I do not own Fate/Stay Night nor any other Servants depicted here.

When Morning Comes

"How long?" Noel asked as Berserker began his leap.

"Eh? A few minutes, I guess?" Rider replied in surprise, assuming she was asking on how long to delay the Servant.

"...Good enough," she responded, "Split."

The both of them dashed to each side, the Servant of Madness slamming his swords on empty ground, cutting deep grooves in the tarred road. Without delay, she started firing at him, only for her shots to bounce off his blades. Of course, that was intentional; she didn't know exactly how his madness is triggered and she wasn't about to take any chances. So she kept to easy to deflect shots. However, his next action took her by surprise. He charged forward, weathering the shots.

"He figured it out!?" her thoughts yelled in surprise as she kept up the volley. She stepped back as Bolverk transformed to the shotgun mode. She didn't need to do so. Rider rammed his shoulder into Berserker, charging in from the side. The Servant of Madness landed a few feet away. He didn't seem fazed, however; as the blades returned to his back, he grabbed the interrupter by the head, punched him in the face and then rammed the dazed Servant into a nearby wall. He then turned his attention away from the groaning Servant and back to her. Swapping shotgun for Bolverk's original form, she stood there, ready for the now charging Servant.

Noel swung to her left, the barrel batting away the first swing. Quickly side stepping a stab, she crossed Bolverk in front of her to block a rising slash. She back pedaled to avoid two more attacks as he moved forward. She flung the right revolver forward, the weapon spinning like a buzz saw as it traveled forward and returned to her hand, forcing Berserker to block low. With a yell, the now recovered Rider ran up and punched into the Mad Servant's temple. The ashen skinned Servant staggered to the side, but he quickly recovered and attacked, slicing from shoulder to hip... or at least, that was supposed to happen. A shining aura enveloped him as he raised his arms in defense, the jagged blades somehow sliding off them as the shine flared up.

"Optic Barrel!"

The blast pushed the Mad Servant only slightly. Yet, it was enough for him to turn back to her.

"Take this!" shouted Rider as he sent an uppercut to Berserker's chin, actually forcing the Servant to take a few steps back. He was glared at. The Servant of the Mount was then forced to leap back as the now-orange glowing blades were swung about from their chains. Once. Twice. The third swing tore up the tarred road with a burst of fire as the blades and chains dug into it. Berserker had to bring them back to shield himself when Noel started to rain shots on him.

"Crap... it's starting," Rider exclaimed worriedly.

"What do you mean!?" the former Servant asked loudly over the gunfire, clueless as to why the jagged swords were now glowing.

"We've got to go! Now!" he shouted back, "You don't wanna be here when he goes off."

"Alright!" she shouted her reply. She leaped into the air, preparing an attack she knew very well.

"Bullet Storm!"

She rained bullets on him. With a yell, he slammed the ground below him. The shields quickly piled up and the shots pinged off the barrier like a torrent of metal rain. With that, Rider quickly headed towards what was left of the limousine. Luvia, all the while watching her Servant's actions, quickly ran to the front passenger seat.

"Thor!"

The explosion flooded the area with light and sound.

Steel clashed with shadow. Red danced around black. Well, mostly, it seemed that only red was doing the dancing, and it troubled Archer.

"What is Assassin waiting for?" he wondered as he decided to halt and drew back to assess his opponent. At first, the shadowy... and supposed... former Servant seemed content to deflecting and blocking his attacks. At first, using a few gestures to call up a wall of shadow. Then, he became a bit more active by using its arms and hands, which struck him as odd. From that, Archer realized Assassin didn't seem to have any weapons on him. Slowly, the former Servant then started blocking his strikes entirely by just standing there while dark tendrils just lashed out to intercept the married swords. All the while without moving from his spot.

"Interesting..." muttered out Assassin, "To be called Archer and yet to fight with swords. You are truly interesting..."

He narrowed his eyes. "How do you know my class?" he asked the shadowy Servant warily.

"You do not need to know," the previous Assassin replied as it gestured, "Now, if you would be the first casualty of this War..."

"I refuse," he replied calmly, "I have yet to achieve my goal."

"A pity," it sounded as it took up a martial arts stance. Legs apart. Right palm held up and facing him. Left near its face, palm facing outward. A second ticked by before it moved, propelling itself towards him in two steps.

"Targeting my chest..." Archer deduced as his arms began to move by instinct... but he was taken aback when Assassin moved faster than anticipated. Before his counter was complete, the punch impacted his chest. His container was strong... yet the crushing weight of his chest was becoming more unbearable at an alarming weight. And then, the feeling was lifted and he found himself flying backwards. He was still aware enough to land on his feet, but the distance that he was sent... it was quite substantial. A dull ache radiated around his chest, that sinking feeling was still pressing against him as the pain dulled. He found his breath short. That in itself was concerning.

"Surprised?" the shadowy being stated, as if to taunt, "There is much one can learn when browsing through the minds of others."

Archer clenched his teeth at the subtle hint as to where Assassin learnt how to do this. As jaded as he was about what he had become, there was no way that he would forgive what this shadow insinuated. He became even more stunned when he realized that his body now felt sluggish, as if all his energy has been drained off by the punch. "Did it really shock my body that much?" he groaned as he tried to at least get his arms up.

"Now, it is time..." it said as it slowly walked towards him, "... to send you to the Grail."

Suddenly, the ground rumbled and an explosion was heard. Assassin seemed to look past him, in the direction of where they came from previously. "Was that their distraction? I highly doubt that Berserker would be fazed by it," Archer mulled over while still keeping an eye on his opponent. He could feel the numbness slowly fading away though, so the distraction was welcome. He relaxed, standing a bit straighter as he ran over all possible counters in his mind.

It growled, "Another problem I must rectify." As it refocused on him, it continued, "Now... I believe I was going to kill you." With a gesture, four snakes burst out behind it and flew towards him.

He quickly jumped backwards as the four shadows crashed into the ground where he once stood. Much to his annoyance, they resurfaced and made another lunge at him. At that moment, his ears caught wind of something familiar approaching. Inwardly smirking, he jumped up and somersaulted backwards, neatly onto the tight leather seat. He took a glance behind him, feeling his annoyance rising at the absence of his shadowy opponent. "Tch, it seems he escaped," he noted. Turning his attention to the front he called out, "It seems you are right on time, Rider."

"Huh! At first I wondered why Noel here told me to step on it," the Servant replied as he continued driving, "Then, Luvia here told me to do it as well. How can I refuse?"

"I doubt he died," Noel muttered aloud, "Still, I'll take this as a win."

"This is tiresome," grumbled Luvia, "Why are more enemies coming out of nowhere? When did this War get so complicated?"

"When indeed?" he groaned inwardly, agreeing with her words. This wasn't how he remembered it at all.

Nothing else occurred and with everyone safely in their homes, Noel had a good night's sleep. Waking up to the relief that nobody else had died that night, the morning went on as normal. As normal as it could get for her. The last ten years had improved her life somewhat. While admittedly she was still a terrible cook, she at least was able to learn how to properly boil and fry an egg as well as take care of most instant meals. She was still trying to handle hash browns, even though she almost burned down Waver's kitchen the one time she decided to visit him. However, that morning, she didn't want to risk it. So all she did was a quick hard boiled with some milk to wash it down. Then, it was time to make the call.

"...You're lucky I haven't gone to sleep yet, Noel," stated a rather tired voice.

"Er, sorry?" she apologized sheepishly as she made a face, "But really, I had no other choice. Bazett didn't believe my warnings and..."

"Bazett? Where have I heard..." Waver muttered, "Noel, what in the world is going on down there? Why are you speaking to an Enforcer?"

"Ah... well, it's a long story..." she started as she told him what had been happening the past few days.

A tired sigh drone out of the receiver as he asked, "All this happened... and you didn't think to tell me?"

"I... was going to?" she replied hesitantly, "Sorry! But still, what about..." She heard a knock on the door. "Ah, I think I hear her! Please hold on," she told him hurriedly.

"What? Wait just..."

Putting down the phone, she ran to the door and unlocked it. "Good morning!" she greeted as she opened it. The serious looking Irish woman returned her greeting softly as she stepped inside. Noel quickly closed the door and followed after her. She retrieved the phone and asked, "Waver?"

"Would you let me finish before you put me on hold?" he complained.

"Ah... Bazett is here! So, please have a word with her," she said jovially as she handed the phone off to the Enforcer.

"...Fine..."

"Good morning. Am I speaking to Waver Velvet?" the Irish Master asked once she placed the receiver to her ear.

Noel let out a relieved sigh as she sat down. Her visitor's voice was slowly blocked out as she considered what she learned last night. "It seems Illya is so hell bent on getting her hands on Emiya, she probably wont listen to whatever I have to say," she mulled over, "Caster... hmm, I never did ask if they contacted Caster, did I? Huh, should've asked them yesterday..."

"I am done." announced Bazett suddenly as she held the phone in front of the former Servant. She blinked as she took it back. "I will let myself out now," the Enforcer informed before leaving.

"Oh," she could only sound out as she stared at the Irish woman.

"Noel."

"Eh? You're still on?" she exclaimed in surprise almost jumping out of her chair.

"I only confirmed that little story you told them. Was that the only thing you revealed to them?"

"At most... I thought only the parts leading up to the battle with Caster was enough to convince them," she began explaining, "They weren't entirely convinced... but at least they are a bit more wary and stopped the fighting for now."

"I doubt that the Mediator would take too kindly to the news that the War has suddenly stopped."

"About that... it's Kirei," she revealed.

"...I see..."

"You don't sound surprised," she stated with narrowed eyes.

"It wasn't confirmed, but there has been rumors of an Executor using his name to team up with a few enforcers. It seems that they are true."

Noel sighed. "Also, there are other things happening too. Remember the battle we had with Caster?"

"What of it?"

"Remember those... things? They are showing up again," she informed him, concern creeping into her tone. She could hear him sigh in turn.

"This is enough proof for me. I'm sorely tempted to come down there myself... then again, that also means informing 'her'... Are you sure you can handle this yourself, Noel?"

"I can do this," she confirmed resolutely, "I wont let another disaster happen again."

He sighed again and said, "Let me know if you need anything else then. Good bye."

"Good night, Waver," she replied as she hung up. Placing the phone on the table, she hoped things wont become more difficult than it already is.

Slowly, Shirou sat up in his bed. Carefully, he pulled up his sleeve and examined his arm. It was fine.

"That dream... it felt so real,"he thought as he continued with his morning routine. However, when he reached for his uniform, he froze.

"Oh, right... school has been closed..." he remembered, thinking back to yesterday's events. "Shinji..." he muttered as he clenched his fist, "I will save you." He truly believed that his friend was possessed by that book. If they get that book away from him, then there is a chance. Taking a bit more time to calm himself down, he changed into his daily clothes and headed straight for the kitchen.

"Good morning, senpai!" greeted Sakura jovially. She seemed unaffected by the excitement of the previous night, already in the kitchen taking care of breakfast.

"Ah, good morning, Sakura," he returned the greeting, taking his spot at the table as she had already placed a few dishes.

She came to the table, rice bowls on a tray as well as the other utensils. He helped her set up the table. "Ah, can you help to serve the soup, senpai?" she requested as she took off her apron, "I want to check up on Rin-senpai."

Nodding his head, Shirou did as she requested with the tray she left behind. The five bowls were set down just in time for the violet haired girl to usher in a protesting twin tailed magus.

"Sakura, I've already told you, I don't usually eat breakfast," the later stated as she futilely tried to tug herself away.

"Rin-senpai, breakfast is the most important meal of the day," the former lectured her.

Eventually, Rin had no choice but to take a seat. The scene was so odd to Shirou that he didn't know whether if he should laugh or not. So, he just kept staring at them. Thankfully, his actions went unnoticed as something else took precedence.

"SHIROU! FOOD!"

Taiga ran through the door and smoothly landed in her seat, miraculously not knocking the table over in the process. "Oh, this looks amazing!" she praised.

"Fuji-nee, Sakura prepared breakfast today," he corrected.

"Thank you, Sakura!" exclaimed the teacher happily as she clapped her hands.

"Ah, there is no need to thank me, sensei," the girl protested politely as she sat next to him.

Then, in came Saber, greeting everyone in turn before taking sitting on his other side.

"Itadakimasu!"

Breakfast progressed smoothly, the sound of cutlery clinking as the chopsticks knocked against bowls and dishes. The silence was new to him. Normally, Taiga would be a bit chatty, even if she was eating. It showed that yesterday's events weighed so much that even Taiga was quiet. A bit unsettling, but he carried on eating until breakfast was over. The teacher then got up, said her thanks and announced in her more usual happy tone, "Alright, I'll see everyone later. I've got students to check up on."

"Eh? Check up on?" repeated Shirou aloud, wondering what got into his supposed guardian. Why was she so eager to check up on her students today?

"Of course! It's my duty as a teacher, after all," affirmed Taiga as she made her way out, "Make sure to have dinner for me, Shirou!"

The other four occupants of the room stared at her. A few minutes after she left, Rin let out a sigh of relief and said, "I thought she would never leave."

Feeling suspicious, he narrowed his eyes and asked, "Tohsaka... what did you do?"

"Oh, I left a hypnotic suggestion... 'check up on students'... with her," the twin tailed magus explained, "I thought it would give us time to plan out the day. Unless you have forgotten already..."

"I haven't," he muttered, his mind going back to Shinji. He frowned and continued, "But, you didn't have to hypnotize her. Wouldn't she be thinking about it already? We could have just mentioned it over breakfast."

"Uhm, I don't agree with what Rin-senpai did, but there might not be any other choice," interjected Sakura, "With how down she was yesterday, she might not even want to go out. At least, she has something to do to get her mind off things."

"Thank you, Sakura. Now, with Bazett and Lancer being a little more neutral to us, we have to think of ways to deal with Caster and... Illya," Rin quickly presented.

"Er... Rin-senpai, shouldn't we have Edelfelt-senpai here with us?" asked the violet haired girl, "I mean... she is part of this alliance after all..."

"Hello!" exclaimed a voice, "Did someone mention me?"

Everyone looked towards the doorway, the blonde Master acting triumphant and smug in her return to the house. The smile was then gone in an instant the moment she noticed Rin. Wordlessly, she made her way to the table and took a seat.

"Can I have a word with you, Rin?" she said with a smile. Looking confused and frowning, said girl nodded and motioned the blonde to follow her.

Shirou turned to Sakura and asked, "What do you think that was about?" She just shrugged, just as confused.

"Shirou, if there isn't anything else, I shall be returning to my room," informed Saber as she stood up.

Luvia slammed the sliding door shut, the wood giving out a muted bang. "You have some explaining to do, Tohsaka," she said as she glared at the twin tailed magus, arms akimbo.

"Eh? What about?" was Rin's reply.

"There is something wrong with your senior at the church," she said as she crossed her arms.

"Wait... you went to see him?" the Tohsaka muttered in surprise. Then she narrowed her eyes and shouted, "He is the mediator! Didn't Noel say not to tell him anything!?"

"You're lucky I did, you fool!" she retorted back, "Your family makes use of gem magecraft, just as mine has. So your senior should know that as well, right?"

"What are you getting at?" Rin grumbled.

"How in the world did he learn how to control shadows?" Luvia questioned. A pair of wide eyes watched her as she explained, "How in the world did he know how to make shadow snakes and shadow weapons and who knows what else?"

The former was unable to say a word. Eventually, she asked, "What... wait, when were you going to bring this up?"

"I would have brought this up yesterday but with us visiting Miss MacKenzie, it slipped my mind," the Edelfelt replied, "And I'm still waiting for my answer, Tohsaka. What is going on with your senior?"

"Hey, this is the first time I've ever heard of this," the twin tailed magus protested, "And he has never demonstrated any capability of using any sort of shadow manipulation or magecraft in front of me."

"Which begs the question, how did he learn it?" Luvia stated as she cradled her arms, "Surely there was no way he could learn it on his own."

"Of course, just ask the one who has no idea how he did," the Tohsaka retorted as she moved to walk past her.

"Where are you going?" latter asked the former as the other magus slid open the door.

"If you must know, I was going to get everyone out of the house today," the former said as she turned to face her, "I was thinking of paying a visit to the Einzbern castle."

"If you're feeling suicidal, go ahead, but please leave dear Shirou out of that insane plan of yours," Luvia said with a smile that guaranteed pain for anyone that disagreed.

"Oh? 'Dear Shirou'? I didn't know you were with him," as Rin took on a thinking pose, and then she went into a more relaxed stance with a little smirk as she continued, "Oh, wait! You haven't even given him a confession, so you aren't."

"Why you..." the Edelfelt growled out.

"Ne, Rin-senpai, is everything alright?" Sakura asked, suddenly appearing around the corner.

"What? No. No. Everything's fine!" exclaimed the twin tailed magus with a grin, "It wasn't like I put a certain someone in their place."

"Another thing I forgot to mention," grounded out a seething Edelfelt, "Rider found Illya a few days ago, wandering around the other side of the city, past the river. It seems she prefers to do her searching in person."

"Hmm, I guess the visit could wait then," muttered Rin as she took in the new piece of information. Then, she held up her finger and declared, "Then it's settled. We hunt for Illya in Shinto."

Commentary:-

Just as I said in the preview... it's about time I finished this chapter. I apologize that I took so long but real life has started to give me a bigger plate and I must do all I can to finish it. Not to mention... Darkest Dungeon. God help me, that game is infuriatingly so good! There is so much RNG in this game that... crazy stuff happens! I swear, bring a party of four high level heroes into a champion level run, I have a seventy five percent chance of getting a damn party wipe! And in spite of that, I feel driven to train up another set and put myself through that all over again. It's like having Dark Souls or Bloodborne become a tactical dungeon crawler. I love it to bits... and I'm getting sidetracked here.

Back to the chapter! Leaving the MacKenzie house, the group was ambushed by Berserker and Eddie! The fights were somewhat settled here, with the larger party running away. Yes, they are just stalling and running away for now. They are in no condition to fight him. Eddie... they have no idea how to fight him. Except maybe Sakura? But nobody except Shirou and Saber know what she can do. So many secrets around. Many, many secrets. Is it going according to plan? We'll see...

Then, Waver gets some screen time... well, Waver's voice gets some screen time when Noel calls him up. Yes, Noel has been to England before. Yes, she almost burned down Waver's house. And yes, she got better! A little... Anyway, Rin is being really generous with the hypnosis. Luvia finally letting her in on what happened when she visited the church. Finally, we end with the start of an excursion to the Shinto part of town.

That's it for the chapter. So, please read and review. And I'll try my best to bring out the next chapter.

But, before I go... I might have a suggestion for you, my readers. Care to try and cross Fate/Stay Night with Darkest Dungeon?

Read and review, would you kindly? Yes? Yes?