-Chapter 5-

The battlefield was unrecognizable, a wasteland of broken earth and craters. Smoke and dust still clung to the air, remnants of the explosion that had torn through the area. The ground was scorched and cracked, and the silence was thick, save for the faint crackling of energy in the atmosphere.

As the smoke began to dissipate, a colossal shadow emerged from the haze. Rin, Shirou, and Saber squinted through the fog of dust and debris. What appeared before them was something out of legend—a massive, coiled beast, its body stretching across the broken ground. The creature's scales shimmered faintly in the moonlight, with a sheen of gold and green, and its powerful, sinewy form glowed with an ancient energy.

The beast was circled protectively around something—or someone.

As the creature shifted, its long tail sweeping across the ground, they caught sight of Rider—Narumi—standing beneath it, completely unharmed. The beast had shielded her from the destruction, its massive body acting as a barrier between her and the chaotic battlefield.

Rin's breath hitched in her throat, her heart pounding in disbelief. "A... a dragon?" she whispered, barely able to comprehend what she was seeing. Beside her, Shirou stood frozen, his eyes wide as he took in the sight. Even Saber seemed momentarily caught off guard, her hand tightening around the hilt of her invisible sword.

At the same time, they could see Berserker in the distance, his body already knitting itself back together. His massive frame pulsed with renewed energy as his muscles and bones healed before their eyes. With a deafening roar, Berserker signaled his return to full strength, his eyes burning with the desire to continue the fight.

Narumi, standing beneath the great beast, tilted her head slightly, her expression amused. "Heh... you want a round two?" she said, her voice carrying easily across the battlefield.

Before Berserker could respond, the beast roared—a sound that shook the ground beneath them. Its roar drowned out even Berserker's, a primal, ancient sound that echoed across the wasteland, reverberating through the air with a power beyond comprehension.

Illya, standing a distance away, clenched her fists, her frustration finally bubbling to the surface. "Berserker, we're going home!" she snapped, her voice sharp with irritation.

Narumi's lips curled into a playful grin. "What, you're running away?" she teased, her tone light and cheeky. The great beast beside her roared once more, almost as if mocking Berserker for retreating.

Illya's eyes blazed with indignation as she turned toward Narumi, her voice cold. "We're leaving," she repeated firmly, though her tone betrayed the relief of avoiding further confrontation.

Narumi shrugged, her smile not fading. "Well, I did say I only wanted to spar with my old friend," she replied, her voice dripping with amusement, as if the near-catastrophic battle had been nothing more than a lighthearted exchange.

Illya huffed, crossing her arms in frustration. "Hmph. You're lucky I'm in a good mood tonight," she muttered, though it was clear the situation was far from ideal for her.

Without another word, Berserker approached his Master, scooping her up effortlessly into his arms. His massive form loomed over the battlefield one last time, his eyes glowing with barely contained fury. But he obeyed Illya's command, retreating into the shadows as they disappeared into the night.

Narumi watched them go, her hand resting casually on the snout of the beast, which had calmed after its roaring display. "Well," she murmured with a smirk, "looks like the fun's over for now."

Behind her, Rin and Shirou stood in stunned silence, still processing the sheer power they had just witnessed.


The battlefield had quieted, but tension lingered in the air. Saber, Rin, and Shirou stood at a distance, hesitant to approach Rider. Narumi was now resting against the side of the massive dragon's snout, her hand gently patting the creature's scales. The dragon's immense form was both awe-inspiring and intimidating.

Noticing the group standing uncertainly, Narumi lifted her hand and waved casually. "Oh, don't worry," she called out with a smile. "He's a good boy."

Her words did little to ease their hesitation, but Saber was the first to take a step forward. She walked toward her mother, her expression composed despite the powerful presence of the dragon.

The dragon's head turned toward Saber, its massive eyes narrowing. With a low, rumbling growl, it seemed to sense that Saber was a Servant. The ground shook slightly as the dragon shifted, its growl growing louder.

Narumi, seeing this, chuckled softly and patted the dragon's snout. "Relax, she's my daughter," she said reassuringly, her voice gentle but firm. The dragon, as if understanding her words, gradually stopped growling, though its eyes remained fixed on Saber.

Once the tension eased, Rin and Shirou followed Saber cautiously. They both kept a wary eye on the dragon, but their curiosity was piqued.

Saber, now standing beside her mother, looked up at the dragon in awe. "I didn't know you had a dragon, Mother," she said softly.

Narumi couldn't help but smirk at that. The irony wasn't lost on her, and a thought crossed her mind: You are made by the Red Dragon, and you're shocked at me having one? But she didn't say it aloud.

Instead, she said with a grin, "Well, you know me. He was my mount long before I met you."

Rin, who had been holding back her questions, finally couldn't take it anymore. Her frustration boiled over, and she blurted out, "Agh, just who are you? I don't know any Greek hero who can fight Heracles toe to toe and have a dragon as a mount!"

Narumi let out a light laugh, clearly enjoying the mystery. "Well, keep guessing," she said, amusement twinkling in her eyes. "It's more fun that way."

Rin huffed, clearly dissatisfied with the non-answer. The mystery surrounding Rider only deepened, and her frustration was palpable.

Narumi stretched slightly and patted the dragon's snout once more. "Okay, I'm heading back to my Master," she said casually. As she patted the dragon, its massive form began to fade, vanishing into the night as though it had never been there.

Rin immediately felt her guard rise. She had seen enough to know that Rider was not their ally, nor was she here to protect them. Rider was simply Saber's mother, and that complicated things. Me and Archer can't beat Rider, she thought grimly. She's probably the strongest Servant in this war. The idea formed in her mind—allying with Shirou might be their best option. Saber being Rider's daughter made it unlikely that Rider would harm her. Perhaps that connection could be used to their advantage.

"Well," Narumi said with a light smile, "it's been a good night, but it's time for me to go."

Narumi stepped closer to Saber, her demeanor softening. She wrapped her arms around her daughter in a warm embrace, her voice lowering as she whispered into her ear. "Let's talk again later. There's a lot I want to tell you," she murmured, her tone filled with affection and a hint of something deeper.

Saber blinked, a small smile crossing her lips as she nodded. "Yes, Mother. I'll be waiting."

As the moment passed, Narumi gave a final wave to Rin and Shirou, her smile playful once more. Then, in a flash, her form shimmered and vanished into the night, leaving the group standing in silence.


The night air clung to Narumi as she made her way back to the Matou house, her form flickering in and out of astral mode. She moved silently, but her mind was racing. I should keep pretending I'm still weak... until I know exactly how to save Sakura, she thought, her expression tightening as she approached the house.

The thought of Zouken's worms inside Sakura's body sent a wave of anger through her. Maybe I could create a seal to remove them... but no, she quickly shook her head. It's too dangerous. I don't have the precision of my Caster form, and one mistake could alert Zouken... or worse, kill Sakura.

Her thoughts shifted to Medea. The two had traveled together with the Argonauts, and Medea was a master of healing and high-level magecraft—borderline magic. If anyone could safely remove the worms, it's Medea, Narumi mused. Should I strike a deal with her? But what could I even offer someone like Medea?

With a sigh, Narumi dismissed the thought for now. She would figure that part out later. For now, she needed to be back before Shinji became suspicious.

As she arrived at the Matou house, she could already sense Shinji's impatience. He was waiting in the hallway, his arms crossed and a scowl plastered on his face.

"Where the hell have you been?" he demanded the moment she stepped inside. His eyes glared at her, full of frustration and arrogance. "I thought you were supposed to be my Servant, not wandering around doing whatever you please!"

Narumi raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the wall, clearly unbothered by his attitude. "Relax, Shinji. I was out scouting—you know, looking for Servants. You wanted me to do that, right?"

Shinji's expression darkened. "And? What did you find? Tell me everything," he snapped, his impatience growing by the second.

Narumi smiled faintly, deliberately playing dumb. "Oh... nothing worth mentioning," she said, stretching her arms as though she'd had a leisurely evening. "No big fights, no juicy information. Just a quiet night."

Shinji's face twisted in frustration. "Ugh, you're useless!" he barked. "I thought you were supposed to be strong, but all you do is wander around and come back empty-handed!"

Narumi's smile didn't fade, but her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. She tilted her head, looking at him with mock sympathy. "You know, Shinji," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "the reason I'm so 'weak' is because of your pitiful mana supply."

Shinji's scowl deepened, but before he could retort, Narumi continued, her voice calm but cutting. "You barely have enough to keep me materialized, let alone strong enough to fight. If you had any real mana, I wouldn't be in this situation."

She pushed off the wall and stepped closer, her eyes locked on his. "And before you start barking about getting more mana, I'll remind you—I refuse to hurt innocent people just to feed my power. It's the Master's responsibility to provide mana. So, if I'm 'useless,' maybe you should look in the mirror."

Shinji's face turned red with fury, his fists clenching at his sides. "Tch, as if it's that simple! The Matou family's prana system is—"

Narumi waved him off. "Excuses, excuses. It doesn't change the fact that you're the one holding me back."

Shinji gritted his teeth but quickly shifted to a smug expression, clearly trying to regain control of the conversation. "Whatever. It doesn't matter. I've got a plan—one that doesn't rely on you," he sneered. "I'm going to take down Rin. That stuck-up princess has looked down on me for too long. I'll make her regret ever thinking she's better than me."

Narumi raised an eyebrow, barely hiding her disdain. "And how exactly do you plan on 'taking down' Rin?" she asked, her voice laced with skepticism.

Shinji's smirk widened. "I've got it all figured out. Once I've captured her, she'll see who's really in charge. It's time she learned her place."

Narumi rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed with Shinji's bravado. This fool is going to get himself killed, she thought, but she kept her tone neutral. "Just be careful, Shinji. Overconfidence will get you killed faster than any Servant."

He glared at her, but his arrogance wouldn't let him admit any fear. "I don't need your advice. I'm going to win this war."

Narumi didn't respond. She had already shifted her focus back to Sakura. The real problem isn't Rin, she thought. It's Zouken... and those worms. I need to find a way to save her, and I can't waste any more time playing along with Shinji's delusions.

As Shinji continued muttering to himself about his "plan," Narumi's thoughts were already on how to approach Medea. She needed a solution, and soon.


After the exhausting confrontation with Shinji, Narumi sighed quietly, standing in the dim hallway of the Matou house. Her thoughts swirled as she considered her next move. I can't keep playing along with him forever, she thought. With a simple hand sign, she created a clone, letting it take on her usual form. The clone's chakra flared briefly as it stabilized.

Shinji doesn't have the command seals or expertise to know the difference between my clone and me, Narumi mused, a small smirk tugging at her lips. It's better this way. The clone is weaker than me, and it'll keep up the pretense that I'm still not at full strength.

With the clone now handling the facade, Narumi shifted her focus to the reason she was here. Her heart pulled her toward one room in particular—Sakura's. Without making a sound, she made her way there, slipping through the door as softly as the night breeze.

Inside, Sakura lay on the bed, her body tense, her face paler than usual. The dark energy of Zouken's worms gnawed at her from within. She turned, startled when she saw Narumi materialize near the door.

"Rider..." Sakura's voice was a soft whisper, filled with surprise and a hint of confusion. Her wide eyes softened as she met Narumi's gaze. "Why... why are you here?"

Narumi moved closer, her steps gentle but deliberate. Her expression softened as she knelt beside Sakura's bed. "Because you're the reason I'm here," Narumi whispered, her voice tender but carrying the weight of her promise. "I don't have a wish in this war. I only have one wish, and that's to save you."

Sakura's eyes filled with unshed tears, her body trembling as she looked away, guilt and sadness washing over her. "I'm... I'm so sorry, Rider," she said, her voice barely audible. "If it weren't for me... you wouldn't be stuck with Shinji... in this mess."

Narumi's heart clenched at the sight of Sakura's anguish. She reached out and gently brushed Sakura's hair away from her face, her touch comforting. "Hey," Narumi said softly, her voice filled with warmth. "This isn't your fault. None of it. You don't need to apologize to me. I'm here because I want to be, because you're the only thing that matters to me right now."

Sakura shook her head, her voice breaking. "But you deserve to fight for something better... something for yourself."

Narumi's eyes softened, a sad smile playing on her lips. "I've had my battles, Sakura. I've had my wars. I've been a queen, a warrior, and everything in between. But now, my only goal is to protect you. You're all I care about in this war."

Sakura's tears slipped down her cheeks, and Narumi could see the deep pain in her eyes, the burden she had carried alone for so long. Narumi's chest tightened as she made a decision.

"There's something I've been thinking about," Narumi said quietly, her voice filled with hesitation. "I... I could tell Rin and Shirou about your situation. They're both Masters, and they have Servants. I saw earlier how close you are to Shirou. Maybe together we can figure out a way to help you..."

At the mention of Shirou, Sakura's face twisted with anguish. "No... no, please don't tell them!" she cried, her voice suddenly filled with desperation. "They... they can't know, Rider. I can't let them see me like this!"

Narumi blinked, surprised by Sakura's reaction. "Sakura, they wouldn't—"

"They would!" Sakura interrupted, her voice cracking. "Shirou... he's kind, but if he knew what I really am... if he knew what's inside me... he'd be disgusted. He'd pity me, and I... I can't bear that!"

Narumi's eyes softened as she gently cupped Sakura's cheek. "Sakura, listen to me. You're not defined by what's been done to you. You're still the same person, and Shirou—he wouldn't think any less of you. He wouldn't see you as tainted."

But Sakura's tears fell faster, her body trembling. "You don't know that, Rider. You don't know what it's like to be... to be corrupted like this. I don't want their pity. I don't want them to see me as something broken... I can't let them know."

Narumi sighed softly, her heart heavy as she watched Sakura struggle with her inner demons. "Alright, Sakura. If that's what you want, I won't tell them. I'll find another way, I promise."

Sakura's sobs quieted as she nodded, her voice shaky. "Thank you... I just... I don't want them to look at me differently. Not Shirou... not Rin..."

Narumi gave a small, understanding nod. "I get it, Sakura. You don't have to explain. I won't tell them."

For a moment, they sat in silence, the weight of Sakura's burden pressing down on both of them. Finally, Sakura spoke again, her voice soft and hesitant.

"Rider... can I ask you one more thing?"

"Of course," Narumi said gently. "Anything."

Sakura hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty before she finally whispered, "Please... don't hurt Shinji."

Narumi blinked, taken aback by the request. "Why?" she asked, her voice soft but curious. "After everything he's done to you, why would you want to protect him?"

Sakura's gaze dropped, her hands fidgeting with the bedsheets. "I... I know what he's done. He's cruel, and he's angry... but he's also... broken. He's always been so jealous... of Rin and of me. I... I pity him, Rider. He's not strong like you or Shirou... he's... lost."

Narumi's heart ached at the compassion Sakura still held for someone like Shinji. Despite all the torment she had endured, she couldn't bring herself to wish harm on him. Narumi sighed softly, her expression tender.

"You're too kind, Sakura," she said, shaking her head slightly. "But don't worry—I won't hurt him. I'll deal with him another way, but you won't have to worry about that."

Sakura let out a small sigh of relief, her body relaxing slightly. "Thank you... I don't want anyone else to suffer because of me."

Narumi leaned in closer, gently pressing a kiss to the top of Sakura's head. "No one is going to suffer because of you, Sakura. I won't let that happen."

With that, Narumi created a clone, its presence subtle but steady as it materialized beside Sakura's bed. "This clone will stay with you," she said softly. "It'll protect you while I figure out a way to save you."

Sakura nodded, her voice filled with quiet gratitude. "Thank you, Rider... I don't know what I'd do without you."

Narumi smiled warmly, brushing a stray lock of hair from Sakura's face. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm not going anywhere."

With one last reassuring look, Narumi stood and slipped out of the room, leaving her clone behind to watch over the girl she had vowed to protect above all else.


The dim light of the church basement flickered, casting long shadows as Gilgamesh sat with his usual air of superiority, a goblet of wine in hand. His golden eyes gleamed with an almost nostalgic amusement as he watched the aftermath of Narumi's battle with Berserker, his attention shifting between the reflections in his drink and the silent thoughts swirling in his mind.

Across from him, Kirei Kotomine stood with his usual calm demeanor, his gaze sharp as he observed Gilgamesh's reaction to the display of power. "That dragon," Kirei began, his tone measured, "is it one of her Noble Phantasms?"

Gilgamesh set his goblet down with a soft click, his lips curling into a knowing smirk. "Yes, priest," he said smoothly, leaning back in his chair. "That dragon is one of her Noble Phantasms—her mount when she ruled beside me in Babylon."

He paused, his voice taking on a faint edge of pride as he spoke. "But do not mistake it for her full power. That dragon is impressive, but it's not the limit of her strength. She has access to something far greater."

Kirei raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So that dragon is merely one part of her arsenal?"

Gilgamesh nodded, his tone dripping with confidence. "Indeed. It's nothing compared to the power she wields. Narumi has always been able to access her true strength—even now, in this war. She doesn't need to hold back."

Kirei tilted his head slightly, his expression thoughtful. "Then what's keeping her from breaking free from her current situation? Why remain bound to the Matou family?"

Gilgamesh's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. "It's that tainted girl, Sakura Matou," he said, his voice low and filled with disdain. "Narumi could have severed her connection to the Matous the moment she was summoned. She could have broken free easily... but she refuses."

Kirei's curiosity deepened. "Because of the girl?"

Gilgamesh's lips curled into a sneer, his golden eyes flickering with frustration. "Yes. Narumi—my queen—has always had a weakness for the broken, for those she deems in need of protection. She's bound herself to that wretched girl out of some misplaced sense of duty or pity."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone filled with barely concealed irritation. "It's not that she can't unleash her full strength—she simply chooses not to. She's limiting herself because of Sakura. It's pathetic."

Kirei nodded, understanding. "So it's not a matter of power—it's her emotional bond to Sakura that keeps her from leaving."

Gilgamesh's expression hardened, his voice cold. "Exactly. Narumi is not weak, priest. She's the strongest Servant in this war, and she doesn't need the Grail or the Matous to prove that. But that tainted girl keeps her tied down—emotionally bound to a family of vermin."

He let out a low, humorless chuckle, his golden eyes gleaming with a dangerous mix of pride and possessiveness. "But it won't be long now. I can feel it—our reunion is near."

Kirei watched him carefully, his own curiosity piqued. "You intend to reclaim her?"

Gilgamesh's smile widened, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "Of course. Narumi belongs by my side, not tied to the whims of some miserable girl or her pathetic family. Once she's free from their grasp, we will rule again, as we were meant to."

He paused, his voice growing softer, filled with both admiration and frustration. "I despise the fact that Sakura has any hold on her. That tainted child is beneath her—unworthy of her protection."

Kirei nodded slowly, absorbing Gilgamesh's words. "You truly believe that once she's free from Sakura, she'll return to you?"

Gilgamesh's expression grew sharper, his voice filled with certainty. "Of course. She's always been mine, Kirei. She knows it, even if she won't admit it. And once she's no longer bound by that girl's weakness, she'll be back where she belongs—at my side."

Kirei's eyes gleamed with understanding. "And when that happens...?"

Gilgamesh's smile turned cruel, his voice dripping with arrogance. "When that happens, we will rule again. Narumi will reclaim her throne, and together, we will cleanse this world of the unworthy."

His tone softened, but the possessiveness was unmistakable. "I long for our reunion, Kirei. I hate seeing her bound by Sakura's weakness. But soon... soon, that will end."


The moonlight filtered through the windows of Illya's room in Einzbern Castle, casting soft shadows across the expensive silk curtains and luxurious furniture. But inside the room, the atmosphere was anything but serene.

"That Servant is cheating!" Illya screamed, her small fists hammering against the mattress in a fit of frustration. "It's not fair! How is Berserker supposed to beat someone like her?!"

Her silver hair fanned wildly across the pillows as she kicked her legs and flailed her arms, throwing herself into the full force of her tantrum. Leyritt stood calmly by the door, her hands folded neatly in front of her. In contrast, Sella wore her usual stern expression, arms crossed tightly as if silently judging Illya's childish behavior.

Illya rolled onto her stomach and buried her face in a pillow, letting out a muffled scream of frustration. She snapped her head up, glaring at the two maids with wide, furious eyes. "How am I supposed to fight against that?!"

Sella's voice was sharp. "Illya-sama, please control yourself."

Illya shot her a scowl. "Don't tell me to calm down, Sella! It's impossible to win if my enemies keep pulling cheats like this!" She let out an exaggerated huff and threw herself back onto the bed, folding her arms dramatically.

"Who even is that Servant?!" she continued, her voice shifting to frustration tinged with confusion. "A friend of Heracles, a mother to Saber—none of this makes sense!"

She sat up abruptly, clutching the pillow to her chest as her thoughts whirled. "Heracles and King Arthur are from different legends! They shouldn't even know each other!" She groaned, rocking back and forth in agitation. "It's so annoying! If only Berserker could talk, I'd get some answers!"

Leyritt stepped forward, her voice soft and measured. "Illya-sama, may I offer a suggestion?"

Illya blinked, her expression sharp. "Fine. What is it?"

"There might be one figure in legend," Leyritt began, "who fits the connections you've mentioned. Someone who could have ties to both Greek and Arthurian myth."

Illya's brow furrowed in annoyance. "Well, who? Stop dragging it out!"

Leyritt inclined her head slightly. "She is known as the Immortal Sage. In Babylonian legend, she was the wife of Gilgamesh."

Sella cut in, her tone efficient but respectful. "It is also said that she mentored King Arthur during her early years, and some stories suggest that she was mistaken for Merlin in several accounts."

Illya's crimson eyes narrowed as she tried to make sense of this new information. "Wait… so she was Merlin? Or someone like Merlin?"

Sella adjusted her glasses. "Not exactly. The legends say she was involved in Arthur's creation and upbringing, but unlike Merlin, she remained hidden from history."

Leyritt added quietly, "And she also traveled with the Argonauts, which explains why she might know Heracles."

Illya clenched her fists and stomped her foot on the bed, her temper flaring again. "That's not fair!" she shouted, "Why does she get summoned? A wife of Gilgamesh, a mentor to King Arthur, and a friend to Heracles? That's ridiculous!"

She pouted, puffing out her cheeks in irritation. "It's cheating! Totally cheating! Why can't I get an overpowered Servant like that?"

She threw herself back onto the pillows, her arms flopping out to her sides. "Stupid war. Stupid Rider!" she muttered under her breath, sulking.

Sella's lips tightened. "Illya-sama, please refrain from calling the Holy Grail War 'stupid.'"

Illya rolled her eyes dramatically. "Whatever, Sella. You're such a buzzkill."

After a brief moment of silence, Illya sat up again, her mischievous grin returning. "It doesn't matter, anyway." She drummed her fingers on the pillow thoughtfully. "I just need to find her Master."

Leyritt bowed her head slightly. "If you target her Master, Rider will lose her anchor to this world. Even a Servant of that caliber would be helpless without a Master."

Illya's grin widened, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Exactly. If I kill her Master, Rider disappears—easy!" Her voice was light and playful, as if she were planning a harmless prank rather than cold-blooded murder.

Sella's frown deepened, though she said nothing. She was used to Illya's whims, even when they took dark and dangerous turns.

Illya hugged her pillow tightly, rocking back and forth with glee. "This is going to be fun. I'll find her Master, and then—poof! No more Rider."

She giggled softly to herself, lost in her sinister thoughts. Leyritt and Sella exchanged a brief glance, communicating without words. They both knew better than to interrupt their young mistress when she was in this mood.

After a few moments, Illya flopped back onto the bed, kicking her legs lazily in the air. "Rider thought she could show off, but I'll take her down the easy way."

Her smile turned cold. "Enjoy your victory for now, Rider. It won't last."


The trio sat in the living room of Shirou's house, the tension between them palpable. Saber stood silently beside Shirou, ever composed, while Rin leaned back on the sofa with her arms crossed, her foot tapping impatiently against the floor. Archer was perched by the window, looking disinterested, but Shirou knew better—his sharp eyes were always watching.

Shirou cleared his throat. "Rin, I think we should work together."

Rin raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a small, skeptical frown. "You're asking me to ally with you, just like that?"

Shirou nodded earnestly. "Yes. I only want to protect people from the danger of the Holy Grail War. If we work together, we can stop things from getting out of control."

Rin gave a dismissive huff, turning her gaze to the side. "Tch. What a dumb thing to say." Her arms tightened over her chest, but a slight blush crept onto her cheeks. "Idiot. You're too soft."

Shirou smiled despite himself. "You're a good person, Rin."

Rin sputtered, her face heating further. "Wha—!? Who said anything about being good?! I'm still your enemy, you know!" She crossed her arms tighter, trying to act indifferent, though her expression betrayed her embarrassment.

Saber's calm voice cut through the moment.
"Are you certain, Master? Do you wish to ally with her?"

Shirou glanced at her, his expression softening. "Yeah. If it means we can keep people safe, it's worth it. What do you think, Saber?"

Saber inclined her head slightly. "You are my Master. I will follow your will."

Rin let out a slow breath, tapping her fingers against her arm as she mulled things over. "We might have to fight Rider, you know."

Shirou frowned. "But Rider is Saber's mother."

Rin shot him a sharp look, her eyes narrowing. "It doesn't matter. This is the Holy Grail War, Shirou. Rider might be a good person, but she still has a Master, and that Master is our enemy. Rider won't just stand back because you ask her nicely."

She leaned forward slightly, her expression serious now. "And whoever her Master is, they're strong. They have to be—Rider's been running around freely, and her Master hasn't needed to stay close to her. That's not normal. Whoever they are, they're dangerous."

Shirou furrowed his brow, deep in thought. "Maybe... maybe we could talk to Rider's Master? See if we can convince them to stop fighting?"

He turned to Saber. "Saber, do you think you could convince her?"

Saber gave him a thoughtful look, her blue eyes steady. "I can try. But I will not raise my blade against my mother."

Rin groaned in frustration, rubbing her temples. "That's not going to work, Shirou. Even if Rider is willing to listen, her Master won't just back down because we ask nicely. That's not how the Holy Grail War works."

From his spot by the window, Archer smirked. "Heh. That's a pretty naïve idea, kid."

Shirou glanced over at him, his expression serious. "What about your attack earlier? You could've killed Rider with that arrow."

Archer's grin widened slightly. "We're not allies. I don't aim to miss."

Rin shot him a warning glare. "Archer, knock it off. We're forming an alliance."

Archer raised an eyebrow, the smirk never leaving his face. "Oh? So we're working with them now? How exciting."

Rin ignored him and turned back to Shirou. "Look, if we're going to do this, we need to be clear about something." She leaned forward, her gaze unwavering. "If Rider's Master shows up, things might get ugly. Are you ready for that?"

Shirou nodded, his resolve unwavering. "Yeah. I am."

Rin let out a small sigh, as if resigning herself to the decision. "Fine. I'll work with you. But don't think this means I'll go easy on you, Shirou." She crossed her arms again, her usual confident smirk returning. "And if your ideals get us killed, I'll make sure to haunt you from beyond the grave."

Saber gave a subtle nod, satisfied with the arrangement. "I will do my part to support this alliance."

Shirou smiled softly. "Thanks, Saber. And... thank you, Rin."

Rin huffed again, her cheeks tinting pink. "Tch. Idiot."

Archer chuckled under his breath. "This is going to be interesting."

The tension in the room eased slightly as the new alliance was sealed. Despite the looming threats of Rider and Berserker, they all knew they stood a better chance together than apart.


-end-

Note: Poor Shinji. So, what do you think I should do with Shinji.