AN: Here's CH17 folks! I hope you all enjoy it. Please review :D


Chapter 17:

Reunion and Parting


~Winter/5th Century A.D.~

"Honestly, the things I always end up doing for him..."

As the snow started to fall, Arthur muttered to himself as he walked through a forest alone. In his hand was a satchel carrying game he had successfully hunted.

Earlier that day the two of them were tasked with hunting for food and materials by their father. While Arthur ended up doing his share of the work dutifully, Kay had run off on him since he wanted to go court one of the local girls in the town they lived in.

To be frank, the young teen never really understood his brother's, and Merlin now that he thought about it, obsession with women. Whether it was because they wanted to settle down with one in the future or if it was because they simply wanted to just sate their own lust, Arthur could never tell. And how his brother would always managed to shift his workload to the young blonde was something he was still trying to figure out after all this time.

-A younger sibling should always listen to their older sibling! It's one of the rules of nature!-

"Is what he said..."

Arthur muttered as he found himself smiling. Kay would often find the most ridiculous of excuses to just so he could get his way. And somehow he always ended up just going with it. He didn't know if it was thanks to his own foolishness or if it was because of family ties. Perhaps both actually.

As for himself, he never really pondered the idea of courting someone yet. While he did have an interest in the opposite sex, the though just never really occurred to him. He wondered if one day he would meet someone, but perhaps that wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

Not with the training he was still going through that is. Though a good person, Merlin was something of taskmaster who enjoyed seeing him struggle. And his father wasn't one to hold back during spars either.

"Ah...!"

The young teen's mind quickly went on the alert when he heard a feminine cry. Looking around, he went towards the direction of where the cry came from.

Eventually, Arthur arrived at a small clearing where he came upon an unusual sight.

"Ugh..."

There on the ground was a girl around his age, hair as white as the snow that fell from the sky. She wore clothes that immediately told Arthur that the girl was of noble blood, and judging from the way said clothes were disheveled and dirtied, she must have had an accident or something.

As the knight-in-training that he was, he couldn't help but go and aid her.

"Are you alright?" Arthur asked, as the girl turned around to face him.

The young blonde quickly found himself at a lost for words once she did, as he was somewhat stunned by how beautiful the girl was. Her eyes were a deep blue, and Arthur would be lying if he said that they weren't mesmerizing. It complimented her hair-color well, giving the girl a somewhat ethereal look to her.

"A snow angel..." He muttered subconsciously.

"H-Huh...?"

When heard the girl confused tone, Arthur realized what he just said and blushed somewhat in embarrassment.

Shaking his head vigorously, he quickly snapped himself out of it as the girl called out to him.

"Are you a local...?"

"I-I am." Arthur began, still trying to shake off his earlier embarrassment. "Are you alright? What happened...?"

As it turned out, the girl really was the daughter of a nobleman, having come from the city of Camelot. When Arthur asked why she was so far out on her own, the girl replied it was because she, her father, and a few of their guards were resting at a nearby camp after travelling a great distance between one city to the next on their way to visit a family friend.

While resting, the girl decided to explore a bit to sate her boredom, but ended up getting herself lost in the process. At one point, she tripped and landed into the clearing from a short drop, leading to her meeting Arthur.

"I think I can help you... can you stand?" He asked.

"I can't, I hurt my leg from that drop..." She replied.

"I see, then I suppose there's no helping it."

Before she knew it, the girl found herself being carried piggyback style on the boy's back as he made sure the satchel was tied firmly to his front.

"Are you sure this alright? I mean, you're already carrying something..."

"Don't worry, this is easy for me." Arthur assured with a smile on his face. "Anyway, do you remember where your camp is?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't..." The girl replied dejectedly.

"Well I suppose we'll just have to find them together then."

Arthur simply stated as the girl blinked at him in surprise. Was he really intending on helping her out? Doing so could lead to hours of searching as she was able to tell the forest was quite large. Not knowing where to look doubled that. Didn't he have other things to do?

'This person... he's quite kind.'

While she wasn't exactly an expert at reading people, she was at least able to tell that the boy carrying her was earnest in his desire to aid her. Knowing that, she couldn't help but smile at him as she allowed herself to relax onto his back. It provided a warm contrast to the cold winter that surrounded the two...

Thinking this, she also noted that she had yet to ask for the boy's name.

"Your name... what is it?"

"Huh? Oh, my name is Arthur." He said as he turned his head slightly to gaze at the girl.

She then suddenly smiled at the young blonde, causing him to blush slightly as he was reminded of her beauty.

"My name is Guinevere, pleased to meet you."


At that moment, time stood still for Arthur as he remembered that winter day and his first meeting with his wife, still unable to comprehend as to why she was in front of him and the situation that they were in.

"Guinevere...? But, how...?" He said, still stunned.

She was as beautiful as ever, much like how he last saw her. And that was when he had banished both her and Lancelot from Camelot. After that, he hadn't heard from her since. He always wondered what became of his wife, wondering if she was living well after the fall of Camelot. He had so many questions to ask, and he didn't know where to start except for one that was at the forefront of his mind...

Just why was she here? Was she an illusion? Some sort of trick? He couldn't tell, and he didn't think he wanted to know either. Even if it was all just some part of a grand illusion, he wanted it to last a little longer.

Guinevere could barely contain the tears that threatened to fall from the corners of her eyes. Here he was, right in front of her. Even after all this time, he was still as glorious as he was when she last saw him. After years and years of waiting, she finally managed to meet him again. It was a dream turned reality for her...!

She opened her mouth to speak, for the first time since their parting. But the young woman couldn't find the words to say what she wanted. More than anything, she just wanted to be able to talk to him again, to run into her husband's arms and be held by him. She wanted that more than anything else in the world! But...

'I have no right...'

Guinevere couldn't bring herself to do it as well. After what had happened all those years ago... she really didn't have the right. She had betrayed his trust, her affair with Lancelot breaking the unity of the Round Table, giving Mordred her chance at rebellion and resulting in Arthur's death.

No amount of words would be able to express her guilt and sorrow for her part in her husband's demise. She no longer even had the right to call him her husband.

...!

Before she even realized it, Arthur had already closed the distance between the two of them as he embraced her much to her surprise.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?"

The young man said, allowing himself to relax as he took in Guinevere's scent, which to him was a wonderful fragrance. He was convinced now, this was no illusion. It really was her. Whatever it was the allowed this meeting to be possible, for them to be reunited like this, he was grateful for it.

When Arthur noticed that Guinevere had gone silent, he decided to call out to her.

"Is something the matter?

"It has..." She replied quietly. "Why are you doing this so suddenly...?"

"Do I need a reason to embrace my Queen?" Arthur smiled in response as the two gazed at each other. "Have you been well?"

That was enough. To hear him say that to her, it was more than enough to break the barriers that contained her tears she allowed them to flow freely, finally returning the embrace Arthur had her in as Guinevere began crying her heart out.

Truly, it was a reunion that could've only been brought forth by a miracle.


"Tell me Master, what is your relation to that boy known as Julian?"

Walking together through the hallways of the fortress, Semiramis posed her question to Shirou. Who in turn, looked at the raven-haired beauty curiously.

"Is there something you wish to know?"

"Nothing, I'm merely sating my curiosity." The Assyrian Queen replied. "I just find it rather strange. From what I have seen of him, Julian Ainsworth doesn't seem to be the type of person who would willingly work alongside someone such as yourself. His mannerisms speak of an overwhelming ego, to the point that I might suggest he would at one point betray us should the opportunity arise."

At this, Shirou groaned. This was a topic some of his previous associates have talked to him about before. By now, he had gotten used to it. He really should talk to Julian about how he presents himself, otherwise people would forever get the wrong impression about him.

"Do not let how he acts get to you. I've known Julian since he was a boy, he's not going to betray us. At least, not when the partnership is mutually beneficial." The young man replied. "That, and I do place an amount of trust in him, even helped raise him since I was partners with his grandfather decades ago."

"Was this during the Grail War sixty years ago?"

"No, no, this was after that." Shirou clarified. "At any rate, while I doubt that Julian would try something, I can understand your concerns. But have a little faith in our comrades no? There's not much to be had among allies bicker among themselves even when they're fighting a war."

"Very well then Master, I'll do as you wish." The raven-haired beauty replied. "Another question. Just who are these people known as the Ainsworth? As you said, there's not much to be had among allies who bicker among themselves, but the same goes for those who do not know the people they are working with."

"Ah, that's right. I haven't told you about that yet." He stated in realization. "Ah, but where to begin?"

After taking a moment to himself, the white-haired priest continued.

"To start with, the Ainsworth are a magus family that's over a thousand years old by now." Shirou began. "They're a rather secretive bunch, even among magi, and I only came across them when I met Darius Ainsworth, Julian's grandfather, while travelling the middle east. I befriended him, and we both discovered that we desired to save humanity in our own way. After some deliberation, we decided to work together instead. Better to work with those of like minded nature after all."

"Save the world? In what form are we speaking about?"

"Ensuring that the world doesn't die out thanks to degradation." Shirou revealed. "By nature, things can only last for so long in this world, and that includes the planet itself as well. The Ainsworth fear that with the death of the world, the extinction of humanity would soon follow. As such, they've been working to find ways to avoid such an event... at one point even considered creating their own version of the Holy Grail War, which lead to the creation of the Class-Cards actually."

"Is that so? What stopped them from going through with it?"

"The knowledge that Darnic Prestone had been working on creating a perfect replica of the original greater grail." The white-haired priest replied. "By the time I relayed this information to them, it was already apparent to them that without the original blueprints, trying to replicate the greater grail would end in failure. And since they didn't have the patience to start from scratch, it was decided that one of their own would infiltrate the family as a friend."

"And then that boy Julian was the one to be chosen..."

"Must you people speak of old news?"

A voice called as the Master and Servant duo came across Julian himself looking rather displeased. Accompanying him were Angelica and Beatrice, the latter of which was busy fawning over the black-haired youth.

"There's nothing wrong with a history lesson is there?" Shirou asked.

"When the student is someone who isn't long for the world, I don't see the point." Julian replied.

"Ah, but the same could be said about you. After all, we all die at some point no? As is the nature of the world." Semiramis stated with a smirk as the black haired youth frowned in response. "You should choose your words carefully boy, otherwise you may come off as a fool at times."

"Take that back you old hag! No one insults Lord Julian and gets away with it!"

Beatrice snapped at the raven-haired beauty, who merely took her insult in stride as the smirk on her beautiful face widened.

"This coming from a mere doll~? You may want to grow up a little more if you wish to even come near my level little girl. Though I doubt that would even be possible."

"The hell was that?!"

"Enough!"

Both Shirou and Julian exclaimed, sighing in the process as they gazed at the arguing duo. Feeling embarrassed, Beatrice quietly apologized to the latter all the while glaring at the Assyrian Queen who merely played off the exchange as though it never even occurred.

At this, the white-haired priest merely shook his head. Beatrice really needed to control her temper, and Assassin needed to stop goading those beneath her.

He would have to talk to both about it later, but for now, his attention towards Julian.

"Have you finished preparing the ritual?" Shirou asked.

"Already done, all I'm waiting for now is the catalyst that you're going to use." The young man replied. "So then, what will it be? Will you chose the sword or the spear?"

"I think of going with the sword this time. After all, we have yet to summon a Saber-Class Servant of our own, no?"

"True, but there's a chance of it summoning another Servant-Class altogether. I suppose we'll just deal with it later." Julian stated. "From what era was that sword from again?"

"According to the person I got it from, it was apparently made sometime during the late twelfth century."


"Out of all the places untouched by the battle, the library is one of them."

After his earlier practice with Berserker, Caules made his way towards to the castle library. Said place was filled to the brim with knowledge collected by the various clan members of Yggdmillennia over the turn of the last century. He would be lying if he said that there was anything in here that caught his interest. Even he wasn't all that talented as a magus, he still liked learning about a little. It provided a way to pass the time when bored.

Since they were heading over to Japan that night, his sister had tasked him to help Caster and Roche collect anything that could prove useful as a source of knowledge during their stay in the Eastern country. As they say, knowledge is power.

Speaking of his sister, Caules felt worried for her. After last night, he expected her to still be feeling down about what happened to Archer. However, that didn't seem to be the case. He just hoped that Fiore wasn't hiding her pain or anything like that. It wasn't healthy for someone to do that.

"Oh, it's about time you got here!"

Roche called out as he saw Caules at the entrance of the library. Together with Caster and a few homunculi Servants, they were all compiling what they felt necessary to bring along into a bunch of duffle bags.

"What took you so long? Are you trying to skip out on helping us?"

"It's not that, I'm just a little late is all."

"This is why I don't like people. Completely unreliable." Roche muttered as Caules couldn't help but stare at his cousin in annoyance.

"Now, now, Roche, that isn't how one should speak to others, especially a boy your age." Medea stated as she floated down towards the two. "As family, you both should try to get along with each other."

"Yeah, but..." The ginger-haired boy began but stopped once he saw the scolding gaze Caster had under her hood. "Yes, teacher..."

Caules couldn't help but smirk slightly at this. Wouldn't you believe it, Roche was actually being scolded by Caster like how a parent would to a child who was naughty. He found that it would do him some good to get lectured by someone, especially by one he respected.

"Now then young man, as for you..." Medea began as she gazed at the glasses-wearing teen. "Could you lend your aid to that girl over there? She insisted on helping with our work here. A somewhat persistent child she is."

"She...?"

Caules muttered in confusion, wondering who it could be as he directed his eyes towards the spot where Caster was pointing her finger towards.

There, he saw who it was. Her shoulder length blonde hair giving her away in the dark and muted background that was the Yggdmillennia library. Currently, the girl was standing on a ladder searching through a bookshelf that was up high.


"Now where is that book...?"

Ayaka muttered aloud as she inspected each title on the shelf she was searching.

This was so much unlike the library that her uncle had in their home. It was ten times bigger, filled with enough books to actually make a replica of said house with ease. She had to wonder how long it took to establish such numbers inside a single space.

"Nobility sure do live differently compared to us..."

"That depends on the people doesn't it?"

The young blonde looked down to see Caules looking up at her with a curious look on his face. More than a few seconds passed between the two, causing an awkward silence as Ayaka had believed he wanted to speak to her. But he didn't for some reason.

So, taking matters into her own hands, she spoke.

"Is something wrong...?"

"I-It's nothing." The young man blushed slightly as he turned his head away. "I mean, aren't you embarrassed? You're up a ladder and wearing a skirt after all..."

"Why would I be? It's not like I'm actually exposing myself since I'm wearing tights." Ayaka replied as she narrowed her gaze at Caules. "Looking up my skirt like that... you're not some sort of pervert are you?"

"H-Hah...!? Where did you get that idea...!?" He demanded with an incredulous look on his face. "A-And I didn't look up, I just said it... though that doesn't mean that it didn't come to mind-Agh! What am I even saying...!? This is awkward, I knew I should've just kept my mouth shut...!"

The young blonde found herself giggling at this, she hadn't expected the boy to react like that. Noticing this, Caules could only frown in annoyance as he saw her make her way down from the ladder.

"Sure, keep laughing..."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to. It's just-"

Not paying attention to what she was currently doing, Ayaka slipped and fell off.

...!

"Oof!"

Once all was said and done, Ayaka found herself sitting on Caules' back, the young man in question groaning in pain.

"Ah! I'm so sorry!" She stated and quickly got off him.

"It's fine...! Nothing like having a girl drop herself on me I guess...!" He joked as he got up and sat on the floor rubbing his sore back. "Be careful next time alright?"

"I will." Ayaka nodded before something came to mind. "Now that I think about it, we haven't really introduced ourselves to each other yet. I mean, I know your name thanks to the meeting last night, but we never really-"

"I get what you mean." The brunette stated as he extended his hand. "My name is Caules, pleasure."

"Ayaka, Tohsaka Ayaka." The blonde replied as both shook. "It's nice to meet you Caules-kun."

"Tohsaka huh..." Caules muttered. "I heard your family are part of the ones responsible for the creation of the Holy Grail Wars in the first place. I have to ask, why isn't your family participating in it anymore?"

"That's because the Tohsaka decided to work on other pursuits to Akasha." Ayaka revealed. "The death of my great grandfather and the grail being destroyed helped make their decision too. It just wasn't worth it anymore."

"I can understand that. So what's your family doing now?"

"Oh, right now, my uncle is the head of the Tohsaka Dojo, and my cousin Rin is the heir." Ayaka replied.

"Wait, dojo...?"

"Ahaha... let's just say it has something to do with how my uncle and cousins are now pursuing Akasha." The young blonde stated with a nervous laugh. "What about you? Your sister is the current head of your family isn't she? What do you do here?"

"Being her caretaker." Caules replied with a sigh. "Since Fiore was born a cripple, our parents wanted to have a spare kid in case something happened to her. But, since I wasn't born with my sister's natural talent, I was reduced to taking care of her instead. I guess that's life for the magus."

"I guess we're probably in the same boat then." Ayaka smiled at the boy. "Compared to my cousins, I'm not really all that good in magecraft. But I don't really mind I guess. I don't think I'm suited for that kind of life anyway."

"Same here. But I don't really mind helping to take care of my sister. I mean siblings have to look out for each other right?"

At this, Ayaka could only continue to smile at the young man sitting next to her. Siblings from magi family tended to be rivals with the occasional exceptions such as her two cousins, which by all accounts would have perhaps begun thanks to her uncle if not for her grandmother's intervention.

But the boy next to her basically declared he was fine being where he was, and it was because he wanted to simply care for his sister. She couldn't help but like him for that.

"I think I can get along with you Caules-kun, let's be friends alright?"

"Sure, I think so too." The brunette agreed as he remembered their current situation. "Let's get working shall we? We still have to collect the things we need here before we move out tonight. And I have a feeling Caster would scold us if we just sat here all afternoon talking to each other."

"You're lucky that I haven't yet."

The Servant of Magic smiled in amusement at the startled expressions of the glasses-wearing duo.


After having finished her bath, Jeanne decided to spend the time talking a walk around the castle.

While doing so, she noted that she actually felt more comfortable in the process. Perhaps it was because she was more used to the architecture than she was to modern day buildings. Although they were perhaps more safe and secure, lacked a certain elegance to them as well.

She pondered about finding out where Arthur went, but decided against it as she felt her face heat up once more.

'Why did that have to happen...?' The young saint thought and sighed. 'Now I don't think I can face him properly without that coming to mind...'

Said moment quickly flashed itself throughout her mind, causing the blonde's face blush even redder. At this, the young saint quickly slapped her cheeks with both hands lightly as she regained her composure.

'This is no good, I need something to distract myself with.'

Jeanne thought resolutely. As so long as she was doing something else, that memory wouldn't-Ah! She really shouldn't even think about it for a second!

"Oh! Well if it isn't Ruler! I heard you were already awake."

Turning around, the young saint saw Rider of Red walking towards her with large grin on his face. Currently, his attire was the same as the one he had worn throughout the meeting and banquet last night. In spite of knowing that he was a King, Rider had a very different presence to him in comparison to Arthur and Archer of Red.

"Good afternoon Rider. Can I help you with something?"

"I was just looking for the King of Knights." Rider revealed as held up a golden jug. "I've been meaning to challenge him to a drink off with this stuff that Archer lent me. As we're both Kings, it's only natural that he and I do so, don't you think?"

"I suppose so..."

Jeanne muttered as she tried to smile. Just when she thought she had something to distract her mind away from Arthur, Rider mentions him, causing her mind to start remembering what happened earlier once more. She shook her head, causing the King of Conquerors to look at her confused.

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

"Oh, it's nothing." Jeanne quickly replied before something came to mind. "I'm curious Rider, I heard from this from Arthur earlier. Is it true that you wish to continue seeking after the Grail?"

"Of course, it's why I'm here after all." The red-haired Servant replied as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Aren't you at all troubled by what the grail is? I mean, even you should-"

"Ah, now I see." The King of Conquerors stated as he scratched the back of his head. "Indeed, the true nature of the grail is most troubling indeed. If left with no choice, I would destroy it myself if I must."

"If that's the case, then why...?"

"Because the one we're after isn't completely corrupt yet right?" He simply stated and grinned once more. "The grail is very much like us humans, or anything for that matter. It can be good, and it can be bad. But it's not completely in one direction right? If there's a possibility of it being corrupted, then there should be a possibility of the opposite as well no? If that's the case, then I see no reason to not continue seeking it."

The blonde could only blink slightly at this. She just realized that Rider's reasoning for his continued pursuit was actually similar to Shirou's to a degree. And while she knew that the latter couldn't exactly be trusted considering his attempted assassinations of her, she knew that both his and Rider's words had a degree of truth to them.

In the end, the grail was something that could bring either ruin or glory, it all depended on whoever wields it. They just had to get it first before Manaka or Shirou could use it for their own interests.

"Though your appearance suggests otherwise, I can see great wisdom in you."

"Hahaha! Now that's something I'm already used to hearing!" Rider laughed in response as he gazed at young saint. "What about you Ruler? What do you make of the situation that we're in? As the mediator of this Grail War, I believe your opinion would matter in the coming future."

Thinking back to the events of last night, the meeting with Manaka... Jeanne could only frown as she replied.

"Indeed... as the mediator of the Holy Grail War I find myself in a bind." She began. "All these enemies that we face, and knowing about the grail's true nature... I find myself fearing for the future of this world. So many lives depend on our success..."

"Tell me something, what do you think are our chances of success are in being triumphant against our foes?"

"Does it matter what I think?" Jeanne replied resolutely. "What I know is that we cannot fail, no matter what. And with everyone that's been gathered underneath our banner, I have faith that we will succeed in the end."

"Haha! Now that's a sentiment I can agree with." Rider said, seeing the firm look in the young saint's eyes. "You have steel beneath that pleasant exterior of yours Ruler, it's something to admire from a young woman such as yourself."

"Thank you Rider, that's a compliment for coming from you." Jeanne smiled.

"To that end, will consider joining my army?" The red-haired man suddenly grinned. "I promise you a high position for a saint such as yourself~!"

"Hehe, I'm afraid I have to decline."

The young saint replied, causing the King of Conquerors to shrug his shoulders in response to another failed attempt at recruitment. She knew it was only a matter of time before Rider asked her that question again.

"Ah well, had to try." Rider stated. "Anyway, where is the King of Knights? I haven't actually seen him around the castle."

"I don't know." Jeanne replied as a certain event came to mind, her cheeks reddening somewhat. "And I don't want to see him right now anyway..."

"Hmm? What's this? Did the two of you get into a fight or something?"

"It's nothing of the sort, I just need some time away from him. It's complicated I suppose..."

The young saint stated in response, her cheeks reddening somewhat unbeknownst to the blonde. A fact which did not go unnoticed by the red-haired King who merely smirked in realization at this.

"Hmm... now I see!"

"Huh? See what?"

"Nothing, nothing, never mind me!" Rider suddenly grinned as he turned to leave. "Well I'm heading off now Ruler. If you see Saber, then be sure to tell him that he and I should have a drink together. I'm curious to see how much of Goldie's stuff he can chug down, hahaha!"

With that, the King of Conqueror's left, leaving Jeanne by herself as she looked at the red-haired Servant in confusion.

"See what...?" She muttered once more.


"Even now, I still can't believe that you're here."

Saying that, Guinevere was sat right next to her husband on the ground near the flowers, leaning into him as they conversed. It was a pastime she very much enjoyed doing with Arthur, and it filled her with joy to be able to do so again after so long.

"Is it really that hard to believe...?" Arthur asked, before smiling as he pointed to himself. "Imagine if you were in my position. It's even more unbelievable for me."

"It's just that, I've been waiting a very long time for a chance to meet you again..." The snow-haired woman began as tears stained the corners of her eyes. "After a millenia had passed, I had started to lose hope. Yet, here you are...!"

Guinevere leaned closer into her husband, surprising Arthur who only smiled in response as he wrapped an arm around his wife as he held her close. After what happened back then, he never really imagined that they could be together like this again.

"I've wanted to apologize to you for so long...!" She said as her tears started to flow. "What Lancelot and I did... it was unforgivable! We betrayed you, I betrayed you...! I know that no matter how many times I apologize, it would never be enough. But still, I wanted-!"

"That's enough, I don't want to see you cry anymore." Arthur interrupted, gently wiping away Guinevere's tears for her. "You've already cried your fair share, both back then and now. And you don't have to apologize for anything, considering that I was at fault as well."

"No, you were...!"

"It's the truth, for I'm a failure as a husband." The young smile crookedly. "After what happened with Lucius... I buried myself in my duties. I wallowed in my own grief, and ended up failing to see your suffering as well. I don't blame you for finding comfort in Lancelot's arms, he was a good man, better than I am at least."

"No...!" Guinevere shook her head. "What happened wasn't your fault, it was mine! In the end, it was my actions that broke the trust that Camelot had, that allowed Mordred the chance to rise up in rebellion. It was all my fault, all of it..."

At this, Arthur merely allowed his hand to fall upon his wife's head, who looked up in surprise as he held her close.

"I suppose we both share the guilt then, considering that we each blame ourselves. If Lancelot were here, perhaps we could become a trio of sorts. " He chuckled as Guinevere leaned into her husband once more. "Now that I think about it, what happened between the two of you after, well, you know... did you both live well?"

The snow-haired woman frowned, looking towards the sky as she replied

"No, after what happened at Camlann, Lancelot and I separated." She said, gazing back towards Arthur with a sad smile. "We both felt so guilty for what had occurred, knowing that if it wasn't for the two of us, none of it would have happened. Sir Agravain's death, the deaths of both Gareth and Gaheris, Mordred's rebellion... we couldn't face each other without remembering our part in it all."

"I see..."

Arthur felt rather bad for them. Even after what happened, he had at least wish that the two would be able to find happiness in each other.

"After our parting, I decided to become sister at a church. The people there were kind to me, and it was good to live among them as part of their group." She smiled slightly, old memories coming to her. "As for Lancelot, I heard he became a wandering monk. But, I heard rumors back then that he sunk into madness some time afterwards..."

"Wait, madness...?"

The moment said word had been spoken, Arthur immediately remembered the Black Knight Berserker allied with the Rogue Faction. He wondered for a moment why that came to mind so suddenly when he made the connection.

It couldn't be, could it...?

If so, then it would explain the times Berserker would suddenly go after him or Mordred. Even during the battle last night, he could tell that Berserker was aiming for him when he first appeared on that fighter jet of his before the King of Heroes intercepted the Black Knight.

Still, Arthur just couldn't bring himself to believe it. He needed to know more first before coming to a conclusion.

And if there was a person who could answer it, then it was none other than Jeanne.

'If it really is him, did she know...?'

"Is something the matter...?" Guinevere asked.

"No, it's nothing." Arthur assured, as something else came to mind.

Perhaps he should've asked this earlier, but the idea of reuniting with his wife like this had distracted him from it. Now though, it was time to know the truth.

"As much as it warms my heart for you to be here, I need to ask something of you Guinevere." He began as he held her by the shoulders. "Just why are you here? How is it possible that you can be here, after all this time?"

The image of Gray quickly flashed itself through his mind.

"And that girl, Gray, just who is she...? She was in possession of the necklace I gave you when I proposed. She says that she's my..." He paused, frowning and unable to still believe the girl's words. "She said that you would know the answers I seek. Is it true then? That she's...?"

At this, the snow-haired woman smiled slightly as gently removed her husband's hands from her shoulders and took them into her own.

"Yes. As unbelievable as it sounds, she is of your blood." She said before suddenly her smile grew wider. "And she's of my blood as well. She and her family... they are our kin!"

Arthur widened his eyes in disbelief. It was only for a moment though as he managed to regain enough of his composure to speak.

"But... how is that even possible?" He asked, still unable to process the information. "Back then, our child... Lucius died. With him, our bloodline together!"

Back then, the two of them had been gifted with a son whom Arthur named Lucius, considering him to be the light that would guide the future of their kingdom one day. He was a precious boy, so full of innocence and wonder.

Also, through coincidence or fate, Lucius also shared a name with a later enemy of theirs. However, she believed that he would grow into a great man regardless.

Tragically, it never came to pass, as their son had suddenly died due to illness. It was an event that later drove Arthur and her apart as they both wallowed in their grief, one to this day that she regrets, and now knew that her husband felt the same as well. If Lucius had lived, perhaps none of it would have occurred.

However, she later discovered that it wasn't actually the case...

"Morgan..." Guinevere began, frowning at the mention of that woman's name.

"What about her?" Arthur asked.

"One day, while I was at the church, she came to me with Lucius in hand."

"Wait, what...!?"

"I know, I couldn't believe it either." The snow-haired woman stated. "When I tried to demand why, she said to me back then that I should do as I please with him, since she no longer had any use for Lucius with you already dead."

Arthur gritted his teeth and clenched his hands into fists at this. So his sister really did have something to do with what happened...! There was no other way to explain why she would have him with her. He had always suspected that his sister had something to do with it, but he could never prove it as he lacked the means to do so. Merlin was already gone by that point, so he couldn't ask for his mentor's expertise.

All he had to go on was the fact that Mordred chose to reveal herself to him a little while afterwards. And as ashamed Arthur was of it now, he had taken out his frustrations on her, an act which later drove her to rebel against him. When he had time to think about it, perhaps all she wanted was for him to just accept her as a father. Knowing that only served to further his guilt towards the red knight.

"Even now, I still can't understand why she would decide to give him back to me." Guinevere admitted, looking up at the sky. "Was it because she felt she had gone too far? Or was it truly because she no longer had any use for him?"

"Are you sure it was him? There's a chance that she was simply tricking you."

"I'm positive, a mother knows their child after all." His wife said, smiling at Arthur who only blinked at her response. "I don't know how she did it, or why Lucius was still alive, but to me it didn't matter. In the end, I had my son back. And through him and his descendants, our bloodline flourished once more."

"I see..." Arthur muttered as he began smiling.

All this time, all this time Lucius had lived! No words could describe the happiness he felt at that moment. While he felt sadness at the fact that he wasn't there for Lucius as he grew older, knowing that his son eventually had a family of his own... it was more than enough for him.

Still, it didn't explain why Guinevere was here...

"That aside, I'm still wondering what is all this." Arthur said, gesturing to their surroundings.

"Ah, about that." The snow-haired woman began. "Years after I was able to reunite with Lucius, he married a magus who had the ability to seal portions of people's souls into objects. I had asked her to perform the process on me, with the necklace you gifted, so that I may meet with you again one day."

"So this place truly is an illusion..."

"Yes. Right now, we're actually inside your mind. In a recreation of the place where you feel yourself most comfortable." She revealed. "As I lack a physical body, this is the only way the two of us could speak with another like this."

"You waited all this time..." Arthur muttered. "What made you believe that I would come back?"

"Merlin came to me in a vision one night while I was sleeping." She revealed, causing Arthur blink in surprise at the mention of his old mentor. "In it, I was told that one day, somewhere in this world of ours in the long distant future, you would come back. And that if I wanted to see you again, I should remain patient and wait diligently for an opportunity. It was a rather far-fetched tale to believe, but nonetheless I put my faith in it as well."

'Merlin...' Arthur thought.

"And now here you are, right before me." Guinevere stated as she stood up, gazing down upon her husband. "It must be a miracle that allowed us to be like this again, if only for a short time."

"Wait, what do you mean by that?"

"The magic sustaining me has its limits, I can only manifest like this once." She revealed, a sad smile on her face. "After that, it's only a matter of time before I start to fade away and pass on into the afterlife. Still, it's alright... we have-"

She was silenced when Arthur stood up and suddenly embraced her, an act that was unexpected to the young woman, but not unwelcome as she returned the gesture with smile on her face.

"My apologies, but knowing that you can only last so long... I couldn't help myself."

"No, I don't mind."


Fiore sat by herself in her room, in her hands holding the arrow she had used as a catalyst to summon her Servant.

'Archer...'

"Sulking by yourself are you?"

The brunette turned to the door in startled surprise, looking to see Archer of Red leaning against the frame with his arms crossed.

Whoever he was, Fiore knew that he was powerful thanks to the assortment of Noble Phantasms he could somehow use. That said, she had a feeling that wasn't even half of it, knowing instinctively that the Golden King had something else up his sleeve. Because of that, she feared the Servant of Red because of how much of an unknown he was.

"Staring isn't polite girl."

"Ah! M-My apologies." Fiore nervously replied as she regained her composure. "I just didn't expect to see you here Archer. Did you need something...?"

The Golden King didn't answer as he made his way towards the brunette. Once he did, Siegfried appeared glaring at the Servant of Red, his hand already gripping onto Balmung still in its sheath. Seeing this, Archer stopped as he smirked in response.

"Are you planning to fight with me, Dragon-Slayer?"

"Should you try to do anything to my Master, then I shall."

"Hah, you need to learn how to relax."

The red-eyed blonde stated as a small portal opened up above the palm of his hand. Out from it, a small vial appeared containing a blue liquid.

"What is that...?"

"A medicine that can cure any type of ailments." The Golden King replied, gazing at the brunette's legs. "Even paralysis if one desired."

He then tossed the vial towards Fiore, who having been taken aback by the medicine's existence, fumbled somewhat as she caught it. Once she did, she sighed before gazing at it intently. She then looked back towards Archer.

"You're giving this to me...?"

"Since your group and mine plan on working together, I will not allow any of you to slow us down." He simply revealed. "Though I see that you have a strong presence, your legs are a weakness that can easily be exploited. As such, I aim to fix that."

"How do I use this?"

"Simply drink it, and the effects will show itself an hour or so afterwards." The Golden King replied before smirking once more. "Be grateful girl, for this an act of kindness from the King to his subject."

"I-I am!" She bowed her head. "Thank you very much for this!"

"Are you sure that it's wise to trust him?" Siegfried asked. "While we are currently allies, it's still only temporary until we've dealt with the rest of our enemies."

"Hmph! You insult me with such words." Archer frowned and glared at the Dragon-Slayer. "Remember this, if I wished you all dead, I would do it while standing right in front of you, not with a dagger behind the back like how Assassin would. Compare me to such rats again, and I will end you myself."

With that, the Servant of the Bow left the room through the door, walking down the hallway with his hands in his pockets.

He then came across Reines, the young blonde leaning against a wall. She had a curious look her face as she spoke towards the Golden King.

"You're being unexpectedly kind today... did something happen?"

"Nothing that you would need to know little girl." The red-eyed blonde replied offhandedly as he left the area. "I just would rather have Saber of Black unhindered by his Master's weakness is all."

With that, Gilgamesh continued on his way as Reines stared at the fleeting back of her Servant.

'He says that, but he didn't actually need to give her that medicine. What a carefree Servant he is...'


"I see, so Mordred has been summoned into this... Holy Grail War as well."

Having been told everything about the Holy Grail War and Arthur's part in it, Guinevere couldn't help but frown in sadness once she heard the name of that child once more. To think she would also be a participant in such an event when her husband was helping mediate it.

"Perhaps its fate's way of mocking me, to remind of me what a failure I was." Arthur mused with a smile.

"That's not right. Morgan was also at fault for what happened, remember that."

"If I hadn't rejected her then, that I properly acknowledged that she was of my blood... perhaps she wouldn't have rebelled." The young man sighed as he smiled crookedly at the snow-haired woman beside him. "I've come to realize it now. Not only was I a poor husband and King, I was a poor father as well."

...!

"...!?"

Before he knew it, Arthur found himself on the receiving end of a slap from the snow-haired woman. The young man was quite taken aback by it, as this was the first time she had ever performed one on him.

"G-Guinevere...?"

"I'm sorry, but I just couldn't stand hearing you talk like that anymore..."

She then held him by the collar of his shirt, looking him directly in the eye as tears threatened to fall from her own.

"Arthur, please stop blaming yourself for what happened in the past." She pleaded quietly. "No matter what, whatever you think you failed at, you did the best you could. Myself, Merlin, Kay, Gawain, Bedivere, Lancelot... everyone in the kingdom understood that."

"Even so, I-"

"What good will it do for you to constantly blame and belittle yourself!?"

Guinevere suddenly demanded, her tears now flowing once more.

"You are someone to be admired. You have remained steadfast in your righteousness, you never allowed your power to control you as most men have. And unlike those who fought for honor or glory, you always fought simply for what was right instead. There are only so few like you in this world of ours, which is why many look up to you."

She looked up at him, smiling as tears stained her cheeks.

"All who served you knew; that King Arthur was the greatest king among all and forever will be, and we were all proud to live under your rule as your subjects. If the kingdom fell, then the blame shall be attached to us and not just you."

Her hands grasped his own, gently tightening their hold ever so slightly as Guinevere continued.

"So please... stop blaming yourself."

With that, she finished, leaving the young man to ponder what his wife said.

In truth, her words to him were similar to what Jeanne and Rider of Red had told him last night during the banquet. In spite of what they said, their words never really got through to him. He was stubborn like that he supposed, something the young man admitted to.

But, with Guinevere's words... he found himself questioning his own desires once more.

Was it really alright? If she was anything to go by, Guinevere had already come to terms with their past. He had planned on using his wish to help her as well, to at least give her the life she deserved, but it seems he didn't need to. As she said, she and the others were proud to have lived under the rule of King Arthur.

Honestly not knowing how to respond, Arthur could only lay a hand upon his wife's cheek.

"Why is it that the only thing I can do for you lately is to make you cry?" He wondered aloud. "Perhaps it was as Kay once told me; I am an idiot. Considering everything that has happened, perhaps its the truth."

"Arthur..."

"It's alright, I'm merely making a joke of myself." The young man assured as he once more wiped away her tears . "If it's what you want, then I'll stop blaming myself for what happened. It's the least I can do for you after all these years. So please, do not cry anymore."

Guinevere could only smile warmly at this, leaning into her husband as she embraced him, an act with Arthur returned.

"Now that I think about it, I believe that both you and my Master would get along with each other."

"What makes you say that?"

"For one, I always end up causing trouble for her, not unlike how I cause trouble for you." He chuckled as a small grin grew on his face. "Perhaps it's a talent of mine to cause the women in my life problems."

"Wait, a woman...?" Guinevere's expression grew somewhat colder as she frowned slightly.

"Hmm? What is it?"

"What is this person like?"

She suddenly asked, staring up at her husband who found her gaze somewhat awkward at that moment. Not noticing why she was like that, Arthur replied.

"I admire her. She's kind and helpful, and a wise young woman. When I compare the two of us together, she has a far stronger will than I. And there are times I sometimes ponder that I could learn a thing or two from her." He said, smiling at the thought of the young saint.

"Do you like her?"

"Hmm? Of course I like her, why?"

"Hmm... you haven't changed."

Guinevere sighed at her husband. This feeling she had in her chest, it was a familiar sensation to her. Arthur was always rather charming. She thought it would only be natural if some became attracted to him, even after her marriage to him.

Still, she felt that she didn't really deserve to experience things such as jealousy. Not with what she did that time after all.

...!

The snow-haired woman felt herself keeling over. Arthur quickly knelt beside Guinevere in worry.

"What's wrong...!?"

"It's the spell..." She began, holding up her hand revealing that it was beginning to fade away.

"It seems like it has started to end." Guinevere muttered to herself with a crooked smile. "Ah, I so wished that we had more time to talk with one another. But I suppose that the world isn't kind enough to grant something like that."

Arthur could only stare in silence at his wife. Like her, he wanted to say more to her. Many things such as questions about what happened to the kingdom after his fall, how their son grew up after she reunited with him, and about her life in general after his death.

"Guinevere, I-!"

The young man found himself silence when he felt another pair lips fall upon his own, resulting in his mind going blank as he tried to rationalized what just happened.

Guinevere had kissed him, she was kissing him! It was an act which he soon returned with much joy as they both held each other as close possible, finally parting after a good few moments, smiling warmly at one another.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't resist." The former stated, her cheeks stained red as she smiled at him.

"I didn't mind. In fact, I enjoyed it." The latter replied as he found himself mentally laughing at the way they were acting. It was as though they were both brought back to being their adolescent selves from before Arthur had drawn out the sword.

"Please remember, don't blame yourself anymore, alright?" Guinevere asked once more. "If you do, then I'll come back to haunt you~"

"I wouldn't mind that." The young man chuckled.

"Ehehe~! And please tell Gray thank you for helping realize our reunion. That girl and her family... they are all wonderful children."

"Indeed they are..."

Arthur nodded in agreement. The idea of him having living descendants was still a bit foreign to him, but it was overshadowed by the joy that he had felt knowing that they were proof that their son had lived, and perhaps proof that his life wasn't all for nothing after all.

"And about Mordred." She continued. "Even if it seems like an impossibility... do try to make amends with her. She needs you as her father."

"I know." He nodded, thought the young man didn't know how he would go about doing it.

Soon, half of Guinevere's body had already disappeared. Knowing that she couldn't last any longer, she spoke one last time.

"Arthur, I love you so much. So please, live for the future instead of the past."

"I will, I promise you that." He replied and felt tears of his own starting to form in the corners of his eyes.

"Thank you." She smiled at him, with the warmest one she could muster.

With that, the snow-haired woman finally faded away, the imagined landscape within Arthur's mind following suit.


"Are you alright...?"

When Arthur opened his eyes, he saw that he was now on the ground leaning against a tree. Gray stood over him with her continually stoic expression.

"What happened?"

He looked around and saw that the sun was still up, but not in spot where he remembered. Standing up, he pocketed the necklace in his jacket as he continued.

"How much time had passed...?"

"Two hours..." The white-haired teen replied before fidgeting somewhat. "I trust that... what you saw was to your liking?"

Blinking at this, Arthur smiled at the girl before laying a hand upon her head much to Gray's surprise.

"It was, and thank you." He replied. "My apologies for not believing you sooner."

"N-No, I understand..."

Gray couldn't help but blush under the attention she was getting from her esteemed ancestor. It wasn't everyday you could meet someone as famous as King Arthur, let alone be directly related to him by blood.

"Guinevere told me to give her thanks to you, to all of you." Arthur added. "You've all done well, for following a request such as this for so long."

"My father told me once to do my best to keep a promise. It was something that was passed down to him by his own father, and then own his father before him."

"That's a good sentiment to live by, it should keep you honest." The young man stated, smiling at the girl as he felt pride welling up inside of him as he gazed at her. "I've seen you in combat, you're quite good with that scythe of yours I have to say."

"Thank you, I always train whenever I have the time." Gray replied. "Also, I have something else I want to-"

"Arthur!"

The white-haired girl was cut off when suddenly a third person came upon the two.

"Jeanne...?" Arthur muttered in surprise as he gazed at the young saint as she walked towards them.

"I was wondering where you were. It's been hours since... Hmm?"

The female blonde stopped in her tracks once she observed Arthur closely. Right now, there was something about him that was different. She couldn't tell what exactly it was, but somehow he felt, what was the word...? Brighter she thinks.

Perhaps a better comparison would be that it was as though the white knight had reached a form of enlightenment. If that was really the case, then the young saint could only wonder to herself what would cause such a thing to happen.

"Did something happen...?" She decided to ask.

"Well... I suppose you could say that." Arthur said, gesturing to Gray who stood behind her ancestor.

"Ah, I didn't know you were here as well Master of Lancer." Jeanne commented in surprise. "Did you have business with Arthur?"

"No... he and I were just finishing up." Gray replied as she sighed. "Well finish this conversation later I suppose."

"Ah, wait a minute...!"

Not bothering to respond even to her ancestor's calls, the white-haired girl left and began walking towards the direction of the castle. Leaving Jeanne in a state of confusion as she watched her leave while Arthur sighed in response to her actions.

"I wonder what she was going to say..."

"I didn't interrupt you two, did I?" Jeanne asked, looking back and forth between Gray's disappearing figure and Arthur. "What were the two of you talking about anyway?"

"Family affairs."

"I see." The blonde said, nodding in understanding when her eyes snapped open in realization. "Wait, what...!?"

Arthur merely smiled at the young saint's reaction, having expected as much given the nature of his answer.

"It's complicated I suppose, I'll tell you some other time."

"H-Hah...?" Jeanne could only stare at her friend in confusion as a result.


With her meeting with her ancestor interrupted, Gray could only sigh to herself as she entered the premises of the castle.

Perhaps she would get another chance to speak with him about that later. It was an important matter after all...

"Missed your chance did you?"

In the confines of her coat, a small cage hanged off her waist containing a small ornate box. She called it Add, and unknown to some, it was actually sentient and had the ability to speak to Gray and to whoever it wished to.

"You were there, so you should know."

"Hehe, I suppose." Add chuckled. "At any rate, are you sure it's wise to try and give him that of all things?"

"I don't see why not, he was the original owner after all."

"Be that as it may, it has been your family's most prized possession after all." Add reasoned. "I would think that you would have a few reservations about giving it away so casually, and to someone you barely know at that, even if he was the original owner and your ancestor."

"I appreciate your worry Add, but I believe I know what I'm doing."

"Alright then. If that's what you think, then so shall it be."

With that, Add went silent once more, leaving Gray to her own thoughts about the matter.

Indeed, while her ancestor was the original owner, she didn't know him well enough to just give it to him. But, after talking with him herself, she knew that he was very much a trustworthy individual. And by giving that to her ancestor, she believed that their chances of succeeding in the Holy Grail War would increase exponentially.

However, giving him the lance would have to be put on hold, as it looked like Ruler had things to discuss with her ancestor. Not wanting to interrupt, she decided it would be best to give it to him later.

"Rhongomyniad..."

She muttered its name. It was currently sealed within Add to prevent the lost of its mystery. It was also the very same lance that her ancestor had used in order to strike down Mordred, who was currently Saber of Red.

If there was a reason why she wanted her ancestor alone, it was because she didn't want her to be there when she revealed it to him. Gray didn't really know how well the Red Knight would react to seeing the weapon that killed her once again, and she didn't want to take any chances.

For now, she would push said thoughts away from the forefront of her mind. Since their flight was only a few hours away from now, she had to help make sure that their luggage and everything needed would be ready by the time of their departure.


-Later that night-

"This is actually kind of unnerving."

Astolfo commented as he was seated in one of the passenger chairs of the plane they were going to fly in. Said plane also happened to be a private jet. One had to wonder how Waver was able to get such a thing without needing to hypnotize someone.

"Are you sure you're alright Sieg?"

"I'm fine, but I suggest that you fasten your seat belt." The white-haired homunculus stated. "When we take off, the force of the turbulence would send you flying unless your safely secured."

"Hmm~! Now this is something I can get used to!" Elizabeth said with a smile.

"These seats need to be a bit more larger don't you think? Maybe I should just use my chariot to fly over to that country." Rider complained, a man of size couldn't really fit entirely on the chair he was seated on.

"At that distance you'll just be wasting mana." Waver replied. "Unless you plan going into spirit form, bare with it for now."

"You think I could pilot this thing? Looks like it could be fun actually." Achilles wondered with a grin.

"Please don't. Let the pilots do their job." Gray said, as she half-expected her Servant to take the plane out for a joyride.

"I have to wonder why most of them aren't in spirit form."

Caules muttered with a dry look as he gazed at the rather chaotic scene of their group trying to settle down. Seriously, it felt more like they were a large family going on vacation rather than fighting a death battle in another country. Only Saber and Caster of Black, and strangely enough Ayaka's Lancer whom the young teen actually expected to be part of scene, were in spirit form.

"Let them be, I think they just want to experience flying in the modern world." Fiore said as she sat beside her brother. She had yet to decide in taking the medicine, figuring that it would be best to do so after they landed.

"I'm finally get to go home...!" Ayaka muttered to herself smiling. Currently, she sat opposite of the Forvedge siblings.

"Will it be alright though? Us staying at your grandmother's place?" Caules asked.

"Don't worry, I'm sure she'll understand." The glasses-wearing blonde replied. "With everything that's at stake, she'll definitely help in anyway she can."

While they talked, a certain someone observed his surroundings with distaste and a glass of wine in hand.

"Ridiculous..." Gilgamesh muttered, sitting next to Reines. "Why must I join you lot on this contraption?"

"You could always go ahead on your own if you wanted." The latter commented, knowing that the Golden King had at least another flying vehicle in his arsenal. She wondered why he didn't choose to use it. Perhaps he didn't want to feel left out by taking it?

If that was the case, she felt like she understood his character a little more.

"Ugh..."

Jeanne couldn't help but groan as she sat in her seat waiting for the plane to take off. This was the third time she had to get on one, and she had hoped that she wouldn't need to again after her last trip, but it looks like she was wrong.

"Still frightened from last time?" Arthur asked while smiling, seated right beside the young saint.

"I wasn't frightened...!" She pouted in annoyance at her friend, knowing that he would tease her like this again.

"Well, I suppose you're lucky. You only have to deal with that. I on the other hand..." He said, subtly gesturing to the seats opposite of the two.

At said seats were Kairi and Mordred, the latter of which continually stared at her father with a neutral look on her face. One that bordered between anger and curiosity, it was such a perfect mix of the two that even Arthur couldn't tell if she wanted to fight him right then and there.

"Do you need something?" He finally asked the Red Knight, who blinked in surprise at his question but regained her composure as she spoke.

"Nothing..."

Mordred replied and turned her head away, causing Arthur to sigh as he remembered his earlier conversation with Guinevere. Doing so only caused him to shake his head. Right now, the thought of reconciliation still felt far away to the young man. Still, with that said...

'Perhaps, one day...'

Soon, the plane took off... the group now flying towards the country where the Holy Grail Wars took place.


END


Author's Note:

And so ends CH17. Now then, onto explanations:

I like to remind you all, the things with Guinevere were mostly made up in order for me to differentiate her from regular Nasuverse-Guinevere from Altria's timeline. And the thing with Lucius was so that I could have a reason for Gray being directly related to Arthur instead of just regular relative. Speaking of which, named him Lucius because I felt it was a good name for the same reasons I stated why Arthur named him that, as well as the fact that in some legends Arthur had take on an Emperor with the same name, so something of a nod to that person as well. I also hope the reason for the falling out between Arthur and Guinevere is legit. While perhaps a cliche, I think it works out for someone like Arthur.

Now as to why I decided to have her show up. While he does take into consideration the things people say and muse about his own viewpoints and decisions regarding his life, I wrote Arthur to be so stubborn that no matter the advice or words of comfort thrown at him, the best person that can get through to him would be someone from his past that he cared deeply about, and the person that came to mind was Guinevere herself. That said, Arthur's regrets aren't completely gone, but more on a level he isn't as bothered by them at this point. There's still other factors to deal with such as Mordred and Lancelot after all.

This was also done to make him believe Gray's claim as a proper of descendant of his. Rhongomyniad wouldn't have worked, mostly because it can be used by anyone of the Pendragon bloodline. And Uther had two kids; Arthur and Morgan. So yeah XP

With the next chapter comes the final one before the next battle takes place. I wanted to write three chapters of action/plot for the beginning of ACT-2 before writing three break chapters to slow things down. To keep things in a balance of sorts.


As for those who had questions:

Kratos: I'll just be honest and say this. Screw you. I'm sorry but you just pissed me off the moment you said that. Exactly under what reasoning did you think that I wouldn't consider your question to be part of FMB? Because with the way you worded it, you basically called me an idiot. No going around that. And I've already stated in CH13 notes that I was pondering the idea of an FGO-esque sequel, so your question by far a redundant one. As for your second statement, that depends on the situation. If she used it on Arthur, then Jeanne will have problems with it obviously. Trying it on her allies would only anger them, but doing it to enemy Servants is another thing entirely.

Orphee: This Orpheus? Anyway, you would really ask me this? What, am I writing a harem comedy? I ain't even gonna answer this because I can't even take it seriously. That aside, I will say this of Cu and Achilles. Proto-Cu is more focused on Scathach than FSN-Cu is, so I go with that being the reason why doesn't flirt as much. And Achilles flirts with Atalanta because they're from the same lands, and she was basically his idol crush. That and they haven't really had time to talk with Jeanne all that much, and at this point its a given she's attracted to Arthur.

Cain: Why are you even calling Alaya a bitch? That makes no sense to me. Never mind. The reason is because the situation isn't completely hopeless for humanity yet. And technically speaking, it already actually has agents on the field (Arthur/Jeanne/Shirou) three individuals who made contracts with world. Granted, the latter two ascended and became proper Heroic Spirits, whereas the former has yet to complete the conditions for his, and with the way things are going, never will. As for your other questions, accidentally deleted it. Anyway, you can find out the answer to it by reading.

Code Zero: I accidentally deleted your review with the question too, but I still have it in my email. Anyway, asking me about the flaws of the antagonists is something you can find out by reading. This isn't even something I need to answer if you pay attention.

No need be weak: Yeah, that's about right. Caster and Berserker were the only ones I changed from that lineup. And the Hassan-I-Sabbah from that war is called Hassan of Serenity. And Arthur will eventually tell them what he knows about his old enemies, I'll either have him do it mid-flight or after they reach their new base.


That's it for now. Again, please review :D