Author's Note:

All caught up with the revisions. Now I can get down to adding to the story. Yes, I like this much better, amazing how you can re-work an old story. You'll see many influences from the fate routes but a good deal of new and under-developed ideas that the series omitted. Please enjoy and your reviews are greatly appreciated.

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(Archer's POV)

We're being followed.

Sometimes my master's powers of detection amaze me. Rin is truly a gifted magus to ascertain that someone of high energy—although attempting to fully mask their presence—has been behind us for only a block.

Yes, I just detected them myself.

I was hoping that we would have made it home before nightfall to avoid any unnecessary fighting, Archer. Is it a servant or a master?

Servant, if I had to guess. The cloaking pattern is different from that of a human's.

Well it's definitely not Berserker. Illyasviel doesn't let him out of her sight.

I can detect some humor and I have admit the idea of Berserker being quiet or sneaking up on his enemy with his giant hammer in hand is amusing.

It could be Lancer. If you remember Archer, when we first met him he said his orders were only to observe his enemies, either way, I believe it would be wise to get off this street and into a more public location for we run the risk of getting caught in a barrier.

Rin caught sight of the bus coming down the street and quickly hurried to the stop where half a dozen people were patiently waiting to board. Rin politely dropped the desired amount of coins into the driver's hand and proceeded to take her seat at the back of the bus, once seated she continued.

Archer, did you feel that just now?

Yes. Whoever they were did not follow, it's as if they suddenly changed their mind about a confrontation.

We certainly have a great deal to discuss when we arrive home. I'm counting on you to make good on your offer to prepare my tea.

Rin isn't the kind of master to allow humor to deter her from the seriousness of this war; however, since her smiles are few and far between I seem to take special exception when they are directed at me.

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(Rin's POV)

Archer's different since his battle with Berserker. He's not as head strong as he once was, he actually listens to me now. However, he appears to be determined in a different sense; one that I haven't quite figured out. I am curious to know what his motives are for obtaining the Holy Grail. I know that for me, it is for the honor of the Tohsaka family and to honor the memory of my father who did not return from the last grail war. I knew as a child when father gave me his book and bid me farewell that he would never return and so for the first time in ten years I feel as though I'm not alone, that all my hard work did pay off and my goal is in sight.

Of course, I'd never tell Archer that, he'd probably just have some smart ass remark about what a strange little master I am. All the same, the idea of his sarcasm makes me smile. I've grown accustom to his presence and behind that arrogant exterior is an intelligent and strong servant, my own red knight, and I am pleased with the idea. My father told me that I would be fine on my own so that's why Archer's presence disturbs me so, I'm becoming accustomed to him, depending on him as a constant during this pivotal time—what will happen when that constant disappears?

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(Archer's POV)

Rin's mood is constantly changing and unless she shares with me her thoughts I find myself at a loss in moments like these. She appears tired but there's some underlying mood behind her blue eyes as she gazes out the bus window. It makes me reflect once more, like I did at Ryudo Temple. I cannot ascertain why I am so conflicted, this is what I wanted, a chance to return to this time, yet all of my sarcasm cannot cover up the fact that I do think of Rin's safety or that I do value her not only as my master but as a person, one whose fate has become linked to that of my own. I had hoped to remain neutral to having to work with her once more. Yet how could I?

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(Rin's POV)

I sigh for at least the city looks peaceful at this time of night; it's almost hard to believe that there's a war going on and that all of these humans could be in danger if we don't find out who the master taking their mana is…I've got a good feeling that answers are going to be revealed this weekend at the festival. I smile at my own reflection in the bus window as we head closer to the mansion.

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"Shiro, who was that just now on the phone?"

Shiro turned to greet his servant who had entered the kitchen undetected. He smiled, "Saber, it's good to see that you're feeling better," he greeted, pouring a cup of tea for her and carrying over the tray, "That was Tohsaka."

"Rin?" she questioned, watching as he placed the tray before them on the table and offered her a cup.

"Yeah," he replied, blowing on his own cup of tea in his hand, "she and Archer have been to the Ryudo Temple and were able to ask Issei's dad some questions."

He and his servant simultaneously took a sip from their cups and grimaced upon swallowing. Saber politely smiled as Shiro winced in embarrassment, "Yeah, it's definitely not as good as when Tohsaka makes it…"

Saber quietly set her tea cup down, "And what were they able to find out?"

"That a teacher has lived on the grounds for a few years and a woman awaiting her marriage moved in not long ago, but I'd already heard that part from Issei," informed Shiro, "Tohsaka wasn't sure who the teacher is, so she thought that maybe I could find out from Issei at school tomorrow."

"They must believe that either the woman awaiting marriage or the teacher is assassin's master," deducted Saber, "then we should go and gather more information at the temple."

Shiro gave a nervous smile. In all honesty he wasn't really fond of looking for trouble, but he was committed to doing his part in this war and that involved supporting Saber through it.

"Actually, that's why Tohsaka was calling. The annual festival is this weekend and she suggested that we go to discover the master at Ryudo Temple."

"I agree that it is an excellent idea," affirmed Saber, "We shall question everyone involved."

Shiro couldn't help but sigh, "You have to dress up for these sorts of things Saber."

"And what is wrong with the attire that I currently wear," the servant questioned, "You told me yourself that you liked the clothing which you chose for me to wear."

And yet another Shiro explaining to Saber the ways of the modern world lecture had begun…

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(Archer's POV)

I certainly would never allow for anyone else to see me preparing tea, but for Rin I allow myself to perform the task. I won't go as far to say that it brings me pleasure to see her approval, but the appreciation doesn't go unnoticed either. I am glad to be back within this household and not standing guard outside of that stupid kid's residence. Of course, this is where our pact as servant and master began—a nameless servant with no supposed memories of his past and a frustrated master who would not allow for flattery to deflect her irritation.

As I pour the tea I recall our first encounter with Lancer. Rin was impressed by my quick detection and my ability to keep her out of harm's way, and I honestly felt compelled to protect her when asking her guidance.

"Well then, what should I do Rin? I'm already well prepared."

"Archer, show me your powers here!"

I shake my head for these last few days I have seemed to do nothing but reflect upon my current relationship with Rin. It's not healthy I tell myself. Although making tea in her kitchen may not be healthy for my ego either; however, I draw the line at wearing the pink apron conveniently laid on the counter.

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We sit in the parlor, Rin sipping the tea in approval as she occupies a parlor chair. I opt for the couch in a weird sense of déja vu, one leg propped on the other, tea cup in hand. Rin's eyes gaze around the room with a sense of content.

"It does feel good to be back home. Not that Emiya wasn't more than hospitable—

"We didn't really give him much of a choice in the matter," I correct.

She shoots a noted glare in my direction and then a smile plays on her lips, "He didn't make a very good cup of tea that's for sure, but it can't be helped." She set down her saucer and cup on the coffee table before continuing, "However, outside of his tea making I was able to learn a great deal from him."

I know my disdain is clearly written all over my face, "You cannot be serious."

Rin's blue eyes meet mine in affirmation, "Actually I learned a great deal from observing Emiya and his relationship with Saber. I discovered that he wants to support her in battles and not solely depend upon her strength and that is the reason why she agreed to train him in the art of the sword."

I take a sip of my tea to momentarily avert my eyes from her face but her words cause my eyebrow to arch in both mild interest and surprise.

"That's why I want to utilize your abilities, Archer. We shall use the mansion's grounds as our own personal training field, in which, you will help me to understand your art of fighting and we will incorporate my magical strengths," she explained, carefully taking her saucer and cup in hand once more, "Since my goal was to summon a Saber servant I realize that I haven't been fair to you. I haven't taken the time to learn about your special abilities," Rin was fully sincere and I realized that I may have felt a hint of admiration for her in that moment, I said may have, "so from now on I will show more respect for you, Archer. What do you think?"

I couldn't help but smirk in response; it was a good idea for both the master and the servant to strengthen their bond. "I believe that is an excellent idea, Rin. Even though you would not accept my words—flattery as you called it—when we first met, I said that your magical and spiritual power were probably your most powerful attributes; therefore, it will be imperative that you also demonstrate how I can use my skills to better assist you."

She smiles at me in pleasure, and she says she doesn't accept flattery, "Then it's settled. We should start before the festival, and Archer," her smile disappears and a serious look dons her face, "I've been thinking about Ryudo Temple…the presence that we could not ascertain, I feel as though it were a master overseeing my conversation with Ryudo-san. Normally I would be opposed to the idea entirely, so listen to my explanation before you object; Shiro cannot keep Saber in her astral form, therefore, she will be attending the festival in traditional attire. It is tradition for someone employed by the Tohsaka family to escort me to the festival and if you are not entirely opposed I would like this year for it be you."

I do not believe that I should have taken a sip of tea before she had finished. Choking down the hot liquid must have given Rin the wrong impression for she hurriedly continued with a look of exasperation.

"Archer, listen to me. Saber's already in her materialized form, it is customary for me to be escorted to the grounds, and I have a feeling—call it a hunch—that there may be a barrier in place when we arrive. Therefore it would be easier to have you already materialized and at my side when we enter as opposed to trying to gain access in your astral state. Besides I've gotten to thinking that if this is the master who has been collecting mana, what better than a place where a large amount of humans are all gathered at the same time?"

Impressive.

"Although I am not agreeable to the idea," I inform, watching as she shoots me a glare over her tea cup, "Your reasoning has convinced me that in this case it would be most practical to ensure that we are not separated."

"I'm glad to hear that you agree. Let's begin."

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(Rin's POV)

It's amazing that I never realized until our encounter with Illyasviel and Berserker just how useful a servant I summoned. My only regret is that Archer received the wound inflicted by Saber so early on; I wasn't able to learn more about my servant's abilities until now. It's as though he has the ability to transform and manipulate a series of weapons at the same time, but there's something different about the way he does it.

"Archer," I begin. I have to admit that I'm impressed and I know he can see the approval written on my face, "When you fought Berserker after we fled from the Einzbern castle, I felt a shift in your spiritual power. Did you use your noble phantasm?"

He smirks at me and I'm not annoyed by that arrogant look on his face, it merely confirms my assumption.

"Yes, I felt that it was necessary to utilize in such a battle," he informs me and I can tell that he knows what it is that I want; however, he's going to make me ask.

"Archer, please show me the weapon you called forth," I command, waiting patiently on the mansion's secluded grounds.

He extends his left hand and I watch as a black bow with an odd metal appears. A weapon resembling a long spear soon follows, appearing to have been created by his right hand. I watch in silence as the weapon transforms into the size of a bow and note that he is awaiting a response.

I step forward to examine the weapon. "The metal on the bow is unlike anything I can ascertain having seen before," I comment, upon closer observation I wonder why I didn't notice it before, "Now I see, it is the same as your armor. The arrow appears to have a duel purpose; it doubles as a spear for combat purposes."

Archer looks impressed as he states, "I did well being summoned by such a master, you truly don't miss a thing, do you Rin?"

I take the compliment with a smile of my own. I could get used to having a compliant servant, but I feel that if he doesn't resort to sarcasm soon I'll have to interrogate him to make sure that he is the same Archer that I summoned, "It's important for a magus to be aware of her surroundings and to make keen observations at all times."

"What exactly did you have in mind when you mentioned pairing my abilities with your own?"

His question is justified for I haven't explained my goal to him.

"When you use your arrow it would appear that you focus your energy into it for an attack, am I right?"

"That is correct," he confirms while awaiting an explanation.

"It's similar to when I use my gandr shot. I focus on the target before me, aim and place my energy into the shot," I explain, "my specialty is that I can store large amounts of prena into objects to make up for the energy that will naturally become depleted within my body during battle."

He's smart; his knowing smile tells me that he follows my thought process. "You want to enhance my attacks; I would expect no less from you," there's my old Archer as the sarcasm rolls off his tongue, "In return I would like to show you how an Archer utilizes his weapon, by having you use it yourself."

I'm perplexed yet I feel a sense of honor as he continues to explain.

"To understand the Archer class you must understand the weapon," he remarks now extending the items toward me, "the barrier you have surrounding the grounds will cancel any spiritual energy before it reaches the outside world."

I know all of this but it takes me a few moments to react to his offer. I slowly reach out to accept the unique items being presented to me and realize that I do not have a very good understanding of archery; the only weapon I've ever utilized is my body and the magical circuits within. To have a servant offer his weapon to his master is an honor, it shows the strength of the bond between them. If he wasn't already smirking at me, while putting on the façade of being sincere, I might have been flattered…

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(Archer's POV)

It's a nice scene to see Rin thrown off guard for a change. I silently step forward, gently grasping her by the shoulders and positioning her from behind. I can hear her breath hitch in confusion, but I merely communicate, "It's fine," while I move her left arm into position, her hand grasping the bow, and raise her right arm—the arrow in hand—to the place it needs to be, my hands gently rest on hers as they steady the bow and guide the arrow—allowing Rin to understand the movements.

"Once the bow is steady," I instruct, looking over her shoulder, "slowly draw back the arrow," she obediently complies and I smirk at the idea of a servant instructing their master, but I can see a look of determination on her face.

Her voice sounds serious, "How do I know when to let go?"

I glance noting that Rin already has the bow and arrow steady in hand, and my hands are barely holding hers as I explain, "When all you can see is your arrow making contact with the target before you and that becomes the only outcome within your mind then let go."

I watch from over her shoulder as her blue eyes narrow and I know that something must be going through her mind in that moment. Her words as I remove my hands catch me by surprise.

"I'm envisioning the look on Illyasviel's face when I hit Berserker."

My composure falters as I find myself envisioning that scenario; however, my eyes quickly return to Rin, sensing her spiritual pressure, I watch as the arrow smoothly glides out across the grounds, naturally its magic dissipating as it reaches the barrier. I smile in approval; I believe that Berserker would have been surprised with the amount of strength behind that single shot and yes, noticing the smile on Rin's face, I believe Illyasviel would have been surprised too.

"Rin," I voice my approval, "you appear to be a natural."

But then I notice the serious look on her face and that her eyes have widened in alarm.

"Someone's here," she remarks, dropping the bow I watch as it dematerializes, and she takes off running toward the mansion. I hurry to follow in my astral form.

Archer, they're inside the mansion!

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(Rin's POV)

I'm alarmed because I can sense the spiritual energy of a magus and I can't believe that anyone could cancel the barrier that I have in place without my knowledge.

Rin, be careful. We don't know who we are dealing with.

Archer's giving me good advice, because I know that whoever is inside is going to expect me to come running at the presence of another magus. Whoever it is is arrogant enough not to bother to mask their presence…