3rd Person POV

Neighborhood Streets

The trio of devils walked through the empty streets of Kuoh to their abodes. All with less than pleased expressions plastered on their faces.

Streetlights blaring the bright lights, and cicadas buzzing loudly into the night, as well as loud obnoxious finger snaps echoing into the night sky.

"Okay, that's enough!" (Y/N) declared, clearly annoyed.

A single snap was the response. "Whatever could you be talking about?" Asked the Spirit Form Archer.

"This! You! The escorting! The snapping!"

"Especially the snapping." Tsubaki grumbled.

"We don't need bodyguards! I don't know why Rin asked you to walk us home in the first place!"

"Oh, goodness, I'm so sorry." Archer physically appeared, offering his sarcastic apology. "Did I hurt the poor little devils' feelings?"

(Y/N) snapped at his comment. "Mother fu-Are you trying to pick a fight with me or something? Is that what all this hostility is about? You want a fight?"

Archer simply scoffed. "Well, at least you know enough to sense hostility."

"Yeah, because everyone wants an escort who wants to kill them." Kiba grumbled.

"I know plenty, asshole. What I don't know is why Rin had you walk us home."

Archer crossed his arms and simply glared at the three devils. "By some fluke of nature, she seems to have lightened up around you."

"What's your problem with us? You've been spiteful towards us since the night we met." Kiba questioned the Archer Servant.

"Well, for one thing, your naivete is infuriating." He declared, pointing to the Azure Dragon Emperor. "Do you honestly think you can end these Holy Grail Wars without killing a single person?"

"What makes you think I won't when the need arises?" He replied. "Unlike your Master or other Mages, I'm not too keen on sacrificing the lives of innocent people to achieve my goals. But I will fight. And if needed, I'm willing to kill."

"Is that why you didn't summon Saber during your fight with Rider?" Archer asked. "I can tell you're nowhere near your full potential. To a degree, you're crippled and recovering. Yet you still fight against Heroic Spirits?"

"I won't lunge into a fight if I know it will get me killed, I'm not an idiot. I've always been able to go up against seemingly impossible odds. And you know what they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

"So rather than have someone else carry the burden, you're willing to grit your teeth and bear the weight of the world yourself?" Archer bared his teeth in anger. "Pathetic. You make me sick. Your childish and suicidal notions to protect and save everyone serves no one. Having an immature Master like you must be a burden to Saber."

"You think I don't know that?!" (Y/N) yelled back. "She could've left whenever she wanted. I didn't force her to stick around! She didn't have to feel obligated to stay with me. But she has, and I'm grateful she did. We try to lighten each other's loads and we watch each other's backs as partners. She's my friend, and I care deeply about her and everyone else in my life. So what the hell gives you the right to judge the way we live ours?!"

"More than you can imagine." He simply replied.

"Which is still confusing." Tsubaki admitted.

"But you know nothing about me. Not even my name. So go ahead, try to cut me down! Preach to the Heroic Spirit who was ripped from his duties to serve as a glorified butler for a teenager in a war he doesn't have any stake in, how tragic pasts were to have you develop your idiotic ideals, and motivations. Speak up, though. It's hard to hear over the sound of the earth trying to erase my existence on a constant basis." He dared, glaring at the devils through his exposition.

"Oh shit, is that why you guys need magical energy all the time?" (Y/N) asked, surprised.

"Yeah that how that works." Archer confirmed.

"Didn't know that. But that still begs the question; what the hell's your problem with me?! With us?! Is it because we're devils?! 'Cause if so, that's kinda racist and/or xenophobic." (Y/N) informed. "Seriously man, who hurt you?"

"Marbles hurt me!!" Archer immediately snapped back.

"What the fuck does that mean?! Help me understand you, man!" The Pawn pleaded, clearly seeing the Heroic Spirit hurting inside.

Archer huffed and calmed himself, tightening his fist. "The only thing you need to know is that your ideals serve no-one. You can't save everyone."

"I don't aim to save everyone." (Y/N) replied. "It's the duty of those with extraordinary talents and abilities to protect those who are unable to protect themselves. I save and protect the helpless. And I only push those who are weak down the right path to better themselves." He declared sternly with determination.

"What if Rider was in the middle of the street about to be hit by a bus?" Archer questioned.

"She's a Servant. I'd be more concerned about the bus...and the street. And the people. And the people on the bus and the street." He replied.

"Don't get smart with me!" He snapped.

"I'd...probably save her, yeah."

"Even though she's trying to kill you?" Archer countered.

"Lots of people in my life have tried to." (Y/N) countered himself. "But I'm a firm believer in second chances. Whether or not the person's warranted of it depends on their actions prior."

Archer simply turned his back and sighed. "And that alone will be what drives you to your inevitable death. The world will always be a cruel place. No matter how hard you work, no matter what you sacrifice, the people you save, the people you kill, the numbers will never stop growing." Archer glared back through the side of his stern silver eye. "You think you can save the world by shouldering it's pain and suffering? You need to wake up. Having these notions, once they clash hard with reality, the devastating realization will break you. But by then, it will be far too late." He leapt up and stood on a streetlight. "As someone who's lived a similar life in his past, the path you're walking down won't end with what you think it will. And your friends-" He looked to Kiba and Tsubaki. "Encouraging this behavior makes them liable as well to your self-destruction." He then leapt into the night sky, almost as if he was flying away. He looked back at the devils, offering them a look of pity before vanishing.

The three said nothing for some time.

(Y/N) lowered his head as Archer's words rang in his head. He believed wholeheartedly that what's he's done in the past had bettered the world, even if by small margins. But, in the end, there were always threats that arose. And they never stopped.

"Don't listen to him, man." Kiba encouraged.

"You two have clearly lead different lives. His ended and he became bitter. You're still living yours. You've still got time." Assured Tsubaki.

"Yeah..." (Y/N) sprouted his devil wings. "I'm gonna fly home on my own if that's okay. I...I need to be alone for a bit...To think." He said, his tone solemn and heavy.

The Knight looked worried for his friend, but was unsure of what to do to ease his strife. "Sure. We can manage. We'll call if something crazy happens."

"Right. Well..." (Y/N)'s wings sprouted wide, preparing to take flight. "Goodnight." He bud farewell and took off towards his home, leaving Kiba and Tsubaki alone.

He watched as his friend took off into the dark night sky, uncertainty and upset in his eyes. Kiba sighed in exhaustion.

"You okay?" She asked.

"I need a drink." He said, imply walking away.

"A drink? Wait, Kiba!!" Tsubaki followed after him.

The two walked about a block more before shooting a vending machine. Kiba went to it and bought he and Tsubaki something.

The can dropped and Kiba retrieved his beverage, cracking the lid open and downing half. "Much better."

"Are you okay?" Tsubaki asked, worriedly. "You seem upset."

"I'm...a little frustrated, yeah." He sighed, sitting next to the Queen of Sitri. "Archer's such a-"

"Prick?" She finished.

"Yeah. But...he's right." He admitted. "(Y/N)'s my friend. I owe him a lot. And much more now that I know what he did more me. I want to support him in his decisions. I want to be there as his friend and comrade. But...he's so reckless and self-sacrificial... Archer's right. Maybe...he's going down the path that will inevitably get him killed."

"It's possible. But doesn't that just mean you should be there for him so that he doesn't?"

"That's the thing though! I don't want to be overbearing or overprotective, I know he can handle himself. But things are getting more and more dangerous." He instantly remembered the fight with Bustra during their mission of Alistor. "When we went to America, we found out he was being targeted. Once he found out who (Y/N) was, he wiped the floor with us, like we were nothing. (Y/N) was the only one who managed to stand against him, and it nearly got him killed." Kiba groaned, running his hands through his hair.

Tsubaki placed a reassuring hand on the young Knight's shoulder. "Kiba, that was nearly a month ago. So much has happened since then. You've unlocked a Balance Breaker. You're stronger now. You all are."

"But what if they come back and they're stronger than last time? Stronger than all of us?"

"Then fight together." Tsubaki stated simply. "Watch each other's backs and be there for each other. I thought your Peerage was more focused on camaraderie and togetherness? Why am I giving you this kind of pep talk?" She asked with a teasing smile.

Kiba simply looked at the Aueen and just started laughing. "I guess you're right. All I can do is be there for him. And make sure he doesn't go too crazy."

"Hey, Kiba?"

The Knight turned, halting his drinking.

"Are you free tomorrow?"

Kiba simply blinked twice in bafflement. "...Huh?"

(Y/N)'s House

The Azure Dragon Emperor landed on the doorstep, entering the dark and quiet house, mentally exhausted. The events at school seemed like nothing compared to the walk home and talk with Archer.

"I'm home." He announced, only to hear nothing in response. Seems as though everyone had headed to bed. He sighed, removing his shoes and entering the living room. He looked around and saw a plate of food wrapped in plastic on the kitchen countertop. He approached it and saw the note on the dish.

'Made with much love. Hope you enjoy!
-Love, your Darling Rias'

(Y/N) couldn't help but smile. However, he didn't even have the energy to eat he was so tired. He took the dish and placed it in the refrigerator. He walked over to the couch and stared at it. "Hello couch. You're gonna take all my weight tonight." He said before falling face first on it. 'I'm so damn tired. So mentally wiped.' He thought back to the discussion with Archer, only to growl in annoyance. "It's like he was hand-crafted by some malevolent force with the sole purpose of tormenting me...The hell do you know...?" He mumbled before falling asleep.

Artoria's Room

The Saber's eyes flickered open, partched and thirsty. She rose up and grabbed her bottle, which was empty. She sighed and got out of bed, donning one of her Master's button-up shirts she took for herself. She found it lying on his computer chair one day while cleaning. She enjoyed the smell of the freshly clean shirt and the faint lingering scent of her Master. It made her feel calm and safe, so she took it. 

Leaving her room to refill her bottle, Artoria heard the sound of snoring coming from the living room. She walked toward the noise, only to find her Master sprawled out on the couch, sleeping loudly but soundly. She sighed in relief. 'He looks so peaceful sleeping. And he doesn't look hurt from the attack today.' She smiled, moving his bangs of his hair out of his eye.

(Y/N) began to mumble in his sleep. "N-No." He wined. "Don't put maple syrup on the mac and cheese."

Artoria couldn't help but giggle.

(Y/N) sprung up, an enraged look on his face. "BECAUSE IT'S A CULINARY ABOMINATION YOU MONSTER!!!" He yelled.

The King of Knights fell silent, only blinking twice in utter bafflement.

The young devil began to fall back down, his head aimed at the armrest of the couch.

She quickly caught him before his head hit. She sighed. 'I suppose I'll have to lecture him about it tomorrow. He's had a long day, I'm sure.' She decided, sliding her arms under the slumbering devil and lifted him up in a princess carry. She walked back to her room and gently laid him down on her futon. Sliding in with him, she pulled up the blankets and laid next to him. She looked at him intensely, seeing him still sleeping soundly. She smiled and caressed his face. 'I'm just glad you're safe.' She turned over. "Goodnight, (Y/N)."

Battlefield

There he stood before a familiar scene. Bodies and weapons bloodied and broken all around him. The smell of rustic blood filled the air.

'Here again?' (Y/N) looked around, seeing the far and wide reach of fallen knights.

The sound of metal clashing reached out and called his attention. He looked over at the top of the hill, seeing two people still fighting. One donned in silver and red armor and the other in a familiar blue, silver, and gold.

"Do you hate me?!" Asked the knight in Silver and Red, their voice sounded feminine, yet filled with rage, sorrow, spite, and heartache. Their voice filled with a desire for revenge. "Do you detest me that much?! Or because I'm the child of a witch?!"

Artoria gave no response, only raised Excalibur.

The other knight roared and charged at the King of Knights. "ANSWER ME, ARTHUR!!!" She swung down and knocked the Sword of Promised Victory out of Artoria's hands, sending it flying far out of her reach.

"I have never once thought of you as detestable." Artoria spoke, shocking the knight. She rose a large crystal-like spear. The mere sight of it immediately sent chills down (Y/N)'s entire body.

"What...What is that?!" He questioned, holding his whole body as tightly as possible to stop the terrifying shivering.

"The reason I did not relinquish the throne..." Artoria gripped the spear, readying to attack.

The knight gripped her blade, but it was too late. She was run through. The spear pieced through her armor and through her stomach.

"Was because you...do not have the capacity to be king." She declared.

The horned helm of the knight shattered, revealing the utter heartbroken face of girl who looked nearly identical to the King of the fallen Kingdom of Camelot. Blood and tears rolled down her face as her life left her body. "Fa...ther..." She wailed as she fell to her knees, only to collapse on the ground, dead and heartbroken.

Artoria's hands trembled, her knees quivered as she struggled to stand. She looked out at the hill filled with death of friends turned foes, her comrades and turned enemies, once her own people. She fell to her knees. "This...This is my fault." She lamented, heartbroken and crawling to the girl in armor, the look in her eyes in her dying moments stayed as she laid on the ground. The King of Knights gently brushed her hand across her face, closing her eyes and put her to rest. "I'm sorry." She cried, tears flowing from her eyes uncontrollably. She grabbed onto the knight and held her as close as possible as she bawled uncontrollably. "I did this to you! To all of you! Everyone!!" She looked down, caressing the dead knight's face. "Mordred...If I had accepted you...If I had taught you...Then you'd..." She wailed in utter agony. "I'M SO SORRY!!!"

Time Skip

(Y/N)'s eyes shot open, breathing heavily and quickly from awakening from what seemed like a nightmare. He rose up, rubbing his face. His body was covered in a cold sweat, trembling from the memory of what seemed like Artoria's past life. "A dream? No, a memory. But why did I see Artoria? Is it because we're connected?" He questioned. He took a moment to catch his breath and calm himself. Looking around, he recognized the traditional Japanese style of the room. "Wait, this is Artoria's room. Why am I-?"

The bedroom's door opened and resident of said room entered. "Ah, you're finally awake. Good morning, (Y/N)." She greeted.

"Y-Yeah. Morning." He greeted back, still somewhat sluggish and dazed.

"Or I suppose I should say, good afternoon." She corrected herself, entering and closing herself into the room.

"Afternoon?" He asked, looking at Artoria's small alarm clock, seeing it nearly twelve in the afternoon. "Jesus, I was out that long?" He questioned.

"You seemed to have a rough night last night. When I woke up you were sleeping on the couch. I didn't want you to wake up with a strained body, so I thought bringing you here would be better than that." She explained.

"I see. That explains that." He mumbled. "Thanks, Artor-"

"That being said..." She looked sternly at her Master, sitting down in front of him. "(Y/N)...During your search yesterday, why did you not call me when Rin attacked?"

(Y/N) heaved, scratching his (H/C) bed hair. 'I should've figured she'd ask eventually.' He thought. "Look, everything just kinda happened so fast." He began pleading his case. "Rin attacked Issei first, and by the time Kiba and I got on the scene, she was already going at me with no restraints. She collapsed a whole hallway, Artoria. And by the time we managed to get away, another Servant attacked so I had to go and take care of that."

"I believe we made a deal that we'd fight together regarding Servants." Saber looked angry and upset.

"Yeah, we did. But I had to do something. I managed in the end. Everything turned out fine." He assured. "I'm sorry if I worried you, but if I knew I wasn't going to be able to handle it, I wouldn't have fought Rider in the first place."

"Rider? She's stationed at Kuoh Academy?"

"I don't think so. I think she's setting up something, though. And she's feeding off some of the students as well as townspeople. She attacked a member of the Student Council last night." He informed.

"Listen, I implore you to start taking your role as "Master" more seriously. I'm fully aware you're capable of handling yourself in most situations. Especially when dealing with Masters like Rin. I'm still trying to comprehend as to why you made an alliance with her." She sighed, rubbing the side of her head in confusion and exasperation.

"You know about that?" He asked surprised.

"Archer told us when he arrived to disarm traps all over the house. Which, might I add, was a whole different sort of thrill last night." She said sternly.

"We're gonna have this conversation again?" He rose a brow.

"Simply another why I need to start going to school with you." She declared.

(Y/N) sighed and rubbed his eyes together. "Well, you might just get your wish." He said.

Artoria looked at her Master, shocked by his sudden acceptance of her request and demand. "What do you mean?"

"Rias is getting things sorted. She'll probably pull you aside to fill out some paperwork." He informed. "But, back to the matter of aligning with Rin..." He quickly changed the topic back. "It'll be easier to control her crazy ass antics and keep an eye on her if since we're allies. You think it was a bad idea?"

"Not at all. Keeping her in line will dramatically decrease the numbers of innocent casualties. And, despite her "quirks", she is a rather skilled Mage. Perhaps we can use that to our advantage."

"Maybe. But I'd rather rely on Chisato or Tsubaki if that's the case." He said, stretching out his back. "Besides, Rin is still an enemy. We're just having a ceasefire to deal with the Master at school."

The Saber Servant still looked somewhat reluctant. However, she decided to accept her Master's decision, even if temporary. "Very well." She sighed. "I'll trust your judgment, (Y/N). But please, never forget you can rely on not only me, but the others in your Peerage as well. We all care about you and your well-being."

(Y/N) smiled at the reminder. "I will." Just then, something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. He looked over and saw a familiar looking white, long-sleeve, button-up shirt hanging on a coat hangar. "Is...Is that one of my-?"

Artoria said nothing and dashed to the shirt and tossed it into the closet. "Lunch should be ready." She informed casually, like nothing just happened.

"O-Okay." He said, somewhat disturbed by her reaction to having found one of his missing shirts in his Servant's possession. 'If she wanted another shirt, she could've just asked.'

After assisting Artoria putting away her futon, the two went to the living room and were met with the scent of fried pork, eggs, and warm steamy rice.

"Man, that smells good." He smiled

Tohru smiled happily seeing her master awake. "Good afternoon, Master (Y/N)!" She greeted, bowls of food in her hands. "You have perfect timing! I just finished making lunch!" She said, walking to the table.

A pair of arms wrapped around the Pawn's neck. "Good morning." Greeted Rias, pecking his cheek.

"Morning." He greeted back.

"How'd things go with that Tohsaka girl?" She asked curiously.

"Okay, I think. We have a truce until we find Rider's Master. So we'll have something of a leash on her for the moment."

"I see." She accepted, only to smirk deviously. "Leash huh?"

"What?" (Y/N) looked confused, only to realize she was teasing him. "Not like that." He clarified.

"Hey (Y/N)!" Asia greeted, coming down the stairs. "How're you feeling?"

"Hey Asia. Not too bad." He replied.

"Heya hot stuff." Greeted Isabela, coming into the room and slapping (Y/N) on the rear, surprising him and many others who saw.

"Uh, hey." He simply greeted back, rubbing the side she smacked. 'That kinda stung.'

"Sorry about her." Said Siris, coming in right behind Isabela. "She's gotten too comfortable staying here. I'll talk to her."

"Hey, it's fine." He assured. "Didn't really expect it so kinda surprised me." He laughed it off. "Besides, I'd rather my guests be relaxed than feel obligated to restrain themselves."

Grabbing a seat, Isabela smirked. 'Good to know~'

"Lunch is ready!" Tohru declared.

The present residents gathered at the table, ready to give thanks and eat. "Thank you for the food!!" They said before eating.

"So, what're your plans for today?" Asked Isabela.

"Since it's Saturday, I was planning on working on my sensory abilities. My senses are still kinda blah since my body broke down recently. Figured I'd just go over the city and try and pinpoint some familiar energies and see how far I can reach for now. I haven't tried teleporting in a while, so staying in the city is probably for the best."

"That sounds like a good idea." Rias approved. "Since it's Saturday and given the events of yesterday, we don't have anything scheduled. But don't be out too late, understand? We don't need another Servant attack happening anytime soon." She informed, taking a bite of her katsudon.

"Alright." He said, remembering he still needed to get Siris and Isabela actual beds to sleep on. 'I should probably get those while I'm out.' He thought, making a mental note.

Time Skip

"I'm heading out!" (Y/N) declared as he put on his sneakers.

"Oh great! I'll get my shoes." Said an eager Saber.

"Come on, Artoria!" (Y/N) whined.

"Don't you "come on" me!" She replied, a stern look on her face and hands on her hips. "We just had a conversation about you being attacked and unprotected!"

"And I told you I'd call if something happens. Besides, I need to do this for my training."

"What if you're attacked? By multiple parties no less?" She argued.

"If that happens, I'll call you." He tried to assure. "Think of it this way, if I do get attacked just wandering around, it'll seem like I'm defenseless. I'll be suppressing my energy while I'm out. Besides, I don't think a Master and Servant would attack in broad daylight, would cause too much chaos and attract unwanted attention."

Saber just glares disapprovingly at her Master's denial of her protection and company but accepting of his logic and reason of his outing. "Damn you. Damn you truly. You win this time."

(Y/N) gave a small smile as he slowly closed the door. Sighing in relief, he focused on the massive mixture of magical energy in his residents, suppressed his own, and began walking. "Okay. Let's see how far I can hold on."

Time Skip

Kuoh City Midtown

Crossing the street, the Azure Dragon Emperor heard crying nearby. He looked over and saw a little girl jumping as high as her little legs could push her.

"Chiho!" Called a woman, running up to the little girl. "There you are! I told you not to let go of my hand!" She worryingly scolded.

"But-But my balloon!" She cried, pointing to the baloon stuck in the tree. "Can you get it mommy?"

"Oh dear." Sigh the mother. She stood on her tiptoes and reached out her arm as far as she could. Even jumping to try and grab the string, to no avail. "I'm sorry, sweetie. Mommy's not tall enough."

"Excuse me." (Y/N) spoke up, approaching the two. "Mind if I lend a hand?" He offered.

"Are you sure?" She asked.

"Of course." He looked at the tree and stepping back a few steps. "Just gotta..." He ran at tree and ran up it, jumping off and grabbing the string and bringing the balloon down with him. "Get a running start." He handed the little girl the balloon. "Here ya go, little missy." He smiled.

The little cheered and beamed happily. "My balloon!!"

"Thank you very much." The mother bowed. "Say "thank you" to the nice boy, Chiho." She reminded her daughter.

"Thank you, Mister!" The little girl bowed.

(Y/N) smiled. "You're very welcome. Make sure you hold onto it and mommy's hand from now on, 'kay?"

"Okay!" She smiled, taking her mother's hand.

"Thank you again." The mother thanked. "Come on, Chiho. Time to go home." She said, walking hand in hand with her daughter.

"Bye bye, Mister!"

"Bye bye!" He waved, watching the sight of mother and child walking hand in hand. It brought back a pleasant memory of when his adopted mother and him went out shopping together. One of the very few pleasant memories of living with the Kazami family. With contentment and a smile on his face, he continued on his way, only for his phone to ring from his pocket.

(Y/N) dug it out and saw it was Rin Tohsaka calling. He seemed hesitant in answering, but given their alignment, he answered the call. "Hello?"

"Hey. Are you busy right now?"

"Not really? Why?"

"Make your way over to the academy. It's time we take out that barrier. We'll be waiting." She said before hanging up.

(Y/N) sighed and just started making his way over to Kuoh Acedemy. "Who the hell made her the leader?" He groaned. "Wait..."We"?"

Time Skip

Kuoh Academy

Upon arriving at the main entrance, the Pawn spotted Kiba. "Hey!" He greeted.

"Hey man, glad you made it." He greeted back.

"Where's Rin?" He asked, looking around, but sensing her presence nearby.

"She's on the roof. Tsubaki too. We figured we'd plan a bit before you got here. Come on, let's go." He said, leading the way.

One step past the gate, and (Y/N)'s chest tightened. He hunched over, holding himself up in the edge of the gateway. The barrier's strength seemed to have gotten stronger since yesterday.

"What's wrong?!" The Knight asked worriedly. "Is it the barrier?"

"Y-Yeah. It's getting worse. It feels like my insides are on fire. Like I'm gonna throw-up my lunges." He explained, trying to breathe.

"That's what Rin said too." Kiba remembered. "You gonna be okay?" He asked.

"It-It's fading. I'll be fine." He assured. "But this thing NEEDS to be shut down. And fast."

Kiba nodded, grabbing his friend's arm and looped it around his neck. "Come on. I'll help you walk for a bit. 'Til you get your bearings."

"Thanks." (Y/N) replied greatfuly.

Climbing up the stairs, even walking past the once-collapsed second floor hallway, (Y/N) managed to walk on his own feet again with relative ease. Opening the door to the rooftop, the boys found the Queen of Sitri and the Tohsaka Mage.

"Ah, look who it is. You're late." Rin nagged.

"You called me last minute. Don't blame me for your poor timing." (Y/N) snapped back. "What's going on? Why are we at school?"

"Kiba and I were out and about when we spotted Rin on campus." Tsubaki claimed.

"I was trying to study the barrier around the school. I think we can shut it down." Rin declared.

"Hold up! Back up a second here!" (Y/N) paused the conversation. "You and Kiba? We're hanging out?"

"I...guess?" Tsubaki looked quizzical.

"...Oh really?" The Azure Dragon Emperor asked with a small, but noticeable, playful smirk. "Like on a date?" He questioned further.

Tsubaki's face immediately reddened at (Y/N)'s deduction while Kiba just smiled and laughed nervously.

"Excuse me! Can we focus of the Fruit Punch Murder Slurpy?!" Rin boomed with irritation.

"The—I'm sorry, the fucking what?" (Y/N) was baffled.

"The barrier around your school, genius." Rin reminded. "I'm sure you felt it. It's getting stronger. And your assessment last night was accurate to say the least. It's a massive kill box. And a vicious one at that. Once it's on, it'll effectively absorb the psyches and energy of everyone inside." She explained.

(Y/N) was horrified to this knowledge. "I knew it."

"Is it possible the Master's trying to strengthen of their Servant?" Kiba asked.

"Highly likely. Doesn't really seem to care about the cost of it either." Tsubaki hissed.

"Any idea who set it up?" (Y/N) asked.

"No clue." Rin admitted. "There are still a few Servants out there who haven't made a move yet. So without any evidence, we shouldn't assume."

"Fair enough." (Y/N) accepted. "So, how do we go about destroying this thing?"

"Well..." Rin strained. "I said "shut it down", but we'd only be delaying or slowing it down until we find the source and stop them. I found out about it a while back and have destroyed a couple sigils so far. But the number's increased since then. So I figured a larger group would be better. That's why I called us all out here."

"Sigils?"

"Here's how it's supposed to work; once it's erected, it'll automatically sprout multiple anchoring points all over the area. They'll resonate with each other and keep increasing the size and strength of the barrier. To the point where it completely traps whatever's inside it."

"And you're in "If I can't have them, nobody can have them" mode, right?" The Pawn guessed.

"If I can't be a monster, NOBODY gets to be!" She affirmed.

"So take out the sigils, delay the kill box from forming?" (Y/N) summarized.

"Yep. But—"

'Of course there's a freaking catch...' Thought (Y/N).

"If one's destroyed, another one is made."

"So it's a cat and mouse game." Deduced the Queen of Sitri. "If enough of us find and destroy these sigils, it could delay the barrier long enough to find a way to shut it down completely. With our numbers, we could cover the whole school and wipe it out completely if we manage to find them all."

"Like YouTube acts on Copyright claims." She claimed.

"Okay, so how do we go about looking for these things, exactly?" Asked Kiba. "Is there anything specific we should be looking for? Or just keep an eye out for some weird out-of-place markings?"

"If you find a spot we're you've reacted to it, then you can probably find one nearby." Rin explained. "Have you guys felt anything like that recently?"

"I haven't." Kiba claimed.

"Neither have I." Added Tsubaki.

"It feels weird here." (Y/N) stated bluntly, pointing to the side.

Rin just rolled her eyes. "Oh come on. If they were that easy to find, I would've taken them out already." She claimed dismissively. "Actually try and focus to find them." She said, crouching down just to humor the idea of a sigil being where the Azure Dragon Emperor pointed. "I know you probably forgot whatever it was you learned at the Clock Tower, but you have to sharpen your senses to actually find the—" She suddenly fell silent. Her face quickly reddened.

(Y/N) smiled, devious and proudly. "Oh, I'm sorry? What were you saying?"

"...Shut up." She demanded, embarrassed by her boasting. She dispersed the concealment on the sigil, revealing a sinister looking, blood red magic circle.

"So that's what they look like." Said Kiba, getting a good look and feel for it's radiating sinister magical energy.

"Take note everyone! Imma about to destroy this poor excuse for graffiti!" She said before releasing magical energy and destroying the sigil in a bright light. "Seems like it's only affecting Masters." Rin deduced. "But why?"

"Maybe as a taunt?" (Y/N) guessed.

"If so, then this Master must be VERY sure of themselves." Tsubaki claimed.

"Cheeky little shit." Rin grumbled, her eye twitching. "Alright, let's get to work. Let's split up and cover more ground. And don't worry, I've got Archer scoping out the area, so he'll warn us if something happens." She informed.

"He's here?" Kiba looked around. "I don't sense him."

"Probably in sprit form or something." Claimed (Y/N), unsettled by the knowledge of Archer's presence, even if undetectable.

"Yo, you good?" Asked Rin, holding the door open.

"Yeah. I'm fine." He assured halfheartedly. "Come on. Let's get to work.

Time Skip

The devils and Mage split up to search the school grounds once again. While not searching for traps, though coming across a few through their search, they found a large amount of sigils all over the school. They were hidden in places that seemed impossible to notice or detect. Many were invisible until exposed by magical energy. Thanks to the lack of students and teachers on campus, the devils were able to use their wings to reach the difficult to reach sigils. Some were even in bathrooms and locker rooms.

Rin fell onto one of the benches, sighed in relief. "Finally! I think we got them all!" She hoped. "I mean, it's definitely not suffocating here anymore, so yeah. Made some good progress."

"Anyone seen (Y/N)?" Tsubaki asked.

"Not in a while." Kiba said. "He's still on campus though, I'm sure he's almost done on his end."

Meanwhile...

(Y/N) finished destroying all the sigils he could find. Tired he used his minor reserves of magical energy. "Man, if I were at peak condition, this would've been easy. Now I can hardly do anything." He bickered. As he descended the stairs, he ran into someone familiar passing by. "Sakura?"

Sakura Matou, donned in her Kyudo gi, looked up at her at her former upperclassmen. "Senpai? What're you doing here?"

"I should be asking you that." He replied with a pleasant smile. "I'm here to met some friends for...club activities." He fibbed. 'I hate lying to her, but I can't blow our cover!' He mentally bickered. "What about you? You practicing for next week?"

"Yep! Just finished up. I was thirsy so I was refilling my waterbottle." She informed, holding up her empty canister.

"I see." He said. However, despite her cheerful smile, (Y/N) noticed something was wrong. Sakura's aura was mixed and distorted with a myriad of emotions. It was concerning to say the least. "Well, if you want, I can get you something. I'm getting drinks for everyone anyways."

"You sure?" Sakura asked.

"Sure. Besides, it'll give us a chance to catch up."

Time Skip

(Y/N) and Sakura sat on one of the benches outside, partaking in their newly bought drinks. (Y/N) got himself a grapefruit soda and Sakura partook in a lemonade.

"So, what's been new with you?" He asked. "It's been, what, seven? Eight years?"

Sakura giggled, only to look downcast for a moment. She seemed hesitant. "There's honestly nothing much to say." She claimed, regaining a faint smile. "Aside from being ranked second in our Archery club."

(Y/N) could clearly see something was wrong. Despite his former kohai's words, her aura was mixed with a multitude of emotions. Rage, joy, sadness, fear, peaceful. Needless to say, it was a mess. "Oh come on. Nothing's changed in sight years?" He pressed playfully, hoping she'd open up.

Sakura gently huffed, tapping her drink's can. "Well, I suppose I've gotten better at cooking." She claimed.

"Yay! See, that's something!" He smiled, only to change into a challenged but playful look. "Does this mean there's competition for mine throne?" He questioned with a silly voice.

Sakura Matou simply laughed at the change in demeanor. "Of course not! I'd never be able to top your cooking!" She said.

"Never know. Might need an impartial judge for that." He claimed.

"I wrote a poem for an assignment we had. I thought it was nice." She added.

(Y/N) smiled happily for her. "Thats cool. What was it about?" He asked.

"It was a poem. We were assigned to go out and write about what we saw. It was in the winter. And I saw a crow. So I wrote what I thought was nice."

"That's awesome! I'd like to read it sometime!"

"I-It's really not that impressive!" She assured with embarrassment.

"You're worried it's bad?" (Y/N) asked, receiving a nod. "Maybe you just can't tell because you're so close to it." He said, taking a sip of his drink.

Sakura tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

(Y/N) hummed for a brief moment, thinking of a way to explain it. "So, you're concerned it's an ugly baby and you don't know it because you're looking at it through the eyes of a loving mother."

Sakura went wide-eyed. "What?"

"Like, it won't be until you take it out for a walk and people start screaming in horror and cross the street to avoid it, only then you realize you've made a piece of shit baby." He explained.

The former Kohai burst out laughing. "What?! What kind of distinction is that?!"

"I'm just saying, there's nothing worse than a piece of shit baby." He chuckled. "It's like..." He changed his voice to act as someone else. "Aww, whose this little guy-ARRGGH!!! YOU'RE BABY'S A PIECE OF SHIT!!!" He screamed. "God damn it..."

Sakura continued laughing her head off, smiling as wide as she could at (Y/N) display of humor.

(Y/N) chuckled, smiling happily seeing the young Matou laugh. "You should have more confidence in yourself, Sakura. You're a talented girl. I've seen your writing, it's some good stuff."

"Maybe..." She breathed, calming down. "I really needed that. It's been a rough week."

"I'm sure. I heard your Team Capitan was attacked. How's she doing?" He asked.

"She's feeling better." She informed. "She's talking and walking again. We tried to ask her what happened but she said she doesn't remember."

"I see. Glad to hear it." He smiled, though knowing full well who the culprit was. 'Rider...'

Sakura fidgeted in her seat. "So...um..." She hesitated. "Who we're those girl I saw you walking with before?"

"Oh, those were just my friends. We're in the same club. Though, some of them are living with me."

Sakura's eyes suddenly went dull, hearing that her Senpai was living with a bunch of girls made something inside her snap. "What?"

"Well, their living situation isn't exactly the greatest. Asia came here with nowhere to go. Rias is crashing because she got into a disagreement with her family. I've got some others who didn't have anywhere else to go. I had the room, so I figured, "why not?"."

Sakura's eyes lightened up after hearing his explanation. "Is that true? I had no idea." She felt guilty. "But you're all so close."

"What's wrong with that?" He asked.

"N-Nothing. I guess." She sulked for a moment, quickly smiling. "You're still a really nice person, Senpai." She said, lifting herself off the bench. "I should probably head back, I need to finish cleaning and lock up the range." She said, tossing away her can in aluminum recycling.

"I should probably head back to the others too." Smiled (Y/N), getting up and recycling his empty plastic bottle. "It was good talking to you after all these years. Let's met up before you head back to Fuyuki."

Sakura looked overjoyed by the idea. "I'd love to!" She beamed. "Have a good night!" She waved as she headed off to finish her duties."

"See ya!" He waved back. His phone suddenly buzzed on his pocket. He was it was a message from Kiba asking him if he was finished. "I should probably head back to the others." He grabbed the drinks and went to meet up with the others.

Kuoh Academy Rooftop

(Y/N) opened the door and spotted the others sitting and waiting patiently by one of the benches near.

"Oh, look who it is. You're late. Again." Rin berated.

"Sorry, I was taking extra time by disarming some of your traps we missed. I found eight of them by the way." He said, only to receive silence as Rin turned away to avoid eye contact.

"How'd it go on your end?" Asked Kiba.

"I destroyed twenty-five sigils. How about you guys?"

"Nineteen for me." Kiba claimed.

"I found sixteen, and five of Tohsaka's traps." Tsubaki jabbed playfully at the Mage.

"I found twenty." Said Rin.

"Even the one I left for you?" (Y/N) asked with a mocking smile.

"Yes. Even the one of the men's bathroom." She glared.

"Consider it payback for all the headaches you've caused since coming here." The young devil snickered.

"I think it's safe to say we got them all." Kiba said, trying to refocus the subject.

"Eighty total points for this kill box barrier. It's honestly terrifying to think someone went to such extensive measures to make sure their trap would work." Tsubaki added.

"Well, whoever they are have put me through a lot of trouble. When I find them, I'm gonna make them pay in the most brutal way possible." Declared Rin, her eyes cool, dark, sharp, and confident.

(Y/N) couldn't help but chuckle. "Man if looks could kill. You'll end up sending shivers down someone's spine sayin' stuff like that."

A cold wind suddenly blew through everyone, causing Rin and Tsubaki to shiver, one more than the other.

"Asshole! Thanks for jinxing me, now I'm freezing!!" She scolded.

"Don't blame me for your lack of cold resistance." (Y/N) waved off as he opened the bag of drinks.

"Well well, look who's proving his usefulness. Guess you're not a waste of space after all." Rin goaded.

(Y/N) furrowed his brows in annoyance, tossing the Tohsaka Mage a canned coffee. "Anyone ever tell you your complements suck?"

Tsubaki was given a green tea. "Thank you."

Kiba received an orange soda. "Thanks man."

"Well, aren't you considerate." She teased. "But make it a milk tea next time. Anything else and you'll loose any chance of praise." She smirked, opening her drink.

"You know, I didn't have to get you anything, you little gremlin." He said, taking a sip of another grapefruit soda. "But, I'll admit, it was kinda nice being around you without the worry of attempted premature death!" (Y/N) ribbed at the Mage.

"Yeah...I'm super fun..." She replied sarcastically, holding up her canned coffee. "Good work today."

(Y/N) went wide-eyed at Rin's praise. First a compliment on his physical appearance, and now praising his efforts. It was definitely a new thing for him. Especially coming from Rin. He simply smiled and tapped his drink with hers. "Thanks. You too."

"Still, I'm surprised you of all people wanted to act on this whole barrier situation." Kiba said, taking a seat. "You certainly don't give off the vibe of someone who cares about someone else's wellbeing."

"I might be a Mage, but I still have my principles. I told you before I tend to get carried away when I'm focused on something. It's a habit I'm trying to break." She reminded. "Besides, I'm the heir to the Tohsaka family, if I don't succeed and excel, I don't think I could look my father in the eye when I meet him in heaven."

The others fell silent, being reminded of how Rin's father passed away in the last Holy Grail War.

"Do you know how he passed away, exactly?" Asked the Sitri Queen.

"From what I remember it was a heart-attack. Something that's could've happened to anyone, regardless of their health. But I know he lived a long and happy life. It's not like it's was painful or anything. After all, I'm a Mage." She explained, sipping her coffee and accidentally singeing her tongue.

(Y/N) lowered his head, looking into the half-empty bottle. "...You shouldn't lie to yourself about stuff like that." He said, gaining everyone's attention. "When someone dies, it can hurt. And when it's someone you care about, it hurts more. It's not something you can just justify or ignore by trying to be something inhuman."

Rin simply looks at the young devil, taking his words in and seeing the sorrow in his eyes. "Is that why you do what you do?"

"Even after I was reincarnated as a devil, I never once stopped or disbanded my beliefs of being there for others. Those with gifts, strength, talents, or blessings should use those to help others. Those who don't are often the one making this world worse."

"That reminds me, how did you become a devil anyway? She asked, curiously.

"Fallen angel tried to kill me, fought her off. Boss showed up, stabbed me from behind. Rias showed up, reincarnated me. He came back a couple months later, tried to wipe out the city to start another Great Holy War. We rocked his shit and I killed him."

"Like a freaking savage." Kiba praised, toasting to his friend.

Time Skip

The darkness of the night had fallen upon Kuoh City. Having felt accomplished in their goals, the group decided to call it a day.

"Thanks for you hard work guys. (Y/N), be careful heading home." Kiba smiled with a fist-bump.

"Right back at ya, get you and your lady home safe. Ya hear?" He teased.

"Yeah yeah. Night guys." The Knight of Gremory bid, walking to Tsubaki.

"Have a wonderful evening everyone. Thanks again for all your hard work." She bowed, turning to leave with Kiba.

Rin approached the Azure Dragon Emperor, watching the Knight and Queen of different devil families leave, walking rather close together. "They look cute together."

"Yes. Yes they do." He nodded in agreement.

"Are they dating?"

"No. No they are not...Yet." He smiled sinisterly.

Rin cringed at the sinister grin on (Y/N)'s face. "Okay, Creeper. Settle down."

"In any case, we should probably follow their lead and head back too. It's getting kinda late." He said, already heading to the entrance.

"(Y/N)!!" Rin called out. "Make sure you go straight home. Got it? No detours!" She ordered.

(Y/N) blinked at her request, quickly smiling. "What's that? You actually worried about me now, Rin? That's a first." He teased.

Rin's cheeks immediately turned red. "P-Please! As if I'd be worried about you! I'm more concerned about your reckless behavior endangering our partnership! Now get over yourself and go home, jerk!" She turned on her heel and stomped away in a huff.

(Y/N)'s POV

"Such a tsundere." I couldn't help but chuckle. I turned and headed out the main building, only to be struck by a wave of fatigue. My whole body suddenly felt hot and heavy, suffocating me from the inside. "W-What the hell?!" I caught myself, forcing myself up on a column. 'It's like the feeling I get at the entrance! But it's far stronger!'

I pushed myself off and began following the feeling of unpleasantness. I walked as fast as my legs could muster, only to come across the Archery Range. "Here? Seriously?" I reached out to open the door, remembering my promise to Saber. I don't want to on jump into a fight I'm not prepared for. I requip my gun and release the safety. "I'll just check it out. If things turn South, I'll call for backup."

I entered the dojo, sliding the door open. Nothing in the entryway, I went to the practice area of the building. Not even four steps in and I saw it. A massive, ominous sigil plastered on the wall. It was the biggest I had seen by far. 'This must be the main one. It's magical energy is far stronger than the others.' Approached it, reaching out my hand, only to be repelled with pain. "Okay, that's how you're gonna be?" I summoned my Blazblue, focusing my magical energy into my claw, ready to dispel it.

Metallic chains flew past my head, nearly scratching my face as I felt their cold steel breeze pass and embedded themselves into the wooden floor. Those spikes again.

The weilder of the the spiked chains dropped down from the ceiling, landing softly as her whole body sprawled out like some predatory animal ready to pounce.

"So I take it these sigils are yours, Rider?"

"I was hoping to run into you again, sweet little boy." She smiled, standing up and gripping her spiked chains.

I rose Dying Light right at her, waiting for her to make a move. The moment she does, I'll fire and catch her off guard long enough to call Saber.

"There's no need for violence, is there?" A different voice asked from the shadows.

I knew that voice. It was annoying, pompous, irritating, and all the grating. I refocused my sights on the figure stepping out of the shadows and I from of the Heroic Spirit, his overly confident and smug smile plastered on his face. "Shinji fuckin' Matou..." I growled. "So it was you I heard yesterday. You're Rider's Master."

"Come on, (Y/N). Why don't we calm down a minute and go somewhere to talk?" He asked so casually.

His sudden offer threw me off, but not enough for me to lower my gun. "What?"

"It's been a few years..." His sinister smile ever present. "Let's catch up...old friend."