I'm not dead, I swear it! However, I am on a mini-haitus due to pregnancy, work, and basically life. Which means I will upload when I find time to write, but will finish the stories. I hope you enjoy this installment!

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Shirou Emiya's skin was speckled with goosebumps as he pressed his back and palm against the cobblestone walls of the Matou house. "Trace on," he said, closing his golden-brown eyes. Lines of red formed a pattern on his hand that bled into the wall, searching the seemingly empty house for any life. The number of magical signatures was overwhelming. It felt ancient and was rich in malignǒus energy that threatened to swallow his sanity.

Twelve Years passed since his teenage years of walking Sakura Matou from their school to this old-style house. He never imagined the young woman—whom he learned was Rin's sister a few years at the Clock Tower—had been under such strife here. He met the old man of the house a handful of times, and just recently learned of his role in the 4th Holy Grail War.

What he planned and put Sakura through, Shirou grit his teeth, scolding himself to focus. In the depths of the structure, it was clear the remnants of Zouken's crest worms still flourished, but nothing else was apparent. A breeze guided the leaves of the trees on the front lawn and he scanned the landscape before scaling the wall and slipping into the house through a cracked window.

Dust powdered upward along the cracked wall. The living space was empty, expanding to the narrow halls, not a trace of life for the few years it'd been empty. The shattered glass cracked under Emiya's boot the deeper he snooped around Sakura and Shinji's old home. Traces of chaotic magic lingered, inky black splotches variegated the walls and overturned wrecked furniture.

Bile threatened Shirou's throat, as he deeper investigated the Matou Estate. This wasn't it, but he was getting closer. The walls echoed the memory of chirping insects, the halls whispered despair and hopelessness. Closer, he inched to a door that drew him in with every step and swung it open.

Metal clattered behind Shirou, his fists tight at his side. "No, how could I have been so blind." he gritted his teeth. There were few of the crestworm left wiggling and clinging to what little mana they leeched from Sakura left. Emiya's breakfast surged into his throat and he swallowed it, turned away from the basement, and slammed his fist on the wall.

He witnessed the truth, yet he still hadn't found what he arrived here for. With bile still fresh, and a renewed resolve he pressed forward and hoped Rin was having a better time than he was.

—

Crisp night air irritated the exposed skin from the tattered bits of Haley's clothes, while her lap was warmed by the Heroic Spirit resting there. Diarmuid's breaths were shallow, his expression peaceful, despite his previously conflicted disposition. Or maybe she was that good at stroking his hair. Whichever, but she enjoyed the significance either way.

This Servant—once so reserved he could not meet her eyes and had reproached to showing any affability—was now content on her lap, letting her tenderly smooth her fingers through his hair. Despite the unease from Haley's inexperience in social matters, the building trust between them comforted her. She was witnessing Diarmuid's vulnerable side and connecting with him benevolently for the first time.

Haley welcomed the idyllic atmosphere even when anticipating the worst of having to involve them both with Rin and the War. It was a sort of peace, providing comfort to another in such an intimate way. She couldn't say if she ever felt this content when providing respite for others.

In her travels, Haley offered words of advice from experience, what she studied in psychology books and other medical literature, to those in need. She healed people's injuries and indulged the homeless with her last bits of change to ensure they ate. It warmed her heart, providing smiles to people who bore heavy grief-stricken appearances.

Briscella would scorn her for risking getting discovered or wasting money. Funds weren't always available, which meant spending wisely, yet Haley always countered the money was well spent. Seeing the smiles and feeling the appreciation of others was soothing, and gave her purpose. Especially if people could see she wasn't a monster, aware of what her bounty proclaimed or not. If she were to be found—she could escape in death without regrets and be proud of her life.

So it became Haley's mission to never receive nor take without earning, give without expectations, and experience as much of the world as she could before being buried beneath it. There was much the refugee wanted to witness. Different countries and cultures, lands, and seas all awaited her until her breath wouldn't go out.

It was all she wanted and thought possible given her status. If she were to be on the run forever, then…

"Hey, Haley, get down from up there! I need you a minute!"

Startled, Haley looked over the Mansion's roof and saw Rin poised with her hands on her hips smiling up at them on the lawn. She was dressed in a fine button-up red coat, black undershirt, and red matching skirt. Her hair pinned back in a ponytail swayed in the brisk breeze, as Saber joined her in battle armor over that glamorously blue dress with her head angled, emerald eye's analyzing.

Before she could protest, Diarmuid was on his feet. Sighing, Haley glanced at the two below again, a thought coming to mind. With everything he admitted, it was probably best for this alliance he was granted the clarity he deserved.

"Diar, you should talk to her.."

Eyes wide, Lancer shook his head, "There is no time nor need—"

She stopped him with a firm palm on his sternum, "There is always time, and I think it's important. Come on." She waved him to follow her, leaping off the rooftop, and landed delicately in front of Team Saber. At Diarmuid's thud behind her, she swallowed her nerves and met eyes with Rin, "Lancer wants to talk to Saber in private, think you tell me what you need inside?"

Confused, Rin's eyebrows shot up as she turned to Diarmuid, then smirked and snagged Haley's arm. "That's fine, what I need to give you is inside anyway."

Wincing at being dragged off again, Haley managed a smile at Rin's eagerness. Her Servant edged forward protectively but relaxed once she raised her hand assuredly. This was his opportunity to pacify things, and she wouldn't stand in the way of that.

—

"When did those two—" Saber began, staring at the place their Masters stood.

"I know not, but one would think they conspire together," Diarmuid replied, tearing away his stare from their exit and shifting his attention to Saber. Uneasy, he thought about what to say. His Master struck him quickly with this blow, leaving no preparation of how to ask all he wondered in his heart.

"Indeed." Saber huffed like she'd fallen victim to her current Master's schemes before she scanned Diarmuid from head to toe. "What of your wounds, Lancer? Are you in condition for battle if it were to find us this night?"

"My Master's healing is quite remarkable, no matter how grave the wound, there is no trace of our duel to be found." Diarmuid cocked a grin, "Do you worry over such a scratch, Saber?"

Arturia turned her nose up, hopefully remembering the similar words she jested to him. "You misunderstand, Lancer. I simply must ensure there is no fault in our alliance."

Lancer noted her bluff but taunted her no further. Instead, he squared his shoulders, removing any sense of doubt. His Master left him with a task, and he would follow through.

"Saber, Arturia Pendragon, and King of Knights forgive my bold questioning but was it you who conspired deceitfully to cause my suicide, tarnishing our pact of chivalry?"

It felt like centuries between her answer to how swiftly she spoke it. "I had no part in it," she began, her ferociously beautiful orbs devouring his conflicted soul as if she expected this question and long waited to tell its answer, "Lancer, my Master of that time was a man absent of morals on the battlefield, willing to commit evil to destroy evil to bring about salvation. He prayed upon our Knight's honor and deceived us both. I had not agreed with his methods then, nor do I now."

Doused was the burning flame of the past that riled Diarmuid. This Spirit Origin refused the Throne due to the heavy chains that imprisoned him on account of his death. Having Haley's endearing encouragement and Arturia's fierce declaration unlocked the unyielding devastation of that day, his eyelids falling closed as he released a heavy breath with a tight smile.

"Though know this," Arturia's intrepid tone snapped him back to attention, "It matters not. If you believe my word as truth or lies is irrelevant. Serve your Master now, as I serve mine, and fight with your pride as a Knight still intact, or loss shall continuously find you."

Saber's intensity shifted in the direction of where their Masters ventured, the implication not lost to him. Her words rang similar to Haley's. For her to have any sort of respite, his head required tranquility. But there was something he would try within this opportunity for his Master's one wish.

"On the topic of Masters, Saber…" Diarmuid paused, grappling with how he desired to relay his request, "I assure you my Master of the present is different. I know not the details that you are aware of, but despite the many trials sent her way, My Lady remains kind . No matter the results of this war; if you have any sort of sway with your Master, I ask of you to convince her to reconsider exacting the bounty."

Saber was an unreadable wall absent of emotion before turning away, "I cannot promise anything, but I can swear this; I shall form my own opinion throughout this temporary alliance. Should your words prove true, I will speak with Rin. Though I must emphasize, it may result in nothing."

"That is well enough, thank you, Saber."

Diarmuid bent over his arm with appreciation. It didn't take long for Haley's individual qualities to deter any doubt of her character for him. There was little doubt that Saber or Rin wouldn't bear witness to her endearing persona that impassioned him. Maybe this cease-fire benefitted them more than they realized.

The very thought excited Lancer. If he could be of use to his Master in this way, while ensuring her safety throughout the Grail War then even his wish could be exacted.

—

Rin had laid out on the dining room table a grey long jacket with a black turtleneck sweater and the softest blue jeans that Haley smoothed her palms over for the third time. It was perfect, and unlike anything, Haley would purchase. Anything closely fashionable she would admire through the windows, not consider it in her wardrobe.

"Is this…really for me?" She asked quietly, admiring the lacework in the shirt.

"I take it you like it?" Rin dug her finger in one of the torn holes of Haley's sweater that made her jerk, "I couldn't let you fight in this awful attire. I take it you don't have any spares?"

"No…anything I had was lost in Bri—my car. We were attacked by Caster and I'm pretty sure everything burnt." Everything besides her artwork, and maybe what she suspected was Diarmuid's catalyst but that's beside the point. "Anyway, I'll pay you back for it, I promise." She bunched the clothes, "It might…take me a bit but—"

Rin's face was flush as she waved her hand, "No no, and if you're going to insist on that then make sure you do your part."

Smiling, Haley nodded her head, "Okay. I'll work hard to earn it!" And took off to change.

—

"Diar—I mean Lancer, look what Rin gave me!" Lancer's Master said, wrapping the bottom of the jacket around her torso and spun, "Isn't it beautiful?! It's so soft and comfy! I've never had anything so nice!"

"It is nice indeed."

Rin hummed curiously at the particularly fond expression Lancer wore at her jolly twirl, following the young girl's exit from the mansion to meet the two waiting Servants. It seemed business was settled between them, giving the Magus more confidence moving forward, as expected. Everything was proceeding as she planned, and Lancer's spear handled the Chimeras without expending as much mana as Saber's Noble Phantasm.

"You have our thanks, Master of Saber," Lancer said, but Rin dismissed it. She couldn't have her alliance going haywire because Haley got frostbite with how tattered her clothes were.

Plus, she didn't mind enhancing the woman's style with her own, anyway.

"Seriously, it's nothing. But now that we're all here, let's get started. You know how to utilize your Servant's sight, right? Or are you such a novice that I—"

"I know how to do it," Haley started rather abruptly, downcasting her gaze with a light blush, "What do you need me to do that for, though?"

"We're going to confirm my suspicions of the location of Berserker's Master, and exactly what he is doing there." Rin winked at Haley's surprise but pointed to Lancer. "I need you to investigate, we'll keep Saber with us in case anyone attacks us, but will drive to your location as you investigate."

Lancer's copper eyes narrowed suspiciously, "You are to separate me from my Master?"

Before Rin could scold him, Haley said, "I'll be okay, don't worry."

Diarmuid still appeared troubled since his Master sounded unsure, then nodded over his bent arm, "As you wish. What are the coordinates, Master of Saber?"

Pulling out a map from her coat pocket, Rin unfolded it and pointed to a red spot, "Here. You'll remain in Spirit form and scope out the place. Communicate with Haley telepathically and tell us what you see. Every detail is important, Lancer, don't withhold anything."

The Servant turned to his Master for final confirmation and at her positive nod, disappeared.

—

Lancer wasn't fond of the idea of his Master unprotected alongside their enemies, even if they were under a pact of alliance. He resolved to always keep Haley close, not wanting to repeat that tragedy with Sola-Ui that led to his downfall. Even after rectifying things with Saber, he still knew little if Rin would stay true to her word.

But an order was given, and he would obey.

So in Spirit form, he raced through blurs of traffic lights, trees, and people until the night's darkness swallowed his surroundings and dreadful silence welcomed his arrival. He looked up at the large, brick building that stretched across the empty parking lot like a castle. The air was cold and stagnant, the gardens wilted, and the magical barrier fortifying the massive structure made his stomach turn.

This menacing feeling… Diarmuid thought, examining the fortress-bounded field. His body tensed, as he realized the energy drew him inward and allowed him to slip through with little effort. The issue was the sinister sensation drawing him nearer to the building. In the shadows, the Servant manifested into physical form to resist the pull easier.

Master, are you seeing the enemy's fortress as I do?

I do, be careful. Rin says this building's history draws evil spirits, apparitions, and other nasty entities there.

Understood. With their warning guiding his every step, Diarmuid searched the premises. Rotten flesh and malevolent voices assaulted his senses making it an effort to ignore them. He clutched the side of his head, scaling the side of the building and peering inside a small cellar window where the energy felt strongest.

Lancer was appalled by what he found. To the natural eye, this basement would reveal nothing but to anyone with magic, or a being such as himself it was clear: this place was hell on earth. Cages stacked upon cages had screeching chimeras fortified together with spells and the horrors left behind by human souls. Others squirmed on the floor, bellowing in agony.

Master…this is… Diarmuid felt something twist in his gut as Gear Dearg called to summon it. These pitiful beings stretched and surrounded him, clutching to his legs, digging their claws and teeth with the eyes in the wrong places of their bodies. "...Might I end them? I cannot idly stand by in the presence of this unsightly evil."

Haley had not hesitated, her order clear to grant the creatures mercy. He understood now the wretched feeling he felt when battling them beforehand; their desperation to be relieved of their ghastly creation, to feel the blade of salvation as Gae Dearg cleanly sliced through them. The air had a tangible relief flowing through it as blood showered the room.

Diarmuid wished not to stop here, knowing full well the rest of the premises was overflowing in malevolent auras. His haste was noted by his team, but he'd been advised otherwise against his wishes. He was to retreat in spirit form, Rin had noted all she needed and they were to meet a quarter of the way to this institution for the next of their plans.

His final glance held its malice before he disappeared.

—

Dr. Ronaldo Mendez nipped at his thumbnail and sucked his teeth. The enemy Servant on camera held potential but not against his Servant, no, only against the gaggle of chimera's he strained to create. That spear could be countered if controlling his Berserker possible.

With a click, his nail tore, before he slammed his free hand on the table and swiveled his chair away. He could waste a command spell, but given the severity of his predicament, he gathered it best to preserve them. Hissing, he flapped his hand at his crazed thoughts and refocused his attention on the traffic cameras.

As he thought, the untracked highways at this hour had a particular vehicle he assumed came for battle. Whispering in Spanish to his bat familiar along the roadside, it peaked the glamorous Tohsaka Rin behind the wheel.

"Berserker, no, don't materialize, just be ready to meet the woman with the cojones to seek us out."

Huffing laughter filled the room and the presence of his Servant died along with it. He paced, plotting the best way to handle the Associations' greatest puta. He knew Saber's capabilities, but the fellow Master, just who was she? A Magus that didn't care for her well-being, saving and partnering with her enemy.

Ronaldo hissed, he was doing her a favor, eliminating the woman who dominated her in magecraft. He was so close to a win, to the accomplishments of his experiments with the Grail in hand. So come the prestigious Magus of the Clock Tower and her little pet, two birds, one stone. That was all he needed.

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Sooo, if you made it to the end, I am sorry. I feel my writing has dropped in quality, and because of my time constraints—might carry this shorter tune going forward. I want to tell the story, and have it be as impactful as I'm going for, but I also want to finish it in a timely manner. I have been so busy, and writing has fallen very hard behind for me. So I hope this okay, and yall will still stick with it to find the end of this story as I wish to finish it. Please don't be too harsh, I am trying