Had Assassin been trying to fight Ayako, Ayako would likely have been able to hurt her. But as the Servant was simply brushing aside everything in her way, even taking the cuts that both she and Emiya dished out, she was unstoppable.

Saber was still weak from the damage he had taken from Berserker, he was a long way from his prime. In any stand up fight, Assassin would have been cut down. But Assassin was smart, and fired one of her beams of light at Rin, and Saber blocked it.

Unfortunately by the time he was finished blocking the attack, Assassin had passed the Gate.

Rin cried out, "After him, Saber."

"No."

"What?"

"Every time I leave you, you get hurt. So no. I am going to protect you. As banged up as I am, Assassin could likely escape from me anyway. Besides, we are here to save the monks. I will protect you while you do that."

Rin raised her arm, a Command Spell gleaming.

Shirou sat up and said, "Rin, it's not worth it. We'll have to find her another time."

"But…."

Ilya just walked past her and towards one of the Temple buildings.

Ayako brushed herself off, "Let it go, Tohsaka. We'll get her. But we'll need a plan."

Grandmother walked past Ayako without a word and began to speak with Ilya.

Rin looked at Ayako impassively, slipping the gem back into a pocket. "You never did answer, who is that woman?"

Ayako smirked, "Let's just say I have had a long afternoon."

-End Part-

A/N- Next Part, Wednesday Dinner at long, long last. Let me know what you folks think.