A/N: ...well, never expected to do a story like this before. Just for clarification's sake, this is a collab between myself and my cousin Olly, who has not made a fanfiction account as of yet. Regardless, he is someone who is well-experienced in writing as he has an account in fiction press. We're both fans of the Fate franchise, and as we finished Fate/Extella - The Umbral Star and finished Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker, we decided to write this.

For further clarification, this story takes place at the end of Fate/Extra, the first game in the Exta Universe. Spoilers ahead for those who have not played Fate/Extra or finished the game! You have been warned!

With that in mind, let us begin.

Edit: Small nitpick. Apparently, trying to put the two ".'s" in SERAPH causes the word to become censored. Its happened before when someone tries to properly spell "DGrayMan." Not sure why.

Earth scientists have hypothesized so-called 'parallel worlds,' other versions of Earth and its surroundings, expanding indefinitely like mirrored relfections. If true, that would mean that Earth has not only one future, but many. In other words...

Think of it like this. The 'you' that you are aware of exists somewhere upon this timeline.

It might sound unreal. Humans aren't equipped to perceive, let alone traverse, the 'wall between worlds.' But what if I put it in another way? Think of these parallel worlds as other possibilities.

Imagine what you might have been in your life. Think of the connections that were cut off and thrown away. Options you see now, in retrospect, that you would never have considered at the time. Picture how your life today might be different had those 'what-ifs' come to pass. All those variant futures, in everyone's lives, make up the vast array of parallel worlds.

Your actions, those of the you in this present moment on this particular timeline, can change the world in any number of ways. That proves such possibilities are alive, and that your world exists on the 'proper axis.'

Conversely, a world where the future cannot be changed, regardless of your chances, can have no parallel worlds. Such a world is nothing but a dead end, solitary and singular, with a past as immutable as its future.

This is a necessary evil, a byproduct of the way parallel worlds are structured together. After all, a world where humanity made radical different choices would bear very little resemblance to the world you know.

Some worlds may have crumbled by making all of the worst choices. Others may have made all the right ones, and rocketed ahead, perhaps too far ahead. In either case, that world can no longer be said to resemble ours, and once a world moves out of sync, it is no longer 'parallel.'

"Why would those worlds become solitary," you ask? "Could the people in those worlds not still make different choices?"

Unfortunately, no. This dimension contains a finite amount of energy, and has none to spare for creating new worlds from the worlds gone so far astray.

If parallel worlds continued to increase in this manner, their number would eventually exceed the capacity of this dimension. Parallel worlds must exist, but in a manageable quantity. This solar system would collapse within 100 years if the parallel worlds expanded without limits.

Seeing as how we do, in fact, live and multiply, the solar system is clearly not oversaturated with possibilities at this time. This dimension could well sustain existence for the next 100,000,000 years.

The system works thusly: At regular intervals, the dimension takes stock of the possibilities it contains, and only allows certain outcomes, those that would not cause undue difficulty in managing the next generation, to remain. As for the unneeded parallel worlds, the system closes off their futures.

Specifically, every 100 years, it calculates how many worlds will last another 100 years, and supports those worlds only. Have you heard of the Law of the Conversation of Mass? This could be called the Law of Conservation of Events.

And so, the civilizations in these numerous parallel worlds line up with one another. Think of it all as a giant tree. Only the trunk at the center can grow tall. The branches may bear fruit, but eventually, they reach their limit, and fall without reaching the future.

You understand, yes? There are no parallel world for a world that has evolved too fast or crumbled too quickly. Such worlds are merely dead ends whose outcomes are predetermined.

And so, there is a set time frame in which these branches are trimmed, extra possibilities are removed, and future histories, once fluid, turn to stone. The mages of your old world called this time frame 'the Foundation of Humanity."

Such laws apply to the Moon Cell as well. The Moon Cell is a self-updating observatory, which continues to record every incident and possibility on Earth. You could say it makes the same observations on parallel worlds.

In any case, this Foundation of Humanity governs the Moon just as it does the Earth, tracking the various worlds and determining where their futures come to an end.

Once one passes that event horizon, there is no turning back, nor turning aside. Any lingering 'ifs' become 'might-have-beens.'

It is the work of a great invisible hand...it would be accurate to say it is a god's invisible hammer. One might call this point in time 'the Quantum Timelock,' the event compilation set by an absolute observer.

"What is this absolute observer," you ask?

Its name...is Polaris.

Fate/Breaker

1st Day: Melancholy of Sunday

Chapter 1

At first, it felt like I was falling into a deep ocean.

My clothes were perfectly fine - clean and crisp as they always were whenever I woke up, yet the sensation I felt as I fell and fell deeper into an unknown abyss was akin to that of sinking, as if a great weight was placed upon me.

I made no attempts to stop it, however. I had long since made peace with this fate.

Even now, I felt it. My digits were losing feeling. My arms no longer began to feel so heavy. My body was beginning to feel weightless, as if it were floating gently. Around me were aquamarine shards, slowly rising towards what looked to be a murky water surface, a light blotched out.

Perhaps one might call this sensation 'death.'

Death in the Moon Cell equals deletion. One's mind and soul is converted into sprites and polygons and bits of spiritual bits of information - spiritrons. Here, in the Moon Cell, one creates an Avatar, composed of it, and acting as their heart is a "core." One's real body lies elsewhere, untouched by what transpires in the Moon Cell. Whatever damage you feel is merely the signals in your brain, simulating what it feels to take such damage.

If one sustains damage, the spiritrons making up your virtual body are damaged as well. That can be repaired.

A "core" cannot. Whatever damage is done is permanent.

I knew this well, even though I remembered nothing else. My earliest memories are the same routine I do everyday of every week - wake up, go to school, attend class, listen to lecture, eat, do homework, return home and sleep, waiting for the next day to begin. This, perhaps, lasted only for what I thought was a year or so.

It was hard to tell, given how dull school life was.

Perhaps I...should begin at the beginning. My name is Hakuno Kishinami, 17-years-old I believe. I am the master of Saber, and winner of the Moon Cell Holy Grail War.

...for only an hour.

I was different from the magus who chose to participate in this hellish competition, where one would stake their very life on the line in order to have their ultimate wish granted by the all-powerful automation that made up this entire world. As I learned about my past prior to my current state, I had been diagnosed with a disease that led to amnesia, and eventually, to death.

My body was preserved, in hopes of one day finding a cure.

There was one person - a brilliant man who, like I, became a Master in the War. A doctor, who had been the only one capable of curing my illness.

Sadly, he had long since passed from the real world.

I was regarded as an 'irregularity' by the Moon Cell, even though I had been crowned the victor of this long and arduous conflict. A ghost in an otherwise perfect machine. As I was being regarded as such, I had managed to copy all of the data I learned about myself, and sent it to the people who may yet hold an answer to the question I found unable to myself.

Saber was unaware of my fate, most likely. If she were...I could possibly imagine her diving in after me, joining my Fate to be broken done bit by bit and deleted, and then, likely, summoned once again to become a Servant in a future war.

That particular thought made my "core" clench.

When a Servant is summoned, it automatically understands the world around it. It learns everything there is to know - every event, every day, every month, every year...all information there is to know in the world is transferred into their brain. However, when summoned into a new conflict, they hold no memories of their previous conflict.

The only exception, I learned, was another Saber Class Servant. Her name was mentioned as I searched for data about myself, and while I dismissed it as irrelevant at the time, her circumstances were intriguing. I wish I could have learned more, as I merely skimmed through her data.

I gave a tired sigh, yet no sound registered in my ears. Whether it was because now the data to "breath" or the data to "hear" was unknown to me.

Strangely, for the first time, and in spite of these odd circumstances, on top of my morbid Fate...I was content.

Would that be the correct word for my current state of being? Content?

...yes, it must. Ever since I awoke in this world, I was without a sense of purpose, wondering aimlessly. Even when I first met Saber, there was still much I did not understand nor yearn.

Yet now, I...felt at peace. Had I, perhaps, achieved something that my "core" had, unknowingly, desired? If so, what? I tried to think of what that could be, but I found myself unable to think.

Even the data to "think" was being deleted.

As I floated even deeper into the black abyss, I saw that there was little of my arm left. Barely enough to be considered the size of a wide branch.

My eye then caught sight of something - floating in the murky black I fell into.

It was a man.

I did not need to squint to discern his features, for he stood before me a bit aways. Close enough for me to see what he looked like.

Hair, white as snow, with a fringe that curved around his forehead. Handsome features that could be made of marble. Soft-spoken blue eyes that looked ready to fall closed at any moment. A serene smile gracing his face. A top that covered the upper body of his otherwise lithe frame, gentle red and black "v" shaped strokes creating a beautiful complimenting pattern. Black pants accented his shoes, which bore the same pattern.

It took me a moment to realize that the man was floating..and staring at me, with curiosity and intrigue.

"Shining One, why do you accept this fate?"

His voice was soft-spoken and melodious, well-mannered and respectful as if speaking to someone who earned such things.

One thing caught my attention from his words.

Shining One.

I would have asked what such a thing meant, had my capability to think and ponder not been ravaged by the Moon Cell already. Instead, I was only capable of answering plainly,

"Because I have no choice."

Yes...that's right. I had no choice in the matter.

In fact, this fate was...determined for me. Win or lose, it didn't matter. The Moon Cell would have regarded me as an irregularity either way, and I would be deleted.

My words made his smile droop a bit, yet not fade. Instead, he asked another question.

"Is that what you truly believe?"

For a moment, I found myself unable to answer that. I worried that the data to "answer" had been robbed of me as well, but some part of me, of what I do not know, had instead found an acceptable response.

"...it isn't a matter of believing."

The man tilted his head, one hand coming to cup his chin, his gaze shifting ever so slightly.

"I see..." For a while, silence. "...and, if you were given a choice?"

Again, a response had already come to mind. Strangely, I found that some data to "think" remained, as my mind shifted back to my journey.

Rin, Rani, Julius, Shinji, Leo...

Those names are ones that resounded strongly in my "core"-

No...in my heart.

And thus, I answered, with all of my heart.

"...I'd fight this fate of mine."

My answer pleased the mystery man greatly, as his smile broadened, eyes brimming with joy.

"I see...so, this is the human potential of this world."

He extended a hand to me, slender fingers spreading out, welcoming an embrace.

"Shining One...if fighting such an unfair fate is what you wish for...then take my hand."

What I wish for?

Was fighting my current circumstance - to be erased from the Moon Cell - my wish?

I had given the data of "myself" to Rin and Rani. They would be able to figure something out. I had faith in them. They were...the most brilliant friends I've ever had.

Perhaps, in time, they would be able to "salvage" me. Bring me back.

But...would it really be "me?"

Would it really be the Hakuno Kishinami that floated here, about to be deleted?

Would it really be the same man who became the Master of Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus?

That last thought spurned me forward. The data to "move" had been nearly erased, as I found difficulty in moving my already degraded arm forward.

My hand wrapped around his. His skin was silky smooth - more so than that of Saber. I felt a slight warmth to these hands, gentle without any roughness, yet with a tense grip that matched a warrior.

A shining blue light, much more vibrant than the spiritron shards of my own avatar, engulfed the mystery man and mine being. A welcoming soothing warmth washed over me, so nostalgic that I nearly believed that I was in Saber's arms. My eyes grew heavy, unable to hold them any longer.

How strange...here I am, accepting some unknown offer from a strange man, and all I can do is fall asleep.

The worst part is...I wasn't able to tell Saber goodbye.

...unbelieveable.

...I vaguely remembering hearing the man - the Anguished One's explanation. The concepts he explained were complex, yet I found myself able to understand them.

How much time had passed since he imparted this knowledge? Days? Months? I was unsure. In fact, I wasn't even remotely aware as to how we were able to hold such a conversation in the first place.

Perhaps this was an 'out of body experience?' If so, it was a most strange experience.

A shame I would not be able to regall any of it to Saber.

Eventually, I found myself able to feel. The familiar sensation of fingers twitching, muscles aching or feeling sore, the sudden pained hunger that emanated from the stomach, and the dryness of the mouth. It took me a moment to realize that I was standing up with feet firmly planted on the ground, and my eyes closed.

As I opened my eyes, I found them already adjusted to whatever light greeted me.

Instead, I was forced to adjust to the staggering number of people around me. The sheer number of people who walked by was far more than that then the crowded hallways of the school found in the Moon Cell.

Men, women, children.

I looked up, finding a brilliant blue sky above me, marred by white streaks. Towers of steel and metal reached high to try and pierce it but to no avail.

I was floored. Where on earth was this? My only memory of any city was that of the school I attended, but this? This was...different. It was not a school. It was an actual city, with hundreds of thousands of people occupying it. Trying to navigate such a place would be incredibly difficult.

The sun shined brilliantly in a way that not even the Moon Cell could replicate. I was forced to shield my eyes, but I soon noticed something odd. My clothes...

A plaid button-up jacket, the sleeves rolled up to the forearms and cuffs linked together by a button. Underneath, a v-neck shirt that exposed the area around my neck. Below, thin denim jeans and slightly comfortable brown loafers. Around the waist, a black belt with a silver buckle.

These...were not the clothes I was in previously. How strange. Did the Anguished One change my attire?

I slipped my hands into the pockets of my new jeans, curious if I had received anything. In my left pocket, I felt a solid, rectangular object. My hand wrapped around it and pulled it out. It was a cellphone, dark blue in color with a silver trim. I've never had a cellphone before in the Moon Cell, so the weight of the phone, though light, was a bit uncomfortable and foreign to me. I opened it, watching in amazement as my phone's upper half spun around, switching to a sideways position rather than matching the lower half where the keyboard lay. On my screen was an assortment of colors, all shades of blue with a mix of green.

I had wished to tinker with it, but I noticed a few odd looks as well as where I stood. In the midst of a small crowd, just a bit too close to the street. It seemed too out of place for someone to be, especially with the possibility of injuring themselves. Realizing that, I looked around for a suitable place to be.

Moving through the somewhat thick crowd, I entered what seemed to be a subway. I remembered a few details about cityscape at least. Trains were coming and going as they pleased, and looking at the chart close to the entrance, the next was not to arrive for a good half hour. I also looked at the name of the stops, trying to piece together what little knowledge I had about the real world to discover where I was at.

"Tokyo," was the answer after reading four of five train stops.

I was...in Tokyo. The heart of Japan.

"...not the strangest place I've been to," I muttered to myself, looking back at my phone.

It was time to see what the Anguished One armed me with.

"Show the will of the stars human potential."

Those were the only words the Anguished One told me before I found myself in Tokyo. Whatever the bizarre man meant, I knew nothing. I was more concerned about my current position.

After checking out my new phone, I discovered a wallet in my back pocket, which had a good few hundred dollar yen bills and a license. It read: "Hakuno Kishinami." I was happy to know that, at the very least, I was not somehow thrown into someone else's body.

The Anguished One mentioned, in his explanation before I was brought to the real world - a parallel version of the real world as my Earth had been ruined by economy, degrading companies and other factors - that there were other "me's" in the universe. Perhaps the body I inhabited was the Hakuno Kishinami of this world?

I wonder what sort of life he led? Hopefully, nothing as horrible as my own life.

During my search perusing what my phone had, I eventually discovered that my phone had a message, though the sender was unknown. Inside the message was a single link, leading to a website.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I opened the link.

On the screen of my phone was the web page of a website.

"Nicaea β ver."
"A Dead Face Delivery Site"

The dead face portion was...distressing, to say the least. However, at the same time, I was also intrigued by what this could possibly offer me. I then began the proper procedures to apply for the site. All it required was my user ID for the site itself, and my phone number. I followed the instructions down to the letter, and eventually, I was led to a curious step.

"Select your navigator's gender."

Displayed on the screen were two silhouettes, which I assumed were the navigator's. The one on the left was male, appearing to have a more "professional" feel despite none of his features being present, whereas the navigator on the right had a more "annoying" one, bearing bunny-ear like appendages atop the head.

Hm, male or female...for a moment I was hesitant to choose. Was it really necessary for a navigator? Sadly, there wasn't a "no" option.

After a mental flip of the coin, I decided on the female navigator. As soon as I did so, the silhouette of the male navigator vanished from the screen, and my chosen curator finally revealed her appearance, dancing before me on the screen. She had short purple hair, somewhat curly at the back with light purple eyes. Her pupils were shaped like stars rather than ovals, and wore what could only be called a cross between a butler uniform and a casino bunny outfit. The lower half of the attire was professional enough, with black pants with a tailcoat and heels, whereas the upper half exposed a fair amount of her cleavage, making it hard for me to stare at her lower half and face. True to his observation, she wore black bunny ears atop her head, and had the widest smile I had seen.

"Hi~"

The navigator gave me a wink, spinning around on her heel while speaking in a cheery voice.

"Welcome to Nicaea, your one stop shop for scenes of death! Oooh~ scary! I'm Tico-Tico, your adorable guide! But yo can call me Tico!"

...I should have chosen the male navigator. Her presence was insufferable, no matter how cute she looked.

"On this website, you'll get videos of the friends you're tied to by fate. So not just random shmoes you meet, but people you get to know like, rilly, rilly well. We'll show you ahead of time when they end up all dead ans stuff, bummer! You get exactly how they get to croak from the movies we upload to the site."

At this, a small screen popped up next to her, which she held as if she were holding up an object. It showed a censored body, lying in a messy red pool below them, staining the concrete. How morbid.

"I'll keep you in the loop when new videos are uploaded, so be sure to check 'em out!"

With that, the screen vanished, and she gave me another wide wink, spinning around. However, her tail coat grew in size as she did a twirl jump, the tail coat extending out and latching itself to the unseen ground below her while she stuck her tongue out in a playful manner.

"Okay then! Have a nice wheeeee~!"

With that, Tico disappeared, and my phone returned to normal.

I wonder if its possible for me to change navigators, though...

"O-oh, pardon me."

A timid voice called out, gently shoving me from my thoughts. I looked up from my phone.

It was a school girl, evident by her uniform. A gray blazer with a blue-and-white stripped bow, a small black skirt, and dark shoes with white knee-high socks. Over that, a bright red coat. Now that I think about it, it was rather chilly. Her face was quite cute, with a shy look and soft brown eyes, matching her bob-cut hair that came down to the chin.

Why was she approaching me? I didn't know her, so I don't think she is an acquantence...unless, perhaps, the theory that I am in this world's Hakuno's body is true.

"Are you...alright? You've been standing there w-with this really intense look on your face."

Intense look? Was I that absorbed in Nicaea?

At least it wasn't because she knew me. Regardless, I gave a small nod of thanks, assuring her everything was fine. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed there was a boy wearing a similar uniform as the girl's, staring at the two of us intently. Or, rather, it would be more accurate to say that he was staring at the girl in front of me. He wore the blazer open, revealing the black dress shirt, gray dress pants, and had a yellow scarf around his neck. I couldn't quite make out his face, but I could make out his brown hair.

I could see why he was staring at her. After all, it was rather hard to ignore such a robust figure, after all...though I must wonder how she deals with the back pain?

"O-okay. S-sorry for interrupting."

The girl apologized to me once again. She appeared to be the push-over type who agrees with everyone as to not avoid conflict. I was familiar with the type. I believe I was like that at some point myself, at first unaware of the virtual hell I was living in.

She tapped her feet against the floor awkwardly, perhaps unsure of what she was to do next. She looked as if she had more to say, but couldn't find the right way to say it.

I asked, "Is there anything else?"

She seemed a bit startled. The girl bit her lip, once more unsure before shaking her head.

"N-no... It's fine. I-I'm sorry for disturbing you."

She began to pull away, whatever words she wished to speak remaining unsaid. Somehow, I felt a bit disappointed that she did not speak what she had wanted, her shyness shackling her. I'm not sure what possessed me to open my mouth,

"Hakuno."

"E-eh?"

"That's my name. Hakuno Kishinami. You?"

"I-Io. Io Nitta."

Io Nitta...wasn't the name "Io" also the name of Hera's priestess in Greek mythology? In star terms, I believe it was associated with the Taurus Zodiac sign as well.

Either way, the greeting had helped Io somewhat, as she smiled softly. It was warm and gentle, enough to make a man's heart melt.

How beautiful. I vaguely remember Saber offering such a smile a few times.

'Saber...'

That's right...I had nearly forgotten. I had left her behind as I went inside SERAPH once we had been named the Winners of the Holy Grail War. What had become of her? Had she vanished, soon to be summoned again in the next War of the Moon Cell? Or did she yet remain, waiting for me to return? Thinking of her pained me...more than I would want to.

Saber...if only you were here at my side.

*ring ring*

The ringing of two phones brought my attention. My cell had vibrated in my hand, while Io had dug her hand into her red coat's pocket, taking out a bright pink cellphone of her own.

We received a message at the same time?

Io seemed to share a similar expression, looking at me and then back at her phone.

I looked at the message.

TO: Hakuno Kishinami
FROM: Nicaea
SUBJECT: Io Nitta Death Video

What?

Io Nitta...Death Video? Was this some kind of joke? If so, its not very funny. More importantly, how did they know I met Nitta? I looked up at Io, and to my confusion, her face was in horror, clearly shaken.

"Nitta?"

I called to her, startling her a bit. She looked at me, and then back at her phone. What had she seen? I looked back to my own phone. There was an attachment.

I remembered what Tico had told me when I made my already regrettable decision to choose a female navigator.

'On this website, you'll get videos of the friends you're tied to by fate. So not just random shmoes you meet, but people you get to know like, rilly, rilly well.'

Was this...what she meant?

Hesitantly, I opened the link.

.

.

A station left to crumble.

Debris falling from above, crushing any unfortunate to be caught in the raining stone.

A train at full speed, barrelling forward, soon crashing and coming to a stop.

Cars raised overhead, shadow bearing down on a girl in a red coat and a boy in a plaid jacket.

Then the car falls atop them...

.

.

...I was left speechless.

The video showed not only myself...but other people dying as well. Trapped or smashed into bloody bits of broken bones and torn flesh by the falling debris, and two familiar people - myself and Nitta - being crushed by a falling train.

Could this be...what Nitta saw?

"...did you get a death video?"

My voice surprised her, elicting a small 'eep' of shock. She nodded, confirming my suspicions. It was unusual to receive texts at the same time as another person, but perhaps not unheard of. Nitta must have signed up before I had. I didn't care for the reasons, but I was more concerned about the video itself.

The place where the video is taking place...it was the station we were in.

Was that coincidence? Or...

*ding ding*

The PA system sparked to life, signalling the arrival of the train. This only made the unease in me grow. I shouldn't worry so much about things like this, yet I can't shake this feeling that something is about to happen. Somehow, I knew something was about to happen.

This atmosphere...it was the same as before. When I first encountered Leo at that hallway, before I had become a Master.

That was when it happened.

Without warning, the ground began to shake. The quivering of the earth around us nearly made me lose my balance. Nitta's body swayed, losing her footing and falling towards me. On instinct, I wrap my arms around her, steadying her.

After a few seconds, the shaking became more violent. I heard the squealing of metal: the approach of the train at full speed without slowing down whatsoever. Around us, the platform began to crack and break apart, fractures running along the walls and ceiling. Some parts already gave way, collapsing and crashing to the ground. People were thrown into utter disorder, clamboring to try and escape.

I held Nitta closely, trying to move. The cracking noise above me made me look up, seeing the ceiling starting to lean down towards us.

"Shit!"

I had no choice but to throw us both away before part of the ceiling collapsed into debris, crushing down on the spot where we once stood. My back hit the floor while Nitta rested atop me. There was something soft pressing up against my chest. Something incredibly warm and pleasurable.

Was now really a time for my libido to start fantasizing?

Nitta was kind enough to get off of me, allowing me to sit up right. Unfortunately, the train was growing closer. We tried to stand and escape, but the shaking made it impossible. How anyone could possibly run while the floor beneath them was trembling like mad was beyond me.

A powerful gust of wind blew across my back, accompanied by the horrible screeching of metal grind against metal, along with loud creaking moans. A shadow was cast above us.

Dread filled me as I slowly turned, seeing Nitta's horrified and trembling expression. A pair of train cars were hoisted above us at an angle, hovering above us with the temptation of death. For a moment, some unseen force was keeping it up before gravity had pulled it away, and the train car descended upon us both.

"Kyaaaah!"

Nitta cries were the only things I heard as I shut my eyes, not wishing to see the end.

Was this...really it?

Was I...going to die here?

...

...

...

...

...

...ha.

Hahaha...

Seriously? After all of that trouble...after the Anguished One brought me here for some unknown purpose that I knew nothing about how to go about...I was...

...going to die?

This was...

"Hey~!"

Though my eyes were shut, I heard a familiar, cheery voice call out to me.

Shouldn't the train car have fallen on me and Nitta by now?

"It's Tico-Tico! Knock, knock... You up?"

How was she speaking to me? Wait, was this limbo? Was this life flashing before my eyes? Yet, I see nothing. Just the blackness of my eyelids, obscuring my awaiting death from me.

"So...yeah, this is how you're gonna die."

...that was awfully blunt.

"If you still wanna live, that "demon summoning app" is gonna be a big help! At least...that's what I'd usually say, but His Excellency wanted to give you something extra special!"

Demon Summoning App? His...Excellency?

Could she be referring to...

"What'cha gonna do? Are you gonna give up?"

Give...up?

Wouldn't that really be the better option? After all, I was supposed to die back at the Moon Cell...

...yet the Anguished One offered me a chance to live again. He had given me a purpose.

Show the will of the stars human potential, if I recall.

How do I show this will human potential? Just what sort of potential did humans have that garnered such interest from the Anguished One? What made him give this task to me?

As I thought this...an image of someone precious to me flashed in my mind.

Her elegant red dress, flapping against the blowing winds with a proud smile on her face, emerald eyes staring at her opponent without fear. In hand, a red sword, ready to strike.

That's right...she's still waiting for me, right? Back there, in the Moon Cell...

Saber...Nero...I...

...I don't want to die here. I want to see you again. I want to hold you in my arms, if only one more time.

I want to be together with you, if only for a few seconds.

"I...want to..."

Yes...I remember now...the answer to the question the Anguished One asked of me at the Moon Cell before, as I was being deleted.

"I want..."

If dying was to be my Fate...

"I want...!"

...then I will break this unfair Fate of mine!

"I want to live!"

My answer had brought forth a jubilant, excited answer.

"Alright! You've got a super-duper strong will to live. I just had to check! Well, good luck!"

In that moment, I finally realized why the train had not fallen upon us. This sensation...it felt as if time had stopped.

As Tico's voice faded, I felt something swell inside of me. A familiar, burning sensation encroached itself upon my hand, a pleasant and fierce warmth enveloping it.

Then, time resumed.

She waited.

She waited, and waited.

Waiting just outside, waiting for him to return to her.

Her Master...her beloved, wonderful Master.

She was unsure how long had passed. Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months...it felt like an eternity as she waited for him.

It took all of her willpower not to charge forth and enter. He had all but assured her that everything would be fine, in spite of her doubts.

"How much longer do you intend to make me wait?"

She asked the question, yet expected no response. She was the only person standing here, awaiting her master to return to her. Her eyes trained on the entrance, the place where he had disappeared and had yet to return to her side.

The soft beating in her heart had reminded her, at every opportunity, just how important that otherwise dull-looking man meant to her, yet in spite of such an accurate and apt description, she felt that the word was insulting. There was nothing "average" about her Master.

After all, would such an "average" man call upon her to be his Servant? Would such an "average" man stand against the odds and emerge victorious in the Moon Cell Grail War?

Yes...she knew it to be true. Her Master was not so dull. He was...perfect.

Yet, still, he did not return to her.

Then, as she waited still, eyes lingering, she felt the world around her ripple. A sensation made itself known in her heart, resounding through her very being. Her eyes widened, looking up at the vast sky above them.

"T-this..."

She knew this feeling. She had felt it many times before, when her Master came to be in doubt. The first time she had felt this was when Rider's Master - Shinji Matou, had broken down into data and died right then and there after his defeat, right before the eyes of her Master.

The feeling of utter terror and grief. However, there was a new feeling present. A feeling that was otherwise unknown to her, yet at the same time, familiar.

The feeling of a powerful resolution. That, too, was a feeling she knew well, despite having felt it only twice. The same feeling her Master bore when he called upon her.

Her power fluctuated, becoming a golden aura that danced around her being. Around her, the Moon Cell began to break apart. An unknown force was calling out to the Servant. A force that could not comprehend, nor understand.

Yet the Servant understood well what was happening.

Her Master was calling to her.

And thus, she responded.

"Praetor!"

-The Beginning of the End: COMPLETE-