Fate/Hijacked

Chapter 8

Shirou woke up that morning to the bright sunlight filtering through his window, casting a soft golden hue over his room. He yawned and stretched, feeling surprisingly relaxed after days of intense training. As his mind started to clear, he became aware of a familiar presence beside his bed. Turning his head, he saw Lady Avalon—his Servant, the ever-charming and slightly mischievous Proto-Merlin—leaning over him with a playful smile on her lips.

"Good morning, darling," she said in a singsong voice, her pink eyes twinkling with amusement. "I've decided that today is going to be a special day."

Shirou blinked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "A special day?"

"Mm-hmm," she nodded, her expression mischievous. "You've been working so hard lately—between sparring with Archer, training your magecraft, and dealing with all this nonsense about the Holy Grail War. So, I've made the executive decision that we're taking a break today."

"A break?" Shirou repeated, sitting up in bed. He tilted his head, confused. "What kind of break?"

"A date, of course!" Lady Avalon giggled, standing up and pulling Shirou by the hand. "We're going out on the town, and you're going to show me around. I want the full tour of Fuyuki! You know, all the best spots that you know and love. A charming day for just the two of us."

"A… date?" Shirou's cheeks turned crimson as the word registered in his mind.

She winked at him and pulled him closer, practically dragging him out of bed. "Hurry up and get dressed! We need to leave before Rin wakes up. Otherwise, she'll get all grumpy and start complaining. I already snatched up your schedule before you could start your usual 'I need to help everyone else' routine."

Shirou, still half-asleep and wholly confused, stumbled into his closet to get dressed. By the time he was ready and heading out the door, Lady Avalon was already outside, waiting with a bright, expectant smile. As they left the house and walked down the streets of Fuyuki, she hummed happily to herself, clearly enjoying the atmosphere of the peaceful morning.

Later, Rin woke up and, after getting dressed, looked around the house for any sign of Shirou. She checked the kitchen, the backyard, and even the front porch, but found no sign of him. Her brows furrowed in irritation.

"Where could he be?" she muttered to herself before finding Archer casually leaning against a wall in the hallway.

"Archer, do you know where Shirou went?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Archer didn't bother moving from his spot but glanced her way with an unimpressed look. "He's on a date."

Rin blinked in surprise, her irritation spiking. "What?"

"He's on a date. With Pretender," Archer said, his voice flat. "They left early this morning."

Rin clenched her fists, her face growing red with frustration. "Of all the… That stupid, pushy woman! And him—how could Shirou just go along with it like that?"

Archer sighed, casting a sidelong glance at Rin. "You should've seen it coming. She's not exactly subtle, and Shirou is… well, Shirou."

Rin groaned and marched off, muttering under her breath about meddlesome Servants and clueless boys. Archer simply shrugged and went back to leaning against the wall.

Meanwhile, Shirou and Lady Avalon were wandering through the heart of Fuyuki. They had visited a few local landmarks, including a café where Shirou had grabbed a cup of tea while his Servant eagerly examined every little detail of their surroundings. The air between them felt light and carefree—something that, despite the ongoing Holy Grail War, Shirou found oddly refreshing. It wasn't often that he got to relax, and with Lady Avalon around, he had no choice but to go with the flow.

As they strolled through a park, Lady Avalon leaned into him, casually holding onto his arm as they passed by a group of children playing near the fountain. "So, what's next on the agenda, my darling tour guide? Surely you've got something fun planned for us."

Shirou laughed nervously. "I mean, I didn't exactly plan for a date…" He thought for a moment, mentally running through the other places he knew around town. "Well… maybe we could try the shopping district? It's nice there, and I could show you some of the local stores."

Lady Avalon smiled approvingly. "A fine choice, darling. Lead the way."

The Emiya estate was quiet, a rarity during these chaotic days of the Holy Grail War. Archer stood in the hallway, watching with mild interest as Rin stormed out of the house, her frustration palpable after learning that Shirou had gone off on a date with Pretender.

"A date," she had muttered, fuming as she slammed the front door behind her.

Archer waited until the echoes of her footsteps disappeared down the street before letting out a soft sigh. He glanced around the empty house, a faint nostalgia tugging at the edges of his mind. His gaze drifted towards the kitchen, and something stirred within him, a silent call from a past that he had long since tried to forget.

Slowly, he made his way toward the kitchen, each step feeling like a small reunion with a piece of himself. When he reached the doorway, he paused, looking inside. The room was exactly as he remembered it. Every detail—the worn countertops, the cupboards with their slightly creaky hinges, the polished surface of the stove—was etched into his memory like an old friend he'd long missed.

For a moment, Archer just stood there, gazing at the kitchen with an expression that was almost soft. His hardened warrior's facade cracked just slightly, allowing a rare, fleeting moment of vulnerability to slip through. He took a deep breath, stepping into the room with quiet reverence.

As his fingers brushed over the countertop, he whispered under his breath, "I'm back… I missed you a lot."

The words were barely audible, but they carried a weight of silent nostalgia, an emotion he rarely allowed himself to indulge in. His hand lingered on the countertop for a moment longer, tracing the familiar grain of the wood, before he pulled away with a gentle sigh.

Archer walked over to the cabinets, opening them with the ease of someone who knew every inch of this kitchen by heart. He retrieved a pan, placing it carefully on the stove, and then began gathering ingredients from the fridge. Eggs, vegetables, spices—everything he needed for a simple meal. It wasn't the extravagant cooking he sometimes indulged in, but today, it felt perfect. There was something peaceful about the simplicity of it.

As he prepared the ingredients, his movements were fluid and precise, as though his hands remembered exactly what to do even after all this time. He chopped the vegetables with quiet efficiency, the rhythmic sound of the knife hitting the cutting board filling the otherwise silent room. Each slice, each stir, was done with a care that contrasted with the cold, calculating nature of his usual demeanour.

But here, in this kitchen, Archer wasn't the jaded, bitter Servant burdened by his past. Here, he was just… someone who had once loved this place. Someone who had once found solace in the act of cooking, in the simple pleasure of creating something with his own hands. The weight of his past seemed to lift, if only for a little while, as he immersed himself in the familiar ritual.

A gentle smile—a rare sight—ghosted across his lips as he flipped the omelette in the pan with ease. The quiet clink of utensils, the sizzle of food cooking, the warm aroma filling the air—it all felt like home. He found a quiet fulfilment in the act, a peace he rarely allowed himself to feel.

And it was in this peaceful moment that Rin, having returned from her short walk, caught a glimpse of him from the doorway.

She froze, her eyes widening in shock. It wasn't the fact that Archer was cooking that startled her—she had seen him do that before. No, it was the expression on his face that threw her off. The gentle smile, the soft look in his eyes as he stirred the food on the stove—it was as if she was looking at a completely different person. Gone was the usual stoic, sarcastic Archer she knew, replaced by someone… calm. Content, even.

For a moment, Rin didn't know what to say. She had never seen him like this, and part of her wondered if she should even interrupt. It felt almost like intruding on something private, something personal.

But Archer, ever aware of his surroundings, noticed her presence without even turning around. "If you're going to stand there gawking, Rin, you might as well make yourself useful," he said, his voice holding a familiar edge of dry amusement. "The plates are in the cupboard."

Rin blinked, shaking off her surprise. "Wha—? I wasn't gawking!" she sputtered, her face turning slightly red as she quickly moved to grab the plates. "I just… wasn't expecting to see you like this."

Archer smirked but said nothing as he continued cooking. The smile he had worn earlier faded, replaced by his usual calm, impassive expression, but the sense of fulfilment lingered in the air. He served up the meal with practiced ease, placing the food on the table as Rin set the plates down.

As they sat to eat in silence, Rin couldn't help but steal glances at him, still trying to reconcile the Archer she knew with the man she had just seen in the kitchen. He had been so… peaceful, so at ease. It was a side of him she had never expected to see. But Archer, as always, remained an enigma. He ate quietly, his expression neutral, giving no indication of the rare moment of contentment he had just experienced.

Still, as he cleared the dishes after they finished, his hand once again brushed over the countertop, and for just a fleeting second, the gentle smile returned.

The more intimate couple spent some time meandering through the shopping district, stopping at various stores and stalls. Lady Avalon took every opportunity to tease Shirou, admiring the various trinkets and souvenirs and laughing whenever he seemed flustered by her playful remarks. There was something about Lady Avalon's carefree nature that was infectious, and it was nice to take a break from the constant tension of the Holy Grail War.

However, as the afternoon rolled on, the two of them found themselves at a park, the quiet rustling of trees and the distant sound of children playing filling the air. It was here, sitting on a bench, that Shirou noticed a familiar figure: Illyasviel von Einzbern. She was sitting calmly by herself, her white dress flowing around her like a doll's gown, and there was no sign of Berserker nearby.

Illya noticed them as well, and with a sweet, innocent smile, she waved them over. "Shirou! Come sit with me!"

Shirou hesitated for a moment, but Illya's smile was oddly disarming. Lady Avalon, sensing no immediate danger, nodded to him. "Go on, Shirou. We should hear what she has to say."

They walked over and sat down, Illya swinging her legs idly as she studied Shirou with an almost curious expression. After a few moments of silence, she finally spoke.

"You know, Shirou… I've been thinking. You're Kiritsugu's son, aren't you?" Her voice, though light, carried a hint of bitterness. "He was my father too, you know. But he abandoned me. Left me behind. And now… I want to take revenge."

Shirou's eyes widened in shock. "Illya, I—"

Illya cut him off with a soft, mirthless laugh. "It's funny, isn't it? I thought I could take it out on you, since you're his adopted son. But now that I've seen you… I don't know. You're not like him." She paused, her eyes flickering with a complex mix of emotions. "Tell me, Shirou. Why did he leave me behind? Why didn't he come back for me?"

Shirou began telling her what he knew about Kiritsugu in the years they'd lived together and what he'd seen of the man. About how there were times when Kiritsugu would go abroad for a while and always come back looking sad. How Kiritsugu's health gradually got worse, and of course about his last moments.

After making a complicated expression, Illya extended an offer to Shirou, asking him to join her and stay with her. However, Shirou refused, stating that he couldn't do so because he wanted to protect the innocent people and bring an end to the Holy Grail War.

Illya's expression grew somewhat sombre, though her smile remained. "You really are stubborn, just like him."

Without another word, she stood up and walked away, leaving Shirou and Lady Avalon alone on the bench.

As she walked away, Shirou felt a strange mix of emotions. Lady Avalon stepped beside him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "She's a complicated girl, isn't she?"

"Yeah," Shirou muttered, still lost in thought. "She is."

Lady Avalon smiled at him, her voice warm. "Don't worry too much about it, darling. I'll support you in whatever you decide to do regarding Illya. Just make sure you stay true to what you believe in. And try not to get yourself killed in the process—I'd hate to lose you."

Shirou blinked, surprised by her sincerity. "Thanks, Pretender."

She giggled softly. "Of course. Besides, I can't enjoy your company if you're not around, can I?"

Shirou smiled back, grateful for her unwavering support.

Omake

Throne of Heroes: Artoria's Wrath, Part 8

From her place within the Throne of Heroes, Artoria Pendragon watched the scene unfold, her face twisted in a mixture of jealousy and frustration. It was bad enough that Proto-Merlin had taken her rightful place as Shirou's Servant, but now this—this! The nerve!

"A date? That woman has the audacity to go on a date with Shirou?! My Master?!"

Artoria's fists clenched, her jealousy flaring. "It should have been me spending the day with Shirou, walking with him, enjoying his company… and that Succubus Merlin—!" Her eyes narrowed, a fiery determination settling in. "She's already trying to claim him for herself, acting so familiar with him, doing 'mana transfers' with him, and now she's taking him on dates?! Taking his body and innocence wasn't enough for her, now she wants his heart too?! How dare she!"

With a final huff, Artoria sat down in frustration, muttering under her breath. "Stupid Succubus Merlin..."

Omake 2:

Shirou, feeling a bit more prepared for whatever curveball his mischievous Servant might throw at him, found himself walking hand-in-hand with Proto-Merlin through the bustling streets of Fuyuki once more. But today, something was different. There was an air of mystery surrounding Lady Avalon, and her playful smiles seemed to hide something bigger than usual. Shirou's suspicions only grew as they approached a large building, the sound of excited chatter and rhythmic music already spilling out from inside.

"Where are we going this time?" Shirou asked, glancing up at the enormous banner stretched across the building's entrance. It featured the image of a sparkling pop idol, with hearts and stars strewn across her outfit. The crowd milling around was full of fans holding glow sticks and wearing shirts emblazoned with the idol's face. Shirou scratched his head in confusion.

Lady Avalon beamed at him, her pink eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's a concert, of course! We've done cafés, shopping districts, and parks, so now it's time for something a bit more… energetic!" She gave him a teasing wink and pulled him into the venue, not giving him a chance to protest.

As they entered, Shirou was quickly overwhelmed by the lively atmosphere. The place was packed—an ocean of fans, most of them shouting in anticipation as the lights flickered and the stage began to illuminate. Shirou, feeling a little out of place, allowed himself to be guided by Lady Avalon until they were nestled somewhere in the middle of the crowd.

"Wait here for just a moment, darling," Lady Avalon said suddenly, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before slipping away into the throng of people. "I need to take care of something real quick. Don't worry—just enjoy the show!"

Before Shirou could question her further, she had already vanished, leaving him standing alone amidst a sea of cheering fans. He blinked, confused. Was this just another of her whimsical plans? He glanced at the stage, wondering what kind of concert she had dragged him to.

The room darkened, and a hush fell over the crowd. Suddenly, spotlights shot across the stage, illuminating it with a burst of colourful lights. A familiar melody began playing, and Shirou's eyes widened in disbelief as the silhouette of a woman appeared, centre stage.

The crowd erupted into wild cheers as the music hit its crescendo, and there—standing in the spotlight, dressed in a shimmering pink-and-gold idol outfit, complete with frills, ribbons, and glitter—was none other than Lady Avalon herself.

"Good evening, everyone!" she called out in a sing-song voice, waving enthusiastically to the audience. Her voice was bright and melodic, filled with the same teasing charm that Shirou had become so accustomed to. "I hope you're all ready to have some fun tonight!"

Shirou's jaw was wide open in disbelief. This was her concert?

The reality of the situation finally dawned on him as Lady Avalon struck a pose, microphone in hand, and began to sing. The song was catchy, upbeat, and incredibly infectious, with Lady Avalon dancing energetically across the stage as if she had been born to perform.

The crowd was completely entranced, waving their glow sticks in unison as they cheered her on. Shirou, on the other hand, stood frozen in shock, his face turning several shades of red. He couldn't believe it. She had been planning this the whole time.

Lady Avalon's voice carried effortlessly through the venue, her performance dazzling the audience with every twirl and pose. Her pink eyes glimmered with joy as she sang her heart out, and Shirou could feel the weight of her magical presence in every note—an idol, yes, but still undeniably the playful, powerful sorceress he had come to know.

As the song reached its climax, she leaped into the air, the spotlight following her every movement as she landed gracefully, striking one final pose. With a wink and a coy smile, she turned directly toward Shirou, her eyes locking onto his as if he were the only person in the crowd.

"And now… for the special someone who's been my muse for today," she purred, her voice silky as the music faded into a softer, more romantic tune. She blew a kiss straight toward Shirou, her cheeks glowing as she winked mischievously. "This last one's just for you, darling."

The crowd went wild, oblivious to the personal nature of the gesture, but Shirou… well, Shirou was having a hard time processing what was happening. His heart pounded in his chest, and his face burned with embarrassment. There he was, standing in the middle of a screaming crowd while his Servant—dressed like an idol straight out of a dream—dedicated her performance to him.

The song slowed, and Lady Avalon's voice became softer, more intimate, as she sang the final notes with a smile that was equal parts tender and mischievous. The lights dimmed, and the crowd's cheers crescendoed into an explosive roar as the performance ended.

The moment the stage lights went out, Shirou felt a familiar tap on his shoulder. He turned to find Lady Avalon standing beside him, back in her usual outfit, her eyes alight with glee.

"So," she said, grinning at him like a cat who had just caught a very bewildered mouse, "did you enjoy the show?"

Shirou stared at her, still struggling to find words. "That… that was your concert?!"

Lady Avalon giggled, clearly pleased with herself. "Of course, darling! Who better to captivate a crowd than me?" She twirled in place, still humming the tune of her final song. "I figured you'd enjoy a little change of pace—something exciting, don't you think?"

Shirou, still red-faced, sighed and shook his head, but he couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. "You really are impossible, Pretender."

She linked her arm with his, leaning in close as they left the venue together. "Well, darling, that's what makes life with me so much fun."

Shirou chuckled, his heart finally slowing down as the two of them walked into the cool night air. Somehow, despite the ridiculousness of it all, he knew one thing for sure—life with Lady Avalon would never be boring.