One by one the Fairy Tail teams returned to the guildhall. Mira's team was the first to make it back. Natsu's team arrived next since their business in Oak Town was finished. Cana's team was the third to arrive. Lastly, team Shadow Gear arrived with looks of despair. Everyone was treated for injuries. Most of them had minor injuries except for Elfman and Lisanna. Lisanna needed a crutch since her leg was numb and Elfman's arms required splints. The Thunder Legion was placed in the infirmary and received treatment from Porleyusca and Wendy.

Soon after everyone's arrival, Laxus woke up. He had been in a coma for a few days and was having trouble remembering what happened. He soon realized that he could not feel his limbs. He lifted his head up and saw that his stumps were attached to tubes connected to healing potions. That is when the memories of his encounter with Metrigan hit Laxus like a brick.

"Take it easy Laxus," softly spoke his grandfather who was sitting beside him.

"Gramps," Laxus whispered.

"You've been asleep for a long time but Porleyusca says you're stable."

"Where are Fried, Ever, and Bickslow?!"

"Relax my boy, they are here. They are safe."

The memory of Caster plucking out their eyes made Laxus tremble with anger and regret. "Will they be alright?"

"Wendy and Porleyusca managed to stabilize them. They won't wake anytime soon however."

"And… what about?"

Makarov exhaled. "Not to worry. Porleyusca is working on prosthetic eyes for each of them as we speak. But I'm unsure if they will be able to utilize their magic like before."

If Laxus had limbs he would have clenched his fingers, instead he grinded his teeth. "Damn you. Vengeance will be mine Metrigan."

Makarov shared his grandson's desire for revenge but he knew that it was better for him to focus on recuperation. "For now Laxus, rest and take it easy. I have to meet with the others now."

Makarov rolled out of the Infirmary.

After joining the rest of the guild in the main hall, the rescue teams gave their reports.

"Gajeel was brainwashed?!" exclaimed Erza.

"It happened after that knight touched him. His metal body corroded and it was like he turned into a wild animal," explained Levy.

Elfman let Lisanna patch up his cut arms. "I may have a real man's arms. But thanks to that guy's spear I can't feel them."

"And those skull masked freaks treated my card attacks like a dance," complained Cana. "Their speed and agility was unreal."

"What are those people?" asked Romeo. "It's like they're not human."

Gildarts exhaled, "That's because they aren't. And neither are the Decepticarian soldiers."

All heads turned to Gildarts.

"What do you mean?" asked Droy.

"The soldiers are homunculi."

"Homuncu what?" Jet pondered.

"Homunculi. An individual would be called a homunculus."

"What's a homunculus?" questioned Nab.

"An artificial human that can use magic. The homunculi were all bred in a laboratory and have a life span of three years. They are also completely docile towards their master and will obey any order without question."

"Hmm, so if Metrigan loses troops then he can simply grow new ones like plants from a garden," guessed Lily.

"And are the generals homunculi too?" asked Carla.

"No, they are something else entirely. Those seven are Heroic Spirits."

Lucy blinked with curiosity, "Heroic Spirits?"

"That's right. Unlike your Celestial Spirits Lucy, the Heroic Spirits are warriors from myth and legend. They are summoned from a mystical after life called the Throne of Heroes. And they're a lot stronger than humans and Celestial Spirits. Each one has their name engraved in the history of the world, never to be forgotten."

Lucy blinked in curiosity. "Cool! I had no idea that there were more special spirits aside from the Celestial Spirits. But if these generals are such spirits why do they fight for Metrigan?"

"You remember how I fought alongside Metrigan during the war in his homeland? Well in his quest for more power to win it, he participated in another war. The Holy Grail War."

"The Holy Grail War? That's what that monster mentioned back in the cave," Juvia recalled.

"Gildarts," spoke Erza. "The enemy we faced said that there's more history between you and Metrigan than what you've told us. Tell us, what is this Holy Grail War?"

Gildarts nodded. "It's not an actual war. It's more like a battle royal between wizards. Seven wizards compete against each other to win a powerful prize: the Holy Grail; an everlasting conduit of magic that was believed to grant the winner any wish. They fight against each other by summoning Heroic Spirits to fight for them. Each spirit is a heroic figure of legend and has a designated Servant class: Saber, Archer, Assassin, Rider, Lancer, Caster, and Berserker. Each wizard, or Master as they are called by the Servants, summons one Servant and fights alongside them against the other Masters and Servants for the Grail."

The guild was enthralled by fascination.

"Sounds really cool," said Natsu. "Like a game."

"And Metrigan was a Master?" assumed Erza.

Gildarts nodded. "A wizard family called the Einzberns promised him their support in exchange for him winning the Holy Grail for them. I was with him when he summoned her."

"Her?"

Gildarts frowned with a deep sadness. "Saber."

Fourteen years ago

Four months had passed since they left the Einzbern Castle. The campaign had been going very well for the Decepticarians. They had managed to secure vast areas of the Empire's northern borders. Garrisons of the Empire had been wiped out from captured fortresses, supply lines had been raided, and the Empire's presence in the north had been eradicated. They were now occupying the largest city in the north. With the expansion of territory, the Einzberns built larger facilities to house the production of homunculi. Before they could march into the greener country beyond the snow, they needed to replenish their ranks. Until more homunculi were produced, the Decepticarians would remain in the city.

While they waited, Metrigan's wife and daughter came to visit him. Although he was displeased with them leaving the safety of the Einzbern castle, he was still happy to see them.

From the solar of the mayor's manor, Gildarts could see Metrigan playing with little Illya in the snowy gardens.

Irisviel sipped her tea. "Having fun aren't they?"

"Yeah," he smiled. "It's good for him to spend time with his daughter away from the war."

"My husband is a great fighter and a capable general after all. War seems to be something he really understands."

Gildarts turned around with a serious look. "Iri. I need to tell you something about your husband." He sat down. "While it's true that he enjoys fighting, he seems to be letting that go to his head."

"What do you mean?"

"Although we've won a lot of victories against the Empire's forces, he has grown arrogant and has shown little regard for the people that we're fighting for. A few weeks ago after we took the city, Metrigan commanded the army to spare no one. Our Decepticarians killed the Empire's troops, but they also killed innocent civilians. Men, women, and children." Irisviel gasped. "When I confronted him about his failure to tell the troops to distinguish between soldier and civilian. He didn't seem to care. He said it was unfortunate but necessary."

Iri put down her cup. "Before you all left, he told me that he would do whatever it takes to end the war."

"Yeah and believe me I want to see the minster fall as much as he does but we can't do it at the cost of innocent lives. It would make the people fear the Decepticarians just as much as the enemy does. I tried talking to him about it but he's a brick wall." He put his hand on Iri's. "You're his wife. You love him and he loves you. He listens to you. Please talk to him."

Iri met his gaze. "Alright, I'll speak to him later tonight."

Later that evening, after Metrigan put Illya to bed, his wife called him out to the balcony. It was a full moon, which illuminated the snowy city.

"Dear, Gildarts told me about how you conduct your attacks."

Metrigan snorted. "He shouldn't trouble you with such things."

"He's only concerned for your welfare and your humanity."

Metrigan gripped the stone rail. "Iri. You don't know what it's like in war. The Holy Grail War will begin soon and the amount of peril we face will only escalate. That is why I must put a swift end to our enemies. The enemy won't show us any mercy and neither will we."

"But you could show a little more restraint when it comes to fighting where civilians are located."

"The corruption that swamps the Capital extends far and wide. I can't take a chance with any city no matter who lives in it." He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eye. "War is a cesspool of turmoil. But in order to create a better future for this country, for our daughter, I will do whatever it takes. But I need to know that you're with me Iri. Fighting for you and Illya gives me strength."

Irisviel was moved and hugged her husband's abdomen. "I understand. I'm with you my love. I know that you know what's best and will always have your back."

Unknown to them, there was a disappointed mage standing in the shadows, eavesdropping.

Damn it. Irisveil is too gentle for her own good.

Gildarts was aware that Irisveil had lived a sheltered life and that she did not know much about the outside world especially since she was not a real human being. Like their soldiers Irisveil was a homunculous. The Einzberns had hoped to create the ultimate homunculous by having one mate with a human. Illya was the product of that plan and union. Due to Illya's parentage, she would live longer than the average homunculous. Although Illya's birth made the project a success, Irisveil had another role to play.

Suddenly, there was a bell chime that echoed throughout the city. It was an midnight.

"It's almost time for the ritual," spoke Metrigan.

Irisveil let go. "I'll go make preparations."

"And I will find Gildarts. He should be present for this occasion."

Gildarts made himself scarce and dashed down to the lower halls. If Iri can't change Metrigan's mind then I'll have to take matters into my own hands.

"Brother there you are," called out Metrigan. Gildarts quickly composed himself. "I was going to first start looking for you in town. Usually you have a habit of visiting the taverns to meet women."

Gildarts scratched the back of his head. "I didn't feel like it tonight. All this fighting is making my bones weary."

Metrigan walked closer to him. His face had a nasty glare on it. "I know that you talked to Iri." Gildarts grew nervous. "Leave my wife and daughter out of these matters. I will not have either of them tainted by the nature of war."

Gildarts bowed his head. "I'm sorry brother. It won't happen again."

"Good. Now then, we have an important task to accomplish tonight. The time for the ritual is almost at hand."

Gildarts raised his head. "You mean. It's time to summon your Servant?"

"Exactly." He walked past Gildarts. "Iri is making preparations in the main hall. Come."

They both entered the main hall. Irisveil had drawn a circular rune into the floor. It was time for Metrigan to uphold the second part of his deal with the Einzberns. Metrigan had been chosen to participate as a Master in the Holy Grail War. With the war beginning soon, the next step was to summon a Servant.

"You're sure about this Brother?" asked Gildarts.

"Of course I am Brother," replied Metrigan. "If we win the Grail then we can end this conflict once and for all. The Einzberns have taught me much about magic and have helped me learn to control my new power. The glory of winning the Grail will go to them but I will get the wish. The Servant that I intend to summon will be a Saber-class, the most powerful. Gifted with close range combat and unmatched swordsmanship. And with a Heroic Spirit by our side, the odds will be in our favor for not just the Grail War but the war against the Empire."

"But won't participating in this Holy Grail War undermine our war with the Empire?"

"We will gain far more than we'll lose if we win the Grail. Besides, I'm not the only one who has decided to participate in this event for the sake of the war. The Einzberns have already identified who the other Masters are. One is Tokiomi Tohsaka, a mage who specializes in fire and jewel magic and a nobleman who is part of the Revolutionary Army. The second is Kotomine Kirei, an enforcer of the faith and a highly trained mage killer. The third is Kayneth el Melloi, a mage that specializes in water magic and necromancy, and a nobleman who is one of Honest's supporters. The fourth is Karia Matao, another nobleman whose family is also a supporter of Honest. Though he's not much of a threat in terms of his skill as a mage. As for the fifth and sixth, their identities have yet to be discovered."

Gildarts gripped his chin. "The Masters that you just named. Each of them belongs to either the Empire or the Revolutionary Army. And if either of them claim the Grail, depending on their wish the war could turn in favor of their side."

"Exactly, which is why I must win the Grail. Most wouldn't think that a holy war like this would be the deciding factor in this conflict but it is."

"Metrigan, if you do win the Grail what would your wish be? A swift end to the war?"

Irisveil moved closer to them. "You didn't tell him what your wish is dear?"

Metrigan placed his hand on Irisveil's shoulder. "Gildarts, as you said, this Holy Grail War will no doubt help shape the outcome of the war with the Empire. But I will not use its power to decide the outcome. This war must be won by our own volition, not a by miracle granter. But having a Servant will be a great asset to our cause and help bring the war to a swifter end. Once it is finished, I will wish for Iri and Illya to be free of their homunculous lives. They will be able to live their lives as humans like you and me in a new era of peace. Which is why I will do whatever it takes to ensure our victory."

Gildarts was torn after hearing his friend's desire. While his goal is noble, Metrigan's eagerness to end the war swiftly could lead to even more victories with little regard for the common people. Still he recognized the value of participating in the Holy Grail War. "I see. Then what are we waiting for?"

Metrigan spread his fingers and chanted, "For the essence, silver and steel. For the foundation, gems and the archduke of contracts. For the great ancestor, Schweinorg. Close the cardinal gates, be bound to the circle and follow the three columns of the Sephirot to descend from the Crow to the Kingship. Fill and lock, fill and lock, fill and lock, fill and lock, fill and lock. Repeat five times. But those moments should cease to be once passed. Set. I hereby propose. Your fealty shall be mine, and my fate shall be yours. If you heed the Grail's call and obey my will and reason, then answer me. I hereby swear that I shall be all the good in the world. That I shall repress all the evil in the world. One of the seven heavenly beings bearing the three great words of power, come forth from the cycle that shackles you. Guardian of the Scales!"

The circle glowed and burst with light. Standing in the center of the circle was a young blond haired woman, clad in armor, wielding a sword.

"I ask you," spoke the woman. "Are you my… Master?"

Gildarts eyed the beauty. He grinned. I'm starting to like this Holy Grail War.

Her new Master walked closer to her. "I am. My name is Metrigan, leader of the Decepticarians. This is my wife Irisveil von Einzbern and my friend Gildarts Clive. It is an honor to meet you at last King of Knights. But follow us outside there's something I want to show you."

She followed them to the castle walls.

"Saber," said Metrigan. "Look upon the horizon and tell us what you see."

It was a full moon that night and its light illuminated the snow. However snow was not the only thing it shed its light upon. Saber scanned the view. Smoke burned from far away cities and provinces. The ground outside of the city walls was torn apart, littered with broken battlements and corpses. Even the cold air could not mask the distant smell of rotting flesh.

"War," she gravely spoke.

"That's right. We're not just fighting in the Holy Grail War. As a matter of fact, it is a war within a greater war."

"And who do you fight?"

"A decrepit empire so plagued by corruption that it festers like a disease. And that disease has infected practically every nobleman and soldier."

Gildarts walked beside her. "The emperor of this kingdom is a child who is under the guidance of a lying, disgusting, scheming, fat old prime minister. Honest has poisoned the Empire with overwhelming corruption allowing those in power to torment and take advantage of the common people." He eyed Metrigan. "We fight for the people. We fight for equality and freedom for all."

"We also seek to overthrow Prime Minister Honest and all his supporters, and establish a stronger rule. One that will rebuild this empire and lead it to a glorious future." Metrigan stared down at her from the side. "Winning the Holy Grail is our goal but winning the war against the Empire is still our priority. Which is why having a great warrior such as you by our side will help tip the scales of this conflict. Saber, I know you have your own reasons for wanting the Grail, but we need every asset we can get hour hands on. Will you fight with us Arturia Pendragon, King of Knights?"

Saber bent her knee and placed a hand over her heart. "I accept you, Metrigan as my Master. Your Servant Saber stands with you. My sword will henceforth be by your side, and your fate will henceforth be my fate. The pact has been made. And I swear by my honor that I will help you bring a swift end to this war."

Present

"That was before I realized how dark his ambitions were. Both Saber and I truly believed in what we were doing. But we were blind to Metrigan's true goal."

"So based on the classes you listed, was the Servant we faced Berserker?" asked Lily.

"Yeah, and he probably took advantage of Gajeel's iron shell ability. Berserker has the power to corrupt any weapon of his choosing once he touches it. From what you described, Gajeel's iron skin was corroded with Berserker's magic and is now his pawn."

Levy frowned in despair with tears.

"If Berserker is destroyed then would Gajeel be saved?" questioned Lily.

"Perhaps."

Gray crossed her arms. "Gildarts, you said that the Servants were Heroic Spirits right? Well there was nothing heroic about the lunatic sorcerer we met. He littered an entire cave with the bloody corpses of children and claimed it was in the name of God!"

That detail made most of the other guild members gasp. Mira and Lisanna covered their mouths in disgust. Gildarts on the other hand trembled with anger.

"Caster," he growled, clenching his metal fist. "Not all Heroic Spirits die as heroes. I remember that psychopath all to well. During the Grail War, he did the same thing except his Master back then was a serial killer. Neither of them were part of any faction; they just killed children indiscriminately for their own sadistic amusement. And not much changed with him working for Metrigan. He doesn't care how much innocent blood is spilt as long as Caster is useful to him."

Gray gripped his cross over his neck. I swear I'll send that demon down to hell where he belongs.

"You said that in the Holy Grail War, that there is a Servant for each of the seven Masters," Lucy pointed out. "Does that mean that Caster and the other Servants have individual Decepticarian Masters who work for Metrigan?"

"No. After claiming the Holy Grail, Metrigan summoned all the Servants who fought in the Holy Grail War and bound them to him. Some instinctively chose to follow him while others were brainwashed. Now all seven Servants serve one Master."

Gray lowered his gaze from Gildarts. So that bastard was telling the truth when he said that he and Gildarts were enemies turned allies for a time.

Loke stepped closer with a disturbed look, he knew what it was like to lose one's self. "Do you know which ones were brainwashed and which weren't?"

"Assassin, Caster, and Berserker were eager to follow him. Archer, aka Gilgamesh, didn't require as much brainwashing since he was already a prick to begin with and was greatly impressed by Metrigan. The ones who were corrupted were Lancer, Rider, and… Saber."

Cana noted her father's demeanor. "Each time you mention Saber, you grow sad. Did you know her well?"

"I spent a lot of time with her since she was Metrigan's first Servant."

Cana gave an accusing look.

Gildarts threw up his hands. "Not like that! Sure she was beautiful but it never came to that."

Erza folded her arms. "I crossed swords with Saber briefly. She was good, more than good. She even beat me and she barely appeared to be fazed. And she seemed to be blindly devoted to Metrigan."

"Well part of that is due to her chivalry but more because of what her Master did. But underneath that dark, merciless entity, she is the Heroic Spirit Arturia Pendragon, one of history's greatest heroes. The King of Knights, wielder of the legendary blade Excalibur, and whose chivalry had no equal."

While some members of the guild gasped, none were as exasperated as Erza. "Are you serious?! King Arturia herself?!" Gildarts nodded with a smile. "I've read and heard stories about her! She's one of my heroines! I can't believe that was her!"

"Wow," said Mirajane in awe. "You weren't kidding when you said that the Heroic Spirits have their names remembered for all time."

"Yeah. No offense Erza, you are without a doubt a strong swordswoman. But Servants are superior to ordinary wizards in nearly all-physical and magical abilities. Fairy Tail is anything but ordinary nevertheless; Servants are a force to be reckoned with. In the case of Saber-class Servants, they specialize in close range sword combat, making them unbeatable in a sword fight, unless they fight another Servant.

Despite the warning, the red head simply felt more admiration for her past opponent. "I see. Still I should expect no less from my idle."

Natsu raised his hand. "Wait I'm confused. If Saber is a woman how could she have been a king?"

Erza smirked. "She wasn't born into kingship like traditional kings. The kingdom of Camelot chose her to be their king because she pulled the legendary sword of Excalibur from the stone."

"Pulling a sword from a stone makes you king?"

"No Natsu, that sword was a special exception. According to the legend, many men tried to pull it from the stone because it was said that who ever was worthy to wield the blade would be the true king. Despite her being a woman, the blade deemed her worthy to be king. And that's exactly what she became. Not only a renowned warrior but the first woman to be called king.

"Wow Erza you really know her history," said Levy. "That's usually my department."

Erza closed her eyes, smiling with pride. "What can I say? She is my idle. I've aspired to be like her."

Gildarts chuckled. "Yeah, she would've liked you Erza." His face quickly returned to a frown. "And like the other spirits she is now a slave to Metrigan's will."

Erza scowled with such ferocity. "How dare he enslave such a noble and just king such as King Arturia!"

Gildarts closed his eyes. "Even the honored dead aren't safe from his war mongering."

Natsu walked up to Gildarts, "So what's Metrigan's next move going to be?"

Gildarts shook his head. "I don't know."

Mest pushed Makarov's chair close to Gildarts. "You know Metrigan better than any of us and you've encountered the Servants before. Is there anything we should know about them that you haven't already told us?"

"I know all of their real names. And knowing their names works to our advantage."

"Why would knowing their names help?" asked Lisanna.

"I don't remember all the details surrounding the rules of the Holy Grail War but there was something about how during the wars, the Servants usually kept their names a secret from each other. Something about how they could reveal weaknesses."

Gray's face lit up. "Well let's hear it! What are their names?"

"As I said, Saber is Arturia Pendragon, king of Britannia and the King of Knights." Erza smiled proudly at the name. "Archer is Gilgamesh." Gildarts spat with disgust. "He's an ancient king of Babylon."

Hisui gasped, "Gilgamesh?! One the world's first kings? His name is spoken of in awe as if he himself were a god. He was also the word's first hero."

"All the more reason why he's called the King of Heroes. But trust me… he's far from being an ideal king as well as a hero. Strip away all those titles and he's just a spoiled brat with a massive ego who can't go a few seconds without insulting someone."

Wakaba chuckled. "Man you really don't like him do you?"

Elfman snorted, "He sounds so unmanly!"

"That would be the understatement of the year. But trust me, his personality aside he's extremely dangerous. Being the world's first hero, his power is close to invincible."

Macao and Wakaba gulped. I hope I don't run into him.

"And the others?" asked Mirajane.

"Rider is also a king and a great man," smiled Gildarts proudly with admiration. "We may have been enemies in the past but I respected and admired him. Makes me all the more mad about what Metrigan did."

"Who is he?" asked Happy eagerly.

"Iskander, the King of Conquerors."

That took some guild mates by surprise.

"Iskander?!" exclaimed Hisui. "The Iskander? The great military leader who was held in awe by the thousands of people who followed him into battle? The king who nearly conquered the world?!"

"The one and only. If you had a chance to meet him before Metrigan brainwashed him you would all like him."

"Now he sounds like a real man!" flexed Elfman, though he failed because of his limp arms.

"Then there's Lancer. He was a Celtic spear master. His name is Diarmuid Ua Duibhne of the Fianna Knights."

Natsu sputtered his lips, "Dar...dua.. bine?"

Gildarts laughed, "I know it's hard to pronounce. Let's stick with Lancer."

"And Caster?" Gray demanded.

"Gilles de Rais, aka Bluebeard. I don't know much about him aside from him being a magical psychopath who has committed every sin imaginable."

"And Assassin?" asked Hisui.

"Hassan of the Hundred Faces."

"Hundred faces? But there were a hundred actual Assassins." Pointed out Cana.

Gildarts scratched his head. "I know. It was kind of hard for me to wrap my head around at first. I've heard different versions surrounding the history about Hassan. Some say that he was just a name that was used among multiple assassins. Others say that Hassan himself had split personalities. In either case, as a Servant this summoned version of him takes on the physical form of a hundred Assassins."

"Well, I guess that explains to how there were multiple Assassins back in the cavern," said Cana.

"And what about Berserker?" questioned Levy.

"Lancelot, one of King Arturia's knights of the round table."

Erza was shocked to hear that. "Lancelot?! You mean Lancelot of the lake? The strongest and most famous of all her knights? But all the tales about King Arturia and her knights said that they were all honorable. Committing themselves to righteousness and accomplishing noble deeds. From Levy's description, why would he become something as terrifying as Berserker?"

Gildarts shook his head. "I don't know. I imagine that there's some sort of story behind it."

"So now that we know their names we can beat the Servants right?" cheered Natsu with excitement.

"I doubt it's that easy Natsu," Gray nagged.

Erza turned to Levy. "Levy, you're the best when it comes to research and history. You think you could learn all you can about the Holy Grail War and the Servants?"

"Leave it to me. The more we learn about the Grail Wars the better our chances of victory will be."

"Go Levy!" cheered Jet and Droy.

Warren lowered his fingers from his temple. "I just got word from our allies. One of the Servants that you guys encountered, Berserker, is heading towards Quatro Cerberus with an army following close behind."

Levy held her hands to her heart. And Gajeel is probably with him.

"And the other Servants?" questioned Makarov.

"Mermaid Heel and Lamia Scale are fighting Saber while Rider is battling against Sabertooth and Blue Pegasus. They've suffered casualties but they're holding their ground."

"What about the air armada?" asked Juvia.

"Right now it's stretched across the kingdom. Several ships have sealed off densely populated towns and cities and are occupying them. While the majority of the fleet along with its commander… uh… what's his name again Gildarts?"

"Gilgamesh."

Happy raised his paw. "How come you call him by his name and not just Archer?"

He shrugged. "Just got used to it."

"Right, well Gilgamesh and most of his armada are with Metrigan's capital ship. Though it appears that he just returned from a firebomb campaign. He destroyed the guildhalls of the other guilds leaving them without HQs."

"What about Caster?" demanded Gray with venom in his voice. Juvia tried to calm him down.

"Nothing on him or Assassin and Lancer."

"They're probably with Metrigan," assumed Gildarts.

Gray folded her arms. "Gildarts, knowing all this information before facing the Servants could've been a tremendous help. Why didn't you tell us this earlier?"

Gildarts clenched his fist. "I'm sorry. It's just… it brings back painful memories."

He then marched away without another word. I can't let them know what I did. I just can't.

Fourteen years ago

After Irisviel failed to convince Metrigan to stop, Gildarts took matters into his own hands. Late at night while the castle was asleep, Gildarts walked to a back alley. There he waited for his contact.

"Gildarts Clive?" said a voice.

Gildarts turned. A man dressed in a white and red uniform appeared in the dark.

"Yes, are you from the Revolutionary Army?"

"That's right, we received your message."

"Good, but let's make this exchange fast."

"Right. Your letter said that there was a way to coerce Metrigan to join the Decepticarians with us and for him to tone down his brutal tactics."

"That's right. Metrigan is married to Irisveil von Einzbern. Together they have a daughter named Illya. If you take them into custody and ransom them, I'm sure that Metrigan will agree to join forces with you."

"And how do you propose we do that?"

"Our new reinforcements will arrive in two days. When that happens, we will march south and his family will travel home."

"I see. An ambush on the trail?" The soldier nodded. "Very well, I'll make sure preparations are made. It was a pleasure doing business with you."

Right as he turned to go, Gildarts caught him by the arm. He stared intensely with a threatening tone. "They are to be protected and treated with the utmost respect while in your care. If any harm befalls them I swear I'll shatter you into so many pieces even the vultures won't find them."

The man looked up at him. The moonlight revealed dark skin and an x-shaped scar on his forehead. He smiled, "Why of course sir. I will personally see to their care."

Gildarts let him go and left.

The man sneered. "Oh yes, I'll take good care of them."

Author's note:

Oh Gildarts has no idea what he has just done.

Sorry I haven't added more in a long time but I haven't forgotten.

This is my version of combining the lore of the Servants with the world of Fairy Tail. While I agree that the mages in Fate are weak in comparison to the ones in Fairy Tail but I am trying to apply the same rules of Masters and Servants to the Fairy Tail characters. There will definitely be more interwoven connections between Fate and Fairy Tail for this story.

Glad to finally share more of this story with all of you. Expect more in the future.