Elsewhere in Fuyuki.

"Assassin, would you make us some tea?"

"Certainly, Miss," the brown skinned man replied courteously before going to the teapot and measuring out the leaves. This was always his duty. At first, he'd simply taken over because he didn't trust anyone else to do it. His mistress had tried to fight him but he'd been firm, and she'd quickly realized how good he was at it. Now no one else could touch the teapot.

"So, the first battle of the Grail War. It wasn't up to much, honestly," the man on the sofa, a young man with strawberry blonde hair, said while examining his nails in an indolent manner. The second man on the couch, the Servant Caster, accepted a cup of tea with murmured thanks. "Couldn't you have killed one of them at least?"

"We came very close, Master," Caster said calmly as he sipped his tea. Only someone who knew him very well would have caught the edge of dislike in his voice. "If it had been anyone but Robin Hood the boy would have died."

"It's so useful having Servants who remember," the last person in the room said as she accepted a cup of tea. She was a beautiful young woman, no older than sixteen. Long black hair was held with red ribbons and her eyes were hazel, often changing colors with her moods. She wore a schoolgirl uniform with a black skirt and a white formal shirt, with a red coat. Red ribbons decorated the shirt at her throat.

"Remember, Miss, that we are not the only ones with that advantage," Assassin said, taking a seat on the one free chair, holding his own cup of tea. "Saber is better at it than we are. Despite being Heroic Spirits, our memory is human and fallible. His is not."

"I still can't believe that's a real Heroic Spirit," the young man groused and Assassin and Caster exchanged a glance. "Well, Robin Hood is no kind of threat. But what about that Lancer?" There was a sense of dubiousness about the first statement – no one but him was willing to write off Robin so quickly – but Assassin responded.

"I do not know him. Caster?" The other Heroic Spirit shook his head. "The weapon and armor he used are quite notable. Perhaps we can find some record of him. However, in general I think he's a good candidate. Daud?"

"Mmm, maybe… we need to evaluate the others before we make a decision. Rider is feasible but only as a last resort," Caster said and everyone nodded. They knew Rider and had discussed him before. "Berserker might be better than Lancer, depending on the Servant summoned."

"Harder to control though. And are you both absolutely certain this is necessary?" The young man asked and Caster replied with an air of pained patience.

"Yes. Saber is our bane. His magic resistance is too high for me to fight him effectively and his skill outclasses mine, in this class at least." Caster's physical attacks were meant to be secondary to his magic. They were useful, to be sure, but he wasn't willing to bet on himself against a Saber. "Assassin is even worse. Saber is completely immune to his poisons and outclasses him in melee."

"I could, perhaps, use Saber's inclination to toy with his enemies against him and find a path to victory. But that is a slim chance at best. This plan is much better," Assassin added and the young man sighed, looking annoyed. The female Master said nothing, sipping her tea, but there was a glimmer of contempt in her eyes as she looked at her fellow Master. She saw no point in rehashing this when they had already agreed.

"Hmph, fine. That's Archer and Lancer taken care of. What about Berserker? Where the hell can he be hiding?" The young man groused and that made both the spirits frown. It was unlike a Berserker to be so quiet, even this early into the Grail War. Assassin finished his tea before rising to his feet.

"I will continue to search for him. If my Master permits?" She nodded and he vanished, dematerializing. Caster sighed and finished his tea, setting down the cup.

"And I should get back to my scrying. Maybe I'll find him that way." It was certainly worth a shot although a good Master would protect themselves. His Master also nodded and Caster walked out, although not before glancing at the girl. She was smiling sweetly at the young man, who was quite oblivious to how much she actually disliked him. Both the Servants knew, however.

Caster knew that eventually, she and Assassin would turn on his Master. By that point, he planned to have enough mana stored to operate almost independently, using Assassin as a proxy to keep him anchored to reality. Neither of the Masters knew about that, though. As he considered the matter, Caster mentally shook his head.

Masters often seemed to forget that their Servants had plans of their own.


Karna was carefully not showing it to anyone in the car, but he was furious.

Karna's anger at the attack on Arjuna had been white hot, but he'd contained it. Although he'd longed to slaughter Caster, end his life with Vasavii Shakti, Karna had restrained himself and guarded Junea, Arjuna and Irisette from the lurking Assassin. At the time, he'd not considered it much. Now that he was in the car, though, Karna realized he was again doing something uncharacteristic.

War is war. Why am I so angry? Karna frowned to himself as the car skidded along, doing things that cars typically shouldn't. Arjuna and Robin were clinging to him again but he ignored it in favor of his own thoughts. Really, his anger made no sense. Assassin and Caster were the two weakest classes in the Grail War. As such, they needed to use sneak attacks and target Masters. It was all another kind of war and normally, Karna would have easily accepted that. Yet, now it was bothering him. Why?

Glancing down, Karna looked at dark hair, the grimace on Arjuna's face as his Master pressed tightly against his shoulder. Robin was clinging to his other arm or he would have reached out and gently patted that hair, a comforting gesture. Karna surprised himself with the wave of tenderness he felt, followed by fierce protectiveness. This was why he was angry. Arjuna had almost died. His Master could have been killed and Karna had not recognized the danger. Not his fault in any way but it still stung.

I have not felt this way in so long. Karna did know these feelings. When he'd been young, he'd felt the passion of lust and love, the warmth of infatuation. He'd thought he was long past such things. It seems that I was wrong. What he felt for Arjuna could not be called love, not yet, but it was certainly infatuation. And all of these emotions fed into his anger.

Knowledge was power and exploring the basis of his anger lessened it. Karna found his calm once again. Caster and Assassin were only acting according to their natures. Karna would be more vigilant in the future. He felt a surge of that fierce protectiveness and looked down at Arjuna again as the car took a turn in a swift, violent motion. Yes, Karna would protect his Master.

They finally reached the castle and pulled up with a skid of tires on asphalt, so loud it could be heard even in the Cadillac. Once again, Arjuna and Robin left the car with more haste than grace. Karna was mildly amused. But then, the ride in his chariot had been bumpy to say the least. Reminiscing pleasantly about some of the wild rides he'd had in his life, Karna exited the car. Hmm.

"Perhaps next time I can drive. My Riding skill is extremely high," Karna said pleasantly and Arjuna stared at him, shocked.

"Karna, why didn't you mention that before this?" Arjuna demanded and Karna blinked. Honestly, it just hadn't occurred to him since Irisette had already claimed the duty. Robin was smoking single-mindedly on a cigarette but pulled it out of his mouth to talk.

"Kid, he's standing there like this was a Sunday stroll. Don't think it's going to get better." …Was Robin slighting his Riding ability? Karna frowned at the Archer, who went back to his cigarette. Arjuna stared away blankly for a moment before putting a hand over his face. The gesture was so heartbreakingly familiar that Karna's heart lurched.

"For grief's sake get over it. Come on, it's late, we need to go to bed." Junea breezed past them, Irisette behind her and Karna glanced up at the stars, roughly calculating. Yes, it was quite late, they should retire. Arjuna shook his head and turned away, walking up the castle stairs. Karna followed close behind.

Karna has assumed he would spend the night with Arjuna and had honestly been looking forward to it. As soon as they were alone in Arjuna's rooms, though, he realized his assumption had been faulty.

"Karna, I – I'm sorry, I can't, I need…" Arjuna was rubbing a hand over his face and Karna blinked at his distress. He instinctively reached out a hand but his Master flinched away. "No! Don't, I… I…" Karna dropped his hand, feeling a flash of hurt. Then he frowned, not at Arjuna, but at himself. Why was he being such a lovestruck fool? It was obvious what was happening here!

"Master, I understand. You need time alone," Karna said calmly. It was clear as day to him, Arjuna had overstressed himself badly and could no longer tolerate human contact. Arjuna looked up, gratitude in his face.

"Please, I'm so sorry, I just can't right now," Arjuna said and Karna gave him an understanding smile before dematerializing. He saw a wave of relaxation run through Arjuna, heard a soft, shuddering sigh. Ah, so much tension had been bottled up inside. Karna retreated from the room, giving Arjuna the solitude that he craved.

My brother is like a candle in a cold room. The warmth is so alluring but if you get too close you will be burned, Karna mused to himself as he drifted to his rooms. Or the flame will be smothered out. Karna could see that. If Arjuna truly loved someone he might try to deny his nature for them, but it would kill him inside. I must never force myself on him. It was so incredibly tempting. Karna wanted to be around Arjuna all the time, basking in the warmth of his presence, but he knew better.

Karna materialized in his own room and removed his clothing, folding it before setting it on a nearby chair. His room was much the same as Arjuna's, decorated in neutral colors but with very ornate furniture. If he'd been planning to be here for a long time, Karna would have decorated it more to his taste but – Karna suddenly stopped that thought. If they won the Grail War, he would not be returning to the Throne of Heroes. Instead, he would stay here in a new body.

"Perhaps I should decorate, if there is a chance," Karna mused before settling on his bed. How would he decorate this room? The curtains right now were filmy and pink. He would change that, make them brightly colored, red and gold and purple. A colorful bedspread. More pillows. Yes, Karna could think of many things he would change. The furniture was fine, he liked it in fact, but there could be ornaments. A little shrine to Surya, that would be perfect.

Karna closed his eyes and his musings gradually turned into confused images of gold and billowing curtains before he drifted into sleep.


To Arjuna, solitude was a balm on his soul.

He did not want it to be, he truly didn't. A large part of Arjuna wanted to hold Karna, cling to him and be comforted. But the greater part, the Origin that could not be denied, made the thought of any contact repulsive. The long day, the restaurant and most of all, that hot, sweaty nightclub… it was all too much.

"I hate this about myself," Arjuna murmured, rubbing his face. "Ah." But no matter how much he hated it, it was real and he felt incredible relief at being alone. Sighing heavily, Arjuna changed out of his clothes, tossing them into the hamper before finding his pajamas. Ninja turtle pajamas, they weren't mature but they were amusing. A trip to the bathroom to go and wash his teeth and Arjuna settled into bed with a book. The collected tales of Robin Hood, but this time he skipped to the later chapters. That was where he'd find the stories of England being invaded by the Saxons.

Settling into bed, Arjuna read until his eyes were heavy. Then he reached out, flicking off the bedside lamp before settling in to sleep. As he did, he vaguely hoped he would dream again.

Last night's dream had been odd but beautiful. He wanted to dream like that again.


The next morning dawned early and far too bright. Arjuna wasn't interested in waking up, clinging to the shreds of his dreams, dreams of flowing curtains and gilded palaces. Ultimately, though, wakefulness could not be denied. Arjuna opened his eyes before reaching up to rub them with one hand. They felt gritty with sleep and he was groggy, but Arjuna sat up anyway.

"Ah," Arjuna murmured as his hand touched gauze. He should change the bandage again and ask Junea about a permanent eyepatch. He was getting used to having only one eye, although it would always affect his depth perception. That could be a problem, too, if he needed to use offensive magecraft.

Grimacing a little at the thought – there was nothing he could do about it – Arjuna pulled himself out of bed and went to the bathroom. A quick shower and this time, the bandage was easy to change, dry and clean. Yes, it was almost time for the eyepatch, that was certain.

Putting the medical eyepatch in place – it would do for now – Arjuna went to pick out his clothes. He was just finishing dressing when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in!" Arjuna called and smiled as the door opened and he saw his Servant. That was very polite of him, when he could have just dematerialized and drifted in. Karna stepped into the room and smiled, just a soft tilt of his lips. To Arjuna, it was enchanting.

"You look wonderful, Master," Karna said and Arjuna blushed a little, glancing at the mirror on the vanity. He did look very good today, in jeans and a charcoal turtleneck. The neck was loose enough to be comfortable, Arjuna didn't like anything tight around his throat.

"Thank you. And thank you so much for giving me space yesterday," Arjuna said, reflecting on it. Most of his lovers had been casual but the few who hadn't… they would have been hurt and rejected, which could easily have led to a fight. And frantic to satisfy his Origin, Arjuna would not have been able to control himself. Memories ran through him and he flinched slightly before forcing them away. Karna just gazed at him solemnly.

"I understand your needs. They come before my own," Karna said and Arjuna frowned. He… didn't quite like that.

"No, our needs should have equal weight," Arjuna said firmly and Karna seemed ready to object but Arjuna held up a hand. "Perhaps not entirely now, since we are Master and Servant and I have many needs that you don't. But ultimately, we need to be on even footing." He felt that quite firmly. "I want to love you." That just slipped out and Arjuna felt his cheeks heat as he ducked his head. But then he lifted it, meeting aquamarine eyes. He hadn't meant to say that but it was the truth, his intentions for Karna were serious.

"I am not easy to love," Karna said after a moment and Arjuna had to laugh.

"Nor am I," he responded and saw Karna's confusion, despite his calm expression. "I am easy to adore but that's not the same thing." Not in the least. Karna's eyes softened.

"I understand," he said quietly and Arjuna believed he truly did. "Is your eye well?" Karna asked, changing the subject. Arjuna nodded, glad to leave something that emotional one behind.

"I was able to change the bandage myself, it's almost healed. We should go to breakfast." Arjuna was sure it would be interesting. They hadn't been able to question Robin last night, everyone had been too tired, but it would surely happen this morning.

Arjuna was completely right about that. Junea, Robin and Irisette were already at the breakfast table, just waiting for him and Karna. Robin was smoking another cigarette and Arjuna caught the tension in him as he looked at his teacup, not touching the fluid. Breakfast today was a big pot of porridge for all and Arjuna was very pleased. Instead of plain oats it was muesli and looked delicious, hot and steaming as they portioned it out. Arjuna took his bowl from one of the maids with murmured thanks, feeling the heat of it through his hands. Ah, what should he put in it? Cream, brown sugar and were those candied nuts and raisins? They quickly all found a place in his porridge.

"Okay Robin, spill. How did you know Caster and Assassin? And who are they?" Junea said firmly after they'd all gotten their food. Robin look morosely at his bowl of porridge for a moment before sighing and stubbing out his cigarette.

"I have a few memories of prior Grail Wars," Robin said and Arjuna stared. From his understanding of how Grail Wars worked that shouldn't have been possible. "Not this one so my knowledge isn't directly of use – "

"Karna, is he telling the truth?" Junea interrupted harshly and Robin's face tightened. Arjuna winced inside. His sister could not be making it more obvious that she distrusted her Servant. Karna blinked slowly but obliged.

"He is. I will tell you if he is not," Karna said and Arjuna nodded, supporting him. Junea seemed satisfied with that and Robin took a deep breath.

"I have no direct knowledge of this Grail War but I can recognize some of the players," Robin continued evenly and Arjuna could tell he was controlling his temper. Oh dear. "I know that Caster, he's a rune user and he likes to play with cell phones, converting them to very basic mystic codes." Oh? Arjuna's interest sharpened as Junea looked skeptical. "I asked him about it… he can use two converted phones to cast basic spells through the second. So expect Assassin to have access to some rune magic."

"Hmph, runes, primitive magic. It's nothing to worry about," Junea brushed it away and Arjuna felt a qualm as Robin took a deep drag from his cigarette, his eyes hooded. "What's his name?"

"He goes by the name of Daud," Robin said before smiling tightly. "I don't know the Assassin's name. I just know he's tied to the Tohsaka family and they always seem to summon him. He's a poisoner so you should look out for that," he said to Karna, who nodded. "I do know that his primary class is Archer. Assassin is his weaker class."

"Well, that's good. But I want you to spill! How do you remember events of prior Grail Wars? That should be impossible for any Heroic Spirit!" Uh oh. Arjuna chewed his lower lip as Junea leaned forward, fixing Robin with an intent stare. The Heroic Spirit just leaned back in his chair, blowing out a cloud of smoke. "Don't make me use this!" Junea lifted her hand and Arjuna's eyes widened as the seals flashed. Robin leaned forward with a hard smile, cigarette caught between his knuckles as he rested his hand on the table, meeting Junea's gaze.

"Do it, bitch, and I will not serve you willingly again. My past is my own," Robin said with a harshness Arjuna had not heard from him before. Arjuna was sure he meant every word and he heard Karna shift in his chair, a soft whisper of movement. Irisette stared at them both, her expression fascinated. There was a long, tense silence before Junea broke it with a huff.

"Fine! Fine, keep your secrets," she lowered her hand and Arjuna felt a great relief.

Master, Robin has betrayed one thing. The key to his ability to remember is in his past, Karna whispered in his mind and Arjuna blinked. Wait, so these spirits had been contemporaries of this Robin Hood? No, he has said his knowledge comes from prior Grail Wars. But the key to how he can remember originates there. Arjuna tried to figure that out and gave up. Maybe he'd mention it to Junea, he wasn't sure she'd noticed.

That uncomfortableness out of the way, they devoted themselves to their food. Well, mostly.

"Is there anything useful you can tell us about that rune magic, Robin?" Arjuna asked, hoping there might be a little more. Robin grunted before trying his muesli. He didn't seem to like the flavor of it but ate it dutifully.

"Not too much, I'm no wizard. I know he likes shadow and fire, he'll use those over everything else, but he can use other stuff. I saw him use a pretty potent shield once." Robin paused for a moment before heaving a soft sigh. "The rough part is they know me better than I know them. Every Robin has the same bow and they've surely seen plenty of 'me'." Ah. That was troublesome.

"Well, enough about them. I have a lead on Rider," Junea said, her good cheer returning. Arjuna ate his porridge, enjoying the texture and the sweetness of the brown sugar, the richness of the cream. "So get ready, we'll be seeing battle again soon!"

"I look forward to it," Karna murmured as Robin grunted. The Archer seemed to be in a poor mood and Arjuna hoped it improved. Robin was usually fun to be around but not when he was quiet and sullen. Arjuna devoted himself to the muesli, planning to ask Junea if he could have a few hours to himself after lunch. That would satisfy his Origin and let him spend more time with Karna later.

It seemed like the war was heating up. Arjuna wanted to spend every moment with Karna that he could.