A Twist of Fate (Fate Zero & Fate Stay/Night:UBW)

Chapter 10: Way of the Samurai

Morning came bright and early, but to the members of the household, even the radiance of the sun could not relieve their despondent mood. In their own ways, each of them had mourned the passing of Cú Chulainn. Seated at the head of the table, Avantina Turen took charge.

"It's been twelve hours since the last battle. In that time, I have sent separate spying drones to Fuyuki Church, Ryuudouji Temple and the abandoned Tohsaka mansion."
"Neesan, what about the Fuyuki Municipal Hall?"
"It only became a legitimate summoning location due to residual mana, since the Grail took form there in the previous war, its mana has been fully expended. In any case, only one of the drones was destroyed."
"Ryuudouji Temple." said Archer.
"Otherwise known as Caster's hideout. Thus far, we have not encountered servant Assassin and Caster has continued harvesting souls for power. It's only logical that we eliminate her first."
"But neesan, Issei stays at the temple, he could get hurt!"

Avantina slid that morning's newspaper across the table to her cousin.

'Gas leak. 52 residents unconscious.'

"Everyone was taken away in ambulances?"
"That's right. This means Caster got rid of any interlopers ahead of time."
"I would advise extreme caution, servant Caster has not yet made known her Noble Phantasm." chimed Saber. Avantina put away the article and rose from her chair.
"Rest up, we attack tomorrow night."
Everyone agreed and the meeting was adjourned.

The next evening, Avantina inspected the artillery Kiritsugu had left behind for her. A bottle of poison lay beside three rows of sharp throwing knives, a sniper rifle nestled comfortably in a dark corner, and a semi-automatic gleamed in the shadows.

Avantina bent low, reaching for a box she had kept hidden from plain sight. Opening the lid, she took out the weapon from its cushion. Her slender fingers ran along the length of the Contender and rested on its walnut handle.

Meanwhile, Archer leaned against the window, thinking back to his battle with Berserker. In his mind, he saw Lancer turning around to look at him, his last words echoing in his ears.

"You're the only one who can help her win."

Archer woke from his flashback to see his master exiting the closet of artillery with a semi-automatic. Since Avantina did not practice magic, Origin Rounds could not be created with her essence to load the Contender. It made no sense to use ordinary bullets since the gun fired too slowly. The weapon had only been kept as a reminder of her uncle.

Avantina had avoided using guns thus far because she knew how much her cousin disliked them. But now, she would not hold back.

I won't kill him. That doesn't mean I can't immobilize the man.

Avantina looked up to see the moonlight shimmering in Archer's eyes and she mused inwardly.

Argentum. Atomic number forty-seven.

Meanwhile, Shirou was sitting on the porch next to Saber, looking at the moon.

"A great many things have happened." began Saber. "I wish I could etch them into my mind so I would never forget."
"If you can, I hope you will always remember."
"I shall. Also, I am in your debt. Thank you, Shirou. It took quite some time, but you showed me the way. Forgive me, surely this makes no sense to you. But I wished to put my feelings into words. One dream has come to an end. Although I was unable to leave you anything, you have given me an answer that is more than sufficient."
"Dream? You mean yours?"
"Perhaps. Even if it is, it is the story of a little girl I would not recognize, one who no longer has anything to do with me."

Shirou gave Saber a sidelong glance. Even under the mountainous weight of her kingship, she was strong and beautiful.

"I once had a dream. Now, I have a favor to ask of you. I will be sure to protect both you and Avantina. So make certain that you two return safely."
"We'll all come home. Count on it. Let's settle this once and for all, Saber."