February 3… Morning… The Kotomine Church… Day 4…
In hindsight, placing that boy anywhere with Rin is just a recipe for disaster. Archer cannot even begin to list the reasons why as there are too many… which is why he feels why he's a total idiot right about now. First Saber, now the boy. At least he's got Avalon to help heal the worst of it. It's a shame that it can't cure stupidity, though.
How the hell is he supposed to even survive with these odds, much less thrive? At least the constant fix point in time that was the Berserker battle went a little bit better than the other timelines, even if it came about through different circumstances. At least there is no Forest of No Return or something of the like. The bowman can still feel a phantom pain around the neck at the thought of it.
"Do you blame yourself, Archer?" Saber broke through his reverie.
"Hm?" Archer turned towards the despondent girl. Her head bowed low as the yellow bike coat moved quietly in the winds. They were waiting at the gates of the church, just like Archer and Saber had always done in the previous timelines. Except, things were different now. For better or worse, Saber is in the mood to talk to him at this point in time. A completely unique thing that no other timeline can boast. Not that he is bragging, or anything.
"Call it an instinctive guess, but I think you feel bad for what happened to Shirou." Saber spoke carefully, as if walking on a dangerous path. "You did your best to get them away from harm; you even gave Shirou a sword to help protect Rin. It's not your fault that they found themselves in the middle of a battle of Masters. We were too occupied with Berserker."
"..." Archer struggled to keep his sanity. Him. Archer was concerned for Him? What kind of loony world did he find himself in for Saber to suggest that!? He couldn't give a damn if that boy died, because he was concerned for Rin. She is way more valuable to him than the boy. So, where the hell did Saber get that idea? Also, speaking of, when did Saber start caring for what Archer thought? Were they not just enemies literally a day ago?
"Is something wrong?" Saber looked towards him with a few hints of concern.
"Nothing…" Archer tried to mask his internal strife, "It's just that, in all of the servants I've met - and I've met all of them - you are the first one to show some semblance of worry. And for me, nonetheless."
"Well, forgive me if it was in my nature to care." Saber remarked sarcastically. "My honour demands it, as you are now the servant of my master's ally. Besides, after what we just survived… is it not common for a bond of camaraderie to form between ourselves?"
"..." Damn it, he can't win against the Look. No matter what timeline he's in, Archer can never seem to get over that whenever it's done to him. That sincere, genuine, stare that beckons him to lower his guard. One that forces him to relax around Arturia. He can resist, but he cannot escape it for long. Not when it is clear that Saber is trying her best to understand him. To at least give him the chance of holding her trust. And boy, does he not want to disappoint.
"You are a strange man, do you know that?" Saber shook her head in befuddlement, "Why are you silent now, when everything we have just experienced needs to be analysed? We need to discuss our standing in the War, Archer."
"I understand that, but please forgive me." Archer turned to his side to face the girl, "I'm somewhat out of it still. My mind is focused on remembering Berserker's movements."
"What do you mean?" Saber turned her head in confusion. "Do you have photographic memory?"
"Sort of. I can push mana into my eyes to not only enhance my vision for aiming, but also to remember certain details in the same way a camera takes a photo." Archer then demonstrated how he reinforces his eyes. Green lines then appear from the whites of his eye to his pupils. Saber can also see those same lines around his temples too.
"But isn't that dangerous?" Saber narrowed her eyes. "If you force too much prana into any part of your body, that part will break down. The body is not capable of handling that kind of power, Archer."
"Good thing I'm not alive anymore, then." Archer scoffed as his eyes returned to normal. "You are correct, however. The amount of prana needed must be inserted in a precise manner. Well just my luck, I was summoned as an Archer. Precision and Accuracy is kind of our thing, if you didn't know."
"Then let us return to your analysis." Saber frowned at the face of the bowman's arrogance. "What did you observe from our fight with Berserker?"
"Berserker's primary target was me. Not you." Archer then paused to let Saber sink in the information, "She was giving us an equal beatdown, no issue there. But for some reason, when the first choice is you: who fell down and is vulnerable, and the second choice is me: who is still standing and guarded… She was more likely to pick me."
"Could it be that she has a semblance of honor?" Saber questioned. Archer saw some sense in that, but he had to think deeper. "One so strong that she cannot ignore even at that state? Only a woman of honour would avoid attacking an enemy who is down for the count."
"Might be, but I do not think so." Archer shook his head. "Something about how she fought is telling me that something deeper is at play here. It's like she recognised me from somewhere… But let's move on from that. Did you notice the fact that she had no weapon?"
"Yes, I did." Saber nodded, "She used the environment around her as her weapon. It was… familiar in a sense."
"Hm? What do you mean?" Archer wondered out loud, but inside he knew where this was going. A certain servant from a past War that may or may not have been mentioned by a girl he once knew came to mind immediately. A small part of him wondered how Saber is going to share what she knew… without revealing it all. He's not supposed to know Saber's involvement in the 4th War after all.
"I once knew a man who could do such a thing. In my past, that man once fought an entire battle by using anything he could find." Saber spoke in a careful tone, "When he lost his sword, he would take a spear, when he broke that, he took a mace, he even took his own enemy's weapons and used it against him with tremendous effect. And he did so without being any less deadly than he already was."
"And you are saying that this Berserker's skill is reminiscent of this man." Archer stated plainly. "On the off chance that what you are saying is true, then it means we are facing a servant who is versatile in every sense of the word."
"Quite…" Saber answered in a muted tone. Archer looked at her and he can tell that she wants to say more, but it appears that she failed to find a way to break down the information she knows without telling the whole of it. He wants to help her out, but there is a risk that the more he does this, the higher the chance of him getting called out. And he doesn't need a high Instinct skill to know that.
"There is something I noticed as well." Archer rubbed his chin in false curiosity. "Normally, the pieces of the lamp post Berserker used would have been cut from our weapons. There was nothing special about the pieces. So in concept, they should not have been that effective as weapons."
"I agree." Saber jumped in, the glint in her eyes showed that she caught the bait that Archer laid. "They were suspicious to me as well. Could it be one of Berserker's skills? One that allows her to commandeer any 'weapon-like' object and transforms that into something akin to a Noble Phantasm?"
"Now that's something I haven't thought of." Archer smiled to himself. His plan in helping out worked. If anything, Saber was laying it too thick. Just because Archer gave the girl a helping hand, doesn't mean she should pull on it too hard.
"But it does make sense." Archer continued. "It would give credence to the fact that she doesn't have any weapons because has no need for them. She is her own noble phantasm. Or… just one of them."
"At least we can now take solace in the fact that we have enough information to fight against Berserker." Saber sighed in dismay, her eyes clouded and distant. Archer thinks that it may have to do with her remembering Lancelot. The bowman wonders if Saber is theorizing if the current Berzerker is that man, which already makes no sense considering what he knows.
"Now we go to her master." Archer changed the subject, causing Saber to turn to him once more.
"The young little girl… Illyasviel von Einzbern, Rin says." Saber stifled a shiver. "She is just a child, and yet her smile makes my blood freeze. I am guessing from the albino features, that the little girl is a homunculus. Bred by the Einzbern faction to serve their twisted desires."
"You've been taking notes from my master's teachings to that boy." Archer mused with a smirk, "But you are right, she is an Einzbern tool. When it comes to money and magic, they are the most powerful faction right now. I guess that also makes Berserker the Strongest Servant too. Of course, with you as a close third."
"A contestable claim." Saber frowned, "Do you have any idea why the homunculus spared Shirou? Was there some sort of event that Rin told you about that caused a change of heart?"
"No, not even through the link did she tell me anything that wasn't already told to us earlier." Archer shook his head in dismay. "That she saw the girl impale the boy from the back after he tried to protect Rin."
"Nothing makes sense with that girl's actions." Saber said dismayingly. "Not even the title that she used on Shirou. 'Brother' - Rin says. What could it-"
"...Something wrong?" Archer asked needlessly. Sometimes fate throws him a bone, and he's not one to be ungrateful. So, it's nice to know that Saber is able to connect the dots on her own every now and then. To this day, Archer still cannot believe that Saber merely thought of Illya as 'one of the many' and not as Irisviel's (and to an extent, Kiritsugu's) daughter. Well, to be fair, Illya's one of the more long lived homunculi due to… reasons. And it's not like she was made to last longer than 5 years, so at least Archer's gotta give Saber that… but he digresses.
"Nothing. I just had a thought." Saber answered before changing the subject, "Lancer. What do you think of it?"
"It?" Archer raised an eyebrow. "You didn't get a clear look at her?"
"Her? How do you know that?" Saber looked at him in confusion. "Lancer was using a voice changer enchantment on her helmet. I did not ascertain her gender because I was too occupied with Berserker. When did you get the opportunity to discover such?"
"...The arms, Saber." Archer responded with a surprisingly level voice. "No man has arms as scrawny as Lancer's. Arms like hers would snap like a twig if she so much as tries to punch something without mana."
"I guess you bring up a valid point." Saber nodded without contestation. "I myself cannot boast being as brawny and muscular as you, so I have little to say against. Though if I may, I would say you have quite the attention to detail."
"That's why I'm the Archer." Archer a small chuckle. Inside, however, he patted himself on the back. How the hell was he supposed to explain that he already saw her back at the Shinto district a few days ago? First, he shouldn't have known that Shinto was the place to go, since Fuyuki is huge. And Second, he shouldn't have known that Lancer truly was a woman. Because from Saber's point of view, that fight was the first time they met.
"Do you have any clue what Lancer's master was investigating at the Park?" Saber asked curiously. "Maybe that strange event we saw on the television had something to do with it?"
"I agree." Archer muttered, "But then here's the thing. If Lancer's master was willing to risk her life just to figure that mystery out… who's to say we should too?"
"What do you mean?" Saber asked, "We have the opportunity to conduct our own investigation, Archer. I say we take advantage of the light of day. Who knows? Maybe it will be worthwhile?"
"Not while your master is still reeling from his injuries, Saber." Archer reminded, "It would do well if we spend the day recovering. The two of you need it. After all, let's not forget that you cannot perform at your best with all those fresh scars under your armor."
"...hmph." Saber turned away for the last time. She did not like being hindered from doing what she thought was best. She continued to sulk until they heard the wooden doors of the church open behind them.
Archer opened the metal gates as they went in. Rin and the boy were alright. He was conscious, to say the very least. Not happy, as he should be. Thoughtful too? Impossible, he has no brains to think with. Behind the pair was a man who slowly walked out of the church. The bowman paused at the sight. Archer turned to Saber and realised that she too froze for a second before resuming her walk to her master. Hopefully she didn't notice him doing the same thing. It brings up too many questions. Wait… he doesn't remember Saber meeting him at this point. Wasn't she outside when Rin and the boy spoke with the priest?
Oh no… Archer messed up.
"You must be the Servants Archer and Saber. You are welcome on sacred grounds. I bid you both to observe the Lord's peace while you are here." The priest perked up at the sight. He was an aged man. Brown hair with wrinkles all over his face, a serene smile that threatens to look genuine, and closed hands by his chest to show how harmless he is. It sickens the pair to look at him so innocent-like.
"Enough of that, Kirei." Rin waved the priest dismissively. "You're not supposed to even be talking to servants right about now. Where's the impartiality you preach about?"
"I am impartial, Rin." Kirei smiled cryptically. "All I said was in greeting. Besides, there isn't much to talk about."
"Yeah, yeah." Rin said as she forcefully tugged on Shirou's sleeve towards the gate. "C'mon, Emiya-kun. Just because Kirei did what can to heal your injuries, doesn't mean you're free to do whatever you want now."
"W-wait, what about school?" Shirou asked with worry. "Fuji-nee will kill me if I don't go today."
"If you do go to school, I will kill you myself!" Rin slapped his arm. "Now be a smart boy and take the day off. I'll let the school know you're sick."
"Alright then." Shirou then turned to Saber and smiled at her. "Saber! I'm glad you're alright. You didn't get too hurt, did you?"
"I am well, Shirou." Saber smiled softly as she walked to her master, "Berserker is a mighty foe, but Archer and I prevailed."
"At best it was a draw." Archer knowingly dampened the mood with a grin, "At worst, all it got us is a master-servant pair either on the brink of death or nearly dying."
"There's… there's no difference." Shirou offered.
"Of course there is." Archer quipped, "You were not supposed to survive your wounds while Saber is expected to. Yours is a miracle no one anticipated." Or wanted, in Archer's point of view.
"Don't be rude, Archer." Rin reprimanded before pulling the boy through the gate of the Church. "We're leaving now, Kirei. Don't shrivel up into a stick, or something."
"How ungrateful." Kirei laughed under his breath as he shook his head in disapproval. "Children these days have no manners anymore. Very well then. Take care of that girl for me, Servants. Fortune does not befit the prideful, as the proverb goes."
"Oh, and that boy… Emiya Shirou." Kirei glared with barely hidden malevolence, "He is easily suspicious. A watchful one too. He knew not to be too trusting, especially towards me - the Arbiter of this War. I have high hopes that he will be successful in attaining his dreams. But I doubt that he understands the sacrifices he has to make. Oh, this will be fun."
Kirei then left an ominous aura in his wake. Archer and Saber turned towards the priest and back to each other, questioning what the hell that meant. They then heeded the call of Rin and followed them on the road to the Shinto District. Where the Fuyuki Central park stands.
"Archer-" Rin spoke,
"No." Archer rejected.
"But I didn't even say anything yet!" Rin pointed at him accusingly.
"Your thoughts are leaking through our bond, master." Archer shook his head in bewilderment. "And what you want is what I highly advise against. Whatever you wish to discover at that Park is below the Saber and the boy's need to rest and recover. Matter of fact, Saber and I considered the possibility. The answer was still no."
"But it's daytime, Archer." Rin said as she looked to Saber for support. "Saber's got the right idea already. Besides it's not like we're going to get carried away and all that. 15 minutes, in and out. That's all we're going to do there."
"My worries don't stem from the fact that the investigation takes too long, master." Archer countered with grave seriousness. "We might get distracted on the way to the Park, and most likely so. The enemy works against us even when the sun shines above. I only advise caution should you strive to take this path."
"Then let's vote on it." Rin stopped walking and raised her hand, "Who votes to go to the Park, and who votes to go home. The majority wins."
Later… Noon… the Verde Mall Tea Shop
"You just had to vote yes, didn't you?" Archer reprimanded with a glare.
"Well, sorry if I chose what I thought best. Saber really wanted to go and I couldn't say no to that." Shirou huffed as he crossed his arms.
"And look what has become of your choice…" Archer looked at the small mountain of bags and boxes. "I am not helping you."
"Oh, they've returned." Shirou then stood up and helped them out on their second collection of bags and boxes. Archer just shook his head in amazement at the complete deviation the timeline has wrought.
The Central Park was a considerable distance away from the Mall, but the building was on the way from where Archer and co. came from. And that is where it all went downhill. This is what he meant by a distraction. The day where nothing was supposed to happen in the chronological sense was now a day spent risking an encounter with an enemy faction.
Oh, is Archer a bit paranoid and a bit uppity because of how things are not going the way they are supposed to? Damn right, he is. He is walking blind towards a street where all the lanes have cars, and they are not stopping for him. Did Rin not realise that Servants are free to roam wherever they wanted even without their master's permission? They might even be in this very mall unbeknownst to any of them!
Wait… Now that Archer thought about it, what would an encounter with Saber and her other selves even look like? She met Rider, Berserker, and Lancer but they all had their faces covered; Lancer even masked her voice. But what about Caster? She did not seem to be the type to cover her own face, judging from his observations. But the point remains: how would Saber react?
"Archer, grab some of this, why don't ya? And put it by your side by the wall." Rin ordered as she took her seat beside the bowman. Archer and co. sat by the window that has a wonderful view of the business district below. The tea shop waitress then walked towards their table and began taking their orders.
"Hi, welcome to our Tea Shop: home to the best that Fuyuki has to offer." The waitress said unconvincingly and in a tired voice. She was a blonde, tan woman in her early-mid 20s, prim and proper but her very miniscule frown shows her true feelings about her job. Archer narrowed his eyes and saw that her name was Saegusa Makki. Hold on, Saegusa?
"Anyways, I got a smoke break in a couple of minutes so hurry up with the I- oh? Emiya-tan?" The waitress leaned in towards the sheepish boy. "Emiya-tan! What're you doing here? School isn't over y'know? What would poor Ayako-chan and Yuki-tan think if she finds out that you're skipping school with- oh? What's this? Aren't you little Rin Tohsaka? Why are you here too? Is this… is this a date?"
"Makki-san. It's good to see you too. How's Aunt Kanae?" Rin smiled forcibly. "No, this isn't a date. We just so happened to help these fellow tourists find their way in the city while they visit for personal reasons. No, I'm not with Emiya-kun. Saiba-san and Archer-san knew each other from work, so we became acquainted by association. Anyways, why are you working as a waitress? I thought you were working at the City Hall as Himuro-dono's trainee?"
"It's hard making ends meet when your mother's sister gave birth to 6 children who are all in school, y'know. A Mayor's trainee ain't enough to cut it in this economy. Oh, and I haven't mentioned my college tuition. I wish I could burn down that school just to avoid paying." Makki growled as she balled her right fist. "It's not like I wanted to be here, Aunt Kanae wanted me working away from our neighborhood near the Traditional District. Some bastard and his friends decided to attack Ayako-chan and that made our area a 'bad place for business' and whatnot."
"She was almost kidnapped, Makki-san. But I can understand why Aunt Kanae would tell you that." Rin nodded in agreement. "At least you guys are moving somewhere better."
"I know, right?" Makki smiled, "Himuro-dono must have been impressed with my work, or simply because Yuki-tan's friends with his daughter. Either way, all we need is a proper contract and we're off to Semina Apartments! It's a very generous offer too. 40% off rent and pets allowed is something I didn't think we needed until now."
"Well, that's great to hear." Rin smiled genuinely, it was clear that the conversation was about to end. "Now, will you please take our orders now? Saiba-san over here fighting against her stomach."
Archer and co. laughed softly at the expense of the blue dressed girl, who blushed furiously at the mention of her rebellious stomach. The bowman then leaned closer to the table and beckoned the table to listen.
"Congratulations, master." Archer smiled cheekily. "You've gotten yourself a boyfriend now."
"Oh shut up, Archer." Rin rolled her eyes as she stifled a blush. "Now the whole neighborhood and school will think the wrong way about us."
"It can't be that bad." Shirou tried to console, "We can just tell them the truth tomorrow."
"You go do that. I'm far above that kind of talk." Rin sighed as she lay down on the table. "Ugh, Ayako definitely will not let me hear the end of this."
"Are all of your friends currently going to this 'high school' that I've been hearing about?" Saber asked curiously. "Where I come from, establishments such as the one you go to for education is quite unheard of."
"Your country doesn't have public education, Saber?" Rin asked in surprise.
"Sometimes people forget, master. But servants such as Saber over here are from the past. A past that is rather distant from this one, mind you." Archer spoke, "So, in her point of view, everything under the sun is very, very new."
"We all go to the same school, Saber." Shirou answered. "Do you want to go there one day? Just to see for yourself? I can ask Fuji-nee to let you in just to tour around."
"You can even try out my old uniforms just so that you can fit in…" Rin offered coyly as she pressed her fingers together. It appears that her desire to treat the poor girl like a dress-up doll hasn't diminished after hours of shopping.
"I- I might think about it in the future." Saber looked away as a shiver went up her spine. It is also evident that she found the whole experience quite harrowing. As the conversation died down, Archer took this time to contact Rin telepathically. He does not want to let the others hear this.
"Rin, continue what you are doing. I have something to tell you." Archer said as Mikka returned with a tray of tea and biscuits. His master blinked once before returning her focus towards the tea.
"What is it, Archer?" Rin asked as she smiled at the waitress.
"I need to take time to scan the area. If you don't remember, Lancer's base is somewhere close to this district. We cannot risk an unexpected encounter with her and her master." Archer explained as he sipped his tea whilst staring out the window.
"Well, there is no harm in leaving for a couple minutes. Just make sure to alert us when you find something interesting." Rin then started eating the biscuits as the bowman got up from his seat. He was at the exit when Saber called for him, he turned around to see that she too was about to go outside.
"Wait, let me help." Saber offered to a suspicious Archer, "Just because you talked to Rin through your link, it does not mean that I cannot read body language. You want to secure the building, correct?"
"It's a one man job, Saber." Archer deadpanned. "I do not think that it would be any different if you joined in."
"I am invested in the safety of my master, Archer." Saber narrowed her eyes in challenge. "Surely, you must understand my intentions."
"Sigh… alright, just grab something to cover your face or something." Archer turned around towards the mall walkway. "I don't really like the attention your looks are getting from the crowd."
Saber was about to protest when a group of young men who were walking past the pair started whistling to her and hollering at her for her number. This was the third time this event happened during the 4 hours they've been in this mall. It did not last long as Archer's deadly glare made them all go away, but the point was made: Saber is very beautiful even without the standards of Japanese men. With a huff and a puff, Saber went back to their table and grabbed a blue jacket, a baseball cap, and a white mask. Archer, turned left towards the escalator, found the sign, and then signalled Saber to follow him towards the fire exit - where the restrooms were located.
"I'll go to the top while you observe the first floor. If there is no sign of suspicious activity coming through any of the doors, feel free to go back to the Shop." Archer then went his way into the exit. He de-corporealised and began jumping up the flight of stairs, reaching the top in seconds.
Up there, he scanned the direct vicinity of the mall. His reach was 4 kilometers wide. Not a single thing was left unseen. No one was spared. And after a careful analysis that took at least 2 minutes, he can finally ease his paranoia.
"No sign of anyone." Archer sighed in slight relief. He was about to turn his Reinforcement off when he laid his eyes once more towards the bridge once more. It was a black motorcycle. A YAMAHA V-MAX to be exact. Rider mentioned it to him in some timeline long ago when she was scouring the local motor shops for a new ride. It stuck in his mind because a few hours after Rider talked about it, Saber spoke of it being a very good bike back from the 4th War. The hours of motor-bike talk that ensued between the two Servants imprinted in his brain in a negative way.
He had to pay a 25 thousand yen speeding ticket after Rider took Saber for a cross-city road trip.
It was a modified bike. It was sleek, too sleek for this era. Such a Futuristic design like this one is unheard of still. Why is he so fixated in this insignificant detail? Even Archer lacked an answer, until he focused on its owner. The golden eyes and the dirty blonde hair was all it took for him to connect the dots: This was Rider he was watching over right now. And as soon as she crossed the Bridge into Shinto, she looked dead straight towards where he was standing before the bowman lost sight of her in the midst of the vast concrete jungle. The message was clear: they were at risk of being found.
Archer turned into spirit form and jumped down to the second floor exit. He corporealised, walked briskly towards the happily chatting trio who were enjoying their tea and meals, and said,
"Rider's on her way. She's fast. Faster than I expected." Archer then turned to a quickly sobering Rin and said, "We need to go."
"How did she know where we are?" Rin hissed as she hastily grabbed her share of the bags. Shirou and Saber too filled their hands with the remaining goods.
"It's my fault." Archer confessed, causing all three to look at him in alarm. "I was scanning the area and kept my vision on her long enough to be noticeable. We can still try to escape if we take the fire exit."
"W-wait, what about our stuff?" Shirou asked as he raised his full hands. "Rider'll catch us with these slowing us down."
"I have an idea!" Rin grinned maliciously as she turned towards Makki. "Yoohoo! Makki-chan, can you do me a favour? Our friends are running out of time, but they forgot their car somewhere. Can you please hold on to our stuff for a minute? We'll return it once we get the car back. Or when you're done with your shift. Oh! Look at the time so sorry we have to go. Bye Bye! "
"Eh?" Makki asked surprisingly as she found her arms assaulted by a ton of bags and boxes. She couldn't move or yell in protest as Rin and co. raced for the fire exit. Archer made sure no one was following them by locking the door with a powerful reinforcement enchantment. It won't open any time soon.
"I swear Archer, this is the first time you've messed up." Rin complained as she opened the door to the basement parking lot. "What on earth was going on in your head when you were doing recon?"
"Indeed. Such a tactical mistake would cost you gravely… fortunately I am not here for conflict."
Archer doesn't remember shoving the boy and Rin back into the fire exit door. He doesn't remember when Kanshou and Bakuya were hastily summoned. He doesn't even remember the moment Saber transformed into her battle dress. It all happened in a blink of an eye. What he does remember is how time seemed to go painstakingly slow. His reinforced vision captured every semblance of movement from the dark right corner of the basement - where the entrance-exit into the parking was.
"What are you doing here, Rider?" Archer asked, "You know the rules of the war. No fighting during the day."
"Oh, but I am not here for that." A sinister laugh echoed the darkness. "I am here to talk. The time I gave you has long been spent. Have you forgotten that my master seeks an alliance with your masters both? If anyone is violating the rules, it would be you. I bear no weapons to boast of."
"Then come out to the light. Slowly." Saber gritted her teeth. There is something about this Rider's voice that is so wrong to her. It is twisted; corrupted. Her stomach churned and her chest tightened. Is this some sort of ability that Rider possesses? An oppressive sort of aura that can make even the strongest of wills bend?
From the darkness shone two golden eyes. Her footsteps are loud and clear. Archer, his eyes wide in surprise, cannot stop what was to come. One foot out, Rider purposely leaned towards the light. Knowingly positioning her face to make it as visible as possible. The bowman gave a side glance towards his ally and found her shaking in shock. Her eyes out of its sockets and her mouth ajar. She almost dropped Excalibur from the sheer force of the revelation.
"H-how… how can this…" Saber asked, "What devilry is this!?"
"Charming." Rider smirked as she rested a hand on her hip. "The proud Saber brought low by a pretty face. Who knew that I would be so beautiful to the point of stupefaction? Obviously me. What do you think, Archer? Who's the prettier one between us two?"
"Shut up for one second, Rider." Archer raised a finger in false bravado. "Just say what you want to say and leave. When and where do you want our masters to meet?"
"6 Sharp. And don't be late." Rider then dared to step forward towards the two Servants. "I may not have the Charisma I once possessed, but my powerful presence is enough of a… persuasion. Do not mistake me for a fool like you." She turned towards Saber, who recoiled in disgust. "I know where your masters live, and I am not above causing another redraw of the city map."
Rider did not cease in her speech as she turned to Archer, who raised his blades straight for her chest and throat. Instead of stepping away, Rider forces her way into the bowman's comfort zone. He drew blood around her neck, but he failed to put any force into his arms as he unconsciously retracted his swords. A sadistic smile found itself upon Rider's lips as Archer and Saber distanced themselves in fear.
"Strong willed you may be, you are weak to my words, Archer. I have kept my word that I would not harm you. And yet it is you who is harming me! Shouldn't that speak volumes about the kind of master that I have?"
"Ah, and here I thought I would come out of this without bloodshed. What a waste." Rider muttered as she grabbed a handful from her neck. It is evident from the wipe that her cut healed almost instantly. No semblance of scarring was visible.
"Give my master a chance to speak his mind." Rider said as her blood turned into fragments of light. "6 pm is enough time to decide. It should also be enough to speculate or whatever time wasting nonsense you like to do. At the very least, I have parted from you all with a gift: the mystery of Me."
Suddenly, a motorcycle's roar was heard from the same darkness Rider came from. Out came the same bike that she used to get to the mall. It drove itself until it was pointed straight out of the exit. Rider turned away from Archer and Saber and mounted the bike with great ease.
"If you truly wish to answer your questions," Rider turned around as she took a helmet from her storage. "Take up my offer. Come to the Matou mansion, and everything I can answer I shall not withhold. This I swear."
Without a goodbye, Rider sped out the elevated exit. Leaving a trail of dust in her wake. Rin and Shirou slammed the door open just in time for them to catch their servants. They are both exhausted, but not in the physical sense.
"Saber, are you alright!" Shirou asked as his left arm took a hold of the girl's left shoulder.
"I… I do not know, Shirou." Saber struggled to speak. Her voice was less than a whisper. "She was strong, her presence was suffocating. I could not fight back, it- it was too overwhelming."
"Her imperious aura is a show of force." Archer muttered as he was nursed by Rin, "Her charisma is lower than yours, Saber. If I am not mistaken… judging from my observations it is Rank E. High enough to command an army, but low enough to weaken morale. Somehow, she can manipulate her prana into amplifying the morale dampener - or fear factor - within her Charisma stat. Making her presence all the more dreadful."
"That doesn't explain the feeling of darkness within her, Archer." Saber countered as she gathered the will to stand. "Something is inside her. A hideous, cancerous, horrendous taint that is deeper than just ability. I highly doubt that it is the work of some Noble Phantasm she might possess. No, I believe that this dark power lies deep within her Spirit Origin."
"But that's impossible! There hasn't been any record of a Servant's Spiritual Foundation being altered or compromised." Rin countered as Archer was able to balance on both feet. "We can excuse Berserker because of the Mad Enhancements placed upon the class, but that is the only exception to the rule."
"Wait. Wait." Shirou raised his hands towards the two sides. "I know that I have little to say about this because I'm new, but we can't stay here any longer. We need to go home, and fast."
"As much as I hate to admit it," Which is something that is becoming a constant lately in Archer's perspective, "But he is right. We need to talk about this in private."
"Yeah." Shirou nodded as he scratched his head, "But um… We need to get our stuff from Makki-san first."
The Emiya Residence… 4 hours later…
If there is one thing Archer would begrudgingly admit is true, it's that Rider was right about the ton of hours poured into wild speculation.
Once they arrived at the boy's house, Rin and Saber led the nearly inexhaustible crusade for the answer of Rider's existence. Archer set the living room table, while Shirou helped in playing the part of 'always asking for information Archer already knows', but at least it kept the conversation from devolving into incoherent theories that don't make sense. It almost happened just a minute ago, with Rin wondering if the reason why both Saber and Rider look alike is because the Grail they're sisters. How that helps in anything they've been talking about is beyond even Archer, so he returned the conversation to solid ground.
"Hold on," Shirou broke the chatter with raised hands, "So if the possibility that they're not sisters is off the table… could it be that they're the same girl? I mean, isn't that possible?"
All of them whipped their heads around in surprise. Rin and Saber thought of it, but they thought that it was impossible. Archer, meanwhile, shook his head in disbelief because the boy was so close to the truth… yet oh so far.
"There is no way that Rider is me." Saber sneered, "She is too different. She is too evil. I do not believe that there is a modicum of semblance between me and that demoness."
"Laying it a bit too thick there, Saber." Archer huffed as he crossed his arms, "Dark-attributes aside, the boy has something going for that might just be what we're looking for. So, loathe am I to say this, what did you have in mind?"
"Well…" Shirou darted his eyes furtively, "Tohsaka once told me that a servant is basically a historical character called Heroic Spirits from, well, history and legends. And that the more well known a historical or legendary figure is, the more powerful that servant is. It's why, when a hero is inside their homelands, they get a sort of power boost."
"A bit crude of an explanation, but go on." Rin waved off despite feeling weirded out with Shirou's attentiveness to her pseudo-lectures.
"So, what if… What if Rider's origins are from a story that is a complete opposite of yours, Saber? What if that story became so well known that she basically became her own being? I mean, she is still you. Just with a different origin story, I guess." Shirou then scratched his head. It seems that even he himself didn't believe it.
"Woah, woah, wait." Rin shook her hands in denial. "I was talking about real historical figures, not made up fairytales come to life! Think of Richard the Lionheart or Oda Nobunaga. Those guys are real, Emiya-kun. They are the most qualified examples of Heroic Spirits turned Servants (on the off chance that they are chosen, of course). You're here assuming that baseless legends count for Heroic Spirits!"
"Oh I don't know, master." Archer said in a knowing tone. "My own legend is so forgettable that even I don't remember it. So, the rules of what qualifies as a servant is arbitrary in and of itself."
"But it wouldn't make sense if there are two of the same Heroic Spirit at the same time." Rin pointed out. "That will break the Holy Grail War as we know it."
"No it won't." Archer shook his head in denial. "It will not break the War because the War is still functioning as intended. There are Seven Servants and Seven Masters, all of whom are vying for the Grail. They are also not the same Heroic Spirit. I know, I know, just wait for it. That first part you said would indeed not make sense at all… if it weren't for the fact that you are missing one crucial detail."
"And that is?" Rin challenged haughtily, clearly entrenched in her beliefs.
"The identity of Saber herself." Archer then turned to the girl in question. "Who are you, really? If I am right, then that would make all of this so much easier to comprehend."
Saber bristled at the newfound attention over herself. She was as still as a rock; unmoving and revealed nothing. She clearly expected that this would eventually circle back to her and her True Name. Archer knows what will happen next. He engineered this exact event to happen with his words, after all. He only needs now is the boy to play his part just well enough to get what he needs. What he and Rin need.
"...If you will excuse me." Saber got up from her seat. Her movements were as smooth and cold as ice. Both Rin and Shirou widened in surprise, but were too slow to call out to the girl as she walked towards the dojo. A few minutes later, both teenagers were able enough to react properly.
"S-saber, wait." Shirou got up from his seat. Rin was about to stop him, but Archer called out to her through their shared link. The bowman can't let her interfere, this must happen if they are to succeed.
"What the heck was all that about, Archer?" Rin hissed as she turned back to the table. "You shouldn't have asked that too soon. It's not our right to know."
"Don't you think I already understood that?" Archer questioned, "If I did not ask, then Saber won't tell. Not even to her own master. It might take days, even weeks, just for the slightest hint as to who she truly is to be revealed to the boy. I am just speeding things up."
"But why?" Rin asked as she raked her head in frustration, "Why is Saber's name so important now than it was before? I know that her name serves value, but with you it seems to be an end-all-be-all piece to a puzzle that I'm not even a player in!"
"Yes you are-" Archer tried to reason, but Rin cut her off.
"No, I am not." Rin raised her finger in accusation, "All this time you've been running around doing 'recon', studying in the library when you think I'm not looking, and keeping secrets in that stupid head of yours. You know something, Archer, and you are not telling me. What? You think I won't notice how you froze up when you saw Caster? How well versed you are with Assassin's gear? How Rider seems to know you? And how easily you fall in step with Saber when you stood side by side earlier?"
"Please, Archer." Rin pleaded, "Make it make sense! Who the hell do you think Saber is supposed to be, to the point that you would keep it away from me? I thought you trusted me…"
"Rin…" Archer sighed as the girl hung her head low. He only kept it from her because of this exact scenario.
She wouldn't have believed him if he told her the truth before all this. And now, her trust in him was falling apart because of not telling her in the first place. But it's not like he was never going to tell her, he's been leaving breadcrumbs for her this entire time. But it seems that he dropped a huge piece on the road, it was too much to swallow. It doesn't matter anymore, though. Archer has made a decision: it is time for Rin to have the whole loaf.
"You are my master, Rin." Archer started, "And I know how clever and brilliant you are. But what I am about to tell you is not something your foundations as a magus can reconcile. Promise me this: that you will accept what I have to tell you and ask as few questions as possible. I do not have any answers for them."
And so, Archer painted a picture of discovery and the unexplainable. How he started from his encounter with Assassin to his time with Saber and Rider. He spared nothing but did everything he could to shorten his story into a few minutes. He shared to her his findings, the revelations, but barred the final conclusion to let Rin accept it on her own terms. Once he finished, Rin only had one thing to say.
"So you are saying…" Rin raised a shaky finger towards the dojo. "That I've been playing dress-up with King Arthur himself."
"In short, yes." Archer smiled as he applauded Rin's ability to absorb ludicrous information without breaking down.
"B-b-but she's a girl…" Rin rested her head on her hands as she leaned on the table.
"The proper historical account states that King Arthur is indeed a man. No mistakes there." Archer answered, "But there is a legend out there that is as distant to the original canon as can possibly be. One that has somehow gained popularity and its own devoted populace. In that legend, King Arthur was but a girl who had to play the part of a boy in order to protect her people. She wanted to save them from the prophecy that will not only doom her Kingdom, but also her subjects. I cannot tell you more than needed, but what is important is that Saber's Spirit Origin should fit the bill."
"Then what about the fact that there are different Servants with the same identity?" Rin asked as she sunk deeper into her own hands. "How can the Grail just do that?"
"I do not know." Archer answered with annoyance, "But the only theory that works is that there must be a catalyst out there that is powerful enough to overrule even the Grail's own internal systems. One that is connected to Saber and Rider."
"So if what you're saying is true… then there is a chance that what we know also applies to the other servants." Rin slammed her head on the table, "All I wanted is to win that damn cup! Not this stupid mess."
"We can still do that, Rin." Archer said with a smile, "After all, just because Saber and Rider are aware of their shared identity, it doesn't mean that the war will stop. On the contrary, their sheer stubbornness will be the only thing keeping this war from a standstill."
"I get all that, but I still don't get you. Why are you so relaxed? Don't you realise that we are facing up against one of the most powerful Heroes to ever exist? Why are you still so confident?" Rin asked, "Are you Lancelot? Please tell me you're him. Or maybe you're one of the Knights of the Round Table. Surely you have a heck of a Noble Phantasm in your arsenal."
"No, no, maybe, and no. That's all I can say." Archer shrugged, "The reason why I'm composed, despite knowing that I am probably the weakest servant in the war right now, is simple: I'm not relaxed at all. Rather, I'm scared to death. I fear losing, and what will happen to you if I die. But I am confident in my skills and yours. That is the key, master - confidence. You must realise the power of confidence in the face of daunting challenges, Rin. That no matter what happens, we must always stand tall. We will win this war. After all, are we not the best master-servant duo in this way?"
"You got that right." Rin rose up from her seat as she turned to the living room clock. "There is no way in hell I'm just gonna take it lying down. I don't want to just win, I want to find out what caused this, Archer. You're on the case, and I want in. So don't you dare try leaving me out, got it?"
"Alright, alright. I'll let you in. It's not like I was stopping you in the first place." Archer got up, "It's 30 minutes to 6, we better get going. Hopefully the boy is done with talking with Saber. Rider wasn't kidding when she promised that she'll destroy this place."
The pair got up and went to the dojo to find their allies. Once they got to the dojo, they found them sparring with a pair of kendo sticks. Archer took this time to see that Shirou has more of a solid foundation in swordfighting than he thought. Which is strange, considering that today was supposed to be the first time he's sparring with Saber. Looks like that Saber-summoned-early theory was correct, after all. Wait… would that mean that he will go down the path of tracing Caliburn and activating Avalon? Would he be able to unlock Unlimited Blade Works?
Ah, his head hurts.
"Time's up, guys." Rin clapped her hands. "We gotta go soon. It's almost 6 o'clock."
"Oh- gah!" Shirou yelled in pain, "S-Saber, I wasn't ready for that!"
"Forgive me, Shirou. But when the time comes, one second is the only difference between life and death." Saber said as she returned her and Shirou's kendo stick. "Now, please give us a moment to change."
And so, they did. After a few minutes, they are prepared. Archer helped out in closing the lights and was the last to lock the door. Shirou complained that as the man of the house, he ought to do such things. But Archer just rolled his eyes. If anyone's the man, it's him.
"Right, let's hope we're not too late to- Oh uh, Sakura! W-what're you doing here so late?" Archer and Shirou heard alarm bells ringing in their heads, the boy ran towards the gate and the bowman saw the two girls looking at each other with confusion. Though Sakura's face is devolving into suspicion.
"S-Sakura, hi! Sorry I didn't go to school today, I had to take care of some family friends." Shirou scratched his head. "U-uhm… what brings you h-ere?"
It took Archer, Saber, and Rin all of their willpower to resist laughing. Who knew that you could still get voice cracks at 17. Not Shirou, that's for sure. Sakura smiled in pity, and that made the boy burn up in embarrassment even more.
"You don't have to pretend, boy. She knows." Everyone whipped their heads towards the road, and saw Rider leaning on her bike whilst polishing up her bike.
"Rider! How could you?" Saber roared as she was backed up by Archer from behind. "It is evident that she is uninvolved in this war. You know what happens to witnesses. You are putting her life in danger."
"Look at you, miss know-it-all." Rider spoke coldly as her heels clicked the road. "Sakura knows what she is doing. And if there is anyone who is more likely to harm her, it is the both of you and Archer."
"Besides," Rider smiled cockily. "Why would I not bring my master? That's the whole point of this meeting, am I not wrong?"
Archer knew that it would be a bad idea, yet he still turned around to see Sakura Matou - the one person he did not want to be dealing with in the War - raising her left hand to show three command seals. But he found himself relaxing when it is clear that the seals are diminished, if not faded. It can only mean one thing.
"Of course, her grandfather despised the idea. So, he created a means to have his brat of a grandson take charge." Rider smiled as she revelled at the torn faces of the two servants. "But I still count Sakura as my master."
"R-Rider-san, let's go back home. Onii-san still needs help making dinner." Sakura then turned around to Shirou and asked, "Can Senpai and Saber-san ride on your bike? They might not have a way to get there."
"See, Saber?" Rider smirked at the offended girl, "This is the quality of my master. She cares enough for your concerns and the boy's. Maybe if you can pull that sword off your ass, you'd realise that I haven't done anything wrong. Yet."
"Get over here, kids." Rider turned around back to her bike. "The offer is gone the moment I turn it on."
Shirou and Sakura sheepishly made their way towards the motor-bike. Rin tried to object to what was happening, but Archer laid a hand on her shoulder in warning. This is not the time to speak up, because it is clear that Rider is doing this to forge closer ties between Sakura and the boy. He does not want Rin to be subjected to Rider's mind games. Shirou is an idiot - he is immune. Rin is brilliant, and that's what Rider knows how to exploit. And he will do whatever he can to keep his master away from her.
"Why are you still standing there?" Rider scoffed at Saber, "Is your pride that great that taking a backseat is a slight to your honour? I am trying to be benevolent here, what of you?"
"Saber, for the love of all things holy, just grit your teeth and bear it for once." Archer whispered to her ear. "She is toying with you, and the only way to fight against it is to play her game. If only until we can figure out a proper plan."
"...As you wish." Saber muttered darkly as she walked to her master. Archer winced as her footsteps rang like falling boulders. Shirou moves forward to let Saber have room until both he and Sakura are sandwiched between the two servants (much to their embarrassment). Then, the bike lit up. The bike churned and whirred as it started a u-turn before stopping in front of Archer.
It took a few seconds to cough out all that dust and smoke.
"Argh!" Rin exclaimed, "What the heck is wrong with her? First she acts like an insufferable b-"
"Language, master." Archer frowned.
"-and now, she's using Sakura to convince Emiya-kun!? Rider crossed the damn line! I'm going to kill her." Rin cracked her knuckles and turned to Archer.
"Archer!" Rin raised her arms. "Pick me up and get us there as fast as you can."
"As you wish." Archer said as he gently brought her into his arms.
The journey there was filled with profanities that Archer dare not repeat.
The Matou Mansion… 8pm…
The clinking of cutlery on plates echoed in the dreary room. Only the candles on the table and the chandelier above gave some sort of illumination. Archer sat at the foot of the table. He turned to his right, where his allies in Shirou, Rin, and Saber sat in their respective seats. To his left sat his prospective enemies (or allies, if things go sideways.): Shinji, Sakura, and Rider. The tension in the room is thick. None of them dared to spark a conversation. Not since they exchanged greetings an hour ago. The bowman then heard one loud sound, looked up, and saw the Matou Patriarch opening his mouth to speak. He made it a point to avoid snarling at the man.
"Emiya Shirou, I've heard nothing but good things from my grandchildren." Matou Zouken said with a slimy voice, "Shinji says you're a good friend, while Sakura admires you greatly. Tell me, my boy, have they been behaving themselves in school?"
"Y-yes, they are." Shirou looked down in agitation, but he doesn't know why, "Shinji did most of the work cleaning the Archery dojo at the school and Sakura's honestly the nicest girl I've ever met."
"That is wonderful to hear." Zouken smiled as he glanced at his flustered grandchildren. "If you stay this way with them, I wouldn't think twice if you ask for my granddaughter's hand in marriage."
"Gr-grandfather-!" Sakura objected with a furious blush.
"What? Am I wrong in assuming that Emiya-san here is a good choice for a husband?" Zouken laughed, "I mean, you are young. You still have time to get to know one another. I'm not exactly opposed to the idea, at least."
"Oi, Emiya." Shinji glared daggers at the poor boy, "If you try anything with Sakura, you are dead!"
"Shinji, wait-" Shirou tried to defend himself before being interrupted by Zouken.
"Shinji put your fork down, that's poor manners." Zouken drank his tea, "Rider-san taught you better than that."
"O-of course, grandfather." Shinji said as he lowered his gaze in fear. He then tried to change the subject by redirecting the focus towards Rin.
"How's the food, Tohsaka?" Shinji asked as his smug attitude returned.
"It's good, I guess." Rin mumbled as she filled her mouth. She would have stayed silent had it not been for Archer advising her not to be rude before Zouken.
"Good?" Shinji balked at the word, "I must have done something wrong, then."
"Really?" Rin looked at him weirdly. "That's new. I've never heard you blame yourself before. What changed?"
"Is that how low you think of me, Tohsaka?" Shinji scoffed as he watched Shirou fill his cup, "Emiya, how can you tolerate her unpleasantness? Surely you've been threatened into an alliance with this ill-mannered buffoon. You would not get such disrespectful treatment if you were my ally?"
"Well I'm sorry if I said something wrong." Rin balled her fists, "But from where I'm standing, you're still that stuck-up jerk who lets innocents into a damn War they're not supposed to be in."
"I won't debate you on that, because I would never do such a thing." Shinji then turned to Sakura, "I know you're talking about my sister, but unlike you I see her capable and smart enough to stand by me in this Grail War. After all, what kind of a family are we if we can't stick together? Especially in these trying times."
"This isn't a damn game, Shinji." Rin glared in anger, "I just don't want to see Sakura getting hurt because of you and your stupidity."
"Hmph! Of course you would see it that way." Shinji scoffed, "Sakura is better off with me than away from me, because I would do everything I can to keep her safe. And who are you to lecture me on how I protect Sakura? You're just her senpai, just in case you forgot."
Rin would answer, but a soft kick under the table by Archer stopped that. The bowman continued eating while communicating with Rin through their shared link,
"Master, you're falling into their trap." Archer sighed in dismay, "The whole point of this dinner is to separate the boy from you. Look at the boy, Rin. He's torn between you, his best friend, and his kouhai. If you don't stop now, he's going to choose a side. Hopefully, not the wrong one."
"I can see that, Archer. It's just that I'm upset that Shinji would go too far. She shouldn't be here, Archer. Sakura is off limits." Rin growled as she stabbed her plate.
"He's not behind this." Archer looked towards Zouken. "He's being lied to, and by Zouken nonetheless. It's not that hard for Zouken to make Shinji believe he's doing the right thing."
"What? But why?" Rin glanced at Archer in questioning, "He got what he wanted - the command seals. He should have just left Sakura alone, if that's the case."
"I am not sure…" Archer gazed at Rider, "but I have a theory in mind that can't be proven yet."
Ding Ding Ding
Everyone turned to see Rider hitting a spoon in her cup. She then lowered it back down and rested her chin on her hand on her side of the table.
"Now that we've got the pleasant small talk out of the way, we must turn our attention towards… negotiations." Rider then got up from and turned to the Matou Patriarch, "Zouken, if you mind."
"Ah, of course." Zouken grinned in reply as he turned towards Rin, "Young Tohsaka Rin, I speak now because the invitation was primarily extended towards Shirou over here. But since you came, would that mean you are interested in becoming our ally?"
"That depends," Rin crossed her arms, "What do I have to gain from it? It's well known that our families do not have the best relationship based on our storied history. Mostly in part to… conflicting view points concerning the Akasha, and the Records that come along with it."
"Well, there would be many benefits in solidifying our ties through this alliance." Zouken leaned towards the table. "But the primary advantage that I would like to emphasize is the combined might of our Servants. Imagine this, should you and Shirou say yes, our trifecta of Rider, Saber, and Archer would dominate the competition to the point that not even the Einzberns can match our might. Of course, we would have to sever the pact once we are the only ones left. But that is by design of the Grail War and no fault on our part."
Rin stayed silent as she absorbed the information. But in truth, she was silently communicating with Archer this entire time.
"What do you think?" Rin asked through the link.
"His words hide his intentions, but not well enough for me." Archer replied as he watched Shirou ask some questions, "He was wise with his word usage, but he slipped up when he used the word 'trifecta'. It is not the same as triumvirate."
"The first three placeholders in a race, in the correct order." Rin scowled under her hands, "He wants to use us, that's for sure. And the only consolation prize for second and third is that Emiya-kun and I will probably keep our lives."
"And also prioritizing killing Saber first before me." Archer added. "What else are you thinking, Rin?"
"You were right. Shinji and Sakura are definitely being used." Rin stared at the siblings, "I can see it in their eyes that they're not happy with how Zouken is taking control of the situation. Shinji's arrogance wouldn't stand for this, but even I can tell it's hard to butt in with Rider being Zouken's enforcer."
"I agree." Archer stared at the gold-eyed servant, "After all this time, I still do not know what's her game. I suppose we will have to wait and see." The pair then stopped their talk and returned to the meeting at hand. Both are surprised to see that Saber and Shirou are being forced on the backfoot.
"-but what is it that you truly want, Emiya Shirou?" Zouken 'pleaded', "My Sakura wishes nothing more than to see you safe, but here you are throwing yourself into danger by rejecting our proposal."
"I am not rejecting anythin-" Shirou tried to argue.
"It sounds like you are." Zouken shook his head, "You are not saying yes, after all."
"I just need time to think." Shirou looked down in shame. "I already made a promise with Tohsaka, so we're as much of a team as we can be."
"You can have a better one," Zouken waved towards Sakura and Shinji, "Is your best friend and your kohai less than a schoolmate who isn't even in your friend group?"
"You're becoming very obvious, Zouken." Rin muttered darkly, "It is clear that Emiya-kun and I have not made a decision we can both agree on. And I agree with what he said: we need time to ourselves."
"... I understand." Zouken bowed in 'acceptance', "Might I suggest that everyone save for the children follow me outside?"
Archer looked at Saber, who looked to Shirou for permission, before walking towards her. They were the second to last to leave. As Rider closed the door behind them, Zouken politely left their company to return to his study room upstairs. It was at this point did Archer tune in to the sudden argument between the two Pendragons.
"I thought you could not sink any lower, and yet here we are." Saber seethed, "Playing with the sympathies of my master will get you nothing."
"It's not my fault," Rider shrugged in apathy, "It was Zouken who committed to it."
"But I would be a fool if I didn't think that you whispered the idea into his ear." Saber stepped forward. "If you dare make a tool out of poor Sakura any more than you already have, I will not hesitate to burn this house to the ground with you in it! She does not deserve this suffering."
"Neither does she deserve losing her home." Rider scoffed as she leaned forward in reply, "But I can't care less, Sakura wouldn't either. It's just a building that has her bed in it."
"Then why are you teaching Shinji?" Archer placed a hand on Saber's shoulder. "Your words do not connect with your actions. You gave the invite in the hopes that we will come due to the 'goodwill' your faction may have to offer, but we found nothing but Zouken ruining whatever claim you had. You set this meeting up because you wanted our masters to be allies, but you did not let them speak. You claim that Sakura is the one you truly follow - even going so far as to bring her with you to the Residence - but you let Zouken use her as a bargaining chip. What are you playing at, Rider?"
"You waste your words, Archer." Rider shook her head in disbelief. "Why say a lot when you say less, but mean more? You answered your question already, just look deeper within."
"You sound like Merlin." Saber commented with a hiss, to which Rider glared with greater fury than ever before.
"You dare compare me to that oaf?" Rider growled as her dreadful aura gradually rose, "Be grateful that I still have reason to stay my blade, you wretch."
Archer raised his hands to silence the pair. For all their differences, these two never ceases to give him a splitting headache just by being themselves. He then went back to what Rider said and what he said. Rider was pointing him to the Matou family - that much is true. When it comes to Shinji, his words showed that he is positioned to be Sakura's protector. Sakura, in turn, is poised to practically go wherever Shinji goes. Rider is the servant. And that leaves… Zouken.
"What are you planning to do with Zouken, Rider?" Archer glared, "You already have Sakura and Shinji wrapped around your finger, but what about him?" His tone then lowered to a whisper as he and Saber leaned closer towards the girl.
"This meeting wasn't about letting Zouken do whatever he wants," Archer accused, "This was to show us that he is doing just that. You want to show Rin and the boy a front row viewing of what is going on between the siblings and their grandfather. And you're hoping that the boy, the idiot that he is, would be able to take the damn clue."
"You're planning on killing him, aren't you?" Archer hissed under his breath. Saber widened her eyes at the realisation, and then turned to her counterpart in surprise.
"Bravo, Archer." Rider looked up as she grinned in victory. "I take it that you're on board with the idea?"
"What is the meaning of this?!" Saber pushed them away from each other, "You are speaking of murder under guest rights."
"Saber, listen." Archer turned towards his ally, "You are right to be angered at the moment, but I have a feeling that something deeper than just killing an old man is afoot. You have the highest instinct stat amongst the three of us. Use it."
Saber's face morphed from confusion, denial, anger, and acceptance. She turned away from the two servants as she struggled to admit that maybe she's missing something here.
"Fine." Saber huffed before a smug Rider, "I will be patient."
"You'll have to wait longer." Rider moved towards the door, "The kids are done with their playdate."
The masters went out of the room looking like they've just come out of a damn warzone. Sakura looks like she's halfway into the grave, Shinji is furious, while Shirou's occupied with a Rin who walked straight towards the exit.
"Archer, we're leaving." Rin muttered as she opened the door out. The bowman, Saber and the boy looked at each other. Trying to figure out what to do. But all three had the answer forced unto them by Rider.
"Just get the hell out of here." Rider pushed them outside, "This will be the last time we see each other in a while, so think about what I told you all. Farewell, Archer." She was about to close the door, but she glanced at Shirou one last time.
"Take care of her." Rider said as she closed the door. Saber and Shirou were confused, but Archer saw it all. He saw how the girl softened as she gazed at the boy, meaning that this version of Arturia still cares for him some capacity. He also noticed how Rider didn't quite specify who she was referring to. Which means that Rider might be talking about Saber… weird.
"We need to get home soon, Shirou." Saber reminded the boy. "The journey back home will take a while."
"No, that's stupid." Archer reprimanded, "Come with us to the Manor. It's closer and safer. I don't want to risk you two suffering another surprise attack."