Night had fallen, the sun setting into the distance between spikes of mountainous cancer-causing rock formations. The thought itself elicited a wry smile born from disbelief and dark humor. The young white-haired Lupo took a glance down at the bubbling pot of curry, a ghost of a smile on his face. Looking to the right, he eyed the clock before instantly turning off the heat. With a small jump, he was off the stool which supported his small height, landing with a small thud. Quick and steady steps brought him to the kitchen table, an array of delicacies spread upon it in an orderly manner. Along with a few side dishes, the main meal was a large hamburger steak cooked for a single individual in mind.

A sigh escapes, the boy's eyes closing as he lets out a long breath. He takes a glance at the food for a brief while longer, lingering before deciding to shelve it for a later occasion. As soon as he cleared the table, he made his way over to the pot and also refrigerated it.

Emiya glanced at the clock once more, pacing out of the kitchen and to the door entrance. Grabbing his boots, a click opened the metallic door. He peeked his head out the door and saw nothing. His head dipped back in briefly and then his full body came into view, the boots hastily equipped. Shifting his head left, and then right, his feet pushed forward towards the right.

A few seconds later the boy was standing in front of a door similar to the one he exited out of. His right arm extended, knuckles rapping firmly against the metal. Afterwards, Emiya lowered his hand into his pocket and waited for a reply.

"Allocate me a few seconds, if you do not mind," came a voice a few seconds later. More seconds passed, and the door opened with a whoosh. "Oh. It's you, boy," Ling commented, glancing down at the boy who seemed strangely agitated.

"Is my s–is Lappland back yet?" Emiya asked without any greetings, earning him a hum in reply. Ling leaned against the doorframe, tilting her head as she gazed into the distance."Ah, yes. If I recall, the Doctor had enticed her away some time ago," she revealed, making eye contact once more.

"Oh," came the comment, as if a realization was made. "Thank you," Emiya said with a nod, and walked away. He walked at a slow pace, too slow to not be intentional.

"Of course. Have your fill," Ling replied with a smile, eyes lingering on Emiya's back for a moment before she headed back indoors. When the dragon's door closed, Emiya was no longer visible in the hallway. "He seems upset," she thought aloud. "It intrigues me why."

In the front entrance of the Doctor's office was a Liberi standing guard. The guard stood still on the left side of the door, their eyes vigilant. The door then opened, and seeing as no one was in sight, it must've been the Doctor or a guest leaving. Strangely though, no one came out which raised an eyebrow. "A malfunction?" Doubt swirled their head and a message was quickly sent to those above in rank, notifying the strange occurrence.

Meanwhile, Emiya had successfully infiltrated. His eyes wandered around the office, taking note of several pictures decorated throughout, along with the obscene amount of paperwork piled on to what he presumed to be the brat's, or rather the Doctor's workspace. Several deformities were found with his instinctual Structural Analysis – more guards, perhaps. Not that it came as a worry. The item gripped within his hand should allow him to bypass most security.

His feet carried him towards the door on the right, where the kitchen would be. A press of a button and it opened easily. Emiya then ducked down low to the ground as the door fully opened, a swung sword missing his head by mere inches.

"...Perhaps it's just my imagination," a cloaked figure sighed before disappearing.

Emiya waltzed in afterwards and the door closed. The familiar smell of food filled his nostrils and a grimace surfaced on his face. With a huff, he made his way towards the two figures at a table not too far from the entrance. One of them, a hooded figure, and the other, his self-proclaimed sister, Lappland. The hooded figure had a gloved hand atop Lappland's head, brushing back and forth in a rhythmic motion while she wolfed down a spread of mostly meat dishes in front of her. She seemed to be enjoying herself. Her eyes were closed, and there was a wag in her tail. Emiya squeezed his hand which was already held within a grip. The object in his palm dissipated into particles of blue.

"Shirou Emiya," Emiya addressed, his attempt at sounding stern failing due to his currently higher pitched voice. The hooded figure turned in response and his face instantly soured, brows knitting together. His hands itched, fingers converging into a tight-knuckled grip, reaching for a weapon that's not that.

"Archer," the Doctor calmly addressed. "What brings you here?" Shirou held up his free hand, his other never once leaving Lappland's head. The various figures surrounding the boy disappeared after a few moments of silence.

"As if that wasn't obvious," Emiya stated with crossed arms. "I know her well enough. Face me in a duel. You won't get away with this." The Doctor stilled, and then rose to his feet before proceeding to walk around the table. "You've once lost a battle of wills. Will you still stake this challenge upon the king of the hill?" Emiya didn't need a clairvoyant to sense the smugness rolling off of the hooded figure.

"Spare me the dramatics. I've already done enough by sparing your sorry life many times over. You will soon learn your place," the boy shot back before proceeding forward.

"May the best cook win," Shirou offered, his hand outstretched.

"Winner takes all," Emiya added and shook Shirou's hand. Lappland, meanwhile, was still busy stuffing her face, unaware of the rising tensions.

The firm shake between both parties then broke, as they each occupied a space in the kitchen. Both contestants locked gazes, and then they moved. First was the battle for the sink. Shirou held the high ground, easily able to turn the faucet and cleanse his hands. Emiya conjured a stool and then washed his own, relying on experience to make up for lost time. Cabinets were flipped firmly yet delicately opened. The height disadvantage was lessened by the stool made prior. Ingredients were gathered with precision and impunity. Meat was thawed. Side dishes were in preparation. Spices permeated the entire kitchen, potent and heavenly.

The temperature of the kitchen seemed to rise, and it wasn't due to the heat used to cook the food. Smoldering intensity radiated off the two figures moving. Sweat dripped down their faces. Their eyes held the focus of a life or death battle. Occasionally, glances were thrown at the opponent, measuring the other's dish with their own. Sniffs were periodically conducted to gather more information, their mastery shown by needing only to use sight and smell.

Time passed in the blink of an eye. Two grueling hours had passed, which only registered as a blur to the two figures. They each assessed their finishing dishes and then turned to lock gazes.

Shirou gave a chuckle. "Can you keep up with me? I'd hate to leave a kid in the dust."

"Hmph," Emiya scoffed with crossed arms. "I wore your short pants before you became the real me. It's you who needs to keep up with me."

"So you're the one who stained them?" Shirou accused, pointing his index finger at the boy. "Whoever found it, browned it," he simply replied.

"You'd like to be me, wouldn't you?" the hooded figure asked, raising his voice. Emiya's ear twitched as he responded by raising his own voice. "The only thing you could ever be, was me."

"Look at you, as superficial as the first day I met you, you probably judge people's ideals because you couldn't accept what they led you to." Emiya scoffed. "Now, look at you. Look at yourself. You probably look like someone who would spend years doing the same thing over and over again, achieving nothing but pain and CONTINUING despite the fact."

"Oh, yeah? Well, you're married to Alaya. Eternally." Shirou shrugged, his mask hiding any sign of his emotions. "I hear she swore to give you the cold shoulder, in sickness and in health."

"As for you, you're hitched to Justice, a noble cause, but people with more than two working braincells would say you're in a monogamous relationship with your own stubbornness." Emiya rebuked, his smile growing as he snorted. "Oh wait. You fried all your nerves at the ripe old age of STUPID."

"You would know all too well, wouldn't you?" Shirou declared. Emiya took a small pause, intensifying his gaze. "Kill yourself."

The silent exchange of glares went on."Uhm… Bro. That smells really good. I wanna eat!" Lappland then exclaimed while wiping drool off her face. The two cooks turned, a glint of surprise flashing across their faces. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but both of them heard the faint canine whimper which came from Lappland's shadow. Both men frowned as the scent of a wolf lingered for a brief instant before it vanished, Shirou sighed whilst Emiya's eyes narrowed at his 'sister's shadow with poorly hidden annoyance.

'Save some for me.'

Lappland snickered, hiding her thoughts behind a mask of joviality. Patiently and slowly, she savored every bit of food before the Signore di Lupi's eyes. The wolf lord could only look on whilst his fang made a show out of tasting the delicacies presented to her.

"I would also like to sample and partake in the array before me, Doctor," added a familiar voice. The other figures standing alongside Lappland and Kal'Tsit murmured agreement.

"Wait, is that Kal–" Shirou said in surprise before being cut off by a glare from the person in question. Emiya's face was instantly filled with mirth, making sure to make a mental note to be on the lookout for further opportunities to bait the idiot when the serious feline is present.

"You all may," Emiya stated as he turned to the group, "But in an orderly manner. You will taste, and then critique. Mark a score of one out of ten by your personal preference. If you're willing to extend that effort, then enjoy a sample."

The group of bystanders nodded in affirmation.

"Good. Now feel free. We'll line the dishes then go through each of you at the end. Please be nice and share. If you're craving more, then your dear Doctor is happy to provide," Emiya assured while turning his head towards Shirou, knowing he was sweating bullets underneath his mask.

The group of personnel did the same. A smirk wormed its way up the small Lupo's face. "Okay," the boy said and clapped his hands. "You may start." At which the group split ways to try a sample of the dish most enticing to them.

Emiya cleared the way, taking his stool and walking towards the corner where it was least populated and he had a view of everything. He took a seat, smiling tiredly while propping his face into his left palm. A yawn rose up his throat. His eyes closed as exhaled into his hand.

"Tired, are we?" came the sudden question, the teasing tone irritating the counter guardian.

Emiya opened his eyes and tilted his chin upwards. "This body is inadequate for the strain I put it through," came his reply, his edge lacking due to fatigue.

"I suppose it is, isn't it," Shirou easily agreed. "How'd you end up here, anyways?" Emiya frowned, letting out a "tsk."

"The same way as you, I'm guessing. Though it seems you awoke a lot earlier than I did. Darkness, and then light."

"Your first meeting with Lappland?" asked Shirou.

"Pale. A bed of silver. Along with a sinister grin," Emiya flatly replied. Shirou gave a laugh at the description. "That sounds like her."

"So what's your end goal? I'm guessing the world," the Lupo stated, as if it were obvious.

"Yes. I, we, are working towards it." Shirou answered, his eyes observing his colleagues and friends with fondness.

"Not too hard, is it? Divinities are on your side, after all, and many other capable individuals from what I've seen." Emiya gave a dry chuckle, the incredulous nature of their situation leaving him amused. "But that's assuming Shirou Emiya is good with women, or has any modicum of favor from luck."

Shirou laughed along. "This life or the next. Peace doesn't come easy."

A comfortable silence settled between the two. The clang of utensils, and the arguments made over food brought a smile to both their faces. Shirou's was hidden, and it was hard to tell if Emiya was really smiling, but nonetheless, it was a desired atmosphere. Making people smile and laugh with a good meal, with no lives being lost in the process was never not a good feeling.

It was Shirou Emiya's cherished desire, now and always.

"Was this your plan?" Emiya asked as things started wrapping up and people finished sampling each dish. Shirou turned and looked down at the Lupo. "Not exactly."

"Then it's the Doctor's?" Emiya quipped, his ears twitching at the sound of Lappland's laughter.

"Curiosity, among other things," came the reply as Shirou partook in a small bag of snacks. He savored the sweet taste and felt thankful for a certain fallen Sankta's thoughtfulness.

"I see. And you're a cook yourself?" the boy asked.

"It seems I dabbled," the Doctor entertained more than answered.

Emiya straightened his back, lifting his arms high above as he gave them a good stretch. Hopping off of his stool, his feet steadily carried him over to the kitchen table. On it were the dishes Emiya and Shirou prepared. Shirou's dishes were on the left side, and Emiya's on the right.

"You'll need to take care of it," Emiya said to the hooded figure. The Lupo spread his arms wide like wings before being promptly scooped up into an aggressive hug by Lappland.

"Did you miss me?! Well? Did you?" Her excited blabbering irritated his ears, but the experienced heroic spirit bore with it.

Shirou gave a nod, and walked closer. "Alright, everyone. Since this is short notice, I'll quickly do a run down with each of you, and then tally the score at the end."

The Doctor then proceeded to speak to each of the samplers, mentally taking note of their scores. After an unspecified amount of time, it was time to announce the winner. Shirou coughed loudly into his hand, silencing the nearby conversations. "Okay, everyone. All your scores have been gathered, and it is time to announce the winner!"

Everyone turned their heads. Some showed intrigue, others seemed to be neutral about the results, and everyone else was still eyeing the food.

"On the left, we have a score of 153," Shirou plainly announced. He then turned his gaze towards Emiya. "And on the right," he started, holding the total on his tongue for a few seconds and earning a hard glare from him, "we have a score of… 153!" The man raised his voice. "It's a tie! Unbelievable!"

Crack. Like a sheet of ice under immense pressure, Emiya broke down into pieces. He was on all fours, palms flat and knees pressed on metal. "This. This can't be," the boy thought aloud in disbelief.

It couldn't be, he outclassed him in every aspect. Experience, skill, culinary repertoire. All metrics gave him the overwhelming advantage, one even multiple lifetimes wouldn't be able to overcome.

"Me, even? With him?" Emiya hung his head low to the ground, his hands balling into fists.

"Awh. Cheer up, bro. You didn't lose, right?" Lappland was immediately at his side, placing a hand on his shoulder as she tried to console him, which sounded more like tease than anything else.

"But I didn't win," he argued bitterly, unable to face such a cruel reality.

"There, there. Does my precious little brother need a comforting hug from big sis?" the physically older Lupo cooed, as she stretched her arms around Emiya's neck and pulled him closer into an awkward hug. Emiya's complaints were consequently muffled, his face being buried into Lappland's jacket.

"You know, he really does seem like a little brother you always wanted, Lappland." The bastard's insufferable tone only poured salt to Emiya's wounded pride.

"Ah, Doctor. Why isn't he just the cutest?" Lappland further teased, giving Emiya a noogie with her chin which earned a few more muffled complaints. "Grumpy, too."

"Yes, I agree. Quite… cute," Shirou said apathetically. Emiya didn't need to see the hooded figure's face to know he was smirking at his predicament.

Emiya glared at him and his mouthed silently while Lappland was distracted. "Sleep with one eye open tonight."

More teasing and pleasantries were exchanged, mainly by Lappland. Emiya chose to stay quiet, only speaking when spoken to. He couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief as they were finally walking back to Lappland's room. There was a cheerful spring to the physically older Lupo's steps,taking advantage of her side to skip and prance around the younger one.

"You made stuff to eat, right?" Her mouth almost seemed to be watering at the thought of more food especially for her.

"You'll have to reheat it," Emiya flatly replied. Lappland nodded in understanding but didn't follow up on his answer. She instead kept making circles around the boy while he stared passively ahead.

"Are you mad?" Lappland asked not long after.

"No."

"Annoyed?" she further inquired.

"No."

"Not sulking?" she switched up.

"N- Yes."

"...Okay," Lappland sighed, relenting as she positioned herself at Emiya's side and matched his pace. "Let's eat together in the morning. I'm sure you made something really delicious again," the Lupo suggested with a complaint.

"...Yeah. Okay," came the agreement which, to Lappland, sounded a little more like his usual grumpiness.

Hello, everyone! Did you miss me?

Hopefully the chapter was to your liking! And if not, well, hopefully you can help me improve.

I have a few things to say! Ahem.

Once again, thank you to my beta reader Adrien.

And additional thanks to HoJ Roxas. They were vital for the finish touches and have been a great help in motivation through writing sprints.

On that note, and I quote:

"I would like to state that I defeated author-san in 9 sprints ouf of 22."

In addition, Roxas is proclaiming:

"Void Shiki is the best waifu and I will die on this hill."

When asked, he wanted to convey to the readers:

"Thank you for reading. Have a nice day and stay safe! Author-san has done great work, and I'm happy to have had the opportunity to work with them."

Shucks, it's making me blush.

That's all for now. Till the next!

[Roxas' server: discord. gg/AP6xKzZXgU]

Feel free to join! The more the merrier, as they say.

ALSO YOU DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING I TOTALLY DON'T WANT EMIYA X ALAYA