So, that happened.
If the universe wanted Archer to be forever stuck with the fact that Rin will always ally with Shirou Emiya, it should at least tell him how it's going to happen. Because things lined up way too well! There is No Way that Saber coincidentally - unwillingly - flew from Homurahara to the Intersection Road at the exact same moment Archer and Rin were walking past it. Please, make it make sense! Archer thought.
If there is one thing consoling Archer throughout his mental anguish, it's that Saber came out of that hell of a fight seemingly ok. The reason being is that he'd be damned if he was the strong one in this alliance until she recovers. Archer isn't insecure about the fact that he's probably the weakest servant out there save for maybe Assassin.
Another reason is that Archer remembers a timeline where he was the one injured during the beginning of the War and that led to a string of sequences where he died before reaching the ending. If Saber died early, how the hell could he reach the ending alone? From what he can remember, there isn't a single timeline wherein Saber died while he survived till the end. One way or another, his life is cut short by something far out of his expectations. At least Rin rarely died in his memories. Goes to show how competent she is.
Moving back to the present, they are right in front of the Tohsaka Manor. It took them a while, but they got here without even being detected by Berserker and that's the most important thing right now. Archer and Saber placed their respective masters down the walkway and kept their eyes out while Rin fiddled with the keys.
They entered the house and found it clean. Not a single thing was misplaced and the air smelled so fresh that it felt like the house was brand new. It was at this moment that Archer remembered the King Arthur book that was just lying around at the Library. He'll take note of its location for later use.
"Archer, solidify the defences." Rin commanded him as she dragged Shirou and Saber to the living room. "We can't allow anyone to detect our signatures."
"As you command, master." Archer said as he disappeared from the entrance. He ran around the house in ghost form as he searched for the anchor points of the manor's boundary field. Strengthening them did not take a minute more due to his expertise. After securing the last anchor, Archer went back to the living room to find his master slumped on the couch. Seemingly looking lost for words.
"So the reason why you were still in the school this late is because… Shinji asked for help cleaning the Archery Dojo?" Rin asked incredulously. The rage that she had previously was no longer there.
"It surprised me too." Shirou said as he scratched his head. "But after hearing the treatment his maid was giving him, I didn't want to let him down by leaving him alone with such a difficult task."
"Of course… it's you we're talking about." Rin facepalmed. She then turned to see Archer just standing behind her couch. He looked like wanted to ask something.
"How many command seals did you use?" Archer asked the boy as he looked at his servant. "You didn't sound like you brought Saber with you to clean. How did she get there so fast?"
"Well, it was an accident. I yelled for Saber when I saw Berserker run towards me." Shirou nervously avoided the bowman's eyes. He then raised his hand to show his command seals. One of them looked as if it were poorly erased from his skin.
"Hmph." Archer snorted as he looked at his master amusedly. "Two masters who used their command seals unwisely. What are the odds?"
"Shut up or I'll waste another." Rin gritted her teeth as an angry vein popped on her forehead. She then looked towards Saber, who had sharp eyes as she spoke.
"Now that we've made ourselves acquainted." Saber crossed her arms as she glared at the opposing Servant-master pair. "I want to know what you two were doing before our encounter. How did you find out about Berserker?"
"I don't think you're in the position to make demands, Saber." Archer grinned sardonically. "You owe us too much to just ask whatever you want."
"I want to know too." Rin looked at him as Saber gritted her teeth as if insulted. "When did you find the time to discover such a thing?"
"During your school hours." Archer briefly answered before changing the subject as he walked away from them. "Who wants some tea?"
"Hey, don't you dare get away!" Rin yanked the bowman by his arm. "Tell us how you did it."
"There is a massive bounded field located within the outskirts of the city." Archer shrugged his master off but stayed in the living room. "One that is noticeable when you are looking for it. I simply found out the hard way."
"Meaning?" Rin pressed even further.
"Meaning I almost crossed the border and into enemy territory." Archer lied. "It's not exactly easy finding something that can't be seen, you know."
Archer ,of course, knew about the exact distance of where the boundary starts and ends. But he also knew that explaining a lucky shot in the dark wouldn't be believable without some sort of slip or error. So, embellish his story, he did.
"So how did you figure out that Berserker is a girl?" Shirou asked with a thoughtful expression. "We didn't see anything to show that she was one because of her armour. Not even her face."
"That's where things almost went wrong again. I stood exactly where their car was going to pass by." Archer answered as he crossed his arms. "The master had a keen sense for servant signatures. I don't know how the master noticed me while I was in spirit form. But that fact alone is enough to realise that Berserker and her master are probably the strongest faction that I know of."
"They didn't have a vehicle when we first fought." Saber looked down as she recalled her lopsided loss. "I suppose that's how they managed to get to the school from the forest…"
"Quite." Archer said as he left the living room to assemble some sort of refreshment for his guests. "Anyways, we are safe now. No more battles for us to fight tonight. Who wants some tea?"
Saber bristled at the man's nonchalant approach at the prospect of a threat greater than the power of two servants combined. She cannot understand why he would act this way. But, she cannot ignore logic. They are spared from open conflict, so she should take this time to rest.
"I'll take a black." Rin yawned as she got up from the couch. "While you're doing that Archer, I'll take Emiya-kun to his room and get him comfortable for the night."
"Go do that, then." Archer replied from the kitchen. As he prepared the kettle, he then looked at Saber and waited for her answer.
"Mint." Saber sighed as she let her guard down for the night. "And two sugars."
"Want some rice balls with that?" Archer offered as he took a pack of seaweed from the shelf. "We have some leftover rice that's going to spoil if nothing's done about it."
Saber was going to refuse, but her growling stomach just had to act up at the wrong time. As the embarrassing sound rang through the two servants' ears from the living room, Saber clutched her stomach and held in a blush. She cannot dare look at the bowman right now. Not when she feel his grin from here
"That'd be alright." Saber said as she turned into scarlet from another loud stomach growl.
Tomorrow…
A servant doesn't need to sleep… or eat. Or any single thing that equals normal human needs. They don't even have real bodies, so why bother? What they have right now is the physical manifestation of the age where they hit their peak. The moment when they became the strongest, most powerful versions of themselves. Archer knows this clearly. It's why he's such a conniving, mischievous, and closed off servant who keeps his cards to himself. He's aware of his strengths and weaknesses and understands that he can never equate to the near unlimited power of Arturia Pendragon. A girl who somehow had 5 alternate copies running around the city unaware of each other's identities.
A girl… who somehow found herself waking up later than even Rin of all people. There he was, just standing by the door, looking at the snoring blonde who should be awake right now following her master home, or school, or whatever damn thing that boy is supposed to do today. But no. Rin took the boy by the hand and ran with him to his house before they both got late to school. Since the rule of no combat during the day was honoured by all factions, Archer allowed the two masters to go on their merry way. It's fine, anyways. Today is a day where absolutely nothing horrible is about to happen.
Speaking of, today is February 3, 2004. The day after, Emiya Shirou met with Kotomine Kirei and Illyasviel von Einzbern. But after what he heard yesterday, Shirou only met one of them. At least things are mildly consistent to the timelines he remembers. If he is to follow the flow of today's events, the only important thing that's going to happen today is the solidification of RIn and Shirou's alliance and Saber's fealty to Shirou. Though, he wonders if the fact that Saber being summoned early changes things. Bah, of course it does. Nothing will ever be the same with Six Pendragons in the same damn War.
"Archer! What are you doing here?" Archer's musings broke as his steel eyes turned towards a flustered Saber, who was clutching her blanket as if covering her bare body. But Archer can see the borrowed pyjamas behind that, so he's in the clear. The naked sleep event wouldn't happen in 2-3 days anyways.
"I should be asking you that, Saber." Archer grinned as he crossed his arms. "I'm not exactly running a hotel here. It's fortunate that there was a spare room for you somewhere, otherwise I'd have you chucked into the same room as your master. Speaking of…"
"Where's Shirou?" Saber asked as she leapt from her bed. Archer narrowed his eyes at the unfixed bed, but set it aside for later.
"Safe." Archer briefly answered as he looked down at the short girl. "He's with my master. They went out to get the boy some clothes before heading to school."
"You left them alone?" Saber asked incredulously. A small gust of wind raced through Archer's face. "They are not safe right now. Berserker might be out there searching for them."
"It's alright." Archer waved off the concern. "The Church is very stingy about the rules of engagement. Berserker's master wouldn't dare make an enemy out of them. Besides," Archer looked down at the angry pyjama wearing girl. "You should be more concerned about yourself."
"I do not like your tone." Saber huffed in annoyance as she crossed her arms like Archer. "What are you insinuating?"
"This."
Smack.
"Argh!" Saber knelt on the floor as she clutched her shoulder. She looked up at the bowman in rage. How dare he punch her like that!? Did he want to die?
"You haven't fully healed." Archer started with a factual tone as he leaned on the door post. "Just because I closed your wounds, it doesn't mean that the muscles and the tissue underneath has recovered. You should have received your master's mana by time to take care of that problem."
"Oh, that's right." Archer said in false surprise. "Your master is weak. He can't give you mana. Now can he? That explains why you couldn't handle Berserker on your own, even though you are supposed to be the strongest servant. "
"What's the point of this, Archer?" Saber got up with righteous fury. "To goad me into attacking you? To jeer and scorn me for being weak? Tell me, why are you doing this?"
"Because I want to force into that stubborn little head of yours," Archer lowered his head to nearly match Saber's glare. "The ever present chance of your death."
"I am aware-" Saber started but was cut off.
"You are not." Archer interrupted. "I did not have to tell you last night that you cannot stay behind to fight, Saber. You should have known that. If you did, you would have risked all of our lives. Because once your death actually happens, the rest of us are easy pickings. Did you even stop to think that I can't protect your master while I am burdened by my own?"
"I will not turn my back against the enemy, Archer." Saber defiantly countered. "I would rather die than retreat than be a coward."
"And so came your downfall." Archer said with a knowing tone. He then turned around and left the bedroom to take care of matters in the kitchen.
"There is breakfast set aside for you. You better fix your room and yourself before you come down here." Archer said as he took his first steps down the flight of stairs. He was expecting a snarky remark from Saber, but all he got was a grumbling stomach and a frustrated yell. He chuckled at the thought of Saber getting mad at her own gut.
Later…
Archer honestly forgot how human Saber was.
He always held her up on this pedestal. Like a valuable treasure that he can't touch no matter what. A shining beacon, she was. The one light that guides him through the shadow of death time and time again. She was… the Hope he clung to when all was lost.
It's exactly why he was shocked in the first place. He didn't remember her being so stubborn. He didn't recall her being this defensive when it came to disregarding her Knightly Code. Granted, he acted like an asshole to her. But what else could he do when the only hope he had in winning the War was willing to throw her life away in some meaningless bout of 'honour'?
"...Seconds please..." A quiet, almost quivering, voice called out to him.
Oh. And he also forgot how much of a food tank Saber was.
"Damn it, Saber. That's your 4th bowl already." Archer slammed the rice cooker's lid, causing the girl to jump in alarm. "Didn't I feed you a proper dinner yesterday? What the hell happened to that?"
"Shirou's lack of mana support is what's causing this." Saber explained as she put her bowl down with embarrassment. "I have a skill where I can conserve my prana if I eat… a substantial amount of food."
" 'Substantial', my ass." Archer said as he took the dishes and started washing them. "Now I have to figure out how to ration our food supplies for the rest of the Grail War."
"Oh, don't be absurd!" Saber stood up in objection. "I don't eat that much. I'll cut down on eating, if that's what you want."
"Please do." Archer said as he faced the sink and opened the faucet. "My master isn't exactly the wealthiest of the bunch."
"Hmph." Saber huffed as she walked towards the sink and grabbed the sponge. So surprised was Archer, that he unconsciously handed a bowl to her after he finished rinsing it.
"What are you doing?" Archer asked confusedly. Clearly taken aback.
"This is my recompense." Saber answered sternly. "I might as well help in some manner, lest I be called a glutton."
"...Do what you want." Archer said as they quietly did the task both of them set out to do. They finished the task in record time. Once everything in the dining area was done with, the two servants sat in the living room on two separate couches. Just… staring at the other things in the clearly have nothing to do anymore.
"You met another servant before us, did you? One that isn't Berserker?" Saber looked him dead in the eye. Causing him to blink in alarm. "You never quite answered what you were doing immediately before seeing us."
"What makes you say that?" Archer asked with a raised eyebrow. Was he really that easy to read? Or is there something he missed yesterday?
"You immediately skipped to my second question and completely ignored the first." Saber explained as she rubbed her chin in thought. "Meaning you wanted to hide the truth from us. But why? Why would you? It's because you don't trust us with something very important. Meaning it had to be your plans that involved the Grail War. It's the only thing in our minds, so there's no denying that."
"But what sort of plan?" Saber continued as she ignored the impressed face of the bowman. "Maybe it involves something equally important. Or maybe… someone."
"Clever shot in the dark." Archer complimented with a small smile as he crossed his legs. "But what made you think that it was a servant? I might have hidden the information because of me doing things that involve my Noble Phantasm."
"All I did was ask, and your reactions gave me what I wanted." Saber smiled victoriously. "I have other Skills than just wielding a sword, need I remind you."
"You and your Instincts." Archer chuckled as he shook his head. "I never did understand what it's capable of. I underestimated it."
"You underestimated me." Saber said sternly as she stood up from the couch and went to the front door.
"Where do you think you're going?" Archer asked as he furrowed his eyebrows. He then got up to see Saber preparing to go outside.
"To explore the city." Saber said as she went for her shoes. "The city is full of places where the enemy can reside. If we can scout it out. We might have the advantage."
"I already did." Archer said as he watched the girl put her shoes on. "You're wasting time and energy. You're not equipped for recon like I am."
"Then what would you have me do?" Saber barked back. "I cannot just sit here while our masters are occupied with their education. It is unbecoming of me to just laze around doing nothing."
"Pick up a hobby, I suppose." Archer answered weakly. "You can't just go around because your master can't expect to find you as soon as possible. He probably can't even talk to you through your telepathic link."
"Then how about a spar?" Saber challenged with a fire in her eyes. "In the Emiya Residence, there is a kendo dojo there. We can spend our time refining our skills and understand each other in that manner."
Archer took this and analysed it deeper. She did have a point. This Saber is clearly not the one he remembers fondly. So, it is best to cover all avenues and take up her offer. Lest he be caught off guard by something he didn't see her do in the previous timelines. Also, it's nice to stretch his legs for once. He hasn't had a real fight since Assassin and Rider, after all.
"Alright." Archer conceded with a sigh. "Lead the way."
The Emiya Residence… Around noon…
Okay. Differences aside, this Saber is clearly heads and shoulders above him when it comes to swordplay. And that observation was made with the handicap of a poor master in mind. They were at their 2nd spar of the day. Archer lost because he failed to adjust to Saber's strength, but now he's making a comeback by exploiting the girl's injuries.
Cruel, perhaps. But it had to be done. Archer is a man who will do anything to win in certain specific cases, after all. And a measly spar with nothing to gain or lose if one of those occasions. It's not his fault that Saber didn't adjust her style to compensate for her wounds. If anything, Archer's surprised to see that she's doubling down on her aggressive attacks. But alas, a quick sweep of her feet and two wooden short sticks on her neck later, Saber's down for the count.
"You are impressive, Archer." Saber panted as she accepted Archer's helping hand. "Scarce are my defeats in bouts like this one. I am surprised that you were summoned as an Archer! You could probably be fit for the Saber class with your skills with the sword."
"It is adequate. You are too gracious to me. You are wounded and that was my advantage." Archer dismissed the compliment with a wave and a frown. "And I would rather not be a Saber if a stubborn girl like you managed to be one. What would that say about me if I became one, then?"
"You and your mouth, I swear to the heavens." Saber huffed in annoyance before looking curious all of a sudden. "You fight like you are familiar with my style. Like you've seen it before and instinctively adjusted for it. I couldn't figure out why that is… Have we met before?"
"You tell me." Archer said with a knowing smile. "I don't even remember my own name, much less yours. Now come on," Archer said as he left the confused Saber in the dojo. "I'm going to make some tea. Guide me around the kitchen, why don't you?"
Clearly having enough sparring for the day, Archer decided the best course of action was just to encourage Saber to just relax and heal her wounds. He also did this because he doesn't want the sparring to last hours on end, like what he remembers in the previous timelines. He has had enough losing, thank you very much.
But what to do now? They literally did everything they could possibly think of that doesn't involve going outside. Saber's the reason for him sticking around the Residence. And as much as he likes the idea of leaving her behind, that would be akin to a shooter abandoning his gun. She's the only advantage he has against the Servants of this war.
"I still think that we should explore the city." Saber chimed in as she entered the dining area. Archer was at the counter fixing up a kettle when he was removed from his thoughts.
"I'm beginning to think so too." Archer acquiesced as he turned the stove on. "The only reason why I think it's a bad idea is because we might end up being too far away from our masters to defend them properly."
"If that is the case, why don't we make use of our time finding tools to negate that problem?" Saber offered as she sat on the table adjacent to the TV. "Two birds with one stone."
"So you really can't speak to the boy with your link…" Archer realised with a frown as he sat on the opposite end of a Saber who begrudgingly nodded. "We can go visit the school to ask Rin for some pocket money to buy you a satellite phone. Or maybe even a walkie, just in case your master doesn't have one."
"I am only aware of the technology you speak of because of the Grail." Saber said as she rested her arms on the table. "However, that is the greatest extent of my knowledge. I shall let you choose one for my own use."
"I am humbled, your Grace." Archer mocked with a stoic voice. "Truly, you need to relax a little, Saber. You're speaking like some mediaeval noblewoman right now."
"Just speak to your master so that we can get going." Saber said with great annoyance. "You really ought to end your teasing. I do not like it."
"Hmm.." Archer said as he got up to tend to the kettle. What Saber said was eerily similar to a certain servant from yesterday. Some things never change, he supposed.
"Rin. Are you there?" Archer asked through his shared telepathic link.
"I'm here Archer." He got a rushed reply. "Lunch is about to be over and I'm going back to the classroom. What's wrong?"
"Apparently, our newfound allies can't communicate with each other through their shared link." Archer said as he turned off the stove. "We thought of buying her some sort of means to help them communicate. Does the boy have a phone?"
"I'll ask." Rin replied with frustration in her voice. "I still can't believe that Third-Rate magus managed to summon the most powerful servant. He did it in a SHED by the way!"
"Love your appreciation of me, Master." Archer smirked as he poured out some tea for him and Saber. "Anyways. I plan on making this journey quick so that we can intercept you and the boy once school is over. What's our budget?"
"I'll figure that out once I ask Emiya-kun about his phone." Rin answered with a sigh. "I'll be waiting for you two at the front gate. Just tell me when you get here. Now let me get back to class."
"As you wish." Archer ended the conversation. He then took the prepared tea and walked his way to Saber fiddling with the TV remote as if she didn't know how to use it.
"You have to press the red button on top to get it going." Archer startled the blonde girl as he sat down on the table.
"What did your master say?" Saber asked as she turned the TV on to the local news.
"She said that she'll wait for us at the school." Archer said as he handed the tea to the girl. "I told her we'll buy the phone as quickly as possible and then come back for them at the school."
"A wise decision." Saber acknowledged as she sipped her tea. "All we need to worry about is the phone."
"We'll go after we drink this tea." Archer offered as his attention was drawn towards a news woman reporting right in front of the Fuyuki Central Park.
"We now turn to the Park, where a fire devastated the former Civic Center being built here. But while it isn't the most popular attraction this City has to offer," The woman pointed the cameraman to the right. "It's surprisingly full of flora and fauna. The trees are unusually lively with leaves so green while the wild animals are surprisingly tame."
"If you can see to my left," the camera pointed towards a group of people under some trees, "The people can approach the native deer and feed them without being harmed. It's nothing like I've ever seen before! Back to you, station!"
Archer and Saber watched with great curiosity as a family of 4 were just walking around happily feeding a large group of birds. Most of which are uncommon around those parts. Saber found it pleasant that the park was being used to bring people joy. Archer meanwhile…
"It's the middle of Winter here…" Archer mused as he narrowed his eyes at the clearly flourishing nature in the TV. "Those trees aren't supposed to keep their leaves. The animals shouldn't even be around that park…"
"What's wrong with that, Archer?" Saber asked confusedly as she sipped her tea. "The people there love the park as it is. Maybe those trees are those perennials that don't lose their leaves."
"Something happened in that park 10 years ago." Archer said as he placed his empty cup on the table. "It left the place barren and desolate. No one wants to go there because of it. Rin says it has something to do with the 4th Grail War. I agree with her."
"10 years ago…" Saber lowered her eyes and head as she glared at her tea cup. Clearly, she was reminiscing about some bad memories. Archer can accurately guess that it's about her time as the Saber Servant of his father, Kiritsugu Emiya.
"We will deal with that problem once we have the time." Archer stood up as he went to the kitchen. "Hand me your cup once you're done. And turn off the TV while you're at it."
Saber quietly drank the contents of her cup and did what was asked of her. But little to the knowledge of the both of them. The news woman interviewed a certain blond girl wearing a blue dress and hat who was being fawned over by the local wildlife. It took a certain monk's brother and father to end the interview, as the blonde was too nervous to end it herself.
The school… 20 minutes later…
"Haah… I need to get back to class." Rin hastily handed the money to her servant. "Kuzuki-sensei's never gonna let me hear the end of it if I don't."
"So the boy has a phone then?" Archer asked as he counted the money he had. "This is only enough for one with some change to spare."
"That's for the sim card too." Rin explained as she placed her hands on her waist. "Emiya-kun has one, it just needs some load. Buy some and send it to this number. Hopefully you can make do with that." Rin finished as she handed a piece of paper.
"I'll be needing a few more just in case." Archer said as he pocketed the money. "I don't want to go back running to you if we lack the funds for Saber's phone and the load for two."
"Yeah, sure just take it." Rin gave a couple of banknotes to him. She then turned around and headed back to the school. "I need to go back now, meet us here as soon as school ends."
"You got it, Master." Archer said as he and Saber left on their merry way.
The shopping district is walkable from the school. They didn't need to commute. Saber took this time peacefully observing the surroundings and appreciating the quietness of it all. Archer too, though a little more guarded. Ever since that attack from Assassin, he never took simple walks for granted anymore. Being this out in the open isn't good for his long term survival.
Archer looked at Saber whilst she was occupied by a small bird resting on her finger. Her soft smile brought a sense of familiarity that he oh so tried to squash. Being with her like this makes him reminisce about the times he was Shirou Emiya. Before he walked the path of damnation. Before he became a heroic spirit. It was simpler back then. But alas, he cannot get stuck in the past. He must always push forward. His Saber wouldn't want him to wallow in melancholy, after all.
"Oh, I think I can see the shops from here." Saber said as she hastened her pace. Sure enough, Archer can indeed see the shopping district from this distance. Not a lot of people, like always. Perfect for their needs.
"We need to find a cellphone shop." Archer reminded Saber, who was preoccupied with the bakery they just passed by. "I'll teach you how to use one as soon as you get one. I have the boy's phone number, so we don't need to worry about not being able to contact any number."
"Of course…" Saber said as she pouted when they passed the newly baked bread.
Archer took his time to take in the sight before him. They were in the middle of the street. Mothers were holding onto their children as they conversed near the fish store to his right. A couple of men were just chatting with the repairman to his left. And the rest of the people there were scattered all around just walking to and fro the shops they desired. There, just a few steps away is a store with a sign about the entrance that contained a phone and a radio. That must be what Archer and Saber needed.
"Follow me." Archer called out to the girl who was just silently following him the whole time.
They then made their way to the store. It had glass windows to show the products inside and a glass door of the same make. Archer opened the door for Saber and waited patiently before going in himself. The inside was well lit. Newly opened, it seems. Not a single speck of dust on the top shelves of each aisle and properly air conditioned.
"Hello there!" Archer heard a door swing from the back of the counter. "Welcome to Hotaruzuka Electronics."
She was a brown haired woman who was wearing an apron on top of her all black attire. Long sleeves and pants. She was wearing sandals and carried a large box of CDs. As she placed the box down on the counter near the cashier register, Archer was surprised to see who it was.
"The name's Hotaruzuka Otoko," The woman said with a refreshing smile. "But you can call me Neko. So! How may I help you today?"
"We're looking for a cellphone." Saber initiated the conversation as she walked towards the counter. "Cheap, but always useful for communication."
"Sounds like you're a utilitarian." Neko rubbed her chin as she left the counter to look at her phone collection. "Quite a decent trait for a young girl like you. Young'uns these days only want to use them like toys."
"We also need a sim card." Archer regained himself as he walked towards the left side of the store, where the two women were. He then tried to satiate his curiosity in the most unobtrusive way possible.
"By the way…" Archer asked carefully as he watched Saber fiddle with an old cellphone model. "Hotaruzuka? Are you by any chance-"
"-the daughter of the owner of Copenhagen? Yes, yes I am." Neko affirmed with a nod. "I understand that my family name might be well known around these parts. It's why I made the store here in the first place."
"How did the store come to be?" Archer asked curiously as Saber found the Snake game on the phone she got. "Must be an interesting story."
"It is!" Neko laughed to herself. "Sorry, I was just surprised that someone wanted to know about my store. People aren't really here to just chat, y'know."
"Oblige me." Archer smiled pleasantly as Saber looked devastated after hitting a wall. "It's nice to hear people's stories every now and then."
"Well, alright then." Neko walked back to the counter to sit on her stool. Archer and Saber followed behind. Though, the bowman had to drag the blonde girl as she was too enamoured with the little game she's playing at the moment.
"So, I have an old friend come by the cafe telling me about normal things until business talk comes around." Neko said as she went to grab something on the cabinet right behind the counter. "He told me about the fact that the digital age - or so he called it - was right around the corner and that I should capitalise on it by putting up a store."
"Seems like he knows a thing or two about reading the times." Archer offered as Saber slumped her shoulders. Her snake hit its own body as she tried to grab the fruit.
"Yeah, tell me about it." Neko snorted as she grabbed a box and closed the cabinet. "Haven't had a lot of customers. But it's winter, so it's expected. Anyways, I told him I'll do it when I win the lottery. He chuckled and introduced me to a new friend of his. He called her his 'lucky charm' or something along the lines. But he was very kind to her, so maybe it's their own inside thing."
"Let me guess." Archer grinned as he had a hint as to what would come next. "You got a gift from the girl and won the lottery the next day."
"Yeah!" Neko looked at him with glee. "How'd you know? I even have a gift from her right here."
Archer looked inside the now open box and sure enough, it was an omamori coloured blue and gold with a red ribbon tied on top of it. He is 100 percent sure as to who this 'lucky charm' might be. But the question remains: why would Caster do this?
"I see that your girlfriend over there really likes her new phone." Neko grinned at the now startled Saber. She then looked at a distraught Archer and smiled before saying, "How about this: I'll give you that phone with a discount along with a free sim card to boot. Load as well. Call it anything you like, but for me I'm just letting one of my first customers have a good time while in my store."
"I'll be sure to share with everyone your excellent service." Archer said as he handed the woman the money and got back the receipt. He really should correct the woman for her misinterpretation of his relationship with Saber. But honestly? He'd rather not risk losing the discount. Discounts are Discounts, after all.
"Oh, and why don't you be a dear and post this on the wall beside the window? I would do it myself, but I'm not as young as you two anymore." Neko asked as she painstakingly handed the bowman a large wallpaper. It was a hiring poster with a computer emblazoned upon it. Under the computer, it said.
HIRING TECH SUPPORT. INQUIRE INSIDE.
"Alright then." Archer took the wallpaper and handed the sim card and Shirou's number to Saber for her to hold. "See you around, I suppose."
"See you too!" Neko waved back from behind the counter. "And please come again!"
As Archer and Saber left the store, the bowman got to work on sticking the poster to the wall. He did not need adhesive, as the back of the paper was enough to make it stick. They went on their merry way and Archer took the time to teach Saber how to use the phone to call and text. At least… he tried to. It took a while to get Saber around after convincing her that she's getting addicted to that Snake game.
Little did they notice that about a couple of minutes after they left the store, someone saw the poster and took this opportunity to get a job. Neko thought she had some competency with technology and had her on payroll before sundown. Neko wouldn't realise until it is too late how much money her business is going to make because of her new employee.
Homurahara High… Dusk…
"There you are!" Rin exclaimed as Archer and Saber made their way towards their respective masters. "Everyone's already left while we got stuck waiting for the two of you. What took you so long?"
"I had a conversation with the store owner." Archer answered briefly before turning his attention towards Emiya Shirou who was happily showing Saber his contacts lists and adding her number in his phone.
"Now that we secured their connection with one another -" Archer said as he pointed to his allies. "- in some sort of manner, at least - what do we do now?"
"Well, I want to go out and fight some servants." Rin crossed her arms in dismay before turning to Saber and saying. "But Saber's injured. I can't risk going out there knowing we might lose because she hasn't healed enough."
"I can assure you, Rin." Saber said with confidence. "I can fight with great efficiency. Besides, I have Archer to support me from behind. We can make do with my current wounds."
"Saber, I don't think we should let you fight." Shirou said with concern. "We can always fight tomorrow. Only then your wounds would be properly healed."
"As much as I don't like saying this very often," Archer said as he frowned at Shirou. "He has a point. Fighting after you just got impaled isn't really a sound idea no matter where you look."
"Hmph!" Saber huffed in frustration. Clearly angry at the general consensus but can't do anything about it. "If that is what's best in all of your minds, then I shall abide."
"Why not just teach him how to send mana to her so that she can heal properly?" Rin asked as if she had a eureka moment. She then hit her left palm with her right fist like a gavel and turned towards Shirou and asked. "You can learn about how magic works, right?"
"Y-yeah, I guess…" Shirou answered as he took a step back from the girl who was suddenly all over him. "But we need to go home and settle in first. Your place or mine?"
"Phrasing, boy." Archer said as he held the shoulder of a now flustered Rin who was overthinking things. Saber and Shirou looked at him confusedly. Causing the bowman to sigh in annoyance.
"We'll go to the Manor for now." Archer said as he waved them all to follow him towards the direction of the place. "It's better defended. That's all the advantage we have while Saber is injured for the time being."
"Lead the way then." Rin said as she looked towards the horizon.
Ba-dump.
She felt something for a moment there. Out there, when they began their walk.
Ba-dump.
A presence familiar to her. She looked everywhere for it, but couldn't find it.
Ba-dump.
She hasn't felt it since…
Clink.
Archer and Saber tensed up when they felt that Malevolent mana was just irradiating out of the woman behind the group. They hadn't even left the gate itself when they encountered the threat. They brought their weapons out to face her, and it was only here that Archer realised who it was.
It was Rider. The same veiled servant wearing that coat and dress from last time. The veil that covered her face did not hide her sadistic glee at seeing them.
"We meet again, Archer." Rider called out as she walked dauntlessly towards her guarded enemies. "I would say that it's good to see you, but I would be lying."
"What do you want, Rider?" Archer asked as he drew his bow harder to make her stop walking. "You're not here for idle chatter, so what is it?"
Rider just smiled at his lame attempt at intimidation and just summoned her sword and threw it on the ground. Causing it to impale the ground before them. It was a sign of ceasefire.
"If you want to convince me to do what you want, you should try harder next time." Rider chuckled darkly before looking straight at Saber with a grim look. "Interesting. So, I was right all along."
The hairs at the back of Archer's neck rose to new heights while his master and allies looked confused at Rider's words. So she really did know him after all. An inkling of a memory suddenly resurfaced to show him a timeline where an Arturia similar to this Rider here teamed up with an evil Sakura to kill him. At least, that's how he remembered it going down. He died before reaching the ending, after all.
Rider looked back at him and read him like a child's book. She liked what she saw and smiled devilishly. Her near toothy grin coming out like a lioness in the middle of a hunt. Archer held back an involuntary gulp for what's about to come.
"My master wanted to meet with one of you to make an alliance." Rider crossed her arms as she pointed a finger towards the highschool students. "He's a coward, so he made me leave on my lonesome."
"We will not take any deals with you or your master." Saber growled as she clenched her teeth. Something about this servant just reeks of total wrongness to her, that it's making her sick.
"Oh, but I'm not talking to you." Rider frowned at the blonde before tilling her head to see the redhead and brunette better. "I'm talking to them. The boy there seems to be the more reasonable of the two, so I'll be extending the invitation to him. The Master of Archer can come, if she wants."
"We will think about it." Rin said defensively as she held Shirou to stop him from doing anything rash. "Is that all we have to discuss? Or are we about to reach a point where we have to fight?"
"Bold girl." Rider complimented Rin as she took Marmiadoise from the ground. "I am not below praising my enemies. The greater their calibre, the greater the victory."
"I do of course need to share a little bit of information to get you convinced of my good willed intentions." Rider said as she looked towards the group. But Archer can feel that the majority of her gaze landed on him.
"Kotomine Kirei went to our home to discuss with my master's grandfather about the newly summoned Saber; whose master failed to declare to him at his Church." Rider said as she observed Rin's surprise at the news. "Apparently in their talks, they agreed upon the priest's next course of action: failure to comply with the declaration of candidacy will result in the revocation of the servant contract. Thereby eliminating the Saber Faction altogether."
At least Rider had the tact to pause so that the bomb of a message could sink into everyone's minds. Archer is thankful, because he didn't realise that elimination via Arbiter was a possible way to get kicked out of the war. He also didn't realise that meeting that bastard of a priest was a necessary component in the timelines. A shame. He was hoping he would never have to see that man's face ever again.
"You have 12 hours to deal with the Church." Rider said as she dematerialized Her sword. "And another 12 to deal with me. My master is an impatient one, but I'm fixing that soon. Tread carefully, lest you wish to die prematurely."
Rider then flitted her eyes towards Saber and frowned. She then smiled at the sight of Archer, causing him to shiver because that same smile grew when it came to Shirou.
"I'll be seeing you very soon." Rider spoke to everyone there. They all knew she was talking about Shirou though. Even his dense self felt that way too. Causing him to gulp in nervousness.
They waited for Rider to go around the bend and make sure she's out of sight before leaving the school gate. Once they are reassured that she's gone - with Archer going up an electricity pole to check properly - the group hastily make their way back home. The Emiya Residence is closer, so that's where they went.
As Archer and Saber protected their masters, the bowman took this moment to contemplate what he learned. Rider remembers what he remembers. But up to what degree? Maybe she came from the timeline where she teamed up with evil Sakura. He hopes that is the case, because he'd be able to make a game plan against her. He doesn't remember her being as evil sounding back then compared to now, but he chalks it up to the consequences of being corrupted by the Holy Grail. Wait, if she's corrupted by the Grail… does that mean that the Grail itself is corrupted? Damn, he'll have to go under the Temple Mount after all. He needs to see it for himself.
Archer was then removed from his contemplation when the familiar gate of the Residence came to view. After Shirou opened the gate as well as the front door to his house, they all went to the living room to talk about what they just heard.
"We have to deal with this problem, Emiya-kun." Rin told the boy as she sat down on the tatami floor. "We can't risk putting this aside for tomorrow. That darn priest is a real stickler for the rules. I already called him and everything last night, and for some reason it doesn't count?"
"What did you tell him?" Archer asked as he sat by the table with Saber. "And what did he say to that? Maybe you said something that made him change his mind."
"I told him that Emiya-kun is the master of Saber, and that we're allies." Rin sighed as she rested her chin on her knees. "He didn't say much though. Just an 'ok' and ended the call."
"Then why would he tell Rider's group that he wants to kick me out of the Grail War?" Shirou asked as he scratched his temple in thought. "It doesn't add up at all."
"...I have an idea." Saber chimed in, causing everyone to look at her.
"Maybe the reason why Kotomine Kirei went to Rider's home was because he had to talk to someone about it first." Saber paused as she closed her eyes and stroked her chin. "Whoever that individual the Arbiter spoke to was, he must be very influential in the Grail War for the Arbiter to listen to him. But if the Arbiter heeded the words of that man, then that means… " She then looked at Rin and Shirou pointedly and said,
"He wants to meet Shirou for some motive of his own." Saber concluded after a dramatic pause.
"Well, then let's go." Shirou said without a second thought. "I should have gone to him anyway, so why not?"
"Think about it, you dunderhead!" Rin poked his head. "Stop for a second and think about why? What does he gain from meeting you? What are you dealing with here when you see him? Think of any good reason why he wants you and you specifically."
"I-i don't know!" Shirou panickedly retreated from the threatening girl. "I didn't even know who he was until now. Your guess is as good as mine."
"What about your relatives?" Archer asked as he weighed his thoughts in. "Is there anyone who could have met him that you know of? Someone who you know as well."
"Well…" Shirou looked down on the floor as he crossed his legs and rested his hands on his lap. "Dad's been vague about his past… Maybe Raiga-san too… Fuji-nee's grandfather is kind of part of some sketchy business, so he could count."
"Clear answers, boy." Archer grimaced as memories involving those names flooded his psyche. "Stick with one and think about it. You need to figure it out."
"What about your father?" Saber asked carefully so as to hide any suspicions. "Maybe he has something to do with this."
Archer - and Saber to some extent - needs him to realise the probable (in shirou's point of view) connection between Kiritsugu and Kirei. Both of them want this so that they can prepare him for the conversation to come. The bowman remembers the terrible moments he had with that man. And as much as he hates Shirou Emiya, he despises Kotomine Kirei even more. Archer'd rather not go through the mental battle of just listening to that Arbiter goad the boy into joining the war just so that he can fuck him over at the end. Once the connection is established, Shirou can be prepared to guard himself from any barbs Kirei will throw at him. Because if Kiritsugu can do it, so can he.
"I guess Dad might've met him." Shirou nodded in acknowledgement to the possibility. "He was a magus, so they could have met some time ago. Maybe he just wants to meet me to talk about that?"
"Possible." Rin hummed as she failed to notice the mental victory laps both Archer and Saber were doing in their heads. "If he really does know your father, then that means he knows how you will tick. He's a really good judge of someone's character. So good that it creeped me out sometimes."
"Then what do I do?" Shirou asked as he looked at everyone. "Is there something I need to prepare to say to him when we get there? I'm open to anything right now."
They didn't realise at the time. But the moment they heard Shirou say those words, Archer and Saber turned and spoke to each other with just one look. They both nodded and then laid out everything on the table to get the boy ready for what's to come.
Later… the way to the Kotomine church… the path beside the river that leads to the bridge…
"You know…" Shirou paused as he thought carefully. "If I didn't know any better, I would have thought you guys hated the priest."
"In a certain point of view, yeah you could say that." Rin said as she kicked a stone on the ground. "Were it not for the fact he's my guardian, I would have been able to use all the money my father left me."
"You would have used it all on gems, master." Archer grinned as the girl went from longingly gazing into her bag of crystals into fiery rage.
The four of them made their way to the Fuyuki Bridge. They didn't take public transport out of fear that enemy servants might intercept them there. During this journey, Archer and Saber grilled the boy with possible situations that most definitely would pop up during Shirou's conversation with Kirei. They smartly used Rin's stories about the Arbiter to hammer into Shirou's head the type of man he's about to deal with. So far, neither of them raised eyebrows of suspicion towards their actions. They don't want to risk outing what they know too much. Just enough to get Shirou aware.
"So, to summarise what you guys told me." Shirou said as struck a thinking pose while they walked beside the river. "I have to immediately declare my intent to fight as a master of the Grail War, don't listen to a single thing he says about quitting, and stop him from saying anything else that isn't him acknowledging my status."
"Precisely." Saber said as she smiled at him. "You must remember these three things and make sure to avoid answering any questions he throws at you. Only answer the necessary ones. Rin will help you out."
"You're not coming with me?" Shirou asked confusedly as he turned from the bridge towards his servant.
"It's best for me to stay behind." Saber said as she looked away from the boy. "I need to protect you from the outside. No harm comes from within the church, so you are safe there."
"Same for me." Archer added as he nursed his nearly bruised arm after Rin punched him. "Don't really want to meddle with business that has nothing to do with me." and I would rather not meet that man again. But the bowman didn't say that aloud.
"Archer, scout ahead." Rin commanded her servant, who looked at her questioningly. "I don't want a repeat with Rider. She just snuck up on us without us noticing it. Keep an eye on the sky as we walk."
"As you wish, master." Archer obeyed as he jumped onto one of the lamp posts that lined the path they were on. He enhanced his eyesight to get a better view of their surroundings and saw no servant activity near their area. Perfect. Just like in the previous timelines, they were uninterrupted during their walk to the church.
Spark.
What was that? Archer hopped away from the group. He saw it come from the Shinto district across the river. He was quick with his feet. Reaching the bridge in just a minute to view the flash of light that caught his attention. The bowman reached the peak and knelt to secure his footing. Sure enough, as soon as he looked towards the district, that same flash occurred. More flashes showed up. It was almost too much for Archer to bear. Just then,
BANG!
A small star erupted near a building overlooking the river. Archer then saw a speeding object fly through the air and crash right where the riverbank was. It fell into the water. But that's all, the bowman's enhanced eyes widened in shock at what was left of the building itself. Half of the building's top side turned to rubble with the glass windows falling like rain on the street below. If he were to compare it, it was like a knife cutting diagonally through the top part of a stick of butter. As the dust settled, the bowman can now see the cause of this destruction.
There, standing at the edge of the destroyed building stood a dragon made human. From the head to the toe, it covered itself in black scale-like armour. Its helmet was like a dragon's head with its mouth open. Spiked pauldrons and greaves covered in blood. Archer can see the bloodthirst coming out of the helmet as two red orbs stared at the river, searching for its prey. And it found what it was looking for.
It took Archer half a second to realise it was coming after him.
"RIN!" Archer raced towards the riverbank, where his group was. "We need to go!"
"Archer, wha-" Rin exclaimed as she and Shirou were scooped up and found themselves flying in the air. Saber was right behind them, but instead of leaving the area with them she stayed behind to fight.
"Berserker! I will not let you take my master." Archer heard Saber yell as their battle commenced. Now is not the time to worry about her, the masters need to be taken care of. Hopefully she is still alive by the time he comes back. He dropped them somewhere near the Harbor and projected a simple shortsword for Shirou to hold.
"Here." Archer tossed the sword to the boy. "Make sure the both of you don't get caught. From what I saw back there, that was Berserker and another servant. 4 Servants means 4 masters, so Do Not help us fight. You are better off hiding while we deal with this problem."
"I'll take care of us here." Rin confidently said as she took out her crystals. "Get out there and help Saber."
Archer did not need to answer as he jumped his way back to the fight. Sure enough, Saber was losing ground but holding her own. She cannot hold back the inevitable though, as a well timed kick flung her almost into the river itself. Fortunately, Archer was fast enough to grab her arm and reel her back into solid ground. A nod of thanks later, both servants raised their weapons against the foe, who took this time to grab her own weapon.
Crack! Pzzt, Pzzt, Pzzt.
The damn lamppost Archer used to jump to the bridge was suddenly torn from its foundations and split into two. The clawed fingers of Berserker dug into the weak metal to allow her a better grip. In a split-second, the bowman traded his shortswords for his large weapon, Durrandal, so as to block the attack coming straight at them. Back to back, Archer and Saber stood as Berserker struck them from both sides like scissors. Berserker then retracted her weapons to lash out at them in a frenzy. Causing them to get separated.
Archer knew that Saber had a history with the servant, meaning she was the more likely target. But to his surprise, he was the subject of the insane servant's attacks. He did what he could to defend, but the overpowering swings were too much for him and his weapon. Durrandal cracked and broke in twain as the lamp post hit the bowman at the midsection. He was flung back by nearly 50 metres. He would have had worse injuries had Saber not caught him mid flight. As the two stood there side by side, they both knew that they had to retreat. Though, they are unable to due to the speed of their enemy. Berserker now discarded her weapons and was walking like she was about to devour them whole. She jumped straight at them. Archer and Saber raised their weapons to face the foe, but the claws did not connect with them.
Swoosh! Splat!
A gust of wind mixed with water threw itself at Berserker's side. The servant crashed into the trees beside the bank. When the wind left their eyes, Archer and Saber saw a Knight in Shining Armor. Literally. The water made it glisten under the moon and city lights. Their saviour was masked with a helmet that had a lion's mane attached to it. Her white cloak soaks with some dirt and grass dotted about it. The hollow holes that are supposed to be her eyes pierced them with fierce leonine intimidation.
"You must be Archer." the saviour's androgynous voice cut through their ears like sharp metal. She looked at Saber and lowered her head slightly. The bowman knows what's in her head, but cannot voice it because of the threat of Berserker just there. So, she just skipped along and addressed her counterpart in turn.
"Saber, then." the saviour concluded briefly. "Well met. I am Lancer, and shall be your temporary ally until this fight has concluded."
"Well that's a first." Archer muttered to himself as he summoned his bow. "A servant who seems reasonable to speak with."
"Were it not for our shared enemy, I would not be so courteous." Lancer said bluntly as she assumed the front of their triangle formation. "Berserker and its master attacked us while we were investigating the oddity in the Central Park. We've been fighting for hours since. My master's currently engaged with Berserker's own, so we have to end this match in haste-."
"Raaaaaaaaaaggggggghhhhhhhh!"
Sickly black flames erupted from where Berserker laid. The sloped ground surrounding her as well as the trees turned into ashes as the inhuman rage rushed out of the servant in waves of fire and lightning. The Knight trio held their ground, with Lancer boldly holding her hand out to summon a thin white spear. Saber did not mind it much, but Archer nearly gasped at the sight of it. He did not know that the Holy Lance Rhongomyniad could contract itself into a spear that looked like Gae Bolg. A quick cursory glance towards his new ally made him realise that Saber didn't know either as she was more focused on the enemy herself. How is that even possible?
Cr-CRACK! FWOOOOOSSH!
Berserker rushed the trio with her bare claws out. Archer jumped back whilst Saber and Lancer blocked each hand from doing anymore damage. Berserker then grabbed the weapons and pulled both servants towards each other. Causing Lancer to fall onto Saber. Archer took this moment to launch a hail of arrows straight into Berserker's dragon scale chestplate. It did little but stain the armour with soot. Instead of taking advantage of the two Arturia who still haven't gotten up, the insane servant ran straight for the bowman. Archer used his bow as a makeshift staff to fend off the deadly claws. He survived for the most part, but his left shoulder got nicked badly.
Saber summoned a great wind from her invisible sword to force Berserker away from Archer. Lancer used her spear to seize the opportunity and stabbed the enemy right at the gorget protecting her neck. Everything seemed to freeze in place as Berserker slowly turned her neck at Lancer, who kept her spear in place. Archer and Saber surrounded the two servants with their weapons up and ready for any unexpected movements. Berserker paid them no mind, she simply grabbed the spear and pulled. Lancer's thrust hit its mark. Blood, muscle and tissue was found at the speartip as it slowly left Berserker's neck. Not a single sound came from the insane servant as it happened.
"All that for a drop of blood. And here I thought the Knight class was the best servants this War had to offer. It's a shame that I was proven wrong."
Lancer did not move an inch away from Berserker when she heard the voice. Archer and Saber turned towards the sound and saw a young purple clothed girl with albino features standing above them all at the top of the Riverbank. She was flanked by 2 women who wore maid clothing, yet held weapons even strongmen could barely carry. It was unfitting for the servants to see a murderous smile on a girl so young. Yet she did as she raised her hand towards the 4 of them.
"Time's up, Berserker." The purple girl called out with a tone of disappointment. "As much as I want you to have your fun, I'm starting to get bored. That old hag didn't even put up that much of a fight. If it weren't for my mercy, I'd have killed her by then. It's not fun being the strongest after all."
Berserker then threw Lancer aside by yanking her spear and jumped high up in the air until she landed in front of her master. Archer was both glad that he survived this encounter and pissed at himself for underestimating the biggest threat in the early stages of this war: Illyasviel von Einzbern. Who looked at each servant with great curiosity - especially Saber - before finally finishing off with Archer. She frowned at the sight of the man.
"You were lucky I was in a good mood yesterday." Illya pointed at the bowman. "My only target yesterday was Onii-chan. And here you are again, seemingly willing to die by Berserker's hand."
"It doesn't matter anymore." Illya brushed her hair aside as she turned around to leave. "You are by far the poorest servant out of everyone, so be grateful I treat you as a worthless endeavour. You might even last up until the end at this rate."
"Sella, have the car around now." Illya said as Berserker disappeared into particles behind her and the maids. "I want to have my bath once we get home."
"As you wish, Lady Illya." Sella bowed as she jumped away from view.
And so ended the biggest fight the Grail War has seen. It ended in a stalemate. That alone will definitely set up even greater fights in the future. But will Archer last long enough to be part of them? He sure as hell doesn't think so, but he will damn well try. The bowman then looked towards Lancer and Saber. Both are disarming themselves. Their weapons vanished like the morning dew. But while Saber transformed into a fitting civilian outfit, Lancer did not. She stayed in her armour still. And it's not like Archer is going to ask her about it anytime soon, so he let it be.
"I thank you for your support, Archer and Saber." Lancer bowed kindly as her helmet failed to convey her emotions. "But I am afraid we must end our truce now. Our unifying cause has left, and there is no need to be allied with each other anymore."
"You are not going to attack us, Lancer." Saber voiced out both her and Archer's thoughts. She held her hand on her chest and said, "I can feel in my heart that you are a Knight bound by honour. And as a fellow knight, let me share my thanks as well. It is refreshing to have a servant who is… pleasant to talk to."
"I'm still here, you know." Archer smirked at Saber as he crossed his arms at the spearwoman. "Now that the fight has ended, is your master alright? From what Berserker's master said, it seems like she isn't faring well right now."
"I am confident in my master's abilities." Lancer said firmly as she gazed at the river beside them. "She will surely come back to me in good health. What of yours? I have not seen them while we fought. Where did you hide them?"
"Archer!" A voice from the distance called out. "Help us out here, will you? We almost got killed back there."
The Knightly trio turned towards the direction that led to the Harbor, and sure enough there were their masters. Rin and a purple haired woman - who Archer identified as Bazett Fraga McRemitz - were battered, but looking not so much worse for wear. But in between them was Shirou, who looked like he was impaled on his side. Saber ran for her master whilst Archer and Lancer walked impatiently towards them. Rin's legs gave out from under her, and fell to the ground. Bazett too, as the weight of the boy was too much to handle without Rin's help. Saber was just in time though. She caught Shirou before his face kissed the concrete.
"I thought I told you to hide, Rin." Archer said as he knelt right before his master. "What happened out there?"
"We were supposed to stay near the Harbor." Rin panted as her body started to shut down from the loss of adrenaline. "But Emiya-kun saw someone fighting nearby. I tried to stop him, but it was too late. We found Bazett struggling to hold back Illyasviel von Einzbern - Berserker's master, it turned out. I was about to get hit by her floating swords, but Emiya-kun jumped out of the way. And that's how the fight ended. I don't know why she just left us there."
"Archer, Saber." Lancer called out to them as the princess carried Bazett. "Our meeting has been cordial, but be advised that unless things change… This will be the last time we shall be in such terms. I will not hold back against either of you."
Lancer was clearly serious with her words. She made that point by not even weighting for the two servants to reply before leaving the area with haste. Archer didn't need to use his clairvoyance to know that they are going to Shinto - where Bazett's apartment is. He then blinked when he noticed his eyes catching a light he didn't expect to see anytime soon.
"Rin." Archer said as his master looked up at him. He then pointed towards the direction of his attention, causing her to turn around. She gasped at the sight.
"It's already morning?!" Rin exclaimed as she got up from the ground. "We've been fighting the whole night?!"
"Oh no. But what about the Church?" Saber asked worriedly as she cradled Shirou in her arms. "How can we get Shirou there to affirm his status?"
"We can hurry things if we carry our Masters." Archer offered as he scooped up Rin. "We should have enough time before the deadline arrives."
Saber looked down at her master and pursed her lips in concern. The wounds Shirou sustains are closed and well bandaged, but any sudden movements might rip them open. Rendering the efforts in healing them useless. But time is of the essence. She'll have to pray that nothing bad happens to Shirou from now on.
"Come on, Saber." Archer brought the girl out of her reverie. "We don't have much time."
"Alright." Saber carefully carried the unconscious boy. With a look of determination, they made their way to the Bridge. Hopefully, they might get a lucky break from there.