Chapter 8: Lessons to be Learned

2018, September 29th

After the return of Nobara, Megumi knew it was his turn to start his theory class. Quickly toweling himself off and giving a quiet goodbye to those he was training with, he sets off into the forest and back towards the house. It didn't take long for Megumi to stop paying attention to his surroundings as he let his feet carry him to his destination.

Without something to occupy him, his thoughts drifted to his servant. The absence of Archer, as Archer followed Ruler, bothered Megumi more than he wanted to admit. Keeping himself distracted as both Saber and Sakura had sparred with him hadn't been that hard. Especially considering how fast they were compared to himself. The differences were like night and day. The closest he had to compare was Maki, but even then, there was a clear gap between her and the skill of these servants he had seen fight.

With skill like that, Megumi wasn't sure how his servant would fare against Ruler. And he wasn't sure on how he could help even if something were to happen between them both. Archer was strong, he knew, but Megumi had fought however briefly against a small portion of Sukuna. Who had weakened himself further by tearing out his heart.

And Sukuna had been toying around with Megumi.

Unable to help himself, he sent a message through the bond between him and Archer. 'Any updates?'

'Nothing to worry about, as far as I can tell.' The reply from Archer was immediate. 'All Ruler has been doing so far is walking through the forest and enjoy the area. He has just ignored me so far.'

Archer's words echo in Megumis' head but bring him no particular comfort. Rulers actions weren't anything like what the living Sukuna had done the brief amount of times that Megumi had seen him. 'Let me know if anything changes.'

'Will do so.'

Passing by the kitchen and lounge room, he entered one door that had been created within days of Tohsaka's arrival. Megumi entered what he privately in his thoughts had labeled the 'science' room. His new teacher had set up the room in a fashion that he was fairly sure defied how space was supposed to work.

Plain wooden flooring, rudimentary tables with various odd vials, and different booklets in a fancy, if minimalist, bookshelf on the opposite side of the room where the tables weren't.

The lack of windows only helped reinforce his belief this place has some weird magecraft going on. Megumi had some theories on what it was, and the more he used his domain, the more certain he was.

Tohsaka had made herself at home on one of those such tables, with different tools and items neatly sorted by her side. They meet each other's eyes as he walks inside, with Megumi striding closer. Bowing his head in greeting to his teacher, Tohsaka gives a polite head nod to Megumi back. "How was your spar?" Tohsaka asked, her tone more polite than genuinely curious.

"Painful." Megumi says, bluntly. "But helpful."

She nods at his comment, with a lack of surprise. "I'm glad you got something out of it. Weapons were never really my thing. Any help I could give you there would be limited."

"I imagine Saber was telling you about it?" Megumi asks.

"Yes, we keep each other updated on everything, just to be sure." At that, she motions for Megumi to take a seat across from her. "And our wayward servant?"

"Nothing to worry about." Megumi echoed his servant's words as he takes a seat. "Ruler seems to be just taking a walk."

"Right." Rin says, her voice heavy with a sigh. "Good for now, but still a worry." She moves a few books in front of Megumi, who takes them up with a raised brow and a quick glance over. "Unless we are very unlucky, the distance should limit Ruler as he can't travel away from his master all that far."

His frown deepens at her words, giving a nod of understanding. Tohsaka shakes her head as if to dismiss her thoughts. "For now, I will assume you remember your lesson on spiritual evocation, but interrupt if you need any clarification." Megumi nods at her words, taking hold of a black workbook on the table with his name on it, flipping to a bookmarked page. "Excellent." Rin says, pleased. "Your ten shadows technique at its heart is shikigami creation. Or as known more in the west as familiar creation. Later, we will discuss the subtle differences in how the contract is created for both forms.

At her words, Megumi furrows his brows. Her words make Megumi furrow his brows. "Now it seems as if the ten shadows are limited at first." Rin says. "But you can create more as part of this technique. You've even shown this yourself. After all, what are those flying toads?"

A spark of realization comes to his eyes. "Combining my shadows creates a new form that doesn't have my old ones be destroyed."

"Which means you can create new familiars so long as you use your cursed technique as the basis, and the shadows as the material." Rins grin is vicious in its glee. "Which makes you a versatile familiar user, who can create a familiar using your different other familiars as a base. So long as you have enough magical energy, anyway." At that reminder, she deflates a little. "But having some basics of magecraft and focusing completely on familiars is the plan." Rin stops talking to see the reaction of her student.

"There was something I wanted to ask," Megumi says, his eyes serious. "Can you also add anything related to curses to your lessons?"

The change in focus only brings a slight pursing to the lips of Rin as she considers his words. "I can do that, but it will mean that you will have to split your focus on magecraft between different subjects. And there is no guarantee that this will be suitable for your disposition."

"That's fine with me."

Rin gives Megumi a couple more seconds to see if he changes his mind before she continues. "For our next lesson I'll have the relevant notes ready, but for now we will focus on what I have." Strictly business like, she draws a nod of acknowledgement from Megumi. "One part that is important with familiars and spiritual evocation is what we call karmic connection. There is a bond that you have with each of your familiars, that with the right spells, you can peer through and inhabit their body."

"Is this similar to how I can communicate in my head with my servant? Is that part of the bond?" Megumi asks.

"Correct. That same connection is something you should have with all of your familiars. For now, our goal will create new familiars using just magecraft, but we will work our way up to using your shadows as part of the process. I recommend refreshing yourself on the topic of both evocation and invocation outside of this lesson, if needed, with your notes."

As Megumi continued taking notes as Rin talked, his thoughts kept drifting towards his servant, and more so on the topics of curses. Perhaps Archer would have a solution?

2018, September 29th

There was something always strange about these sorcerers, Faldeus mused to himself as he stared over the beautiful skyline of San Francisco. Much more pleasant to deal with compared to the archaic fossils of mages that inhabited the magical side. Although much rarer here in America compared to Japan, they were still a rare commodity that the American government was very interested in.

And even more so when the one of the most powerful known shows up at your door.

They had sent an invitation to their target, and all he had to do was wait here at the top for her arrival. He'd made some countermeasure in case this meeting went south, but there was only so much one can prepare for. Taking a sip from some fancy wine he didn't care to think of the name of, he considered his gamble. It was just a matter of seeing if his guess would bear some fruit.

Faldeus smiles as he hears confirmation from his ear that his guest has arrived. He adjusts the sleek black suit and tie he had gained for this meeting. As he stares over the horizon, he has a clear view of behind him from the various familiars and cameras he had in the room. So when he sees the form of his guest entering the room, he can more easily hide his initial reaction. Yuki Tsukumo seemed exactly the same as he thought she would be. His attention is more focused on her hand with a strange marking that brought a frown to his face.

Turning on his heel away from the view to face her, Faldeus gives his best attempt at a cordial smile, slipping his genuine pleasure at seeing her into it. "It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. My name is Faldeus Dioland."

Yukis grin at his introduction is immediate. "Nice to meet you, my name is Yuki Tsukumo." Walking forwards with cheer and a swagger, she comes within arm's reach of Dioland and flicks her hair behind her while her other hand is on her hip. "What kind of woman is your type?"

Amused at her question, he takes a moment to ponder it. "Hmm. I would say someone who loves this country, and who I can share everything with." Having answered, he motions to the modern table with enough to fit just two behind him. "Please, take a seat."

Satisfied at his answering of her question, she takes the seat across from him, which he pulls out for her before taking his own seat. He silently lifts the wine bottle and motions towards a glass next to her, but she shakes her head for no.

"Well, if we are to ask such personal questions already, what's your type then Yuki." Faldeus asks, his face in a smile. "Oh, and feel free to call me Faldeus."

Surprised at first at his question, she laughs. "Sounds fine to me! It's guys who are hardworking and rough around the edges that I like."

"Being hard working is a good trait to have," Faldeus agrees. "But before you distract me too much with your company, Yuki, I had something of a proposition for you."

"Oh?"

"It was a surprise to find you here in our country, considering how famous you are. So we did a little digging." He pauses for emphasis. "And correct me if I'm wrong. You are looking into cursed energy itself, right?"

"More like I'm trying to rid ourselves of cursed energy completely." Yuki corrects.

Not entirely expecting that answer, it takes Faldeus a moment to recollect his thoughts. "That is quite the undertaking. But I can understand."

Interest now piqued, Yuki leans forwards. "You do?"

"It's because of cursed spirits." He says, confident. "We are fortunate that the church and some magecraft can deal with these cursed spirits. But for the average citizen, they are a blight upon society."

Lacing his fingers in front of himself, Faldeus also leans forwards. "Frankly speaking, relying on these groups to solve our problems leaves some things to be desired. I think we can help each other."

"Considering you work for the American government, I figured it was something like that." Her elbow rests on the able, and she flicks her wrist to emphasize her point. "So what makes you think you have something that would interest me?" Despite her words, she watches Faldeus with a keen eye.

"Quite a lot. Researchers, allies, funding, information. Need I go on?" He lists with an amused smile, enjoying the banter. "If you agree to help us, we can do our best to help you make sure something like cursed spirits will never show up again. It's in both our interests." Faldeus watches through his familiars her hand, unable to hide his own thrill at recognizing the markings.

"...and what sort of thing do you need my help with?" She asks. Noticeably, not denying him outright.

Internally, Faldeus tries not to show his elation. Now it was a matter of hammering his point home. "Dealing with dangerous cursed spirits if needed, helping train others in using cursed energy, helping with research. That's the general terms, but I'm sure we can iron something out more to your liking." Faldeus leans backwards into his chair. "You'll have a salary and an entire country behind you on your journey to save humanity. A win-win for both parties."

She visibly argues with herself internally, staring down at the table. Faldeus lets her have her silence as he takes a sip from his drink. Out of habit, he checks to make sure the area is secure before she speaks up once more. "I'll have to consider it and iron out the details."

"That's perfectly fine. Take as long as you need," Faldeus says, consolingly. "Although, I'm curious. Where did you get that tattoo from? Especially considering it appears magical."

Eyes widening in shock for a moment, she stares down at her hand. A symbol of a red pool, with a lotus and a sun behind it. "It has magecraft in it too? For me, I noticed it as soon as it appeared because of its cursed energy."

This admission brings some concern to Faldeus's face. "Cursed energy too...? That's certainly odd. We've actually looked into similar cases of that marking before." Taking out his phone, he types something on it before putting it away, continuing to talk as he did so. "Usually, people marked in such a way are chosen for a death match, one where they have the chance to have their greatest wish granted. Which certainly sounds fortunate for us, doesn't it?"

"Tell me more."

"Certainly."

2018, September 29th

Soaked in sweat, Yuji desperately took a drink out of the bottle of water he had before pouring the rest over his head. Next to him, Saber stands patiently with her arms holding a sword they had been using for practice. After a few pants, Yuji catches his breath before giving Saber a grin. "I don't think I've ever been this tired in my life!"

A small, approving smile crosses Saber's face, offering a hand for Yuji to take as he hauls himself up on shaky feet. "You have done very well, especially with how long we have gone for." Saber says. Both of them turn to look at the sky. "To train sunrise to sunset is no small feat. Most could not follow such a brutal regimen."

A small embarrassed chuckle leaves Yuji as he scratches his chin. "Thanks Saber. It was honestly a lot of fun!"

Troubled, Saber purses her lips. "Rin was going to come back for the last of the lesson for you, but if you feel you are not up to it, there is no shame in taking a break."

"Oh, don't worry! Just give me a few minutes before she gets here and I'll be good to go," Yuji reassures, taking the time to stretch.

A brow raises in consideration. "As you say then." Saber's gaze lingers on him for a little longer before they both watch Nobara as she talks with both Sakura and Nanami.

After minutes of waiting, both Megumi and Rin break the comfortable silence by coming into the clearing. As Megumi moved, tired and partially slumped, Yuji gave a wave in his direction. "Hey, Fushigoro! How did you go?"

"It's... going?" Megumi asks more, then says. "It's a work in progress." There is a slight frustration in his tone that makes Yuji wince in sympathy.

"You'll get it. But man, you should have done some more of the training with one servant or Okkotsu. They are all amazing! You can really tell the difference when you fight someone with a sword and then with your bare hands."

"I'm good, thanks." Megumi says, dryly. "I can barely feel my arms anymore outside of pain. Maybe tomorrow." Looking around, he frowns. "Where is Okkotsu, anyway?"

"Sparring with Lancer. Both of them went further away to not bother us," Nanami says, checking his watch. "And with that, I must be off. I'll see you all later if you need any more help with training. But otherwise, I'll be busy with curses for the next couple of days to not arouse suspicion."

A chorus of goodbyes follow him as he leaves. Megumi makes his way over to Nobara, who looks just as exhausted as he does. Almost in unison, both of them speak out loud. "I'm heading back."

"I'll see you guys later." Yuji says. Saber gives them a nod, adding her own words. "Don't forget to eat a proper meal before bed as well. A good foundation is important for everyone." They both give some quiet agreements, leaving only Yuji, Rin and Saber left.

"Now, hold out your hand," Rin says, staring at Yuji. Confused, he offers it to her, her arms lighting as her crest glows and she grabs onto his wrist. She frowns in silence for a couple more seconds before dropping his hands. "He should be good to go for the lesson." Her words are clinical as she peers at Yuji.

Rotating a shoulder, he smiles in relief. "Oh wow, that feels great! Thanks Tohsaka."

Rin flicks her wrist with a dismissive wave of her hand, giving a harrumph. "Think nothing of it." She takes a few steps away to pick up a branch before taking it to where Yuji was standing. "Now. I'd like you to show me your progress with reinforcement."

Taking her offered branch with a grin, Yuji concentrates for a moment before letting it hang loosely by his side. "Outside of the pain part, doing stuff like this is awesome. I can't wait to learn all the different moves and everything." He offers the branch back to Rin, which she accepts.

After a few moments of checking it over, her eyebrows slowly raise into her hairline in surprise. "That's... actually very good." She glances away from the stick at Yuji with narrowed eyes for a moment before relaxing with a smile. "I'm impressed. Well done."

The praise makes him beam. "But don't get too big-headed about it, there's still a lot to go," Rin warns. "We can move onto the next stages by using it on yourself."

At those words, Yuji blinks owlishly for a moment. "Oh. Was I not supposed to do that until now?" They both stare at each other in silence.

"No, not at all." Rin sighs. "It's why I told you to focus on reinforcing objects. What have you managed so far?"

Thoughtful at her question, he holds his hands out as his body warms up. It takes a few moments to come to a count in his head. "I don't think I have anything left?"

Rin closes her eyes for a second in resignation before opening them once more. "You've reinforced everything? Your skin, bones, muscles, eyes, brain?"

"Yeah?"

"That's a lot more in depth than you needed to go. There was a reason I warned you that following magecraft can kill you." Exasperated, she scowls at Yuji, annoyed for his sake. "Don't start experimenting on things without consulting me first. It's on your own head if you get yourself killed."

Yuji gives a nod, cowed. "Sorry. I didn't mean to worry you like that."

Rin turns her head, not meeting his eyes. "I'm not worried, just care more about your own health. It'd be embarrassing if my student got themselves killed." She gives a cough before looking him once more in the eyes. "But regardless, you've been using your circuits all of today?"

"Mostly? I've been switching between cursed energy and using my circuits for most of it." Yuji says. "Although I figured out how to do it both at once, finally." There is a tone of satisfaction in his voice.

"Is that so?" Rin shares a silent glance and exchange with Saber. "I think we might have something to teach you, although it will be more me explaining the theory and Saber showing you."

"Sounds good to me!" Yuji bounces on his feet and rolls his shoulders. "Is it going to be a magic sword technique, or maybe like a fire fist?" He pulls the sword he had been using for sparring from its place embedded into the dirt.

"Not quite." Saber's amusement leaks a little into her voice. "I am sure you have wondered before how I can get these bursts of strength in our spars." At his enthusiastic nod, she continues. "What I use is called mana burst, where I use magical energy to propel my attacks."

"To clarify." Rin smoothly interjects. "It's where you infuse yourself or your weapon full of magical energy and expel it forcefully to increase its momentum."

"Like a rocket?" Yuji asks.

"Like a rocket." Rin confirms. "Saber, if you could, show an example."

"Itadori." Saber says, Yuji going across from her in instinct at her tone. He holds his sword in front of him as he watches her. "Block this."

Unable to even say anything, he desperately blocks her blow as it nearly brings him to his knees. She presses her sword down on him for a moment before giving him room to breathe. "Again." Her swing, this time- while impressive, was much slower. Yuji knocks the blade away without moving from his space.

"You felt the difference, yes?" Saber asks. His nod has her stance relax once more. "That is what you are aiming for."

"Huh. Alright." Yuji takes a few experimental swings before nodding to himself. "Here I come, Saber."

It doesn't take long for Saber to be prepared once more, as they exchange a light flurry of met blades. Rin watched with some shock at their spar, before it turns into some silent contemplation. Between one of these swings, she watches as Yuji speeds up in a burst of movement. The clash of swords sends Yuji spinning off balance.

Fight once more stopped, Yuji stared at his weapon in confusion. "How come it was so slow?"

"You must cover everything in your movement." Saber clarifies. "While it is possible, and perhaps even useful to use the burst only on some parts of yourself. You find that swinging a sword will need it for both yourself and the blade." Her expression is contemplative as she watches Yuji. "Although you certainly are making quick progress."

"Ah, you think so? It doesn't seem too hard, though."

"It appears not." Saber says. "Let us continue."

"You know, actually, I have a great idea." Rin says, her tone mischievous. "Since you are confident in your reinforcement, Itadori, I'll teach you alteration. And while you spar with Saber, you'll have to make use of anything you can find that is around here."

"Alright!" Yuji agrees easily. "I'll try my best."

"Rin." Saber says, reproachful.

"Look, sorcerers here have to find things to death in dangerous circumstances all the time. This is just killing two birds with one stone." Rin says, although her devilish grin gives away her intent. "So, Itadori, this is how you do alteration..."

2018, September 29th, Night

"Berserker." Mahito asks. "Now, where have you been all this time?" Curious, he turns his head to watch as his servant skulked his way into the building, having taken the form of some sort of businessman.

"Home decorating." Berserker says, as if telling a joke. Mahitos attention is drawn away from his new toys. He had locked them down here in this basement. Hanami had been kind enough to help with building it.

"Did you become someone else's pet while I was away?" Deciding to go with the joke, Mahito gives a smile that he in no way felt.

"Just some painting like I told you." Berserker returns his smile, but something was different about it, as if it had more depth that had been missing previously. "I can see why you like your hobbies."

"I knew you would come around!" He chuckles, before turning his attention back to his captive. Mahito collected an assortment of different mages, or as many as he could find. "There were some fun fishes I caught today. I was going to play with them for a little bit, but maybe you'd like to join me?"

"It'd be some good practice." Berserker agrees. "Did you get the mages like you wanted?"

"Some." Mahito admits, annoyed. "I'll get some practice with the eyes like I wanted. But it would be a lot more fun if I could keep some of them to use later if they live."

There is a short thrum that comes from the pants of Berserker, who takes out a phone from his pocket, typing something into it before putting it away once more. Flabbergasted, Mahito stared in shock. "Since when." Mahito pauses. "Since when did you have a phone?"

"Today."

"...why?" Mahito asks.

"To talk to people."

Deciding it was something that Mahito absolutely didn't care about anymore, he focuses back on his captives. "Well, whatever you do with your toys is your business." Rubbing his hands together, Mahito chuckles menacingly to himself. "I wonder what happens if you make more of these circuits..."

2018, September 29th, Night

Having finished their lessons with Yuji, both Saber and Rin had returned to their temporary abode in the forest. Both had cups of tea in front of them as they sat on chairs in front of each other, taking the time to enjoy the silence as they took sips.

"So, what are your thoughts so far?" Rin asks after finishing her own sip.

Saber considers the question while delicately placing her own tea down. "All three have considerable promise, but for different reasons. Their motivation for improvement is admirable." Saber picks her words carefully. "If given the proper time, and a continued education, I could see them going far."

"From my end, it seems they have some variation. Nobara has the most talent for magecraft, but she has no patience for it." Rin stops, correcting herself. "Unless she is forced, she refuses to engage with the work. She's almost as bad as Shirou when she doesn't want to do something." She sighs. "It makes me suspicious, honestly. With circuits like that? And such a talent for magecraft? If she wasn't a runaway heir to some family, I'll be shocked. Her circuits were already open too!"

"Such strange occurrences aren't impossible." Saber says. "It is not the first time we have met circumstances as strange as these."

"You're right." Rin agrees, begrudging. "But so many edge cases in one group just feel wrong. Don't even get me started on what the hell is up with Itadori." Rin takes the time for another sip before continuing. "At least I can take consolation that Fushigoro and Nanami are normal."

"To my observations, Nobara was certainly talented at combat." Saber says. "But she noticeably lacked compared to her companions once an enemy was within reach of her. Her stamina also needs much in the way of work."

Pleased at that information, Rin nods. "I'm glad at least your solutions for that problem seem easy. If it's a matter of convincing others, you'll certainly be a lot better at it than me."

"Don't underestimate yourself. You can be quite convincing when you try," Saber admonishes. "But your thoughts on the other students?"

"Right." Rin says, refocusing. "Megumi certainly has the mind for magecraft. He'd at best make the rank of pride in his lifetime if he focused entirely on it. His biggest challenge would be convincing a family to bestow a magic crest upon him in order to establish his family's legacy. I suspect his cursed technique would be something he could pass onto subsequent descendants through the crest." She puts her hand to her chin as she contemplates aloud. Saber indulges her, listening with equal amounts of amusement and fond exasperation. "He's above average at magecraft. But not anywhere near the level that could ever reach an older family's legacy or a genius." Rin finishes.

"It was much the same for me after sparring with him." Saber says. "Compared to the knights of my time, he is only at the start of his training. His true weapon is his mind, which he uses to great effect if given the time."

They take the time to digest this information between each other, this time Saber speaking first. "And your thoughts on Itadori?" Sabers' gaze is curious. "You have made comments on him before, but you have yet to explain it clearly."

Using the time to drink and gather her thoughts, Rins' brows furrow. "There are three things that are unusual for Itadori." She uses her fingers to list them off. "First of all, he is possessed by something described as an imaginary demon god. Which I very much hope that sorcerers have a different meaning for those words. And the worst part is I can't even tell if that's the reason his body is so strange."

"His stamina is certainly impressive. I would struggle to find any who could match his perseverance outside of members of the round table." Saber says. "And his ability to learn is astonishing. The last time I saw someone take such large leaps in skill, it was when Shirou was having his feud with Archer."

At Saber's words, a look of realization comes to Rins' face. "Perhaps something similar is happening. For all intents and purposes, Itadori is possessed by Sukuna. Is there some sort of absorption of skills and knowledge unconsciously happening?"

"The increase in skill is too slow to be something like what I saw with Archer." Saber disagrees. "Itadori learned from his mistakes and successes rather than an overall increase in skill."

"I see." Rin says. "My other problems are just as large, if in different ways. Frankly speaking, I'm not sure if Itadori is a normal human on any level." She says, bluntly. "His body on every level is leagues above anywhere a human should be. Ignoring how it can house multiple souls in it. His entire body has its own mystery."

Saber takes in her words silently. "In the end, I think what is most important is a person's character and Itadori seems to be a upstanding young man. What we should be most wary of is Sukuna. One does not get to his notoriety without some form of cunning."

"You're right." Rins' tone turns more teasing. "Although I can't help but notice you've been enjoying yourself a lot recently. Did you miss sparring that much?"

"Partially," Saber admits. I rarely had the opportunity to spar with and personally teach others. I find the experience... pleasant."

Opening her mouth to say more, Rin pauses as she hears a loud knocking at her door. Closing her mouth, she moves to get up. Saber follows at first from behind, before making her way in front of Rin. The knocking continues repeatedly with only slight pauses, irritating Rin.

"I wonder who it could be," Rin says tiredly to herself, half sarcastic. Saber opens the door in front of them both, revealing the form of Gojo, who had seen better days. Dust streaks caked his body, his eyes were wide and uncovered, matching his ear-splitting grin.

"Holy shit, why didn't you tell me that magic circuits could work like a computer? This changes everything." He gives a unhinged small laugh before focusing on a concerned Saber.

"Have you not slept at all, Gojo?" Saber asks.

"I don't need sleep. I need answers." Gojos smile drops, but the sheer joy still stays on his face. "There was so much I found at the clan library. You wouldn't believe how much knowledge they've collected up there." Without asking, Gojo makes his way inside towards the lounge room. "For a group that is above all the fancy magic stuff, they sure enjoyed collecting information about it."

Sprawling across and stealing Rins chair, her eye twitches, but she says nothing. "Would you believe me if I told you that the onmyougi was interchangeable with a magus or a sorcerer? The only actual difference is how you went about using them." Without waiting for a response, he continues. "But they sure left behind a lot of notes on what they used to have. They kept it locked away for so long that no one knew how to use it. The elders I'd bet would still refuse to touch it even if they knew." Gojo gives another laugh to himself, kicking his feet.

"Gojo." Saber says. "That is Rins chair." Saber motions to a separate chair between them both. "You can take this one. I'm sure she would like to finish her tea."

Noticing where he is, he nods absentmindedly and moves to the designated seat, with Rin sending Saber a grateful smile. "There's quite a lot to look over, but I'm sure I'll have a plan ready in time. If not, I'll just beat him until he submits or something," Gojo says, distracted. "Actually, there's so much you can do with circuits. This is crazy."

"Gojo, you are lost between multiple topics. Organize your thoughts and then speak." Saber says, her voice stern. "And if you cannot do that, seek rest. You have had multiple busy days, do not ruin times of peace to be caught flatfooted when you are needed at your best."

"But there's so much to talk about-" Gojo whines. Saber just gives him a look, which briefly shuts him up.

"Your health is not so unimportant that the news can't wait." She gives him a questioning stare. "Unless there is some emergency right at this moment?"

"Well, not exactly-"

"Then it can wait." Her tone is final. "It's getting late, and I'm sure Rin would like to get some sleep. Rest on the couch if it suits you. We shall still be here tomorrow." Saber steps up from her seat, sharing a glance with Rin that has her stand up. "The water for the tea is still warm, feel free to pour yourself some if you are so inclined."

Bemused, Rin follows Saber's lead. Both of them trail their way to their room, leaving Gojo alone in the lounge. "I'm surprised you were so blunt." Rin says, her gaze questioning.

Saber remains silent, only talking once both of them had laid in bed. "Better we get the rest now to better deal with tomorrow."

"Mhm." Rin says, before falling asleep.

End of Chapter 8:

Another day, another chapter. Wish you all well, and as always let me know anything you might like or dislike.