Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Greetings, esteemed mages of the Tower." A calm collected voice of a lone woman rang out throughout the hall, immediately garnering the attention of all who attended the meeting. She stood at the podium, short yet imposing in her own way. A woman with short black hair and azure eyes carefully surveyed the room through her glasses. "First of all, allow me to thank every one of you for attending. Many of you were skeptical, and for good reason. The Holy Grail of Fuyuki has always been considered an isolated entity that only a few select mage families sought and partook in its ritual named "War." However, today is the day to bring some important recent discoveries about the Grail's nature. As the magi Lorekeeper, it is my duty to interpret and deliver any information on magical phenomena to the Clock Tower, and the Grail of Fuyuki is no exception. However…"

The Lorekeeper turned to two mages in the audience, both were considered rising stars by many, though neither cared for this empty praise. A tall, slim man with long black hair, dark coat, and thoughtful eyes, the one who has earned his title of 'Lord', and a young, ashen haired woman in red tunic, the head of an esteemed mage family who had ties to the Grail War. The Lorekeeper continued.

"This discovery would not have been possible without our speakers today. Lord El-Melloi the Second and Rin Tohsaka, both of whom will explain the discovery. There are some disagreements on how to proceed with the matter, so I am proposing an open forum to discuss it today. As per our usual proceedings, if you wish to participate…" The Lorekeeper discussed logistics, giving Waver a bit of breathing time. He and Rin had an important, some would say impossible, task of convincing the Mage Association of the righteousness of their cause.

"Is she always this long-winded?" Rin asked with mild annoyance in her tone.

"Marianne is a pedantic woman; it comes with her occupation," Waver responded. "I assume she wants to prepare them for those revelations; many would not take kindly to them." He said, looking over the hall full of men from all corners of their society. It has been twenty years since Waver became a part of their 'machine,' unraveling every bit of corruption he could find underneath. Their society was rooted in extreme individualism, bordering with egoism, and conflicts were highly common, even within the Association itself. The revelation of the Grail's nature would surely spark controversy.

"She is not doing a good job at it. She wasn't the one who saw the Grail in action." Rin shook her head.

"Patience, she will call us soon. Can I rely on you to describe your account of the Fifth Holy Grail War?"

"Of course."

"Good. If we are to have their support, we have no choice but to convince the mages that destroying the Greater Grail is in their interest, that no matter how hard they try, they won't be able to control or change it."

"Most of the mages here barely care about Fuyuki. It's not them I'm concerned about." Rin said before looking at a certain duo sitting in the audience closer to the podium. A tall woman with pale skin, green eyes, and golden hair watched Marianne far more attentively than others. A young man with brown hair sat by her side, as well, though his gaze was turned towards the floor. "You've heard how she introduced herself."

"Angela von Einzbern…" Weaver said quietly. "Their acting representative, I'm surprised they still have any left."

"And she is not a homunculus."

"Likely a member of the Tuner family that allied themselves with the house."

"Rather ambitious of her to take on the family name, then…In any case, if an Einzbern is here, then they still have not lost their interest in the Grail."

"Then we'll watch her closely."

Before the two could speak of something else, Lorekeeper Marianne turned towards the two.

"And now, I believe it is time for our guests to speak. Lord El-Melloi the Second, Mistress Tohsaka, if you may, come forth and tell us the Fuyuki Holy Grail."

"Finally." Rin sighed and uttered under her breath. "Come on, we got a bunch of mages to convince."

Waver silently nodded and stood up, following Rin as the two of them stood atop the podium, everyone turning their gazes toward them.

"Thank you, Lorekeeper." Waver thanked Marianne before taking a look at his audience. "Before we begin, let it be known that both Rin Tohsaka and I have been participants in the Holy Grail war of Fuyuki. As you might know, the Grail acted in a manner that disregarded its usual patterns and conducted two Wars in the span of 10 years. I was a master in the Fourth War, while Rin was one in the Fifth. I saw the chaos and violence that erupted during a great war; the city was turned into an arena with seven masters fighting for the ability to have their wishes granted. However, the last wars have shown that there is no 'miracle' to be found with the Grail. The Fourth War ended in a fire that left permanent scars on Fuyuki, a direct result of the Grail's power." He explained before turning towards Rin, inviting her to continue.

"The Fifth War almost ended in a repeat of the fire." Rin began. "Kirei Kotomine, a member of the holy church who was supposed to oversee the War, acted in his own self-interest and desire to see the unleashed power of the Holy Grail. His goal was to eliminate all of the servants and have the Grail take up its true form. The Grail manifested as a dark, corrupted essence that strived to destroy everything around it and could not be controlled by anyone. The only way to stop it was to destroy the lesser Grail before it became too powerful." Rin said, passing the torch back to Waver.

"Both of those wars brought nothing but destruction and chaos to Fuyuki. Combine this with the Grail's willingness to grant the Master's power to 'questionable' people, such as the serial killer Ryuunosuke Uryuu or the sociopath Kirei Kotomine, there are solid grounds for investigating the legitimacy and necessity of the Grail Wars. The two of us inquired into the area over the last years, only to discover a disturbing truth…"

"There is no way to win the Grail War, nor is there a wish to be granted." Rin continued. "Back during the days of the Third War, a forbidden ritual conducted by Einzbern mages permanently tainted the holy grail."

"This is a rather heavy accusation." Angela von Einzbern spoke out with her hands crossed.

"We have evidence. Records and instructions on the ritual performed, as well as the differences in the Grail's behavior before and after the Third War. This corruption may also explain the anomaly of such a short time span between the Fourth and Fifth Wars…"

"And what was the ritual, exactly?" Lorekeeper inquired.

"The summoning of the eight servants of a class previously forbidden in the War. The Avenger, Angra Mainyu. The bearer of curses and all of the world's evil, a being of pure darkness and corruption, uses the Greater Grail as an incubator, preparing for its own birth into this world. This is what Kirei wanted to achieve and why any wish the Grail received would result in mass destruction. The Grail is an entity made of uncontrollable darkness and evil, perhaps the ultimate curse of this world."

"You are not accusing Einzberns of purposefully creating this monstrosity, are you?" Angela said, though instead of expected rage and denial, her voice was brimming with curiosity.

"Not on purpose. They believed it to be an opportunity to subdue the Grail, but the results proved to be beyond their control. The conclusion is obvious, the Grail is a threat, and if it falls into the wrong hands, this threat will reach far beyond Fuyuki and even Japan."

"We must take action." Waver continued. "I count on the Mage Association's support and understanding. We must put as many resources and effort as possible into destroying the Greater Grail and the chaos-bringer that resides within it. He is a blight upon our world, and it must be cleansed. Adding onto that, it is past time the Grail Wars would cease; they bring nothing but devastation to the people of Fuyuki. This contest was created by three Mage families, and with Matou bloodline eradicated, Einzbern numbers dwindling, and the head of the Tohsaka family fully on board with the dismantlement, the time to act is now." Waver couldn't help but indulge in the moment. Even after all those years, he still imagined himself marching beside Iskander, a glorious conquest for the ages to come…Iskander's journey was over a long time ago, and Waver's finally reached a turning point. Once, he rejected the Holy Grail and avoided the Fifth War, but it was not enough. The source of evil and chaos had to be destroyed, and he would lead this crusade.

However, the audience remained quiet, not eager to support the proposed cause. Many must have still doubted Waver's words.

"Allow me to speak on behalf of the Magi." Lorekeeper stepped forward. "I have seen evidence of your claims, and I do not question their validity. However, one of my concerns I wanted to propose here was as such…Why is your course of action to destroy the Greater Grail? It might be corrupted, and the representatives of three families do not express interest in it anymore, but it could still be of use."

"In what manner?"

"The Mage Association avoided it, but perhaps it is time to give the Grail the attention it deserves. We have countless talented minds here at Clock Tower; we can find a way to restore the Grail to its original form to make sure that it never falls into the wrong hands. I propose to conduct a thorough investigation on the nature of the Grail before coming to any conclusions."

"With all due respect…" Rin responded. "Angra's influence corrupts, if not outright destroys. He is an incredibly powerful being who inhabited the Grail for almost a century. Even the strongest servants, like Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes, pale before him. If we liberate this power, it will cause untold destruction and have us and many others pay for the mistake of an old Einzbern master." She spoke, and Waver continued.

"Adding on to that, the Grail would cause endless conflict once it is in the hands of wider mage society. We all know that as a source of immense power, it will attract the attention of the most selfish Mages. It is a foregone conclusion."

"But what of the good it can bring if we control it? The root of all magic is a powerful boon. None will deny that. I believe there is potential in it."

"Seems to me that the issue goes deeper," Angela spoke again. "Lord El-Melloi seems to distrust the remnants of three families unless they agree with his cause, and don't even get me started on his opinion of the Association. Do we want someone like this using our resources to destroy artifacts?" Angela turned toward other Mages, and a lot of them nodded in agreement; some even spoke out.

"This campaign is a waste."

"It is not fit for a mage to be afraid of something simply because they don't understand it!"

"Order, please!" Marianne spoke up in the audience before turning back to the podium. "Of course, everyone is free to make their own decision as an independent mage, just as others are free to oppose it. I would like to gather the Association's opinion. All in favor of supporting the Dismantlement Campaign, raise your hands.

Some showed their support, but not nearly enough. Most had their hands down, including Angela and Lorekeeper. Waver took a deep breath and looked at Marianne.

"I hoped you would understand our plight."

"Just because I disagree doesn't mean I do not understand." She shook her head. "I sympathize with your perspective, but I believe it wastes an opportunity that the Mages Association could utilize."

"I hoped it would not come to this, but such an outcome has always been likely." Waver took a breath. "The campaign will be independent if necessary."

"It is up to you, Lord El-Melloi the Second. I thank you for bringing up your concerns, but the Mage Association has made its choice, and I agree with it. The Grail requires a more thorough investigation; we have to make sure that we have used it for every beneficial purpose we possibly could before discarding it. You believe that the Grail cannot be safe in the Association's hands, and I reject this idea. I believe that…" Marianne suddenly stopped talking and clung to her hand. Something happened, something that she couldn't have anticipated yet drew all attention to the Lorekeeper. The back of her hand gleamed in crimson color.

"What is this…" Marianne sounded surprised as the blood-colored runes emerged on her hand, much to everyone's utmost shock. "Are those…"

"I can't believe it…" Rin added, and Waver spoke next. For the first time in two decades, he witnessed those runes emerge on a wrist other than his own.

"The command seals."

Chapter Text

"Give in…I only want to see the world. To see the beauty and its lush nature…I want to see everything for myself."

This voice…It reminded Hector of the meeting. Of the myriad of those who spoke out in the halls of the Mage Association, their gasps of shock and disbelief once Marianne Taylor, the Lorekeeper of the Tower, had command seals appear on her wrist in the middle of the council meeting. It seemed like providence for a discussion about the Grail to be interrupted with this sign. Only ten years after the Fifth War…History repeated itself. And now, Hector heard the echo of the Grail and witnessed its shadow before his own eyes. He never visited Japan before, much less Fuyuki, yet the surroundings seemed incredibly familiar to him.

"I can save this world…I can make it better than it ever was."

This voice echoed in Hector's ears once again. As he looked deeper into the crystal before him, he began to see a face…A disturbed, dark face with glowing, predatory eyes.

The eyes that yearned for freedom.

"Get away!"

Hector shouted as he opened his eyes. It was just a dream.

He was in his room, lying in a slightly warm bed and looking at the old ceiling above him. He must have been thinking too much about the Grail and Angra Mainyu…Or perhaps the being was communicating with him through dreams. Who could know? As the meeting showed, Angra Mainyu's capabilities were far beyond mages' understanding; the being could sense them even on the other side of the world. This thought terrified him. With every word that they spoke and every proposal El-Melloi and Tohsaka made, perhaps they invoked the Grail's wrath and began a process that could not be stopped.

Something in his body felt different, too…The young man looked at his wrist, noticing the three crimson seals.

So Angela's prediction came true as always. Hector didn't yet realize the responsibility and burden he would have to undertake; so much of this seemed distant and out of his reach…For a novice mage to take part in an event so grandiose and destructive, Hector knew he wasn't ready to fight, not alone. But with Angela's guidance, victory was possible.

Hector dressed up and walked down the stairs to the ground floor of the estate. It was not nearly as grand as Einzbern Castle, but it was more than enough for their current representative. Hector could already see the blonde woman downstairs, reading books and scrolls in preparation for the war, three seals shining on her wrist. Born among the Tuners who worked closely with the Homunculi, Angela was given access to most of the castle, eventually becoming a representative and de facto leader for the few Homunculi still residing in the castle. No wonder she was among the first the Grail chose. She was smart not to reveal those seals at the meeting. She was his teacher and guide, his savior…And it was time for them to fight side by side.

"Hi, mother…" He said quietly, making Angela turn around and put her book away.

"Awake already, Hector? Perfect, I have something for you to read before we fly to Fuyuki; that place is a throve of magical power."

"And I have something to show you." The young man smiled and raised his wrist, unveiling the command seals. Angela was silent for a few seconds, but a proud smile emerged on her face almost immediately.

"Wonderful, this is everything we could have hoped for! Well done." She stood up and moved towards Hector, carefully scrutinizing the seals with a cathartic look on her face. "I knew that Angra Mainyu would sense a worthy challenger in you. Between the two of us, the Grail will be ours."

"Don't you find it peculiar?" Hector said with doubt in his voice. "The Grail has never picked more than one family representative, yet both of us are allied with Einzberns…"

"Does it matter?" Angela said dismissively. "Perhaps it is because of the Matou family demise, or perhaps the Grail has ulterior motives. We don't give Angra Mainyu nearly enough credit. He knows that there are forces in the world that seek to dismantle it, and it will only grant power to those who can protect it…Do you understand what this means? We both have the command seals at our behest, which means we can both summon a servant. We have been chosen by Angra Mainyu, the legacy of the previous Einzbern generation, to defend its existence…And we will." Angela said with gleeful anticipation. "We will retake the Grail and unveil its true potential, something that no other mage could ever do. Are you not thrilled?"

"I saw a dream…It was as if the Grail talked to me. Said that it wanted to see the world and be free."

"All the better, then! It counts on us. It gives us a chance to unearth its secrets!" Angela said with profound dedication. "We must do our best, and then…" A smile of anticipation emerged on her face. "No, it's too early to think about it. Far, far too early. We have to prove ourselves worthy first, don't we?"

"I still have my doubts…I don't think El-Melloi and Tohsaka were lying. That 'being' is dangerous, and if no one could ever control or ally with it…What makes us so different?"

"Come now, Hector, never allow the fear of the unknown to dictate your actions. It is the folly that destroyed many promising mages. No mage knew about Angra Mainyu during previous wars, and the moment they learned the truth, the likes of El-Melloi already wanted to destroy it out of fear. Others want to approach with caution, but they are hardly worthy enough…Think about it: the only one who knew of Angra Mainyu's nature during the previous war was Kirei Kotomine. What did he want? He wanted to see it be born and flourish. He understood something that most mages are too terrified to admit…There is both beauty and power and darkness. And who else deserves to unveil it but us? Those who carry the legacy of Angra Mainyu's summoners?"

"I suppose…"

"You should show more confidence in our cause," Angela reassured them. "You know what the benefits can be if we secure an alliance with a being so powerful…If we have his might at our disposal."

"A being that only grants wishes through destruction?" Hector chuckled. "I doubt it can give me what I want."

"Even so, it will give our family a future. I'm proud of how far you've come, Hector, but…You lived to fulfill a grander purpose, and this is exactly it. You would play a part in the future of the entire mage society. Both of us will. Do your duty…And there will be no end to my pride, son." She said in a happy voice, but her words made Victor pause as his heart skipped a beat. He remembered the day of the flood. Hector tried to grasp for air, but his lungs were stifled and blocked; what was once a normal breath felt like a ravaging flame scorching his body from within. This burning water filled his lungs, the red eyes, and the sound of his agonizing cough as he looked upon the face of the woman who pulled him out of the water. His parents' screams faded into oblivion; it was too late for them to be saved, but Hector had a chance to breathe again. This was when Hector had to face the desperate horrors of life…But he was luckier than most. He had her by his side.

He had Angela, the woman who saved him that day, gave him a home, and made a mage.

"I will do it." For the first time today, Hector spoke with confidence. "I will do it for the family."

"Wonderful…Come, I have already gathered some relics for the summoning."

He had a debt to repay.

...

"Wake up, Sakura…The day has only just begun."

Once, those words were a pure representation of her existence's bane and sorrow. She would always hear them in Zouken's malicious voice, the same words echoing in her ears, over and over, as she was forced to descend into the pit. They represented the countless hours Sakura had no choice but to endure, feeling the crest worms penetrate her body and drain her energy. Each minute of her existence was mired in suffering and agony.

That was Sakura Matou's life…But Sakura Kuzuki led a very different one.

"Hey, Sakura, are you alright?" A young woman asked her friend as the two of them left the store. Sakura shook as if returning from her trance and raised her bright blue eyes.

"It's alright, Naomi, thanks for your concern. Just had my thoughts wonder off a little." Sakura said with a faint smile emerging on her face.

"No worries." Naomi returned the favor and grinned in return. "Alright, then, see you tomorrow, got to go!"

"See you!" Sakura waved to the black-haired woman as she rushed to the other side of the street. They had a nice time catching up, but it was time for Sakura to head home. A home where she lived alone and had all the time in the world to contemplate whatever she wanted, though, after years of this process, it became tiring.

At least she had friends and the good company she could keep…

Naomi was her closest friend, and in light of how different the two of them were at first glance, Sakura couldn't help but find their friendship ironic. It has been ten years, and she still never spoke to her sister despite having the freedom to do so. She tried to think of how this moment would go, to plan what she was going to say to Rin and to make sense of her chaotic feelings towards her sister, but it proved too much of a challenge to handle. Yet still, the friends she found always had Rin's best qualities, an ability to take charge, passion, and level-headedness, which Sakura sometimes disregarded in favor of emotion. But she appreciated Naomi for who she was, as she did with her other friends…

At long last, Sakura's life was good, at least for the most part. Both Taiga and Souichirou told her that it was about time for her to find a man to settle down with and start a family, but Sakura couldn't think of relationships. A part of her still dreamed of Shirou coming to her doorstep…A new hero who traveled around the world and witnessed all it had to offer. That he will confess his undying love for her as she always dreamed of…This hope remained in her heart. When Sakura traveled to London to learn advanced magic, she hid her identity and family name, but she still hoped that Shirou or Rin would come and find her. She never made the first step, yet she dared to dream…Sakura wasn't blind to the bitter irony of her being. She still refused to follow her dreams out of fear, much like she did a decade ago, and yet it was different now.

She was free. Perhaps not of her memories but of the constant suffering that Zouken inflicted on her. This sadistic monster that wanted to use her as a vessel…Sakura would never forgive him. After all the pain he caused her, after all the justifications he made for it, Sakura had enough. She never deserved any of it, a fact that took years for her to come to terms with, but now that she finally accepted it, she could leave Zouken behind. There were others who she managed to forgive. Sakura forgave Shinji for the abuse he inflicted on her. After all, he was living in the shadow of the same monster…And she forgave Illya for murdering Shinji and lying to her. How could she not after all the effort the Einzbern girl put into freeing her? She saved Sakura's life, and all she asked for in exchange was to tell Shirou the truth…Sakura closed her eyes as tears emerged. She truly was a failure.

Every few months, she would visit Illya's grave and apologize for not fulfilling the promise she had given, but never once did she do anything to seek Shirou out and honor Illya's wish. It was the same cycle of regret that did not allow her to move on completely, and Sakura knew that it would not change until she took decisive action. Until then, all she could do was to live a normal life burdened with regret and shame.

Eventually, Sakura arrived home, a remote place at the outer edge of Fuyuki, cozy and with just enough space for Sakura not to feel restrained. She could've had to live beside Shirou and Rin, at least kept her contact with them, but she never had the strength…Her trip to London ended up being a shadowy voyage where she didn't reconnect to any of the people with whom she wanted. All she got was arbitrary knowledge of magic and a lone relic of the past. Sakura came to the wardrobe. She peered inside at the withered scepter that she won in a contest. A prize with barely any use, even its colors have long since withered away…But she also couldn't discard it. It is not an artifact that allegedly persisted in the days of ancient Babylonia. It was a reminder of her wasted opportunities and how much she had forsaken. If only…

Before Sakura had a chance to finish this thought, she felt a sudden surge of pain. The woman reflexively clung to her wrist, feeling some kind of carvings emerging on her hand. The sensation was eerily familiar, she felt it once before, back in the Matou household on that night…No, it could not be happening!

Sakura looked down, only to see three crimson seals in their horrifying glory.

Chapter Text

Command seals…The marks that changed everything.

Waver hoped to never see them again, for he had no desire to partake in this cruel, destructive tournament. However, just as he launched his campaign against the Grail, he saw undeniable and horrifying proof of Angra Mainyu's omniscience. The shadowed one watched the proclamations and made his move the moment he realized that the push for dismantlement would not stop. This complicated matters, yet Waver was not going to give up. The moment the meeting was over, Waver began gathering information about others who received the command seals. Rin joined him at his headquarters to help.

"Have you looked through the files yet?" Waver asked Rin as he interrupted her while she was studying in a large decorated room that he had chosen for her. Even now, she sat on the sofa, focusing on the materials before her.

"Thoroughly."

"Any thoughts?"

"Are you going to sit down, or do you want me to shout?"

Waver sighed and walked towards the sofa Rin was on, taking a seat beside her.

"Now, I'd appreciate it if we got to business."

"Be my guest." Rin took some of the files on Marianne Taylor, the lorekeeper. "I suppose that we're lucky that one of your colleagues became a master. She seems reasonable enough."

"Marianne can be stubborn at times, but at least I can be confident in her intentions. She does not wish to harm anyone with the Grail's power, but she might have to see the full extent of its darkness before we will convince her of anything."

"You have a note here that a servant she will summon is likely to be an ancient Roman heroic spirit; why is that?"

"It is her preferred area of expertise and research when it comes to history. She is very likely to have Roman relics that will help her summon a spirit." Waver explained before looking at another file, that of a tall man with dark hair and dark brown eyes. "I am more concerned about this mage. We know he possesses a relic related to Jeanne d'Arc and has connections in the associations, but he is not someone I encountered."

"I've dealt with Everec Kammerer before. As power-hungry as he is arrogant. I'm sure he'd want the Grail to help him take over the entire Association."

"I see…In that case, it fits with the pattern."

"A pattern?" Rin wondered. "Trying to figure out where to look for other masters?"

"In a way. It is worth noting that two out of three masters that we've discovered have a stark agenda and a reason to preserve the Holy Grail. On the other hand…"

"Neither of us got command seals." Rin caught his thought. "Despite both of us being experienced participants and me being the Tohsaka representative."

"It seems that our most dangerous enemy is the Grail itself," Waver said. "Angra Mainyu must have started this war as a means to defend itself from our campaign, so much that it is willing to break its own traditions of granting the seals to each of the three families…"

"Since the Matou name is no more, the grail didn't have a choice but to stray," Rin suggested. "That said, I'm more than certain that that fox Angela got chosen. She is both a representative and argued for Grail's preservation; if I were Angra Mainyu, I would not miss out on the opportunity."

"I agree…Unfortunately, it is difficult to get close to Einzberns with how guarded their territory is."

"I think she'll show herself sooner or later…"

Before the two could continue, a phone rang in Rin's pocket. Tohsaka took it out and answered the call, listening attentively,

"Ah, you're just in time." Rin smiled and put the phone away.

"I take it he's here?" Waver asked calmly.

"Yes. See how good it is to have allies among masters? Come along, I'll introduce you." Rin said with vigor and confidence.

The two mages walked downstairs into the living room, ready to meet their guest, who patiently expected the hosts at the entrance. Rin was the one to open the door, allowing a tall man in dark grey clothing. They contrasted with his fiery red hair and passionate eyes with a golden tint.

"Look who's here." Rin smiled. "You've certainly seen better days."

"Glad to see you, Tohsaka." The man responded with a quiet voice with undertones of warmth.

"Come now, you could've said that with a bit more enthusiasm, Emiya," Rin said playfully before turning to Waver. "May I introduce you, Shirou Emiya."

"Welcome, Mr. Emiya." Waver shook their guest's hand.

"You can call me Shirou. Lord El-Melloi the Second?"

"Correct. I assume Rin told you about me and our situation?"

"She did."

"Then come inside." Waver guided Shirou into the hall as both he and Tohsaka followed. "Rin spoke quite highly of you, Shirou. So do the people of Japan who encountered you. You are described as someone who saved countless lives, be it helping to stop dangerous criminals or helping survivors of various natural disasters, all while asking for nothing in return. They say you've become something of a folk hero. And you've continued this kind of 'career' for ten years, impressive, there's no other way to describe it."

"I don't regret my path," Shirou said coldly yet without a shred of doubt. "I saved many over the years, but I can always save more."

"You have, though I hear your greatest achievement goes all the way to the beginning of this journey."

"Indeed it does," Tohsaka added. "Shirou can be a bit shy about it, but he was the one who stopped Kirei Kotomine from unleashing the grail's corruption upon Fuyuki."

"I was not alone." Shirou challenged her.

"Yes, I know…Of course."

"Either way, you've saved Fuyuki from the same result that occurred during my Holy Grail War." Waver congratulated Shirou. "Now, then." He pointed at the chairs for his allies to sit on; they had much more to discuss. "We are all former participants, yet Shirou is the only one the grail chose again," Waver said with some skepticism in his voice. Angra Mainyu's goal was to survive, but why would it choose Shirou? Was there a desire in this determined hero that the shadowed one wanted to exploit?

"That it did." Shirou nodded. "I contacted Tohsaka the moment those command seals appeared on my palm." He raised his arm, showing three crimson runes carved out. "I didn't summon my servant yet, but I have the means." He took out a skull-shaped mask out of his pocket, tossing it to the table.

"This belonged to Hassan of the Cursed Arm…" Waver spoke with curiosity. "Seems like you will have control over this war's Assassin."

"It is not my first choice, but I have no other relics, and the time is short," Shirou said. "Tohsaka told me of what you are planning to do, and I promise to aid your quest. Nothing in return…Just like with all those people."

"Emiya, just make sure we are on the same page," Rin interjected. "We will destroy the Grail for good this time. You support this, correct?"

"Why would I not." Shirou's voice grew colder, making Rin take a pause.

"You know why." She added in a quiet voice.

"No." Shirou cut her off as he looked away to the side, trying to avoid eye contact with Waver. "What's in the past will remain in the past."

"I see…I shouldn't have brought it up."

"I am with you until the end. I tried to destroy the Grail a decade ago, not realizing that breaking the vessel is not enough. If we have to take this fight to the root, then so be it."

"In that case…" Waver nodded with approval. "Welcome to the fold, Shirou Emiya."

...

The darkest pit of Hell has never felt so comforting.

Iseri has always called it home, a depressing, agonizing place, which nevertheless fueled his passion. It has been years since he displayed his research before the mages of the Tower, showed the force of an untamed wind, the all-destroying Vortex that can surpass any known power in existence! They told him no one could control it, that no one could dream of defying or using such power. They were terrified because they saw a mage who surpassed them. They resisted; they threw Iseri in prison, took his research away from him, and dared to disgrace the master of the wind.

"Let knowledge and wind be the essence.

Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation

Let gold be the color I pay tribute to

Let rise a wall against the wind that shall fall

Let the four cardinal gates close.

Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the Kingdom rotate."

Their fear was meaningless, their resistance futile, for Iseri would never abandon his passion. He witnessed the rotten core of the mage society, those cowardly and hypocritical bureaucrats that stood in the way of progress and enlightenment. He could show them a path to the future, a way to control the winds of this world, but they rejected him.

And now all of them will pay.

"I hereby declare.

Your body shall serve under me.

My fate shall be your sword.

Submit to the beckoning of the Holy Grail

If you will submit to this will and this reason…Then answer!"

Iseri never dreamed of getting such an opportunity, yet here it was, right before him. He had the essence of the Holy Grail speak to him, the dark, all-powerful being that could fulfill every wish of destruction he could possibly have. He would have this power to himself, no matter how corrupted or broken it was. Angra Mainyu called out.

"An oath shall be sworn here!

I shall attain all virtues of all of Heaven.

I shall have dominion over all evils of all of Hell!"

His servant would be among the oldest creatures of this earth, the one who reigned over the element of the wind long before Iseri or any other mage was born. The winged sandals shall bring him forth, but his strength alone would not be enough. Iseri wanted to witness the destructive Tornado, unbound by morals or any kind of restraint or hesitation.

"Yet, though serves with thine eyes clouded in chaos

Thou, bound in the cage of madness.

I am he who commands this chaos."

With his command seals, Iseri had the power that defied any limit and would put this wretched society to its knees. It will purge all of them, and then Iseri will create a new association…An association of those who do not fear pushing their limits and claiming any power they can. Through Angra Mainyu…He will finally find freedom.

"From the Seventh Heaven, attended to by three great words of power,

Come forth from the ring of restraints,

Protector of the Holy Balance!"

Chapter Text

Shirou would never forget that day.

The day he and Saber marched into the heart of darkness, ready to sacrifice themselves to stop the darkness that Kirei and Gilgamesh wanted to unleash upon Fuyuki. The day when he truly realized what it meant to be a hero. Shirou always wanted to save others and become a hero of justice, much like his father did, but he never expected to stare into the face of pure evil. This was but a fraction of Angra Mainyu's power, yet it was enough to almost crush Shirou, break his body and soul, and make him nothing more than a puppet for Kirei to toy with.

Yet he lived long enough to see the sun.

He wondered what it was that kept him going. Was it his undying faith? His unbreakable ideals and desire to save his city? The rage towards Kotomine for insulting and belittling Kiritsugu? Most of all, it was the knowledge that he did not fight alone. It would have never been possible without Saber, a woman who once towered above Shirou, ready to serve him to the bitter end. Only a few weeks did he spend beside her, but they were enough to become enamored with her for the rest of his life. How could he ever forget such honor, beauty, and nobility? Every time he looked into Saber's emerald eyes, Shirou could see the endless pain of her past, yet it was overshadowed by Saber's selfless determination and her readiness to walk this perilous and painful road.

"Shirou, I love you."

Those words were the reason Shirou Emiya kept going. Every time he felt even the smallest doubt in his chosen path, he thought about Saber's sacrifice and that she finally found freedom despite all her pain. Shirou believed that one day, he would see her again, no matter how long it took. A part of him dreamed of seeing her as soon as he could, but he could not give into this temptation, or else he would betray everything he stood for, everything that he told Saber to fight for, the past that he promised to let go…

Yet, no matter how hard he tried to escape the past, it would always come back to haunt Shirou.

"Let silver and steel be thy essence…"

It was time to finish what his father had started, what he and Saber had continued. The battle against the corruption of the Holy Grail, the battle against Angra Mainyu himself. He was granted the power of a master once more, and both El-Melloi and Tohsaka relied on him. This was the time to set things right and repent for his father's mistakes, to make sure that no tragedy like the horrid fire would ever occur in Fuyuki again.

His companions stood and watched as Shirou focused on the ritual circle, speaking out the chant.

He could feel the command seals on his palm shining and calling out for a servant. During his previous summoning, Shirou was on the brink of death, completely oblivious to what was going on around him, not anymore.

"From the Seventh Heaven, attended to by three great words of power,

Come forth from the ring of restraints,

Protector of the Holy Balance!"

He saw a dark cloud emerge in the center of the circle, and every mage in the summoning room could feel the presence of a powerful, magical being that had been unveiled before them. This sight…It made Shirou think back to the first time he laid his eyes on Saber. Back then, she was shrouded in a divine and pure light, the glow of hope and nobility. Now, it was the complete opposite, a shadowy darkness of betrayal and lies. Shirou wondered if this was what he should've expected after facing the harsh, devastating realities of this world.

For a moment, he dared to hope that Saber would still be there, no matter how nonsensical the thought seemed. Shirou yearned for her, wanted to look into her eyes and touch her yet again, hear her beautiful voice…He knew she was waiting for him on the other side, in Avalon. He will reach her one day, which he knows.

"I ask of you…" A whispering voice echoed from the darkness. "Are you my master?" Even the words thrown at him echoed the ones he heard on that day. Before him stood the dark assassin, Hassan of the Cursed Arm.

"I am your master," Shirou said coldly. "And I have summoned you for a single purpose. To bring an end to the Holy Grail War."

...

The Greaves of Iskandar.

A relic of the past that Hector could not dream of holding in his hands, yet after command seals emerged on his arm, he had no capacity to be surprised anymore. It was one of Angela's most treasured relics, the one she kept for the fateful day of the summoning. It was the key to bringing one of the mightiest heroes of the past into the present, to make him ride his chariot into battle once again, to write another chapter in the tale of his glorious conquest. And this legendary hero was about to become an apprentice to him, a mere apprentice. As Hector created the ritual circle and placed the greaves in the center, he could only ponder a single question,

Was this a dream come true or a burden too heavy for him to bear?

One way or the other, it was inevitable; Hector knew that much.

"My dear, what are you waiting for?" He heard Angela's playful voice. The woman walked straight through the door behind him. "Is something wrong with the circle?"

"No…Not in the slightest. Everything is ready for the ritual."

"Then what's the issue? Is mighty Alexander not to your liking?"

"No, of course, he is!" Hector spoke up. "He is an esteemed hero, the entire world knows him, and…That's exactly what feels so overwhelming. To have this man stand before me, to call him my 'servant' and to bind him with spells, do I even have the right to exert such power?" Hector wondered, still struggling to imagine himself in the role. "After all, you were always the master. I am just an apprentice."

"Oh, Hector, can't stop the self-doubt at all, can you?" Angela giggled. "Well, now is hardly the time. You may be just an apprentice, but you are still a mage. And mages have power that no other human can ever dream of. We are the strongest of our kind, after all. If the grail allows us to command those ancient heroes, then who else is worthy of this gift but a mage? Angra Mainyu wants to be free, and he chose you to help him. Don't disappoint him…And me."

"No, I'd…I won't disappoint you, I swear." Hector looked up and spoke with confidence. "You can count on me to follow you in this battle to the bitter end."

"Wonderful, Hector, absolutely wonderful. So don't hesitate. It is time for a summon."

"One last question…Wouldn't you want to become a master of a servant so renowned and powerful? Why give the greaves to me?"

"I already have a servant." Angela said casually, yet this was the first time Hector heard of this.

"Really?"

"I summoned him a day ago, and he is already scouting. Don't worry about me, Iskandar is a mighty servant, but I am happy with the arrangement I have."

"And who is the servant?"

"You'll meet him in due course. For now, focus on yours."

"I…Yes, of course."

Hector raised his arms and focused on the ritual circle, beginning the chant.

"Let gold and steel be thy essence…"

Hector channeled all of his energy into the greaves, he could already feel the power pulsing through them, creating a presence that could be felt all across the Einzbern outpost in Japan. This place used to belong to Illyasviel, but now it was Angela's, and everyone else, including Hector, an esteemed guest. Once again will it become the grounds for Einzberns' bid in the war, and this time, they knew there was no room for failure.

This time, they will have two masters and servants fighting for the same cause, to take the Holy Grail and bring pride and triumph to Einzberns. With the power of Angra Mainyu, they will be unstoppable…Angela will be unstoppable. And she will be proud of him. This hope kept Hector going, kept him channeling his power until finally, a bulky silhouette of a man began to form. He could already hear Angela's prideful voice behind himself.

"Yes, Yes!" She said with delight. "A flawless summoning!"

The body began to take shape, Hector could finally witness a great hero right before his eyes, a true warrior and a proud king.

"It seems that I've awoken from my slumber…" The man said as a smile emerged on his face. "How timely!"

...

She never wanted this.

Sakura never wanted to fight in another war, not after she was forced into it. Not after this barbaric ritual and Tokiomi and Zouken's ambitions that stemmed from it ruined her youth, turning those years into a never-ending nightmare, full of agony and despair. All she wanted was to live a normal life and make her own future, and yet somehow, some way…She was a master once again. Ten years ago, Sakura escaped responsibility by giving her servant to Shinji, who acted as a master in that war, but she cannot afford it now.

Sakura looked into countless sources, practically anything she could find; there must have been a reason that the war started now. Sakura found out about the recent statements made by Lord El-Melloi the second and her sister, Rin. They were to go on a campaign of dismantlement, an ambitious attempt to destroy the Holy Grail and rid the world of its dark power. This marked the beginning of The Sixth Holy Grail War. From what she knew, neither Rin nor El-Melloi had any command seals, so that meant they could belong to someone far more dangerous, the masters, who would all be on Sakura's trail. She did not want to fight, but there was no other chance…

It took her some time to muster the courage and take the scepter. If only Zouken lived long enough to see this…He would've cackled with delight, never failing to remind Sakura of the irony. Without the family that tortured and abused her, Sakura somehow ended up being in even more danger. She had no choice but to fight, and she would have to summon the man who once stood in front of her father twenty years ago. However, she knew that the kind of artifact she had would not summon an Archer class servant. She could only hope that no Caster had been summoned yet.

Sakura drew the circle and wrote down the appropriate chant.

"May the Gates of Babylon open once more, may their divine light bless the earth beneath it…"

There was no turning back; Sakura could feel the powerful source of energy before her, a ray of light in which she could witness the golden glow forming the hero's body. It was a truly majestic sight; for a moment, Sakura forgot that she was in the middle of a ruthless battle and could not allow herself to get distracted. Only he could protect her from the Onslaught of others. No matter how much energy he drained, Sakura would have to supply it to him. The only advantage of the procedures Zouken forced her to undergo was boundless reservoirs of magic that could supply someone like the King of Heroes. At long last, she could see him…A majestic, powerful man, a dazzling embodiment of perfection. She looked into his crimson eyes the moment he emerged, only to be met with an apathetic gaze of mild annoyance.

"Who dares to call upon me? Where is the mongrel that demanded for the Gates of Babylon to open before them?"

He looked from above…As did countless others, all those who dared to underestimate Sakura and mistreat her, to use her lack of confidence and self-esteem against her. She needed to stand proud.

"It was me, King Gilgamesh." Sakura stood and looked up. "I am your master."

"A lone maiden?" The Caster chuckled. "Certainly not what I expected…Perhaps this will prove interesting."

Chapter Text

And now, the hunt has begun.

According to Angela's words, all the servants were summoned, and the Holy Grail War could begin properly. She also told Hector that Angra Mainyu had already begun to form, and the deaths of other servants would speed his transformation up. This left a simple task for the representatives of House Einzbern.

Extermination.

Hector's task was to find any master, anyone with strong sources of magic, and destroy them. With his new servant, this task didn't seem as insurmountable as before.

"Hm…" Hector said quietly, watching around the city. He and Iskandar got up to a higher place and watched for Fuyuki at night. No one would catch them atop a construction machine, but they had a bird's eye view. "No one yet. Either they are cowards or in hiding." He said with disgust and disappointment. "They would try to hide themselves to avoid being easy victims, but one has to slip up sooner or later."

"Bah, is that the only strategy you can think of?" Iskandar stood behind him, a proud King who obeyed his master but did not hesitate to call him out when he felt like it. As annoyed as Hector was by it, he understood that one does not become a King and a conqueror without such confidence. "Standing in a comfortable spot and waiting for your enemy to come at your doorstep is a fool's errand; we have to be the ones seeking them out."

"That would only expose us."

"And so? We are in a time and place where six powerful heroes roam right beneath our noses, and each of them presents an opportunity for a glorious duel. I'd look into the eyes of each one, see their spark for battle, and then they shall either bend their knee or perish like true warriors. If it comes to it, I would fight them all at once!"

"Enough, that won't happen on my watch," Hector responded quietly, remembering what Angela told him. He had to stay confident and never forget that he is the master and Iskandar the servant."

"Then it seems to me that you don't care for getting the Grail as much as you pretend to," Alexander said calmly with an undertone of disappointment. "Would you like to see someone else lay their hands on it while you sit here and watch?"

"I don't need the Holy Grail; Angela does."

"Ah, the Archer's master…It's clear that the two of you have formed some kind of an alliance."

"It's more than that. The Holy Grail belongs to her, and I am in this war to help her get it."

"Truly?" Iskandar said with wonder. "Hah, you couldn't think of a funnier story if you tried! Here you are, among the seven chosen masters, you have a chance to conquer this entire town along with the Holy Grail itself, and yet you have no ambition whatsoever?"

"I want someone truly worthy to claim the Grail. Isn't that an ambition?"

"And you say Angela is worthy? Why is that?"

"What kind of question is that? She taught me everything I know and is an incredibly powerful mage who can handle the Grail! How is she not worthy?" Hector claimed his fist, ready to explode at any moment.

"Then tell me this, boy, why is she not leading her subjects into battle? Why does she hide in the shadows without even informing you of what exactly she is planning? She has good traits for a schemer and perhaps a strategist, but she seems to lack the courage necessary for a leader. Mingling with the Grail's power is no small burden…"

"Stop it already." Hector shook his head. "I am not going to argue about this. She saved me, and I'm not going to fight against her, not after what I promised!"

"She saved you, you say?" Rider wondered, making Hector look away as he realized he said something he shouldn't have.

"I…Back when I was a child, my town was flooded. I was the only one who escaped alive, all thanks to her. She became my family after I saw mine…After I saw them…" Even speaking of it made Hector shake, forcing the image of his parents drowning in front of his eyes.

"I see…So you are bound by honor."

"No, that's…Doesn't matter, call it however you want." Hector was about to say something else, but his focus suddenly shifted. There was a change in the magical field around them, for an incredibly powerful source unveiled itself a few streets away.

"You can feel it too, I take it?" Alexander looked at his master.

"It's unmistakable, and it can only mean one thing…"

He looked down, trying to trace down the energy, and eventually, he saw a young woman lurking in the shadows. She must have been a master.

"The time has come!" Iskandar announced loudly. "I feel it. This battle will be glorious!"

…

Even after summoning a servant of immeasurable power, Sakura still felt defenseless against the threats before her. She knew nothing of who else the Grail chose, but after studying the Grail Wars, she realized that the being that resides beneath Fuyuki has no qualms about granting its blessing to monstrous and repugnant people. They would not hesitate to attack her even if she never joined the battle. There was no way but to stay vigilant. Sakura hoped she could stay home to ensure her safety, but she was well aware this was not enough. If an enemy master finds her within the confines of her own home, she will be cornered and easily beaten.

Instead, she chose to employ another strategy.

When the night fell, Sakura went outside for a walk in the park, much like she usually did. She enjoyed the quiet and serene streets of Fuyuki, especially after the crime rate dropped in the last few years, making them much safer. Of course, she had her sworn protector following her in spirit form. Gilgamesh was among the strongest servants; he could stand up to any enemy short of Angra Mainyu himself, but he would also lure the more curious masters, leading them to reveal themselves. This was the simplest way to come in contact; from there, Sakura could either forge an alliance or fight them off without revealing the location of her home. It was a risky plan, but Sakura was certain that it was the best available course.

"Inviting enemies to come for you directly…" Gilgamesh's intrigued voice echoed in Sakura's mind. "A bold move, the one befitting a king, but it is suicide unless you know you can face any challenge ahead of you."

"With you at my side, I can."

"Is that an attempt at flattery, or are you simply stating a fact? Either way, you are in luck." Gilgamesh said proudly as Sakura sat on a bench at the nearby park. "Six great heroes from different eras, is that it? All of them are not even children compared to me, and they will be crushed."

"I don't want to crush anyone unless it's absolutely necessary…" Sakura shook her head. "I didn't choose to join this war, you know."

"But there must be something you want from the Grail; you are a mere human; after all, your kind is incapable of turning down such an opportunity."

"It doesn't matter what I want, I know the Grail is corrupted. It can only grant wishes through killing and destruction…And Fuyuki has seen enough of that."

"Seems like someone tainted my treasured possession while I was gone…Preposterous."

"I'm sorry if that's not what you wanted when you were summoned by the Grail…But I need you to survive."

"Are you 'always' sorry when you try to follow your basic survival instincts? If that's so, I wonder how you managed to live that long." Gilgamesh said mockingly; Sakura realized that he was the type to always speak his mind. "I never cared for being summoned, that's true, but now that I am here, perhaps I can yet find something amusing."

"Then I guess we are…" Before Sakura could finish, she felt chills going up her spine as her eye caught something strange. It was a shadowy silhouette that emerged underneath the moonlight, and it was approaching her with incredible swiftness and precision. Soon, Sakura realized that this was none other than a flying chariot, which could only mean one thing…She was discovered by this war's Rider. It was terrifying to stare into the eyes of a servant, but Sakura ignored her desire to run. After all, she did not have to fight alone.

"At my side, Caster!"

The moment Sakura gave the order, the golden silhouette of a proud hero emerged by her side. A man in a crimson robe holding a grimoire in one hand, and a deadly axe in the other. His golden hair gleamed with light, and his eager eyes started at the approaching enemy.

"You shall go no further!" Gilgamesh commanded and created a few weapons out of pure magic. Transforming them into golden energy, he unleashed them upon the chariot, forcing it to change its course and stop.

"Ah-ha, now that was an impressive display!" A bulky man in a dark red robe and eyes full of vigor and excitement exited the chariot, and another one, a young, brown-haired man of Sakura's age. This must have been the master…And seeing him put Sakura's mind at a relative ease. He was just human…Like her, Shirou, Rin, Souichirou. Masters were human, and many of them could be reasonable. She did not sense any malice coming from this man. Eventually, Gilgamesh broke the silence, looking at Rider.

"Is this everything you have to say, mongrel? You lay your eyes on the most powerful man to ever live, yet I hear no veneration."

"Veneration won't come from a single spell, Caster. The battle to come will be your judgment…Unless, of course, you would like to swear your loyalty to me, King of Conquerors, and join my perilous journey."

Gilgamesh couldn't hold back his laughter.

"And here I thought I would face a Rider, not a jester. The mere thought of you judging me is insolent enough, but to swear loyalty to an inferior 'king.' Never."

Another voice emerged, this time of Rider's master. A calm and collected tone, though not the one that could mask his visible disappointment.

"There is no point with this one. He would never bow to anyone."

"'This one'?" Gilgamesh raised his eyebrow. "Who are you to speak of me in such a manner?"

"Someone who studied the history of the Grail War, that's all. You were summoned twenty years ago, even though it was a different class, correct? King of Heroes, Gilgamesh…"

"Not half-bad, mongrel."

Sakura realized that her opponent has done his research, but so did she. The enemy servant was familiar, she read about someone exactly like this in the records, he was summoned in the same war as Gilgamesh.

"I know your servant, too," Sakura spoke up. "Alexander the Great, the King of Conquerors."

"Smart girl!" Iskandar exclaimed. "I'm glad my name hasn't been forgotten."

"Then I take it we both looked into the records," Hector said as his and Sakura's eyes met.

"Have you come to attack me?"

"No, I want to talk, first and foremost." He said in a surprisingly polite manner. "Who are you?"

"You really want me to just reveal my identity?" Sakura spoke with suspicion.

"Just a name will do. It's easier for reference. I can tell you mine, I am Hector.

"Sakura."

"A beautiful name makes me think of cherry blossoms…A lot of Europeans visit your country to see them."

"What do you want from me?"

"Alright, straight to the point…" Hector sighed. "Let's say I am a part of an association that seeks to protect the holy grail from those that seek to destroy it."

"Someone wants to destroy it?"

"Oh, I see you are not up to speed on this. Lord El-Melloi the second started a campaign to dismantle the Grail of Fuyuki, and this was almost the exact moment we were granted our command seals."

"So the Grail started a war as a last resort…To defend itself?"

"Most likely. My mentor and I want to defend the Grail from those insurgents who want to rid our world of such a powerful and useful tool."

"This 'tool' killed hundreds of people."

"In the wrong hands it did, but my mentor is willing to do everything in her power to subdue it. She is the most talented mage I know, and she can do it." Sakura heard words like those before, Zouken was just as certain, this would not lead to anything but more destruction. "If you and your servant would like to join you, we welcome you with open arms."

"And what if I refuse?"

"Then our servants will fight until only one man is left standing. We are amidst a war, after all.

"I'm sorry, but I can't accept your offer," Sakura said, resisting her fear of the inevitable battle. "You seem like a clever mage, but you did not see or feel the Grail's power like I did. I would not wish that upon anyone, ever! If this Lord El-Melloi truly decided to destroy the Grail, then I have nothing but respect and admiration for him!"

"A shame. In that case…" Hector turned towards Iskandar. "Caster is all yours. Show no mercy."

"And so it begins." Iskandar drew his sword, readying himself to clash with the King of Heroes.

"Protect us both, Gilgamesh!"

"I'll do much more than that."

Iskandar was the first to attack, attempting to pierce Gilgamesh, but Caster was more than prepared to face the onslaught. He created a defensive field of gold magic before launching powerful bolts of energy into his enemy. Rider raised his sword, deflecting one strike after another. Only a single attack managed to get close enough to weaken his armor. It was a miniature distraction for Rider, but it was enough for Gilgamesh to exploit the opening and launch more destructive spells at Iskandar.

"You call yourself king, yet it doesn't seem like you can live up to the name." Caster mocked his opponent, making Sakura clench her teeth in worry. This would make the situation worse; who knew what Iskandar was capable of at his full strength.

"You are not the first of my opponents who made the mistake of celebrating ahead of their victory." Iskandar smiled. "Do you know what happened with the others?"

"I don't care to hear about you squashing some gnats; they are not my equal."

"Prove it, then!"

Rider deflected Caster's spells and summoned his chariot to him, pushing his ruthless opponent aside. Iskandar used the opportunity and charged at Gilgamesh, attempting to pierce his very heart. King of Heroes responded in kind, raising his axe to block Rider's attack. The two kings clashed in a contest of skill and strength.

"If you truly are the King of Heroes…" Iskandar spoke. "Then you must possess the legendary Gates of Babylon? Truly a worthy opponent!"

"And you expect me to open its gates for an insolent brat like you? Nonsense!"

Caster pushed back, unveiling a powerful explosive spell.

"Even mundane magic of Babylonia will be enough to crush you!" Gilgamesh shouted, unleashing an arrow of destructive spells that heated Iskandar's armor up. The King of Conquerors grunted and took a step back, it was hard to break through his defenses, but Sakura had faith.

"He's getting weaker, you can do it, Caster!"

"Of course I can." Gilgamesh snarled in response before focusing on Iskandar again. A few more attacks hit right at Rider's armor, forcing him to retreat once again.

"Rider, fight harder!" Hector gave a command with worry in his voice.

"It's not as simple as it might look, boy. We are up against one of the strongest servants, but I will not stop resisting!"

"You can use your noble phantasm!"

"And waste so much of my energy this early? No, there is another way."

"Let me teach you a lesson, 'king'…" Gilgamesh spoke as he approached. "There is only one fate that awaits those who dare to call themselves my equals, and that is…"

However, before Gilgamesh could attack, something stopped him. An array of arrows rained down the sky, piercing Gilgamesh's exposed hand and soaking it in blood.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Caster raged as a proud smile emerged on Hector's face.

"Just in time!"

A tall, mysterious man emerged, jumping down from the nearby roof. He had a tanned skin, short white hair and red clothing. A very strong and agile individual, and the magic radiated from him, showing that he could be none other than a servant.

"And who will you be?" Gilgamesh wondered.

"Let's just say, I'm here to end your clownish tirade." The servant said proudly, but another voice soon emerged. A cloaked silhouette of a smiling woman stood beside him, command seals gleaming on her wrist.

"No need to be rude, Archer. After all, if Angra Mainyu chose this woman and her servant, that means he considers them worthy."

"I see…" Iskandar added. "Our ally from the shadows."

"Didn't you say you were not going to show yourself?" Hector wondered as he looked at the woman, they clearly knew each other. Sakura felt her fear re-emerge as she clearly realized that she was against two allied masters at the same time. Even Gilgamesh's strength might not be enough, but there was no evident fear in his eyes. This arrogance and confidence were starting to become highly dangerous for them…

"I decided that the appearance of Gilgamesh himself requires my attention." The woman smiled.

"Who are you?" Sakura asked cautiously.

"I am Angela von Einzbern…I assume you don't need me to tell you what that name means?" She said with smug pride, making Sakura feel the icy cold in her knees. She hadn't heard that name since her days with Illya, yet here she was, another magus who would claim the prize for their family, no matter how destructive it was. Again and again. "I must say, you've done a good job trying to escape your life. You changed your name, but your face is still recognizable for anyone who kept their eye on the members of the three families responsible for the Grail, as are your powers." She knew the truth… "A pleasure to meet you, Matou Sakura." She declared, making Hector gasp in shock, and Sakura realized that no matter how much she tried to hide, the world of the mages would still reach her.

"You mean she is a member of one of the families?"

"She was once until she decided to decry her heritage…And, as I take it, she decried the Grail, too?"

"She refused to join us, yes," Hector confirmed.

"I see." Angela sighed and walked towards Sakura, staring her right in the eyes with her borderline maniacal stare. "Let me make it as clear for you as possible, Sakura. You could have been standing beside me, and you could have been renowned as a savior of the Holy Grail, but you rejected this opportunity, so I will not allow you to interfere. I will claim the Holy Grail once and for all, and if you try to stop me, I will kill you. Understand?" There was a cold detachment in her voice, the kind Sakura heard from Zouken. No reason nor empathy, only determination, and fixation on a singular goal without any regard for the casualties. "I'll give you one chance to withdraw from this war, but if I ever see you again, you will not be spared."

"I…" Sakura's voice trembled.

"I refuse!" Gilgamesh spoke out with vehement rage. "I will not have pathetic worms like you command me to surrender. None of you is worthy to lay your eyes on a treasure that once belonged to me, and I will make you pay for your insolence."

"Gilgamesh, what are you doing?" Sakura panicked as Rider and Archer entered their battle stances. You can't win against two servants…And Angela is powerful; she is much more experienced than I am!"

"I don't care how powerful any of them are; all I see are a bunch of mongrels who ought to be…"

There was no other way.

"By my command seal, I order you…Retreat."

…

It was time to return to Fuyuki.

Multiple years have passed since Shirou last visited his hometown. He barely had any time for a trip home when he was on a journey that took him all around Japan and even Europe. A journey that saw him saving everyone he possibly good, all while honing his skills. In time, Shirou grew into a talented fighter and mage, much like Kiritsugu. This strength was necessary for him to continue on the path of the hero, the only path that would lead him to the other side.

Now, however, it was Fuyuki who needed him the most. He knew how devastating the Holy Grail Wars could be, especially when monsters like Kotomine get command seals, but he wasn't willing to let the people of Fuyuki or their descendants suffer again. Lord El-Melloi arrived in the city a day earlier than Shirou and Rin, and the group decided to slip to avoid attracting too much attention. He told Shirou about an estate on the outskirts of Fuyuki that he had purchased, and this would become their base of operations against the Grail and other masters.

A day after, Shirou and Rin followed. They returned to Fuyuki and rented a car, which Shirou drove towards the designated place. Rin sat by his side, gloomier than she usually was, and of course, wherever they went, the Assassin followed them in his spirit form.

"So, how did you meet this El-Melloi?" Shirou wondered.

"He was one of my teachers during my studies at the Clock Tower, one of the few non-annoying ones. By the way, his real name is Waver Velvet, though try not to call him that. I became the best student in his class, so he began to notice me more. That's when he started to become a bit of a bore, pedantic to a fault…Also said something about me being too full of myself."

"I can see where he comes from…"

"Oh, shut up, Emiya. Eventually, we talked about the Holy Grail War and learned that we were both participants in different ones. We shared our experience, as well as what we've seen of the Grail and other masters…That was when he shared his idea, which he pondered for a while but didn't act upon."

"And that is?"

"The Grail should not be allowed to exist any longer. If I didn't know what Kirei did at the end of the last war, I probably would've protested…But your tale stuck with me. The Grail is a corrupted, destructive force, and Waver is right to seek to destroy it. I supported his idea, and that's how our 'campaign' was born."

"He seems like a smart man and someone who saw Kiritsugu and Saber twenty years ago…"

"He doesn't like to talk about that time unless it's necessary, so we should just focus on the present. It's not the best situation. Apart from you, we only know of two masters, another one who likely has the seals, and three more who remain a complete mystery. I don't have much hope for them, considering that Angra Mainyu is especially picky this time."

"This isn't what we fought for…Not what Saber sacrificed herself for." Shirou looked down, barely holding back his anger.

"Listen, it wasn't in vain. Saber didn't end the Holy Grail, but without her, many more people would've died, including us."

"I know, I just…I hope she found a way to escape this hellish cycle." Shirou said. "And what of the current masters? Who is the most dangerous?"

"Angela von Einzbern, assuming she has the seals, which is very likely."

"I heard of her…Seems like Einzberns had to give the reigns to the tuners to make their bid."

"I doubt they're happy about that, but their house is dying out, and there are no other options. She is a powerful mage and has proven herself many times. Unfortunately, we don't know what hero or even what class she will summon as a servant…Apart from them not being an Assassin, of course." Rin noted. "You may not like this servant very much, but I feel calmer knowing that I won't get backstabbed from the shadows at a random moment. It's…" Rin paused, likely noticing that Shirou was too focused on his surroundings as if drifting away. "You alright there?"

"I should've returned here earlier. There are people who waited to hear from me, I'm sure of it…And I was too focused on being a hero."

"Too late for regrets." Rin shrugged. "We'll visit them together after we're done with this mess. Taiga, Sakura, Ayako, Issei, they're all still here from what I've heard."

"Maybe, but that's not everyone."

"What do you…Oh." Rin sighed. "You mean Illya? Emiya, I know you two have gone very soft on each other at the end of the war, but she's not exactly a friend. She tried to kill us both and make you into her toy; it's unfair to equate her with Sakura, Issei, and others."

"Maybe, but I feel that she wanted us to meet again. Maybe on that playground, maybe somewhere else…There was something that she wanted to talk about, I felt it…" All Shirou knew was that soon after the war, Illya fell sick and couldn't survive. A swift, merciless death for a girl who deserves to live a much longer life. If only he could save her from this fate…

But Emiya got no opportunity to continue his wallowing. In but a few moments, he saw her. A beautiful woman with bright blonde hair, beautiful white skin, and clad in silvery armor. The sight of her made Shirou's heart skip a beat, as he could almost see his beloved stand before him. To see her descend upon this earth, transcending the realm of Avalon and death itself, all for the possibility of a reunion, a continuation of their shared dream.

"Emiya!" Rin's shout made Shirou snap back to reality and force the sweet illusion away from his eyes. The woman before them was not Artoria, but she was no regular human, either. She swung her blade, unleashing a powerful slash of pure light at the car.

"Trace on!" All Shirou could do at the moment was to project and materialize a boulder to minimize impact. This softened the blow but was not enough to stop the attack completely. The slash broke two of the car's doors and forced it to flip on its side, making Shirou and Rin jump out to the empty road.

"Do not resort to tricks; stand proud and fight with honor." The woman declared and put her sword forth.

"You're a servant, aren't you?" Shirou stood up and prepared to defend himself. "Saber, by the looks of it…"

"Indeed." The woman responded. Before she could attack, Shirou noticed a figure behind her. They were hooded grey robes that hid their face and bodies, but they had to be Saber's master.

"I know who you are, both of you!" Rin spoke up. "You are Jeanne d'Arc, liberator of Orleans and hero of France. We knew you'd be one of the servants…"

"It is a great honor to know that I have not been forgotten many generations into the future."

"I heard about her," Shirou said. "But from what I read, Jeanne has a unique class…" He noted, and Rin quickly followed with an explanation.

"This is not the default state for her, but as someone who used a blade while she was alive, summoning her as Saber class servant is theoretically possible…And now we know it works in practice, too." Rin said before switching her gaze to the hooded figure. "You don't have to hose your face, Everec Kammerer. I know it was you who had the relic to summon Jeanne."

"Very shrewd…Or should I say nosy?" The figure spoke with the voice of an old man. He took his cowl away and revealed himself. A mage with pale hair and determined brown eyes, the one Shirou read about in El-Melloi's files. A German mage and an 'exemplary' member of the Association, a man who is willing to do anything for power and status, including making a bid for Angra Mainyu. "You've proven yourself to be an incredible nuisance over the last few years, Tohsaka. Perhaps this is why the Grail avoided choosing you." He said in a mocking tone. "But the man beside you…" Everec looked at Shirou's command seals. "I give you one chance. Summon your servant and fight with honor, or I will crush you here and now!"

Shirou remained stoic, hearing a whisper in his mind.

"I am ready. Give me the orders, and I will cut his throat." Assassin was ready for action, yet Shirou was not so sure. "Master, why are you hesitating?"

"Focus on Everec, take him out of the battle without killing him."

"That would be ineffective…"

"That's my order, understand?"

"As you wish."

Assassin didn't hesitate to join the battle. A shadowy cloud emerged behind Everec with the skull-shaped face of a ruthless murderer within. Hassan of the Cursed Arm took his blades, striking at the mage's back. He could've gone for the neck or the head, but Shirou could see he was an obedient servant, one of his main advantages. Even if Kammerer was as corrupt and selfish as Rin claimed, Shirou did not want to resort to murder when it could have been avoidable. However, the moment Hassan's daggers slightly pierced the mage's back, a protective pale aura emerged around his skin. Jeanne was quick to rush to her master's defense, forcing Assassin away.

"Damn it!" Shirou said to himself, realizing that while Everec was bleeding, the time Assassin had was not enough to force him out of the battle. Saber was there to guard her master, and when it came to open combat, Assassin had no power to defeat her.

"How preposterous," Jeanne said, looking at Hassan. "My master told me that Shirou Emiya is a folk hero, and yet his servant is a murderer with no honor?"

"Honor is a fool's game, Saber." Assassin spoke up. "For those of us who weren't blessed with insurmountable power the likes of you have, the shadows are our favored ally."

"Let's see if shadows can protect you against the wrath of my blade."

The two heroes began fighting, with Saber going on the offensive and unleashing one blow after the other. She reminded Shirou of Artoria even now, her flawless moves, ruthless yet clean and honorable fighting style…If only Shirou didn't restrict Artoria, she would've fought just as much. This must have been the vigor with which she faced the King of Heroes. Hassan could not defeat her, but he did a valiant job of avoiding Saber's strikes and stalling her. Meanwhile, Shirou had to face the master. He used his projection magecraft again, manifesting a pistol in his hand. Shirou hoped that a quick, unexpected shot at the elbow would weaken Kammerer enough, but the old magus was prepared. He quickly teleported a few meters away, revealing his magical talent.

"Seriously? A firearm? A mage can do better than that."

"You think?" Rin said mockingly before unleashing an elemental spell of fire upon Everec. It was a quick strike, making the old man let out a pained grunt as he moved away.

"Not bad…"

"Tohsaka, wait!" Shirou spoke up and turned to Everec. "Fighting shouldn't be our first course of action, not in this war." He knew that he had attacked the mage twice, but they still had to try and reason with him before this battle got too bloody. "Everec, you were chosen by the Grail to be a master, but you did not take part in previous wars…"

"And why would that matter?"

"You haven't seen the true extent of the Grail's power, of Angra Mainyu's power! Twenty years ago, when a victor attempted to fulfill his wish, the Grail unleashed a fire that spread through Fuyuki and killed countless people. Ten years ago, the same thing was about to happen. I was there, stared into the heart of its darkness…It is a dangerous weapon."

"A weapon that will give the world to anyone who controls it," Everec said arrogantly. "It gave me a chance to subdue its power. What kind of mage turns down an opportunity like that!? I know why you stand by Tohsaka's side…You want to destroy the Grail despite being a master, all because you are too scared to try and tame it. You'd sooner be a coward and reject your own wish."

"If acknowledging the price of this 'victory' makes me a coward, then I am the most pathetic of them all. Perhaps you should consider it too. Otherwise, you will end up at the top of a mountain of corpses…And you'll live just long enough to see it before you let out your last breath."

"I…" Kammerer paused for a moment, but the hesitation did not last. "Even that is better than to live knowing I rejected such a chance!"

Kammerer unleashed magical arrows, causing Shirou to jump aside. Some of them would have pierced his skin, but Rin unleashed another fiery spell that annihilated the weapons and hit Everec himself. This distracted him, allowing Shirou to take a clear shot.

"Aaargh!" Kammerer clung to his bleeding elbow and spoke up with hateful spite. "You insolent…Saber, to me!"

"Master?" Jeanne spoke and paused, allowing Hassan an opportunity to strike and force her on the defensive.

"Kill those two fools, now!"

"I would crush them in but a few moments…"

"Exactly, so do it!"

"That would not be a fair fight; crushing weaker masters would be disgraceful."

"It doesn't matter; they are the enemy, and they will fall with their servant!"

"I will not…"

"You will. By my command seal, I order you to kill Rin Tohsaka and Shirou Emiya now!"

"I…" Jeanne could not resist the will of the seal, immediately turning towards Emiya and Tohsaka.

"He's very careless to waste a seal like that…" Rin said, making Shirou side-eye her.

"That should not be your main concern now; get behind me!"

Shirou attempted to shoot advancing Saber, and Rin helped him with her spells, but none of them could damage the mighty warrior. Assassin followed her in an attempt to stop the onslaught, but he couldn't reach Saber quickly enough…

However, Shirou didn't feel the fury of Saber's blade upon him. Instead, it was a powerful blow of wind that pushed him to the ground.

"Emiya, look out!"

He heard Rin's voice as she rushed to his defense. Shirou raised his eyes, seeing the Assassin cloak him and take most of the damage unto himself, but the blow of wind did not stop. Instead, it grew stronger as Shirou felt a powerful source of magic emerge between himself and Everec. It seemed like a third challenger was about to enter the fray, and it could only be another master.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Kammerer sounded furious, and Saber returned to his side to defend him. "Who dares interrupt my battle?"

Soon, everyone present heard a loud, psychotic laughter. It came from a small hurricane, a tornado that moved towards them with a silhouette within. Shirou knew it was a human, and the wind around him must have been some powerful form of magecraft or perhaps even his servant.

"Interrupt, you say?" An arrogant, playful voice echoed from beyond the wind. "I will do much, much more than that! It seems like the two of you were unlucky enough to be chosen as masters in this war…Oh, I pity you, I do. For I intend to rip out each and every command seal out of your hands. You will live long enough to feel the wind ripping your bodies to shreds…I promise I will make it a moment to cherish."

"Who are you, madman?" Everec demanded.

"Oh, forgive me for not introducing myself…Berserker, break the veil!"

The wind grew quieter, and eventually the tornado changed its shape, much to Shirou's amusement. The flow gained shame and sturdiness, all of its energy transformed into a silhouette of a tall, black haired man with clouded crimson eyes. His robes were in dark black color, and his winged sandals were drenched in blood. They were the telltale sign of a known Greek God.

"Hermes…" Rin spoke out, trying not to attract much attention from the enemy masters and servants.

"Looks like Berserker has shown himself," Shirou added. "What do we know about his master?"

"Nothing…We never found any trace; this is the first time I see him."

The master that stood beside Hermes was a youthful man with bright hair and maniacal blue eyes. He was of Shirou's age, yet the hero could see that this man is an embodiment of everything he utterly despised.

"I know you very well, Everec Kammerer." Berserker's master spoke with glee. "A pathetic old magus who no doubt loved to deny me the privilege and acknowledgment of my research…But do you remember me? That's the real question."

"Do you expect me to remember the name of every deranged charlatan that crosses my path?"

"Does the name Iseri remind you of anything?"

"Iseri…" Everec paused before an apparent realization hit him. "You are the one who tried to join the association with presenting that destructive wind magecraft, aren't you?"

"Bingo! And they rejected me, those fools….In doing so, they rejected the future!"

"The grail must be really desperate if it chose you of all people."

"The Grail simply sees what you fools can't! I am the future of magecraft, the future of this entire world! And when I have the Grail in my hands…"

"Do you think that you have any hope of controlling Angra Mainyu? You are even more of an idiot than I thought!"

"Why would I seek to control it? After all, I am the only one who understands it. I will give it freedom and relish in its devouring darkness, and I will savor every moment as I watch it tear apart every single member of your Association. The Clock Tower will burn…And if the world burns with it, all the more reason to prepare for the show!"

"You'll never get that far! Saber, attack!"

Jeanne entered the fray, clashing with the living embodiment of wind that was Hermes. The god could not speak. He only let out occasional moans and roared the moment his eyes met Jeanne's. The two battled fiercely, with Hermes trying to rip Jeanne's armor with his wind and Saber attempting to pierce his ever-changing body. Berserker…The most chaotic and destructive servant class. In the previous war, Illya was Berserker's master, and her heritage and training allowed her to control him. This young mage didn't care to control him at all. All he craved was destruction, and his servant was a perfect opportunity for just that.

"Emiya!" He could hear Rin calling out to him, and Assassin was by his side. "This is our opportunity. We need to leave while those two are at each other's throats!"

"What? And leave this Iseri to cause more chaos and destruction?"

"We have no chance against both Saber and Berserker; if they chose to unite against us, it'd be over!"

"I…" As it often was, Rin was the voice of reason that Shirou had to listen to avoid getting himself into outright suicidal situations, and this was one of them. They could not afford any hesitation or delays…Otherwise, they would get annihilated. All Shirou could do was to promise himself that he would do everything in his power to save as many lives as possible…This was his resolution before him, Rin, and Assassin disappeared into the shadows.

Chapter Text

Sakura's fear prevailed, and in a few moments, all she could do was run. Run away without looking back at the powerful servants and their masters who watched her with sadistic glee and triumph. She had the strongest servant standing by her side, and yet she still failed. She was not ready for this war nor for any other. After all, she spent ten years running from her past. How could Sakura possibly hope to rise up and take on the battle?

Gilgamesh created a golden aura that masked their magical presence; all they could do was to get as far away as possible, but Sakura did not want to go home just yet, not when Angela could potentially trace her. Instead, Sakura simply rushed far away, hiding in the shadows of the city. Soon, people would flock to the fighting place where the servants clashed; she had to get away; Angela and Hector must have, too. However, one raging voice would still fester within Sakura, for a disappointed servant remained by her side in spirit form.

"You made a fool out of me, girl, both of us!" Gilgamesh's ranting voice echoed in her mind.

"It…" Sakura took a deep breath, finding refuge in a narrow alleyway to which she retreated. "It was necessary. We had no chance of winning!"

"No chance?" For a moment, Sakura heard genuine disbelief in Gilgamesh's voice. The servant materialized before her, once again drowning his surroundings in a golden glow. "I did not even utilize half of my power, and you say I had no chance? The King of Conquerors was already trembling, and a mere Archer is not enough to turn the tide."

"Listen, this Archer…I couldn't recognize him." Sakura explained. "I read about so many servants, but this man is nowhere to be found in those records!"

"And?"

"We don't know what he is capable of! What if the reason no one made a record of him is because no one survived a battle against him?"

"Unlikely. Are you seriously suggesting that a lone servant who hasn't even made a name for himself can defeat me?"

"With Iskandar with him, perhaps he can…"

"A highly irrational fear." Gilgamesh sounded disappointed, but the anger slowly faded from his voice, allowing Sakura to be at relative ease.

"I have to be careful…Surely you understand. This war is no game."

"It makes no difference for me."

"Of course…Your survival isn't at stake here; you're already dead." Sakura sighed and crossed her arms. "But I just got a peaceful, stable life. I'm not going to lose it by being careless."

"You think you were being careful? "Caster raised his eyebrow and chuckled. "Not in the slightest. What you did is refuse an opportunity to eliminate two servants at once while they were exposed, therefore setting us back. That is hardly the action of a leader."

"But how you can be so certain that the enemy can't defeat you even when you don't know who he is?" Sakura spoke up, shocked at Gilgamesh's determination. How could he be so confident in his victory every time? Never weigh the risks and always put his opponents down like they were nothing? He was an embodiment of boldness and commanding power, reminding Sakura of Rin but going above and beyond. Gilgamesh paused for a moment, but Sakura didn't have to wait long.

"You are right; I cannot know for certain. But I also know that if I were to run from any danger and threat I faced instead of challenging it, I would have never become king."

"And what if you challenge someone you can't defeat?"

"I never thought of failure. Success was the only option, and this mindset got me this far. I fought, learned the opponent's weaknesses, and exploited them. You would never get this knowledge without a proper fight. You made an emotional decision based on your fear and showed weakness in front of an opponent who clearly preys on it. You won't deny that, correct?"

"It's…" He was right, Sakura retreated too early and wasted an opportunity, all while making a fool of herself in the process. "Fine, you're right. I acted rashly and made a mistake…Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"Yes," Gilgamesh said shamelessly, only annoying Sakura more. "But moving onto more pressing matters, we still have to win this war."

"I told you already…Survival is my victory."

"I remember. I hope you are not expecting to survive by simply waiting for the war out, do you?" Once again, he was right. Fighting was inevitable. If Sakura tried to hide, someone would find her and initiate a battle on their terms.

"I don't…But I am not sure what to do; I'm not a good leader or master."

"Then maybe you trust the judgment of someone who is?" Caster smiled with pride.

"Your judgment doesn't seem all that rational to me, either, sorry. We should…We should work as a team. We have different goals, but they are compatible. I can let you lead and give advice on when you are going too far, just like you can tell me if I hesitate too much. It will only work if we both genuinely listen to each other."

"I see. Well, considering that we are bound by the Grail, I see no reason to start any feuds."

"So…Partners?" Sakura asked with hope.

"Yes, but I have a condition. You used a command seal to bend my will… Don't even think of doing that ever again."

"It's a deal…But that means that I'll expect you to always keep my safety in mind." She said with a newfound confidence in her voice, something Gilgamesh picked up on.

"Ha, that's spirit! Perhaps I'll make a worthy leader of you yet. Now we know who our enemies are, and something tells me they will attack again. Next time, we do not hold back."

"Yes…We won't hold back."

…

It was Hector's first encounter with an enemy master, yet it was enough to make him feel the strongest adrenaline rush he experienced ever since the flood. The young woman he battled seemed so normal, so calm and full of humility…But her servant made Hector's heart skip a few beats.

The King of Heroes is a powerful and merciless servant, the one whose ego and confidence could match his powers. Even Iskandar was not as powerful as the oldest hero. As always, it was Angela who arrived in the nick of time and saved her student. If not for her, he would have fallen to one of Gilgamesh's spells. It was not until they returned to the Einzbern castle that Hector realized the scale of what was occurring in Fuyuki. This was the place where history converged, where heroes fought against each other for a prize that transcends time and space, the representation of magic, an all-powerful being ready to spread its wings.

"Oh, what a performance!" Angela said with joy and pride as the two of them walked through the halls of the castle. "A long-lost child returning to her roots. I expected Angra Mainyu to avoid someone like her, a woman who abandoned her past, but he knew that she would return to fight."

"She wasn't fighting to her fullest…If she wanted, she could have Gilgamesh annihilate us both."

"So unnecessarily dramatic, there is absolutely no need." Angela shook her head as she sat on the nearby sofa. "Gilgamesh is a powerful opponent, but we will be prepared to crush him next time. Speaking of, I am quite sure you held back, too." She said with an undertone of judgmental concern in her voice, making Hector's hands shiver. "You could've forced Iskandar to attack Sakura and end one of the masters on the first night of the war."

"Gilgamesh would have protected her."

"Perhaps. Or perhaps he expected you to play fairly, and this move would've caught him off-guard. You should consider all possibilities."

"I…I didn't want to escalate. She seemed like she could be convinced. And we did convince her, right?"

"Perhaps…" Angela pondered. "She will certainly be terrified for a time. But it won't be enough."

"I wouldn't be so sure," Hector said. "Hopefully, she will decide to abandon the war and not risk her life. Surely, your message was clear to anyone who's not insane."

"Come now, Hector, you're smarter than to spout this idiocy. Even if she gives up on it, she has a servant who would never accept such a simple and pathetic defeat. He would push her to fight, and with her being so reserved and easy to influence…You could see it during the battle. It was almost as if Gilgamesh was the leader. Not to mention Sakura herself. Do you think she is as honorable as she seems? That there are no dark, disgusting secrets she is hiding? She was raised by Zouken Matou, a magus as vile and treacherous as the worm magic he was using. Do you think he would raise a person with any conscience? And not to speak of the nature of his demise. One day, Zouken simply 'disappeared,' leaving only Sakura."

"Are you saying…She backstabbed him?"

"Of course. The student surpassed the master but strived for more violence instead of standing by his side. She is the new Zouken, and whatever she pretends to be, she is a threat."

"I didn't feel any threat from her. She was just defending herself."

"You will know soon enough, and it will not be pretty." Angela scolded him. "Perhaps sooner than both of us expected…"

"What do you mean?"

"I must stay behind to begin the communication ritual, but that doesn't mean we have to waste time. We know the identity of Caster's Master, which means she will be an easier target than others. I want you to go back to the city, find Sakura Matou or whatever she calls herself nowadays, and kill her." Angela said it so calmly and confidently as if she was saying something completely mundane. The casualty of her words made Hector reflexively recoil. "What? That's not fear I sense, is it?"

"But…I don't understand!" Hector spoke up, unable to hold his emotions back. "You warned her and gave her one chance to retreat; she took it! She ran away, and if she won't attack again, there is no reason to kill her."

"Why do you cling to this optimism? I just explained who Sakura is. We can't trust her. She ran because she got overwhelmed, but she will come back and try again. After all, we revealed our identities, as well. Would you wait for her to strike first? That's a self-defeating strategy, and for what? A minuscule chance that she could have been genuine?"

"But…"

"I don't want to hear your excuses, Hector! Those are the most important days in our lives, perhaps in the lives of every mage living in this world. We are risking the Grail's destruction, Angra Mainyu's death, and the annihilation of Einzbern legacy any time we show weakness, and I won't allow your sentimentality to ruin this. You will Kill Sakura Matou, or perhaps I might have to reconsider having you by my side." She spoke mercilessly and cruelly, making Hector's heart sink. If she rejects him and stops training him, he will have no one and nowhere to go…

"I'm sorry, Angela, I truly am." He spoke and kneeled in submission. "I will do everything that is needed for our cause, and I…I will hunt her down, I swear."

"Good, that's how I need you to be."

Soon after, Hector heard Iskandar's voice in his mind.

"I understand now…She holds you down, and you allow her because of your 'debt.' In a way, we are both her servants."

"You understand nothing!" Hector shouted out loud, making Angela raise an eyebrow. The man didn't realize that only he could hear Iskandar in spirit form until it was too late. "I… I'm sorry, I didn't mean it…It wasn't meant for you!"

"I see…" Angela chuckled. "Let me guess, Rider decided to chime in with some 'advice,' didn't he? Well, since he can be near me, I'll tell him this. You are a servant and should know your place. Our hunt is our business and ours alone; you have your own reasons for being in this war, so follow Archer's example and stick to them.

"Hah, what a feisty woman!" Rider cackled. "If she were my opponent on the battlefield, it would be a glorious achievement to bring her down by piercing her heart!"

"Eh…" Hector sighed. "He says he'll drop it."

"Let's hope it stays that way."

Before they could discuss something else, the crimson servant appeared before them, entering the castle through the window. Archer, Angela's loyal hunter, helped Hector and Rider out earlier today. He was a mysterious servant; even after studying heroic spirits, Hector still couldn't identify him, only because he looked Asian and was in his prime age. Angela didn't tell him Archer's name, either. Did she keep it a secret, or was it a mystery even for her? It was hard to tell, but he was surprisingly loyal and efficient.

"I checked every possible route to the castle, but we weren't followed."

"Wonderful," Angela said with a smile. "Incredible work, Archer. Now we can have more time for the ritual."

"Do what you want with your rituals, but I want to know when we are getting to action."

"Patience, that will come in due time. If you are so thirsty for blood, you can help Hector hunt down the girl we fought earlier."

"She isn't the main threat. Shirou Emiya is."

"Yes, I've heard that before…" Angela sighed. "And I told you that you will get your wish as long as you show some patience."

"Wait, who are you talking about?" Hector asked with intrigue and confusion. "The name rings a bell, isn't it the 'hero' Japanese media was talking about in recent years?" The moment he said the word 'hero,' he could see Archer's face reflexively contort in disgust.

"Maybe that's who he was…" Archer responded. "But now he is the most deranged and dangerous master to take part in this war."

"A ma…How do you know he is a master? That's the first time I've heard of it. Did you fight him, Angela?"

"No." The woman shook his head. "It is mine and Archer's little secret."

"We don't need to fight him to know he is a part of the war," Archer concluded.

"Then how do you know?"

"That's the only reason I was summoned," Archer responded, confusing Hector even further.

"But this…This makes no sense; servants don't work like that!"

"As if you have any idea on how servants' work,' even the smartest of mages don't know everything," Archer said arrogantly. "It doesn't matter, mow, you know, and you both need to be prepared."

"Maybe you can explain to Hector what makes Shirou Emiya so dangerous to Hector."

"It's simple and complicated at the same time." Archer began. "Emiya is broken…He doesn't think the same way most people do, or I suppose the better way of putting it would be to say that he lacks certain natural instincts. He is not bound by self-preservation or any personal desires; all of this energy has long been transformed into his dedication to his concept of heroism, the idealism that makes him forge ahead." Archer explains in a very judgmental tone. "And his idea of heroism involves annihilating the holy Grail among the malcontents Angela spoke of. He can't be reasoned with, cannot be convinced that what he is doing is foolish, he won't submit to fear or threats…He is like a machine with a goal that will destroy him. He will throw himself at the Grail if he decides it is necessary. And unlike most others, he has a chance to succeed…To be the key to their victory. Shirou Emiya must die." Archer said with determination. "And I will be the one to kill him."

"Was that your deal with Angela, then?" Hector wondered.

"Yes. She has her goal, I have mine. No need to overcomplicate this."

"And you have yours, Hector," Angela added sternly. "Be on your way when you're ready, I expect you to return with Sakura Matou's head."

"I…"

"Are you capable of doing as I ask?"

"Yes, Angela, I am." Hector looked down in submission.

It was time for him to go, to prove his worth. To become the worthy inheritor Angela needed him to be.

"You walk a perilous path, boy." Iskandar's voice echoed in Hector's head as he walked towards the gates.

"You aren't in a position to judge, not after your own conquests. Angela is a conqueror, too…And I, her soldier."

"You are not her soldier…"

"Not. Another. Word."

"You are her slave

…

"Shirou…"

Her beautiful voice rang out in his ears, making the young man open his eyes. He could feel the flame beneath his feet, the scorched, devastated earth, the mark that Kiritsugu Emiya left on Fuyuki. The eternal scar that Shirou had to bear up to this day. Even after letting go of his pasts, he would still sometimes find himself amidst the flame, desperately reaching for air and trying to grasp for air.

It was no different today.

Shirou knew that wherever he went, the fires would follow, creeping like shadows all around him, slowly breaking his mind and body. They would not hurt in a traditional way, though Shirou hoped that they would, for their actual effect was worse. They gained a conscience. They whispered into his ear, each word hurting him more and more. It was simply too much to handle, to resist and fight without end…All while hearing those voices, he was reminded of other ways. They reminded him that he could have abandoned his path and rejected his right as a master all those years ago. He could have lived a safe, peaceful life, protecting himself and those close to him, not wasting any energy thinking of what could have been and the people that he could have saved. He chose another path, the path of endless self-sacrifice, toiling with blood, sweat, and tears in an attempt to save more people each day. Nevertheless, the desire for absolution beamed within him. A part of him wanted to wake up one day, free of those self-imposed burdens, and look into her angelic eyes once again.

"Shirou…Hold on." She spoke in a quiet, soothing tone, allowing the young man to close his eyes and look into himself, to take a deep breath. "It will be over soon, and I will be there…I will always be there for you."

How could those words not ring hollow when they were centuries apart?

When Shirou opened his eyes, he was calm, lying down and watching the ceiling in silence, all while Artoria's image still flashed before his eyes. He was in a bed amidst a large, comfortable room, a very fitting place. Shirou and Rin arrived at Waver's hideout soon after escaping the battle on the outskirts of Fuyuki, and he had a few hours to sleep while Waver was finishing his research. After that, another chance would not come for a long while.

Just as Shirou was dressing up, he heard a sturdy knock on the door.

"Are you awake, Emiya? Our 'lord' here is getting a bit impatient."

"He won't have to wait for much longer."

"So you are awake, good. May I come in?"

"If you want to."

Rin opened the door and promptly entered Shirou's room, immediately staring at the hero.

"Had a bad dream, huh?" Shirou was impressed by Rin's ability to read him like an open book.

"And how did you know?"

"No offense, Emiya, but you aren't hard to read."

"Even for someone who last saw me a few years ago?"

"Yes, precisely. You look like you've seen a ghost. It doesn't take a genius." She wasn't entirely wrong…After all, who was Saber, if not a ghost of the past, both for Shirou and the world as a whole?

"It's nothing…" Shirou took a deep breath and stood up from his bed.

"If we weren't in a crisis, I would've recommended taking a break and some good rest, but…We know that's not an option."

Shirou has not taken any breaks for a long time now; he has become addicted to his lifestyle. It was his routine, the very core of his being, and taking even a little reprieve felt unnatural. Every minute he wasted, a person that he could've saved died out there. He could not stop this battle…

Soon, Rin and Shirou came to the living room, where Lord El-Melloi awaited them.

"Ah, you are just in time." The mage said as his eyes caught Emiya. "We have to act before the rest of the masters discover our plans."

"I'm ready when you are," Shirou said with an echo of enthusiasm. "What's our next step?"

"That's what I wanted to ask you. After all, I wasn't the one who saw two masters and servants on his way here. Rin gave me her account already; I would like to hear yours."

"Very well." Shirou nodded. "Saber's master was, as we all expected, Everec Kammerer, with Jeanne d'Arc as his servant. Strong and loyal, few could defeat her in an open duel. His goals seem straightforward, to raise his status and use Angra Mainyu to force the Association into submission."

"I see. My old teacher once entered the war with similar motives. And what are weaknesses?"

"They are not compatible as master and servant." Shirou hated calling honor or valor a weakness, but years of heroism taught him to think rationally and pragmatically. "Jeanne refuses to attack masters directly or resort to other dirty moves, and it caused Kammerer's temper to implode."

"Exactly," Rin added. "He makes rash decisions, like wasting his seal essentially for nothing."

"And what of Berserker's master?"

"A maniacal sadist who thrives on chaos. He called himself Iseri." Shirou said with disdain. He met a master like this and even called him a friend once, Shinji Matou. He once naively believed himself to be a good person at his core, but the grail war and the atrocities he committed in their own school showed his true colors. It was not until after his death that Shirou realized that there were countless warning signs he had ignored back in the day. This mage, however, was far more skilled than Shinji and thus more dangerous. "He wants to use Angra Mainyu to unleash destruction on the mages he feels wronged him and the entire world by extension."

"A murderous lone wolf…Not the worst contender." Waver concluded. "He likely won't ally with other masters and maybe even take some of the more politically charged ones out."

"But if he reaches Angra Mainyu, he might actually grant his wish," Shirou said sternly. "Not to mention all the chaos he will cause on his way to his goal, I won't ignore it!" Shirou spoke up and clenched his fist.

"I never suggested we do. Calm yourself." Waver responded commandingly.

"I told you pretty much everything you need to know of his servant," Rin added. "Hermes, Greek god, the messenger and lord of the wind. He would normally be an Assassin, but Iseri chose to make him a Berserker. I wonder how the Association is going to cover a string of tornados around Fuyuki."

"It's getting increasingly harder to cover the truth, all the more reason to stop this cycle," Waver concluded. "Either way, now we know of Berserker's master. That leaves three masters unaccounted for, and one of them is almost certainly Angela von Einzbern. Once we know of them all, the war will become simpler."

"But they are not our goal. The Grail is." Shirou said.

"Most of them are a threat to our task; we would inevitably have to deal with them. As we know, the Grail gets closer to the point of materialization with each dead servant, so we will have to focus on them, as well…"

Before Waver could continue, the assassin emerged from before the trio.

"Apologies for the interruption, but this cannot wait." He said and looked at Shirou. "There is a visitor at the door. She demands to see you, master. And she has the command seals."

…

By the time the trio came to the door, they were ready for an encounter. A master showing up at their door was an immediate danger, but between three mages and one servant, they could defeat a lone due…They should be able to. Shirou led the charge with Rin and Waver beside him and Hassan lurking in the shadows and slowly following them.

"I know someone formal enough to arrive directly at the door," Waver said in a curious tone. "If I'm right, perhaps we can talk this out."

Soon, they saw a short, European-looking woman with black hair and glasses. Her face seemed familiar to Shirou, but he couldn't quite identify her. Waver, on the other hand, got the clue immediately.

"Marianne Taylor…" He said quietly. Shirou knew this name, an esteemed member of the Association, the Lorekeeper, and the one Rin and Waver identified as a master before. "I never expected you to come to Japan to partake in what the Association considers a barbaric ritual."

"Times change, Lord El-Melloi the Second." The Lorekeeper said calmly. "I was chosen by the Grail this time. What excuse do you and Ms. Tohsaka have?"

"Easy," Rin interjected. "We are here to end this war and make sure no one wins the grail." She spoke threateningly while preparing a spell of fire. "If you make a single wrong move, I won't hesitate to strike!"

"I would not recommend that." Marianne shook her head. "Lancer!"

A tall, bulky figure materialized beside her. A strong man clad in golden armor, his threatening crimson eyes gazed over the trio, and a sturdy spear in his hand could tear any enemy apart.

"Romulus…" Waver whispered. "The founder of Rome. So that's who your servant is."

"What are your orders?" Romulus said in a cold voice as he looked at Marianne. "I shall obliterate those fools the moment you say the word."

"No need." Marianne shook her head. "I hope for a more civilized discussion…And it's not with the mages who seek to disrupt the war without a servant at their side. I came here to talk to you, Shirou Emiya."

"What do you want?" Shirou asked coldly.

"I know you are a master, a fitting role for a modern hero, and I congratulate you," Taylor spoke with admiration. "But I am concerned over your associations. Am I correct that you are fully aware of their intentions and that you support them?"

"I do."

"And what of your servant? Do they support this dedication?"

"They will fight to earn freedom from this cycle of bloodshed, I think it is a fitting rewards for both us and servants."

"With all due respect, I think your zeal is misplaced. You join with the radicals in an attempt to destroy something that has barely been studied. Mages from all over the world will do their best to utilize the Grail to make it worth saving. I seek the same thing, to find a way out of it that is not wasteful."

"I've seen what Grail can do, and that's enough for anyone to want to destroy it," Shirou said snappily. "There is nothing that will make me change my mind."

"I doubt that is the case." Marianne shook her head. "Otherwise, why would the grail choose you?"

"I…" Shirou paused. "The Grail has always made questionable choices in regards to masters; some of them can even be meaningless."

"Yet, in this case, there is a pattern. I received my seals the moment I argued to save the Grail before the Association. Angra Mainyu seeks to survive and picks those who can ensure its survival. It chose you for a reason." She made sense, as much as Shirou hated to admit it. Why would the Grail reject Waver and Rin but grant its seals to Shirou, the one who seeks the same thing? Did the Grail make a mistake, or did it know about Shirou's desires? He wanted to see Saber, to absolve himself of burden, and to finally be free from the dark, unseen force that was dragging him down. However, Shirou would never ask for it when dealing with a destructive power; he would never sacrifice others to save himself.

"The Grail chose wrong."

"Perhaps." Marianne sighed. "Whatever you do, Shirou Emiya, allow me to urge you to reconsider your current course. You think you are doing the right thing, but you are sabotaging the Association's work. I want to cleanse the Grail and use it to change the world for the better. That's why I came here because I believe that someone as heroic as you will understand taking this risk for the sake of thousands."

"Perhaps I would've…If only my parents did not burn in the flames of the Holy Grail. If only my adoptive father did not deteriorate because of the Grail's influence. If only I didn't see evil people command their power to bring chaos to my home. If only I didn't see a young girl turned into a weapon and a vessel, a sacrificial lamb for the Grail…If none of this happened, then I would consider stopping, maybe even siding with you. But that is not the life I led for years. And that is why I will never stop."

"I see…" Marianne took a deep breath. "It seems like we both have strong reasons to hold on to our beliefs. Have a good evening, Shirou Emiya. I'll leave you in peace this time. When we meet again, we will be enemies."

Chapter Text

Sakura could not hide for much longer, but it was difficult to accept the inevitability of battle.

Every time she thought she braced herself enough to challenge opposing masters and rise up to the call, the woman felt her heart sink as she remembered how Angela and her servant gazed at her during their encounter. There was no consideration nor mercy in their gaze, only determination, a desire to claim what they wanted and annihilate everyone in their way. Even when Sakura safely hid in her home, those horrifying memories would still emerge, making her hesitate and avoid this confrontation. However, she would always have a voice emerge in her head, nudging her to fight this fear.

"I believe we had an agreement, girl," Gilgamesh spoke in an annoying tone, emerging on the sofa beside Sakura, this time dressed in casual black clothes. "And yet we have not taken any action at all. Are you that keen on allowing our enemies to win?"

"I'm not wasting any time," Sakura said defensively. "I need to work on a strategy so the next time we meet any of the masters, we will be ready. I think we can try to reason with Hector, but Angela…No, she is not the kind of person we could hope to convince."

"Very well, and what's your strategy?" Caster asked casually, stumping Sakura, who hadn't come up with a clear answer yet.

"I…"

"You're not stupid enough to think that the best way to create a strategy is to wallow in your self-pity in the middle of this flat. So, why the hesitation?"

"You…Do you have to be so rude?"

"So you can bite back? Great, but I suggest you save it for our enemies."

"I know you don't feel it, being a demigod and all, but I told you that it's dangerous for me to go out there and fight without careful planning. Otherwise, it will just make everything worse."

"Your fear is just a pathetic, cancerous anchor that holds you back. Treat it like a nuisance it is, and the battle will become easier."

"You know what would also make the battle easier? You using your strongest attacks first instead of posturing." Sakura crossed her arms.

"Hah, don't expect me to open the Gates of Babylon for someone unworthy. First, I have to determine my enemy's strength and valor, which brings us back to the topic of going out and doing something." Gilgamesh paused, pondering something. "Remind me, what is it you would ask of the Grail?" He wondered, making Sakura freeze in her tracks and have her eyes wide open in shock.

"What…What do you mean?"

"I believe I made myself clear."

"I don't want anything from the grail; if anything, I want to help that mage who tries to destroy it so no one can ever unleash its destructive darkness again."

"This can't be all of it." Gilgamesh rejected her assertion, calmly yet with confidence.

"Why's that? Do I look like someone who would use the Grail and hurt people?" Sakura couldn't hide her annoyance.

"No, you don't. That's exactly what makes me curious. Think of it logically, judging by what that mongrel told you. This war is the last resort for the Grail to defend itself…I believe those were his words. And if the Grail has a mind of its own that's developed enough to make such decisions, why would it grant command seals to someone whose only intent is to destroy it? Don't you realize the contradiction?"

"I am not going to change my mind; you can't tempt me…"

"I am not trying to, I simply want to know this; if you were to stand before the uncorrupted version of the Grail, knowing that it can fulfill your wish without causing any death or destruction, what would you ask of it?" This question felt like a spear piercing Sakura's heart as she was forced to see this grotesque image before her eyes again. She saw life fading from her friend's eyes as the white-haired girl lay down in Sakura's arms, begging her to fulfill a promise Sakura abandoned because of her cowardice.

"I wouldn't toy with powers like…"

"Don't waste your time lying, everyone has a wish they want to fulfill."

"I…I had a friend." Sakura admitted after taking a deep friend. "She was very kind and did what was best for me, and I wasn't always grateful for this. She didn't tell me until it was too late, but she…" Sakura felt a few tears emerge in her eyes as she looked down in shame; even thinking of her was agonizing. "She didn't have long to live, and what little time she had, she sacrificed to save me from a very dark place, I saw her die in my arms…If I could ask the Grail of anything, it would be to bring her back…And let her live. As long as any normal human would." As she said those words, Sakura witnessed Gilgamesh's expression changing, if only slightly. The arrogance in his eyes faded, and another emotion emerged on his face.

"A friend, then…Perhaps I misjudged you."

"What do you mean?" Sakura said as she wiped her tears.

"When I first laid my eyes upon you, I thought you were a naive idealist. The kind who would hold the Grail in her hands and ask to end all the world's suffering and agony, the kind to think that all wars could be ended in the blink of an eye. I find this type of fool incredibly amusing, but no…Your urges are far easier to explain. More rational, perhaps even in the realm of possibility were the Grail uncorrupted."

"I…" Sakura felt incredibly awkward, unsure how much of what Caster said was even genuine. "Thank you."

"Take a compliment and at least try to pretend you like it."

"I do…I just didn't expect it, not from you."

"And what did you expect?"

"Something more rude, like…Maybe telling me that you'd handle this grief much better and that you'd get over it in less than ten years."

"Of course, I would handle it better! Do I even have to state a fact so obvious? Still, it would be in poor taste to mock someone's grief. Losing those dear to our hearts is a strike against it, against our entire bodies. Once you feel that pain, you never forget it. It is like a poison that spreads through your blood, slowly draining you from the inside, leading to a painful, agonizing death. You can either succumb to it, or adapt and live with this pain, but none escape loss unscathed…Not even I." Gilgamesh's voice got quieter as he said those words, making Sakura go silent. She wished she could dismiss his words as pretense, but he was at his most genuine.

"Thank you, Gilgamesh…"

"Do you think that mere words will be enough? I crave battle, I crave victory, and…" Gilgamesh paused, immediately turning towards the nearest window.

"What's wrong?" Sakura said with emerging worry.

"Someone is watching." Caster said and pointed at the darkness on the street. Sakura approached the window and looked into the black. All she saw was a lone shadowy silhouette atop the nearby roof. The moment she laid her eyes on it, the figure immediately disappeared.

…

Hector spent the entire night hunting down Sakura, trailing every single source of magic he could find, but his search ended up in disappointment and failure. Sakura and Caster masked their presence well, making the young mage travel in circles around Fuyuki like a fool. The city was very quiet during the rest of the night; all Hector could notice was a shadowy figure leaping from one roof to another, almost submerging itself in the shadows. This could only be the Assassin's servant, but when he tried to chase his opponent, he immediately dissipated without a trace.

Hector had no choice but to return to Angela with empty hands. Even Iskandar could feel Hector's inner turmoil.

"Do not be ashamed of this, you will try once again tomorrow. And I am sure you will try thrice as hard as you did today; none of our enemies will escape."

"I promised to hunt her down today…She might think I am avoiding my duties and trying to lie to her."

"Does she not trust you enough not to question your motives?" Iskandar wondered, making Hector pause as he walked into the castle. It was true that Angela would rarely take Hector at his word despite him always remaining loyal.

"She has to be careful as a magus…Einzberns didn't win their position and reputation by trusting anyone's word."

"I have no doubt about it, but what of your own child? You may not be related to her, but I remember you calling her 'mother' a few times. If I had that little trust in my own offspring, I would have forced the pup out!"

"You had offspring all around Macedonia. Are you really telling me you trusted them all?"

"No, of course not, but put enough effort into making them think I do. Your teacher doesn't even try, and she only has you."

"It's not the same in the world of mages, you have to be extra careful when you don't even know what can kill you, considering the variety of our spells."

"Sword, poison, spell, makes no difference!"

All Hector could do was sigh in annoyance. He was about to respond, but something caught his eye as he walked through the parade hall. Archer was there, as expected, but he was not alone. A tall man in golden armor and tanned skin stood beside him, a warrior who would match Iskandar himself in raw strength and might.

"Who the Hell is…" Hector whispered in a trembling voice.

"Another hero steps up? Hah, looks like we have our first prize, boy!"

"He isn't attacking…"

Hector listened to the dialogue between them, and Archer was the first to speak.

"As I said, the Grail does not concern me, I have seen enough of how it works to know what to expect. And you, Romulus? What would you ask of the Grail?"

"I would bear witness to the mighty Empire I planted the seeds of…And I would show it to my brother, who once foolishly rejected it."

"Ah, poor Remus…If only you knew how to hold back on that day."

"Shut your mouth, wrench, or you'll regret ever opening it."

"Easy, now…We might be allies, after all."

Hector didn't give any command, but Iskandar immediately materialized with an excited grin on his face.

"And here I thought my eyes deceive me, another hero came to light?"

"You are Rider, I take it?" Romulus wondered.

"And a king you must have heard a lot about back in your day…Alexander of Macedon."

"So this is who you are…" Romulus said with caution. "I expected you to be less…Excitable?"

"What point is there in conquest if it doesn't bring joy? And what time do you come from? We couldn't be that separated."

As the two warriors were about to enter a long discussion, Archer looked at the ashamed master.

"No luck, I take it?"

"No…I couldn't find her."

"Go tell Angela while she's in a good mood. And as you probably realized, we have a guest today."

Hector walked towards Angela's room, leaving the servants to their business. As he approached the door, he could hear the distant echoes of talk between Angela and her guest. Hector saw her, a short woman with black hair and glasses, dressed officially and elegantly, which identified her as an esteemed magus of the Tower.

"I think you don't understand the forces you are challenging." The woman in glasses spoke sternly. "The Clock Tower had a referendum, the majority agreement that I should claim the Grail for all of us. You do not have the authority to give me orders, and by doing so, you are going against all of the magi."

"Giving orders? Please, I am simply trying to protect your life." Angela said defensively.

"My life? Or the Grail that you want to claim?"

"Why can't it be both."

"You are the representative of the Einzberns, the family that helped create this war. Not to mention those were your mages that once summoned Angra Mainyu."

"That happened a century ago, and why wouldn't you want to continue what they started?"

"The mages of the past didn't know the consequences of bringing Angra Mainyu into this world, but we do. We know that if we were to release it without preparation, without…Cleansing, it will only bring more chaos to anyone in this world, mage or not."

"You and your family have always minded their own business and didn't care for the business of the Tower. Why would I believe that anything has changed?"

"Do I look like a homunculus to you?" Angela said with arrogant pride.

"No, but you lived with them since your youth. Your body is human, but your mind…I can't tell."

"But there is a good reason to side with someone who knows more of the Grail than you or anyone of the Tower, isn't there?"

"I suppose…"

"Then why don't we join forces against malcontents like Emiya who would destroy the Grail and make sure no one ever uses it for a purpose greater than petty heroism?"

This question made the woman pause, and before she could reply, Hector pushed the door open.

"Ahh, look, who's back?" Angela smiled.

"You know him?" The guest wondered.

"It's Hector, my student, and Rider's master."

"Hm…I remember him. He was there during the hearing of Lord El-Melloi the Second." She explained, and this immediately made Hector remember who she was.

"Marianne Taylor, the lorekeeper…" He spoke up.

"Yes, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Hector, dear, why don't you tell our guest about our first meeting?" Angela beckoned, making Hector feel uncomfortable and cold. She knew that he hated remembering it, much less telling someone else, but it was necessary. If she asked for it, there must have been a reason. "It was a monumental moment for both of us, after all."

"Of course, I…" He felt his voice breaking moments before Hector took hold of himself. He wouldn't dare embarrass himself before an esteemed mage; he simply needed to talk through it quickly and not linger on it for too long. "My town…It was a relatively small one, and it fell to a sudden flood. We weren't prepared for it, and very few managed to escape…My family wasn't among them." He looked down and closed his eyes. "My parents, I tried…I tried to save them, but…I couldn't." Hector gasped for air; he could feel himself drowning and desperately clinging to life despite there being no water around him at all. Always imagining himself there, desperately grasping for the light. "Angela saved me back then…And for that, I am forever grateful."

"I know you are, dear," Angela said in an encouraging tone. "I liked visiting the town back when it wasn't flooded, and after some research, I found our Hector's talent when it came to magecraft. I could not let such talent drown, could I?"

"I see." Marianne nodded. She didn't seem too phased by the story, likely having more pressing concerns in mind. "You've got yourself an impressive apprentice, Angela, and another master who is willing to support you…Three masters in the same room, having a peaceful discussion instead of resorting to violence. I like how times change."

"So, what do you say about my proposal?"

"I agree, for now," Marianne said. "Let's ally until Lord El-Melloi and his allies have backed down."

"Wonderful! Together, we will be unstoppable." Angela said with pride before looking at Hector. "And you? Have you found Sakura?"

"I'm afraid not, she has been hiding too well. But I managed to spot the Assassin."

"And?"

"I chased him, but he escaped…Just vanished into the night."

"So after all those hours, you come to me empty-handed? You are better than that, I know. Get back into the city and finish the job."

"I'll rest for a bit, and then I…l will find her, I promise."

"Now." She said in a cold, determined voice, making Hector freeze on the spot.

"Yes…Of course."

Chapter Text

Ever since meeting Marianne, Shirou knew that he and his allies had to act immediately and swiftly. The enemy masters were all different, with some being more reasonable than others, but so far, all of them shared a common trait. They would never allow the Grail to be destroyed, which put them in opposition to the Dismantling Coalition. Shirou sent Hassan to scour Fuyuki and locate any masters and servants that would show themselves. While Assassin was not the strongest when it came to physical combat, when it came to scouting, he was practically undetectable. When the sun rose again, Shirou's servant returned with news. His master, Rin, and Waver were all there to meet him.

"Report, Assassin, we are ready," Shirou said.

"There weren't any major battles across the city, but I managed to discover two masters and their servants." Assassin began, immediately garnering his audience's interest. "The first was scouring the city, a young man from one of the northern countries, short brown hair and appropriate mage clothing. Nothing of note."

"And his servant?"

"A powerful man in golden armor, red hair, and a chariot that he rode across the skies." He announced, finally revealing another of their opponents.

"This must be Rider," Rin concluded.

"A man…In a chariot?" Waver spoke in a surprisingly quiet and faint tone, this was the first time Shirou heard the Lord speak so meekly. He noticed Waver's frozen, weak eyes as if some realization or shock pierced his soul like a sharp spear.

"Yes, an unmatched warrior."

"The one you describe is…" Waver clenched his fist. "Forgive me, I need some time to myself." He said after recomposing himself, although even this facade was hanging by a thread. "You can tell me about the other master later, continue without me for now."

"Well, that was sudden." Rin raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with you?" But she didn't receive an answer as Waver quickly retreated to his room. Shirou could see strong unease in the Lord's eyes, but it was clear that prodding him now would do no good.

"Continue, Assassin. What of the other master?"

"She was also young, a woman…She hid in a flat and did not leave it during the night, but I spotted her through the window. Her servant was a mage with golden hair and crimson eyes, an imposing, even unforgettable look." This reminded Shirou of someone he met ten years ago, a rogue servant who nearly killed him and Saber, but this could have been a coincidence; it was too early to judge.

"And what of the master? Anything notable about her appearance?"

"It was hard to see the details from outside, but she had long violet hair. A unique color which I have never seen on human hair before."

There could be no mistake. There was only one woman in Fuyuki that Shirou met whose hair matched this vibrant, unique description. The one he parted ways a long time ago, and even though he carried the warm memories of days spent with her in his heart, he never dared to return. A life too busy, filled with heroic deeds and accomplishments, as well as discovery…Of course, he eventually learned about the meaning of the name 'Matou.' Perhaps that's why he was fearful of returning to her; the thought that Sakura had some ulterior motive back during those days was unbearable. Shirou did not want to ruin this beautiful dream.

"Are we thinking the same thing?" Rin asked.

"I should have visited her earlier…Didn't even say hello."

"We're of one mind, then," Rin spoke in a quieter tone. "I…Haven't talked to her, either." Rin said in a somber, somewhat regretful tone, even though Shirou wouldn't expect her to seek to put Sakura after the Holy Grail War.

"Then it is time for us to find her."

…

It took time for Sakura to finally brace herself and leave her house. She wanted to avoid encountering masters for as long as possible, maybe have them fight and weaken each other, but she still needed to buy food. She rarely went anywhere other than local shops around her house, and most of the personnel knew her well. There were a few people outside; some of them spoke with worry and fear in their voices, mentioning a powerful hurricane of unseen proportions spotted outside of Fuyuki; this must have been why most stayed at their homes. Sakura wondered if it had anything to do with the Grail War.

"Willing to leave your house, are you?" Gilgamesh's playful voice echoed in her head.

"No point hiding when even the house isn't safe," Sakura said in a somber voice. "Not after he saw us."

"I have to give it to the Assassin, he is a master at hiding his own presence. Still, there is no need to worry about him; he is the weakest when it comes to direct combat. I will annihilate him the moment he comes close."

"And if he turns out to be quicker?"

"Quicker than the King of Heroes? Nonsense! If anything, I should demand your apology for putting so little faith in me, but you are fortunate I am in a good mood."

"Ugh…" Sakura let out an annoying sigh. "I really shouldn't expect some people to change, guess that makes you…"

"Quiet!"

"Hey, I'm not even rude."

"Someone's here, someone familiar," Gilgamesh said in a far sterner voice. "There, to our right…It seems he came back for more!"

Sakura turned to the right and noticed a secluded alleyway, large enough not to feel constrained but still away from prying eyes. She saw a familiar face standing right before her as if expecting the young woman to pass at this exact moment.

"Hector…" Sakura said with emerging worry in her voice, their last meeting did not end well.

"Come closer." He said calmly. "There aren't that many people there, but better to be safe than sorry."

"Alright…But not too close." Sakura took a few steps forward. She noticed that Hector avoided eye contact, occasionally staring at the ground.

"Hello again, Sakura Matou."

"Don't call me that, my name is Sakura Kuzuki."

"As you wish...

"Did you try to hunt me down on purpose?"

"I did." He said with certainty yet a lack of enthusiasm.

"But I didn't try to fight back, I escaped…Didn't you say that you'd let me go?" She said confidently, making Hector pause.

"I…We did, but our plans changed. You are too dangerous to be left alive with a servant like this. We can't allow any uncertainty, I hope you understand."

"Maybe I was wrong, but you didn't seem like someone who would kill someone unprovoked…I thought you had more honor than that."

"It's none of your business, and I won't explain it."

"Did your mentor order you to do it?" Sakura asked, making Hector's handshake. It was an uneasy topic for him; she could see that, and Sakura felt guilty for provoking him. "I'm sorry, I mean no offense, I just…Can't we talk this out? Why do we have to fight again until one of us is dead? I don't want to battle…"

"And neither do I!" Hector snapped and clenched his fist. "I didn't want to kill you, it's true, but I'm not the one calling the shots…Angela is right, this was isn't for the faint-hearted, and we…"

"So she did order you to do it?" Sakura said with compassion and emerging warmth in her voice. It became clear as day.

"Yes…Because she knows what is right. She will win this war, and I promised to help her do it without letting my weakness get in the way."

"You are not weak," Sakura said quietly, seeing Hector's eyes rise up towards her. "Kindness isn't a weakness."

"It is in this case."

"I know some masters made peace with each other and even became friends during the last war…If Angela really thinks it's a weakness, then she is wrong."

"You…You don't know her. You don't have nearly enough experience to challenge her or pretend that you know better, you do not! If it wasn't for Angela's guidance, I would never…It doesn't matter, we're just wasting time. Let's end this! I challenge you! Rider, attack!"

A tall and powerful figure of Iskandar emerged right in front of Hector.

"Finally, a rematch I've been waiting for!" His voice brimmed with excitement.

"Gilgamesh, now!"

"Thought you'd never ask."

The golden age emerged to face off against the King of Conquerors.

"Great Iskandar, still as confident and full of himself…Makes the job easier for me."

"This time, I won't hold back! Not against the most powerful of all."

Iskandar rode forth as he let out a proud battle cry, but Gilgamesh was ready. He created a magical aura that slowed Rider's advance and then immediately began to unleash one magical blade after another. Iskandar raised his own sword and parried most of the strikes, absorbing their energy into his own essence.

"Not bad, but you will never come any closer."

Gilgamesh unleashed a powerful shockwave that caused Iskandar to fall back for a moment. Sakura looked away to avoid hurting her eyes. The glow left by Gilgamesh's attacks was too much to handle.

"Finally, the true extent of your power!" Iskandar smiled. "It's only fair that I grant you a taste of mine."

Two magical currents emerged around Iskandar, those quickly materialized into two strong men clad in ancient heavy armor. Sakura learned that Alexander could use his soldiers, mostly as a part of his noble phantasm in an army, but he could summon a few individual ones to his side without the reality marble.

"Toy soldiers? Is that really your best?" Gilgamesh smirked.

He ignored the soldiers outright, instead summoning a golden chain at his side. Gilgamesh launched it and wrapped it around Iskandar in a matter of seconds, swiftly immobilizing his opponent. Rider clenched his teeth, even though he could not ignore the pain inflicted on him.

"Now, let me outline it for you." Gilgamesh continued. One of the soldiers attempted to attack, but a swift spell from Gilgamesh obliterated him immediately. "I could crush you this very instant without even breaking a sweat. But I would rather first teach you a lesson in humility. You challenged the King of Heroes and dared to assume that you could be my equal, a foolish supposition. It would only be right to…"

Just before Gilgamesh could finish, a powerful whirlwind annihilated the alleyway wall, unleashing a rain of stones upon the servants and their masters.

Chapter Text

Hector knew his judgment was clouded.

Ever since Sakura insulted his savior, he acted rashly, desperately wanting to teach her a lesson by crushing Caster right in front of her eyes. Still, it wasn't long into the battle that he was reminded of why Gilgamesh was considered the King of Heroes. He had Iskandar in his grip, ready to tear Rider apart, and Hector was completely powerless to stop him…

But then, something unexpected happened. The walls of the nearby house collapsed, and a powerful wave of wind magic pushed everyone aside. Even Gilgamesh, despite his power, wasn't quick enough to block this swift attack. By the time the group looked up, they saw a devastated house and a giant whirlwind at the heart of the wreckage. This completely annihilated any hope of secrecy that they had. Hector could feel his heart sinking as he realized that this was another powerful source of magic. They have been found by another enemy.

"A-ha-ha-ha!" A loud, psychotic cackle echoed in Hector's ears as he witnessed the silhouette inside this whirlwind. There was a human mage there, and this barrier that surrounded him manifested in an unbound power of the wind. "And what do we have here? Not one, but two pairs of master and servant? Oh, this is my lucky day! I see your fight kept you busy, and you didn't even realize that I was getting close! Oh, what folly!"

"Who…Who are you!?" Sakura demanded, with Gilgamesh quickly speaking next.

"Some deranged dog that I will gladly put down."

"How rude of you." The mysterious man responded. "I thought that this battle was built on honor and principles, and all esteemed mages held respect for each other…I suppose not."

"Are you a master, as well?" Hector asked.

"You can figure it out on your own…My name is Iseri, but considering all the carnage my servant and I wrought, I prefer the name Vortex!"

"Ah, I see," Iskandar said with curiosity. "That explains the hurricanes!"

"I've come to claim the Holy Grail, and no one will stand in my way and live!" Iseri declared with pride. "Berserker, annihilate them!"

This command began the onslaught. The pure wind charged forward, separating into two smaller hurricanes for each servant.

"Is this hurricane his servant?!" Hector said in confusion.

"Does it matter?" Rider chuckled. "If it is, that means we will tame the nature itself!"

Hector could only see a glimpse of what happened to Sakura and Caster before the wind barrier separated them. The magic surrounded them, and Gilgamesh was already preparing some sort of defense or counterattack with a golden barrier. For a moment, Hector felt fearful that Caster wouldn't be able to defend Sakura…Why did he even care? He had his own battle to fight now.

"Let's see what you are made of!" Rider proclaimed and turned towards the surviving soldier. "Attack, my warrior, let's bring the beast down!"

The warrior battled on, piercing through the veil of the mysterious Berserker, but there wasn't that much he could do, even with Iskandar covering his back. The wind got into his joints, squashed his bones, and tore him apart, creating a bloody and grotesque sight in front of Hector, who couldn't help but look away in disgust. Now, he and Rider were this maniac's primary targets.

"You think you can fight me? I am the Lord of the Wind!" Iseri shouted as he looked at his opponents from above. "I am the god of destruction, and this world will pay for mocking me; you will all feel the brunt of my power once Angra Mainyu is mine!"

He continued to attack, forcing one wave of wind after another towards Rider. Iskandar stood valiantly, deflecting each of them in time, but even Hector could see the energy slowly leave his shining blade. Nevertheless, the King of Conquerors did not dare to lose his form.

"Is that the best you can do? Such overconfidence, and yet you don't have anything to back it up with."

"Oh, I'm just getting started!"

Iseri doubled the power of his waves, making Iskandar take a defensive stance. The king help on, continuing his resistance, but soon his eyes caught the master. Hector was swirling around in a whirlwind, grasping for what little breathable air he could get, all while feeling his lungs burning from the inside. His eyes became red, a few more moments and he would share the fate of the fallen soldier…

Rider retreated instantly. He summoned his chariot and charged through the other side of the barrier, all while grabbing Hector with his bare hands and pulling him out of the chaotic swirl.

"Where do you think you are going? Coward!" Iseri would shout and threaten, but his fury was meaningless, even the wind was not as quick as Iskandar's chariot. In only a few moments, the two of them were free, but Hector felt absolutely no relief. The pain still persisted, both in his body and soul as he looked back at the ruins they left behind.

"Are you alright, boy?" Alexander said with concern. "Forgive me, I got too caught up in the moment and nearly had you killed…We will have to face this for another time."

"Wait, we can't leave just yet, we…We haven't finished with Sakura yet!" Hector wanted to use the word 'kill,' but something internal and powerful stopped him. Even thinking of saying this word left him disgusted, but it could not be that…He couldn't falter again. He was given a task and needed to complete it…Yes, this had to have been the source of his fear. Hector needed to prove himself to Angela and prove his worth as a mage, apprentice, and master…This couldn't have been the outcome. "She needs to be taught a lesson, not…Not die like this!"

"Have no fear, it seems like we will still have our opportunity," Alexander said confidently as he pointed at the nearby roof. "Whatever their intent is, they could create a perfect distraction for Berserker."

Hector watched and noticed two people standing there. One of them was a tall man who observed the battlefield with cold, emotionless eyes of an eagle, waiting for an opportunity to strike. The ashen-haired woman was in the middle of casting some spell, magic swirling around her. Finally, the third figure emerged, the shadowy servant.

…

She was there.

There could be no mistake about it; Shirou's old friend, the one with whom he shared countless warm and sweet moments, was here. Sakura Matou is a girl he treasures without ever knowing the meaning of her lineage. The woman he left years ago and thought that he said goodbye once and for all. Shirou had an inkling that they would reunite one day, but this was not how he expected it to happen.

"Look!" Rin pointed at the chariot that got further away from the place. "That has to be Rider."

"It is him." Hassan supported. "The sight is unmistakable."

"Ignore him," Shirou interjected. "We're here for Sakura."

"I know." Rin nodded as she looked over the hurricane. "The Mage's association has no chance of covering that up…But we can let them worry about it." She channeled some of her magic into Assassin, making him more resistant to wind. "That's it, he should be able to last down there for a while. The rest is up to you."

"Thank you," Shirou said and turned towards his servant. "Do you see an opening?"

"There are a few spots where the wind is weaker; this is where I can strike. It won't be enough to kill him, but it will weaken the aura.

"Good, I need you to do exactly that. Then, go down and get Sakura out of there. Is that clear?"

"Yes, master."

"Then don't let me keep you any longer."

Hassan nodded and made his leap. He focused on the weak spot and moved towards it with incredible speed and precision. One merciless strike with his razor-sharp blades worked wonders. Shirou could hear the raging, agonized scream coming from Iseri as the dark energy that Assassin unleashed wounded his body. This made the wind aura lose its shape and become more chaotic, creating more openings.

"What was that?!" Iseri screamed from the depths of his hurricane and began to chaotically unleash the wind waves in different directions. This was when Shirou was able to spot Sakura within this barrier. A grown woman, elegant and gorgeous, and with newfound confidence in her eyes that Shirou could never imagine seeing in the shy girl he knew. She had a golden Caster servant beside her, and it didn't take more than a single look for Shirou to recognize him, as well.

"What's going on?" Sakura spoke up. "Is he getting weaker?"

"He is switching his focus…" Gilgamesh noted. "Decided to run already, coward? You stole my victory, and for that, I'll make your death twice as painful!" Gilgamesh released a few spells that further cleared the windy mist, but he was unable to find Iseri. The master camouflaged himself well and was likely restoring his powers so he could strike again. Before Gilgamesh and Sakura began the battle again, the two noticed the cloaked servant.

"Gilgamesh, look!" Sakura pointed at the servant. "That's the shadow we saw."

"Assassin? Now, seems like things are getting even more interesting…"

"I am not here to fight you but to help." The Assassin spoke. "You need to leave now."

"Do you hear yourself?" Gilgamesh said arrogantly. "You are barely worthy of even looking at me, and you are saying that you can 'help'?"

"I am talking to your master, not you." Hassan focused on Sakura, ignoring Gilgamesh's gaze of annoyance. "Shirou Emiya sent me."

Even watching from above, Shirou could feel Sakura's shock. The girl took a step back and looked at the servant in disbelief.

"Wha-What are you talking about?"

"Shirou Emiya is my master, and he…"

Before Assassin could finish, the winds rose once again. Iseri enhanced his aura, pushing Assassin away and immobilizing him. Moments after, he commanded Hermes to turn towards Gulgamesh and Sakura. Caster created a golden barrier which blocked the wind's approach, but it took a toll on him.

"This mongrel is far stronger than I expected…There has to be something that fuels him!" The golden barrier that Gilgamesh continued to uphold bought them some time, but Shirou saw that it wasn't invulnerable. Moreover, Gilgamesh was unlikely to retreat voluntarily and hurt his own ego like that. As Shirou looked down, he saw a small tornado form around Sakura, overtaking her limbs and body, causing her to breathe heavily and in continuous pain. Gilgamesh was too busy fighting Hermes to intervene…

In the heat of the moment, Shirou made his decision.

"Hey, what are you…" Rin began but had no time to finish. Shirou Emiya leaped into the fray, not willing to wait any longer. He knew that despite Iseri throwing all he had at them, he was weakened by Assassin's strike. The rest happened in a matter of seconds, too quickly for Shirou to process. All he knew was that he could not stand aside and watch his friend in agony.

A magical sword emerged in his hand, courtesy of projection magic. With this, Shirou cut through the wind barrier and finally reached her after all those years…He held Sakura in his hands, keeping her close to his chest. She had her eyes closed, possibly unconscious from such a sudden attack. Even after a decade, there was still an aura of purity and innocence to her that Shirou recognized immediately. Now, it was a matter of getting as far away as possible.

"Gilgamesh!" Shirou called out his name, immediately garnering Caster's attention. "I am your master's ally, I need you to create an opening."

"You dare to command me, mongrel? Know that I'll only oblige for my master's sake!" Gilgamesh said arrogantly before charging his barrier. His spell was followed by an explosion that pushed Iseri back. As much as Shirou wanted to seize this opportunity to destroy Hermes and eliminate a powerful opponent, it would be too risky to do. Instead, he ran as far and as fast as he could, thinking of nothing but Sakura's safety. Gilgamesh created enough destructive spells to weaken and distract the deranged master, after which both he and Assassin followed Shirou. After a few minutes, the three of them were finally at a safe distance in another alleyway.

"I don't know who you are, mongrel, but your entrance was amusing enough. Now tell me, what do you want from Sakura?"

"You have nothing to fear, I am her friend, and I…" Before he could finish, the woman in his hands finally began to move. She slowly opened her eyes, making the man sigh in relief at the realization that she was safe.

"S-Shirou?"

"Yes, it's me, Sakura…You're safe now."

Chapter Text

Sakura had never dreamed of the possibility, yet here it was, unveiling it right in front of her.

It felt like a twisted, chaotic dream. Everything since Shirou saved her from Iseri's wind carried her in his arms, and spoke in his kind, soothing voice felt so cathartic yet unbelievable at the same time. Her sister was there, too…She and Shirou promised to show Sakura a safe, protected place, and she agreed to follow.

They didn't lie and guided the young woman and Caster to a residence on the outskirts of the Fuyuki area, their supposed base of operations. They did not talk much on their way, even though there were ten years' worth of discussion…Sakura knew she wanted to talk, and she felt like her sister and Shirou wanted it, too, but neither of them had the courage to start. Eventually, the road reached its end, and Sakura was already walking amidst the halls of their host's house.

"Welcome back." A tall, black-haired man met them in the main hall. A single look at him was enough to recognize an esteemed mage. He didn't focus on Shirou and Rin for long; instead, he turned his gaze towards Sakura. "I see you were rather quick to accept this invitation." He said with slight skepticism. Rin talked over the phone during their journey. He must have been her contact.

"You don't need to worry about Sakura." Shirou spoke up. "She is one of the most loyal and trustworthy people I know, even after all my travels." He said with confidence and certainty, making Sakura blush almost immediately.

"T-thank you, senpai." She said in a high-pitched voice. It has been a long time since Sakura felt so girlish…It was as if she was back in school again, infatuated over Senpai, her hero, and the one she dreamed would come and save her despite all the effort she put into hiding the truth. As if this wasn't embarrassing enough, Gilgamesh's playful voice echoed in her mind.

"Ah, now I see what's going on here."

Sakura tried to get hold of herself and looked at the host.

"You are Lord-Melloi, correct?"

"Lord El-Melloi the Second." He pedantically corrected. "And I believe you are Sakura Kuzuki; both Rin and Shirou vouched for you."

"I've heard of your campaign to destroy the Holy Grail. It's a very noble goal."

"Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to discuss. You are master in this war…And where is your servant?"

"Right here!" Gilgamesh's proud announcement echoed in Sakura's ears as the golden servant materialized in the center of the room. "So you're the one they're all afraid of? You hardly seem imposing."

"Ahem…" Rin interjected. "I doubt anyone will seem imposing to you of all people."

Sakura still looked at El-Melloi, noticing his expression change. From the moment she saw him, there was stoicism and confidence in his eyes, but the moment he looked at Gilgamesh, a huge dent was put through them. His hands shook, and eyes began to run around, as if he desperately wanted to look away, something that Gilgamesh quickly picked up on.

"Is that all the reaction you can give me? What a disappointment. Seems like no one knows the proper respect one ought to grant a king in this day and age."

"You're really full of yourself, mo matter the class." Rin sighed and spoke again. "Maybe our Lord here is simply stricken by your dazzling glory?" Rin said sarcastically. "Anyway, why don't we get to something more important?"

Pragmatic and direct, just like Sakura remembered her. It was strange, standing right by her side again. So many years have passed since their initial separation, and yet they still kept up the pretense of being nothing more than acquaintances.

"It's good to have you with us, Sakura." Rin said in a welcoming yet very official, almost emotionless tone. Sakura felt her heart skip a beat. Is this all she was going to get after twenty years of Rin ignoring her pain? Turning a blind eye to the monsters that tortured her?

"Thank you, Rin, I'm glad, too." She responded, desperately trying to not sound too artificial and fake.

"You've really grown…And disassociating yourself from the Matous was a great choice on your part. No offense, but your relatives were rather…Corrupt, to say the least."

'Relatives'. So they were still playing this game of pretense in front of others. Her sister didn't change at all.

"I wanted a simpler life…Without all the burdens that came with the lineage." Sakura explained. "Though the last few days showed that I can't run from my past forever."

"Why didn't you tell me you were from a mage family?" Shirou wondered. "That explains why the Grail would choose Shinji."

"Yes, the grail…" Perhaps it was better for him to think that it was the Grail that chose Shinji and not Sakura herself…No, she had to reveal the truth, and soon, otherwise, Sakura would be just as bad as her sister. "I'm sorry, Shirou, I didn't want to burden you with this knowledge. It really wasn't necessary."

"Maybe, but there was no reason to hide the truth…Or was there?"

"Sakura." Rin spoke again. "When Shirou became a master, he joined our cause almost immediately. We would love you to join us, as well, but the Grail chooses its masters for a reason."

"What are you getting at?"

"We need to be sure that you won't be working in the Grail's favor at any point." Rin explained.

"You don't trust me?"

"I want to be clear on everything. Do you have a wish that you'd like the Grail to fulfill?"

"I…" Sakura spoke quietly, but Gilgamesh interrupted her.

"Look at them, already jumping to interrogation like cravens. My master has her reasons for being in this war if you cannot accept them…Perhaps you don't trust her as much as you pretend."

"You don't know anything about us." Rin said dismissively.

"Please, stop this." Sakura interjected. "It doesn't matter what I could ever want from the Grail, not when it is corrupted and can only destroy, not create. I would never try to recreate something like the fire twenty hears ago. I am on your side wholeheartedly. The Grail has to be destroyed to save all people of Fuyuki, and if you think that it is possible, I will help you."

"I'm glad to hear that." Lord El-Melloi smiled. "We will gladly welcome you and Caster into our ranks."

"We're very fortunate to find another master sympathetic to our cause." Rin added. "The others were not as eager to hear us out."

As they talked, the Assassin emerged from the nearest window, quickly approaching his master.

"Report." Shirou said.

"Berserker and Rider escaped from the battlefield, and it is safe for now, but many people have noticed the chaos this hurricane caused."

"Could've been worse." Shirou said with faint relief.

"Have you encountered any masters?" Sakura asked.

"We have seen and identified three," El-Melloi responded. "Everec Kammerer, a member of the Association is the master of Saber, who is Jeanne d'Arc, savior of France. Another Association member is Marianne Taylor, the Lorekeeper. She commands Romulus, who is the Lancer in this war. Finally, Iseri…Though I was told he prefers to be called 'Vortex.' An unhinged but very talented mage that you've already seen, master of the wind magic, and Hermes, whom he cursed with madness to take the spot of Berserker. Then there is you and Shirou, masters of Caster and Assassin.

"I encountered the last two, both of them." Sakura said confidently, immediately garnering everyone's attention. "Master of Archer is Angela von Einzbern, the representative of the family, but she isn't a homunculus."

"So our suspicions were correct." The Lord said. "We suspected her as a master ever since the war started; all we needed was confirmation. And what of Archer? Did you figure out his identity?"

"No, but I've seen him. He is a young man, tall and has slightly tanned skin, but he looks Japanese. Pale white hair and dark crimson coating…Sorry, that's all I know. He was quite cocky when I saw him."

"Wait, that's…" Rin spoke in disbelief. "Did you think of that too, Shirou?"

"This describes your Archer perfectly."

"Damn…A second time in a row?"

"Explain, please." El-Melloi inquired.

"I was the master of Archer ten years ago, and it seems like Angela summoned the same servant."

"And who is he?"

"I don't know."

"You didn't know the identity of your own servant?"

"He said he had memory problems and didn't remember his own past…But I know what kind of person he is. We had a few spats here and there, but he remained loyal…Even sacrificed himself to save Shirou and me."

"I see. Well, at least that's some extra knowledge." El-Melloi said and turned back to Sakura, once again breaking his facade of stoicism. "And…What of Rider?"

"Angela's apprentice commands Rider; his name is Hector. He is fanatically loyal to her and would do anything she orders, but I don't think he is a bad person…Not truly."

"And his servant?"

"Alexander the Great, the King of Conquerors. He called himself Iskandar." As she said those words, El-Melloi reflexively recoiled as if shock had taken over him for a few seconds. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, of course…" He took a deep breath. "Now we know all masters and servants of this war, which means it is time to go on the offensive. We will defeat our opponents and bring an end to this cycle…Once and for all."

…

Hector hated the fact that he had to return to Angela empty-handed once again. He was so close to bringing Sakura down; perhaps with Berserker's sudden attack, he could have looked at an opportunity to strike at Gilgamesh from behind and annihilate the arrogant mage, but here he was, running away from his opportunity. By the time he and Iskandar approached the Einzbern castle on his flying chariot, the whirlwind in the city already faded.

"Seems like it is over…" Hector said quietly. "Do you think she survived?"

"Of course she did; it's not that easy to die with a servant like hers." Gilgamesh said with a level of admiration. "King of Heroes is arrogant and is slow to use the most powerful of his abilities, but he is nigh unbeatable when he does not hold back. That much is a fact. Now, Berserker and his master…They are the complete opposite. From what we've seen, they don't even think of holding back."

"Mad dogs, both of them." Hector said with disgust. "Angra Mainyu certainly makes some peculiar choices."

"Look at it from another angle. Perhaps the Grail wanted to make this contest more fun? And granting a servant to a merciless and deranged ravager can certainly add flavor to this was, don't you think."

"Could do without this type of 'fun'." Hector scoffed.

"To each their own."

Soon, the two arrived at the Einzbern castle. Iskandar was going to land at the front gates, but something seemed…Off. He could hear voices coming from the main hall, all loud and enthusiastic, as if in the middle of a heated argument, but not all were recognizable.

"Rider, let's look at the balcony." Hector suggested.

"Any particular reason?"

"Seems like Angela has another guest…I'd like to see them without too much distraction."

"Very well."

Rider landed at the balcony, a spot which allowed both master and servant an ample view of the hall. What he witnessed was enough to surprise Hector. Angela and Lorekeeper were there with their servants standing beside them, but there was another. A middle-aged man with a blonde woman in shining armor standing beside him.

"Saber…" Hector uttered quietly. He knew who it was, Everec Kammerer, the mage granted command seals, the one who summoned Jeanne d'Arc as a Saber and joined the war.

"Looks like your instincts were on point, boy." Iskandar chuckled. "Should we go down and say 'hello'?"

Hector didn't respond, instead focusing on the unfolding scene, listening to Angela speak.

"You should understand, Mr. Kammerer, that whatever your reservations regarding me you have, the campaigners for dismantlement are the main enemies of everyone in this room…" Eventually, Angela's gaze slid up, noticing Hector on the balcony. A very faint smile emerged on her face, after which she raised an arm slightly. Hector nodded in silence, after which she turned towards Kammerer again.

"Was that a signal of some sort?" Rider asked.

"Yes…She wants us to stay here and wait for her signal, I think she expects that this might end badly."

"Ah, negotiations…Half of those always end up in some sort of bloodbath."

"Quiet, we can't let them see us." Hector and Iskandar hid behind a pillar, continuing to listen to the conversation.

"Yes, yes, I heard that already." Kammerer said dismissively. "I battled this Shirou Emiya myself and would've crushed if not for that bastard Iseri interjecting. I still don't see any reasons to side with an Einzbern."

"Please, Everec, you have to see the big picture." Marianne spoke up. "This decision did not come easy to me either, but we are all masters, and for now, our goals co-inside, all of us need the grail intact. If you join us, it would be an alliance of four masters, a coalition practically unbeatable, exactly what we need against Hermes and Gilgamesh."

"You are the one refusing to see big picture, Marianne. Einzbers were the ones who created this war, the ones who ended up corrupting the Grail, and their goals remained unchanged across all wars. They want to claim the Grail for their family and their family alone. Do you think Homunculi who sent Angela here are happy about the Association joining this war? Do you think they care for dialogue or compromise? I expected better of you, Marianne, this naivety doesn't suit you."

"If I may, master." Jeanne d'Arc spoke out with calm confidence, turning to Angela. "I do not know how justified my master's suspicions are, but I defer to his judgement when it comes to the world of modern mages. If you truly want to claim the Grail for yourself or a small family, you are making a grave mistake. The Grail is an enigma, it is too much for a mere mortal, or even a few of the, to handle. You should reconsider your chosen course."

"You have it all mixed up." Angela sighed. "We aren't the ones rejecting an olive branch, your stubborn master is. Deferring to his judgement won't do you any good."

"Oh, really now?" Everec said in a smug, arrogant tone. "Need I remind you that if it wasn't for your predecessors, the Grail would have never been corrupted in the first place?"

"I'm sure this concept is alien to the Association, but we in the Einzbern family have a tradition of surpassing our predecessors and never give in to stagnation."

"Please, there is no need to bicker." Lorekeeper interjected. "We don't have to agree on everything, nor do we have to pretend like this is a long-term Alliance between Association and the Einzberns. We simply need to pick our battles carefully."

"I agree." Everec said. "And truth be told, while I was hoping to knock some sense into you, Marianne, I've picked my fight the moment you invited me here. Einzbers are a nest of snakes and I would never trust a single one of them! Saber, unless you want me to use another command seal, you know what to do…Don't harm Marianne, kill the rest!"

"I obey, master…" There was no confidence in Saber's voice, but she took out her blade, ready to enter the battle. Hector couldn't believe his eyes Everec was bold enough to challenge two servants at once, this could only end in a disaster for him.

"You've made a brave mistake. Archer, attack!" Angela commanded with her servant immediately joining the fray. He created an array of arrows, unleashing them upon advancing Jeanne. The woman had no issue raising her blade and using it to deflect the arrows. Any of them that hit her blade or armor broke before they had a chance to reach the skin.

"Romulus, defend us!" Marianne gave a command, as well.

"At once." The servant leapt forward and stood between Saber and Archer. The two began sparring, their lance and blade clashing with each other as the clinging wound echoed through the entire hall. Both of those servants were incredibly powerful, when it came to combat they were evenly-matched.

"Typical." Alexander said without any surprise. "I think this is the perfect time for us to join the battle, Saber has no chance against the three of us."

"Wait for a bit longer." Hector said. "He doesn't know we're here, we should strike when he opens himself up."

"Why are you doing this, Everec?" Marianne said with stark disappointment in her voice. "You are destroying your own opportunity and for what? For your pride?"

"If you want to simplify it in such a way, then so be it." Kammerer responded. "But I'd simply say that I have better judgement than to become an Einzbern's pawn. You think you can put aside our differences, but if you continue this partnership, one day she will backstab you without remorse!"

The battle raged on with Saber and Lancer continuing to clash, both maintaining their positions.

"It is an honor to spar with an ancient hero." Jeanne declared. "If nothing else, let this duel be engraved in our memories!"

"You are young and naive, yet already show great potential. With many others, your strength would be more than enough, but not with me!"

"I'll gladly take on the challenge!"

Jeanne raised her sword, but another array of arrows emerged from behind Romulus, this time Saber wasn't quick enough to deflect all of them. A few hit her skin, causing the woman to grunt and take a few steps back. Archer was there, too, standing by Lancer's side and more than happy to aid him.

"I…" Jeanne took a deep breath. "I see you have no regard for the concept of honor, Archer!"

"Spare me your nonsense." Archer responded dismissively. "I know your type, Saber, the perpetual hero. The one who seeks to become an idol, who believes themselves to be larger than life. They dedicate their entire existence to a cruel world that will never repay in kind…And then they always wonder why they die broken and alone."

"Perhaps you have no faith in life, but I still cling to it." Jeanne maintained and attempted to attack again. As hard as she fought, two servants were simply too much to handle at the same time. Hector knew that if he and Iskandar enter the fray, this will be an easy victory, but something still seemed wrong. This couldn't have been the full extent of whatever Ever and Jeanne planned, they weren't foolish enough to limit themselves to this suicidal charge.

"Saber, it is time!" Kammerer commanded as he began to channel his mana into Jeanne,

"I shall not fail you, master. Noble Phantasm, Luminosite Eternelle!" After those words, a banner emerged in Saber's hands, a flag that symbolized her pride and heroism in the bygone era. A vessel of incredible energy that she was ready to unleash at this very moment. "It's time to end this!" The energy that Everec supplied transformed into a golden aura around Saber as she began her onslaught. Both Romulus and Archer were forced back.

"What are you waiting for?!" Angela demanded. "Break through her defense!"

Archer attempted to use his blades again, but they simply burned in the glow of this aura.

"Seems like she had some useful tricks up her sleeve after all…" Archer said.

Romulus was the next one to try and break through Saber's defenses, but even his mighty spear ended up useless against the approaching warrior.

"Damn it, I knew they had a plan!" Hector clenched his fist, hearing Iskandar's voice.

"It's time to enter the battle, boy. Her defenses may be strong, but they are not impenetrable. I will use my own noble phantasm and have my army break through this aura!"

"Are you seriously going to waste so much energy in a three to one battle? No, there must be some other way…" Hector pondered, switching his focus from Saber to her master. "See, he is the one fueling her with mana. Archer and Lancer can't reach him from the other side of this shield, but you can!"

"Are you saying…"

"Get to him from behind or from above and knock him out, this will end the supply and make Saber an easy target."

"And then they would tear her apart…No boy, this isn't how it should go."

"W-what are you talking about?" Hector could barely hold his anger back. "We won't get a perfect opportunity like this ever again!"

"I am a conqueror and a warrior, and I have come to this land to challenge that mighty heroes that answered the summons not to eliminate them as conveniently as possible by some cheap tricks. I wish to face Jeanne in battle, I can promise you that I will emerge victorious."

"We can't risk it! We're in this to win, not for some twisted fun! Just listen, if you…"

Sudden cry of pain interrupted Hector. He saw Archer unleashing more blades in an attempt to break through Saber's defenses, but all of them were destroyed or deflected. One of them happened to fly right by Angela's shoulder and inflict a wound upon it. His mentor let out a painful scream and fell on her knees, blood began to stream from her shoulder almost immediately.

In this moment, Hector could feel his world freeze. She was wounded and open, any one of next attacks could be her end. His savior, the woman who granted him the gift of life and taught Hector everything he knew. She could…No, no, Hector would never allow it, no matter the cost. The young man raised his hand.

"What are you doing, boy?"

"By this command seal, I order you…Kill Saber's master."

Iskandar attempted to resist, but only for a few seconds. Eventually, the will of the command spell took over him entirely. Rider summoned his chariot and charged to wards Everec with impeccable speed and without any hesitation. Before the arrogant mage could realize anything, the shadow of the King of Conquerors already towered above him.

"AAARGH!" Everec's painful cry rang out through the hall.

"Master!" Jeanne reflexively turned around and shouted in shock. Iskandar's blade struck without mercy, cutting the mage down in two. The stream of blood created a puddle in a matter of seconds. The barely-alive Everec was only able to look at Marianne one last time.

"This is who…They…Are…Backs..Stabb…E….."

Moments after, Iskandar finished the job by decapitating The mage.

"No!" Jeanne cried out in despair.

"I am sorry, Saber…It had to be done."

Saber was shocked and weakened, and the other servants used this opportunity to attack in unison. Archer unleashed an array of six blades, four of them piercing Jeanne's limbs while the remaining two plucked out her eyes, leaving nothing but stains of blood. At this point, Saber could do nothing but scream in agony, but this pain did not last for long. Lancer attacked, breaking her chest armor and piercing her heart. Blood flowed from Jeanne's mouth, she could neither scream nor talk any longer, and soon her body began to fade away. There she laid, an utterly defeated and broken warrior, drowning in her own blood at the feet of her opponents.

"As I expected." Archer said coldly. "Broken and alone."

Eventually, Jeanne faded and the silence befell upon the hall. Marianne was staring st Kammerer's mutilated corpse in silence, still unable to let go of the shock. Eventually, Angela's delighted laughter broke this silence.

"A-ha-ha-ha! And so the first master falls!" She clapped as she watched Hector descend down the staircase, looking to the floor with shame in his eyes. "Perfectly played, I couldn't have executed this better myself! I'll even forgive you coming back empty-handed again…"

"T-thank you," Hector said as he felt something inside him die. Here it was, the praise he wanted…All it took was to murder someone in an act of vile dishonor.

"And you, Marianne?" Angela turned towards the Lorekeeper. "You were impressive, as well."

"Yes…Sure…"

"Come now, you should have been ready for this outcome. It is a shame that he refused to see reason, but he left us no choice. This marks our victory, the first of many!" The mage spoke with pride and anticipation. "It won't be long before Emiya and Matou share the same fate."

Chapter Text

"Live."

This was the command Iskandar gave Waver twenty years ago before marching towards Gilgamesh, knowing full well that he would not survive. The boy watched with tears in his eyes as the man who he called an idol, the one who he was ready to follow to the end of the world, met his untimely demise. This was the day that defined Waver's life, the loss that made him take his mentor's place. He only knew for a few days, but this experience was enough to change Waver's life and turn him into the man he is today.

At first, he dreamed of reuniting with Iskandar, showing him that he fulfilled his order and lived to the fullest, that he changed the world around him and left a proper mark. Waver even wanted to join the next Holy Grail War for an opportunity to see Rider again, but by the time it began, he already let go of this dream. After all, Iskandar would not remember their time together, and whatever achievements Waver accomplished would only have superficial meaning to him. A disappointing reality that he had to accept…Now, Waver was able to leave Iskandar's shadow, become a man of his own, and fight his own battles, only to be met by his own friend at a time most contemptuous. 

This time, Iskandar was on the enemy side, and Waver couldn't think of anything else ever since getting his confirmation. They would have to look each other in the eyes again, but Rider would not remember the past. What will he think of Lord El-Melloi the second, of the man Waver became? He didn't know and wasn't sure if he wanted to know. Merely trying to envision this moment was enough to make Waver's hands shake. He knew that there was no way to reunite with Alexander, he remembered, but he still couldn't help but maintain his curiosity.

When Waver picked a fitting moment, he approached the shadowy servant who guarded the estate. Assassin was quick to notice his approach, and by the time Waver found him, the servant was on the balcony, about to leave.

"Wait," Waver said confidently, garnering Assassin's attention.

"What do you want? My master sent me on a scouting mission, and I am about to go."

"I just wish to ask a few questions, it won't take long." Waver said as calmly as he could, trying to hide his chaotic heartbeat.

"You are fortunate to be my master's ally…Speak."

"I studied the history of the Holy Grail wars in detail; I know that you have been summoned before. Multiple masters of the mountain fought as the designated Assassins…Including you. According to our records, you were among the summoned servants in the Second Holy Grail War."

"And why does it matter to you? "

"I wanted to know…If you remember anything from those times. Servants are not supposed to. This is true for the vast majority of them, but…Perhaps there are a few flashes, some words others said to you, maybe targets that you were sent to eliminate…Anything at all." Waver asked, making Assassin pause and remain silent for a few moments, as if he tried to remember himself. The answer was just like Waver expected.

"Not a single thing. If I had been a part of that War, I would have long forgotten it. There was only one time I was summoned into your world, and that was to take part in the War unfolding now."

"I see."

"Does that answer your question?"

"Yes, I suppose…"

"What makes you so curious about the past wars and their servants? I was under the impression that you mages prefer to peer into the future rather than linger on the past."

"I try to do that most of the time…But let's just say I have one very particular memory I can't let go of yet."

"We all have one." Hassan said quietly. "Guard my master until I have returned."

"You have my word," Waver reassured him, and Assassin finally jumped off the balcony, disappearing into the shadows. Waver took a deep breath, thinking that he was alone for a moment, but soon, he heard the voice of an arrogant King echoing from behind him.

"Struggling with letting go of memories?" Gilgamesh spoke with intrigue as he slowly walked to the balcony. Even now, Waver couldn't help but feel a sting of unease the moment he saw the Golden King. He was different from the one Waver remembered, and not only in terms of his class. His words sounded softer, calmer, even wiser. Yet no matter how much Waver tried to reject this memory, all he could see was Gilgamesh extinguishing life from Iskandar and his imposing shadow towering over Waver, the moment of pure, unfiltered horror that destroyed Waver's idol. "If you want some advice on how to let go, then make sure to make each of your next memories overshadow the previous one. When your life is in an upward spiral, you have no room for regrets. For me, destroying my treasury's greatest possession seems like a fitting next step."

"Not everyone is in a position to maintain such a lifestyle." Waver looked up into Gilgamesh's eyes, trying to maintain his posture and show no fear.

"Only because people like to use it as an excuse to avoid perfecting themselves." 

"And I suppose you don't have any memories of past wars, either?"

"No, I do not." Gilgamesh shrugged. "And if so, that means I didn't need them much in the first place."

If only Waver could have such confidence...But even after twenty years, he couldn't dream of having this dedication.

"Waver!" He heard Rin's voice from the nearest door. "Come here, I gathered some new information about Angra Mainyu. We need to discuss it."

"Yes...Yes, it is for the best."

It was best to distract himself until the inevitable moment of 'reunion' arrived.

…

After Sakura officially joined the Dismantlement coalition, she could finally take a short break. Now that all of the masters and servants were unmasked, the group had to carefully plan their next step. That was left to Rin and Lord El-Melloi, while Sakura was content to go along with the flow and support her friends wherever they needed her the most. For now, she sat in the dining room and pondered to herself. There were some matters to clear up before they continued the War; Sakura knew that much, even if she couldn't force herself to act.

"Hey, Sakura." The girl raised her eyes as she heard Shirou's voice. She recognized it, but he sounded very different from how he sounded when they reunited. His voice was calmer and softer and even a little awkward, much like the boy she remembered from ten years ago. He carried two cups in his hands.

"Are you alright, Shirou?"

"I…Yeah, just made you some tea and thought you might want some, as well." He smiled and put one of the cups beside Sakura, quickly taking a seat at the table afterward.

"Thank you." Sakura smiled warmly and took a sip. "It's… It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Yeah," Shirou responded quietly. "I should've returned and checked on you much sooner, and I didn't need an extra reason like another Holy Grail War… I'm sorry."

"It's alright, I'm sure you had a lot to do!" Sakura reassured him, though she could see that it wouldn't work. There was much guilt inside Shirou's heart, and if she were to reveal the truth, he would hurt even more…But Sakura knew that Shirou himself would prefer to know the truth instead of comforting himself with delusions and ignorance. "How was it? I mean, those years. You've made quite a name for yourself."

"It hasn't been a smooth sail, and many didn't trust me at first, but I worked my way up. First, making favors with the police, then with the general populace…I perfected my magic, using it to save as many people as possible." As Shirou spoke those words, he looked away in shame. "I fought criminals, saved people from hurricanes and tsunamis, traveled across the world, never left this path for an entire decade…"

"I knew you had it in you, Shirou; you were always meant to be a hero, both in heart and strength. But why…Why do you sound so hurt when talking about it?" Sakura wondered. "Isn't this one of your greatest achievements? You should be proud of your path."

"It's complicated…" Shirou took a deep breath before looking at Sakura. "Truth be told, I never shared it with anyone before, but if there's anyone who deserves to know, it is you. I always wanted to save people and help as many as possible, even if it meant sacrificing my life and well-being, but that's not all. There were many times I faced doubt on my path, many times when my faith in people was challenged, and sometimes I even considered abandoning it…But there was a dream that kept me going. A dream that does not involve anyone but me…And her."

"Are you talking about Saber?" Sakura asked, making Shirou flinch in surprise, but he quickly returned to his calm demeanor.

"Yes, though I suppose now that this title was claimed by another, it's better if I call her Artoria. Ever since we said our goodbyes, I thought that I could let go and move on, just like I told her to do…But I was lying to myself. I kept thinking and dreaming of her throughout this decade; I always heard her voice in my head again and again. Her confession, her embrace, all which I experienced in those two weeks, I lived over again and again…As pathetic as it sounds, I could never let go of the woman from the past that was before me on that day." The way he spoke of Artoria with such affection and genuine love…Those words clawed their way deep into Sakura's heart. She always dreamed of seeing him speak of her in this way, dedicating himself to her and confessing his love. But in the end, Shirou was an idealist; he was pure of heart, and that's why Sakura loved him, and this was the exact quality that separated them. Just like he rejected the notion of a peaceful life and instead chose to chase an ideal, when it came to love, he chose to love an ideal. A hero like himself. "She was a hero in her life. She became a King, dedicating her life and her death to her people. She was a valiant knight who fought until the end, and if she truly found peace…I believe she is in a better world now." Shirou said as a lone tear fell from his eye. "Avalon, a paradise for heroes, a place she deserved after all the trials she faced. One day, I want to meet her there, to look into her eyes once again…And for this to happen, I must deserve it, too. But the more I think of it, the more I realize that this selfish desire, it…It stops me from being truly pure. What if what truly guides me is my love for Artoria alone? What kind of hero I am if that is the case? A pathetic one…"

"No," Sakura spoke up. "Never call yourself that. You are not pathetic, Shirou, and have never been. You've lost your family and had to fight in that horrible War, but you endured. You saved Fuyuki on that night and many people in the years after. You are among the most heroic people on this planet, and I have no doubt about it. After all you've done and seen, there is no shame in admitting that you want something for yourself. That you want to experience love…That you deserve it." She had to fight this shame for years, even after gaining freedom, and Sakura did not want Shirou to follow the same path."

"I…Thank you, Sakura." Shirou smiled.

"If you feel even a little better, there is no need."

"I do, truly…Sorry for the long rant; we should really focus on stopping other masters, especially the self-proclaimed 'Vortex.'" Shirou stood up and put his tea away after finishing it. He was about to leave the room, and Sakura sat there like some naive fool, unable to say the truth that was on her mind. She thought that she would allow him to live in ignorance for a while longer. However, before Shirou left, he paused and turned around. "And also…You were there when Illya died, weren't you? Now I know that she didn't have long, even without that illness, and…I was a fool who left her and didn't look back until it was too late. Did she at least have someone by her side? I hope she did not die alone…" The same words forced the flashes of the past to emerge in front of Sakura's eyes. The promise she forsaken and the friend she lost. She knew she wouldn't be able to lie about this, not without further betraying Illya.

"Shirou, I…"

"Yes?"

"Can you sit down, please? I have something important to tell you. It's not just about Illya but also about her and…I don't know how to explain."

"It's alright, I'm listening." Shirou said as he took his seat beside Sakura with his eyes full of curiosity.

"But can you promise me two things before I tell you? First, I know some of it will sound outlandish, but it is all the truth…I need you to believe me."

"Of course, I would never suspect you of lying."

"And second…Whatever I tell you, please know that none of it is your fault. Not a single thing. It was mine and Illya's choice to conceal parts of the truth, and both of us paid for it, just…You don't have to take on this burden." She said, noticing worry in Shirou's eyes.

"If it's something important, I have to know."

"Of course…" Sakura took a deep breath. "But it's hard to even begin; it's…Ever since we first met, there was a lot I didn't tell you."

"I know that Matous was a mage family, Shinji told me a little about it, and as I said, I did my own research after the war."

"I imagine you did your research using the Association's materials, and there are some things they don't want outsiders to know."

"For example?"

"I am not a Matou." Sakura let out, creating a moment of awkward silence between the two. She knew that Shirou will have a lot to process, and there was no reason to hold back. "I changed my name now, yes, but I wasn't born Matou, either. Zouken Matou, the head of the family, made an arrangement with my father so he coukd adopt me when I was a young girl."

"So you are not related to them…And Shinji was never your brother?"

"Not by blood, no."

"And why would your father give his own daughter to another family?"

"I wish I knew for sure…I suppose he wanted me to realize my potential. As you probably know, only one child inherits the magical secrets of a noble family. Zouken needed an heir since Shinji couldn't use magic, but my father had an heir already. See, I was the younger daughter in my family, and I wasn't destined to inherit our magic. This is why he sent me away, my own father…" She took a deep breath. “His name was Tokiomi Tohsaka.” She said coldly, making Shirou freeze on the spot. Finally, she admitted to the truth she tried to hide for a long time. There was no going back after this. She will tell him everything here and now.

“You…You are Rin’s…”

"I am her sister. And we both know that we just…Hid it from you ten years ago."

"That explains how you were so familiar with each other, but… It's just…All this time?"

"I'm sorry about this, Shirou, I know I should've told you earlier…But even that is not the end of it. Zouken didn't need an heir; he needed a vessel. He lived for hundreds of years, and everyone in the Matou family was just a pawn for him. I was a special case because of my talent…You know how Illya became the vessel for the Holy Grail ten years ago? He tried to do the same thing to me. He…” Sakura's lips quivered. "He infused me with the shards of the fourth Grail and then imbued me with his…Worms."

"Worms? I don't understand, what are you talking about?" Shirou said with fearful unease in his voice.

"This was the only way Zouken could live his long, to support his spirit with magecraft. His body was entirely made up of worms from his magic crest. He…” Sakura felt tears streaming down her eyes as she involuntarily relived the pain of her torture. "He forced me into the worm pit and kept me there for days! Over and over again…He had them sink into my flesh, poison my blood, cause me immense pain, drive me crazy, and…It would never end; it would continue without end…He enjoyed it, too, and enjoyed making my life hell! All of this so he could break me and turn me into his puppet, an experimental lesser Grail that would become a stepping stone for him to achieve immortality." At this point, Sakura was weeping, and she saw more tears emerging in Shirou's eyes as she continued to confess. He listened to her in complete silence, shocked and horrified by what he was hearing. 

"But does that mean that when you were visiting me…"

"I was still going through this process almost every night…I beg you, Shirou, please don't blame yourself; I did my best to hide this truth from you. You were the only person who showed kindness to me, who genuinely liked spending time with me, and I loved spending time with you, too! Our moments were what kept me going, reminded me that there was a reason to live…"

"But why…If you told me the truth, I would've helped you, I would've killed that old man if I had to, I would've done everything!"

"If I told you anything, Zouken would hurt me even more; his worms were inside me, after all…And he would kill you, and I would never endanger you. Even during the Grail War, Shinji wasn't Rider's true master. The Grail chose me, but I didn't want to fight anyone, especially you. I gave her away to Shinji, I really wanted to escape this responsibility, and it ended up killing him."

"So you are saying I left Fuyuki to save others, and all this time you were suffering, and I didn't even…" Shirou clung to his head with his shaking hands. "God, I…I…No, no, no, no! I couldn't have been that blind, I…No, it is wrong; it is all wrong!"

"You couldn't have known…And besides, I didn't have to wait long before I was saved. Illya came to my rescue…We became friends after the War, we knew that we both were of mage families…She found allies, Souichirou Kuzuki among them, and challenged Zouken when he was about to destroy my sanity for good. They succeeded and killed Zouken. Illya helped me break free from his control, to purge the worms from my body…But Zouken mortally wounded before she could kill him." 

"No…"

"This story about illness… It's a lie so that people wouldn't ask questions. She died on the day she set me free, and she asked me only one thing…I gave her a promise that I would seek you out on her behalf and tell her that the man who adopted you, Kiritsugu Emiya, was her biological father, that she saw you as a brother even though you were not related…I believe she enjoyed it. This thought and your kindness were some of her warmest memories, she told me as much."

"I…" Shirou tried to form words as his hands began to shake. "All this time…I failed her, I failed both of you…I should've helped you; I should've found a way to keep Illya alive, and all I did was run away chasing a dream. I… I'm sorry…" Shirou couldn't hold back the stream of tears, quickly turning into a sobbing mess. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry…"

"It's okay." Sakura wiped some of Shirou's tears, all while allowing her own to fall, and hugged the pained man before her. "I don't think you did anything wrong, but I knew you would ask for forgiveness anyway…And I forgive you. I forgave you long ago."

At long last, the moment of honesty, a moment of true freedom. All Sakura could hope for was Illya watching from the skies, watching the two people she cherished so deeply cry in each other's arms, allowing themselves to be vulnerable, allowing their hope for a brighter future to reign over their sorrow. It would get better now that they were back together…

They knew it.

Chapter Text

Even after Sakura had no tears left to cry, she still couldn't let go of a rather peculiar feeling. It was a mixture of emptiness and relief. On the one hand, she told Shirou the truth she had tried to keep for so many years, practically bared herself in front of him, showing all the scars that her body and soul were covered in, many of which would still occasionally bleed. On the other hand, she no longer had to hide herself from Shirou for the first time in her life…And she could finally think of Illya without shame, for Sakura had fulfilled her promise.

By the time Shirou and Sakura returned to the main hall, both of them were still shaken from the revelation. Rin and El-Melloi, meanwhile, were focused on planning the next step of their campaign.

"I see…" The Lord said after going over Rin's materials. "If the Grail maintains the properties of what Angra Mainyu would have been after the summoning, then it can be considered one of the strongest servants to ever exist."

"Yes, but it is also easier to destroy," Rin added. "Before this fusion, the Holy Grail had no identifiable core, seemingly indestructible in a traditional sense. With Angra Mainyu feeding off its energy, it won't be able to sustain itself without the Avenger."

"If that is so, it is a case of letting Angra Mainyu manifest and luring the Greater Grail to the surface, which will be the tricky part…After that, all we need is a servant who is strong enough to challenge Angra Mainyu and put all of his effort and power into destroying it."

"Yes, and luckily for us, we now have the perfect servant for this job," Rin said just before noticing Sakura and Shirou, both of whom were approaching quietly. "Perfect timing. Sakura, you joining us was an even better turn of events than we assumed! If our calculations are correct, Gilgamesh may yet be the key to destroying Angra Mainyu. Ironic, considering that his previous incarnation was all for letting it be born. We're going to have to do some practice beforehand, of course, so try to convince your servant not to act like an egotistical bozo for once…" Rin paused before raising an eyebrow. "You two look very gloomy. Something wrong?"

"Rin…" Shirou spoke up. "Sakura told me."

"Told you what?"

"About you and her. I know you are sisters who were separated early into childhood, and all the effort you've gone through to hide it from me." He said, making Rin pause and drop the facade of confidence for a moment.

"I…I see." Rin sighed, still barely showing any emotion. Were Sakura's suspicions true? Did her sister not care any longer? Did she ever care?

"Why didn't you tell me?" Shirou pressed.

"Because we have matters far more pressing now than we had a decade ago."

"That's no excuse!" Shirou shook his head. "I had to know."

"And what good would it do? You would see us as sisters, even though, by the Mage World's decree, we are not. If anything, this would make it awkward for all of us."

"Rin..." Sakura interjected, finally forcing herself to speak. "Maybe the Mages don't see us as sisters, but what about you? Do you just blindly follow whatever they tell you?"

"It wasn't my decision, Sakura; it was our father's. Yes, in retrospect, it was not perfect, but..." This was the breaking point for Sakura, after which she could no longer hold herself back.

"Not perfect? Do you...Do you know what they, what he did to me there!? Father knew Zouken was evil. He knew the lengths he would go to preserve his immortality; he had to know! And he still gave me away."

"He made a mistake…And so did I, by never checking up on you." Rin admitted. "But Zouken is dead now, one way or another, and you don't have to worry about…"

"You don't understand! He might be dead, but do you think it's that easy to simply forget what I went through for more than ten years! How much he hurt me with his magic, how he mocked and isolated me, poisoned my food…Do you know that he forced his worms to crawl inside me? To suck on my blood and leech off my heart, how he made sure that wherever I went, he would follow! There were so many times I wondered what have I done to deserve it…I hated myself; I hated my tainted, disgusting body, and wherever he let me out, I saw you in the same city and the same school, always being the star, the one everyone either adored or feared. You had everything while I had to suffer just because of Tokiomi's choice!"

"I…" Rin said quietly, clearly shaken by Sakura's revelation.

"You never even tried to learn about my life…My adoptive uncle Kariya sacrificed his life to try and free me. Illya, who was my friend for only a few months, sacrificed her life to free me. And she wasn't alone, either; our teacher, Souichirou, helped her because he wanted to do something noble in his life. Sasaki Kojirou, the Assassin from the previous war, joined Illya for no other reason than to have an amusing fight. Even Shirou, whom I lied to and hid everything from, always offered his help when it came to me and Shinji falling out. If I let him too close, he would find out about Zouken, too, and he wouldn't stop until he freed me. All those people helped me, and I am immensely grateful, but none of them had a reason as strong as you. You are my sister…And yet you just left me behind and never even looked back…And even when we finally meet after ten years, all you can talk to me about is how useful my servant can be. I…I hate you!" Sakura shouted before storming off away from the room, leaving Rin completely speechless and shaken. Shirou tried to follow her.

"Sakura…"

"Please, just…I need some time alone."

…

Hector never imagined he would have the honor.

He was the one who struck down a master, drawing the first blood in this war. When he first joined this battle, Hector wanted to focus on servants so he could render masters useless without them. However, Angela had another strategy in mind, and while Hector wasn't entirely comfortable with it, he accepted her judgment. Especially when he saw Angela wounded and on the brink of collapse, he followed through with it immediately. It wasn't until after the battle that the realization hit him.

After Iskandar's prolonged silence, Hector finally realizes that he murdered someone in cold blood, forcing his servant, who valued honor and glorious battle, to act as his executioner. To become a murderous Assassin instead of a dignified king who yearned for battle. Angela, meanwhile, was incredibly pleased with the outcome, giddy and satisfied as long as Everec was not a problem anymore. She wasn't even ashamed of openly praising Hector…But he didn't feel like he deserved any praise.

"Rider… I'm sorry, I…I had to." Hector pleaded as he was cleaning the main hall, knowing that the King of Conquerors still followed him in spirit form.

"Did you, boy? Or perhaps you refused to trust me and robbed me of this opportunity." He said with faint disappointment.

"I couldn't let Angela die and, you know that! I owe her everything, I…" Hector took a deep breath and clenched his first. "I had to…" He said in a quieter tone as a lone woman descended down the stairs. Angela's newest ally, and her appearance made Hector realize that he was speaking to Iskandar out loud, likely distracting the others.

"Ah, apologies, Mrs Taylor…" Hector sighed.

"Call me Marianne, I'm hardly on my typical official business here." She reassured him. "How are you holding up?"

"What do you mean, 'holding up'? We just had our first major victory in this war; we should be celebrating if anything!"

"I saw how you reacted to what you did," Marianne said, immediately breaking through Hector's facade. "That look of disgust and shame on your face…You aren't a killer."

"I…" Hector couldn't help but look to the floor in disappointment and self-loathing.

"I knew Everec. I can't say we were friends; our opinions often differed, but I respected his boldness." Marianne said in a somber tone.

"I had to act in the moment. I know it was cruel, and I don't expect forgiveness; it's…"

"It's fine; I don't blame you," Marianne said suddenly, making Hector look up with newfound hope in his eyes.

"R-really? Thank you, I…"

"I would have done the same if I had to defend someone close to me…And I can see she means a lot to you." Marianne said in a calm tone. "There wasn't a single Holy Grail War without casualties, or any war in history for that matter. But how you dealt with Kammerer still concerns me for another reason."

"What do you mean?"

"Some mages, many, in fact, would have been able to kill an enemy without hesitation if it meant getting what they wanted, and they would not feel any regret. That's me. That's Angela… I'd even say she gains too much satisfaction from murder. But that's not you. When people who aren't made for this kind of struggle are forced into it, it breaks them. My sister was in a similar situation; she followed a manipulative master who didn't have nearly as much empathy as she did. She killed for him…And she never recovered. I visit her in a mental institution, and she has a long way to go." At first, Hector listened attentively, but something changed, and he felt an urge to respond. He had an almost visceral reaction once Marianne said a single word.

"Are you saying that Angela is manipulative? That she is simply using me?"

"I don't know for sure; all I can tell is…"

"You don't know anything! I spent years with her. I owe her everything, even my life! She saved me and allowed me to live, she…"

"And what was the point of saving you only to break your soul?" Marianne said somberly, making Hector pause. She shouldn't have said those things; she was just an insolent bitch who made judgments about him and Angela without knowing the full picture. She…

"Rise and shine!" Angela's cheerful voice echoed from the above staircase as she descended towards her allies. Archer followed in her footsteps, carefully eyeing the room. "I hope you two didn't get too relaxed, we still have three masters to hunt down. The question is, where to start? We have to be strategic about it. Any thoughts?"

"Yes, actually," Hector spoke up. "I think we should pursue the one that attacked me the last time, the one that calls himself Vortex. He is the moth ruthless and unhinged of all masters, he even destroyed a building back then which may put the secrecy of all mages at risk."

"I agree." Marianne supported. "When it comes to the Dismantling coalition, we have a different opinion. Iseri, however, is not the type to have any rational goals. He is driven by spite and anger and takes pride in the destruction he causes. The world would be better with him restrained or dead."

"I see your point, but unfortunately, you don't realize the bigger picture." Angela shook her head, and Archer spoke after her.

"Iseri is just a psychopath; there are countless like him, both among mages and regular humans. Shirou Emiya, meanwhile, is an individual who learned to pose as a sane man while being completely broken yet incredibly competent at his core. He is the real threat, and others a distraction."

"Your servant has quite an obsession," Marianne noted, prompting Angela to speak.

"He is right, and not just because of Emiya. Iseri possesses no power, knowledge, nor desire to destroy Angra Mainyu, but the Coalition may…Especially if she is joined by Gilgamesh and the Matou girl. We must destroy the Coalition, and then figure out the rest. Not to mention that you've been to their hideout, so we know where to look."

"With all due respect…" Marianne raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting we just ignore a ravaging psychopath and make it easy for him to kill even more people? His actions would harm every mage in the long run."

"Angela makes a good point," Hector interjected, knowing that he was about to go back on what he said earlier, but he felt the need to support her. "If the Coalition is united and has two servants, they are a much bigger threat."

"You are all underestimating…" Marianne began, but the echoing sound of irregular steps interrupted her. The group all turned towards the entrance, noticing a hooded figure approaching slowly. It was a young man with an unnerving smile emerging on his face.

"Oh dear, am I interrupting?" He spoke up, feigning concern and sympathy. Hector immediately recognized this voice.

"It's him…Vortex." Hector said, making Archer and the two women get ready for a battle.

"What do you want?" Angela demanded.

"Oh, please, no need to be so rude; I am just looking for an old enemy who I really want to teach a lesson…See, he escaped me once already, and I would hate to leave a battle unfinished. Everec Kammerer, rings a bell? From what I gathered, he went here."

"Everec is dead," Marianne responded. "You have no fight left to finish."

"W-what?" Iseri's hands shook. "I've gone all this way…I chased that coward through the entire city, I hunter him down and now…You tell me he is dead?! You killed him; one of you had to! A master would only fall to another master…You stole him from me!"

"Do you think we care even for a second?" Angela chuckled. "He was just a gnat for us to annihilate, and so are you. Thank you for coming right to our doorstep; it seems like you are about to follow in Kammerer's footsteps! Archer, kill him!"

Both Archer and Angela prepared to attack at the same time, but Iseri was prepared. He laughed maniacally and gave his command.

"Berserker, destroy!"

Suddenly, all the windows in the main hall were shattered as a raging whirlwind annihilated them, getting into every single fissure and spreading its flow across the castle. The wave would have thrown all three masters off their feet, but their servants protected them. Lancer and Rider materialized immediately after Berserker's attack and shielded the trio. Archer attempted to unleash his arrows at Iseri, but the wind onslaught broke them all.

"Think you can defeat me, fools! I am unbeatable, UNSTOPPABLE!" The crazed mage shouted with glee, gradually empowering his wall of wind. This was only the beginning; he was not going to leave until he had achieved total victory. "Three masters by the price of one, I won a jackpot!"

"It doesn't make sense…" Hector said to his allies while hiding behind Iskandar's back. "How is a single servant overpowering three? Is Berserker's class really that strong?"

"It shouldn't be, no…" Marianne wondered as she looked at the master of the winds, who was having the time of his life. "Is this the trick up your sleeve, Iseri?"

"What are you babbling about?"

"This Berserker exceeds the limits a single servant should…Can reach!"

"What do you know, I'm great at picking servants!"

"No, there's more to it. An extra source of magic, but a unique one…What are you hiding under those robes."

"Clever…" Iseri smiled, buying into Marianne's distraction. He raised one side of his robe, unveiling an entire array of emerald marbles hanging on the inside, each of them charged with wind magic. "Those vessels were among my finest inventions, but of course, none of you mages cared to give them a fair chance! Here you go, suffering and dying at the hands of a genius who you once rejected…Delightful irony, isn't it? I am on a crusade to clear the world of imbeciles and degenerates like you, and I…AARGH!"

Iseri suddenly screeched as a swift slash wounded his side.

"Not again! Not you!" The mage shouted and refocused most of his energy into a single spot.

"Who is that?" Angela looked at Hector and Marianne, but both looked confused, without a single clue about what was going on. Only one thing was clear now: Iseri was wounded and on a retreat path.

"This isn't…Over! I will make you beg for mercy yet!" He shouted as the wind wall overtook Iseri, carrying him away from the place. The three masters and their servants looked before them, noticing a weakened cloaked servant before them.

"The Assassin…" Iskandar recognized him.

"Now, this is getting interesting." Angela took a step forward, looking down upon the wounded enemy. "Aren't you Emiya's servant? Is the supposed folk hero making deals with the likes of Iseri?"

"Unlikely," Archer interjected. "Emiya would never act like that. Besides, it's clear that Assassin tried to attack Iseri."

"Ah, that is true…Is that why you came here, killer?" Angela asked.

"I came here to eliminate Berserker's master; I attacked when there was a clear opening…"

"And in the process, saved three of your enemies. Shirou must be very disappointed. I will be sure to tell him about your fiasco. Too bad you won't be able to do so yourself…" Angela was about to unleash a lightning spell and destroy the Assassin, but Marianne interjected.

"Wait!"

"What now?"

"Think strategically for once. Assassin is the weakest servant; any one of ours can defeat them alone, and we can't say the same about Berserker. He can match multiple servants at once, and if we kill Assassin here, it's all the more likely Iseri will return instead of focusing on another target."

"And what are you implying?"

"Let's see…" Marianne turned towards the Assassin. "If that was your goal, I assume Shirou Emiya and others in the Coalition have chosen Iseri as their priority target?"

"He is the most destructive force in this battle. My master decided he has to be eliminated as soon as possible."

"Then I propose a truce," Marianne stated, shocking everyone in the hall.

"What are you talking about?" Angela said with spite.

"We had four servants fight against one today, and he almost had the upper hand. He is a wild card, a menace that would harm both of our causes when he resurfaces, which is most certainly just a matter of time. A single day of ceasefire and unity where we put all of our efforts against Iseri and Berserker will save countless lives, as well as make the remainder of this war much more straightforward."

"Nonsense!" Angela protested. "You are suggesting we open ourselves to our enemy to help them defeat one of their foes. This will not help us whatsoever."

"Won't it?" Archer interjected. "It is a perfect opportunity to see how they work, how they think…And to learn their weaknesses, all while dealing with a common enemy." He was surprisingly ready to accept this opportunity after his previous statements, but Hector knew something was off. "You know the truth, don't you, master?" He looked at Angela with eyes full of curiosity and concern as if reminding her of something. She hesitated but eventually turned towards the Assassin.

"Well, today is your lucky day. Return to your master and tell him of our wishes. If he agrees, we will negotiate on neutral grounds in Fuyuki."

…

Shirou wanted to help Sakura and Rin calm down, but he knew that both of them needed some privacy to process such a heated moment.

He had a lot to process himself.

When the group separated, Shirou ran to a private room and sat on the bed, still clinging to his head with shaking hands, his eyes empty and void of any sense. He felt as if he spiraled down the deepest pit of shadow and despair, dragged down by the dark, sinful, and ignorant reflections of himself into a place of eternal damnation, with Kirei waiting on the other side. How could he be so self-centered, so oblivious to what was going on around him, that he never realized that Sakura suffered…That he never came to help her. No, it wasn't like that…He knew that Sakura suffered, but he did not realize the extent of it. If only he stepped in and looked into the abuse she suffered from Shinji, Shirou would eventually discovered Zouken and his grotesque actions. It was willful ignorance…The inaction that betrayed one of his best friends. Her suffering could have ended much earlier if only he cared enough, but he never made a move. This was his sin to live with, his burden to bear…And now, Shirou didn't feel strong enough for it.

It would have been easier if she never forgave him.

"Overwhelmed, I take it?" Gilgamesh's voice made Shirou jump in shock and turn around. The King of Heroes stood in the doorway, sipping on a glass of wine and acting as carelessly as ever. "These women really suck all the life out of you." The man chuckled and sat beside Shirou.

"It's none of your business."

"Wrong, everything is my business. After hearing your shouting match across a few halls, this matter, especially, is my business." It felt wrong to have him sit so close to Shirou. The hero realized that Gilgamesh was not his enemy, and he had no intention of harming him, but he still couldn't look at him without flinching, for every time he would think back to the servant that nearly crushed the life out of him ten years ago, who nearly killed Artoria in a ruthless battle.

"Let's put it another way, then, why would someone like you care for mortal affairs?"

"It's not care, it's intrigue. Even though you don't have the best effect on my master, I don't regret her joining you."

"Why is that?"

"You are an amusing bunch. Excluding the Assassin, he is an utter bore, but you and your allies make up for that. I think my master will end up seeing it the same way once she matures."

"It's not some game for her…" Shirou said with faint anger. "I could've helped her so many years ago, and I just…I didn't see the obvious."

"Because Sakura didn't want you to know, correct?"

"Yes…But it doesn't matter. I should've done better, one way or another."

"And does she forgive you for your…' Grievous sin'?"

"I can't know what she truly thinks."

"That was a rhetorical question, imbecile; of course, she forgave you long ago; it's clear enough from her behavior, even though I'm not privy to details. If she hated you for leaving her behind, she wouldn't be so madly in love with you."

"W-what?"

"Come now, you can't be that dim. The way she acts around you, her blush…As a King, I had hundreds of Sakuras begging for as little as my attention, and they all behaved similarly. She admires you, adores you, and undoubtedly loves you. Don't waste her devotion."

"I value her as a friend, but…I love another."

"Is that so? She must be quite a maiden if you reject my master for her. Where is she?"

"In a better world," Shirou said, making Gilgamesh raise an eyebrow.

"Don't tell me you are staying loyal to a dead woman…A-ha-ha, seriously? Wasting your entire life like that?"

"It doesn't matter what you or anyone else thinks about it; I made my choice. She waits in a realm for heroes, and to meet her again, I have to be worthy…I have to dedicate my life to a noble cause, but after abandoning Sakura…What kind of hero can I ever be?"

"Ah, I understand now," Gilgamesh said with intrigue. "There is another reason for you choosing to become a 'hero.' If that's the case, today might have been the most fortunate day for you."

"What are you talking about?"

"You just received a painful yet necessary reminder that you are not perfect. If you come to correct conclusions, you'll realize that you don't have to strive to be a perfect hero."

"And why is that?"

"Because you can never be one. When it comes to perfection, there is only one objective embodiment of it, myself. When it comes to everything else, it is more of a grey area. Were you not brought back to earth today, you would've strived to be an ideal. You would've been torn apart by every small imperfection that would now seem trivial compared to Sakura's plight. You would berate yourself until you become nothing more than a broken shell. A depressing outcome, is it not?" Gilgamesh chuckled and stood up, slowly walking towards the exit. He could see that Shirou had much to ponder. "And for what it's worth if you want to make it up to Sakura, help her come out of her shell. She will take your attempts better than mine, although both play a part. She is a strong person at her core, but she was taught to be weak. We can help her improve." Caster said as he was about to leave, but Shirou couldn't help but speak up, as unnatural as it sounded after the bad blood.

"Gilgamesh…Thank you."

"You're welcome, mongrel, though in this case, I should thank you, too. Out of all the fools who waste their fortune in this game, you are both the most deluded and the most entertaining of them all."

Chapter Text

It was time to act.

Each Holy Grail War began with scouting, attempting to find out as much about enemy masters as possible, and this phase has come to an end the moment Waver could map out all of the seven masters and their servants. Now, he sat at his desk, brainstorming ideas for action, he needed to make a choice on who was the priority target, which was a fateful decision in itself.

In his eyes, the target was relatively clear. Even though Angela was the most cunning and determined and Marianne knew where Waver's estate was, they were not the most destructive force currently acting in the war. That honor would go to an independent mage by the name of Iseri, the arrogant and ravenous destroyer who proclaimed himself 'Vortex.' His servant, Hermes, was a perfect match for his master. Completely unhinged in his Berserker class, Hermes could take the form of a destructive hurricane that consumed everything in his way.

There was something else about this duo that got Waver thinking. In his usual form, Hermes was known to be an Assassin class servant, agile and cunning but lacking in the department of strength. Any of the six classes could be made a Berserker if their master wished for it, and this would make them significantly more powerful, even if harder to control. However, this incarnation of Hermes was exceptionally strong, almost omnipotent. He was able to fight against Iskandar, Gilgamesh, and Hassan at almost the same time, not only to survive the encounter but also to provide enough resistance to make his enemies retreat. No servant would be this strong normally, even Berserker. It was also a known fact that Berserker would require more mana to control; the only one who could easily control one on their own was Illyasviel von Einzbern, a homunculus modified for such purposes. Iseri achieved the same result, though he was a regular human with no connection to Einstein…This meant that he must have found another source of power, but what was it?

"I know who you're thinking of." Rin Rohsaka came into the room, casually looking over Waver's notes. "The 'mighty Vortex'."

"Don't indulge him by using that ridiculous name…But yes, I'm inclined towards making Berserker's master our primary target. He poses the most danger to innocents, is the hardest one to predict, and threatens to expose the Mage society to the masses with his actions, assuming what he did already wasn't enough."

"I fully agree," Rin said supportively. "We have two servants now, and it's worth making both of them work in an effective team."

"Yes, of course…" Waver said rather unconfidently, which Rin noticed.

"Something wrong?"

"Not particularly, but…I can't stop thinking that you shouldn't be here."

"Now that was rude."

"Not in that way; just saying there is someone who would have a lot to discuss with you." Waver hinted, making Rin take a deep sigh. "I know this is none of my business, but I heard all you've discussed with Sakura and how that went…Clarifying specifics would take too much time, so I'll just say that you should try to make peace with her. How exactly…Well, you probably know that better."

"What good can it do? I can't come and apologize without it sounding hollow…I failed her, after all. She was right; I could've investigated, I could've found out the truth; I knew that her home life was less than ideal; everyone in Fuyuki did…I had the most reason and responsibility to fight for her, but I simply tried not to see her as a sister. Because that was what my father and Zouken decided on once…And I went along with it like a good obedient daughter of a mage."

"Better late than never. You are fortunate to still have your sister by your side, free of whatever the Matous put her through…If I were you, I would take this opportunity again and again." Waver encouraged her, seeing doubt and shameful uncertainty emerge in Rin's eyes. Before either of them could say anything, a shadow emerged from the nearest window, gathering Waver and Rin's attention.

"You're back," Waver spoke up. "Did you complete your mission?"

"Yes, I have discovered the enemy's hideout…It is the Einzbern castle. Angela and Hector teamed with the Lorekeeper Marianne. I have two matters to report. First, they killed Everec Kammerer and his servant, Saber. And second…They are asking to negotiate a temporary alliance against Berserker's master."

…

Shirou wasn't sure how to react the moment he received Assassin's message.

If what they told him about Angela was true, everything about this invitation seemed like a trap. She was a cunning mage, after all, and she wouldn't hesitate to use an opportunity to take out multiple enemies at once. However, Shirou could trust his own servant. According to Hassan's words, the three masters at Einzbern castle struggled against Iseri when he attacked, which meant that a temporary union would undoubtedly be the pragmatic choice. Berserker was powerful, far beyond what a single servant would have been, but even he would inevitably fall before the might of five other servants. Assassin served to bring messages from one camp to another, and he returned alive every time, which was a good sign. Everyone agreed to the meeting on the roof of one of the tall skyscrapers of Fuyuki, with all servants restricted to spirit form while their masters negotiated.

The coalition arrived first and had to wait for a short while, but eventually, their opposition showed up. A trio of masters, one of whom Shirou recognized instantly. Marianne Taylor, the Lorekeeper who issued her warning a few days ago, now worked with Einzberns, an unfortunate turn that made Shirou wonder if mages truly consider him such a threat that they would resort to allying with 'disgraced' families. He saw the other two for the first time, at least in detail, but it was clear who they were. The woman with long blonde hair and violet robes almost tried to look like an Einzbern, though her eyes immediately gave her away as human, not a homunculus. The young man beside her was Hector, the apprentice who escaped Iseri and Sakura on the night of the reunion. On the other side were Shirou, Waver, Sakura, and Rin.

"Are we expecting anyone else?" Waver asked, breaking the silence. Marianne answered.

"No, everyone from our side is here."

"Same for us. In that case, I think none will object if we get to the point." Waver invited others to discuss their plans, and Angela spoke first.

"I won't lie; I am still skeptical of this Alliance, even though I understand its importance. The mere idea of joining forces with someone who disavows the Holy Grail is blasphemous in itself, so I hope your crowd will prove worth it."

"No hesitation, huh?" Shirou chuckled. "You were the ones who proposed those negotiations, and you should be smarter than to alienate us right off the bat."

"None of us would be here if we weren't desperate; some words won't change anything. Speaking of desperation…I don't understand the Japanese's choice of 'modern hero.' You hardly look like one."

"Times change, and so do the heroes," Shirou responded. He won't allow himself to be provoked so easily.

"I remember seeing Kiritsugu come into Einzbern's castle back in the day; he had that fire in his eyes…The eyes of a cold-blooded killer who would do anything for his goal, and you have nothing of the sort."

"Angela, please…" Hector spoke up. "There is no need for this, not while we still have a common enemy!" He pleaded with her, and Sakura supported him almost immediately.

"Listen to your apprentice. We don't wish you any ill; we are here to save Fuyuki, and all of us should focus on that."

"I see…" Angela said in a spiteful tone before turning towards Hector with the eyes of a hungry vulture. "Do not undermine me ever again, or I'll force you to learn a new habit." Shirou noticed Sakura got visibly distraught at the sight of this.

"Please, enough," Waver spoke up. "Your group was the last one to be attacked by Iseri, and you claim that you've learned something about him. Let's start there."

"Yes, he put us in a rather uncomfortable position back at the castle," Angela admitted. "How fortunate were we that Emiya's servant made the job much easier."

"We also saw what Iseri is capable of." Marianne continued. "I prefer not to make judgments about people based solely on others' opinions, but here I got an opportunity to see the 'Vortex' for myself. He is obsessed with trivial, petty matters, such as his vengeance against Everec and subsequent anger after learning that we 'stole his kill.'' He cares for neither the property damage he causes nor the loss of life, but worst of all, he betrays the secrecy of magic to the general populace with his actions. It is only a matter of time before his path of destruction comes to haunt us, directly or indirectly. This is why we are proposing this Alliance."

"And what of the powers you discovered?" Rin asked.

"This relates to his link with his servant. Hermes is incredibly powerful, and as a Berserker, he has no will besides craving for blood. Iseri uses him as a weapon of mass destruction and uses mana-charged marbles to enhance his own energy. They allow him to keep the connection between himself and Hermes stable. One of his inventions, we can't deny he has a talented mind despite all of his obsessions. That the Grail would grant him such powers is…Suspicious."

"It is not unprecedented," Waver interjected. "Twenty years ago, the grail granted its seals to a maniac who caused so much chaos that the remaining masters had to unite against him." He explained, making Angela chuckle.

"Must bring quite a few memories for you, Lord El-Melloi. Speaking of how we will expunge this parasite, I believe Sakura's servant may be of use. Have him be the one to fight Hermes in the open, bringing all the might ascribed to the King of Heroes upon some lowly Greek God. If he is truly as powerful as they say, this will hardly be a challenge. Other servants will be in hiding, ready to support if aught goes wrong.

"Sure." Rin shook her head. "And have one of our servants take all the heat while all of yours are at a safe distance? Only in your dreams did we agree to an alliance, not to exploitation."

"Of course, you would not budge that easily…All right then, we'll try to fight on equal footing." Angela caved in, likely using this opportunity to tease her opponents. She clearly enjoyed being out of their reach, knowing that while Iseri was still out there, neither Shirou nor his allies would fight.

"We need to put ourselves at a clear advantage," Marianne added. "How about a bounded field? There's more than enough of us to create an elaborate trap. I suggest using the skyscraper. The hurricane keeps Iseri above ground, and the building will allow us to attack at any height."

"And what of the people?" Shirou said. "There are countless workers here; battling here would doom them!"

"The Mage Association would not have been able to maintain its power and secrecy if we didn't have connections. I know mages who keep in touch with Fuyuki's local government. They can easily 'stage' a gas leak that will give us at least a day. The building will be utterly ruined, but no one will die."

"Hm…This has potential." Rin admitted. "And how are we planning to lure him here?"

"The last time Assassin attacked him, Iseri seemed to be furious. If he sees Hassan again, I have no doubt that he will follow him anywhere, abandoning all logic. The rest of us would wait for him right here." The cards were laid out, and the group was ready for preparation.

"The Lorekeeper came up with a good idea," Angela said in support. "Does your Coalition agree to it?"

Waver looked over his three associates, all of whom nodded.

"We will." He concluded. "But I have one…Personal condition." Waver said before looking at Hector. "I wish to speak to Iskandar, Rider, in persom, and for nome of you to ask why I need it." Angela looked around her after those words, noticing no dissapproval.

"Very well…I agree."

Chapter Text

Waver did not expect to get anything his soul wished for out of this meeting, but he wanted to see him anyway.

Waver dreamed of seeing the King of Conquerors for twenty years, to stand before him like he did in his dreams and tell him that he fulfilled his order. That he lived and told the tale that he grew as a person and is now leading a charge of his own, albeit in a very different battle. Above all, he wanted Iskandar to remember, but it was impossible. For him to be summoned during the war to end all wars, for this truce to grant them an opportunity to talk just before they would become enemies again, there was no end to fate's cruelty.

"Alright, we can summon him now," Hector told Waver as the two of them found a secluded spot on the higher levels of the building. The young master wasn't too enthusiastic about this idea but was willing to go along with it for the sake of their union. "And I'm sorry, but I have to stay and watch. I don't want you to make a contract behind my back or something."

"A contract would require the Servant to be willing," Waver noted. "Do you not trust him, or does he not trust you?"

"Enough, I am not getting into that." Hector sighed. He was visibly upset, and each of his responses sounded snappy and bitter.

"You can stay and watch as long as you do not interrupt until we're done. Does that sound fair?"

"Yeah." Hector nodded. "Rider, I need you to show yourself."

In the next instant, a familiar figure emerged in front of him. His features, body, and energetic eyes…Waver felt as if he was caught up in another of his dreams. Just like twenty years ago, when he was but a young, arrogant boy who wanted to prove himself to the world, just like that day, he encountered someone larger than life and infinitely larger than himself. Iskandar was a legendary hero to some and a cruel tyrant to others, but he was someone etched in this world's history, someone who would never be forgotten.

"Finally, and here I thought your discussion of plans was getting tiring," Iskandar spoke. "I take it someone wants to meet me?"

"I…" Waver's lips quivered, his voice sounding much fainter and weaker. It was Iskandar, the man he remembered and saw in his dreams again and again. Something felt different, however…Waver realized that he no longer had to look up to see his idol's eyes, that even though he might have felt like a boy in front of him, he was still a man. At this point, he was a few years older than Iskandar. They should have been equals, even though Waver couldn't feel like one.

"Ah, the leader of the Coalition my master talked about," Iskandar said with intrigue.

"Yes…" Waver took a deep breath. "I am Lord El-Melloi the Second."

"To what do I owe the honor?" Alexander said those words so calmly that Waver could feel his knees shaking. Meeting him…An honor? The mighty King of Conquerors, the man whom Waver idolized for two decades, told him it was an honor to be in his presence.

"The honor? Why would you say that to your enemy?"

"Enemy or not, I have heard much about you from my master and his allies, and your potential is as obvious as his," Iskandar said, making Hector raise an eyebrow. "But unlike him, it seems that you've already realized yours. Even when it comes to enemies I inevitably crush, I respect conviction."

Conviction…Waver desperately resisted the tears that were slowly forming in his eyes. There was so much he wanted to say to Alexader, so many words that he couldn't say because he knew that his old friend would not remember. But when it came to Iskandar, he didn't want him to say much…And the words of this, different reincarnation, were enough to melt his heart. He realized his potential and found conviction, and he became an enemy Iskandar respected. How pathetic for the one who calls himself Lord to tear up in front of an enemy master and servant…

But Waver knew that he wouldn't succumb to emotion. This was not an awkward, friendly reunion; this was a soldier coming back to the king who gave him an order twenty years ago, reporting his success. Waver swore to be Iskandar's soldier, and he would behave like one.

"During my studies in the Clock Tower, there was one historical figure who always intrigued me the most," Waver said, finally gathering some confidence in his voice. "And that is you, King of Conquerors."

"So much so that you could not miss an opportunity to meet me?"

"Precisely so. If it is an honor for you to be in my presence, then know that I feel the same way. The stories about your journey inspired me; your naivety became a grand dream that motivated you to keep pushing forward and became the source of my own. Every time I felt down, felt like giving up and abandoning my dreams, I thought of your struggle. Of the Kingdom you led into the battle, of the glorious victories you achieved, and of countless people, you inspired. I thought of my own goals as you thought of Okeanos…And now I have a chance to fight by your side against the insurmountable force of nature. Know that I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life."

"Hah!" Alexander chuckled as he usually did, though there was no malice nor mockery in his voice. In fact, it even calmed Waver down, knowing that it was his old friend. "I am impressed; it seems you looked only at the best of records to know of my dream…I see why you wanted to meet me now. Beneath your dedication and pragmatism, there is a side of boyish enthusiasm and naivety that you want to indulge in. I know how it feels, El-Melloi. And knowing that my tale has inspired even a single hopeless fool is an achievement worth my pride."

"I…Thank you, Rider."

Here it was, the confirmation that Waver's path was not a waste, that it was not for nothing. At long last, the promise he gave to Iskandar was fulfilled. Now, it wasn't Rider's dream that pushed Waver forward but his own; he could feel the determination brimming within him. The doubts he faced were irrelevant; Waver knew that he was heading towards success. It was time to let go of his regrets and continue his battle, for he had a war to fight.

…

Finally, Sakura could put the uncertainty behind those negotiations behind.

After El-Melloi had his wish granted, the group began preparing for the upcoming battle. Angela, Shirou, and Rin focused on tactics, they were likely the ones who end up setting up the bounded field, although Sakura assumed they would ask for her help in the matter.

Meanwhile, she decided to approach Hector after noticing him pacing around the skyscraper's roof. He seemed to be worried and at unease, which motivated Sakura to help him out.

"Hey, are you okay?" She asked, making the young man shiver and turn around. Sakura couldn't help but sympathize with Hector after seeing Angela put him down in such a rude way.

"What's it to you?" Hector asked with a voice of distrust.

"Nothing, really, just…You seem distraught, and I was wondering if I could help. We are allies for now, after all."

"I tried to kill you twice, and you still want to comfort me? Why?"

"You didn't want to kill me," Sakura said, making Hector recoil.

"And how do you know that?"

"You made it very clear. You never focused on me during either of our duels, only going for Caster, even though killing a master is always easier than destroying a servant."

"I…" Hector looked down and clenched his fist. "No, I didn't want to kill you. Not when it could've been solved another way, either talking it out or destroying your servant."

"Angela would just choose what was simpler."

"She would, yes…" Hector admitted, "But you don't deserve to die. It's as simple as that." It warmed Sakura's heart to hear those words in all of their sincerity, even to this very day. After all, there was a time when she genuinely believed that it would've been better for her to never be born.

"Thank you, Hector…" Sakura let out a sweet smile.

"Don't think that it means I won't kill you if I have to."

"Do you do all of this for Angela?" Sakura wondered. "Just so she could be happy and proud?"

"So that we could be happy and proud." Hector corrected her. "Our desires are…Inseparable." Hector said confidently. "We have the same goals, that's why…It's one of the reasons I follow her."

"They don't seem inseparable." Sakura shook her head. "I just saw the way she treated you in front of everybody; it was very rude, even cruel. You don't deserve it."

"I challenged her in front of others. It wasn't the place or the time. She just reminded me of that…"

"But you gave her sound advice, right? If not for this, we might have never joined our forces."

"I…Maybe, but I shouldn't have said it in that way."

"What way? You were polite and considerate, unlike her!" Sakura spoke up, immediately realizing that it was a mistake. "Sorry for raising my voice, I just…I know how it feels. There have been people in my life who treated me like this, too. They showed me kindness, made me think they were my friends, and then never allowed me to forget it. It's easy to do everything they demand of you if you feel you owe them…"

"I told you, Angela showed me more than simple kindness." Hector shook his head. "I have no right to speak over her. She saved me and adopted me, I owe everything to her…" Hector paused and looked away, his words did not sound nearly as confident as before. Sakura could hear so many emotions familiar to her. Pain, shame, regret.

"You keep saying that, but you've already been with her for years. How long does it actually have to take? Do you think you deserve to be in her shadow all the time?"

"I choose to be by her side because that's what I want, and it's…It's worth it."

"Are you sure?" Sakura said quietly, further stirring doubt in Hector's soul.

"Yes…Yes, I am!" The man said dismissively. "I should've known you would try to convince me again and again…But I will never betray her trust."

"I see." Sakura looked down. "And I understand…Just wanted to make sure that you are happy with it."

"Why do you even care for a stranger? Especially for someone you fought?"

"There were many moments in my life when I wished for people to care for me, but all I got was them turning a blind eye. Now I'm in their position…And I know how it feels. I don't want to repeat their mistakes."

…

Finally, there was a measure of peace and agreement between the two groups, but Shirou still felt uneasy. Angela and her allies had to take out Iseri, but what would happen after? She would return to her machinations and continue her work with the Grail. Out of all the participants in the war, she was the most mysterious, playing her own game without any consideration for others. She reminded him of Kirei, which was why Shirou couldn't stop thinking about her motives. This alliance was temporary and fragile. There was no reason to maintain any illusions.

"Still gloomy, huh?" Shirou heard Rin's voice from behind, turning around and noticing a familiar woman.

"Wouldn't you be if you had someone plotting behind your back?"

"Don't worry, I understand. I learned to spot mages like Angela a long time ago. All opportunists with little to no morals…If you think she would backstab the moment we bring our wind master down a notch, you are right."

"And what if we confront her about it?"

"Seriously, Emiya? She would not tell us the truth."

"She will give some kind of excuse, which will shed light on her actual course if we approach it analytically."

"If you want to try, then be my guest…To be honest, I would like to ask her something, too."

"About Archer?"

"Yes…I want to see if he remembers."

"Servants don't retain their memories, you know that. Saber was an exception due to being alive."

"It's not a stretch to assume there are other exceptions. Archer had a troubled summoning; he could not remember his past or identity, which is not something a servant usually struggles with."

"Hm…Maybe there is something to it. Let's check." Shirou beckoned for Rin to follow him, and the two were quick to approach the blonde magus.

"What do you want?" She asked, not trying to fake warmth or enthusiasm this time.

"I decided that it would be better for all of us to agree on some reassurance strategy," Shirou suggested.

"Worried that I'll betray you?" Angela chuckled. "Do I seem that sleazy?"

"I'm worried you'll exploit our agreement as much as you can, coming just short of direct betrayal. That's why it would be for the best to clarify something."

"Alright, what do you wish to know?"

"Let's assume we defeat Iseri…After all, even with his magic, the odds are in our favor. What are you planning to do immediately after?"

"My allies and I will retreat and regroup, continuing to serve the greater good of the Grail and our entire world."

"And will you agree to a day-long ceasefire so that both parties can take the needed rest?" Shirou asked sternly, making a playful smile emerge on Angela's face.

"A day? I doubt you would need that long."

"You will have that day, too. It is a fair condition that benefits us all; it ensures that when the war continues, we're all on an even playing field."

"I'll consider it," Angela responded. "But if you want to discuss benefits, I have another suggestion. When we defeat the mad dog, you and Sakura will use command seals to have your servants commit suicide and thus leave the war. This means the war can end today; no more innocents will suffer, and none of us here will have to die." She proposed, making Rin scoff.

"Not going to demand we become Einzbern slaves while we're at it?"

"Predictable, Tohsaka, as ever."

"Enough," Shirou spoke up. "I know what you are trying to gain from this war. You want contact with Angra Mainyu, the bearer of all the world's curses, a demon that will annihilate everyone in its path. If we surrender, there will be far more casualties than any war could bring."

"Angra Mainyu was simply guided in the wrong direction. From what I know, for Father Kotomine, the matter of his birth was just an attempt at self-validation and an opportunity to sow destruction all around Fuyuki. It's insulting to suggest that Einzberns' goals are even remotely comparable with his."

"Then what are your goals?"

"To atone for my family's past mistakes. We failed this majestic being by forcing him to exist in this painful state between life and death and all the people who had to suffer because of it. Angra Mainyu, our world…I will breathe life into their connection. Angra Mainyu needs a presence that will free him and set him on the right path, the path that will serve our family and the Mage society. He needs a mother, a vessel that will bring him into this world. It is a goal I consider noble, and while any loss that occurs on my way to its realization is regrettable…All of them are necessary. If you don't surrender today, there will be no other opportunity."

"In that case, I'll take those chances," Shirou said proudly.

"So be it, Emiya." Angela sighed. "It would be a shame for Japan to lose their 'hero' due to an action this stubborn and pointless." She said coldly, making it sound like a death threat. "But it is your choice, at the end of the day. Was there anything else you wanted? I have a few spells to prepare."

"Yes, actually," Rin spoke up. "I'd like to see your servant, Archer."

"For what purpose?"

"He was my servant ten years ago. Let's say I am a little curious…Don't worry, you can watch."

"Alright," Angela responded and summoned him. It has been ten years since Shirou saw Archer, and now he witnessed his crimson figure once again. A tall, mysterious man with proud eyes and a confident stance. Shirou remembered fighting him on the night he summoned Saber. Archer remained reclusive and even criticized Shirou a couple of times, mocking his beliefs. Nevertheless, he sacrificed his life during the battle with Berserker, and for this, Shirou was grateful. Now, they were on opposing sides.

"What now?" Archer said with annoyance. "I don't see Iseri, so why are you calling?"

"Those two wanted to see you for the sake of their nostalgia."

"Is that so?" Archer turned around and looked at Rin with no emotion in his eyes whatsoever. "Who are you?" He said those words and made Rin take a reflexive step back as she realized that he did not recognize her. Now, Shirou began to notice something else about him. This detached demeanor, this emptiness in his eyes…Shirou expected to sense some familiarity, but this was a different feeling. It was as if Shirou stared into the eyes of someone who understood him in a way no one else could, a reflection of his soul.

"You don't remember us?"

"I don't know you, simple as that. We are temporary allies for now, but it doesn't mean I will indulge your whims."

"Calm down, smart guy; I only want to ask one thing," Rin spoke up. "When I summoned you in the previous war, you had some notable memory problems. You told me that you didn't remember your past and identity. Is it the same now?"

"Huh…Maybe you were once my master after all." Archer chuckled. "Yes, my memory remains murky, but I still have a clear goal in mind, the one that isn't relevant to the battle against our shared enemy, so I won't burden you with it." He was not going to budge, and while Shirou wanted to take Archer at his word, there was something peculiar about him. Shirou simply could not force himself to look away. The same was true for the mysterious servant, as he focused exclusively on the young man before him. Did Archer change, or did he always look so similar to Shirou? Soon, Angela broke the silence.

"My first intention was to summon Iskandar and give Hector another servant, but fate itself had other plans. I won't lie; I was disappointed at first, but Archer did well in dispelling my doubts. And that is all that matters…Now, if you'll excuse us, there is a battle to prepare for."

…

Drowning in despair…

Another flash of horror before Hector's eyes, another mortifying image. He could hear his own heavy breaths as the young, weak boy tried to swim upwards towards the sun. To survive, he had to abandon everything he held dear. His home, his friends, his parents…All were buried deep underwater. A part of his wanted to drown together with them, to release this pain and succumb to oblivion, but Hector had the resolve to go forward. He wanted to fight for his life, no matter how miserable and full of loss it would be. Eventually, he saw the angelic figure above him, his savior, his mentor, his mother…

"Shh…It's okay, you're safe now." She said in a soothing tone as she hugged the crying boy. Hector was broken and weak, still occasionally shivering, unable to process what was going on around him.

"My…Mom…Dad, they…" Everything he knew was gone. A terrible tragedy, a destructive calamity that washed Hector's life away, taking him to the deepest pits of darkness and leaving only one way out, the one in front of him.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't save them in time…I'm so, so sorry."

"I…I want to see them…"

"Take a deep breath; I promise it will be alright. I promise…You will be alright." This beautiful voice that allowed him to live through that day, the voice that Hector felt erode over the years, felt it turn bitter and spiteful. Was Sakura right?

Did Angela drag him from one sea of despair to another?

"Are you alright?" El-Melloi's voice forced Hector out of his trance, bringing him right back to reality. It immediately reminded him of the nearing battle and the gruesome challenge he had yet to overcome.

"Yes, I'm fine." The man said dismissively. "How are the preparations going?"

"Almost everything is ready. Assassin is already scouring the city for Iseri, and our mages are setting up a perfect trap. And you? Are you ready?"

"Yeah," Hector responded, trying to sound as confident as he possibly could, and soon, the two of them made haste to the skyscraper's center. Hector knew he disappointed Angela a few times before, but now was his chance to make things right and dispel her doubts.

Soon, Hector noticed all of the mages working on a ritual. Sakura, Rin, Shirou, and Angela were conjuring up a defensive spell that would take the form of a bounded field. They all worked together without second thoughts. It was a wonderful sight to behold, although Hector knew that the moment this alliance was no longer necessary, they would continue the war once again. Angela would not hesitate to kill anyone gathered here if it meant getting closer to the Grail…Apart from Hector. Not after everything they've been through; she just wouldn't. He looked forward, noticing Marianne and two servants, Romulus and Iskandar.

"Is everything ready?" El-Melloi asked the moment they approached.

"I believe so," Marianne responded. "The moment Iseri comes here, the trap will be set."

"And then we will crush him once and for all," Romulus added with pride. They were confident, even if still cautious, and this kind of focus was exactly what they needed. The rider seemed especially upbeat as he noticed Hector.

"Finally done sulking, boy? Wonderful, time for us to begin the true conquest and bring this titanic enemy down!" It seemed as if he had completely forgiven Hector, using a command seal as he once again welcomed his master into the fold. It was a heartwarming feeling indeed.

All of them were in positions, ready to fight. Four servants exuded enormous amounts of energy, and the mages had to do an exceedingly good job to be able to hide it from Iseri. The mages were spread all around the roof, maintaining their portion of this massive bounded field.

The servants were ready to fight, with Archer and Caster staying behind to support them while Rider and Lancer were standing up front, ready to be the first line of defense. The dreadful silence befell, and now all that was left was waiting.

"Can you feel it?" Gilgamesh spoke quietly with his usual undertones of arrogant mockery. "Our prey is here."

First, it was the Assassin that quickly approached the pinnacle, jumping from one level to another, luring the unbound wind towards them. Hector could feel the chaotic currents around him, gradually gaining form and power. Hector had to be resilient to stand tall in the face of it. He could see the Hurricane swirling, as well as the silhouette of a murderer emerging within. His wind was emerging all around the skyscraper, trapping them at the heart of the whirlwind.

"My, what a gift! All masters and their servants in one place…I take it this is where that dog was leading me? And all of this so that you could challenge me? I am flattered, truly…But flattery will not save you!"

"Now!" Marianne gave her command.

Chapter Text

The moment Sakura heard Marianne give out a decisive command, she knew that it was time to begin the battle. She, Angela, and Shirou unleashed a powerful spell in unison, unleashing the bounded field that enclosed this skyscraper from the rest of the city. The group was at the epicenter of this chaos, the very eye of the vortex, all while the Hurricane around them swirled, slowly coming closer. They could not see anything beyond the veil anymore, only the wall of wind. It was now or never.

"Of course!" Iseri cackled with the wind currents, enhancing the echo of his voice. "You think a pathetic trap like this will have any effect on me? Will it slow me down even slightly? Let me show you the full extent of my power!"

Iseri raised his hand, unleashing a dozen speedy wind spikes that flew toward the roof. They would be enough to disorient and weaken anyone they come in contact with, thus creating easy prey for Iseri.

"Incoming!" Rin announced as she and Angela created a mana shield around them, taking most of the masters in. Sakura was outside of its radius, which made her run as quickly as she could. Thankfully, she was safe just a second before the wind spike could reach her.

"Hiding already?" Iseri chuckled. "How pathetic. Now let me show you how it's really done!"

He attacked again, this time unleashing a united wave of wind that annihilated the protective aura and brought all of the mages to their knees. A strike so powerful that Iseri couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"Are those the truly worthy ones? The fools that the Grail decided to pit against me? What a joke!"

But before he could continue, the servants rose up to the occasion. Caster created an array of golden, magic-infused arrows and launched them at Iseri. The wind barrier consumed all of them, but those arrows were enough to weaken and disorient the enemy mage, breaking the pattern of his defense.

"Such arrogance!" Gilgamesh chuckled. "I admire your confidence, mongrel, but in your case, it will lead to you having a single, disappointing outcome. Let me show you!"

He was not alone in this battle; Archer joined, as well. He materialized a magical bow in his arms and began shooting at the enemy. He didn't aim for Iseri's silhouette; instead, he focused on Hermes. Breaking the wind patterns weakened Berserker's form, unveiling clear dents in his defense, and slowly opened a pathway both to Iseri and freedom outside of this bounded field.

"He is overconfident." Archer said. "He thinks he is invulnerable while constantly opening himself up. We only need to make use of that advantage!"

Assassin also joined, leaping into the whirlwind, moving from one side to another like a shadow, until eventually, he got close to Iseri…Only to be pushed back by the wind power mere moments before he could strike the mage.

"Hah, thought this trick would work on me again? Sorry to disappoint, but your attempts are futile!" Iseri declared. "Hermes, grant me your strength. It's past time we showed them the real meaning of fear!"

A loud roar echoed in Sakura's ears, which must have been Berserker himself stirring. Hermes healed his wounds, perfecting the wind barrier around him. It was hard to breathe. Sakura could feel the oxygen escaping her grasp every single time she attempted to inhale.

"Annihilate them!" Iseri commanded, making Hermes unleash his most powerful wind wave yet. The currents swirled in the air, eventually forming a weapon that reminded Sakura of a giant hammer made with pure air element. Iseri could control those currents from the distance, making the weapon do his bidding. He quickly raised the hammer before crushing it into the roof Sakura and other masters and servants stood on.

The blow was devastating. Sakura heard a loud bang and a dozen cracking sounds that followed. The floor beneath her was covered in small fissures; the entire top level of the skyscraper was turned into a chaotic mess.

"Hold tight! He's going for it again!" Rin was able to shout moments before Iseri unleashed another strike. This one annihilated the floor completely, making Sakura fall. Her heart skipped a beat as the woman thought that she was about to descend into a chaotic abyss and be torn apart by the raging wind currents, but the golden aura that emerged around her slowed down the fall. Caster was there to protect her…And it was only the top level of the building that got annihilated. Sakura and others found themselves among the offices on a lower floor, completely crushed and mingled by the debris from above, and nevertheless still maintaining solid ground. Iseri's hammer dissipated; he must have used a lot of energy to perform such a feat, and the Hurricane soon descended lower. Sakura looked around, trying to find her allies. Angela, Marianne, and Hector kept in a group striking at Hermes from the aura. Rin was by their side, but Sakura couldn't see others…Finally, her eyes caught El-Melloi.

He was buried beneath the rubble, desperately trying to get out and return to the battle. He didn't seem wounded, but the rocks restricted his movements. He did not stay in this trap for long, however, as Rider was there to cover him.

"Hold tight!" Iskandar commanded and approached El-Melloi. He raised his sword and pierced the biggest piece of debris, squashing the blocks that restricted his ally. The man extended his hand, helping the mage get up. El-Melloi seemed distant, he looked at Rider with eyes full of awe and disbelief, as if his most beautiful, cathartic dream came to life.

"T-thank you, Rider, thank you!"

"Don't thank me before the battle is over! Charge and strike back!"

"Yes, at once!"

They had to fight together, for Iseri was a strong opponent, but he was not without weaknesses and vulnerabilities their group could exploit. Sakura knew she had to follow them into the battle. Gilgamesh might have had a steady supply of her mana, but he could always use more in a battle like this. Sakura tried to concentrate, but it was incredibly hard when she still couldn't see Shirou around…She knew he was strong, yet fear still emerged in her heart.

"Strike me down, fiend, I dare you!" Gilgamesh shouted as he created a golden shield around him and his allies, all while mocking the servant before him. Berserker unleashed a powerful wave that clashed with Caster's shield, and it only served to invigorate Gilgamesh as he cackled in the face of a threat. "Is that the best you can do, mad dog? And you dare call yourself a god?"

"Crush him, Hermes, now!" Iseri channeled more of his destructive magic into Berserker, and the ravenous beast slowly began to overwhelm his opponent. However, Gilgamesh did not have to fight alone. Lancer leaped into the fray, slashing the wind wave that was about to strike Gilgamesh. It was separated into two currents, one of which passed right by Sakura. The woman managed to deflect it just before a collision could happen, but moments later, she was paralyzed by a sight that she witnessed.

"S-Shirou…"

He was sitting in a corner, wounded and clinging to his chest. The strike that Iseri unleashed did not leave him unscathed. Sakura felt a burning desire to rush in and save him. It overshadowed her logical thinking and inevitably made her vulnerable to the next wind blast. Sakura shouted as she felt the magic pierce her body and burn her very soul. She closed her eyes, remembering all the agony she suffered in her youth. This was nothing compared to that pain. She had to endure, she had…

Suddenly, another surge of magic emerged, clearing all the corrosive spells that overtook Sakura. Suddenly, her pain was completely gone, allowing the woman to breathe in relief. It was Hector that stood before her with worry and fear on his face, his magic that saved her from this trap.

"Are you alright?"

…

Fire or wind, it was always the same…The untamed nature that broke Shirou buried him beneath the rubble and ash that the Holy Grail war left behind.

When Iseri emerged, Shirou knew that he stared into the eyes of a monster. The one who believed that his spite and anger towards the Magi was enough to justify disgusting atrocities. All he cared about was his own desire, the hedonism that he could gain from inflicting pain upon others. He stood in opposition to everything Shirou stood for. He was as vile and villainous as Kirei, and unlike the priest, he was not trying to be subtle. Iseri was a force of nature that had to be stopped.

The fact that other masters were able to put their differences aside to fight this psychopath was enough to show Shirou his duty. Even now, he could see Romulus and Iskandar valiantly fighting beside Rin and Waver as the group desperately tried to weaken Berserker and drain him of the wind energy. Sakura was wounded, but Shirou saw Hector helping her out…The group was strong, unbeatable for many, but not for someone who knew no honor and was drunk on unmitigated power like Iseri. In the last few years, Shirou learned that compromise is not always possible, and sometimes, one has to forsake honor in order to do what's right.

"Master, here you are," Assassin said with relief as he descended towards Shirou and removed some of the debris, finally allowing the mage to move freely. "You're wounded."

"I'll be alright…You need to help the others." Shirou said, but Hassan didn't leave.

"My part was to lure him here. All I can do now is to support you in this battle. Allow me to return some of my mana to you." Hassan transferred a portion of his energy, allowing Shirou to feel magical power flowing into him again. Even though he didn't want to admit it, Shirou needed it. Otherwise, the idea he had in his mind would not work.

"Thank you, Assassin…Now return to the battle; I will go on myself."

"What is your plan?"

"This battle will be very long if we don't play on our own terms. Not only is his servant a Berserker, but he also has Iseri's own inventions, granting him even more succor. Taking out his master is much simpler. It is only a matter of getting close to him."

"And will you be able to do that alone?"

"I have an idea…" Shirou said, thinking through his plan in his head. If he descends a few levels lower, finding a blind spot for both Hermes and Iseri, and jumps into the Hurricane from there, it would be easier to reach the master himself; the wind currents would drag Shirou in. If Iseri was still focused on fighting the main group, it would be simple enough to restrain him. "I'll manage, return to the fight, and help out others."

"At once, master," Assassin said before making his way back, leaving the challenge to Shirou.

The man stood up, still feeling faint pain in his wound. It would discomfort him, no doubt, but it would not be enough to slow him down. Shirou ran towards the stairway as quickly as he could, descending to a better spot. He could feel the floor trembling beneath him as the wind currents spread through the entire skyscraper, unleashing their chaos unto every corner of the building. Nevertheless, the further Shirou got away from the epicenter, the weaker this energy became. Iseri had to focus over half of his powers on the top floor, where he fought multiple servants, leaving other areas undefended. When Shirou found a small office room with a shattered window leading to the heart of the Hurricane right underneath Iseri, he knew he found a perfect place to strike. Now, all he had to do was to use projection magic and…

"Where do you think you're going?" Shirou heard a familiar voice as if it were an echo of his own. He turned around and saw Archer standing behind him, eyeing the hero with suspicion.

"Shouldn't you be fighting along with others?"

"I was, but then I noticed that you suddenly decided to run away…" Archer couldn't help but chuckle. "That's what it looked like, at least. But it's never straightforward with you, is it? You have some kind of plan…"

"You've got it right," Shirou said, impressed at how easily Archer predicted his course. "I will strike from below and neutralize Iseri while he is distracted. That way, we won't have to prolong the battle."

"Hm, good thinking." Archer nodded, though Shirou couldn't shake unease off himself. Even though Archer was on his side, an aura of mysterious malice still permeated him. Before he could say anything else, however, a few small hurricanes emerged in the doorway; Hermes must have redirected some wind currents to clear out the lower floors. "Do what you planned to do, then. I'll cover you." Archer said before turning around, summoning an array of magic-infused blades that focused on the currents. There was no time or need for discussion, so Archer gave Shirou some time, and he was going to make the best of it.

Shirou focused, channeling his projection magic into a powerful defense. A shining shield designed to neuter the wind magic emerged in his hand. With this, he had all the means to get close to Iseri and finally knock the murderous maniac out. He teetered on the edge, ready to leap into the fray at any moment. It was all or nothing, a chance to save his friends and allies, a heroic deed, one of many that were Shirou's reason to live, forever etching themselves into his memory. He was about to be dragged into the whirlwind, but before surrendering to its power, Shirou looked at Archer one last time. He was about to fight the unstoppable force of nature that was Berserker, all to grant Shirou some time…History truly repeated itself. Archer turned around, giving Shirou a faint yet smug smile.

"Don't expect me to die for you a second time."

What?

This was the only thought that went through Shirou's mind as he was dragged into the all-consuming storm. How could Archer say that? It would have to mean that he remembered the last war…Could it be…No, no, Shirou could not allow those thoughts to overtake him at a moment like this. He had an enemy, and with each second, he got the image closer. He fought for his friends, for Sakura and Rin, for Saber, who watched his journey from the other side. Shirou saw Iseri at the heart of the Hurricane, right above him; there were mere seconds left until he would reach the crazed magus…But Iseri noticed him first.

"Ah, so that's what your plan was? Too bad you aren't getting any closer!"

In the next instant, the wind currents switched their direction, and this time, they were blowing against Shirou. What was a swift approach quickly became an agonizing struggle as Shirou sensed the wind pierce every inch of his body. It boiled his blood, hurt his bones, and atrophied his muscles, making Shirou all but a helpless victim at the heart of the vortex. With each fraction of a second, the pain grew, becoming all the more unbearable. No matter how he tried to resist, how much he fought back, it only became worse.

Shirou's pained scream echoed through every single current. He was at Iseri's mercy.

Despite the pain, the mage continued to push through the air blockade, no matter the pain it caused him. Shirou could not feel his limbs anymore; they froze in a state of unfaltering resilience, but the consequences were mortifying. It was as if life force was sucked out of Shirou's body and soul, turning him into a weakened, broken shell. He could see the withering in a reflection of his own shield. Shirou's skin cracked, growing dirtier and paler; his once bright, fiery hair was drained of its color, now becoming pure white. All of this energy poured into his shield for the smallest opportunity to prevail…He could not lose this battle.

…

Waver could barely hold himself together, not when this battle was a dream coming true right before him. When he was in danger, it was Iskandar who saved him, the mighty King whom he swore himself as a servant, the man he now fought side by side with as an equal. This was the dream of unity Waver harbored for a long time, his aspiration. Everyone fought on the battlefield, desperately pushing Hermes back, but it was Rider who always caught Waver's eye. It was as if he charged into the heart of the battlefield upon another of his glorious conquests.

However, he was not the primary target for Hermes. It was the golden Mage-King, annihilating his wind magic the moment Hermes tried to pierce his majestic shield. Gilgamesh was having the time of his life, dominating every moment he spent in the battle.

"You are pathetic, mongrel, and it's about time for you to be crushed like the insect you are!" He proclaimed loudly, but Iseri did not respond, for the crazed mage was focusing on something else entirely. His gaze tilted downwards as if there was something more important than him. "You dare not look me in the eyes when I am talking to you?"

As Gilgamesh continued his raging attack, Iskandar halted. Waver saw a proud smile emerge on his face as the King of Conquerors was ready to unleash something truly monumental. Waved knew that look and exactly what would follow.

"Watch and learn." Alexander declared after eyeing Waver, Hector, and other mages. "Come, gather around again, fearless fighters who all dreamed of reaching the farthest land. The marks we make here will be our glory! Ionioi Hetairoi!"

As Iskandar cried out those words of pride, Waver could feel the overwhelming sway of nostalgia taking over him. He felt a sense of great pride for the path both he and Alexander walked, for the battle he fought twenty years ago, and for the wonders he witnessed returning to the world. Waver smiled as he saw the reality marble overtake the skyscraper ravaged by battle, turning it into an image of a desert. Iseri's wind was far weaker than Iskandar's domain. In this realm, he was the one and only King, with everyone else being either his soldier or his enemy.

"What…" Iseri clenched his fist, and Waver could sense his powers fainting. "No, no…Not now!"

Eventually, the King's soldiers began to form by his side. One after another, proud warriors rose up from the sand, ready to follow their leader into any battle. The whirlwind was, but a small gust before their might, for both their bodies and will were unbreakable.

"Marvelous…" Hector spoke with awe. "Is it…"

"Yes," Waver said with a proud smile as a lone tear rolled down his cheek. "Rider's noble phantasm, the one that calls his every soldier to his side once again. We have the privilege of being a part of his army…And together, we are unstoppable."

"And so the King bears his fangs…" Even Gilgamesh was impressed.

"Now listen to me, fiend!" Rider proclaimed as he looked at Iseri. "You have put a lot of effort into spreading your foul stain upon this town. You tainted this contest with petty tricks and spells of madness. Here and now, by my right as the King of Conquerors, I declare the end of your rampage. Charge, my men, and bring me his head!"

For the might of his eternal army, for the sake of his endless journey towards Okeanos…Waver would never forget this moment.

Together, all the warriors galloped towards the crazed mage, finally unveiling unmitigated fear and terror in his eyes.

"No…You stand no chance!" Iseri shouted hysterically. "You are all mere mortals, and my servant is a god!" He unleashed a powerful wind wave at his opponents, showing that he used up all the tricks up his sleeve. The air dissipated, unable to slow a single of Alexander's soldiers down. Iseri attempted to rise up, but the confines of the marble forced him to stay on this sandy terrain, waiting for an inevitable punishment for his crimes. No mere magic could destroy the Kingdom Rider had built in his lifetime, and this triumph was a testament to that.

"No, no, NO!" Iseri screeched as the army got closer. He used up all of his remaining powers in a futile attempt to strike the soldiers down. He managed to tear three of them apart, but it took so much toil in his body and will that Iseri fell to the ground and whined in agony and despair.

"Prepare to meet your fate!" Iskandar's voice reigned around the marble, spelling the merciless outcome.

"No…I can't.. It won't end like this! I WILL NOT DIE!" Iseri turned around and ran as fast as he could, too horrified to try and look back. A weak, broken being weeping and shaking in his desperate, pointless plea. In his final attempt to survive, Iseri begged his own servant. "Hermes, where are you? H-help! Hermes! I need y…"

A silver blade emerged from the sand, piercing Iseri's body. It crushed his chest and lungs before the mage could even realize the threat. By the time he fell to the ground, Iseri was nothing more than a bleeding corpse, turning the sand around him crimson.