Author's Notes:
Starting over can be really hard! So I'm very glad that a few of you took the time to read and review and give me your honest opinions. I hope this chapter won't disappoint; I took some risks but I believe that my knowledge of the Fate-verse will prevail.
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(Rin's POV)
We split up on my order upon entering the house. Archer took the entrance closest to the dining room and I headed for the study all the while wondering who was in my home and their purpose for being there. I crouched behind the large potted plant in the hallway outside of the study and heard the creak of the wood under the weight of the foot falls from the intruder. Believing them to be in the study I sprang from my hiding place, my gandr posed, only awaiting the chant as I rushed into the room to get the upper hand. Upon entering I found the room to be empty until the door shutting behind me caused me to spin around in alarm.
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(Archer's POV)
I searched the dining room and the adjoining rooms in my astral form. I didn't much care for the idea; however, in order to find the intruder it was necessary to split up to cover more ground, and since Rin just so happened to own a mansion, it was a lot of ground.
Suddenly I heard a door slam and the sound of alarm coming from the upstairs.
Rin!
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(Rin's POV)
The man standing before me is none other than my poor excuse for a legal guardian Kotomine Kirei. I frown at the man, for his face has been a part of my life since I was young when he promised me that he would protect my father in the grail war. I had never fully forgiven him for that broken promise, but now wasn't the time to dwell on such things.
"What are you doing here?" I asked rather annoyed for the intrusion, "Do you always go around lurking in people's homes?"
He smiles at me with that familiar amused look in his eyes, "Can I not come to make sure that my ward is safe? After your defeat, I came to give my condolences."
I arch an eyebrow in response, not fully grasping what he's getting at, seeing my confusion he continues, helping himself to a seat in the process, "It was unfortunate that you had to follow Emiya Shiro into the Einzbern grounds and suffer such a defeat."
I take a seat in the arm chair trying to figure out his thought process, "My defeat?" I question, perplexed by the conversation.
Kirei chuckles, helping himself to the pitcher and a nearby glass for water, "It's alright to accept defeat. Of course, I know that you're proud, so much like your father at times."
The mention of my father hits a note deep within and it's almost as if Kirei relishes in it, "Your father summoned an Archer Class servant too, you know."
Yes, I suppose I did know that at one time…somewhere along the line I lost that memory for those days were full of sorrow and confusion. I had lost Sakura, given to the Matou family, father entered the war, mother perished and in the end…only Kirei was left to look after me.
Kirei was still talking, I realized I had drifted off, "All the good it did him I suppose…but no, you're very similar; your father and you. Of course, with an opponent like Berserker, and having been unable to summon the Saber Class servant that you had hoped for, it shouldn't be too surprising, Rin."
"Rin!"
I blinked, lost in my thoughts was I that I didn't realize that Archer had called out to me and was now materialized, standing between Kirei and myself in the study.
"Archer." I merely stated, but Kirei's reaction was so surprising that I hardly noticed that he was holding his hand until I saw the dripping red escaping from his hand and the shattered glass on the floor. "Kirei?"
Kirei's face appeared to be going through a number of emotions before settling on one. He was startled…
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(Archer's POV)
I am unaware of the conversation that had taken place before my entering the room; however, the melancholy that was evident on Rin's face tells me it was of a serious matter for I have never seen that look in her eyes before.
"Rin," I repeat, "Are you alright?"
I notice the blood dripping from the wound in the man's hand, but it's not the wound that draws my attention it's the look in his eyes. He's angry, but what for? I haven't a clue.
"I'm fine," informs Rin, leaning back in the chair and politely motioning for me to move to her side, "Kirei, it appears, was mistaken." The look in her eyes is cool and collected.
As if grasping the concept, Kirei smiles, wrapping a nearby cloth around his hand, "Yes, I do believe I was. Well, it would appear that my visit wasn't in order after all." He rises before politely nodding to me, "It would also appear that you are a formidable opponent in this game; best of luck, Rin."
I watch as he leaves the room without any further conversation and with no attempt made by Rin to call him back or offer to assist with his injury; I turn to my master and note the pained expression on her face.
"Rin?" I find myself repeating her name several times and gain a sense of awareness when I notice a tear escape and run down her cheek.
"I'm fine," she murmurs, "I'm fine."
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(Rin's POV)
My meeting with Kirei forced me to think of things that I had thought were better left in the past. However, the man's ability to bring me to the state of tears, in front of my servant nonetheless is infuriating! I'm surprised Archer didn't laugh at me in that moment, but he surprised me…yet again…
At the moment I'm trying to decide on the appropriate attire for the festival. I suppose I should have had the arrangements made prior to the night of the festival but training with Archer has taken priority. So I'll settle on these and maybe, just maybe I'll get Archer into these clothes come tomorrow morning.
As I shut off the light I murmur, "Goodnight, Archer," knowing that he's on the other side of the door in the adjoining room.
I smile at the sound of, "Goodnight, Rin," in response.
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(Archer's POV)
"No."
"Archer!"
"I will not be seen in public in that."
The exasperated look on Rin's face as she balls up her fists and scowls is priceless.
"You will wear it or I'll—
"You'll what?" I challenge with a smirk.
I got my answer as the clothing hit me square in the face.
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(Rin's POV)
Its noon and Saber and Shiro are late. Archer and I have been standing outside the gate of the temple for the last fifteen minutes and the look of annoyance that my servant is emanating hasn't gone unnoticed by the many people entering as I smile and bow politely.
What a pair we must be? Me in a jade colored kimono with cherry blossoms and a red obi and Archer in a black (it was seriously the only color I could get on the man) kimono.
Finally! I can make out the form of Shiro and Saber as they approach the gate. Saber's face is a nice shade of pink with her light blue kimino with gold blossoms and a white obi and Shiro in his red kimono. I'd take the time to poke fun but because they're late I'm going to resist the urge and get the show on the road.
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Shiro took one look at Archer and nearly fell over. The stoic man stood out like a sore thumb and the looks he was receiving from the female population were those of surprise and admiration. He sighed. This was going to be one hell of a day.
"Archer," politely greeted Saber with a nod of her head.
"I see you were forced into this attire as well," stated Archer with a hint of annoyance in his voice.
Saber scowled in an attempt to hide a blush, "Yes…Shiro insisted that this was necessary."
"Rin as well," commented Archer, trying to look uninterested at the people who stared upon passing.
"Well, now that everyone's here," chimed Rin, "Let's get going."
The group took to the steps of the temple. Rin hesitated, casually taking hold of Archer's arm as they stepped over the threshold. Once Shiro and Saber had followed suit she stated, "Exactly as I had thought. Did you feel it, Emiya-kun?"
"It's like the one that was at the school," murmured Shiro as Saber frowned in response.
"Well, at least we know we're in the right place," affirmed Rin with a smile, "Alright, we must play the ever eager sight seers."
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(Rin's POV)
Unfortunately, Shiro hadn't had any luck with Issei earlier in the week. He claimed not to know the identity of the teacher who resided on the temple grounds; which made our job at lot harder. I would have to rely on my detection skills and the two servants accompanying us…no offense to Shiro…but he was still quite a novice. And far too eager to do the right thing, and if the guy died in front of a crowd like this, I don't think even I could clean up the mess this time. Besides, Archer would just fulfill that promise of his and leave Shiro dead in the streets, no sense of being guilty by association he'd say.
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(Archer's POV)
It's unfortunate that I find myself stuck in a physical form as I can't freely move around and investigate the area. The barrier on the grounds as we entered was unnerving, yet affirmed all that Rin had initially suggested.
Saber appears to be on edge, cautiously scanning the area for any sense of mana from a servant while Rin and the idiot are playing the sight seers too well as I watch them partake in sampling the foods.
"I understand the necessity for Shiro to act this way; however, I wish that he would take this more seriously," comments Saber, "Even now we are in danger—sitting in the enemy's trap."
I stand with my arms crossed and know full well what she's saying, "Unfortunately, Rin can be quite persuasive. Yet, I do realize that from the moment we entered this barrier that our enemy had no intention of letting us or anyone else leave."
"How many casualties will there be?" questioned Saber, staring out toward all of the faces passing us by, "Archer, we have a responsibility to Shiro and Rin."
I scowl, yet I, like Saber am accustomed to death and understand the meaning of her words, "Let the chips fall as they may; it can no longer be our concern."
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Short but I wanted to get an update in! Please R/R.