Archer leaned against one of the station pillars, arms crossed, his usual irritated expression plastered across his face. He had no idea why Rin insisted on meeting here of all places. She could've just summoned him straight to her house if she needed something, but no—she had to do things the "proper" way. Whatever that meant.
He sighed, glancing lazily at the clock above. It wasn't like he hated waiting, but he had better things to do. Well, maybe not better, but at least more interesting than loitering in a train station.
Then, a faint noise caught his attention.
It was the kind of sound that didn't belong in the station—the subtle murmurs of concern from bystanders, gasps, and then the unmistakable screech of a train braking in the distance.
His sharp eyes immediately zeroed in on the cause. A hooded figure was standing on the tracks, completely still, as if waiting for something—or someone.
Archer frowned. What are they doing? Are they trying to get themselves killed?
The bystanders didn't seem to be moving to help, instead whispering amongst themselves, their fear and confusion palpable. Archer, for his part, was about to dismiss it entirely—suicide was none of his business.
But then, as the train drew closer, he felt it.
That aura.
It wasn't just any person standing on the tracks. That was Saber.
"What the—?" he muttered, his eyes widening in shock. The hell is she doing out there? And why does it feel like she's trying to die?!
His body moved before his mind could catch up. He bolted forward, his inhuman speed making him a blur to the stunned onlookers. The train's horn blared, louder and closer now, the wheels screeching against the tracks as it tried to stop. But it was moving too fast—it wouldn't stop in time.
Neither would he.
Shirō stood on the tracks, her hood shielding her face from the world as she closed her eyes. Her heart raced, pounding in her ears louder than the train's horn. This was it. She just had to will it. She just had to manifest her powers.
"Come on," she whispered, gripping her fists tightly. "Trace… On!"
Nothing happened.
The train was so close now, she could feel the vibrations through her feet. She clenched her teeth, panic surging through her as she forced herself to stay still. It has to work. It has to!
And then, she felt it. Lightness. Weightlessness.
It worked?!
Her eyes snapped open in triumph—only to find herself not on the tracks, but being carried bridal-style by a very angry Archer.
The train roared past them, the wind whipping violently around as Archer landed back on the platform. Shirō stared up at him, blinking in shock.
"Uh, good afternoon?" she managed, her voice weak.
Archer glared at her, his crimson eyes burning with fury. "Good afternoon?" he repeated, his voice a deadly hiss. "That's what you have to say after I just dragged your suicidal ass off the tracks?!"
Shirō winced, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I wasn't trying to—"
"Don't even try to explain," he snapped, his grip tightening slightly as if to emphasize his point. "You're not dumb enough to think standing in front of a speeding train is a good idea, so what the hell were you doing?"
She averted her gaze, mumbling something under her breath.
"Speak up," Archer growled.
"I was… trying to unlock my powers," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Archer froze, his expression shifting from rage to incredulity. "You what?"
"I thought… maybe if I put myself in danger, I'd be able to activate my abilities," she said, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I mean, it worked when Berserker attacked me, and it kinda worked just now—"
"'Kinda worked'?!" Archer cut her off, his voice dripping with disbelief. "You thought nearly getting yourself killed was a good training method?!"
"Well, when you put it like that…" she muttered, scratching the back of her head sheepishly.
Archer stared at her for a long moment, his jaw clenched as if he was physically restraining himself from yelling any further. Finally, he let out a long, exasperated sigh and set her down unceremoniously on the platform.
"You're an idiot," he said bluntly.
Shirō crossed her arms, pouting. "It was worth a shot."
"No, it wasn't," Archer shot back. "You're lucky I was here. Do you even realise how close you were to getting yourself killed?"
She didn't respond, her gaze dropping to the ground.
Archer pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something about reckless kids under his breath. "Listen to me, Saber," he said finally, his tone firm but not as harsh. "If you want to get stronger, there are better ways to do it. You don't need to risk your life like this."
Shirō looked up at him, her eyes filled with doubt. "But what if I can't do it? What if I'm just… not strong enough?"
Archer's expression softened for a brief moment before his usual smirk returned. "Then it's my job to make sure you are. Don't get any stupid ideas like this again. Got it?"
Shirō hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Got it."
"Good." Archer turned away, his coat billowing dramatically behind him. "Now let's get out of here before Rin shows up and starts yelling at both of us."
Shirō followed him, her heart heavy but her resolve stronger. She still had a long way to go, but maybe—she wasn't as alone as she thought.