Day 7: Caster

I opened my eyes and look at my clock, it's little past six in the morning. I slept a lot yesterday and I am feeling fully recharged right now. I slowly sit up on my futon and yawn.

'Good morning master, I am glad to see that you are feeling rested' Revelation is sitting down near my futon. I see that he watched over me for another night.

'I am now Revelation, but I feel like I can sleep several more hours.'

'Now now master, rest is good but too much rest is a burden to both your soul and body.'

'I know I know, I am getting up…' I stand up and stretch a little. 'Are there any news from Bazett?'

'So far none master, but, I am sure we will get some news today. In the meantime I have prepared something for you to enjoy' I raise my right eyebrow.

'Really' I ask, Revelation look at me and smiles.

'Indeed master' he stands up and proceeds to open the doors to the small compartment of my room from which we watched TV yesterday. I look inside and I am surprised to see another thing located in the corner of the room now.

'Revelation, what is this?'

'It's your gaming PC master. I took liberty of talking with Sakura who sent me box full of components in the same time she did widescreen TV' he explains as he turns it on.

'Now that you mentioned it I remember some boxes lying in the corner yesterday. But why did you take computer as well?'

'Because I noticed that you don't have one in your house master.'

'I don't really have need for one. Everything that matters is on my personal laptop that I left on work and on my smartphone. I don't see why would you go to such length?' Suddenly something else flickered in my mind. 'Tell me, did you also label this computer for "testing"?'

'Of course no master, for what kind of irresponsible servant you treat me for?' A pause while he watched as computer was booting 'I said to Sakura that you are going to buy it, so she will send papers to the company and they will pay it off with your next salary.'

'What!?' My eyes are wide opened in disbelief. Revelation sure has some nerves today.

'Don't worry master, giving your monthly income alone you will not even feel the cut' He declares so, calm as a monk. Computer has finally started and he is now playing with options.

'That's not the point here. You cannot just go and buy something using other people's money.'

'I know that, precisely why I used your money master. We are joined in this war as master and servant, everything that belongs to you might as well belong to me for the time being' I cannot believe him, he is even worse than Rin when she call us off to expensive dinner to celebrate only to have me to pay for her when she ran out of cash. 'Besides, this is for your own good master. And if I had my own money I would bought this for you regardless.'

'Ahuh…' I point toward the thing. 'How is this particular computer going to help me?' Revelation smiles as he finishes configuring options of the computer.

'Well it will teach you world history through fun interaction.'

'What exactly do you mean?' I ask and see that Revelation finished all the settings and has now clicked on specific icon. The computer started that program and after various intro cinematics I could clearly tell that this is a video game. 'A video game?'

'Not just any video game master, "Rise of Nations". A great strategy video game in which you learn the history or shape the history, the choice is up to you.'

'Sorry Revelation, I have never heard of such a game.'

'Of course you didn't when you don't play video games at all' I look at Revelation with interested in my eyes. He can see it all too well.

'I never realized that video games can be much more than providing entertainment.'

'They are made primary for that, but they have evolved so much since they were first made. Here master, sit down' He stands up and makes way for me to sit down on pillow in front of PC. I look at the monitor and see what seems to be a game menu. 'What do you say maser?'

'Sigh…. I will at least try it. I paid for it already so I might and try to enjoy it' Revelation smiled to my decision.

'Excellent master, you will not be disappointed.'

'If you say so, ' I hold the grip on the mouse with my right hand ' what should I do next.'

Revelation pointed me to tutorial, he said that this is the way every game is teaching its player how to master it. I must admit that I found it very interesting while I was learning how to play it. Revelation also showed me some tips and ways how to make some things much easier and more efficient in the long run. Some half an hour later he excused himself and left the room. I was left alone to play and enjoy, I started world conquest campaign and choose Britain before I ventured into world conquering.

Playing a video game is not easy at all. I guess it was wrong to think about this like a form of simple entertainment tool. I am already deep into the game since I start playing it, since then I forged some alliances and submitted several nations to my own. Game does seems simple on the surface but once you ventured in its not simple at all. You have to manage growth of your city, but not too much otherwise you will waste resources. Then you have to manage what technologies to research next and be selective as some are more important than the others.

And then comes that management of the military, while it was easy to comprehend and organize units I needed little time to adjust to the fact that unit cannot be killed by one swing of a sword. I thought that was hard, until I passed middle ages and see how vastly everything changed afterwards. Revelation was right about one thing, this game allows me to see how much human civilization changed after my time. I guess it's one thing to hear about it and see the results and another to actually see how all of that transpired. Gunpowder changed warfare a lot, and I can see it influenced the world as well. It is also a fun game, I am so concentrated on managing battles, economy, diplomacy and planning my next move that I have forgotten about anything else. Video games really are scary thing.

Toshaka Rin entered the living room after visiting Tadao at her office to discuss new business plan. She was on vacation but business world is cruel, and as CEO she is constantly asked for opinion on company's next move,this time she went to discuss with Tadao details about Toshaka Company sponsoring Winter Olympic Games in Russia that have just started. Rin returned with broad smile on her face, she is pleased at how well is Tadao doing his job. 'Such a noble and hardworking kid, too bad his social skills are not the best. Good thing I noticed him when I did, otherwise I have no idea where he would ended. But I am sure that his talent would go to waste pretty fast.'

In living room Revelation, Archer and Illya are sitting at the table and watching Olympic Games on television.

'Hello everyone!'

'Hi Rin.'

'Welcome home Rin.'

'Greetings miss Toshaka, how was your day?'

Everyone greeted Rin and she bowed in return, but she quickly noticed that something was off. Someone is missing.

'Where is Saber?'

'Auntie is in her room, she didn't get out since morning.'

'That long? Did something happen?'

'I wanted master to have some fun and ease her mind from most recent events so I set her up a video game so that she could entertain herself for a while.'

'You what?'Rin looks at Revelation with glaring look. Archer and Illya are not amused as well.

'I am sure she is fine, you know how video games are. When you stumble across a good game it's hard to let go.'

'Are you turning Saber into an addict?' Archer asks, a glaring feel of anger can be sensed in his voice.

'Of course not, don't be ridiculous, she is a grown women and perfectly capable not to turn into mindless drone like 90% of this generation. But I am getting worried as well, she should eat something after all' his comment made Rin nervous. She spread her eyes in disbelief before she rushed out of the room.

'Rin!' Archer calls to her but to no avail, Rin is already long gone from the living room and from hallway outside it.

Let's see, I positioned first army here in Canada. The second army in China and the third one in Central Europe, my enemy exhaust his move and my defenses held. But now the time has come for me to strike, surely he will surrender once he sees he is surrounded. He is the only one left after all. I am prepared to head on toward next mission, but suddenly I heard doors of my room opening hard, but before I could get up from my futon I heard hard footsteps and before I know it the doors to my backroom opened as well.

And at the doors I can see Rin, she is breathing hard and seems worried.

'Rin, what happened?' I didn't receive any response. Instead Rin came close to me and grabbed my head with her hands. 'Rin, what are you doing?'

'Are you alright Saber?'

'Yes I am Rin, what has gotten into you?'Rin sighed.

'Thank goodness… I thought that Revelation was turning you into otaku.'

'Now now miss Rin, it was never my attention to turn her into person obsessed with virtual reality related things' I have no idea what is happening but Revelation just entered my room and he is immediately confronted by Rin.

'Then how do you explain the fact that she didn't move 10 hours from that thing' Rin points out toward my new personal computer. I on the other hand am little confused by what Rin just said.

'Rin, how much did you said that I was sitting here?' Rin shift her attention towards me, I can see that she is highly concerned.

'You really have no idea how much time has passed since you started playing?'

'I must admit that I lost track of time' I look at monitor again, my game paused just in time for next attack move. 'I had so much fun since I started playing that I lost track of time.'

'You see miss Rin, master was having fun. Surely, there is no need for you to be so nervous and overprotective…'

'You heard her, she lost track of time and had fun instead of using this day to either rest of train for battle. I understand that you want to make her happy but making her an addict will contribute nothing to our cause. And what is house came under attack in meantime? She was so focused on this stupid machine that she would not have time to react and prepare to defend herself. She might have got injured or worse…' Wow, I have rarely see Rin this agitated and angry. Revelation on the other hand is just standing there like a statue and listening to her rant.

'Miss Rin, you are overreacting again. Even if attack did occur I am here and so was Archer. Miss Illya was here as well, maybe she is not tough fighter but she would help nevertheless' Revelation got closer to Rin, his face without any trace of emotion. 'I think that the problem here is your fear from technology, quite the irony from a chief executive officer from one of Japan's most powerful IT companies.'

'That has nothing to do with…'

'Does it now miss Rin? Or is it something else?' Revelation's question and his close proximity made Rin tremble. I have never seen her scared and confused like that.

'Well….ugh…. I…. I just….' She is so confused that she cannot for a sentence.

'Yes, and take it easy miss Rin' Revelation backed off ', you are not on trial.'

'I… I just don't want Saber to become an otaku.' Huh? What is Rin saying? Revelation laughed, but not out-loud. He seems to laugh not because it's funny but because of irony.

'I cannot believe that all that commotion was just because of such minuscule reason.'

'Minuscule?'

'Indeed miss Rin, look at Saber' he points toward me. 'Does she look like she is turning into Otaku?'Rin looks at me and lower her shoulders, admitting defeat.

'No… She does not. I was getting worried because of the time she spent on that machine.' Now it's Revelation who lowers his shoulders, he also sighed as acknowledging defeat as well.

'I must admit that you are right there miss Rin, I have no idea she will find it that interesting. Who would have known?' He looks at me and smiles.

'I have to ask you two' they both look at me, interested to hear what I have to say 'but why is playing this game for such extended period of time such a big deal?'

'Because Rin is worrying that you may become addicted to it.'

'Addicted?'

'It means that you will like the computer games so much that you will not exit the room or do anything else except playing them' I look at revelation with confusion, I simply cannot believe that they would assume such a thing.

'I will admit that these "games" are fun thing, even educational to a degree. But I do not find them that attractive to dedicate the rest of my life to them' I look at Rin. 'After all, my family and friends are what is important to me in life' I put a smile. Rin almost broke in tears.

'Saber….' I can see that she is glad that she was wrong. Honestly, not having faith in me at all regarding such things is a little troubling. I cannot imagine what could be more important to me right now than Rin, Illya, Sakura and Shinji. Four people who helped me and made the last ten years of my life really memorable. And that is not giving into consideration our university friends who are now all across the world. I cannot forget about Ichi as well, that immature and yet wonderful person. And our faithful little Tadao, ever vigilant in keeping the company together until me and Rin return one day to lead it again. And now… even my own son…

I just have too much to fight for right now, much more than I had even when I led the country as a King. And this time I will not fail anyone.

'But I am curious master,' Revelation starts talking to me 'what were you doing this whole time exactly? Was the main campaign that much hard for you?' I look at him, confused by his question.

'Huh? I finished that and started a new one.'

'Already?' he smiles. 'I see, it was not so much hard on easy mode. Am I right?'

'You are, that is why I started a new game and put the difficulty on "hard".'

'Egh… wasn't that too hard for you?' I can sense concern in his voice. It seems he overestimated me as well.

'Not really, I finished it rather quickly again and then started third time on hardest difficulty now' his eyes widened when I said that.

'Let me see how are you going' Revelation came closer, Rin followed as well.

'I don't really understand what are you saying but I want to see it as well.'

Both of them sit near me and look at my monitor as I am slowly explaining what I have been doing these last few hours.

'…and then they refused to bow to my rule so I crushed them with my allies. Then I reinforced these two areas and swayed me opponent from assaulting them and now I am sitting here with 3 full armies plus my two allied armies ready to attack and crush the last enemy opposition before I rule the world' both of them followed my explanation with big interest. Rin is amazed to say the least, Revelation as well which is odd to see.

'So wait… you are telling me that you mastered all of that in just ten hours of gameplay?'

'Yes Rin, it was not too hard. The only difficult I had been to figure out transition from old to modern age and cope with the change. But once I understood that there were links between various units as the age progressed I got hand of it quite fast' Rin still looks at me with amazement. Revelation on the other hand is deep in thought. He sighted.

'I guess these kinds of games are rather easy for someone who actually has some governing skills. Well done master, I am impressed.'

'I am impressed as well, but I am worried. Ten hours Saber…'

'I know Rin and do not be afraid, it will not happen again. This game was entertaining and I learned quite a bit now how things changed from my times to this day. But I think I had enough of this game for now, there are others to be tried as well. Right Revelation?'

'Indeed master' Revelation nodded. I look at Rin.

'Fine, as long as you do not turn into shut-in.'

'Thanks Rin' they both smiled. 'Now, all I need to do is one last conquest and I can join you guys for lunch' I grab my mouse and select my army.

'Wait master… who are you attacking?' Revelation suddenly asks.

'The only nation left as my rivals are Russians, once I conquer their capital it will not be long until the rest of their territories follow' I select enemy territory and launch an invasion, I can already see two more of my allied armies attacking at the same time. Now I click on the start and…

'Master… let's just call it a day and go have lunch.'

'Huh… why?'

'Yeah, let's go Saber. Turn that thing down and let's eat' both of the mgot up and head toward the doors.

'Wait… why so suddenly?'

'Master, let me tell you one of the life's biggest wisdoms: never attack Russia. Ever. It will end badly for you.'

'What do you mean Revelation? Look, I have them cornered, the rest of the world is mine and I have two allies attacking them. There is no chance…'

'Master… let it go and let's have lunch.'

'Revelation…'

'You heard him Saber, just shut it down and let's eat' there was a moment of silence.

'Fine' I exit the game turned off my computer and went to living room to eat. I asked them one more time while we were on route why should I avoid attacking Russia? Their answer was the same:

'You just don't.'

As much as I understand many aspects of this new world it is obvious that some things are never going to be completely clear…

We sit down to eat and it was in that moment that Rin told me about Bazett contacting her earlier this day while she was on work.

'What did she say?'

'They were able to locate another master, somewhere in the industrial district of the city.'

'Finally some progress without endangering ourselves' Archer noted. 'What else did she say?'

'Nothing too much, they were only able to feel his presence. The rest is left to us, now that we know location we can strategize.'

'Should we implement the standard strategy so far? Me and master challenging him to combat while look from the sides and intervene if necessary?'

'Frankly speaking Revelation, I would be more at ease if we were to go in all together at once. Or at least let me and Archer to go ahead this time, you and Saber put yourself in harm's way more than once this last couple of fights.'

'It's alright Rin, we will handle it again' I declare so.

'I agree with Saber and Revelation, they are perfect for direct assault. Not hit and run tactics like you and me Rin' seems like Archer is supporting our strategy yet again. 'We would act best as support for them, so there is no need to change anything as far as strategy is going' Rin sighted.

'Fine, we will follow the standard strategy' Rin looks like of dumbed down. She must be feeling unease to have two of us in harm's way every battle so far. And giving how the last battle with Assassin went I can understand her.

'Do not worry Rin, auntie and Revelation are more than capable to take care of themselves. After all, they have you and Archer to support them and me to heal them. And as much as I don't like it we have someone to assist us in seeking out other masters. That should put Revelation out of harm's way and as a result the battles should be much easier as he will be in top form' Illya declares so and Rin reluctantly accepts it.

'I agree, and in addition we have Sakura and Rider ready to assist us whenever they can. That is 3 masters and 3 servants fighting together, In addition to Illya, magic association and an army e should be pretty unmatched for the rest of the war. But somehow I have a feeling it will not be easy at all.'

'What do you mean Rin?' Archer asks.

'I cannot explain it Archer but my gut is telling me that there is way more to all of this than it meets the eye. I am especially concerned about the Grail itself, if what Saber and Revelation tells us is true than we have no idea how it will react if we try to destroy it.'

'You think it will resist us.'

'It will for sure Archer,' Illya answers 'the Grail is not just pure vessel that grants wishes. Ever since that incident from the third war it holds all the world hate and anger, and those emotions are somehow sentiments now. Manipulating others to do their bidding by promising great rewards, and bringing only misery and suffering in the long run.'

'How do you know all of this Illya?' I ask, genuinely surprised at her knowledge.

'I already had some knowledge from before 5'th Grail War by reading the books in my grandfather's house in Deutschland. After the war me and Rin got hold of Kotomine's diary from the old church, that information crossed with what I know from Einzebern main mansion completes the story. Kotomine was a victim of the Grail, one of many. My father was also the victim…' Illya lowers her head. I can see that she is on brink of tears.

'Kiritsugu had noble idea of turning the world into better place but he didn't know until he was summoned by the Grail how deeply corrupted it is' Revelation speaks and then turns toward me. 'That is why he acted like he did, ordering you to destroy the Grail without explaining anything. In that time master your wish was crushed and you felt of being betrayed by him. In truth Kiritsugu was acting to destroy the Grail as soon as possible, he didn't care about you at all but I think that even he was uneased by how he treated you. Especially after his plan backfired as Grail decided to teach him a lesion of trying to defy him.'

'Don't tell me…' Archer is surprised. I have a feeling he connected the dots as well.

'The Great Fire from 1994 was caused by the Grail. In retaliation for Kiritsugu destroying one of its lesser vessels the Grail decided to teach him a lesion by destroying entire city block. Hurting the very thing Kiritsugu tried to protect, and to show him how powerless he is in his quest to bring world peace among Humans' I was able to figure all much of that myself once I learned the true nature of the Grail 10 years ago. But Revelation mentioned something interesting right now.

'Revelation, you just mentioned "lesser vessel", what is that?'

'That is one of the vessels Grail use to interact with masters at the end of Grail war, so in case that someone tries to destroy it only minor Grail will be destroyed while the larger body remains intact.'

'And where is this main body of the Grail?' Archer asks, Revelation lowers his head and close his eyes.

'Sadly I do not know, but if we want to end this war and destroy the Grail once and for all we need to locate main Grail as soon as possible.'

'That will not be easy task at all, as the only ones who knew about its real location are all dead. Even I don't know where it is. The best we can do is looking around and trying to seek a place with very powerful magical energy. But that will only be possible near the end, when only few servants are left' Illya offered her explanation and strategy for the Great Grail.

'So our plan it to defeat the only three remaining official servants of this war, Berserker, Caster and Rider, and then find the main Grail vessel and destroy it. With only two servants left in this war the Grail will start to manifest and the output of magical energy will be enormous. That is when we will start to seek it out in order to destroy it.'

'The only problem is finding the remaining masters and their servants. Rin, do you have any idea?' I see that Rin put her famous smile, like she is going to reveal to us the biggest mysteries of this world.

'As a matter of fact Saber I do, you see earlier today we got a call from our good old friend Bazett.'

'We did?'

'Yes. And she relayed the newest information to us.'

'What did she said?' Archer asks.

'Apparently, her men detected strong mana energy coming from the old motorcycle factory. They said that magical energy level is so high and so specific that the only thing that could emit it is…'

'a Servant' Illya cut Rin right at the end.

'Exactly Illya' Rin points her right hand toward her and wink before continuing. 'However, I am concerned that this servant and its master let themselves to be so easily detected.'

'So it may be a trap…'

'…or this servant is so powerful and competent that he simply does not care about being detected' Archer started to talk but Revelation cut him in the middle of the sentence.

'In any case, now that we know where they are we have to take the initiative. We will go with standard strategy. Illya, Archer and I are going to watch from the shadows while Saber and Revelation face them head on' Rin paused for a moment. 'This time be prepared to fight humans as well.'

'Humans?' Archer asks.

'Bazett also said that old motorcycle factory is the standard gathering place for members of Aum Shinrikyo sect. That servant's master may very well be one of the members of that sect.'

'Who are they Rin?' I ask.

'They are doomsday sect Saber, founded in 1984. They are known to gather very rich individuals and are accused of at least one terrorist attack. Their leader has been known within the Association to search for world ending artifacts, but luckily every time he tried something he was stopped by magi' Rin put her hand on her chin and started thinking. 'I do wonder why they would now become so active after abandoning everything related to magic years ago…'

'Maybe it is not them' Revelation suddenly spoke, 'maybe it is a single member or part of the sect that is not ok with current leader pacifist route?'

'Perhaps… in any case we will find out tonight. Saber, I heard that you want to go and check your dojo?' I nodded.

'I didn't go there for several days now, the place must be dirty and I have to organize and check the equipment again. I told everyone that we will start working again in two weeks, once I get back from vacation' I really need to organize the place, and clean it as well. After few days the dust already starts to cover shelves. But most than everything else I need to rest a bit from everything. Today I was playing a video game and that made me relax, but cleaning my dojo will relax me even more. Plus, what kind of knight I would be if I leave my own practice room to the mercy of time?

'Alright, it's little past six now. We will meet at your dojo at eleven and go to factory from there. Is that alright?'

'It is Rin, thank you' I put a smile. Rin nodded.

'It's nothing. I know how relaxed you can be when you go to your dojo. Visit and spend some time there, it will be good for your body. Oh and one more thing before you go…'

'Yes Rin?'

'I have an idea…' why I already feel quite nervous every time I hear that from Rin? 'To further expand bond and trust between our servants how about that we exchange them until tonight? You will get Archer to accompany you until we come to pick you up tonight while Revelation stays here with me?' This is not a bad idea at all, but will Archer accept it? 'So Archer, what do you say?'

'If such is your wish Rin I will abide by it' well that was easy.

'I also have nothing against it, if you are alright with it as well master?' Revelation says and looks at me.

'I like the idea as well, I would not mind to have Archer escorting me today.'

'Then it's settled, go now and have fun you two.'

I sit in my car with Archer, buckle up and start driving toward the city. Along the way I decided to make a small detour, I had to finish one thing that I have been putting away for a while.

'We are not going toward the city center Saber?' Archer asks, sharp as always.

'I just have one little thing to finish before we had toward the dojo Archer, it will not take long.'

'Understood' he says and continue to look through the window silently, I think that he even enjoys the ride.

Few minutes later we arrived at our destination, Fuyuki local graveyard. Located on the northern part of the city, the area does not have many houses and as such it is a perfect place for the dead to rest in peace. At least for the people who live in this side of the city, the ones who live on the other side are buried in the forest area behind the church.

I can see that Archer is wondering what I am doing here. He accompanies me but I asked him to leave everything to me as I must do everything here myself, he silently nodded. I bought some flowers and incense. I filled up the water on nearby fountain and head toward my destination. When we arrived, at certain tombstone, first I did was unlock my locked there and took small broom I am keeping there and start cleaning the area around tombstone. Then I use the water to clean the tombstone itself and area around it, Archer just stood there and watched the entire time.

Finally, I put the flowers in vase and lit the incense. Then I just sit on the nearby bench and look at the tombstone in silence.

'May I ask a personal question?'

'You want to know why I am doing this, even after everything he has done to me?'

The name carved on the tombstone clearly read "Emiya Kritsugu", I understand that after everything he heard from Revelation and others that Archer would have a question regarding this.

'Please don't take it the wrong way Saber. It is just unusual for me to see you do this after having such history with hm.'

'There are things about him that stands even today' I got up and walk to the tombstone, my hand sliding its top while I walked around it. 'He was very cold and merciless person to his enemies. And even to his wife, from what she told me he was barely expressing emotions even to her. He didn't respect me at all and in the end only used me for his own goals, betraying me at the very end.'

'To me it looks like he never deserved the attention you are giving him now, so why the change of heart Saber?' I took a deep breath before answering, standing right in front of the tombstone and looking at incense that burned slowly.

'Because of Shirou and the way he raised him. It really showed to me how much he has changed in the last few years of his life and I cannot bring myself to hate him after seeing that. In the end he was all doing it for a good purpose but in a very wrong way.'

'They say that road to hell is paved with good intentions.'

'That is so very true, even I have walked such path. Thinking that I was doing best for my country and failing to see all the negative things that were happening around me.'

'But you found a new way… a new life… not many people can say that.'

'You are right Archer, Kiritsugu also got a new life after 4'th war ended. And even if he lived it as short as he did those few years were enough to make Shirou into a good person he was and with that alone he atoned for his sins in my eyes. After all, his entire life was nothing except pain and suffering. And I don't want to add to this a sad thought that there is nobody left in the world to watch over his grave. After all, what kind of servant would I be if my master's grave was to slowly erode into nothingness?'

Archer smiles, I can see that he approves. We sat down on the bench and stay for several more minutes before we finally left, incense still burning and slowly releasing its small line of smoke. I do hope that if Kiritsugu is looking upon me right now that he is at least pleased that I clean his tombstone from time to time. That I am still proving to be a good servant even if he didn't want to acknowledge me as one. I look at the tomb stone one last time before I went with Archer.

'Until next time master' I usher these words, touch the tombstone one more time and went on my way.

In the repurposed basement of Matou household, Sakura is chanting projectile magic and aiming at the few stacked wooden barrels that sit at the opposite side of the room. After a few seconds of chanting three fire projectiles appeared in front of her extended right hand, circling around and gaining momentum. Few moments later, as Sakura shouted the last words of the chanting spell, the fireballs flew toward the stacked barrels, incinerating them almost immediately.

'Yes!' Sakura Matou shouted as she checked her right hand to see if there are any signs of burns. But she is even more satisfied to see that there are none. It means that she mastered that spell very good.

'Congratulations Sakura, every day you are getting better at this' Rider says.

'Thanks Rider, my skills improved tenfold ever since two days ago. I still have blackouts about the events that unfold but whatever happened it really boost my powers as a mage.'

Rider smiles, she is glad to see Sakura happy and free at last. There is just one more thing left to settle, Rider will support her until the end but she has to know will her decision hurt her in the end.

'Sakura, can I ask you something?'

'Sure Rider, go ahead' Sakura smiles. That made Rider feeling a bit uneasy.

'You will join the fight as well, while I am not concerned about your safety I am concerned about your heart.'

'My heart?'

'Your feelings for that Shirou kid, Saber's master from previous war. Are you really ok with going into a war that is basically so that Saber could get Shirou back and marry with him?'

'So you are worrying about that huh…' Sakura took Rider's hand and they sit on nearby couch. 'You should not worry about that. I made my peace with senpai's decision years ago.'

'Sakura….' There is sound of regret in Rider's voice.

'Shhh… it's ok. Even if I still harbor feeling for him he has already decided. Furthermore I do not believe that either me or Rin would make better wife's for him that that girl. Sure, I could cook his delicious meals and Rin would watch over him like an older sister as long as she is alive. But what we lack is souls and spirit, theirs were perfect match. It was why she was summoned to him after all. And when two people are matched like that there is nothing in the universe that can go between them' Rider smile, she is no more concerned about Sakura's heart being hurt. She does feel sorry about her but her mind is made up and she laid that to rest.

'I am sure there will be some nice guy that you will marry in the future.'

'Of course there will be' Sakura said with such dedication that it made Rider confused, 'I am already dating one guy. He is not bad but he will have to do more than sweet talk if he wants to have my hand.'

'Of course, proper lady like you should not choose lightly.'

'Hihihihihi….' they both laugh until suddenly Shinji appeared in the room, going down the staircase.

'Hey sis, Rider' he waved to them.

'Hi Shinji' both of them replied to him, they can see that Shinji is carrying his laptop. He got down and sits next to them. He opened his laptop and fired it up.

'I wish I could arrive with some good news but sadly this is not the case' he starts typing in a line of codes, few seconds later his hacking program starts working.

'Why, what happened?' Sakura asks.

'Last night, I was monitoring the various chatrooms across the city to see if there was any information let out about the Holy Grail War. And this is what I have found…' Shinji turns his laptop around so that Sakura and Rider can read what's on the monitor.

'This…' Sakura started, Rider also shows signs of worry.

'I know, we must tell Rin at once' Shinji says, Sakura nods.

'Agree, we will also go tonight and scour the area around factory, just to be sure…' the three of them are devising a plan how to prepare for tonight. If the information Shinji presented them is true then Saber, Rin and others will have one hell of fight tonight.

After some ten minutes of driving we arrived at the dojo, it was not that much dirty but it would not be a bad thing to clean it a bit. I opened the locker and get my cleaning equipment together with my rubber gloves, apron and cap.

'Fufufu…' I was preparing my cleaning kit when I heard someone laughing behind me. I stood up, turn around and saw Archer actually laughing. This guy can laugh? He can really laugh?

'Archer?'

'Sorry Saber, but you look just too funny in that cleaning clothes you are wearing.'

'Well I do not want to get dirty myself or to harm my hands by spilling all kind of chemicals on them. '

'I know that it's just… this is so much unlike you…' he continues to laugh, well then...

'Hmpf…' I grab the mop and gave it to Archer.

'Huh?'

'Since you are so carefree that you can laugh at the lady how about you take this and help me clean the floor?' Archer smiles and grabs the mop.

'As you wish Saber' he took the mop and the bucket and went to one corner to start cleaning from there. I took the liberty of cleaning my office, several shelves and my wooden swords. In just under two hours both of us were finished, and we sit down to have a little rest.

'I must say Saber that your dojo looks real nice.'

'Thanks Archer.'

'Tell me how did you come up with the idea in the first place?'

'It was Rin's idea. At one point she told me "if you are already planning to keep your skills as swordsmen sharp then why not profit from them?"' Archer laughs.

'Rin is true capitalist, but she has a good heart.'

'Indeed, she earns much but she gives good portion of that to charity and to kids whose parents were masters died in some kind of mission for Association. She likes to travel and meet other people but she doesn't like to live in a life of total comfort.'

'I can tell, she love to train hard and read a lot. I cover her more than once ever since I was summoned to her. She also told me a lot about you Saber, I learned things that I would have never guessed about you.'

'Oh? Positive or negative things' Archer smiles and got up.

'Who knows?' he grabbed one of the wooden swords and throws it to me. I grab it and see that he took another one for himself. 'Why not we have a little sparring party if that's alright with you?'

'Sure but you are a servant and I am a human, it's little unbalanced.'

'I will balance my power level accordingly. The last thing on my mind is to hurt you. I just want to know you a little better Saber. And there is no better wat then trough sparring match, wouldn't you agree' I smile, Archer understands the way of the warrior perfectly. I stand up and make my stance.

'Bring it on' and with that said we start our match.

After few minutes of exchanging blows I am surprised to see that Archer is being this skillful in swordsmanship. We exchanged several powerful blows, true to his word he is holding back as a servant. He is not as agile and skillful as Revelation is when I fought him but he is no laughing matter either. Every time I saw an opening and tried to use it he pulls back and made a room between us before attacking again.

I also noticed that he is not using the opening I made intentionally to lure him in. Either he saw them and sensed a trap or he is too honorable to use them again me giving the difference in power. After ten minute mark has passed since we started sparing both of us made a distance form each other and just stand there. He is not tired at all, but then again neither am I. When I was in battle I have known to fight for hours before having to sit down and rest, this is child's play for me.

'Answer me one thing Saber' he suddenly asks, I wonder what is it about? And so sudden, it caught me off guard.

'What do you want to know Archer?'

'The way I see it you are the biggest contender to win in this Grail War. Your servant is quite powerful and even if me and Ring e to it first she will safe keep it for you to use it.'

'Rin will?'

'Of course, your connection to that kid is the strongest of all of them. You alone have the biggest chance to speak out to him and to get him back, which brings up my question…' I wonder what he will ask of me now. Does he not trust my intentions of bringing Shirou back?

'If the Grail set a condition for you to have Shirou, say all the humans currently alive in exchange for him, would you accept it?'

'W…What kind of ridiculous question is that!?' I shout, as I cannot help myself. What is he saying?

'Answer me Saber, would you sacrifice anything just to get your loved one? Would you damn entire world just for a chance to hold hands with him once more?' Archer's question is hard, very hard. On the one hand is the men I love, on the other are billions of innocents. Not an easy choice to make either way…

'That is very unfair question Archer…' I put my sword down and abandoned my guard, Archer did the same. He is still waiting for my answer 'but if I am to be put into such situation…' I am starting to swat, a single tear flow from my eye 'I would choose people rather than Shirou' several more tears flowed as well, I may not be crying for real but the tears start flowing themselves.

'You would not choose him even if you love him?'

'I love him Archer, more than anything in the world. He showed me the error of my ways, loved me unlike anyone I ever met and he gave me this new life to enjoy in it. To kill even one innocent life to save his… is to turn your back on all those accomplishments. And knowing Shirou and his way of thinking he would also never allow for an innocent to die in his stead. He would rather sacrifice himself than to live every day knowing someone unrelated to him was killed so that he might live' Archer came near me and put his hand on my shoulder. I can see him faintly smiling as he cleans the tears for my cheeks.

'I expected nothing less from you Knight King, and I am glad for your answer no matter how hard it was to formulate it.'

'Archer…'

'I honestly hope it will not come to that, but giving the Grail and its corrupt state anything is possible. Let us just hope that Shirou is still there and that there is a way to get him out without Grail assisting us in any way.'

'I agree Archer, so far in my quest for it the Grail always came up as empty wish in the end. I would prefer if we could find a way of getting Shirou back without the need to use the Grail at all. I guess we will find out once we reach it eventually' Archer smiles.

'You honestly think that we will reach it at the end?' I throw him serious look.

'We beat Lancer, Assassin and spoiled Einzebern plans to interfere in this war. We have three servants on our side as well as two mages supporting two masters. We have help from the UN as well as form the Mage Association. I am quite sure we can meet everything the leftover masters throw at us and come on top at the end of the day.'

'Good points. Just don't let the overconfidence hit you in the head Saber.'

'That is why I keep you, Rin and Illya around' I make a stance again, 'so shall we continue?' Archer smiles and resumes his stance. We exchange blows for one more hour until Rin, Revelation and Illya came. Rin panicked as she thought that Archer was attacking me for real. Once she realized that we were just sparring Revelation pat her shoulder and bragged how he could sense that I am in danger and came in mere seconds to assist me. Funnily enough Archer didn't take this the wrong way, even joking with Revelation about it.

I am so glad that bond levels between all of us rose since we first met just a week ago. Truly no force in the world can stand against us right now. We just need to find remaining three servants and deal with them, then all of this will be over and Shirou will be free once again.

We didn't hang out in my dojo for long. We drank some tea, clean up and go. It was already past eleven when we left the dojo, by the time we reached motorcycle factory it was close to midnight.

The factory has been deserted for some time now, the production line being moved from Japan to Taiwan. The company didn't even bother to hire security guard to watch over the empty building, in Fuyuki City this is known as the place where members of Aum Shinrikyo meet for their regular discussions.

We got to the factory walls and stopped. Revelation and Archer then used their sense ability to see if there is indeed servant inside like Bazett said.

'Can I ask you something Rin?'

'Sure Saber.'

'This sect… this Aum Shinrikyo… Why are they allowed to exist? Especially if they have conducted attacks on people in the past' Rin sigh, I can tell the answer will not satisfy me.

'Because they have connections with powerful people, as well as some of the wealthiest Japanese in their ranks, I was offered membership when our company became successful.'

'You were offered to join them Rin?' Illya asks.

'Of course, that is basically how their sect still survives. It is founded by wealthy members. I refused of course as I have connections to Association. In that case I have no need for some low level scientology rip-off sect.'

'If this was my kingdom they would be cut down to the last one for spreading heresy.'

'Yeah, I know that Saber. But the problem is that since your time civil rights have advanced a bit. You cannot just go and prosecute whoever you want without and solid reason, at least not in modern countries with democratic society.'

'And that is one thing I hate about this era society, giving all right to the people who either do not deserve them or do not understand how to use them correctly. If such thing was possible in my kingdom I would never have succeeded in fending the foreign attacks as most people would choose not to fight.'

'Different times Saber, today the world is fully explored and very peaceful place. With no wars fought anywhere, at least not to the scales in the past, countries started to invest into social programs and advance the rights of individuals in the society. That also applied to the sect as well, as long as they are not harming anyone.'

'But in the case of this sect they did, how are they still active then?' Rin sigh.

'Because if you have enough money and people on right places you can pretty much avoid the law and with it the punishment your actions may bring. In that particular case the Aum Shinrikyo let the members who did it be prosecuted, making the distance between them and prosecuted members as big as possible. The sect became much more docile after that and as a result avoided Government wrath.'

I am really mad right now, and would probably continue to express my displeasure if not for Revelation who suddenly barged into our conversation.

'We have finished master, and there is without a doubt servant in this place.'

'Really?' Rin asks.

'Yes master, but I do not like this. It seems like he is not trying to hide at all' Archer says.

'There is high possibility this is yet another trap set for us' Revelation says, Rin and me nod together.

'Standard strategy?'

'You guessed it, of you go now' with that said me and Revelation enter through the main gate of the factory and head toward the main building. Rin, Archer and Illya stayed behind as always, monitoring safely from Rin's field that hides any signature left by the servants. To our enemies it seems like just me and Revelation are entering the yard, will they be surprised…

Unless they pull something akin to what Smith has done, trapping us inside the kill zone. This time however, Rin is prepared in case another shield of similar properties is put up.

'I must say master that you look really fired up.'

'Really?'

'Indeed master, I wonder what did you and Archer did while all alone?' For some strange reason that question irritated me, I look at Revelation and raise my brow.

'Are you implying that we did something out of the ordinary?'

'Of course not master, I would never doubt your word or your purity. I am just curious if Archer said or asked something that made you all nervous?'

He is on point, and I should not really be surprised. After all, masters and servants are connected. When one is feeling down and angry the other notices that.

'We had a sparring match and I was just reminded about the previous war. Some old feeling started to pour out, I am sorry because of that.'

'No need to be sorry my master, I completely understand. And if you ever need to talk to me or for me to just be there for you just ask.'

'Revelation….'

Revelation suddenly stopped, I unsheathed my sword and made defensive stance. There was nobody to be seen but the place itself is rather dark so it's a given. The only thing that can be seen few areas illuminated by moonlight outside, other than that the building is engulfed in complete darkness.

'You are very skillful, not many would sense my trap this far away' deep male voice echoed from the dark ruin of the factory. 'I am guessing that your intuition is very high.'

'Why don't you show yourself for starters, then we can have nice chat and discuss our attributes?' Revelation asks.

'Well, you did notice my trap. I guess you earned the right to see me in person' a shadowy figure stars coming out from the shadows into the moon-lighted area. It appearance reminds me a lot of Caster from twenty years ago. He in almost entirely clad into old and warn off red robes, have a face of an old men with long black beard and he holds some kind of book in his right hand. If I am to guess he should be Caster, I look over to Revelation only to see surprise written all over his face. Does he know this one as well?

'I cannot believe my eyes…' Revelation says, so I guess he indeed know s him. Good as this will make our battle that much easier.

'From your reaction I can see that you have heard of me.'

'It's not so hard to not know who you are, advisor to the Romanov royal family' I heard somewhere about them, they were from Russia if I am not mistaken.

'I see that the word of my deeds travel far and wide. Good, good…' he says that in really creepy voice, I do not like him one bit. Worst thing of all, I think the stench that is bugging my nose for the past minute or two comes from him. Does he lack need the need to wash himself?

'There is nothing good in them, as you are being branded as a madman and opportunist who buried the Russian royal family with his insane schemes. As far as I am concerned the hell was too good of a place for the likes of you. You deserved far worse faith for what you have done in life' Wow, Revelation is really going all out on him.

'My, my… aren't we being a little too rude? You might be right about my action, as it stands from your righteous viewpoint. But I have discovered the ultimate truth after I died.'

'The ultimate truth…' Revelation seems confused, but drew his sword the moment this unknown servant opened his book. The book seems daemonic in origin, it has strange symbol on its cover. An eight pointed star, which glows with bright red color.

'You madman… you sold your soul to the dark gods?' Revelation says, I can sense that he is quite nervous.

'They showed me the true path, and gave me all the power I could ever wish for. Now, the time has come for this world to pay for it sins' he starts chanting something. Revelatin jumps to cut him down but before he is even able to hit him the crazy old men disappeared.

'Qucly master, here' Revelation shouts as he heads toward opening. 'Guard my back' I acknowledge his command and we stand back by back.

'What is happening Revelation, who is he?'

'I cannot say for sure but I think he is Caster, his real name is Rasputin. The men who literally ended the Romanovs, seems like he sold his soul to the devil for certain rewards.'

'What kind of rewards exactly' I ask, only to be interrupted by loud hissing from the dark. There is someone else with us tonight.

'I think we will find out very soon' the hissing became louder and louder, from the source of the sound I could tell that we are being surrounded. Then something came out of the dark and stepped into the moonlight. I can only describe it as daemon, as the creature does nto resemble human form at all. It is entirely in red color, have skinny body and goat legs, a very long tongue, flaming red eyes and long fangs that follow it's elongated scull. I can only now see that it also has a long sword as it was engulfed in flames in mere moments, many more swords were put on flame all around us. From the looks of it we are surrounded by at least fifty enemies.

'This does not look good master, stay close to me and choose your targets. He could not summon them in large numbers as they require a lot of mana.'

'I agree, let us hold our ground until Archer intervenes.'

'As you wish master' we made our defensive stance and just in the nick of time as the first of them started his attack on us. I blocked the attack from the first one that charged at me. These are one tough creatures, but brute strength means little when faced with martial arts. I used moments after the block to slice open the creature from its right left to left arm. It hissed in pain and vanished, disappearing in the flame that engulfed its body.

Revelation also didn't have problems in his end. He already dispatched two of them cutting the head of one creature before blocking the attack of the second one. Then he used momentum to cut the creature legs, finally impaling its torso once it hit the ground. We already dispatched dozen of them, but the problem arose when several of them stared attacking at once. I am using all my strength and concentration just to block their attacks.

Me and Revelation are barely holding their attacks, the situation seems desperate. Hopefully sudden explosion near us surprised the creatures and threw few of them off ground. We used that momentum to slay few of them and escape to the site of explosion that was now clear of the creatures. Just as the creatures were regrouping they were greeted with salvo of arrows and red projectiles, bringing them down mercilessly. Behind us Archer, Rin and Illya emerged. Archer too position between me and Revelation and drew his two swords.

After Rin launched several more glowing red projectiles into the creatures the three of us launched at them, by this point only thirty or so are left. Each one of us took three of four of them at the same time while Rin harassed the rest from afar. The first one I meet tried to slice my head. I crouched and sliced his torso in half. The next one swing his flaming sword at me with all his might, I blocked that strike and used momentum to slice his head. Next one was hit by one of Rin's projectiles, I used the opportunity and pierce it's heart while it was stunned. The last one I faced was anihalted by Rin's projectile.

On the other side Archer and Revelation had no problem dispatching enemies. Whoever they are…

'Rin' I can hear Illya, I turn around to see Rin on her knees. She seems to struggle just to stand. Sweat is flowing from her forehead.

'Rin' I hurry to her and ask if she is alright.

'I am fine Saber, I just used way too much magical energy' Illya help her to stand up. 'Archer, do you have any idea what those things are?'

'I am not sure but…'

'Daemons' Archers started but was cut in half by Revelation, I can see how nervous he is. I think it is the first time I have seen him worried like this.

'Daemons, as in form Hell?' Rin asks.

'The same, it seems that our opponent literally made a pact with the devil in order to win this war.'

'Can we also assume that master is under influence of darkness?' Archer asks.

'Most probably' Revelation nods, 'givign how he is a member of doomsday sect it would not surprise me that he discover magic and decided to go this far to end the world.'

We hear addition hissing from the building. It seems that more of them are on their way. Both Revelation and Archer resume their battle stand. I rejoin them as well.

'More of them?' Archer asks.

'Seems so, these things require a lot of magical energy to summon. But if they have somehow gathered enough supply of mana we could very easily fight entire night against them' Revealtion explains as he direct himself to a dark corridor where most of the hissing can be heard.

'Damn…. Is there any way to stop them successfully?' Rin asks.

'There is, if we can locate and kill his master then all of this would be over' Revelation says. Rin looks toward me.

'Saber, Archer sensed magical energy from inside eastern part of the building. That must be the master, go and engage him in combat. We will remain here to hold them off.'

'You are sending her all alone Rin?' Archer asks.

'You saw how powerful they are, if they come in drowse like before I will be overwhelmed. Same goes for to as well. Only by standing together can we hope to hold them down.'

'Damn….' Archer grit his teeth, he does not like the idea at all.

'Archer, it's alright. Revelation, hold them here while I go and deal with his master' I reassure Archer and give my orders to Revelation.

'Your wish is my command master' Revelation approves and with that I rush to the eastern part of the factory. I can hear two of them arguing from afar, Archer did change a lot since last time I saw him. Since when he is so concerned about me, maybe it's because I mean to Rin a lot? Who knows, the important thing right now is to find this bastard and stop this madness for good.

I enter a big opening once I reached the eastern side of the factory, seems like this was assembly line as a lot of old machines are lying all around. Seems like Rin was right, I can sense magical energy here. It's way higher than usual. This is not simple master we are dealing with here. But the sense is so blurry that I cannot pinpoint his location. I use my mana to emit golden light form my sword and lighten up the area, even in case of sudden attack my magical armor should be more than enough to protect me.

I check behind several pillars and some old machine, but there is nothing there. For all that I know he could be watching me from above as I cannot see anything past few meters, he os wise to choose area with so little light.

'Well, well, well….. Who do we have here' I suddenly hear his voice, and turn to its source to face it. 'A little knight in shiny armor, trying to save the day' what is this? His origin changed to my left? I turn left to face him from this new source. 'Too bad that the era of knights is over little one' now he once again changed the origin, what trickery is this?

'Show yourself!' I shout, and turn all around. Trying to pinpoint the new origin for his voice, he must be using magic as it is impossible for human to change place so fast.

'And risk to be cut by you? You lack some basic knowledge in strategy little one' again from another source, this is starting to drive me crazy.

'Did you really make pact with the devil?' I ask, trying to make him talk so that I could pinpoint his location again and this time charge toward it.

'You know… when I was little I was really religious person' it worked, but as I thought it was easier said than done. 'But despite all my efforts in life, all my sacrifices and all my prayers… I never got an answer of any kind. I was crushed and depressed for until years, until I learned about them…' just a little more, I can almost pinpoint the location. 'And then… they gave me… revelation!'

I turned around and sliced something with my sword, it was something metallic. Probably part of some old machine, he clearly used this to distract me. And moments later I could see why as one of the pillars came crushing down at me. The only thing I was able to do is throw myself, I didn't even look to where I was jumping. I turned around and saw pillar still heading straight toward me, I made my prayers when the pillar hit me.

By some insane luck I was fine. But I cannot say the same for my lower torso and arms who are crushed by the pillar. I can still sense and move my legs, and it does not seem that anything is hurting me that badly. It's just that my both arms are locked under the pile of rubble. This is indeed very bad situation which became worse when the light suddenly lit the hall.

Only now I can see that the two assembly lines on both my sides lower the force of the impact, otherwise I would be crushed under it. So the good news is that I am alive, the bad news is that both my hands as well as my sword are useless as I cannot move them an inch. I try to move around and break free but it's no use, I can always use command spell to call Revelation here. I think I might do just that, but what about Archer and Rin then? Should I use it or not…

'Not so fast' suddenly I feel great influx of magical energy channeled toward me. I cannot move anything anymore, not even my eyes. I can still fell everything, this can only mean one thing…

'Paralisation magic, pretty neat thing don't you think' he suddenly appeared above me, laying down on the pillar that is preventing me to move. I can see that he is quite surprised 'You are a lady? And a fine lady to that, well… is it not my lucky night.' He disappear as fast as he came, form the looks of it he seems quite young. Not to many over twenty, but his eyes… I could see murderous intent in them. This man is clearly insane.

'Hm…. How about we start from here?' I feel very unpleasant feeling between my legs. Dear God, he is going to rape me. 'Such nice and clean underwear' I can feel him sniffing my pants, his hands are gently touching my legs from kneecap to the pants. I cannot move but the emotional sensation is more than real, and I am getting aroused slowly by this filth.

'Well it cannot be helped' he stands up and I can see him taking of his belt. 'We will play with this part for now and later on I will move to your mouth, alright' he gives me a wink, disgusting rapist. I was really an idiot to go alone, and now I am paying the price of my idiocy. I hope that at least Rin will be able to get to the Grail and free Shirou.

No, it cannot end like this. There still has to be a way, but I cannot even use my command spell to call Revelation to save me. Nor could I move as the effects of this paralyzing magic are strong enough to even negate my magical armor protection. Please, someone… anyone… God, help me to get through this…

I see that he is suddenly quite surprised with something. He moves away rather quickly for a human. Next moment, the place he was occupying is hit by a sword attached to a chain. Then someone flew in and landed on the pillar above me, her figure is all too familiar. Rider… did you really come to save me?

'Saber!' I can hear the voice that I immediately recognize as Sakura. She crouches near me and place her hand on my head. 'Thank God…. Rider moves this pillar right now!'

'At once' Rider disappears from my view and next moment the pillar was above me was crushed into thousands of smaller fragments. Sakura tries to get me up and notices that I am not moving at all.

'Rider' the purple servants kneels in front of me. 'I think she is hit by paralyzing beam.'

'I see, give me a moment' she press her right hand on my chest and in a few moments the paralyzing spell was broken. I felt sudden drop of stamina and strength, both of them grabbed me and held me up.

'Are you alright?' Sakura asks, I look at her and smile.

'I am Sakura, you and Rider came in the nick of time.'

'We are allies, you do not need to thank us for aiding you' Rider says. Both of them let me go and I slowly regain my sense of balance, and just in time to see Shinji rushing toward us.

'Good, we made it in time…' he is breathing heavily, poor guy must have rushed some distance to reach us.

'Well, well… it seems that you got some friends little girl' Rider and I turn around to face the enemy. He is standing at the balcony all the way to the other side of the hall. 'And that friend of yours, nice chick…hihihi…' His smile sent down chill through my spine. I can now take a good look at him. He has very short black hair, some kind of black short shirt with unknown symbols written all over it, his shorts are also black and have the same symbols written all over them and he wears black fingerless gloves with red pentagram on each glove backhand.

And his face… wide black eyes, elongated nose, skinny cheeks and a wide smile. He bears the face of a madman and it shows. After all, only madman and those desperate for power could make a pact with the devil.

'Why the serious face blondie? Didn't you like what we were doing before we got interrupted?' That bastard… I see that others look at me as well. I can tell that they are worried. 'You may have been paralyzed but your eyes tell me that you enjoyed it quite a lot.'

He form his hands into a fists and out them in front of his nose, imitating sniffing. And ding it outloud so that all fo us could hear it. 'MMmmmmm… the smell of your pants and legs are still fresh. So innocent… so corruptible….Ahahahahahahaha' there he goes again, laughing like a madman.

'Saber…. Did he tried to rape you?' Sakura asks, I avert my gaze as it is too painful for me to admit that to them. But that was enough for her to get the picture. I can also see that Rider's eyes are now filled with murderous intent.

'I will kill you, lowlife bastard' she makes an attack stance and gets ready to charge at him.

'I am afraid I cannot allow you to do that my darling as I have too much to do right now' he snap his fingers, that gave the signal to daemons he summoned together with his servant to pour out from the dark hallways from inside of the factory. As the creatures rushed toward us he put malicious grin, turned around and left. The hordes of demons are running toward us, their number bigger than the one we face at the factory entrance on the western side.

'Let's run outside, hopefully there will be much more defendable position there. Out here we are sitting ducks' Shinji says, and I agree with him. I look to Rider and we both nod before I grabbed Shinji and Rider grabbed Sakura. We went outside and choose a defensive position at the very edge of factory walls. It was not that far from entrance to the assembly hall and it offers good defensive position. Problem is that it is the corner of a wall. We really have nowhere to run in case of emergency. The wall itself is some three and a half meters tall, and behind it are the ruins of yet another building belonging to the factory.

Sakura an Shinji are behind us, at the walls edge. Shinji is scared while Sakura is trying to manifest some of Rin's projectile magic. But she is not Rin, so we can only expect so much from her. But I am also a burden as I am ordinary human now, the only servant here is Rider and she is not made for prolonged direct combat against multiple opponents. The daemons came outside and quickly surround us.

'Listen Saber, I will hold them as much as I can. You help Shinji and Sakura get over that wall and escape with them.'

'Rider…' I started, but she cut me in the middle of sentence.

'Go now, before….' She didn't get to finish her sentence as well. What surprised her is group of daemons getting knocked out by some kind of explosion. Two of them actually got destroyed. Few more that were ground them got knocked to the ground and the rest stood there dumb folded, wondering what happened as well.

"Who… who is saving us now?" I thought, but my answer came really fast in appearance of two unknown figures joining the fight.

'When evil stalks upon the land…' Mordred sings as she observed her father's desperate situation from the ruins of the building just above. What departs them is two meters of empty space and concrete wall. She cannot see her father anymore as they positioned themselves at the wall's edge, probably to make their last stand. 'I'll neither hold nor stay me hand…' she takes one 40mm grenade and put't it in her M203 launcher bellow the front barrel of her M16. She fix the grenade into position and place her gun in the position at the broken window,

'But fight to win a better day…' she chooses the biggest group of enemies and starts calculating the angle of impact. 'Over the hills and far away…' she is almost ready, her target is selected, all the calculation are made and the wind conditions are perfect. She tight her grip and prepares to fire, her sisters will join the fray as soon as the first grenade hit its designated target.

'O'er the hills and o'er the main, trough Flanders, Portugal and Spain' Mordred pulls the trigger and her grenade kills two daemons, it also sent a shockwave that threw few of them off ground. She quickly ejected empty grenade shell and put in another one. But the time she resumed her position with a new load her two sisters passed near her and joined the fray.

'King George commands and we obey, over the hills and far away…' Mordred continues to sing as she unloads one more grenade shot into second largest groups of enemies she found.

Me and Rider and standing there, confused at the development of the situation. Two unknown figures entered the fight after that explosion occurred. Both of them slashed left and right and killed as many as several daemons each before we finally decided to support them.

With their help and help of unknown theirs figure that is probably responsible for first and now second explosion we were able to dispatch great number of them quickly. As many as thirty in the time frame of few seconds since the two unknown figures appeared, the rest retreated back into the assembly hall. They will for sure attack once they get more numbers.

'We sure showed those daemons what happens when you face the likes of me, umu! But I am dissatisfied, they offered no real challenge' we look at the first unknown figure, she seems to be female. She is clad in red dress that is showing way too much of her feminine figure, she also carry long black sword that emits flames on its edges. For some strange reason she looks very familiar, even if I see her first time in my life.

'The important thing Nero is that we have saved these people from certain death' we look at the second unknown figure. She is also a female, and she is clad into something that resembles medieval armor but with a mix of modern clothing. Most notable her stockings, but she may took them to have better maneuverability. She has blonde hair and armor set piece on her forehead. She also carries standard, the flag at top of it is white and has flour de lies symbols on it. The rest I cannot recognize.

'Of course dear Jeanne, I am just saying that they could put up a better fight for the levels of monsters they should represent' the red figure turned around, and the moment I saw her is the moment everything around me just stopped.

Why?

Why?

Why does she look exactly like me? Now that I noticed it, the girl clad in armor has similar face like mine. How is this possible?

'Wow….' The redone approached me, she is examining me closely. 'So you are Mordred's father?'

'I…I am' I respond, even if it was reluctant. She just smiled and hugged me with her left hand.

'Mordred told us many great things about you, I cannot wait to get know you better' she seems very enthusiastic, unlike me who are still confused about everything. I can see that Shinji, Rider and Sakura are still looking at the two of us and wonder what is happening.

'Leave her be Nero, can't you see that she is still confused about entire thing' the red one called Nero release me from her grip. I turn around and see Mordred coming down from the wall. 'After all, this is too sudden for father. She needs time to process all of this.'

'Mordred…' suddenly we hear noise coming from behind the assembly halls doors. Mordred aimed her gun at the doors, Nero and the girl in armor made their stances. I look at Rider and both of us nod, then we took our position between two of them. Sakura also made one projectile ready for launch.

'Get ready, here they come…' the armored girl says and draws her sword. The rest of us prepare to welcome them properly. The doors broke open as they were hit by someone from the other side. Once they fell to the ground we saw Archer and Revelation standing there, they are covered in blood. Behind them Rin was also holding two flaming projectiles in either hand and Illya, her hands glowing in white meaning that she was preparing to issue immediate healing if necessary.

'Archer, Revelation' I shout, finally some good news. It seems that they were victorious in their part of the factory and rushed here as fast as they could. I can see that Archer, Rin and Illya are rather confused with the current situation. They look at Nero and then at armored girl, then again at Nero. The only one who didn't have awkward reaction is Revelation who just slightly smiled, I do not like that reaction one bit…

'What the…' Archer started, but he could not finish his sentence. Rin and Illya just continued to stand there and look at Nero, still being unable to say a single word.

'Hu, hu… I see that you are mesmerized by my beauty. Please continue to enjoy it, just like every citizen of Roma should' she brags about it and even makes a stance like she is singing in a concert hall.

'Nero…' Mordred speaks to her, Nero suddenly became more serious but her smile never disappeared.

'Alright, sorry if I got you confused. It is only natural to be in awe of my beauty' is she some kind of heavy narcissist?

'I am apologizing for confusion me and Nero made, we will explain everything. But for now let us leave this place' the girl in armor says, for some strange reason everyone calmed down to her voice. It's like she is an angel or a saint…

'I agree as well master, the enemy servant and its master run away while we were fighting their daemon hordes. There was not much left here, it seems that they only used this place as temporary hideout to lure other masters here and crush them under the weight of their daemonic allies' Revelation says, I nod in confirmation and turn to Rin.

'If that is alright with you Rin, I would like for us to go home. There are some questions that are in some dire need of explaining.'

'I agree with father. The three of us are also tired after entire day of walking around, gathering evidence for this War. If you don't mind we would like a place to sleep and eat tonight if that is not too much a burden to you?' Mordred asks. I turn toward her.

'Mordred… My place is open to you, you can eat and rest for as much as you like. Same goes for your friends' I look at both Nero and the armored girl. They both smile as a sign of appreciation, armored clad girl even smile. I look at Rider, Sakura and Shinji and lastly at Archer and Revelation, all of them nod in acknowledgment. Finally I look at Rin who sighed.

'Your house – your rules, but I do not mind since I am also very interested to hear their side of the story' Rin says, Illya nods as well and we all went back home. Now with three more guests.

Along the way back we had no problem. Except that Revelation, Rider and Archer had to dematerialize as there was no room in the both cars me and Rin used to get here. Sakura, Shinji and Illya got with Rin while I drove Mordred, Nero and that armor clad girl. There were very little police for some reason and we have no trouble arriving at home. It was around two in the morning when we came back.

Everyone is sitting in the living room, except Rider, Archer and Revelation who choose to stand so that everyone could fit under the table. On one side of the table are me and Rin. To our right side and Shinji and Sakura, to our left is Mordred and across us are Nero and armored girl who didn't yet introduce herself. It was rather quite for the first several seconds as Illya brought drinks and sit near Mordred. Everyone found it easier to drink and refresh than to start conversation with the two strangers.

'Ahhhh… So refreshing, I give you my thanks young girl. These refreshments were quite good' Nero gives her thanks to Illya.

'You are welcome miss' Illya replies, which made Nero realize something important.

'By the gods, I have forgotten to formally introduce myself. Everyone, please excuse my bad manners. I will correct them at once' Nero says and stands up.

'It's alright, we didn't introduce as well' I replied with a smile.

'That may be true, but we are the ones who suddenly came and interfered in battle. Now that we are far from combat it is only natural to introduce ourselves' Nero took deep breath and made a stance worthy of some high class performer in theater. 'My name is Nero. Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, fifth emperor of the Roman Empire. Feel privileged to be in the presence of my glorious beauty.'

To say that everyone present were in shock would have been an understatement. Even I drop my jaw to the ground when I heard her full name. This is the Nero, the one that burned down Rome?

'Wait… This is so unreal… Are you telling me that emperor Nero was a woman?' Rin asks. Nero points to me.

'You are asking this question even if King Arthur himself is sitting next to you? My dear, I have been alive for almost 2000 years and I can tell you one thing – history is full of lies. Lies that are written by victors and those who would most benefit from them. You are probably thinking that I burned Rome – that is a lie. You are also probably wondering that I burned down Christans. While I did locked them up and sent into prison I was certainly not feeding them to the lions and burning them, after all' she sits down and pats armored girl 'I am best friend with her' Nero smile, and just by seeing it I sense some unusual calamity growing inside me. Nero is not a bad person. That much I can tell.

'Alright, thank you Nero. My name is Tohsaka Rin, I am head of Tohsaka Information Company and Saber's best friend. This here is Emiya Illyasviel, she is former Eisebern homonculi turned into normal human and now acts as mage. This here is my sister Sakura Matou and our brother Shinji Matou. Our servants and Archer, Saber and Rider, although Rider is unofficial servant as she is left from previous war' Rin made her exposition and represented all of us.

'Thank you for introducing all of you Rin, I know that we made sudden introduction but we were busy gathering data on the enemy. We will share it later with you' Mordred says.

'Thanks' Rin thanked, Mordred nods before turning her attention to armor clad girl.

'Won't you introduce yourself Jeanne?' So Jeanne is her name, I do wonder who she is. I can see that Rin is in deep thought. Suddenly, her eyes widened and her jaws wide opened again.

'Don't tell me…' she said before Jeanne begun her exposition. It seems that she already have some clue who Jeanne is. One more famous historical figure, I look at her and she bows in respect before introducing herself to everyone.

'Thank you for having us tonight everyone. My name is Jeanne d'Arc, Holy Maiden and Saint of the Christian Catholic Church and French people. Nice to have you all tonight, thank you for allowing us to stay.'

She is a Saint?

A true living saint is staying in our house, in addition to the Roman Emperor. Some night this is…

'Wait… that cannot be… you were…' Rin mumbles something, even I can see that she has problem accepting this. And giving how her story ends, I too am doubtful.

'Burned alive? You are right about that Rin, but that is only half of the story. What really happened that day is that they put me to the torch. But just before fire was about to start consuming me I was saved by our leader. He offered me a new life and a new purpose. Since France was saved, and they were greater stakes than war between England and France, I accepted his offer and here I am. The three of us have been together ever since' she is so nice, and so kind, her smile is angelic. I am feeling relaxed just by watching her talk. And such person was forced to take up arms and go to war? If I was a King back then this war would never have existed…

'Well Jeanne, I am glad that fortune smiled upon you since then' Rin says. I can tell that she is moved as well as I am.

'Thank you Rin, you are very kind' Jeanne answers and continues to drinks her juice.

'And you guys should really relax around us, yes we are famous persons from history but we are also people like you. And you should not worry around any awkwardness regarding us three. We got over the notion of nations, religion and race long ago. All three of us have been in the same wars ever since, fighting for the same side. Sometimes even against our country of origin' Mordred takes a sip as she is explaining things to us, that got Rin interested even more. I can tell that she is quite excited to learn more.

'For example, in hundred year's war I fought on French side as Englishmen were just too greedy for foreign lands. That is something me and my father never wanted of our people.'

'And in Napoleonic wars I fought on the British side, even if I was the one to lead the charge at Bastille. Fortunately we were able to find and bribe the artist who was asked to commission the picture of that event. It would be strange to see French people led by medieval armor clad girl carrying French medieval flag' Jeanne says.

'As you can see, we waged war against those who our leader saw as threat to the path Mankind should advance' Nero says.

'Oh? And if I may ask, how does your leader knows what the best course is for Mankind to advance?' Rin asks.

'Well he did save all of our lives and he has been alive ever since. Apparently he wondered this Earth even before Giza Pyramids were built. So he knows a lot about humanity and giving his unique skills he has been selecting certain individuals and asking them to follow him and help him secure the future of our race' that answer left Rin speechless, and to be fair I am speechless as well.

To think that there is someone out there who makes sure that everything is going according to what he thinks is the best course of Humanity. And that he was able to remain hidden this whole time… moreover, the fact he got support from such historical figures is noteworthy indeed.

That really makes me wonder, was he present during the all Grail wars so far? How did he not notice the corruption within the Grail? Is he watching this war now? So many unanswered questions…

'Wait… if someone like that truly exists then why was this entire mess called Grail Wars allowed to happen?' All three of them looked at each other and sighed, the answer they will give us will not be pretty one.

'He is old and powerful, but he is not all powerful. Most of his time right now he is spending in the shadows, working with various Earth Governments and trying his best to make sure we do not erase ourselves in fires of nuclear war. He leaves the things like Mage Association and random mages to us, but we have to admit that the Grail War was not a major issue until the fifth one ended. It was only then that we found out how close the world was to certain destruction' Mordred explains, it seems that his reassures Rin.

'I see, so he is too busy with general affairs. But why didn't he gather bigger support than this? What was the problem?' Rin asks. Mordred then looks at me, I can tell it's her "can I trust her" face. I nod and Mordred continues.

'Problem is that neither the Church or the Association wanted to assist, they even oppose him regarding fifth war. Even when he used the argument about the fourth one disaster that wiped out good chunk of city's center. We had luck it ended like it did, and we do not want to risk it with sixth one' Mordred says

'Wait, the Association and the Church opposed your leader?' Rin asks.

'That is why our leader is slowly shutting them down ever since fifth war ended. That is why he sent us to deal with the war directly. By the time this war is over the Association will be gone as well' Rin could not believe Jeanne's words. And neither can I, if the Association is gone who will protect the knowledge of magic? Who will defend Humanity from the unnatural monsters all around the world?

'Who will take Associations burden then? To safeguard Humanity form monsters and to train new types of mages, who knows what kind of horrors may happen if Association is wiped out?' Rin says, and I concur. But it seems that they already have some kind of idea.

'While some of it is true most of the mess has been Association's own fault and once they told our leader to shut it he swore that he will take matters into his own hands. It's not like he had to kill anyone, he just systematically destroyed the organization over the past 10 years. Bazett and her followers are the last there is as far as Association is going' Nero explained, and it hurt Rin even more to hear it.

'But my connections….' Rin started.

'They are all still there, they only work for UN now' Jeanne interrupted her, and her explanation made Rin that more confused.

'What our leader basically did was going to the leaders of world governess and explain situation to them and how magic works. In the past ten years they developed a lot of new technological gadgets that can help them to either contain or kill magical creatures. You then have no need for secret organization like that when humans themselves can kill almost everything the magical world can throw at them' Mordred explains the final pieces of the puzzle. That made Rin a little at ease, but it also raises a lot of other questions.

'Mordred, can I ask where that leaves Rin? Her family name is quite famous in the Association' I ask, hoping to get an answer where the world Governments and we stand. But giving all the help so far we received the answer should have been obvious.

'I know that father and you can rest easy, her work that she had sent to Association was used to create many of the weapons we are currently using against magical creatures. Tohsaka family is well respected because of that and our leader has no wish to do you any harm. Unlike with Eiseberns…'

'What does that mean?' Illya asks.

'Your grandfather ignored all the warning and actually tried to fight the German Government. It didn't end well for him at home so he came here in one last attempt to do something and has failed. Worry not Illya, justice will get to him very soon' Jeanne says, I can tell that Illya is pleased but also terrified at the same moment. If me and Rin tried to go our way and go against wishes of their leader we too could have ended up like Association and that bastard Jubstacheit.

'You do not need to feel so down you guys, what Bazett didn't know is that almost all of the mages who agreed to cooperate for us got employed. Now, instead of arguing and trying to obtain personal glory they are put in the service of their nations and charge with the protection against magical creatures, now with full backing of that country military and political power. Of course, in case of war they are asked to either be neutral or join the UN branch until the war is over. It's not perfect system but it works a hell of a lot better than the previous one' Mordred explained.

'I see, well I am glad it turned out great for most of the people. Tell me one last thing Mordred, why didn't Bazett joined as well?'

'To tell you the truth, I doubt she even knew what was happening. When we asked about her they told us that she cut all communications with them some time ago and started preparing for the next Grail War. I guess she really wants revenge for whoever cut of her arm in the previous war' that last part made Rin quite interested.

'Bazett was in the fifth Grail war?' Rin asks, I see that all three of them are quite surprised.

'Bazett didn't tell you how she lost her arm?' Mordred asks, Rin just swing her head in negation. Mordred sigh before continuing 'well it is not surprising. That is not easy thing to talk about.'

'But long story short' Nero got in the middle of conversation, 'she was chosen to be master in the fifth was and successfully summoned Lancer. Then she met Kirei who cut off her hand and took Lancer as his own servant. She was left to die but only survived thanks to our leader being near. He had to take it to Tokyo for immediate surgery. She survived but she never forgotten what happened to her. And that is why she fanatically prepared herself for the next war, going as far as cutting ties with the Association.'

'Wait, your leader was in Fuyuki when fifth war happened?' Illya asks.

'Yes, but he was only an observer. Honoring his agreement with Association he didn't take any part in the war or actual fighting, but he did saw pretty much everything. It was after the war has ended that he had a clash with Association and started their slow downfall' Jeanne explained. I throw a quick look at others just to see where they are standing after hearing all of this.

Sakura and Shinji are both surprised to hear this. To them all of this is quite new as most of their memories regarding last war are erased. But they are accepting it as well as they can. Servants on the other hand are little nervous, except Revelation. He looks kind of bored after hearing all of this. Well he is from the future, so he must already know about all of this.

'I see, well that is enough for now. Sorry for asking that much questions everyone' Rin says, finally this part is over. I am so sleepy I have a feeling I will fall asleep the moment I touch the bed.

'It's alright, you folks did damn good job so far. It's only fair to know the truth behind all of this. Our leader would do the same thing after all' Mordred says and stands up.

'Excuse me Mordred… But could you tell me what kind of person is your leader' Illya asks. 'I would really like to know, it must be really good person if you hold him in high regard.'

'That is… difficult question Illya' Mordred answers.

'One good example of what kind of person he is the situation when we called him "master". He got angry at us because even if he is the one making decisions he always does them in agreement with us and he sees all of us as equals, despite the fact that he is much more powerful than any of us' Jeanne explained.

'Of course, he could never beat my glorious performance' Nero joined the conversation and brought much needed comic relief. We all laughed, even Nero did.

'Well if that is all we would like to have some rest now. And you just had tough battle yourselves, it will be good idea for you to rest as well' Mordred says, Rin stood up and cleared her throat.

'I concur, however we only have two rooms here, including one smaller one that is part of Saber's room. I do have a mansion on the other side of the neighborhood but there is a lot of traffic there, both my security and paparazzi.'

'I see, we will be on our way then. Thank you for having us tonight' Mordred turned toward Nero and Jeanne 'let's go, we will find some motel in the city.'

'STOP!' I literally jumped and stood in front of Mordred. 'Us two may have troubled history but I will be damned if I let you to wonder alone at night, especially after you and your friends saved our lives. If it's not a problem we can share beds together if you don't mind.'

Mordred looks at Nero and Jeanne, both of them smiled. She then took a look at Rin who sighed.

'Alright then, we will take your offer father.'

'Good girl' Revelation suddenly spoke 'you don't want to make your dad bad host now, do you?'

'Of course not Saber, also' she turns to face Revelation 'thank you for taking care of my father. She must be one drag of a master' Mordred says that with a smile, little ungrateful brat…

'Nah, she is alright. I could not wish for a better master'

'I see,' Mordred faces me again 'we will take your offer father.'

'I agree as well, many awards will be given to you for this hospitality after the war is over' Nero says.

'I thank you from the bottom of my heart' Jeanne bowed down and thanks us.

'Rin, how should we divide them?' I ask, Rin thought for a moment.

'We have three beds so all of us can share. Servants on the other hand will have to stay in spirit form for the time being.'

'No problem master' Archer replied.

'So who will sleep with who?' Illya asks.

'Hmmm…' Rin thought. 'How about this: Nero will sleep with me, Jeanne can go with Illya in the small room and you Saber will share your bed with Mordred. It's that alright?'

Honestly Rin, it sounds like you are setting me something up. I am fine with it, but Mordred on the other hand…

'Fine with me, what do you say father?' Her response to this is too normal, I wonder if there is something sinister behind it. But I will accept, last thing we need is commotion right now.

'I have no problem as well.'

'It is agreed then!' Rin shouted and called Nero to follow her. Sakura, Shinji and Rider bid us their farewells and left. Sakura said that she will come here tomorrow after we rest. They had important information on the master we fought but decided to leave it for tomorrow after hearing all that Mordred, Nero and Jeanne said. All of us need rest and I am glad they are so thoughtful to let us rest as much as we can.

Archer and Revelation entered spirit form and choose to guard outside. Bazett's information made Revelation's earlier scouting petty much irrelevant. And I am glad for it, he did a lot so far and I need him in his top form for the fight.

I gave Mordred some of my old pajamas, we said goodnight to both Illya and Jeanne before the two of them closed their doors and Mordred and me are left alone.

'Well, let's hop in. There will be another long and tiring day tomorrow. So let us rest as much as we can' I call out toward her, but Mordred is just sitting there. She turned her back on me, I really cannot blame her seeing how this is the first she has seen me in more than a thousand years. 'It's alright. I get it that you are tired and want to sleep. Good night Mordred, see you…'

'Wait father' she stops me when I was just about to close my eyes, 'can I ask you one thing to answer me as honestly as you can?'

'You can Mordred,' I sit down on my part of futon. 'I swear it on my knight's oath that I will answer honestly' Mordred turn around to face me, I can see that she is quite nervous.

'I was really angry at you for a long time, how you disgraced me in front of everyone and how your insensitivity drove me crazy to the point of ruining our entire kingdom. But as the time has gone by, your legend grew and I realized something… I came to understanding. I know why you acted like you did and what were the reasons for you to say "no" to me, my leader also helped me a lot in understanding your "special circumstances". I ask you now, when you are no longer King and you are no longer constrained by the effects of Avalon' Mordred stopped for a moment to take a deep breath. I can tell that what question she is going to ask. And it will be dead serious.

'Will you, Arthur Pendragon, recognize me as your son now when you do not have the burden of Kingship?'

This is one very emotional question. Of course, my circumstances changed. Never mind that a lot of time has passed since I started my life anew and in that time period I changed a lot as a person as well, for her it was even longer than that.

I am still my old self, with my knight code and my morals intact. But new life, new friends and new family really opened my eyes to the world I never knew when I was constantly focusing on ruling the country and fighting wars. It also showed me how enjoying life can be when you live it as a normal person, surrounded with friends and family. And watching other people around me I also learned what it means to have kids, and how rewarding that can be in the end.

'Mordred… you know my reaction from yesterday. This new life showed me that life is more than just serving your nation. It also showed me how kids are important, and how it is important for parent to give them love and attention. I made many mistakes during my life, some I will never be able to correct. I accepted that long ago, and I also made a vow to correct as many of my mistake as I can while I live this new life' I can see that Mordred started to shake, this is as emotional for her as it is for me.

'So Mordred, my answer to you is yes. You carry my blood in your veins and you are a result of interaction between Morgana and me. You are my son, and I know it is far too late to correct anything from the past but I will try my best to provide everything you desire from now on.'

Mordred stopped shaking but started crying.

'Idiot father…' she cling to me, putting her head on my chest, 'I do not need things or money. Just being ear you and talking to you will make me happy.'

'Mordred…' I hug her and we remained like that for few minutes before both of us have gone to sleep. Tomorrow will be a new day and there will be a lot of things do discuss. If we have any luck we will find out that lunatic and his servant and end them quickly, or the other masters will come to us for a change.

In any case, tomorrow is a new day. And now I want to rest…