It was hard to focus on anything following Archer's "interruption". He had heard Rin and Saber making love. No doubt. That was a fact. Even if he just appeared outside the washroom, that was when Rin had been the most unhinged. The Tohsaka heir had to quickly come to terms with this new reality. As she dried herself, as she changed into the clothes Shirou had lend her that felt somewhat looser than she'd prefer, and as she stepped out of the bathing area with Saber close behind her, she filtered through the initial shame.

At least she felt physically clean…all things considered.

Thankfully, Archer was nowhere to be found. He had made himself scarce. Maybe even that man could be embarrassed given the right circumstances. Circumstances that involved Rin having sex…

Damn it…

Not only did Sakura want to speak with her, which promised to be at least a little awkward, but now Rin had to come to terms with how fully emotionally committed she felt to Saber. The young woman thought she would feel more regret, but instead, she only felt her heart aching even more than before. The master had given herself to Saber now mind, body, and soul. There was no going back. If Saber disappeared, how was she supposed to find some level of satisfaction with her life again? It didn't seem possible anymore. Not even a little bit.

'Rin.' Saber's soft voice interrupted, and she tugged at the bottom of the girl's shirt.

Rin stopped, turning to her servant and trying not to stare at how cute she was in the spare t-shirt and shorts Shirou had offered. A simple white outfit had no right looking so appealing on anyone, yet, Saber pulled it off. Rin's own outfit was black, but not dissimilar otherwise. Sakura's tastes were fairly tame generally, weren't they?

'Yes?' Rin's voice sounded strange to even her, something in her tone tense.

'I'm sorry.'

Rin blinked, thrown by the apology.

'What? Why?'

'I think that is obvious. I lost control. I gave in to my desires against your will.' Saber kept her volume quiet despite the room Sakura was in a fair distance into the large manor.

'Excuse me?' Rin shook her head. She had tied her hair into a messy bun, fortunately. No damp bangs in her face.

'Archer surely heard us…' Saber blushed.

'I don't care.' Rin huffed. 'I-I mean, I do, to an extent, but what we did…what's happening between us? I wouldn't change it for anything. I wanted to make love to you. I wanted to…to feel you with me like that. It was good. So, so good. And that's because it was you.'

Saber scoffed, but was grinning, staring at the ground wryly.

'I…I feel the same, my lady. For me to lose my composure so easily amidst your presence is a testament to the feelings I harbour. The situation was beyond my resistance, and the sensation of your hands upon my body worthy of casting aside my pride.'

Butterflies raced through Rin's stomach again. This horribly merciless woman…

'B-but now we need to focus, understand? I don't know what's happening with Sakura, and this conversation could prove to be enlightening. I'll need your support.'

Saber's expression became serious as she nodded in understanding.

'Of course, Rin. I am at your side, always. Lead on.'

'Well, I'll try. It's a little ways in.'

Rin guided Saber for a brief period of time, navigating down the hall with somewhat of a clearer mind than before. She was able to take in the beauty of this building a little more adequately in the moment. The Emiya Estate was truly impressive, and Rin wondered what her sister made of the place when compared to the dark, abrasive setting she was forced to grow up in beyond the Tohsaka manor.

Thankfully, Rin located Sakura's room after a minute or two of walking, a faint light being one of the very few present within the rooms passed. She glanced back to Saber and then lightly knocked upon the door, waiting to hear Shirou's voice.

'Tohsaka-san?' The young man sounded hopeful, for whatever reason.

'Yes.'

'Come in.'

Rin took a second for herself and then slid the door aside, noting the western style bed her sister was currently laying within, her eyes closed. They only barely peeked open upon Rin's entrance, her fatigued face turning to acknowledge the other girl.

'Hey.' Shirou waved politely, Rider being the only other presence in the room aside from Sakura, her physically manifested form standing in the corner closest to Sakura's head.

'Sakura wanted to speak with me?' Rin needed to act as normal as possible, not wishing to tip her sister off regarding her suspicions.

'Uh…yeah.' Shirou scratched the back of his neck. 'I told her to maybe wait until morning, but she insisted.'

'Oh?' Rin smiled devilishly. 'Couldn't deny your lady, hm?'

Shirou was a difficult one to read on the best of days, but he at least seemed to panic ever so briefly before lifting his hands and letting himself out of the room.

'I'll give you two your privacy, I guess. I'll be back to say "goodnight", Sakura.'

'Thank-you, Senpai…' Sakura uttered meekly.

The door slid shut thereafter, and once Shirou's footsteps could be heard no more, Sakura sat up with some help from Rider, leaning against the backrest of the bedframe. She was in a cute white nightgown with a charming ribbon below her breasts.

Rin helped herself to the chair Shirou had been sitting in. She shuffled it back slightly, not wishing to suffocate Sakura with her presence.

'How are you feeling?' Rin began, starting cordial to gauge the direction of the conversation. At the moment, the older sister felt nothing out of the ordinary emanating from Sakura, which was deceptively promising.

'Tired.' Sakura answered simply.

'That's to be expected.' Rin began. 'I presume your recently established feed to Rider drains you more considering the whole master/servant relationship is still somewhat new.'

Sakura chuckled with almost a strange wheeze.

'…Maybe.'

A beat.

'Anyway, rest will help, so, you're doing the right thing. Archer said you wanted to see me?'

'Yes.' A pause. 'You came to my rescue?' Sakura looked to Rin, something in her already somewhat vacant stare almost dangerous in nature.

'Of course. Emiya-kun, Saber, myself, and Archer. I was worried about you.'

'Ah.' Sakura nodded slowly, turning her focus back to the bed. 'So, you could have if you wanted to…'

'Pardon?' Rin breathed, her heart pinching in her chest.

'Nothing. Nothing at all. Never mind.'

A flash of cold air filtered through Rin's body, and she outwardly shivered.

'Master?' Saber stepped in closer so that she was hardly an inch from Rin's side. This seemed to gain Sakura's attention, and she smiled with obvious fatigue.

'Do you and Saber get along well, Rin-san?'

'She is my valuable partner in all this chaos, yes.' Rin answered tactfully.

'Just your partner? Nothing more?' Sakura's tone turned dreamy, as if she were talking in her sleep. She kept staring at her blanket, the corners of her mouth twitching.

'…That's right.' Rin's neck tightened.

Arturia…

'Say no more, Rin. I understand.'

'Mm.' Sakura affirmed. 'I guess I shouldn't have expected anything else.'

'What do you mean?' Rin pressed.

'Nothing.'

'Fine.' The older sister decidedly didn't play into the circular talk. If Sakura wasn't going to get to the point, Rin would. She initiated her own discussion now. 'Why did you attempt to confront Berserker on your own? You must know Rider is no match for him by herself.'

'Grandfather…asked me to. He wanted to see something.'

Rin's whole body felt fuzzy at the direct mention of the man.

'You don't need to call him that anymore.' She tried to encourage.

'Then what should I call you?' Was the quick retort, Sakura turning slightly so that one of her eyes could easily lock with Rin's.

'…W-whatever you want.'

Sakura giggled, shaking her head. The room went cold once more, and now Rin knew it wasn't her imagination.

Saber. At ready.

'Yes, Master…'

Rin reached for Sakura's hand, stretching until she could take it. The temperature of the space returned to normal, and Rider moved a small measure.

'Talk to me, Sakura-san. I'm here.'

'Now you are, yes.' Sakura wheezed. 'After I'm like this.'

'Like what?' Rin felt she was getting closer. If she could get an appropriate handle on what was happening to Sakura, she could properly counter it, right?

'Defiled.' She whispered, tears beginning to fill her sad, sad eyes.

The word travelled through Rin's mind, and she pictured the horrid underground floor of the Matou family's manor again. She almost wretched at the thought, wishing to turn away from the image but refusing to for the sake of this girl before her.

'…I went to your manor.' Rin held her breath briefly, feeling Sakura's hand within hers twitch, her expression freezing and eyes widening. 'I saw the basement. I…can somewhat assume what happened.'

No answer. Sakura was so still Rin wondered if she had went into shock or something equally dangerous.

'What are you doing, Master?'

Helping her confront this.

'Is that wise?'

I honestly don't know…

'Oh.' Sakura finally responded. 'Oh. I see. Oh. Oh. Ah. H-hah. I see. I see…'

'It's okay.' Rin continued gently, squeezing Sakura's hand. 'Really. It's over.'

'It's…over?' Sakura blinked at last, still mostly staring at nothing.

'That's right. We can move on now.'

'We? You and I…?'

Rin nodded, feeling as though she was truly making progress.

'Yes. I'd like to help, if I can.'

A long pause, and Rin tried to grin sincerely. Was this the moment she had dreamed of for so long where she got the chance to reconcile with Sakura once and for all? Was the sin she bore at last going to see some semblance of relief? Was this all it took? Honesty? Empathy? Compassion?

'Rin-san.' Sakura uttered suddenly, retracting her hand. 'I think I need to rest. Please go.'

'…What?' Rin blinked in confusion. Not now. Not when she felt so close to…! 'B-but why did you want to see me to begin with?'

Sakura lay herself back down, covering her entirety in the covers and pulling them tight over her body while turning to face the wall.

'I'm sorry. I'm tired.' The muffled answer came.

The room went even colder than the previous two times put together, and once the flash of discomfort vanished, Rider stepped forward and indicated the door silently.

'My master needs her rest.'

Rin was ready to refuse the servant's ushering act, but Saber touched her shoulder, and the master bit down hard, her teeth grinding.

'Fine.' Rin muttered. 'But I want to talk when you're up to it, okay, Sakura-san? I'm here for you. I…' She couldn't go on, a lump forming in her throat.

Rider went so far as to open the sliding door to show the dark hallway outside.

With one final huff, Rin made her departure alongside Saber, the room closed off quickly and what light remained within turned off almost immediately. Rin hesitated to proceed down the hall, something holding her back as she stood still, her hands shaking at her sides.

'Come, Master.' Saber whispered. 'Let us speak with the boy.'

'Yeah.' Rin submitted, yet just as she was about to proceed, she heard a restrained sob from within Sakura's room, and the sound tore at her insides. Another whimper, and then a sniff. How much did Sakura cry trapped in the basement of the Matou household until she had no more tears to shed? Guilt filled Rin so immediately she felt sick, wondering how she could be so selfish and focussed on her own relational issues with Saber when she had all but definite proof that her little sister had been tortured for…

'God…' Rin breathed out shakily. 'Sakura…'

Saber placed an arm around Rin's shoulders, bringing her into a loving embrace while uttering sweet words of encouragement the young Tohsaka heir had lacked for so many years.

'This scenario involving your sister continues to become increasingly complex. Do not blame yourself, Rin.'

Rin's eyes tingled, and she actively attempted not to cry, hating the idea of Shirou seeing her in such a state of weakness. Only Saber was allowed, and even then…

'How can't I?' Rin asked with a restricted sob. 'I should have reached out sooner. She clearly needed me. It shouldn't be up to Emiya-kun to heal a wound that severe.'

'The sins of your father are not your own.' Saber continued to be a foundation of strength.

Rin took a deep breath in and then exhaled slowly, calming her emotions as she had been trained to do. Kirei had made the young woman's skin crawl, yes, but his combat abilities were the real enough, and he had passed much on to Rin.

'Okay.' Rin adjusted the twin tails in her hair once Saber released her. 'Thank-you. I'm sorry.'

'No apology necessary. That was…a difficult conversation. The tension could be felt in my core, and Sakura is…' Saber glanced to the room and shook her head subtly. 'Let us speak with the others.'

'Agreed.'

Saber and Rin returned to the living room of the house, finding Shirou sitting upon a pillow near the dining room table. Archer, surprisingly, was also present. This made part of Rin flounder in embarrassment, but she felt she held herself together well as she nodded toward the man who stood at the entrance to the open-concept kitchen with his arms crossed.

'How is she?' Shirou wasted no time asking.

'Tired.' Rin kept it simple.

'Yeah…' The boy sighed. 'She didn't tell me much either.'

'She mentioned her grandfather, however. He supposedly encouraged her to pursue Berserker.'

'Tch.' Archer scoffed. 'What must we do? Place her under house arrest if you're not willing to kill her?'

'If we have to, sure. Until she's better, anyway.' Shirou didn't note the sarcasm willingly.

Rin could understand Archer's frustration. She seated herself across from Shirou and placed her elbows upon the table so that her chin could rest on her hands. She also felt Shirou's unwavering desire to protect Sakura. But they weren't getting anywhere like this, and the risk was only becoming worse…

'Emiya-kun, as I said before, there is enough evidence to believe that whatever is happening to Sakura is beyond our understanding or management at this point. She is becoming progressively more emotionally unhinged, and her erratic manner of viewing her current reality is troublesome. I could barely hold an intelligent conversation with her.' Rin watched as Shirou's mouth tightened, his kind eyes clouding with lapses of murky commitment. 'We don't have more time. Berserker ran from her. The delusion that Rider possibly pushed him back is just that. My Saber barely survived an encounter with that monster. Even you must know what that means by now.'

Shirou seemed like he was about to say something in retort, but he clamped his mouth shut and grounded his next response with consideration.

'Then what can we do for her?' He asked, and Rin was thankful the boy could still somewhat think clearly despite everything happening around him. His refusal to deny any aspect of what Rin said told her enough. The young man was the closest person to Sakura aside from Rider, and surely he knew more than he was letting on. Nonetheless, the fact he inadvertently agreed with Rin's evaluation meant he didn't know how to confront whatever he had seen in Sakura while possibly making love to her…

'A new facilitator was likely assigned to this war by now. I recommend we take her to the church tomorrow and leave her in the care of that individual for the time being.' Rin had come to such a conclusion in real time. Her most recent interaction with Sakura confirmed it. She wanted to be the one to bring her sister back from whatever nightmare she was beginning to live, but Rin didn't have the knowledge or time to do so until the war was over. Certainly, if Rin managed to end the war sooner rather than later, she would potentially divert Sakura's capability of becoming a vessel for the Grail or whatever Zouken Matou was planning. Nip the problem at the bud. It's all she could think to do now. The only downside was…

Rin forced herself not to look at Saber, because if she did, the tears she had held back previously might attempt to thwart her pride again.

…The only downside was that meant losing Saber sooner than she would ever wish to.

'You think the girl would simply forfeit her role as a master?' Archer inquired.

'If Emiya-kun talks to her, I have a feeling she would, yes.'

'What about Rider?' Shirou asked now.

'What about her? She's only a servant. Her existence means nothing. Getting too close to a "legendary" being is for less than fools.' Archer snorted.

A wave of agony attempted to cause Rin a potential stumble in her mental fortitude, but she regained her balance inwardly and knew Saber would wish her to maintain control of the conversation.

'Sakura is, at her core, a gentle and kind soul. We should not expect her to navigate this war as wisely as a seasoned warrior like yourself, Archer. She had no concept of this battle until a few days ago.'

'Hmph. I suppose that should be considered…' Archer submitted, but then grinned. 'Mages trained since they could conjure a spell, like yourself, would never fall to such obviously pointless emotional endeavours, correct?'

Rin had a feeling something like that was coming the moment she saw the humour pass over Archer's eyes.

'The cur…'

It's fine, Saber.

'Mages like myself, Archer, use every available option to guarantee victory. If a tool in my repertoire allows me to not only become more aware of my servant's needs, but strengthen their already impressive base stats, I will not hesitate to utilize such means.'

'Feh. Then are all female mages prone to bedding their servants? Is that what I am to believe?'

Rin had maintained her persona of intelligence and analytical elegance up until this point, but once Archer finally became blatant about his accusations, Rin felt her cheeks flaring, and hated how upset she became about the idea of Shirou understanding what was being said.

'That's enough!' Saber suddenly stepped in. 'Out of respect for the alliance formed I have held my tongue, but proceed to place any semblance of shame upon my master for what she does in private and I will not hesitate to strike you down prematurely. I would prefer your cooperation when confronting Berserker, but the cost is proving far too high for my taste.'

Archer smirked, shaking his head.

'Your master, hm?' He continued, showing he was combatively willing to engage in conversation much more than usual. What had triggered this overly antagonistic attitude?

'…I think we've gone off track here.' Shirou interrupted calmly, and Rin admitted that her pulse spiked, thankful for the rerouting of the subject matter. Was Shirou just playing dumb…as always? She couldn't be sure. He was ever something of an enigma to her. 'I'm more worried about Sakura. Rider and I have done what we could for her but…I'm thinking some help from the church might not be a bad idea if Tohsaka-san is recommending it and believes the strategy to be safe.'

'I won't lie, Emiya-kun, it's not foolproof, but I do think it's our best option.' Rin concluded. 'I believe ending the war within the next forty-eight hours at most is the most efficient way of diverting whatever is happening to Sakura. The longer we dawdle, the more time that thing in her has to manifest.'

'Huh.' Shirou squinted, tapping at the low table in front of him. 'You okay, Tohsaka-san?'

'What…?' Rin flinched back.

'Sorry. It just…you almost look like you're going to cry.'

Rin turned away hastily, and Saber touched her shoulder gently, addressing the room.

'My master has had a tiring day.'

'We all have.' Archer sighed. 'However, solidifying a plan of action before anyone rests is necessary if you truly wish to end the war. I don't particularly dislike the mindset, so, explain more. What is your ideal scenario?'

Rin focussed her thoughts and sat down across from Shirou, the cushioning under her a welcome relief from being on her feet most of the day. Saber joined her, sitting hardly an inch away. Her presence was too comfortable. This talk of purposely concluding the Fifth Holy Grail War was agonizing…

'I'll leave Sakura to you, Shirou. I imagine you can sufficiently convince her that the safest place for her now is away from the war. Assuming she agrees, I propose we drop her off at the church and then immediately engage Berserker by midday at the latest.'

'Okay.' Shirou acknowledged.

'If we manage to defeat Berserker, that will leave only Lancer and Gilgamesh, who seem to be working together. We'll take the remaining part of the day to recuperate, and then the following day and night, if necessary, will be committed to defeating the remaining servants.'

'So be it.' Archer muttered.

'Then, Saber and Archer will have an honourable duel to determine the winner of the Grail War.'

'Very good, Master.' Saber affirmed.

'Any questions?' Rin glanced around. 'Obviously, there are far too many assumptions to follow this outline to the letter, but it's just that; a basic framework for how to proceed. Considering what I've seen from both Saber and Archer, I personally have confidence that we can win if we coordinate our attacks properly. Saber is stronger than ever due to enhancements I've applied as of late, so, there should be little issue when she gets serious.'

'Right…' Shirou thought about the plan for a moment. 'I mean, you're better at this kind of thing than me, Tohsaka-san, so, I'll trust you.'

'You have my cooperation until the final duel.' Archer pushed off the entrance to the kitchen and stepped in behind Shirou. 'Do I need to say why?'

'Scared, Archer?' Rin raised a brow, bluffing. His agitation was boiling again, and she feared an erraticism.

'If you think anything about that duel will be honourable then I question your sanity.' The man proceeded in surprising anger.

'Again with the insults?' Saber stood up, and part of Rin had to find some humour in the confrontation, for Archer was clad in his armour and red jacket while Saber remained in pure white sleepwear.

'Archer.' Shirou warned.

'My master pales in comparison to yours. Any idiot can see that.'

'That's not our fault, Archer.' Rin hissed.

'Is it not?' Archer chuckled, pacing behind Shirou. 'I am beginning to wonder. How much longer should we play this game, Rin? Because I tire from the amount of times my hand is stayed due to your infuriating influence. Enough of this charade.'

'Now you dare to speak with such familiarity?' Saber kept her voice low in consideration of Sakura, but Rin knew she was infuriated.

'You lost me, Archer.' Rin admitted, because he truly had. Where was this anger coming from? Beyond the irksome mana pull toward the man that was only amplifying by the second, Rin struggled to know precisely what this normally cold individual was getting so personally invested in.

'Hmph. Then I will make it as plain as day.' Archer hissed.

And before Shirou or even Saber could stop him, Archer manifested one of his swords and cut his master in the back where he sat, blood spraying from the wound and Shirou toppling over the table with a grunt.