-103:11:39

Irisviel von Einzbern walked down a battered corridor of the Einzbern castle. She was making a conscious effort not to stare too long at her surroundings; though she knew they'd never meant to stay in this residence for the entirety of the War, it had reminded her of home. Seeing the once pristine walls and lights scoured with signs of battle pained her.

Saber was standing guard atop the roof, the homunculus sensed. Both had been a little tense the entire day. No trace of Caster or Archer X. The former, they'd come close to following a trail thanks to Assassin X's hounds Irisviel could now summon. Her lips quirked at the cuddly rascals and how they would light up every time they saw her. Sadly, they weren't called simply to play with her, tempting though that might've been. They'd gone after Caster's scent, but moving in the daytime slowed progress, and the female duo were even warier in their investigation since Rider X's ambush.

But they hadn't seen the foreigner once afterwards. Nor Archer X for that matter, though Kiritsugu had taken personal interest in finding her. Saber had learned from him that the new rogue might've made contact with Rider X, another worrisome prospect.

Her friend shared these thoughts. Are those two now working together? Saber wondered while gazing along the battlements. And was this spur of the moment? Kiritsugu said that Archer X wouldn't just kill her Master without some kind of plan. Could she have already been in contact with Rider X? She frowned. Rider X struck when it seemed as though we might stumble upon Caster's lair. He even intervened when we tried to end that madman two nights ago. Is this another alliance?

And if Kirei Kotomine truly is Rider X's Master and simultaneously in cohort with Tokiomi Tohsaka… Irisviel pondered with increasing worry, does that mean that Rider X is an ally to Tokiomi's Servants too? But… Archer had shown no indication of working with Rider X or even liking him that night at the docks. Or was that all an act? She sighed, wishing she had her husband's experience with this sort of shadowplay. She felt so naïve-

A surge of power rippled through her body. Shaken by the sudden sensation, the woman stumbled against the wall with a gasp. Her Magic Circuits registered rumbling, crackling lightning… and a lust for blood that was all too familiar.

Footsteps sounded through the hall as she slid to the ground. Her strength was continuing to fade…

"Irisviel!" Saber rounded a corner to see her "Master" slumped alongside the wall. She rushed to her side in-between a second to help her up. "Are you well?"

The Einzbern nodded, steadying herself. "Choosing to attack from the front now while Kiritsugu and Assassin X are gone…" she noted. "Not very polite."

Saber glared through a cracked window. "A frontal assault with lightning, monstrous pressure of mana…" She looked back at Irisviel. "It's almost certainly Rider's team." Berserker X's trademark bloodlust muddied her sense somewhat as the force drew closer, but she could still make out three different Servant signatures.

In hindsight, she wasn't surprised that her rival monarch was coming to fight. Even if their last encounter had ended on relatively peaceful terms, a confrontation had been inevitable. Such was the fate of two kings standing on opposite sides.

"Stay close while I give them a proper welcome," Saber told Irisviel, who nodded back without hesitation. They then headed together for the main hall, the King of Knights' suit transforming into her royal armor. Even if three Heroic Spirit were about to attack, the safest place in this battered castle was still by the side of the strongest Servant.

Saber was confident, though, not foolish. She knew she'd have lousy chances against the combination of her counterpart's prowess, Rider's chariot, and Berserker X's ferocity. So as she sprinted, she called out telepathically to her own partner. 'Assassin X, Rider and his team are at the castle.'

His answer came within seconds. 'Try to hold them off for a bit, I'm on my way.'

'See you soon,' Saber ended the conversation with fresh confidence. She could hear the heavy wheels of that chariot rolling into the entry area and a "Whoa" from Rider. Around one more corner, Irisviel panting slightly behind her, and Saber charged into the hall-

"Howdy, Saber!"

To blink in shock. Rider stood on the Gordius Wheel with a friendly smile and hand raised in greeting. "I'd heard your castle had sustained some damage, and I wished to have a look for myself. Bit depressing here, isn't it?" But instead of his regular attire of leather armor and massive cloak, he wore a white t-shirt with some fancy logo and a pair of jeans. "So many trees out there, we had to chop a couple of them down or else we'd have never found this place!" On his left was Berserker X in a black leather jacket and pants, noticeably less friendly smile underneath the eyepatch covering his right eye.

And on his right, instead of Saber X as she'd have expected, was- "Lancer?" Saber asked perplexed.

Indeed, the Celtic spearman stood next to the other pair, a smile in greeting on his face that would've made any ordinary woman swoon. He at least was wearing his standard armor but didn't appear particularly cautious next to two enemies. "A pleasure to see you as well, King of Knights," he said before his brow creased. "…Were you not expecting us?"

"…No. I was not." As Lancer shifted about in apparent confusion, Saber noticed that boy Rider and more recently Berserker X had for a Master behind them, right next to two large caskets and a redhaired woman eyeing her with hostility. The boy looked utterly drained of energy and wishing desperately to go home, and the woman kept glancing towards her, then Lancer, then Irisviel, then Lancer again with ever sharpening eyes.

Saber finally made to ask what was going on when Rider called out, "Say, why are you dressed in your armor, Saber?" He thumped his chest proudly. Specifically, against the shirt's logo. "You could've kept that stylish suit for tonight."

"Or maybe she's geared up for a fight…" Berserker X mumbled, the atmosphere tightening alongside his toothy grin. His sheathed nodachi appeared in his left hand even while he kept his biker attire.

Saber braced for an oncoming clash, but then Iskandar slung an arm around his partner's shoulders. "Oh, come on, Kenpachi! We didn't come here to cross blades."

Kenpachi? Irisviel pondered, perplexed that Rider would be so casual with his ally's True Name. The Servant only grumbled in disappointment before Saber spoke in a commanding tone. "Then why are you all here? Have you chosen to ally yourself with Rider and Berserker X, Lancer?"

He shook his head. "Not at all, Saber. Rider invited us to come along for a 'special event'." He cast a cold look towards the Macedonian Servant. "If this was all some deception, King of Conquerors, then I-"

"Relax, Lancer!" Rider waved off his warning, smile present as ever. He then hauled up one of the caskets he'd brought up onto his right shoulder. "I brought us here so we could share a good drink."

"…Excuse me?" Saber found difficulty processing the simply uttered statement.

Lancer finally sighed wearily before speaking again. "Forgive me, I have forgotten my manners." He stepped off the chariot alongside the redhead, helping her off with one hand (which she seemed delighted about) before moving to the bulls' side. "This is Lady Sola-Ui, my deceased lord's betrothed and my current Master." He introduced his companion with proper grace.

Irisviel curtsied reflexively to her in greeting, and Saber bowed her head to her. A little chivalry helped calm her mind, even though the situation still felt hopelessly awkward.

"Charmed." Sola-Ui said to them with passable courtesy, though her eyes remained narrowed at the two.

Lancer quickly cleared his throat and continued. "We were traversing the city in search of my lord's killer," his fist clenched despite his conversational tone, "and happened to meet Rider by chance at a wine store. He informed us that he had been planning to host a banquet at your residence and invited us to join," the knight sighed, "and being the fool I am, I took that to mean you knew beforehand of this arrangement. He retrieved us only a few minutes ago."

Saber fought to keep her face neutral. "I see…" She didn't doubt the word of Diarmuid Ua Duibhne for a second, and this somehow all sounded completely in character for that oaf of a King, but it still took some time to process. And whether she appreciated the circumstances was another matter.

"Correct me if I'm wrong…" Everyone turned to look behind the Wheel. Assassin X stood there, kunai in hand. Both of his eyes stared deadpan at the largest Servant present. "But isn't it proper etiquette to, you know, ask the hostess if you can use their place?"

"Particularly before you send out the invitations?" Waver Velvet mumbled half-heartedly. Ever since he'd heard of the death of his professor, he'd felt… tired. Bereft of energy.

"Yes, I should've done that," Rider scratched his head, "but I grew so excited at the idea!" His free shoulder shrugged. "I merely forgot to tell Saber we'd be having it at her place. My bad!" He roared in laughter while others felt a drop of sweat trickle down their heads. "Still, how good of you to join us as well, Assassin X! There's plenty for everyone."

"You better crack one of them open soon, Kandy Bar…" a new voice grumbled as he trudged past Assassin X into the hall. Saber X walked slouched over with his hands in his pocket and a resigned frown on his face. "If I gotta go through this crazy shindig, then I'm doing it hammered."

"I haven't even agreed to-" Saber's protests were cut off by another sword-wielder.

"Ditto," Berserker X huffed. "So many here, and I don't get to fight any of them. Least I oughta do is to drink." He grew wistful for a second. "Could always fight and drink…"

Most of the individuals present felt their blood run cold while imagining a completely drunk Berserker X on a rampage.

"Ha! Maybe we can do that next time around, my friend!" Needless to say, Rider wasn't one of these individuals present. He beamed over at his first partner. "Any others?"

Recovering from the images of a certain Oni tearing through Fuyuki City, sword in one hand, wine bottle in another, Saber X just hung his head with a sigh. "…Two more should be here any second now."

And on that cue, the sound of a car's engine could be heard by everyone present. Twin lights flashed outside as a black Toyota rolled into view. It came to a relaxed stop left of the exit, then out of the driver's side popped Caster X. The senior Servant removed his hat to the others with a friendly smile. "Good evening." Then he opened the passenger door for another to vacate the vehicle.

A tiny flicker of confusion broke through Waver's murky thoughts. How could a medieval-looking wizard drive a- Then he smacked his own forehead upon registering Caster X's parameters. Right. Riding Skill. In his defense, that ability wasn't usually amongst Casters.

Aside from Saber X, it was the first time anyone had met Kariya Matou before. Saber and Assassin X exchanged a glance at his hobbling, battered appearance. Not much resemblance to the man Kiritsugu had shown a picture of. Irisviel grew concerned upon seeing underneath the hood that concealed his bleached hair and scarred face.

Kariya just waved a hand in greeting, wondering how Gandalf had convinced him to come along for this… whatever the hell it was. Saber X had appeared surprised when the wizard had agreed to the invitation. "There is something amiss in this War…" Kariya remembered his friend saying, "and this is a fine chance for us to gain allies."

"Oho, happy you could make it, elder one!" Rider beamed at the newcomers before adding in a teasing tone. "Though you're almost a bit late."

Caster X stepped away from the car with a mirthful twinkle in his eyes. "A wizard is never late, Iskandar King," Irisviel grew curious at the odd way to address royalty while he continued, "nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."

The remark earned a hearty chuckle from the King of Conquerors and his comrades while the King of Knights smiled in greeting. "A friend from my time would've agreed wholeheartedly with your statement." Circumstances aside, she had grown fond of this Servant of Spells.

A sentiment shared by the other Servants present. Assassin X as the closest one took the opportunity to shake hands with him. He gave a cautious look about. "Will your partner be joining us as well?" Aside from how his first encounter with Berserker had gone, his spirit core ached at how his own partner tensed ever so slightly; he was now positive that Saber had at least an idea who the mad Servant could be.

Caster X too noticed the minute signs of worry on the otherwise stoic girl, but like Assassin X, decided against mentioning it at the moment. He sensed that the situation carried much pain for both individuals, and this didn't seem the right company to discuss such personal matters. So, he settled for explaining, "Berserker is currently off in pursuit of Archer X." He raised a hand when another made to interject. "Whether or not he'd succeed in killing her, I cannot say, Lancer. We could attempt to call him back, but he may disrupt the peaceful nature of our gathering."

"And the problem with that would be…?" Everyone ignored Berserker X.

Lancer was moving with determination towards the exit. "Apologies, King of Conquerors. I fear I cannot partake in this event after all. Lady Sola-Ui." His voice carried just enough chivalry that the woman moved instinctively to follow him (though some noticed a vicious scowl twisting across her face for an instant).

"Oh, come now, you've only just arrived-"

"This is a personal matter that takes precedence." If Archer X was to fall, then it ought to be by Diarmuid's hand and not some mad knight's. Lord Kayneth wouldn't be able to rest easily otherwise. He glanced to the one next to him. "Wise one, I would be in your debt if you told me where they are now."

"And I wouldn't accept your owing me even if I could help you, sir," Caster X replied graciously. "Berserker was in swift pursuit of her, those two could be on the other side of the city by now. Besides, if you charge out there, you may be heading into a trap." Lancer gave him a mixed look of frustration and puzzlement, prompting him to sigh. "It was no accident she crossed our path, Lancer. I can explain the situation better to you," he cast his gaze to all of the other attendees, "all of you, if you remain here for the time being."

The others grew curious at what he could mean. The main addressee remained conflicted, though. I must fulfill my duty to my lord…

And as if he could read his mind, Caster X spoke to him in a soft tone. "Your adherence to your honor is commendable. But do not it let hinder your ability to think. Or to learn."

Something about the old man eased his nerves. He felt like a boy again in his presence, still learning eagerly before he could claim the title of a knight. Assassin X had moved a little closer as well. "Your ex-partner's a tough one, Lancer. I think she can survive a little playdate with Berserker." The word choice drew an amused snort from the other two Servants.

Lancer was beginning to smile again. "To think you of all people would keep assuring me about her survival, Assassin X…" He shook his head. "Ah, the irony." Before he knew it, he was walking with the duo towards the others. Sola-Ui awaited him with a pleased smile. Saber X had already trudged over to his own team with a long drink from his flask.

The weary man accompanying Caster X (undoubtably his Master) limped to the Servant who in turn gave him a steadying hand. Lancer eyed the pair with one last concern. "Despite our standing on opposing sides, I hope your partner does not perish at the hands of the one I once called mine."

"Do not fret, sir Lancer." The wizard assured him without breaking stride. "Berserker can take care of himself."

"Hold still, you smoked-up son of a bitch!" Archer X roared over the cacophony of her minigun spitting ammunition in an abandoned construction site. The high-caliber bullets sailed through the air to shred any concrete and metal in their paths. Not another soul for miles. Perfect condition for a battle between Servants that couldn't create Bounded Fields.

"Rraaahh!" Berserker howled back as he darted and flipped away from the barrage. His armor had already shrugged off shots from her handguns and SMGs, even a sniper round had only rattled him for a bit. He somersaulted high to a partially formed house and wrenched a metal beam loose. A lunge forward brought him whirling straight for the Servant of the Bow.

The black-armored Freelancer rolled away before the darkened beam cratered the spot she'd been standing on. She brought up her minigun only for Berserker to drop his current weapon and cross the distance. His shadowed gauntlets grabbed onto the heavy gun tightly.

Archer X tried to wrest it free with a curse, but Berserker pulled back. They struggled against each other's strength for a while, changing footholds, trying to get a better grip on the weapon, but their strength was near equal. Finally, Archer X let go of the minigun, making Berserker stumble backwards from the sudden lack of resistance, then she grabbed hold of his helmet and rammed her own against it with a loud CLONG!

That crimson-glowing slit only glared at her, then surged forward. CLANG!

"Fuck!" Archer X hurtled head-over-heels backwards before crashing into a pile of supplies. She shook her head to stop the ringing in her ears, then glared through the massive crack on her visor. "Dammit, not again…"

Then she heard a familiar whirring. A glance forward revealed Berserker pointing her minigun at her.

She barely dived away as the first bullets were fired. The soldier rolled to her feet and began to sprint, the hail of lead right on her tail. At another time, she might've appreciated the irony of her position having switched with that of her enemy. But right now, Archer X was trying to will away the whirling gun. It was her Noble Phantasm, after all.

But the only thing that happened was the bullets slowly gaining ground on her. What the hell?! No Servant should've been able to wield a Noble Phantasm not their own like this. But it was like the minigun had ceased to be hers from the moment Berserker took hold of it. Should've dematerialized the thing while we were fighting over it. Stupid!

Okay… Archer X growled to herself with rising frustration as she ducked behind a bulldozer. The Servant of Madness' barrage shredded it in seconds, but it gave her time to call up something else.

"You want a gunfight?" Berserker registered the taunt a moment before something hurtled towards him. He ceased firing to jump away from the thing. A plume of fire erupted at the point of impact.

Archer X strode out into view, missile pod at the ready. "I'll give you a gunfight."

The two black Servants trained their arms at one another with matching glares. But as heavy ordinance blew the site around them to pieces, Tex's fury continued to grow. It grew from this bastard's inability to go down, it grew from her new Master's apparent disinterest in helping, it grew from a ridiculous thought in the back of her head:

Why isn't Lancer here?!

Rider for his part looked ecstatic that his "guests" were staying. "Wonderful! Now then, Saber," he hopped off his chariot, casket still over his shoulder, while a bored Berserker X snagged the other, "why don't you show us around? This castle ought to have a courtyard, right? It's sure to be a better place for us to drink than in this stuffy hall."

Saber just sighed and motioned for them to follow. 'Let me guess,' Assassin X's voice echoed in her head as the odd group moved, 'you didn't host many parties like this in your old life, huh?'

'Not ones where I was the last to learn about the parties. Much less that I would be the host.' Artoria's rare snark did little to distract her pondering. This couldn't be a simple get-together the King of Conquerors had come up with on the fly. Her fighting spirit told her that this was to be another challenge. A battle not of blades, but of wine and words. One glance back to Rider and his fierce smile confirmed her suspicions. The presence of their allies and neutral parties could make for a very interesting meeting.

The path through the Einzbern castle was mostly silent for those who were Servant and those who were not. Irisviel was unsure whether or not to engage in conversation while Sola-Ui remained as close to Lancer as she could, periodically casting a sharp look to her or Saber. Waver merely walked along in a weary daze, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

Saber X for his part was eyeing his surroundings much more carefully than his partners. It may've been misplaced paranoia, but he'd learned in his youth to be cautious. "Love what you guys have done with the place," he finally joked. "The damage and scorch marks really make it picturesque." His red eyes focused on a once-again one-eyed Assassin X. "This the real you, Mister Mask, or are we gonna be talking to a stunt double for the whole evening?"

"Who knows?" The shinobi shrugged in good humor. "Half the times, I'm not really sure myself." As a chuckle swept through the Servants, he discreetly checked his flack jacket while sending a telepathic message. 'Is the connection working, Kiritsugu?'

'Like a charm.' The Master replied inside his hotel room. He was sitting on the bed in front of his laptop, headphones around his neck. Maiya and a Shadow Clone of his Servant stood behind him, watching the proceedings as well.

Once Assassin X had notified him of Saber's alert, Kiritsugu had turned thoughtful. Both agreed that this didn't seem like Rider's style to mount a direct attack. So, before sending him to provide backup for Saber and Irisviel, he had equipped his Servant with a hidden camera and microphone. That way, he could monitor the situation without needing Assassin X or Saber to tell him what was happening.

'The equipment ought to work just fine so long as you don't get into a fight. Stay sharp.'

'Will do.' "Assassin X" upped his pace a bit to step beside Irisviel on her left. She acknowledged him with a nod and a smile, as did Saber from her right. He returned it with a pointed wink to let them know he was indeed a Shadow Clone, an added precaution for this little shindig. No shinobi worth his salt would announce his presence so blatantly without a plan, after all. The real Kakashi Hatake was silently following the group, Presence Concealment allowing him to evade detection from even the sharpest Servants.

It said something about the level of understanding Saber had developed with Assassin X that she knew where he was. Or that she needed no verbal communication to understand his strategy. If a fight did break out, he could form a pincer formation with Saber to tackle the rest while the clone carried Irisviel to safety. A bit precarious, but they could pull it off.

The collection of Servants soon reached the main courtyard of the castle. No fighting had commenced there, leaving its carefully tended parterre undamaged and suited for this odd social gathering. Rider accepted the offered space with a pleased nod and led the way to the very center. The Servants sat down into a ring of suitable space, Saber and Assassin X on one side, Rider, Saber X and Berserker X on the opposite. Lancer and Caster X finished the cross, the latter entrusting his hat and staff to Kariya as a support. The Master smiled at the help; even just holding the wooden feature eased his body from the constant pain. He then joined Irisviel, Waver and Sola-Ui in moving to the side. They were simply audience for this event.

Not that it stopped a certain redhead from staying as close as she possibly could to her Servant.

Saber X opened up a bag he'd been carrying and pulled out a couple of wooden cups. Lancer rose an eyebrow at the collection. "Rustic."

The Huntsman snorted in response. "I'd like to see the guy who can transport delicate wineglasses across the city without smashing it to fragments. And that's if you don't get into a scrap. Besides," he swept his arm out for their surroundings, "it's not like everything else is super classy at this shindig. No music, no hors d'oeuvres, no sexy dancers."

Saber's mouth twitched, but her partner spoke up to forestall any premature violence. "Our sincere apologies. We weren't expecting guests to drop by tonight. Maybe if you'd have warned us, oh, two hours in advance, you'd get to enjoy the whole package. Feast and all."

Caster X was among those who laughed at the joking tone. "I've admittedly organized a few unexpected gatherings like this in my own time, so I'm not in any position to complain."

"Nor am I for starting this." To mark the beginning of the banquet, Rider smashed his casket open with his fist and plunged a wooden ladle into the red liquid within. An alcoholic fragrance wafted through the air. "But at least we brought the wine." Swirling it about, he withdrew the ladle to pour its contents into one cup, then repeated the process with another. "It is said the Holy Grail belongs to the one -or in this case, two- worthy of it. This war in Fuyuki is meant to discover which of us that is." Once the cups were filled and each had claimed one, he took a big gulp from his before sighing pleased. "But if the decision is so simple, we don't have to resort to bloodshed."

Berserker X and Saber X had already downed theirs and made to refill. The apparently one-eyed Servant clicked his tongue in irritation. "Hey now, some of us enjoy bloodshed, Rider."

"I know, Kenpachi, and I'm not one to discourage a good battle," Rider laughed. "I'm only saying that if we Heroic Spirits can determine our strength to one another, we needn't worry about who gets the Grail."

Saber eyed her cup before pointedly taking a long drink from it. She then held the empty utensil for more with a fierce expression. Her rival king lifted an eyebrow in amusement at the challenge. Lancer drank from his own to hide a chuckle at her demeanor. He shot a pointed look to his opponent's partner. Competitive one, isn't she?

Assassin X shrugged discreetly his shoulders as though to say You don't know the half of it. He'd learned by now that the King of Knights didn't like coming short of anything.

While her cup was being refilled, Saber asked, "Then you've set this up to find out which of us Servants is the strongest, Rider?"

"Correct." The King of Conquerors grinned. "We are all proud heroes, regardless of our origins. And most of all, we all have one wish that drives us towards victory over one another." He passed back her cup. "Consider this a sort of… 'Grail Dialogue'."

Caster X took a sip from his wine and tilted his head in thought. "I can appreciate the idea of settling this War with peaceful talks, if such a feat were possible."

"So would I," Assassin X admitted, lowering his goblet. A couple of eyes narrowed at the noticeable decrease of wine inside it as he spoke. "But we wouldn't be here if we each had something important to fight for, my friend. And I doubt anything up to and including negotiating with the Grail itself will help grant all of our wishes."

"I do not dispute that." The wizard nodded in concession while pulling a pipe from his robes. He glanced about as he prepared. "Does anyone mind if I smoke while we speak?" All shook their heads in the negative, prompting him to put the pipe in his mouth and snap his fingers. A spark of fire danced on his fingertip before it was inserted into the hole. "We all stand here for the sake of our beliefs and our hopes," he spoke while igniting his pipeweed. A pleasant-smelling smoke wafted through the air. "But we have all seen battle before, and I would tell you not to be too quick in casting aside peaceful moments. And at the very least, we can stand to hear of each other's motives." Waving away the flame on his finger, Caster X took a few puffs before exhaling a cloud that flowed around him like a circling stream.

Showoff, the others thought in unison. Then Rider leaned over with a curious gleam. "Say, elder one, could I try that as well? I'd heard of such a pleasure form from time to time in my travels, but I never had the opportunity to sample itself."

Caster X weighed it with another puff before nodding. "Very well, but only a taste. My supply is not infinite." He rubbed off the tip on his sleeve before handing over the pipe.

The King of Conquerors looked over the slim rod, the round chamber with burning weed within, then placed the tip inside his mouth. He sucked in a deep breathe that made his cheeks puff up like brown balloons, his eyes glazing over and his mouth shifting into a pleased smile.

"And out." The pipe's owner advised him. Smoke erupted from the big man's nostrils. And his ears.

Saber X barked a laugh at how his friend slumped into a totally relaxed manner on the spot. "Damn, this is the quietest I've ever seen of Kandy Bar! Makes me want to ask you for more of that stuff to keep him like this forever."

You and me both, Waver half-heartedly thought.

"Old Toby," Caster X quickly plucked his pipe out of Rider's slack digits with a laugh, "the finest pipeweed in the Southfarthing. A peaceful, beautiful area of my world." Behind him, Kariya smiled as well at the memories of Hobbits eating, laughing, and otherwise going about their humble lives there. Then the Servant quickly spoke up again. "But as I said, I only have enough for myself."

Life flickered in Rider's eyes again, red stars burning in the night. He thumped a fist into a palm. "Then I shall have to face you for the right to that delicious- OW!" Saber X didn't even acknowledge the stink-eye cast his way for clipping Rider's head. The Macedonian Servant sighed before conceding, "Or I could procure my own pipe and tobacco…"

"That is an option," Caster X replied amused. He looked over to the other monarch and noted traces of agitation in her otherwise prim posture. "I fear I've pushed away from the original purpose of this gathering, and I apologize for that." He bowed his head towards Saber.

She made to accept his courtesy with a nod when a new voice rang out. "Gathering is far too flattering a word for this shamble."

Everyone turned to see a familiar collection of golden sparkles arise on one of the stone paths. Then a fully armored Archer was striding towards them with tight steps and a disdainful expression conveyed by his entire body. All Servants except one braced themselves for battle; even if this one carried no weapon, he didn't appear even remotely friendly.

And they all knew he didn't need to carry weapons to use them.

Rider, however, lifted his goblet in greeting. "Ah, welcome, Archer! I'm happy you've accepted my invitation."

Saber curled the fingers of her right hand as though to summon her blade. "Invitation?"

"We ran into him prancing like a fuckin' peacock down the streets earlier today," Berserker X lazily explained, his own sword already half-materialized. A bloodthirsty smile began to spread on his lips. "Kandy kept us from duking it out back then, but the sun's down now."

Archer only sneered at the challenge, but before either could make a move, a voice behind him spoke up. "Five seconds since your arrival and a brawl is about to break out?"

A familiar aircraft slowly drifted out of the sky before restructuring itself into Rider X. "I wonder how my presence shall stir up the pot." He eyed amused the further increase of tension at his appearance.

Saber X's massive sword expanded to its full length. "I don't recall you getting an invitation, pal." He cast a glance to Rider who shook his head in answer.

"There is little you can keep from me, Saber X," Rider X replied smoothly, "once I have a mind to know it."

Electricity began to crackle in Assassin X's hand as he eyed the steel titan warily. Assassin… Lancer and Saber had risen to their feet while Berserker X's nodachi was halfway out of his sheathe. "Now this is where the fun starts," the latter laughed.

But the metal behemoth rose his open palms towards them. "Tempting though clashing with you again would be, Berserker X, I have no intention of facing all of you at once. Such overwhelming power in one place… how could any Servant hope to survive?" His eyes carried not a trace of fear despite his words. "And doesn't your honor, little knights, compel you to carry out battles one-on-one?"

"Not all of us are mere knights, mongrel," Archer drawled, eyeing his opponent sideways.

Gáe Daerg and Gáe Buidhe gleamed at the ready in the moonlight. "And an exception could be made in your case," their owner warned.

Rider X didn't so much as flinch at the hostility. If anything, his amusement grew as he took in Saber X and Caster X drawing their own swords. Berserker X cracked his neck, blade held high above his smirk. So wary in my presence, all of you… But out loud, he alluded to a little something he'd read about his colleague's culture. "Is this the fabled hospitality of this world's kings? Openly threatening a guest recently arrived?"

"A true guest does not simply barge into a gathering without invitation." Saber had summoned her sword, its windy shroud swirling about like on the cusp of a typhoon while Assassin X maintained the charge in his hand. "And I am certain this one can continue just as well," her tone was ice cold, "after we've dealt with you."

But then a large hand reached in front of her. "Stand down, all of you," a solemn Rider told her. "While I cannot applaud his methods, Rider X is correct." Saber wasn't the only one who turned to him in disbelief, but her rival monarch kept his gaze on the foreign newcomer.

Hospitality had been a sacred custom in Greece. Zeus himself, King of the Gods and alleged father to Iskandar, held dominion over this and the protection of guests as well as thunder and lightning. The King of Conquerors couldn't in good conscience welcome Archer into their dialogue while turning Rider X away simultaneously. And Rider X knows that, he mused. It's as I thought; he's a clever adversary. The metallic sneer directed at him; another challenge.

Rider chose to answer it with a fierce grin. "Though you did indeed barge in, you remain a guest as well." He waved his hand to the wine caskets. "Come and sit. You will not be attacked while this Grail Dialogue is underway." His eyes sharpened. "Provided you mind your manners, of course."

"I shall be on my best behavior." Rider X's chuckle did nothing to soothe the tension.

Saber X stared at his partner a while longer before collapsing Harbinger with a huff. Berserker X grumbled but sheathed his nodachi as well while the Huntsman warned, "Fine. But if you step out of line, Buckethead, all bets are off."

"So feel free to step out of line," the Soul Reaper added grinning.

Rider X simply laughed off the threat as he stepped towards the circle. The Masters (and Irisviel) instinctively shied away even though he did nothing more than sit cross-legged on the ground and accepted wine from Rider. Caster X didn't take his eyes off his seating neighbor but sheathed his sword all the same. Guest right had been sacred on Arda as well. He gave a telling look over to the last trio still armed.

Finally, Saber willed away her class weapon before nodding to the others. She too understood the rules of hospitality. And Lancer and Assassin X('s clone) respected her enough to follow suit before sitting down again. Didn't mean they'd lowered their guard, oh no.

Meanwhile, the real Assassin X hung his head with a sigh. 'I could try to kill Rider X now, but from what I know of him, he's not careless or stupid enough to do something this brazen without a plan. I could be jumping into a trap.'

'And even if he hasn't set one up, Archer might interfere if their Masters really are in an alliance,' Kiritsugu continued in frustration. Right now, both wanted nothing more than to remove that steel Servant from the Grail War, but one wrong move, and this whole thing could turn into a blood bath. With Irisviel and Saber in the middle. '…Only observe for now.'

'Affirmative.'

Everyone was waiting for the moment Rider X did anything to abuse their hospitality.

Including Archer. But the King of Heroes merely gave an insulted scoff that drew the collective attention. "Being invited to such a dreary place, having to bear the charade of mongrels snapping at one another…" His red eyes set on Rider's. "Is this utter shambles your idea of how to conduct kingly discussions? Especially with inviting common riffraff to the table? How do you intend to redeem yourself for wasting my time?"

But it was another who answered. "The night is still young, Archer." Caster X puffed from his pipe anew to steady his nerves. "And though having certain standards is the mark of a great king, wouldn't you agree that carrying an open mind is one as well?"

Gilgamesh shifted his piercing gaze to the interloping dog… and paused. His eyes narrowed, though not really in anger, before he said, "Do not presume to lecture me on what makes a great king, apparition." Assassin X and Saber, Rider and Saber X traded curious glances while Caster X's eyebrows arched at the appellation. "Be grateful that I continue to grace you with my presence."

Rider X drank from his cup to mask his frown, eyeing the old man smoking his pipe. "Apparition?" Not "mongrel?" He'd suspected that there was something about this wizard from the moment he'd saved that black beast at the dockyards. Despite his fragile appearance, Rider X was surer than ever that this one spelled trouble. Moreso with a certain ally's testimony in mind.

But he couldn't strike him down now. Not with so many present, and only Rider's rule keeping them from attacking him. Oh well. May as well enjoy the wine and the tension.

From the side, Kariya glared full of disdain at the golden Servant. His Servant. His arm ached to rise and call Berserker here with Command Seal. His team would crush Archer and score another victory over-

'Steady now.' Gandalf's deep voice echoed in his mind. 'This is not the place to battle him. Too many others are present, and he is under guest right. Rider may step in to stop us.' The words cooled the Master's temper like a clear spring. 'Do not let anger triumph over reason.'

Kariya relented with a silent sigh. For better or worse, he was just a spectator. First seeing Rin again and now this encounter, and always the Crest Worms… he needed to rest before his mind exploded.

"Easy now." Rider had filled up a cup and offered it to Archer. "Relax and have a drink."

The wine was taken and pointedly downed in one gulp, much like how Saber had answered Rider's "challenge." But Archer gave him a derisive frown in addition. "What kind of swill are you giving me? You'd bring such cheap excuse of wine to establish the ranks of Heroic Spirits?"

Rider didn't appear insulted, though. "Huh, these were the best caskets we could find at the market."

Berserker X took another drink before shrugging. "Good enough for me. What, you can't drink it without mixing molten gold or crushed diamonds in it or something?"

"Now that sounds like something that needs an acquired taste." Assassin X joked.

"Don't be ridiculous, mongrels. I see none of you have the slightest idea of true wine." He lifted his right hand and summoned a golden portal over it, prompting the others to brace themselves. But what came out wasn't any weapon, but a large golden pitcher that he placed proudly on the ground.

"Ooooh…" The Rider trio released as they eyed it, Saber X even licking his lips.

Archer smirked proudly as nine pristine goblets emerged in his hands. "Behold and learn of your folly. This is drink befitting the true king." He closed his eyes in satisfaction…

Then opened to find the cups out of his hands and arrayed in front of Saber X. The dark-haired man was practically drooling as he grabbed for the pitcher. "Don't mind if I do…"

But Rider beat him to it with a laugh. "I shall pour the wine so we can sample it equally, Qrow."

He scoffed at that. "What, you don't trust your own partner?"

"In battle, with my life. With alcohol, not so much."

"Wise move," Assassin X and Lancer chorused, receiving a halfhearted scowl from Saber X. Either way, the King of Conquerors poured the wine into the golden cups, making sure not to spill a single drop of the precious liquid. High above them, an Assassin watched all of the proceedings with great care. As did the real Assassin X from his own hiding spot.

As did yet another Servant with Presence Concealment. 'Well, it seems to have grown peaceful again,' Lancer X reported from the shadows, hazel eyes trained on the collection. 'No thanks to Rider X or my partner.'

'There's no point worrying about Archer, he does what he wants.' Tokiomi grumbled inside her mind. Little time had passed since their return to Fuyuki City, and no sooner had the Heroic Spirit of the Spear finished debriefing her Master of her adventure with Rin did Kirei report of multiple Servants converging on the Einzbern castle. While the Hassan's were on watch as ever, Tokiomi had decided he wanted to see whatever occurred for himself. Therefore, he dispatched Lancer X to the mansion, her primary orders being "stay hidden and gather intelligence."

And this time, he had enough clarity of mind to invoke shared perception between them before her departure. Even within his family's workshop, the Tohsaka patriarch could see and hear everything happening inside the Einzbern courtyard. 'Maintain watch like Assassin for now. Let's see if anything happens.'

'Very well,' Jade confirmed her instructions, noting that he'd at least become cordial with her again. Still, she wished she'd had more time to question Tokiomi about this "Sakura" Rin and Kariya Matou had spoken of…

All nine Servants in the circle had now received a goblet with the supposedly superior wine. Caster X raised his before asking, "Shall we have a toast?"

Some eyed each other warily, but then Rider hoisted his drink high. "To the Holy Grail and the Servants who shall claim it!"

His Charisma prompted the others to emulate his action, Assassin X adding, "To an unusual Grail War full of surprises."

"Hear, hear," the Sabers, Rider, Lancer and Caster X chorused to his sentiment. Berserker X just grunted while Archer and Rider X merely sneered. Then they all drank the wine.

Saber stared at her wine in open surprise. Her partner whispered next to her, "Oh my god…" and she couldn't blame him.

The taste of this wine was… was… "Brilliant!" Rider roared in delight before taking another gulp.

"Incredible," Lancer mumbled bewildered.

Though he had no lungs, Rider X exhaled explosively. "Unmatchable." Though wine tasting was a pleasure he'd only discovered as a Servant, he felt this liquid was the finest he'd ever sampled and ever will sample.

Saber X cradled his wine almost tenderly. "Where have you been all my life…?" he whispered.

Berserker X gulped down the rest in his cup like air. "Best damn wine I've ever had."

Caster X was silent, but the shimmer in his eyes made it clear he agreed with every sentiment uttered. And so did Saber. The wine… every drop of it felt like it carried every single pleasurable sensation within. Sweet yet sour, relaxing yet invigorating, tastes that should've been contradictory but instead came in a perfect balance. Even the smell alone was captivating. It was like all of the tastes the samplers had enjoyed in their varied lives had somehow been pressed into a liquid and served.

The Gray Wizard swirled about the delicious bounty in his goblet. "…I have never tasted an equal of such wine among the Men of my world," he finally proclaimed. "Not even the finest from the Elves could've hoped to match it." He turned to the gathering's host. "Apologies, Rider, but Archer claims victory here."

"I'll second that." "Agreed." "Ditto." "No shit."

The verdict was unanimous. And Rider chuckled in good nature at his defeat. "I couldn't argue if I wanted to."

Archer had sat down, twirling his goblet with the smuggest expression one could imagine. "Blades, wine, only the best is kept within my treasury," he declared before having another sip. His free hand lashed out to smack away that of another reaching for the pitcher. "And it most certainly will not be housed within that filthy flacon of yours, mongrel." Gold began to shine behind him. "Do not test my generosity."

Saber X withdrew his hand and stowed away his flask with a pout.

Once done, he continued. "This alone proves who the greatest among us is."

That earned him a derisive scoff from Rider X. "Good taste in wine, no matter how supreme you collection, does not guarantee your claim of the Holy Grail." He leaned forward, baring his teeth in a confrontational smile. "Drinking from that cup is a privilege I will let no other claim."

Saber shook her head, the wonderful feeling in her mouth having soured. "This posturing from the both of you tires me," she told them. "I'd expect more restraint from respectable rulers."

Megatron barked in laughter. "Bold words from the King of Knights, yet your appearance does your legend little justice."

That sparked a fire in her, but Lancer spoke first in defense of his rival (Sola-Ui twitched at the interaction) "Considering you've failed to kill her twice, Rider X," the knight noted in a cool tone, "I'd say you have little room for bluster." He toasted his cup to her, and she did the same as a sign of thanks.

"A mere knight has no place to speak in the matters of rulers."

"He's a Heroic Spirit," Assassin X countered. "On that ground, everyone sitting here is an equal." He rolled his eye as a certain Servant made to laugh at his statement. "Yes, yes, you stand above the rest of us, Archer. Though I fail to see how you think fine wine…" he paused before conceding, "exquisitely fine wine is reason enough for you to have the Grail."

Berserker X laughed. "Maybe he's trying to bribe us 'cause he can't fight for shit."

Archer glared at him before sneering in answer of Assassin X's inquiry. "I'd have thought a mongrel wearing a mask would know not to bark, but you disappoint me." His eye twitched at the noncommittal shrug he received in answer, but he pressed on. "As for you, mad dog, I have no need to 'fight' any of you for the Grail."

"Why's that, Mr. High-and-Mighty?" Saber X drawled while drinking more of the good stuff.

"Pay close attention, you outsiders who have intruded upon my garden…" Archer cast his gaze upon all of the other Servants. "The Holy Grail is my property. Every single treasure of this world comes from my collection, no matter time or place."

Rider cocked an eyebrow in amusement. "You're telling us you know the Grail by sight? You've held it before?"

"No," Archer answered simply. He didn't even bother to acknowledge the inquisitive and/or disbelieving looks he received. "None of you could begin to understand. The total scope of wealth in my treasury has long since grown past my own knowledge, but as it is a treasure, the Grail naturally belongs to me." His eyes sharpened as a warning. "Anyone else that attempts to claim it is nothing but a worthless thief."

Further away, Lancer X rolled her eyes at her partner's arrogance, wordlessly praying alongside their Master that he not give any more clues as to his identity. A pain he was, but like it or not, Tokiomi insisted on keeping him. Better to have a humanoid weapon of mass destruction and not need him than need him and not have him, I suppose…

He basked in the silence following his proclamation, but it was short-lived. "No point in fighting you, because the Grail belongs to you already…" Assassin X cocked his head towards his comrade. "Haven't you told me of someone else who used similar logic?"

"Or lack thereof." Saber agreed. "Caster too claimed in his delusions he'd won the Holy Grail." She sipped her wine in dismissal. "It seems another shares his madness."

Berserker X, Saber X and the Riders burst into laughter that only grew when Archer growled in irritation. Even Lancer and Caster X traded an amused look while Assassin X sent the Heroic Spirit of the Sword a telepathic message. 'Yeesh, you can be vicious.'

'Every knight has a cruel streak. We simply learn to hide it.' Only he could see her smirk.

Then Caster X raised his voice (one second before golden portals might've appeared). "Just to fully grasp the weight of your words, Archer, you lay claim to everything of value in this world? What of treasures that come from other worlds?"

Archer waved his hand in dismissal. "Those do not interest me in the slightest. My dominion is over this world, my treasury carries all of its riches. These rules are my decree and thereby absolute. I will not have my collection contaminated with foreign trash."

All the while, he made sure not to look at one drunken dog and his amusingly odd weapon.

Rider scratched his beard with a relaxed smile. "I might have an idea what your True Name could be, Archer…" The golden king gazed at him without change in his demeanor while everyone else grew attentive. Lancer X was slowly reaching for Promise Keeper at her Master's (minutely panicked) behest, then the big Servant shrugged. "But back to our old topic, you're saying that we must first receive your permission to obtain the Grail?"

More than a few were disappointed at the change in topic (and one or two were quietly relieved), but Archer only clicked his tongue. "Correct, but I see no reason to bestow such a gift upon any of you."

Saber X rolled his eyes before taking another drink. "Oh great, the king of this world's a total cheapskate."

"Imbecile. My grace is limited to my subjects and my vassals alone. You, an outlandish animal, have the least claim to such an honor." Archer smirked haughtily. "Then again, if any of you pledge allegiance to me, I may loan you a Grail or two."

Saber X scoffed. "Goldy, I'd sooner brush a live shark's teeth with my tongue."

The smirk shifted to predatory. "That can be arranged."

"Though I lack the creativity to word it like that," Lancer cut in with slightly self-deprecating humor, "I too have no interest in swearing fealty to another. But if I understand you correctly, you yourself have no wish to make upon the Grail, Archer?"

"Of course not, mongrel. But I cannot allow someone else to run off with my treasure. It's the matter of principles."

Assassin X tilted his head. "And on what grounds are these principles established?"

"This is the law. The law I set in stone as the King." The most attentive of Archer's audience picked up on the subtext. Each and every word now had been spoken with utter conviction. Calling it arrogance wasn't quite right; the word seemed too small in its definition. To this unknown King in golden splendor, his word was fact and iron law. No trace of self-doubt or second-guessing. A bit intimidating, in its own way.

But none of these Heroic Spirits could be so easily intimidated. "The laws of my own world were not enough to hold me down," Rider X proclaimed after drinking from his cup again. "And as you've said, Archer, I and four others who sit here, plus two more, do not come from your world. We simply choose to abide by 'your' law for now as a…" he leered, "courtesy."

Rider crossed his arms with a nod. "My colleague raises a fair point there," he conceded, "and though I share this world with you, Archer, I still desire the Grail with all my soul. And if you won't give it to me, I'll simply take it as I always have."

His voice rumbled with conviction as well, surety in its own way. Berserker X laughed before slapping his partner on the back. "Knew I liked your style."

"How else do you think I became the King of Conquerors, my friend?" Iskandar laughed.

Saber X slapped his forehead but grinned all the same. "Yeah, I can't be mad at the enthusiasm, even if your idea of right and wrong looks a little crooked."

Archer was unfazed by the blatant challenge. "Right and wrong mean nothing to me, I offer no chance for discussion."

"And none of us have any interest in one," Rider X shot back. "Which leaves only the battlefield to settle this matter."

The declaration hung open in the air, a certain intensity rising among the Servants gathered. "Smartest thing you said…" Berserker X was absolutely delighted; he looked about one second away from lunging at Archer or Rider X. Or both. And while none of the others close to matching his appetite for a fight, they shifted however so slightly in preparation.

Then Rider cheerily reached for the pitcher of Archer's heavenly wine. "But for tonight, let us simply enjoy this fine drink." He shook it slightly so everyone could hear its sloshing.

The more cautious guests glanced in worry to the most violent one present, but he shrugged in good nature and offered his cup. "Fine by me."

That is some good wine… The Sabers, Lancer, Assassin X and Caster X observed in unison.

But they allowed their own goblets to be refilled all the same. Archer gave no protest, for the enjoyment of his wine only proved further his superior taste.

Soon enough, the pitcher was empty and faded into golden dust. After he took another sip, Rider sighed in delight. "Now then, I confess a curiosity towards the rest of you foreigners." He eyed one after the other: the sharp, brutish man with an eyepatch and bells, the hulking being of metal, the greybearded elder in robes, the silver-haired man hiding nearly all of his face from the rest, and finally, the one that had been his snarky brother-in-arms since his arrival. "Kenpachi and Qrow I know by name, but I would also like to hear yours." He raised an open palm. "I understand you as Servants might value hiding your True Names from us, but in this time and place, I don't think revealing it would come at great risk."

"And the reason you want to know who we are would then be…?" Assassin X rolled his hand with a curious glint in his eye.

Iskandar beamed at him. "It's simply easier to address you than by your class! Assassin X and Rider, it gets so stuffy after a while. You already know my name and Lancer's, Saber is the King of Knights, and Goldy's not going to share, but you have nothing to fear, I think, from letting us enjoy some familiarity!" If this were an anime, more than a few present would've had a large drop of sweat trail down their heads.

Irisviel and Sola-Ui traded incredulous glances before the latter remembered who she was really here for. Waver could only sigh in exasperation. Then he felt a hand patting his shoulder and looked up to see the hooded man next to him. "Thanks…" he mumbled halfheartedly.

"Don't mention it," Kariya replied before wincing. "I've got a handful for a Servant, too."

"…And the one that doesn't come from this world is more manageable for you?"

"Oh yeah."

Meanwhile, Caster X enjoyed one final puff from his pipe before putting it away with a chuckle. "Very well." Flavored smoke wafted through the air, Rider gazing at it almost longingly.

Archer sniffed, not out of distaste but in curiosity. Hmm, better quality than the excuse for wine I was given… Then he turned his attention to the apparition as he cleared his throat. "I need make no great secret that the Men of my world knew me as Gandalf the Gray."

Lancer tilted his head in thought. "Gandalf… that has a ring of Old Norse to me."

Saber nodded beside him in agreement while Irisviel wondered about its connotation. "And it's no wonder where your epithet stems from…" the former noted, taking in the foreign Servant's humble robes. "I take it you were known as the Gray Wizard as well?"

The old man nodded pleasantly to her. "Ah, you have experience with wizards as well, King?" He chuckled at the King of Knights' poignant smile. "Yes, there were five of us during my time there, and we all carried our epithets by the colors of our robes. Some Men also referred to me as 'Mithrandir,' or the 'Grey Pilgrim' in Sindarin."

Iskandar let out an interested sound. "A fitting name from what I've come to learn about you, friend! But what exactly is 'Sindarin' for a language?"

"Sindarin is the most common tongue Elves have spoken in Middle-Earth. They gave me this name long ago."

"Middle-Earth, huh?" Saber X scratched his stubble. "Weird name for a world, but hey, I come from one called 'Remnant,' and this one's named after dirt." That provoked a short round of laughter before he spoke again. "And you've got Elves there? Pointy ears, silver hair…"

"Immortal and are known to answer both yes and no when giving advice?" Caster X finished with a fond smile. "Yes, I have many old and dear friends among them, as well as among the Dwarves, who gave me the name 'Tharkûn,' staff man."

"Real imaginative," Saber X quipped. "So, which one do we call you?"

He received an easygoing shrug in answer. "Gandalf was the name others used the most, but whichever you prefer. Caster X suits me as well…"

Saber nodded firmly. "Then in recognition of the War we must still fight, I shall refer to you as Caster X." Then she adopted a friendlier expression. "But as one who has fought by my side and earned my respect, you are Gandalf."

"I agree." Lancer grinned in good humor. "It's fairly easy to remember, anyway."

Rider weighed his head before delivering his verdict. "True, Gandalf is a fine name, but I prefer Mithrandir. It rolls so nicely off the tongue and sounds similar to others of my time."

Berserker X cleaned noncommittally his ear with his pinky. "Don't really care."

"Apparition fits you best," Archer sneered, drawing a tired sigh from the wizard and more curious looks from others. He offered no answer; these foolish mongrels had been too distracted to notice the little riddle this one had been playing…

"Oh, I wouldn't say that." Everyone else cast an apprehensive glance to Rider X. "Calling him 'doomed' would also be appropriate."

Kariya scowled at the monster, but another rose to his friend's defense. "Easy with the boasting, Rider X," Assassin X returned the gaze from those crimson glowing eyes without fear. "Where I come from, anyone that's lived to an age like Gandalf's," he shared a fond nod with Caster X over his own choice in name before continuing, "isn't one to be taken lightly."

That said, he'd grown curious about the Servant of Sorcery sitting close by. Archer's choice of identification, a strange presence his Sharingan had glimpsed of while fighting Caster… and how Caster X had so far only given names that others had called him, but not actually what was his own. There's more to him than meets the eye, the Copy Ninja surmised. But… I don't really get a sense of danger from him like I would with Archer or Rider X or even Berserker X. It's almost like I can't help but respect him or listen to him. Curious…

But he simply gave an eye-smile. "Well, seeing as I butted in, I suppose I'm next." His right hand rose in greeting. "I'm Kakashi Hatake, pleasure of varying levels to meet you all."

"Scarecrow?" Berserker X snorted in amusement. "Looks like we come from similar worlds… Candy and Qrow already know it, but I'm Kenpachi Zaraki."

"Kenpachi, huh…" Assassin X nodded to himself. "Eight Swords… or alternately, it can mean 'The Man Who Cannot Fall,' right?"

"Yeah, that's about right," the 11th holder of that name rumbled, sparking a sense of challenge in certain Heroic Spirits. "Back in my world, there was a squad that fought on the front lines, and its captain would always carry that name as a sign of their rank and them bein' the strongest fighter around." He then glanced irritated to the side. "Or at least that what the fatass said before I chopped him in half and took his name…"

That drew Saber's attention. "So, you claimed your name and rank in battle, then?"

She got a shrug as an answer. "I was just looking for a good fight, and I ended up with a job. That's just how it worked in Squad 11." He smirked. "Though I'd already taken the name for myself before that fight…"

Rider slapped his comrade in the back. "The way of a conqueror! I knew we were meant to be friends, Kenpachi!"

Were he more motivated, Waver's heart might've skipped a beat at the others' learning his Servant's True Name. Sure enough, Kariya and Sola-Ui both started. As Masters, they could clearly make out the stats of the Servants gathered. Which made for a bit of a surprise when Berserker X's suddenly changed.

Even from a video camera/shared perception, Kiritsugu and Tokiomi respectively noticed the increase in the Servant's parameters as well. Or rather, it wasn't so much an increase but the reveal of his true parameters. Uncrowned Martial Arts, the Tohsaka Master recalled in comprehension. With that barbarian blurting out his True Name, there's nothing left to obscure his capabilities.

Any satisfaction he took at this was mixed with caution, though. As he'd thought, this foreigner was very powerful, even with his Mad Enhancement worryingly remaining E-rank. Neither he nor his partners nor even that mousy boy appeared concerned over the loss of anonymity, either. A troubling observation.

Sure enough, the King of Conquerors and his first partner didn't show a hint of worry. Truth be told, they hadn't even noticed that Berserker X had such a Skill. Saber X just huffed. "Eh, what the hell…" he gave a two-fingered salute. "Name's Qrow Branwen."

One Servant perked up at that. "Branwen?" Saber repeated in curiosity. "I believe I have heard that name before…"

Lancer nodded. "It wouldn't surprise me if you had, Saber. Branwen is the name of a princess from one of my home's tales."

Berserker snorted before giving his partner a teasing leer. "Princess, huh?" He laughed alongside Rider despite receiving an annoyed smack on the head from Saber X.

Diarmuid continued to reminisce about the Welsh stories he could remember with a somber expression. "There is much tragedy surrounding her, including the devastation of two kingdoms and dying of a broken heart." He mused out loud. That part hit close to home.

Rider X smiled cruelly before speaking. "I wonder if there's any relation between the Branwens…" This earned him glares from nearly everyone.

"Well, aren't you a sweetheart…" Qrow merely cast his gaze to the ground, something Archer eyed in amusement. The corvid-named man then made to drink from his goblet again only to grumble a curse upon realizing it was empty. His free hand dragged the casket by Rider closer before plunging his cup into the liquid. His first sip preceded a longing sigh. "Better a bare bulb than no bulb, I guess…"

Those of a compassionate nature grew concerned over this behavior.

But Saber X's fire had returned, for he flashed a challenging to Rider X. "So, what kinda calamities surround your name, Buckethead? Or are you really just shy underneath all that big talk and scrap metal?"

Rather than be insulted, the robotic Heroic Spirit released a slow chuckle that rumbled through the air. "Like your partner, I too claimed my name long before rising to power." He straightened his posture before proclaiming, "I am Megatron, champion of the gladiator pits of Kaon, founder and master of the Decepticons, and conqueror of the planet Cybertron."

Rider matched his grin tooth for tooth. "Bold words, fellow Rider! And the power behind your words convinces me that you are indeed another conqueror." He then closed one eye in jest. "Though I'm not so sure about your final claim. Cybertron wasn't truly yours when you perished, was it?"

"A momentary setback, but my victory is assured, regardless of my current… situation."

Any other individual, and these words would've come off as a weak excuse, empty posturing to cover up their failure. But Rider detected none of that. He instead sensed an all-powerful conviction, an unquenchable ambition in the metallic being that could well match his own. Truly… a rival in every way for me.

Others had grown even more wary of this one. "Decepticon?" Assassin X repeated the term Megatron had uttered earlier. "Curious name for a political movement." His eye narrowed at the Servant's broad, menacing build and in particular at the large cannon affixed to his arm. "Or an army."

"Both. It isn't rare for political parties to engage in active warfare, I trust you all know." Rider X sneered down at another prime target for elimination. "As for the name, my followers chose this and I myself took a liking to it."

"I find myself unsurprised." Saber levelled her emerald glare to match his leer. "You have a stench of betrayal and manipulation about you. I wonder if anything you have said until now is even real. But an appellation stemming from deception suits you perfectly, 'Megatron'. If that is even your True Name."

Megatron's amusement grew; he found himself reminiscing of a time where he'd elicited the cooperation of a dear old amnesiac friend. "Believe whatever you want. But I wear the name 'Decepticon' as a badge of honor, King of Knights. As I did when I lived, so I do as a Heroic Spirit." He spread his gaze to the entire group even while his memories traveled to a different meeting. One that had changed everything for him.

With that moment in mind, he chose to invoke the same words now as he did then. "Sometimes deception is necessary, when those who should listen to the truth will not, and will only understand once they have been lied to and forced to see their own lies."

Rider X had gained very few allies in his time participating in the Fourth Holy Grail War. He was not liked and certainly not trusted. But none who listened to his proclamation just then, physically present or not, Servant or otherwise, found themselves able to dismiss it easily. Or rather, perhaps they thought they could. But these words would linger. And in the long term, they may set off a tremor that would lead to great disruptions later down the line.

It was finally the wise Caster X who broke the contemplative silence by clearing his throat. "I trust you are satisfied now that you have learned our names and beliefs to some extent, Iskandar, King of Conquerors?"

Rider smiled back at him as he stowed away his thoughts. This Dialogue is even more interesting than I could've hoped. "Indeed I am, Mithrandir. Which leaves us with the next important step." He hoisted his cup to the center. "Comparing our wishes to one another. Let our wills and aspirations determine who is worthiest of the Grail's blessing."

"Have you not heard a word of what I've said, mongrel?" Archer sneered at him. "The Grail is mine by right-"

"Yes, we all know of your claims, Archer," Lancer of all people interjected, surprising a few.

The King of Heroes fixed a cold glare on him that promised murder. He noticed Saber and Assassin X shifting but paid it no heed. "Oh? And just what great wish would make you willing to defy my law, little green cur?"

"One out of a grave responsibility I must uphold," Diarmuid answered without fear. This gathering had continued longer and with more troubling things than the Knight of Fianna had anticipated, and he was eager to continue the hunt for Archer X. It was time to bring this to an end. "I seek the Holy Grail to restore my lord to life."

"Huh?" Berserker X tilted his head in confusion, making the bells in his hair jingle. "I thought you wanted to get even with Archer X."

"That is my current objective," Lancer confirmed. "But even after I have hopefully punished her for her transgression, I remain a Servant in this Grail War. Should I succeed in winning, my first duty is to have the Grail return Lord Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald to the land of the living." Behind him, a certain redhead tensed at the idea.

And beside her, a young teenager shuddered involuntarily upon imagining that man's return and subsequent hunting of him.

Assassin X eyed the knight class Servant. "No offense, Lancer, but your first Master… wasn't the most pleasant individual from what I saw. You'd forfeit your wish to bring him back to life, just like that? What about the wish that brought you here in the first place?"

Diarmuid Ua Duibhne took in a breath before answering. This one was one of the Servants he'd grown to like, after all. "Serving a Master had been my wish in the first place, Assassin X," he explained with as much patience as he could gather. "In life, I betrayed my oaths, my comrades and my lord out of love and met my end with betrayal and regret. I hold no malice towards the one who let me die or the woman I loved, but I hoped with my last breath for a chance to regain what I had lost. As the one who summoned me to this time and era, Lord Kayneth had granted my wish for me. I thereby owe him Archer X's life for taking his life and this chance to amend for my neglect."

Saber listened while bowing her head. Swearing unyielding fealty to his Master, continuing to uphold his honor even after his death, willingly forsaking the chance for any other wish granted to use it in his name… He truly is a knight of valor, she concluded, eyeing her opponent with fresh respect.

And… she too knew the feeling of dying with regret and the wish to do better.

Caster X inclined his head towards the truly Heroic Spirit. "You are a noble man, Lancer."

Rider X shook his head in mirth. "How ridiculous." His red orbs gleamed at Sola-Ui who flinched away. "So, you're not comfortable enough playing lapdog to that insect there? You choose to shackle yourself to a dead man's will out of some heroic nonsense?"

Anger swept through the spearman's entire body, but he forced it down. "My oath to the Lord who summoned me to this world doesn't end with his death. But I wouldn't expect you to understand honor." His tone grew sharper. "And if you are no longer making use of hospitality, metal one, I suppose our discussion ends here."

Rider stretched out his hand between the duo. "That's enough. We still have other wishes to hear before the night is done." He turned to Lancer with an unreadable demeanor. "Your wish is an odd one. I myself would never have thought of it. But it's your business to do with the Grail as you will. If you win." He shrugged in good nature. "And I'm not about to yield it so easily."

"For once, I agree with Rider," the King of Britain continued with a rousing smile. "I applaud your adherence to duty, but do not let your hunt of Archer X forget that you and I still have our own unfinished business." He lifted her left hand in emphasis.

Lancer smirked at the challenge. "Of course not, Saber. I assure that once the matter with Archer X has been settled, I shall come to finish our duel and take one step closer to attaining the Grail."

"Try not to keep me waiting, then."

Assassin X suppressed a chuckle at the competitive sparks flying between them. Or are the sparks really competitive? …Jiraiya might've stolen this scene…

"Can't tell if they want to fight or kiss…" that mumble made both knights snap their sharpened gazes to a cheeky Saber X. And there was most certainly no tinge of red on either's cheeks, just a trick of the moonlight.

It took every lesson of Sola-Ui's magus upbringing to keep a neutral face at this spectacle. Her nails dug deeper into her forearms with each passing second.

His own smile hidden by his beard, Caster X spoke to keep the ball rolling. "Well, I commend you for your virtue, Lancer, and I confess to having similar plans currently." He sipped the last of his wine (pausing to give the newly emptied goblet a forlorn look) and went on. "My wish for the Grail is to restore my Master as well."

Everyone, present or otherwise, now focused their attention to the elderly Heroic Spirit in full disbelief. "…What is this nonsense?" Archer glared accusingly at him. "Are you attempting to deceive me? Sway my heart by claiming this was your wish from the beginning, apparition?"

"Of course this was not my wish when I was summoned." Gandalf the Gray shook his head, unconcerned of the possible danger. "When I lived, I had been assigned an important task: to aid the people of Middle-Earth against a dark power. My end came during a crucial mission, where I led a small fellowship of courageous individuals." He gestured in front of him. "Every single one of them would've been worthy to sit here amongst us." The declaration made all save Archer and Rider X wonder what sort of heroes could've earned such praise from the wise one. Kariya smiled a bit; he had a good sense of who his Servant was talking about. Two men, an Elf, a Dwarf… and four brave little Hobbits.

But Caster X chose to keep his tale simple. "And we were to guide our most important member," his tone softened in a mixture of care and sorrow, "a very dear fellow to me…" before regaining its prior volume, "to a place where a most terrible relic could be destroyed. And with its destruction would come the fall of the Enemy." Something about his tremor in that final word sent a slight shiver in even the bravest of his audience. "Our journey grew more dangerous than anticipated. I needed to face a demon of the ancient world. Alone. Its power was beyond any other of our Fellowship."

Images flashed before his Master's eye. A winged creature twenty feet tall, bathed in fire and darkness, roaring at him… He shivered, and it wasn't from the night air.

Even Rider X had grown engrossed in the tale despite himself. "Then you perished at this demon's hands?" He was starting to get an idea of this one's wish.

"And he at mine." Those blue eyes took on a faraway look as he recounted his tale. "Through fire… and water. From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, I fought with the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at least, I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside." The others found themselves imagining the scene; chasing down a demonic creature through roaring waters then up the side of a massive mountain, trading staggering blows with it all the while until it was struck down at the peak. "Darkness took me…"

Kariya didn't need to imagine it, for the scenes began to play out in his mind.

Facing the monstrous Balrog on a slim stone bridge unyielding…

Driving his sword into its blazing flesh even while in free-fall…

Trading blows with it amongst a peak's ruins as a storm raged about them…

Calling the lightning into Glamdring before thrusting its blade into the wretched chest…

Collapsing amidst the snow, using the last of his strength to turn towards the sky…

Irisviel noticed the hooded man swaying a bit. She quickly stepped closer to put a hand on his shoulder, her touch causing his scarred face to snap towards her in surprise. "Are you alright?" She asked in concern. Enemy or not, she couldn't help but worry.

"I-I am, thank you." Kariya gently pulled himself free of the homunculus' (noticeably weak) grip and regained some steadiness. In no small amount thanks to Gandalf's staff. He breathed deeply as these memories receded again. Just when I think I couldn't be happier to have such a Servant…

"You seem to have met an end worthy of the greatest heroes, Mithrandir," Rider praised him; he'd always appreciated a good tale. And he felt this one hadn't been exaggerated. Least of all the warmth towards these comrades. "So then, your wish upon the Grail is to return to your Fellowship, help them fulfill their mission?"

"It was when I answered the Grail's call, but I have since changed my mind." Caster X glanced briefly behind towards Kariya. "My Master is in a grievous state, even my magic can only do so much to restore his body. Perhaps only the Holy Grail can restore him to full health." He returned his resolute eyes to the other Servants. "And that is now why I fight."

Lancer nodded in understanding. "Your loyalty is impressive, Caster X."

But he blinked at the addressee shaking his head. "I've chosen this not simply because he summoned me, Lancer. I do this because I have grown quite fond of my Master…" Another glance back, "and he has someone he needs to live for. I want to give him that chance."

Diarmuid felt like he was being advised now. He leaned back to ponder the meaning of this wizard's words.

…He surprises me again. Kariya finished with a grateful tear trickling down his cheek.

Assassin X grew conflicted over this reasoning. "I don't doubt you're a wise man, Gandalf the Gray, or that your Master deserves his health back," he assured him first, "but are you sure about relinquishing your wish so easily? Your comrades hadn't completed their mission yet, and going by just half of what I've seen of you, friend, they could use your help."

Saber looked to him in sympathy. For Kakashi Hatake, letting comrades fend for themselves when you had the chance to help wasn't a decision he could fully condone.

Caster X inclined his head to concede the point. "True, their path ahead is filled with danger. And I would cherish the gift of returning to them in times good or bad. However, I know my friends well, and I trust they shall press on even in my absence." He smiled in pride. "Middle-Earth is a place of wonder and magic but also of great danger. They had all passed harrowing trials of their own before volunteering for this quest." His smile shifted to something else. Something… difficult to discern. "Besides…I believe if I am needed, the powers I served shall return me to them. And I see with my Master a chance to do a little good on this world."

His words soothed Assassin X's nerves. He could appreciate the level of trust the wizard had in those dear to him. He didn't want to coddle them but give them a chance to grow. Not too dissimilar to how the shinobi had acted himself in his old life. "You definitely are an assured one, my friend."

"Even the very wise cannot see all ends, Kakashi Hatake." He spread his arms wide. "I simply have faith. Faith in a force greater than me, faith in my friends that they will not fall so easily, faith in the power of small acts of kindness and decency."

Archer released another scoff at the sentimentality. "Faith… a drop of water in place of an ocean." He sipped derisively from his wine. He'd learned long ago that trust in higher powers was for fools.

"Sometimes a single drop can make all the difference, Archer King." He lowered his goblet to gaze at the apparition. There was no trace of anger or insult in those ancient blue eyes, only patience, an adequate level of respect and… benevolence.

Gilgamesh made no further effort to demean his ridiculous ideas. He too could be kind.

Rider's team, Lancer, Saber, Assassin X, and the humans (and one homunculus) had by contrast developed even more respect and fondness for the wizard seated before them (even if in Berserker X's case, he just wondered how good Caster X was a fighter to kill this Balrog thing). The Servant of the Shadows admitted, "I wish I could have the same faith as you." He scratched his head humbly. "But sadly, I'm a bit more selfish. My wish isn't for my Master's sake, I need it myself to return to my students."

Saber X turned his attention to the masked Servant. "Oh yeah, you mentioned you were a teacher the other day. So you had students before dying?"

He nodded. "Three. Two boys and one girl, still with their whole lives ahead of them."

Rider hummed in contemplation. "You're a capable combatant on par with knight class Servants, Assassin X, and you still found the time in life to train three youths?"

"Oh, I'm not that good, Rider," Assassin X waved the praise off with a chuckle. "Your partner, mine or Lancer on their worst days could wipe the floor with me on my best. Archer, too, of course." He hastily added as a certain pair of red eyes locked onto him.

Saber closed her eyes in mirth at her comrade's modesty. "Don't sell yourself short, my friend," she told him. "I couldn't think of a more reliable partner if I tried."

"I could, but thanks anyway, Saber." He returned her smile all the same. "But back to the matter of my students: it's a regular practice for jonin-rank shinobi like me to take three genin, or fresh graduates of the shinobi academy, under our wing. We personally instruct them, go on missions assigned by our village with them, and otherwise try to prepare them for becoming true ninja."

"Academy?" It was Lancer's turn to be curious. "You have a formal institute for warriors on your world?"

"Each village has one. Where I come from, we shinobi are basically trained aides, peacekeepers and if need be, soldiers for the villages we come from." He shrugged in admission. "I know I'm making us sound like glorified mercenaries," his expression darkened for a split second, "and some ninja were precisely that, but I assure you, the best of us always put our homes above making money. Anyways, in older times, clans would usually train their children in the ways of the ninja. But with the founding of villages were schools formed where young ones can receive standard education and the first steps for becoming shinobi." Assassin X quickly raised his hands. "The latter part is voluntary now, by the way. At least in my home, we never practiced drafting."

"I confess to being relieved at that." Caster X nodded. "And the concept itself is intriguing. A school dedicated to training young ones who wish to become warriors… not much different from other forms of learning."

"Doesn't surprise me either," Saber X chimed in before nodding up to Waver. "I mean, based on what I've heard from the pipsqueak, there's pretty much the same kind of thing for mages on this world. Back on Remnant, too, four kingdoms, each with one main academy dedicated to training generations of Huntsmen." And guard a powerful and important relic, he added to himself before continuing. "Beacon Academy's where I learned how to fight. Best years of my life, too…"

Berserker X leaned back in his seat. "There was one big academy for training soldiers back home, too. Never joined it myself, though." He clicked his tongue in irritation. "Don't need some snooty geezers to tell me how to fight…"

Saber frowned at such callous dismissal of instruction… before the frown shifted tone. "Wait… you challenged the captain of a military squad dedicated to frontline combat… and killed him… without having taken any formal training in your life?"

He shrugged noncommittally. "Pretty much. But the old man in charge made me do a day of Kendōafterwards." The Servant of Madness scrunched up his face. "Pretentious crap."

Assassin X forced down a shiver at the knowledge that the spikey-haired Heroic Spirit was as powerful as he was while being untrained (or how Rider's eyes gained a twinkle) and quickly continued. "As I was saying, I had my own team assigned to me, but…" he glanced away. "…I could've done better."

Sympathy rose in Lancer at the blatant regret in the man's posture. "You've proven yourself noble and loyal repeatedly, Kakashi. Surely these students of yours benefited from your guidance."

"I wish." The Man of One Thousand Techniques hung his head in shame. "They were-are good kids, all three of them. Sa-" He flinched; too painful to even say their names. Besides, he wasn't about to give Archer or Rider X any ammunition. "The girl was bright and studious, bound to bloom into a fine kunoichi one day. One boy was a hyperactive knucklehead," Assassin X and Saber suddenly snorted in unison, the latter surprising the others with her brief lapse in dignity. She regained her composure just as quickly despite remembering their chat two nights ago. "But he had determination and a dream that pushed him on through the hardest trials. And the other boy… was a genius driven like no other. What lessons they learned under me they learned well." Pride not unlike that of a father laced every one of his words, their truth absolute. "All three are certain to surpass me, I just know it."

The Servant's mask couldn't hide his broad smile. It warmed Saber to see it… and made something inside her wrench as well. "You must have been a fine teacher, partner." If only I could say the same…

"No, I wasn't." The shame returned, and the more attentive Servants noticed Assassin X's goblet had somehow become empty. "Their greatest lessons came from other teachers they found. Wouldn't have needed to if I hadn't been too lax with them, should've paid more attention…" He released an explosive sigh. "Should've tried harder with him…"

Archer was beginning to grow tired of this night. Better to speed things up, so he asked without fanfare, "Which student did you fail, mongrel?"

Others glared at him for the insensitivity, though none moreso than Saber. But Assassin X wasn't hurt. "I failed all of them, Archer," he answered quietly. "But… that boy I told you of, the genius? His entire clan had been massacred when he was only six years old." Sympathy rose at the knowledge that meshed with horror through what he said next. "By his older brother, no less."

Saber X froze up, his cup hovering an inch from his lips before returning to the ground. "The kid's brother butchered his own family?"

"His own clan," Assassin X corrected, energy draining from him. "Everyone who carried the Uchiha surname, man, woman, child… all of them killed in one single night. Save for his younger brother."

Irisviel hid her mouth behind her hands at such a horrifying scene. She knew completely of the magus ways and how families and clans had been similarly wiped out over the course of history. But by one of their own? She couldn't imagine any of her fellow homunculi massacring the Einzbern family completely.

Inside the Fuyuki Hotel room, her husband had been fazed as well. Kiritsugu briefly glanced away from the laptop as unpleasant memories welled up inside. But these didn't come from Assassin X or even Saber.

The memories of fires raging, people lunging at each other with feral eyes, gunshots echoing as he stood before his father slumped against the wall…

Those belonged to the Mage Killer.

Maiya eyed her savior with a tinge of concern inside her otherwise stoic visage, noting how his vision drifted into nowhere and his body tensed. She wasn't sure what had happened, but she remembered her responsibility to help him stay focused on the mission. The woman began to reach for his shoulder when Kiritsugu snapped himself out of whatever moment he'd been reliving and refocused on the surveillance.

The sight allowed her to release a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Then Maiya noticed that another arm had also been reaching for Kiritsugu. Assassin X's clone retracted as she turned to him, the two sharing a nod towards their leader. As if both were swearing, We're there for him.

Rider X crossed his arms; an entire clan of people likely trained in this man's same combative techniques wiped out in one night by only one man? Even he didn't deny it was impressive. And he knew what the point of this tale was. "The younger brother sought to avenge his clan, didn't he?"

"Unhealthily so. He dedicated every waking moment to growing stronger, learning more ninjutsu, for the sake of killing his brother." Assassin X closed his eyes. "And in the process, he barely tolerated his teammates and developed a rivalry with the other boy that could've gotten the girl killed. I lived long enough and seen plenty other cases to know where that kind of obsession leads to, and I'm sure you all have too."

Everyone nodded at his indirect question. Even Archer.

"I tried to mend this. I told him to let go of his revenge and develop new bonds with his comrades."

"You would deny that boy his right to deliver justice for the sins caused upon him?"

"No at all, Archer. I just wanted him to find a purpose in life beyond vengeance." He barely registered the king's huff. "But it wasn't enough. He left the village to join forces with a highly dangerous rogue, and my other boy was badly injured trying to stop him. As for the girl…" he massaged the bridge of his nose. "I had told her earlier not to worry. 'We'll have them back to their old selves in no time,' those were my words to a crying young girl."

Rider reached over to pat his shoulder. "You needn't be ashamed of trying to reassure her." He frowned a bit before conceding, "Though what you told her was a bit irresponsible."

"I know, Rider," Assassin X agreed, "and in hindsight, I was trying more to reassure myself." He pushed himself to sit straighter. "Three years passed since then, and my students trained under new teachers while I tried to buffer out my own inadequacies. He's even become a threat to my village. I've got a great many regrets in my life, but the state I left them in… that's a pretty recent one, and it cuts deep. But hopefully I can still make amends for it."

Rider X narrowed his eyes at the choice of words. "Then you seek the Holy Grail to pull this student of yours from the path of vengeance?" This idea rankled him a bit. "He's not a little boy anymore, Assassin X. Why waste an omnipotent wish-granting device on the fallacies of a foolhardy youth?"

That eye rose to lock gazes with his, and he silently commended the steel within. "That 'foolhardy youth' was my student, Rider X." Assassin X enunciated key words with a chill that would've snuffed an inferno. "Even if it was only for a short time, I was entrusted with him and two more to nurture, guide and scold if they strayed off the path. I have a chance to do right by my comrades, which makes it my responsibility to fight for that chance with everything I have." His eye narrowed. "Responsibility. A concept you wouldn't know."

Megatron bared his teeth in a sharp snarl at him, but his retort was cut off. "And I shall fight by your side with all my might to see both our wishes fulfilled, Kakashi," Saber vowed to her partner, who in turn eased himself of his anger to smile in gratitude to her.

As she returned it, Lancer looked between the pair with mixed feelings. On one hand, it brought him no small joy to know that his opponent had such a character as her comrade. On the other, he grew ashamed of the jealousy flickering inside his heart. Stop it, you fool. You can no longer hope for that with Archer X.

As for Caster X, he sensed that this man wore more masks than merely the one over his mouth. Oh, he hadn't lied once during his exposition of his regrets and wish, the wizard had no doubt of his honesty. But neither had he revealed his entire self. "I've got a great many regrets in my life." Something about that phrase made Caster X wonder if returning to his students was Assassin X's only wish. A great sorrow dwelled within the man, he noted. Perhaps equal to the one within Saber. A curious pair, they make.

Rider likewise beamed at the camaraderie between his friendly enemies. "A noble wish, Kakashi Hatake. It's always refreshing to see a man show such loyalty to others." His smile turned cheeky. "But I'm still not forfeiting the Grail so easily!"

Assassin X simply returned it with his eye-smile. "I appreciate your resolve, so long as you appreciate that I won't give up. Those who abandon the mission are trash, and those who abandon their comrades are lower than trash."

The Macedonian tyrant's smile only broadened at the strength within that declaration. "Excellent."

Archer, though, laughed at such a declaration. "You remain 'trash' regardless of your actions, masked mongrel."

"Mask's putting in the effort to do right by those kids, Goldie," Saber X pointed out after gulping down more wine. "Nothing wrong with that."

Assassin X now looked at his partner's colleague, noting the sympathy within his words. "Sounds like you and I would get along, too, Saber X. So, mind telling us what you're after?"

"Yeah, sure…" Saber X took another drink before leaning back with a sigh. "I'll admit, my wish is small and pretty selfish compared to yours though." He closed his eyes as though in thought. "But it's one I've had for as long as I can remember." His eyes opened to stare in complete seriousness at the others. "I want a do-over of my life."

Everyone looked to him in a mixture of confusion and disbelief. "A do-over?" Archer scoffed at the implication. "You mean, possibly erase your legend from the Throne of Heroes?"

"Well, I don't know if that would happen, but there's a bit more to my wish." The swordsman grumbled to himself, "I could've worded that better…" He cleared his throat. "Let me rephrase that, I want to start my life over, but with a different Semblance."

"Semblance?" Rider asked now in curiosity. "You've never mentioned that before in our talks."

"I didn't?" He shrugged. "Mustn't have come up. I quit teaching for a reason…" Saber X muttered while scratching his hair. He cleared his throat. "Okay, quick 1O1 for all of you: back in my world, humans learned a special party trick a long time ago. We call it 'Aura,' a way to manifest our souls for protection and combat." He closed his eyes again just before crimson energy shimmered around his entire body. Even Archer watched this with some interest. "Anything that has a soul on Remnant, my home, can use it to strengthen their physical abilities, shield their bodies, heal injuries faster, that kind of thing."

Saber focused on one word. "Anything? So, animals and other species could wield this 'Aura' as well?"

"Yup." Saber X smirked in fondness. "My brother-in-law had a corgi that could throw down with the best. But I've heard that even plants had a chance of manifesting Aura. And humans weren't alone back home…" He drank again from his wine. "Anyway, a 'Semblance' is a single power that develops from Aura and is unique to each user."

Assassin X cocked his head. "You're being awfully upfront with your abilities. I'd have thought you'd try to keep as much of your advantage of anonymity as you can."

Another smirk. "Knowing how a magic trick works doesn't always take away its effectiveness." His eyes briefly travelled towards his Master. "It's all about how you do it."

Waver blinked at the pointed look Saber X was giving him, then it returned to the others present. "And in my case, it don't matter whether or not you know about it."

"What sort of powers are we talking about?" Caster X inquired.

"Just about anything you can imagine and then some." The man gave a fond smile. "There are some on Remnant that can turn into rose petals, some who get stronger when you hit them…" Images flashed in Waver's head when he heard these descriptions, those two girls he kept seeing every now and then. Then Saber X's mood soured. "My… sister could open portals that would lead to people she'd formed an emotional bond with, didn't stop her from being a bitch…" He took another swig from his cup before refilling it.

All the others noted this hadn't been the first refill. Nor would it seem to be the last. Rider himself reached for his partner's goblet. "Perhaps you should pace yourself, my friend. Even we Servants have limits."

But Saber X smacked his hand away. "I know how to hold my liquor, Candy, I've had a lot of practice…" He growled even as his upper body began to sway a bit.

Saber, Assassin X, Caster X and Lancer exchanged knowing glances before the Corvid Reaper spoke up again. "Show of hands, who here knows of crows being a sign of bad luck?"

Many blinked at the non sequitur. "…I've heard such superstitions before," Assassin X was the first to answer, an attempt to humor him. "The crow, the raven, sometimes confused with the vulture, all supposed signs of death."

A few nodded at what he said. "Similar tales have been told in my homeland," Lancer added. "The warrior goddess Morrighan is known to have crows associated with her, if one considers war bad luck. It is said that seeing three crows nearby means she is watching you."

Rider scratched his chin in thought. "But in Greece, crows are praised for their intelligence and connected to Apollo, the god of the sun. Some say they bestow the gift of prophecy."

Caster X spoke up. "Others have referred to me as 'Stormcrow' in my time." He chuckled in self-deprecation. "I tended to appear with grave news of danger on the horizon, which led sometimes to me being considered the cause."

"That does not surprise me," Archer scoffed. "As for my people, they told more stories of lions, bulls, eagles if you seek a bird as a totem." Lancer X drew in a breath in conjunction with Tokiomi, the latter not happy that Archer was giving away a potential clue to his identity. Archer wouldn't have cared, though. His red eyes narrowed towards Saber X's. "You had better get to your point, mongrel, before I lose what's left of my interest and you lose what's left of your luck."

"Ah, cool your crotch, Goldy," Berserker X rumbled before looking to his partner. "That stuff about crows and bad luck… it's tied to that Semblance thing of yours, ain't it?"

"Ssscore one for the patch," Saber X slurred his quip slightly. "My Semblance is… different from most. It's… not really something I do, it's just…" he sighed into his cup, "always there. Been that way for longer than I can remember. Whether I like it or not." He lifted his head again, his eyes glazed between alcohol and melancholy. "It's how I got my name.

"Misfortune…" the word traveled through the air on bitterness and resignation, "that's the name of my Semblance." He glanced briefly to the side. "And my Noble Phantasm now, from the looks of it. And that's what you get when you're around me."

The others slowly grew to understand, but those words made something click inside the minds of Rider and Berserker X first, the Servants who had come to know Qrow Branwen better than the rest. And among the audience, Waver too began to understand. All those times where an object would suddenly topple over, or he'd stumble or trip over something… in his presence.

"Your power…" Iskandar muttered. "It affects the luck of everyone around you negatively, doesn't it?" His eyebrows furrowed. "Including yourself."

"Bingo-bango…"

Archer's eyebrows narrowed, too, but with more menace. "Then in the prior night… when I stood above the rest of you mongrels…" The corner of his mouth twitched. "When my footing grew unsteady… that was you."

A half-drunk, half-cheeky shrug was his answer. "Sometimes, it works in my favor." Saber X was unrepentant. He then looked away despite the increase in threat level. "But only sometimes… Years of training and being a Huntsman, and I still can't shut my damn Semblance off. I mean, I can choose to expand it, widen the area of effect and the chance of something going wrong…"

"But it's always active on a lower level." Assassin X finished with a compassionate wince.

A bitter nod. "And I have zero control over what's gonna happen or who it's gonna happen to. Don't get me wrong, causing bad luck can come in handy when I'm fighting an enemy…" Everyone knew what Saber X meant; a lack of fortune, even if it was something so small as losing your footing or mistiming the swing of your weapon, could spell defeat. "But not so good when I'm around friends." He took another drink. "Or family."

Caster X stroked his beard with a tender expression. "And you have been plagued with worry your entire life over the potential harm your Semblance could cause. You blame yourself for any misfortune that occurs in your presence."

"Heck, I'm surprised some catastrophe hasn't happened to any of us this whole time we've been sitting here if I'm totally honest." Qrow began to sway about in his seated position, singing offkey, "I'm a cursed black cat, I'm an albatross, I'm a mirror broken," he smiled bitterly while spreading his arms wide, "Sad to say, I'm your bad luck charm." He finished his verse with a big gulp of wine.

Assassin X eyed this with his brow raised. 'I'm starting to see how he picked up that drinking habit…' he told Saber over their link.

'I may follow a strict code of conduct, but in this case, even I can't begrudge him for it,' she agreed.

A period of silence followed as everyone considered the ramifications behind the swordsman's Noble Phantasm. Needless to say, no one was envious of his circumstances. And his lack of control over Misfortune almost certainly wasn't a lie; if he could control it, anyone that had battled with him would've suffered more from its effects. Besides, the way he kept guzzling wine like air and spoke with such drunken bitterness either made him one of the greatest liars in the multiverse or completely honest.

Well… Pliny the Elder said it best.

Rider finally shifted in his seat to face the first partner he'd gained in this War. "So, you tell me only now that you carry such an inconvenient power, Qrow Branwen…"

The smaller man sighed into his cup. He should've known that this was coming. "Yeah, I'm real sorry about that, big guy, it's just not an easy topic for-"

A heavy hand clapped down on his back, making him stop with a wet cough. Iskandar's grin nearly split his face. "…And remain such a mighty warrior despite it?"

"…Wait, what now?"

A laugh ripped through the air as mighty as the second clap to the Huntsman's back, the latter nearly toppling him in his drunken state over. "Oh, don't be so gobsmacked, my friend! I respect the burden your Semblance has been all your life, yet it does nothing to diminish my opinion of your fighting prowess! The opposite, in fact! I've seen you wield Harbinger with more skill than any other swordsman of my time, and I never even considered the idea of a scythe being a dueling weapon, much less having a firearm built in. Yet you surprised me!"

Saber X's murky eyes stared with surprising clarity for his state at the King of Conquerors in open shock. "Rider has every right to praise you." They then slowly turned towards a smirking Lancer. "It is no small feat to wield such a complex blade as you do so gracefully. All the more impressive that you have mastered two different melee weapons in your life."

"And if Misfortune really is that uncontrollable," Assassin X added, "I'd say all those times you came close to splitting me or someone else in half wasn't just because of bad luck." He winked (kind of hard to tell because of his look). "No Heroic Spirit's that clumsy."

"From one Saber to another," the sole female among the gathering continued, "you are perhaps the most unconventionally skilled opponent I have ever faced."

The Corvid Reaper gaped at the three friendly demeanors before him, then broke out in a fit of alcohol(and no small amount of relief)-tinged chuckles. "N-n-no, ssstop-p-p, you guys are g-gonna make me b-b-blush," he gasped out through his mirth. True, his cheeks had gotten kinda rosy. Finally, Saber X calmed down, though a smile remained. "Damn, all this praise makes me think you guys wanna talk me out of going for the golden cup," he joked.

"Such thoughts do both them and yourself a disservice, Qrow Branwen," Caster X scolded him faux-seriously. "Your wish remains your own, but do not think so little of your accomplishments." The wise elder waved his arm to envelop the gathering. "Here sit nine of the greatest heroes, no matter how loosely the term applies, of many worlds. Each of us have faced our share of battles and hardships, though luck would often be there to aid us."

The King of Conquerors had learned much of rhetoric during his studies, lessons that had aided him consistently in his reign. Hence how he quickly picked up what Mithrandir meant. "You on the other hand, Qrow, have always had the odds stacked against you. With your soul's own power being a potential hindrance where others gain more direct boons, you pressed on nonetheless and earned your place as one of Remnant's Heroic Spirits!"

Rider X eyed his rival in dark humor. "So, you're going to continue carrying this drunkard along on your campaign, King of Conquerors? Berserker X? Despite the handicap he could pose?"

Saber X let his face fall again but started back up when Rider barked out a confident laugh. "But of course! What sort of king could I call myself if I cast aside a treasured comrade because of a little bad luck?"

"What Candy Bar said, birdbrain," Berserker X chuckled. "I for one don't mind having an extra handicap along for the ride. Makes my fights a little more interesting."

"That's one way to call it, I guess…" Qrow grumbled into his hand. Not enough to hide his smile, though. "But I still haven't changed my mind about changing my Semblance, you know."

Lancer crossed his arms with a frown. There was something about his fellow knight class' tale… "I don't doubt that you have a noble soul or that it has caused you grief, Saber X, but are you certain you should spend your wish on something like altering a part of yourself? Couldn't you think of greater goals to use it for? Friends or family you'd wish to save?"

He scratched his head before answering. "Course I can, but this is pretty important to me. Like I said, Pretty Boy, I've had this wish my whole life, and now here's probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. No way I'm gonna waste it." Saber X clicked his tongue at the deepening of the knight's frown. "Hey, I never said I was a saint, buddy. And I don't expect you chivalrous types to understand what it's like to wonder every second of every day if. Every. Single. Bad thing happening around you was your damn fault." He knocked back his cup to curb his frustration before adding, "Excuse me for wanting to change that."

That statement killed any argument Diarmuid could have voiced. He looked away from the rest, his frown growing contemplative.

Artoria Pendragon avoided eye contact for a while as well, gently waving off any concern her partner showed.

"Oh, stop flattering yourself, mongrel," Archer jeered him. "To think that your little malady is responsible for all misfortune in life is the height of arrogance." That insult was… oddly comforting, in its own way. "An unlucky worm like you could never hope to be the cause of a larger catastrophe, it certainly wouldn't be enough to cause me any more trouble-" A heavy sound abruptly interrupted his speech. And then it suddenly became very wet.

Irisviel, Waver, Kariya Sola-Ui, and (at least) two hidden Servants watched in silent befuddlement as the now quite unhappy group sat in the rain.

But none of the spectators were affected. Somehow, a single dark cloud had gathered out of nowhere, just big enough to hover over all nine Servants, and proceeded to unleash its deluge. Bolts of lightning flashed amidst its mass accompanied by deep thunder. And more rain.

"…Wow," Saber X finally noted, casting a sour glance in his watered-down wine. "Either it being a Noble Phantasm now has ramped up Misfortune to a whole new level…"

"…Or fortune does not appreciate you antagonizing her, Archer." Caster X eyed the addressee disapprovingly amidst the raindrops. As did everyone else.

Gilgamesh for his part simply glared up at the cloud, grumbling, "Luck is a spiteful wench…"

Waver Velvet simply stood there, having listened to his Servant explain the Noble Phantasm he was cursed with. Part of him, the eager student who had stumbled into this Holy Grail War without a clue what he was getting into, wanted to snap and rage at Saber X for withholding this information. For potentially causing him every grief that had befallen him since the Servants' summoning.

But another part felt a sense of… kindred. Moments he'd seen of Qrow Branwen made much more sense now; the strange expressions he always made when Waver would trip or something fell over or those car troubles on the bridge… it hadn't been annoyance in his eyes whenever that happened. It had been guilt. And those memories of people calling him a curse, or fleeting moments of happiness he cut short for fear of something unlucky unhappening…

It really wasn't Qrow's fault. He'd simply been dealt a rotten hand at birth and forced to somehow fight his way through life with the odds perpetually stacked against him.

I know that feeling… Waver sighed quietly to himself.

Berserker X pulled his wine casket closer and smirked even while the rain continued to pour. "Good news, this one's still sealed up tight." He rapped a knuckle against the wooden top. "Soon as the rain clears, we can keep drinking from it."

"I find it hard to trust the judgement of a one-eyed brute…" Rider X snarked before sipping from his golden goblet. He briefly spared it an impressed glance (the water had done nothing to diminish its taste) before continuing. "On that note, just what enemy did you lose an eye to since our battle together?" He leered tauntingly. "Infighting among your group?"

But the samurai-like warrior only smirked back. "Nah, this here," he tapped the black thing over his right eye, "is my Noble Phantasm. And I don't wear it to hide a wound." His fingers slowly peeled the eyepatch partly off his face…

…And power erupted from the Berserker's body.

The thundercloud was blasted apart by a sudden column of yellow mana surging right through it and into the sky. All of the Servants, even Rider and Saber X, braced for battle, but the source, Berserker X, only sat there relaxed as ever. Mana roared and surged from him like a volcano, cracking the ground where he sat and dispersing all water droplets from him. His eyes shined golden.

The quartet that had been witnessing this banquet fell to their knees, crushed by the sheer power in the air. It was only thanks to Caster X's staff that Kariya hadn't faceplanted on the ground, and even then, agony wracked his body. The Crest Worms inside him smelled something juicy. Waver and Sola-Ui, relatively average magi at best, couldn't move an inch. Sweat poured down Irisviel's face as she thought her body would be crushed any second now. It was like a dam had opened up inside Berserker X, releasing a flood of water that now pressed down on them, wave after all-powerful wave.

The Servants were of much more robust constitution, of course, but not even Archer in all his arrogance could dismiss this violent energy emanating from one single Servant. Much less because he could now detect a hint of divine essence he hadn't noticed before. The mana seemed to coalesce into a massive skull around Berserker X, howling like a bloodthirsty demon out into the night. They all sat tense as animals on the prowl, waiting for a strike.

It was the Shadow Clone of Assassin X, the Servant with the best eyesight currently, who noticed through the torrent something on the inside of that eyepatch. Something… snapping. "What is that thing…?"

He'd wondered that out loud without thinking, and Berserker X heard him. "Oh, you noticed," he laughed before flipping the patch over so everyone could see its inside.

They all stared with revolted fascination at the circle of tiny eyes, each over a mouth with sharp teeth that snapped open and shut repeatedly. "I had the eggheads back home make this little monster for me. It consumes large amounts of mana from anyone wearing it. So long as I've got it on, I can't use my full power." To demonstrate, he reaffixed the… creature to its original spot.

And just like that, the torrent receded. A dam had been reestablished, blocking it from washing over everyone in its vicinity. Irisviel and the Masters were able to breathe again and pushed themselves stiffly back to standing positions. Sola-Ui found additional strength at noticing the concerned glance Lancer sent her. She'd have acted more affected (and needing him to steady her) but even she knew this wasn't the time.

Waver by contrast had a better understanding of just where all that mana he'd been fueling Berserker X with was.

Even further across the city, observers found themselves releasing breaths they'd been holding in. Kiritsugu assured Assassin X over their link with forced calm that his camera and speaker had remained (miraculously) intact despite the rain and the mana surge while the Servant's clone watched over a shaken Maiya attempting to wave off his fussing; Kirei stared at his hands in mild surprise at the way they trembled; Tokiomi found himself hoping they'd now seen the extent of that foreign… beast's power.

Lancer X herself found she wasn't too eager to engage that Servant in open battle.

Meanwhile, a certain black-armored Servant recovered faster from the shock to launch a spread of missiles at her equally black-armored opponent and vacate the ravage premises with her cloaking active.

Berserker howled his frustration to the moon before transitioning to spirit mode. People were heading for the devastated site, and even he understood he needed to keep a low profile.

The rest in Berserker X's direct vicinity relaxed from their battle-ready states but still fixed their attention on him, none uttering a single word. Then a heavy chuckle drew incredulous eyes towards Rider. "Wonderful!" he guffawed heartily for the whole courtyard to hear. "To think I could convince such a powerful man to stand by my side! What a development!"

"Glad you're happy…" Lancer mumbled in shock. "You needn't have to fight Berserker X."

He started at a scoff from Saber X. "Guess which unlucky doofus agreed to a sparring match with this guy…" Both knights, a ninja, a wizard, and a hidden assassin winced in sympathy.

Caster X turned away from a certain noise he'd noticed to eye his fellow cavalry-class Servant. "Is this sealing of your power why you chose not to wear the eyepatch earlier?"

Berserker X cracked his neck. "Yeah, back at the docks, I'd been stomping around the damn city without a Master for two whole days. If I'd left my Eyepatch Seal on, I'd have probably faded away before I could fight you guys. And like hell was I gonna let that happen." He shrugged. "Back then, I was probably going as strong as I could with it on normally anyway."

That little statement and the context behind it made more than a few wonder the same question:

How much power is bubbling inside this Servant?!

Archer however glared at the outlander in incomprehension. "What lunacy could possess you to shackle your might with such a disgusting creature?"

"For the challenge," was the blunt answer he received.

Saber frowned at his words. "The challenge…?" Then her mind caught onto a mental thread that wove itself through everything she knew of this Kenpachi Zaraki; his appearance, his unrefined swordplay, his self-admitted lack of training and interest therein… "The bells in your hair jingle whenever you move, allowing others to hear you coming. You swing a nodachi with only one hand, never two." She wasn't asking questions. "You even chose an eyepatch as the design for sealing your mana because it also creates a literal blind spot and robs you of depth perception." Her eyes narrowed. "All self-imposed handicaps."

She only received a blood-chilling smile as confirmation. "Feel free to exploit the bells and eyepatch all you want. Like you said, that's the only reason I wear them in the first place. I've got to hold back or else my fights would be over too quickly."

The statement rankled not only Saber, but other Servants who prided themselves on their combative abilities. Including a certain ex-gladiator. "Are you implying that we need you adding your own restrictions to survive a battle with you?" Rider X growled irritated.

"Take it however you want, I don't give a shit," Berserker X replied unheeding of their pride. "It's not that I don't think you guys are strong. I give you these freebies because it's just more fun for me. No need to complicate it with gallantry or pride or all that other stuff."

That answer only perplexed Lancer. "I can understand holding back during a friendly spar or hiding your full strength to lull your foe into a trap," he'd used the latter strategy in his first clash with Saber, after all, "but why would you go to such lengths of restraining your potential, Berserker X? Shouldn't you fear dying with your goals unfulfilled?"

The smile only widened. "Fear dying…?" Kenpachi repeated almost mockingly. "I can't believe you'd ask me a question that stupid. Dying's a risk with every clash of blades, and it adds a thrill sweeter than any other I've ever known. Sure, some of us are really here for that Grail, but it doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves in the process." An excited gleam rippled through his body, drawing a shiver from the four behind the Servants. "Kill or be killed… can any of you think of a better way to spend your day?"

"I could name one or two activities…" Assassin X tried to joke before noticing a key detail in what he just said. "But… this means you just want to fight us? You're not that invested in actually making your wish?"

The fellow (apparently) one-eyed Servant waved the idea in dismissal. "Sure, I've got a wish I might make on the Grail if I actually get it, but I won't be too brokenhearted if I bite it before then. It's not just reaching your destination, after all, but what fun you have getting there."

Saber glared at him in disgust. "How can you be so callous of our battles? This is a War, a matter of life and death, and you treat this all as a way to have fun? Is this your only reason to fight us?"

Berserker X chuckled at her words. "Since when do you need a 'reason' to fight? Don't get your panties all in a twist, King of Knights. In your own way, you enjoy fighting as much as I do." He flicked his finger from her to the Celtic warrior beside her. "You're still planning on finishing your match with Lancer, right?" Both made to speak, but he cut right through their protests. "Oh, you can make claims about it being for a code of honor or getting the Grail, but in the end, you fight him and he fights you because it's exciting. Sword vs. spear, will vs. will. Matching your might against each other even if it means you could be the one who dies… Isn't the risk all warriors take?"

Neither knight said anything.

"Thought so."

Saber X smashed open the untouched wine casket and poured himself a fresh cup. "Well, when you put it like that, big guy, I can't argue with your logic. I won't deny I've drawn out a good scrap from time to time."

"As have I." Rider nodded happily to himself at his fortune. Such magnificent comrades by my side… He grinned towards his leather-clad partner. "I shall do my best to deliver as many battles you could enjoy as I can. It's truly a delight to fight by your side, Kenpachi."

"Same here but do yourself a favor and don't butt into my fights, Rider." The captain of Squad 11 turned his gaze at the others. "I knew from the very first real fight in my life that I love fighting, and I don't like to share." His smile grew tender at the image of that woman… the only being he'd ever admired…

He snapped back to the present. "And I've never bothered dressing it up as anything else. The battle itself is the best reward I can think of. And if it means that I die, then I die." He may as well have been talking about the weather, so matter-of-fact was his tone. "Just so long as I get to fight the strongest out there."

"…Then prepare yourself, mad dog." Gilgamesh, King of Heroes, flashed him a cruel, fearless smirk. "As the strongest hero this world will ever know, I shall be the one to take your life." Lesser individuals than Heroic Spirits would've been frozen stiff at the promise.

"Don't get too ahead of yourself, Archer," Megatron interjected with his own fearsome expression. "There may not be enough left of Berserker X for you enjoy when I'm finished with him. I've left him on the precipice of death once, after all."

"And retreated nearly battered into scrap metal in the process." Archer tch-ed at him. "This one will perish at my hands, and if you attempt to interfere, I will crush you all the same."

"One big free-for-all just to kill me?" Kenpachi Zaraki's mouth stretched into the widest (and fiercest) smile one could imagine. "Sounds like fun."

Iskandar, King of Conquerors, tilted his head in glee. "I might join in myself… A good spar between friends is never wrong."

A new wave of murderous intent rippled across the courtyard, only this time, it originated from four different individuals. Could've been six if Saber and Lancer hadn't decided not to rise at Berserker X's words. Fortunately, Assassin X cleared his throat loudly enough for all to focus on him. "Much as watching a clash of testosterone is quality entertainment value, can we get back to the original topic now and go back to killing each other afterwards?"

"An acceptable suggestion, I believe." Caster X had frankly been about to use his old trick to quell the tension, but in hindsight, that would've likely just provoked half the Servants into attacking him. The Servant of Assassination's way proved more effective, and he knew how to keep the ball rolling. "Iskandar King," the crimson monarch turned his head to the Grey Wizard, "you have displayed great curiosity in our wishes but have yet to reveal yours."

The aggression gave way to curiosity. Throughout this night, Rider had commended or questioned the wishes of others but repeatedly insisted that he would not yield his own to any of them. "A fair point, wizard." Rider X fixed his attention on his rival. "What wish does the King of Conquerors hold above all others?"

Rider finished his wine with slightly rosy cheeks. "One for reincarnation."

You could've heard an ant sneeze in the resulting silence. Everyone, even Saber X and Berserker X, stared in surprise at Rider because none of them had ever expected him to have a wish like that. "Wait, what?!" It actually succeeded in snapping Waver out of his shock, the boy storming around the circle to yell at his (regrettably) intended Servant. "Weren't you planning on conquering the world?!"

Puick! He went sprawling backwards from the King's flick. Irisviel glanced to his prone form wondering if she should help or leave him be.

Saber X nonchalantly eyed twitching of his Master's body before turning back to his partner. "He's got a point, though."

Rider only sniffed. "You don't actually believe I'd let a cup do the conquering for me, do you, Qrow? World conquest is my dream, not my wish. The latter I must make upon the Holy Grail as a first step to achieving the former."

"You would challenge me, mongrel, for such a ridiculous wish?" Archer was insulted at the very idea. "One or two of the others I have heard tonight may give me pause for consideration, and I will take no small pleasure in putting down your deranged ally for challenging me-"

"Take your best shot, Goldy."

He spared a withering gaze towards the unrepentant mutt for his interruption before continuing. "But your wish, Rider, sullies the Grail itself."

"To borrow my friend's earlier words, 'I never said I was a saint.'" Saber X sardonically toasted his partner who continued with a more serious tone. "We Servants can only walk this world through the grace of mana. Can any of you say you are satisfied with this," Rider tapped his own arm, "facsimile of flesh and blood? Or metal in one case?" He amended with a gesture to a silent Rider X. "I am certainly not. I wish to truly live again, in a human body."

Caster X nodded to himself; he was intimately familiar with the guise of having a mortal body and its surprising enticements. "Doing so would render you mortal, King of Conquerors," he cautioned. "Are you certain you wish to take such a risk for your dream?"

"But of course, Mithrandir, that is part of the challenge after all!" He shared a grin with the elder one before directing it to Berserker X. "As you said, Kenpachi, the prospect of death makes the challenge all the more enticing! I shall stand proudly as a human upon this world and with nothing more than my mortal might, I will throw down the gauntlet before heaven and earth and win!" He swept his cup into the casket, refilling it in one smooth motion, before hoisting it high. "This is the way of conquest!"

His sheer conviction rendered the whole group quiet again before Berserker X and Saber X burst out laughing. The former slung his arm around Rider's shoulders while howling like the lunatic he was. "I knew I made the right call in joining up with you, you crazy bastard!"

"Da-ha-ha-hamn, Candy Bar," the latter managed to gasp out, "you've got one hell of a pipe dream there." Qrow wiped the tears from his eyes and knocked his wine goblet against Iskandar's. "But hey, I'm hardly one to talk. To selfish wishes, may we all rot in hell!"

"And fight our way straight out of it!" Rider concurred with a proud laugh, the three toasting together before guzzling down their wine.

Archer felt a migraine coming on; he'd have to purge his garden of all three of these mongrels. Lancer watched these proceedings somewhere between amused, outraged at their selfishness and maybe a just little thoughtful. Caster X only chuckled to himself, wondering if a certain Dwarfish Company would've laughed right along with them or tried to cave in their skulls. And Saber found herself surprised at how she didn't condemn her rival king as much as she normally would. Instead, she eyed her nostalgic-looking partner from the side. 'You're comparing him to Naruto right now, aren't you?'

'Is it that obvious?' Assassin X confessed indirectly with a mental laugh. 'But yes, I think Naruto would've found a good friend in Rider.' He then paled. 'Or a role model…'

And Rider X?

He'd been gazing wordlessly at the other Servant who shared his class and modus operandi. His index finger tapped a slow, thoughtful rhythm against the goblet in his hand. Then once he found his voice, the Cybertronian spoke. "You have surprised me, Iskandar. This wish of yours is… far from what I'd expected."

Rider calmed down from his joy to return the metal one's gaze. The words could've been praise, but something felt off about them. "Is that so?"

"It is." He took a final drink from his cup before his mouth shifted in a straight line. "I wouldn't have thought that the King of Conquerors' ambitions could be so small."

"…What?"

That final word ceased the chatter once again as everyone now turned to the Fourth Grail War's largest Servant. He in turn crossed his arms. "I meant what I said. Oh, the idea of limiting yourself with a frail human body disgusts me, but your drive to accomplish your dream with your own strength is one I respect. Yet the scope of your dream disappoints me."

"What nonsense are you babbling about, Rider X?" Lancer watched him with suspicion. "Rider seeks to conquer our entire world-"

"Exactly, you halfwit." The Servant of the Spear had to be restrained by the friendlier Servants as Rider X raised a finger. "This world. One. Single world. Is that really enough for you, King? Is heaven supposed to be the ceiling of your dream when there is so much beyond? Have you truly not realized the opportunity that lies before you?"

Rider gazed levelly back at him. "You speak of other worlds, Megatron."

"But of course. Look around." The Decepticon tyrant spread his arms to encompass not only the group, but the yard itself. "Seven Servants from seven other worlds have answered the call of this Holy Grail War. That alone implies that seven other universes exist beyond the borders of this one. Worlds of magic, dangerous beings and power unlike anything you or I could have imagined." His smile returned now, wide and hungry like that of a metallic shark. "Does the prospect of conquering these realms not whet your appetite as well?" He barked a laugh. "And why stop there, when there might be so many other dimensions out there?"

Caster X's hand instinctively reached for his sword's handle, but he told himself not to attack. Caution was warranted here. "This is no longer about Rider's wish…" he stated. "We finally learn of yours now, Megatron."

Rider X only leaned back, his smile widening at the glares he received from others. "Once I understood my circumstances, I couldn't help but wonder what the multiverse would have to offer. So, yes, wizard, this is my wish." He hoisted his goblet high one more time. "After I have defeated the rest of you, I shall drink every last drop of power from the Holy Grail and lead a path of conquest across this world, my old world, and all other worlds of all other dimensions! All of existence shall chant the words, All Hail Megatron!" He slammed the goblet against the ground, the force warping its gold beyond repair. His right hand closed into a crushing fist before him. "That is my way of conquest."

In that moment, everyone bearing witness to Rider X's speech saw a glimpse of his intentions. With Iskandar, at least, there had been a sense of awe, of childish glee. Megatron offered none of that, only a bottomless pit of… of… ambition. Ambition matched with a sort of ruthless determination. An iron vow to see his ambitions realized. The devastation he would cause… the treasures he would plunder… the lives he would destroy…

For one reason or another, none among the audience had any interest in seeing this nightmare become reality.

"…Quite the big plans you have there," Rider finally said with a smile to answer his rival's challenge. Now and forever. "It's true, I didn't actually consider expanding my conquest any further than this world we now sit in. Maybe it would've occurred to me afterwards," he shrugged carefree, "maybe not. Either way," he lifted his own fist in emulation of Rider X's, "I will certainly not cede my world to you, Megatron. Or my crown."

"Good." Rider X's teeth glinted in the moonlight. "Your partner isn't the only one who enjoys a challenge. But I promise you, Iskandar, this world and the title, 'King of Conquerors,' will be mine."

"This world is mine, mongrels." A third voice cut through the Riders staring at one another, both glancing to the side towards the interloper.

"You can tear each other apart over a false title with my blessing, but making such bold claims to steal my garden out from under me…" Archer sipped calmly from his wine before directing a vicious smile back at them. "Such impotence from a gaggle of mongrels. I shall kill the both of you myself."

"You can try, Archer." Rider invited him as ever to the table. "Don't think I've forgotten about looting your treasury for all its valuables, so prepare yourself."

"A fine point there." Rider X stroked his chin. "Those weapons will aid my campaign all the more once I've looted them from your corpse."

The final leader present at this banquet had finally heard enough. "This behavior is unbecoming of anyone calling themselves a king," Saber declared, re-shifting the attention towards her. She sat properly as ever, one step away from rising to battle. "Your plans may haunt my nightmares for years to come, Rider X. I would stop their fruition even if the Holy Grail were not at stake."

"Nor would she be alone," Lancer vowed. His hands twitched as though to summon his spears.

Assassin X and Caster X were silent, but they too gave looks of solidarity towards opposing Rider X's conquest.

Even Saber X had regained some sobriety and looked (somewhat) ready to join the party.

Berserker X, well… he smelled a fight coming. Nuff said.

But Rider X didn't show the slightest bit of trepidation towards all this hostility. Instead, he focused his gaze and amusement on one Servant. "Brave words, King of Knights. But let's not forget that one of us here has yet to share their plans. Seeing as the Holy Grail is at stake, just what wish would you risk challenging me," he swept his arm in a circular motion, "all of us… for its fulfillment?"

Now Saber was in the spotlight, friend and foe alike shifting at least token attention to her. Of course… they were all still following the code of hospitality. Saber was the only Servant left to throw her hat in the ring.

She heard Assassin X's voice in the back of her head. 'He's baiting you.' Yes, Megatron was. Saber wasn't foolish enough to not recognize a trap of rhetoric before her. The sensible thing would be to let the challenge slide and end this menace once and for all.

But she was a king as well. And she wasn't about to be browbeaten into submission by anyone. Not by this mechanical warmonger looming before her, not by the irresponsible King of Conquerors and his posse of drunken ruffians, not by this yet unknown king who perpetually acted like the whole lot of them were beneath him. She had her pride, too.

She met those crimson optics and declared her wish. "I will save my homeland. I shall use the Holy Grail's power to prevent Britain's destruction."

"To think so much tension can come from a bloody drinking party," Tokiomi sighed into the gramophone by his desk. No sooner had he steadied his (slightly taut) nerves after Berserker X revealing his hidden power did the possibility of a battle royale arise.

'A drinking party of Servants in opposition to one another?' Jade's teasing voice echoed in his head. 'Oh of course, it should be the absolute picture of cordiality.'

A smirk twitched its way onto the Master's face. 'You know, some say sarcasm is the lowest form of humor, Lancer X.'

'They've obviously never met me, then.' A rather undignified snort escaped Tokiomi, helping to soothe his apprehension. It was oddly refreshing. His Servant's following report furthered the process. 'They seem to have cooled down again after hearing Rider X's… ambitions.'

The mention of that familiar speaking of his plans made his stomach turn ever so slightly. World domination, conquest of the multiverse… Any other individuals, and Tokiomi would've simply laughed it off. That one, though… the Master was now positive that Rider X's time on this world would be nearing an end. Nothing good could come otherwise.

Then Kirei's voice from the gramophone realigned his thoughts. "Still think we should let Archer do as he pleases? His mood shifts from amused to irritated and back again."

Tokiomi chuckled. "When one's the king of kings and has been called by a rival, one can't ignore the challenge." In a way, he owed Rider and his cohorts his thanks for dismantling the Bounded Field around the Einzbern castle with their brazen entrance. Assassin and Lancer X had no trouble slipping undetected in after the other Servants.

It admittedly taxed his mind to juggle shared perception with Lancer X and listen to Kirei's field commentary, but this was necessary. With so many different entities present, he couldn't risk missing crucial details by having only one point of view. The information compiled had already been a heavy boon to his future plans. Not to mention some unexpected surprises like Kariya's presence in the War. Tokiomi had been admittedly caught off guard by what Jade had told him of her time with Rin, but seeing him again through her eyes confirmed that Aoi's old friend truly was the Matou Master. A shame: Rin and… had always liked him. But now they were enemies, and Tokiomi would have to eliminate him from the War. Such was the life of a magus.

As for Gilgamesh, that part of the banquet had made Tokiomi feel like he was walking on eggshells. He understood the King of Heroes had a certain… alright, an unmatchable confidence in his own might, but couldn't he show just a little caution before dropping off so many hints towards his identity? Rider seemed to have a hunch who he was, and Lancer X had directed him in noticing scrutinous glances from Caster X and Assassin X. It seemed Archer's anonymity could be coming to an end.

I hopefully don't have to rein him in by Command Seal again, Tokiomi stared forlornly at his recently replenished set. I've only just regained it. Though it hadn't been part of his original plan, Lancer X slaying Caster's Master had not only saved his daughter but also provided an alibi for Father Risei to award him one Command Seal each. Jade had even displayed the foresight to collect the serial killer's head as proof of her kill in case anyone tried to protest. Sure, Caster was still running amuck thanks to that inscrutable Archer X, but the rogues' time was limited without a Master.

Tokiomi could therefore use a Seal to recall Archer like last time and still retain two for the final part… but no Servants had died yet. He needed to be careful with spending it. Or at least track Caster down and kill him for more Seals.

Tokiomi sipped some tea to clear his mind; his thoughts were going in circles. He ought to concentrate on the current situation. "Kirei, Lancer X," he spoke up, "how would you compare each of the Servants' battle strength to that of Archer?"

'You're not asking how I would stack up to them?'

'Don't take it personal, Jade,' Tokiomi assured his faux-insulted Servant. 'I haven't forgotten your talents in battle or espionage. It's simply that Archer with his Gate of Babylon and that,' he alluded to the ancient weapon that had no equal within the King's treasury,'remains our greatest weapon. You're a precise scalpel, he's a force of nature.'

'…Well, aren't you a charmer.' Jade conceded in a playful manner, making Tokiomi's smile just a little kinder. He found himself truly relieved that they'd managed to regain some of their old repartee. I'll have to come up with something special for Rin when this is over.

But that would have to wait. First came the Grail War. He fiddled with the jewel connection so that Kirei could hear Lancer X and vice versa. His disciple answered first. "As his Master, I believe Rider X is still hiding his true power."

"Rider X is not a concern," Tokiomi dismissed the concern, "your Command Seals will suffice to hold him down when the time comes." His antics had grown tedious, but once a Seal had paralyzed that titan, he would be easy pickings for Jade or Gilgamesh.

He sensed Lancer X's disagreement, but she apparently chose to stay on topic. 'Lancer's dueling prowess and the abilities of his spears make for a deadly combo, but Archer shouldn't have much trouble if he keeps his distance. Besides, he is more interested in Archer X and Saber. That reduces the possibility of us ever having to confront him.'

"Caster X is… hard to quantify." Even through the distance, Tokiomi sensed a hint of frustration in Kirei. "He's shown his class's talent for sorcery, far beyond that of most modern magi, and an irregular proficiency for melee combat. But... I just have this feeling that there's more to him than meets the eye. Assassin agrees but has yet to discover anything concrete about him."

Lancer X continued. 'Saber X's skill with his unusual weapon is masterly, and this Misfortune he spoke of adds an uncertainty factor. But I doubt he has any greater power at his disposal.'

"Berserker X is the exact opposite," Kirei put into contrast. 'He boasts monstrous levels of mana and physical strength, but he lacks proper training, and his habit of holding back in battle reduces somewhat his threat level."

'The real danger would be if they fought together,' Jade theorized. 'Look at Saber and Assassin X. The injury Lancer inflicted on Saber has hampered her performance, but she remains a fearsome warrior befitting her class. Assassin X is a versatile and clever adversary who may yet hold a hidden trump card. Most importantly, those two have the highest battle synergy of any team in this Grail War. Together, they might prove able to defeat Gilgamesh.'

In a regular Grail War, Tokiomi would've dismissed such a thought as ridiculous. But this wasn't a regular Grail War. "Then we'll have to make sure not to engage them as a unit." He then turned the conversation to one Heroic Spirit that had warranted caution since the first moment he'd heard of his presence. "What about the King of Conquerors?"

"That depends on whether Rider's Gordius Wheel is his most potent weapon or if he has another," was Kirei's answer. This made his teacher hum in contemplation.

'…Do you plan on testing their abilities here?'

"That does seem the best option, Lancer X. With their guards lowered by focusing on wine and arguing with one another, this could be our best chance to find out at least one or two Servants' full potential." Tokiomi clasped his hands together pleased with his tactical maneuver. The only question was who to send. Archer would disregard any order that didn't come from a Command Seal, and even empowered, Lancer X wasn't threatening enough to draw out seven Heroic Spirits' full might. She'd barely survived against three.

The Servant of the Spear was aware of this as well and hoped he wouldn't have her blow her cover for a suicide run. 'Rider X is already in the thick of it and has been antagonizing everyone,' she offered. 'Perhaps you could order him to take that final step, Kirei.' Two birds, one stone.

But her idea was refused. "The only reason they haven't attacked him yet is because of Rider's hospitality, and everyone is waiting for him to slip up. If Rider X starts a fight now, he'd be overwhelmed from all sides in seconds." Kirei's argument sadly made sense.

That left only one alternative. "Then have Assassin attack the group," Tokiomi decided.

'They are not suited for combat, even fully assembled,' Jade reminded him.

But he was sure of his plan. "Victory isn't important for this kind of mission, and the presence of so many is sure to unveil at least one trump card. From there, we can gauge their strengths." The Tohsaka Master rose from his seat to head for the nearby teapot. "I believe this is our best option given the circumstances."

Kirei gave no objections or dissent. "Understood, though I will need about ten minutes to assemble all of the Assassins."

"That's fine," Tokiomi assured him. He felt a psychic sigh and went on. "I know this is a big gamble, Lancer X, but even if it fails, we will have lost nothing." A confident smile emerged. "Give them the command, 'Fight for victory no matter the cost.'"

Kirei looked away from the magecraft device before and toward his Command Seals. He made to invoke the all-powerful command as ordered… and hesitated.

Why? An odd question now. He didn't care much about Assassin other than them being a valuable tool, and the inevitable death of this Servant would mean he'd be one step closer to walking… away from… all this…

He glanced from the set on one hand to the other… and weighed his options.

-102:22:52

Once again, silence had descended upon the banquet. Assassin X was the least surprised at the revelation of Saber's wish, her having confided it to him before. He thereby took the time to gauge the others' reactions. Lancer and Saber X showed open approval. Caster X similarly, but with a thoughtful gleam in his eyes. Berserker X looked disappointed that a fight hadn't broken out. Archer and Rider's expression, though, were hard to read. And Rider X sneered in obvious derision.

Then his optics flickered and shifted focus. The ninja's own eye narrowed. What is he…?

"Save your kingdom, huh?" Saber X's question broke through his thoughts. "Sounds good on paper, but how exactly are you going to do that?"

"With a similar wish as yours, Saber X. Restart my life, only take steps this time to prevent Britain's downfall." His counterpart nodded to herself. "If that does not work, then I will find a different way to change fate. If the Holy Grail can truly make miracles happen, then I shall use it for such a purpose."

"Change your fate…" Saber was surprised to see such a serious expression on Rider. He stared unblinking at her. "Just to be clear, Saber… Britain's destruction occurred in your time? It came to ruin during your reign?"

"Yes," her tone sharpened, not happy to relive the memory. "That is why I cannot accept it. I regret it every day, hence my resolve to change that."

Caster X gazed at her carefully. "…Each kingdom is fated to end one day, King of Knights." His tone was gentle, without admonishment or condemnation. "Such is the nature of life."

Saber started at his reading through her words but rallied herself. "I understand that, Caster X, but I alone bear the blame for my country's fall, and it is my duty to make it right." She then heard a particularly unpleasant sound and scowled at its source. "Just what is so funny, Archer?"

The golden Servant only continued to laugh without shame before finally catching his breath. "You, claiming to be a king and praised by all, carry regrets?" A greater laugh escaped him. "How could this not amuse me? The Sabers of this War make such delightful jesters!"

"Keep laughing, you golden son of a-" Saber X growled as Rider raised his arm to bar him from lunging.

Assassin X had now moved closer to the debate with a concerned expression to his irate partner. "Easy does it, Saber. Everyone has their own opinions-" he tried to calm her before a different king plowed through his efforts.

"Do not coddle your partner, Assassin X." Rider told him in a stern voice. "How can you abide by her desire to erase the history she herself created?"

"What if I do?" Saber shot back. "Why do you question or laugh at it? The country I loved, the one I devoted all of my life to, was destroyed." She rose from her seating position to glare at the rest. "You do not question your partner's wish despite the similarities."

"Well," Saber X scratched his head with a sigh, "there's the difference of me being selfish in wanting to change my life, for one. I mean, I was never a king or even a real leader aside from some Huntsman missions, so my view's a lot smaller than yours. Besides," his eyes had regained more clarity, "our circumstances are different. I'm a guy who literally brings bad luck wherever I go. But from what I've read of your story, King of Knights, you had a pretty great reign. At least up till the ending, of course. You really want to risk changing all that?"

"Yes, I would," the Saber of this world affirmed slightly calmer than before. His gaze relaxed her temper by some bit; he was honestly confused. "When you are a King, Qrow Branwen, your foremost duty is to sacrifice yourself for the sake of your country, regardless of the cost."

Lancer smiled to himself, proud he had been blessed with such a chivalrous opponent. Assassin X, though, glanced between Saber and the other monarchs with a troubled expression while Caster X appeared inscrutable. Saber X for his part thought back to Vale's last King (a very old friend of his), and all he had sacrificed time and again, before nodding. "Okay, fair point-"

"She's wrong, Qrow." Iskandar raised his voice to regain the attention. "It is not the King who sacrifices himself for his country," he stated in a voice as solid as rock, "it is the country and the people who sacrifice themselves. You see the concept backwards."

The words shocked Saber to her core, and she wasn't alone. Lancer and Saber X shared her expression as did Assassin X (from what little could be seen). Moreover, Archer and Rider X who seemed to have regained his focus on the present, smirked as though in agreement. Berserker X on the other hand had put aside his smile but seemed on his side as well. Caster X sat neutral. "How can you say such tyrannical things, King of Conquerors?" The knight of Fianna demanded in his own outrage a second faster than Saber would've.

"Because that is precisely what he is, Lancer. We who sit here," Rider X spoke again while gesturing to Archer, Rider, and himself, "are heroes because we are tyrants. Even Berserker X, in his own way." His sharp fingers pointed to the King of Conquerors' partner before falling back to his side. "We carved bloody paths and pulled our subjects along into whatever slaughters came, overshadowing their wills with our own. This is what we are, plucked from the Throne of Heroes, and as rulers, we accept all of what this entails." He cast a pitying look at Saber which incensed her as he added, "But a King who doubts her own rule or how it fell apart is a weakling even more reprehensible than the tyrants she loathes."

Saber clenched her right fist so tightly her gauntlet creaked. "Your rule must have been a desolate one, Megatron, filled with slaughter to sate your never-ending hunger for more power. I doubt you can claim ever being satisfied." She then glared at the other Rider. "And you, Iskandar. Your empire dissolved into separate factions that tore each other apart, all of your heirs slain and everything you'd built lost to time. Are you telling me you do not regret this ending?"

Rider didn't flinch, taking her in turn aback. "Not at all." His alien colleague answered for both. "I confess to being dissatisfied with dying before achieving my goals and how I died," his smile twitched at the memory of a certain voiceless scout, "but I carry no regret over how I lived my life or enforced my will."

"As Mithrandir said earlier, all kingdoms crumble eventually. If all I had amassed fell due to my own judgement and the actions of my followers, then I will accept it. I will lament it, even shed tears over it, but I shall never regret it." Iskandar's closed eyes opened to glare at her. "Nor would I do something as ridiculous as change it! That would bring shame to every soul who had lived and fought by my side!"

"Your ways of thinking have too much of a warrior's way and not enough of a leader's." Assassin X remained seated, but his posture had taken a certain edge. "I may have never been a King in my life, but I was put in charge of others on missions. And I grew up in a time of war, where the leader of my village, a man I'm proud to call my teacher, fought alongside us to protect us, the innocent people of our home and our way of life. But he never conquered. You Riders focused in your lives more about expanding your kingdoms' territory than actually governing what you had." His tone sharpened. "To you 'Kings,' the subjects of your lands were likely just trophies or tools. Not people and certainly not comrades."

Archer gazed right back at him without a change in expression. Rider X only smirked; this was no insult to him. It was simple fact, after all. But Rider's arms tightened around each other. "Tread carefully, Assassin X." He looked about ready to strike the other Servant.

"That is advice you should have taken yourself," Saber declared, stepping instinctively in front of her friend as though to shield him. "You call yourself a ruler and do not bother to protect the weak under your watch?" She held up her arms one after the other to emphasize her way to rule. "Correct governance, just laws, those are the supreme duties of a king!"

As she lowered her arms, Rider breathed through his nose to lessen his anger at Assassin X's jab. He then returned his attention to Saber. "Then you, the King of Knights, are a slave to justice?"

"Of course," Artoria Pendragon replied. "All Kings must be martyrs for their beliefs." These words were simple truth, the ideals she had been taught in her time and striven to uphold. Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, a simple knight, nodded his head in agreement to this statement.

But worry flashed through Kakashi Hatake's eye as he spared a glance to his comrade.

Megatron snorted unashamedly, earning her irate stare, but it was Iskandar who spoke after retrieving his goblet. "That is no way for a human to live."

Saber thought back to that moment where she had stood before that sword in the stone, Merlin hovering over her. "When you become a King, you cease to be a regular human being." She then made to truly denounce the King of Conquerors' ways as he had hers-

"What a load of bullshit." Everyone turned with varying levels of surprise to the last Servant anyone would've expected to take part in this topic.

Berserker X's demeanor hadn't grown any less disinterested in the topic. "All this junk about ideals and being beyond human for them is ridiculous." He spoke about this matter with the bluntness of a heavy club. "I never put much effort in leading my squad members, but I sure as hell didn't tell them to throw away their lives for their beliefs or mine. Martyring yourself always sounds so nice on paper, but who would be stupid enough to really follow that path? Martyrs always die, after all." The stare he sent Saber's way made her shift back a step.

And Kenpachi wasn't done. "What the hell can you do when you're dead? You can't fight anymore, you can't talk anymore, you can't lead anymore. If you really want to inspire people that bad, you should fight, laugh, teach and live to show them what it means to follow these ideals you believe in so much. But if you just go and get yourself killed for these precious subjects of yours, you won't have done them any favors. All they'll do is sit in the dirt, whining that their precious guardian is gone, unable to take care of themselves or even understand what you died for." He snorted without humor. "Throwing your life away doesn't help anybody, Saber. Least of all yourself."

Rider nodded gravely as his partner finished. "It is as Kenpachi says, King of Knights. You must have been a purehearted saint in life, a heavenly figure shining with nobility and pride. But who can truly admire a being that does not appear human? Who shows nothing but dedication to an ideal?" He jabbed a large finger to Saber's side. "Look, even your own partner disagrees with your path."

She turned to see for herself, her eyes widening in pain at how the silver-haired man shifted his gaze not to meet hers. Something struck against her heart. "Kakashi…?" The words came out in a whisper despite herself.

Archer's interest returned and focused upon the hurt on her face, the weakness that had washed through her body. His sharklike smirk appeared again.

His shoulders slumped, Assassin X sighed before speaking. "Rider's… half-right, Saber. I do believe in your way of ruling more than I do in his. A good leader makes sure to uphold his values and care for his people. That's my belief, and I don't doubt for a second that's what you strove to do as King of Britain." Saber sensed sincerity in those words, however softly spoken they were, and the weight against her eased by a small measure.

Rider X leaned amused over to Archer and said (not very quietly), "Fascinating isn't it, Archer? How nothing someone says before the word 'but' really counts?"

Archer's laugh was cut short by the tip of a certain yellow spear hovering near his throat. "Careful, golden King," Lancer warned in a low rumble, "this discussion has made my aim a little volatile. I'd hate to injure royalty." He'd wanted to step in for Saber's defense ever since this had started, but Caster X had kept sending him telling glances he eventually understood. She ought to defend herself in this battle of kingly words and ideals.

Didn't mean he was happy with merely being a bystander, of course.

A large scythe blade curled simultaneously around Rider X's neck. He snarled at its owner. "Is this your idea of hospitality, little man?"

"Oh, totally, Megs," Saber X shot back. "Keep up your jabbering, and you'll get the extra-special treatment."

A vein grew visible on Gilgamesh's forehead. This mongrel begging for a pat on the head from someone was threatening him? He was just about to show him what real spears looked like when his ears picked up the mouthless mongrel speaking again.

"But… I don't agree with what you said about a King not being human, Saber." Assassin X turned his head back to look her in the eye. She saw the regret and compassion clear as day within his iris. "The leaders of my home were colorful individuals and with flaws all their own, but none of them ever tried to act as though they were separate from the rest of us. They never tried to martyr themselves either. That would've gone against all of our teachings.

"I'm sorry, Saber." That eye closed briefly as he shook his head, then reopened. "Casting off your humanity… can't be the answer for what makes a good King. I just can't accept that."

She stared back at him, blinking slowly as she processed these words, before a different voice broke through the haze in her mind. "There you have it, King of Knights." Unlike his competitor, Rider took no pleasure in seeing her so broken. But he felt it was his duty as a fellow King to jolt her out of this foolish dream she'd wrapped herself up in. "Assassin X follows the teachings his home's King imparted upon him. For that is how ideals must be passed on. But do you know what became of the people you led?"

Clouds seemed to have gathered again, this time over Saber alone. "…What do you mean?" One second, she was standing amidst heroes from other times and worlds… the next, she was atop that hill of Camlann again, lifeless bodies beneath her. Excalibur in her hand, its divine blade dripping with that precious liquid.

"You may have saved them, but you never guided them." Rider's voice ripped through her mind like thunder. "You never taught them what it meant to be a king, you left your subjects to fend for themselves as they lost their way…"

"That's enough, Rider-" Assassin X's voice briefly appeared amidst the wind blowing on that hill.

But the thunder grew stronger. "You alone continued to play the great saint, wrapped up in your little ideals. You truly are no real king…"

"Enough already!" A new light began to shine even as the life faded from her body.

"You merely spent your whole life pursuing the image of a humble King that protects others! You're nothing more than-"

"Enough."

Suddenly, Saber felt herself pulled away from the hill just before she would have to witness that sunset on what remained of her kingdom… her home…

And she was back in the Einzbern courtyard, a Servant surrounded by Servants again. But the center of attention was no longer her; something that relieved her by just a tiny bit.

Saber's eyes slowly followed the gaze of everyone towards the source. To the one whose voice had returned her to the present.

Caster X sat cross-legged as before but different. He was taller now, or perhaps it seemed that way due to him no longer slouching. And there was a… presence emanating from him. Not raging mana like from Berserker X before, no. This was… different. A great shadow.

Those wizened eyes, normally blue and gentle like a cool spring, stared with unwavering might into those of Rider. "You have made your point, King of Conquerors." The non-Servant quartet on the side and even a few Servants shivered involuntarily at the words. They came from the old man's mouth but were far deeper and more ominous than usual. Even Iskandar felt himself cowed, like when he had been a little boy and his more imposing tutors would chide him for not paying attention in class.

And then the presence receded. Caster X seemed to shrink back into himself, looking more the frail grandfatherly person he appeared to be. "I did not intrude earlier upon your argument with Saber," and every single one found themselves at least the tiniest bit relieved that his voice had returned to its usual soothing tone, "as I believed it best for both of you to lay bare your beliefs of kingship. But now you left me with no choice, Iskandar King." He inclined his head towards Saber's side at Iskandar's quizzical look. "Had I not spoken, you may have found your quest for the Grail cut prematurely."

Saber glanced down to see Assassin X easing himself out of a crouch. Stray bolts of lightning crackled around his curled right fingers before fading away. "I won't apologize for almost breaking up the party, Caster X," Assassin X acknowledged in a tone so cold frost would've covered his mask. His eye didn't shift away from Rider. "I suppose becoming a Heroic Spirit has shortened my fuse a bit." He sat back on the ground. "That's embarrassing."

Rider easily picked up on the unspoken warning sent his way. Inwardly, he smiled. She has a fine comrade by her side.

Artoria's mind sped through all of the details from what she just saw, and her legs instinctively shifted from standing into kneeling among the circle again. Next to her partner. So, he is a bit protective… Despite the anguish still present inside her core, her mouth shifted into a tiny half-smile towards Assas- Kakashi. Why am I not surprised?

Then Saber cleared her throat and focused on another Servant. "Was my partner's behavior the only reason you stepped in now, Gandalf the Gray? Why not earlier?"

"You should have interrupted this show later, apparition," Archer drawled while batting away Lancer's spear with ease. The weak-minded dog had been so rattled by the old one's spectacle he offered no resistance now.

Then again, all of the Servants were staring at the "wizard" before them with curiosity and trepidation. Gilgamesh himself found he couldn't enjoy the bountiful anguish etched across Saber's face as much. But now he was certain. This one is no mongrel like the rest, he frowned pensively. He never was. He merely wore the guise of one. But… what is he?

Similar questions ran through the minds of others, even Kariya unsure of what exactly his Servant was hiding. But Caster X deemed other topics more important than discussing his true nature. "I believed it best, Saber, that the two different forms of kingship be displayed before us," the wise Servant explained. He lifted one hand to her, "A protector as King," and one to Rider, "and a crusader as King." The arms fell back down as he shook his head. "But I spoke now to prevent Rider from carrying himself too far in his admonishment of you. You may stand in opposition to one another, even disapprove of the other's ways, but no King has the right to deny the other their title." He shifted his gaze. "And she remains King of Knights, regardless of your opinion."

Rider found himself actually squirming from the chiding stare sent his way. Berserker X and Saber X were snickering at his actions, the traitors. If only mother could see me now… he grumbled to himself but rallied, nonetheless. "Very well, I will not deny her that, Mithrandir. But I refuse to accept her childish, self-sacrificing ideals."

"As you should not," Caster X nodded in agreement. Saber grew affronted and confused at this before unconsciously taking on a more attentive side as he returned to her. "You are a passionate one, Saber King, despite your cool expression. And you commit yourself to what you believe in and those you care for with all your being. Admirable qualities befitting a king." He gestured to Rider again. "But Rider is loud, able to inspire others with life and deed while displaying his humanity to the fullest. Also admirable qualities befitting a king." He leaned back to have both of them in his sights. "The folly the both of you make is believing there is only one way to be King. Your way, and no other. But do not forget, you, Saber, and you, Rider, ruled in different lands at different times over different people."

"And just who are you to know so much about the ways of Kings, old one?" Rider X sneered again after another, briefer period of silence. Any second now…

"One who walked amongst Men for three hundred of their lifetimes." Others openly stared at Gandalf's casual description of his age. But he elaborated otherwise. "I have known many Kings of differing values. One set out on a quest to take back his homeland from a Dragon who had stolen it for the gold within." An exasperated huff escaped him. "One of the most stubborn Dwarves I have ever had to deal with, but he loved his home beyond the riches within and would always put his life on the line for the sake of his followers. Dwarf or not. Another, a very member of the fellowship I spoke of earlier, is the heir to the greatest kingdom of Men. A fine warrior and a humble, honorable Man dedicated to protecting life. But this same humility has him refuse his birthright out of shame for sins his ancestor committed. He fears he may repeat them should he become King himself. Both of these Kings are flawed but retain virtues befitting their position." He spread his arms wide. "And here among us are others who lived under different reigns as well."

Saber X weighed his head before nodding. "True, the kingdom of my time had a council governing it, but before that, its last King personally led his troops to victory in the Great War. He brought peace and would've had the chance to rule the other three kingdoms, too. Nobody would've put up a fight against Vale's Warrior King. But he refused."

Iskandar turned to his friend in shock. "He refused a chance to expand his rule?"

"Yup. Instead, he formed a peace treaty with the other rulers and helped establish a lot of things that remained even when I still lived. Abolishment of slavery, redistribution of territories, founding of the Huntsman academies I talked about, and restructuring of governments, so no more Kings and Queens." He rolled his eyes at the scrunched-up face his friend made. "FYI, we had over eighty years of peace afterwards, Candy Bar. That's nothing to sneeze at."

Saber heard those words even over the conflicted huff from Rider. Eighty years of peace… by stepping away from power… giving up the crown for the sake of the people… was that the way?

Then Berserker X spoke up. "Technically my home had a council, too, but as Captain of my squad, I and my colleagues answered to a Head-Captain." He snorted with something resembling fondness. "Grouchy old geezer… but hey, he'd stayed strong at his post for a thousand years. Wasn't afraid of giving the rest of us a good thrashing when we needed it."

The additional knowledge made Saber think again. Another "King," but one who kept the peace by staying in power… was that the way? Her mind replayed what Kakashi had said earlier, along with snippets of earlier conversations they'd had. Spirited leaders, similar but different from one another, retaining their humanity… not being separate from the people…

…What was the way?

On either side of her, Lancer and Assassin X sat in silence, both wanting to speak up in defense of her, but neither truly sure of what to say. For the knight, his thoughts traveled to his King and friend Fionn Mac Cumhaill, a good man and just ruler… and who had come to hate him out of a jealous love. For the ninja, he wanted to elaborate on the Hokage and the people who had held that position. But what right had he have to espouse upon his ideals after causing her such pain? How could he say anything that couldn't be misconstrued?

Caster X watched the trio's internal conflicts with sympathy. They were all good, fundamentally heroic souls. But being good as a hero was never quite so simple as one would think. "I am not trying to tell you that your way is wrong, Saber King." She slowly raised her head to look at him, the turmoil within settling a bit through beholding the kindness within his eyes. "I will agree with Rider that your way of ruling your people was flawed, but that does not mean it was wrong." She felt like she was back in old times, where another wizard would teach her during the most difficult times. "In all my years on Middle-Earth, I never encountered a perfect King among Men, Dwarves or even Elves. All ways of kingship inherently carry flaws. No King is, was or will ever be truly perfect. That is a simple fact."

Artoria Pendragon sat there expressionless, weighing the wisdom she had been given.

An arrogant scoff cut through his speech, making everyone else glare at the one responsible. "What nonsense!" Archer dismissed the counsel, as was his way. "For one who claims to be so wise, 'Gandalf the Gray,' you are blind to the truth before you." He drank victoriously from his goblet for all to see. "The perfect King does exist, and he sits right before you. The only way to be King is my way. The way of the King of Heroes."

Saber's anger returned in full storm at this blatant rudeness towards the wizard she admired. Others clenched their fists, narrowed their eyes, and for once, Rider completely shared her emotions. But neither King of Knights nor of Conquerors was the one to speak against Archer. "The arrogance of a spoiled noble." Archer cast his fiery gaze towards the speaker.

Rider X returned it with full force. "I have listened to the prattling of you Kings long enough, and it leaves me disappointed. You all speak of pretty ideals, but what have they actually brought? What do any of you truly know of trials?" He pointed his stake-like finger from Saber to Rider and finally to Archer. "You, who were born with your titles of King predetermined." Then he thumped his chest. "I came into being on a world shackled by castes. A council that dictated how everyone was to live and serve from the moment they existed."

Those crimson optics blazed with a fire equal to any of the three Kings. "I came from the lowest of castes. I was given no title, no name, only a number and a section where I was to mine ore in some dark cavern." Rider X grasped for something before him. "Whereas you lot were blessed from the beginning with grand destinies, I carved my own path through the gladiator pits, a place where Cybertronians fought and killed each other for the amusement of others. I refused to accept this as my end and fought my way to the top with a name I took, not one that was handed to me. And from there I challenged the rulers of Cybertron, their ways against mine." He sneered in superiority at the trio. "All of you Kings were handed your rules. I earned the right to rule." His glare fixed on one King. "That is how a conqueror lives."

Rider's nostrils flared like those of the bulls which pulled his chariot, but Archer spoke first. "Or perhaps you simply belong digging about in the dirt," the King of Heroes smirked in clear challenge, "upstart."

Irisviel found herself inching away from the increasingly irate Servants, and she wasn't alone. The humans all eyed the Riders, Archer, Saber, and the others with worry. Not since the banquet had started was there such a concentrated desire to kill amongst them. It was almost palpable. Visible winds swirled before Saber's two-handed grip, both spears were in Lancer's hands, Berserker X eagerly fingered his nodachi, Rider X's cannon muzzle glowed…. And if nine Servants chose to battle here in this courtyard, the castle would likely be reduced to dust.

Then they all stopped in their preparations as a new presence surrounded them. Electricity continued to chirp around Assassin X's (clone's) fingers as he suddenly blurred and reappeared by Irisviel's side. "Saber." His partner leaped without hesitation to him while the shinobi slowly scanned their surroundings. "We have party crashers…"

Wisps of darkness flared all along the area. Waver yelped and scrambled away from a familiar dark woman appearing behind him. A strong hand pulled him to Saber X's side, Harbinger raised protectively in front of them. "Assassin…"

More appeared from the darkness, men and women, big and small, frail and muscular. Lancer eyed them warily by his Master, who for once couldn't enjoy his proximity. "How…" Sola-Ui whispered. Kayneth had told her that Assassin had been the first casualty. That Servant was supposed to be dead.

So why were so many of them here? Rider eyed them without fear, silently grateful for this distraction. His temper was cooling again. "Are either of you responsible for this, Goldy? Megatron?"

The latter only scoffed in answer while the former grumbled, "Tokiomi, you disrespectful imbecile…" Archer hadn't been made aware of whatever schemes his Master had concocted, and truthfully, he didn't care. But to tarnish his chance to repay the slights of others…

Lancer X watched the proceedings carefully from her perch, apprehensive of her partner's tautness. She too didn't fully approve of this rash decision from Tokiomi, but he'd convinced himself it was correct. All she cold do was watch this all play out.

Rider X was similarly irritated at this folly of a tactic. But as he scanned each of the numerous Hassan's before him, his anger lessened. Minutely. Such a shame…

"T-this shouldn't be possible!" Sola-Ui finally found her voice. "Each class in this War only has two Servants. How could there be so many?!"

"We are one, and yet we are many," one male intoned.

"An army that stands as one," another continued behind Archer.

"A Servant of many shadows."

"And always one." This conclusion came from a long-haired man holding a dagger to Kariya's throat. The only thing keeping Caster X from joining his Master.

Waver processed numbly this information before concluding, "Multiple personality disorder… An individual Servant that can divide itself into many?" he breathed.

Assassin X had come to the same conclusion. "This explains how Assassin's death was faked and I killed two more later. An entire network of Assassins to watch us from the shadows." He thumbed up his forehead protector to count the collective before them. Four… Nine… Fifteen… Twenty-two… Thirty…. Thirty-nine… Forty-nine… Sixty…

"And now they are out for blood," Saber surmised. Why else would they cast off their Presence Concealment so brazenly? The targets were sure to be Irisviel and the Masters; even Servants as weak as these… dividuals ought to be could kill them with ease.

Waver himself had given up counting in favor of hiding among his Servants. "Rider… Saber X…"

"Easy does it, boy." Iskandar waved off his worry with newfound mirth. "They're not the first Servants to arrive here without invitation, and it's been a rather engaging banquet so far. They may yet help us decide who the greatest amongst us is."

Saber X processed this with a tired sigh. "Oh, come on, Kandy Bar, you're gonna invite them for drinks, too? Is this really the best time to continue your goddamn pissing contest?"

"Why not!" Rider answered cheerily, taking everyone aback despite the situation. "A King's words should be heard by all, Qrow. If they've come all this way to witness this, friend or foe, we ought to oblige them." He dipped the wine ladle into the casket and held the filled vessel high for all to see. "No need to be shy! Those of you who have come to speak, join us and collect a cup. This wine is as your blood!"

For some reason, no one was even the slightest bit surprised at Iskandar's action. What he would do, later, though…

A knife whistled through the air, slicing the ladle apart and burying itself into the stone behind Rider. Waver flinched away from it while the red liquid splashed across Rider's white t-shirt. Saber X couldn't help but eye the spill with regret. A chuckle swept through the Assassin masses.

Berserker X eyed the broken ladle, then the whole lot with dismissal. "You boys should be ashamed of yourselves, playing dead so you can peep on the rest of us. And now you've gone and wasted good wine. You better have something to offer besides numbers." He grinned at them provocatively. "A hundred times zero is still zero, after all."

Some amongst the personalities of Hundred Faces Hassan had a better grip on their tempers than others. Those of the latter category loosed simultaneously a flurry of throwing knives. The projectiles sliced through the air, aimed at specific spots of the brute's body.

They clattered harmlessly to the ground, some blades even broken in half. "Oh brother…" Berserker X finally stood up from where he sat, cracking his neck. All of the knives had struck their targets and utterly failed to so much as make a scratch. Some Assassins shifted nervously as the (supposedly) one-eyed and thoroughly bored Servant unsheathed his weapon. "Chopping you all to pieces won't even qualify as my morning workout."

A hand clapped down on his right shoulder, halting the unsheathing. Berserker X scowled at his partner who only shook his head. "This lot is not worth your time, Kenpachi. Spare your blade for stronger foes." Those words washed away the irritation inside the Soul Reaper; Rider did understand him, after all.

"As I said, this wine is as your blood." The King of Conquerors had changed his tone, now. It was small enough that only these Servants who had sat and drank with him could recognize the danger within. "If you wish to spill it tonight, I shall teach you the consequences…"

Violent winds erupted from him with that final word, roaring throughout the courtyard. The Assassins braced themselves for an attack, but those closer to the center recognized it as similar to Berserker X's earlier mana flash. Random, possibly the prelude to something. But it wasn't quite the same, either. That had been simple mana radiating with bloodlust. This gale, though, it felt hot and dry. Sharper eyes detected grains of sand flying amidst the currents.

Saber had stepped in front of Irisviel and Assassin X to shield them as best as her small body could from the storm. She lowered her gauntlet from her eyes to see Rider standing with his back to her in his battle attire now. "Fellow Servants who have sat and drank with me…" Iskandar's voice boomed even over the loudest of the winds. "This is my final question for the night:

"Must a King, or any other leader, stand alone?"

Berserker X replied with a blunt, "Don't care," making Rider palm his face with a sigh.

But then others answered. "No," said Caster X.

"Nope," Saber X agreed. Regardless of his circumstances, he'd learned the values of unity.

Lancer hesitated briefly but gave his own. "I think not."

Saber frowned as all the lessons imparted upon her tonight swept through he like the winds. Ultimately, she wasn't sure, but honor compelled her to give the answer she'd known in life. "A King has no other choice but to stand alone."

Archer smirked from where he sat while Rider X concurred. "For a King has no equals."

Assassin X felt a familiar pair of eyes on him. He sent her a silent apology before giving his own verdict. "…No King should ever have to stand alone."

That stung Saber a bit, but she voiced no further objections. He deserved that much of a courtesy.

Rider crossed his arms with a bright grin. "I see some of you have failed to learn the lesson. But now I shall teach you all my way of a true King!"

A dome of light arose from him, engulfing the circle of Servants, their companions present, and the Assassins. All except Rider covered their eyes from the blaze, including Lancer X and the real Assassin X amidst their hiding spots, undetected even by the Hassan's.

When it faded again, those two hidden Servants opened their eyes… and found themselves alone.

Kiritsugu frowned at the static on his laptop's screen. The camera's connection must have been severed. 'Assassin X, what's happened?'

'I-I don't know. Saber, Irisviel… the whole group and the Assassins have disappeared. There's no trace of them anymore!'

He clicked his tongue before changing mental 'channels'. 'Saber, what happened to you and Iri? Where are you?'

'I… I'm not sure.'

Waver huddled beside Saber X, hands over his head, eyes scrunched so shut nothing would've got past them. But he still felt the shifting of the world, the great power and now… sand? He slowly peeked one eye, then the next… and gaped in open shock.

As did many of the others. "What the hell…" Qrow breathed surprised, staring out into the vast desert before him. Stifling heat bore down on them with passing winds. The sky had turned from cloudy night to the bright blue of day.

Aside from Rider, he Servants of the banquet looked around in total awe of their surroundings, noting how they remained the same distance from each other as before… whatever had happened. The same couldn't be said for the Assassins; they stood in a confused cluster a few leagues away from them. This had the added benefit of Kariya no longer being kept at knifepoint. He stumbled over to his Servant, hastily passing back the staff as he looked about. "What's happened to us…? Is this some kind of illusion?"

"No…" Caster X eyed the area while moving protectively in front of his Master. The sand scrunching beneath his feet, the wind against his face, the humidity; these details felt too real to be a trick. "Or if it is an illusion, it is one imposed upon reality itself."

Irisviel started the wizard's observation from where she was guarded by her friends. An illusion which affects reality… She had never witnessed it before but could think of only one thing in this world that held such power. "A Reality Marble…" she whispered in wonder, drawing the others' attention. Even the Servants not this world knew of the concept. That had to be the answer to what they were experiencing.

"B-but this is ridiculous!" Sola-Ui sputtered next to Lancer. "A Reality Marble is considered the ultimate pinnacle of Bounded Fields, of magecraft itself!" Her eyes darted to the Heroic Spirit standing calmly before the Assassins. "Even as a Servant, he would have to be a magus of the highest level to achieve something like this."

Rider snorted. "Oh, I am no magus. I could never have hoped to construct this on my own." His crimson cape fluttered royally in the wind. "My armies crossed through these lands long ago. None of the courageous heroes who stood with me in times of joy and sorrow could ever forget where we stand now."

Lancer's ears then picked up something further away from them. A lot of somethings. He and the rest turned towards the horizon to see people striding out from a haze shimmering in the air like some gigantic mirage. But then they grew clearer. Soldiers marching in a steady rhythm.

Rider X himself witnessed the assembly before him, barely registering his rival's speech. "I can make this world reality again," Rider spread his arms wide in pride, "because it exists in all of our hearts!"

The armored troops drew ever closer before the viewers. "Behold, my peerless army!" Individual faces could be made out now, different designs on armor and weaponry, but they all strode forward with unwavering surety. And as Assassin X's Sharingan confirmed, every last one of them was technically a Servant. "Though their bodies have long since faded to ash, and their souls have become Heroic Spirits, they remain loyal to me, these heroes of legends!" The army stopped as one, and their King looked upon the world with the greatest excitement. "They are all my most priceless treasure, my right to kingship!"

Assassin X sensed those words being directed at him in particular. An answer to his earlier accusation.

"The greatest Noble Phantasm of Iskandar, IONIOI HETAIROI!"

A mighty cheer erupted from the masses to follow their King's cry. The sound swept over the other Servants and others, sending a chill that left them speechless, in awe and just the tiniest bit anxious.

Or in Berserker X's case, shivering with bestial delight. The thought of all these warriors arrayed against him, ready to sink their spears into his throat as he'd tear his way through them… Adrenaline surged through his veins, and he was one of only three Servants that met these proclamations with a broad smile.

One of these other two petted the nuzzle of a massive black steed that had trotted to his side. "It's been far too long, old friend," Rider's smile grew tender as Bucephalus snorted back. He then turned to the thousands of men awaiting his command. It was time to hammer the point home.

"Mithrandir." The Grey Wizard shifted his impressed gaze to the King of Conquerors. "You said earlier that any path of a King is flawed, that there is no one way to be King. Perhaps you are correct. But this is the way we believe in." He raised his voice as loud as it could stretch. "The King lives to the fullest! He embodies the admiration of his people!"

The army chanted three times as one, hefting their weapons aloft.

Iskanday swung with one clean effort into Bucephalus' saddle before continuing. "The King collects the will of all heroes and leads them towards his dream." The mighty horse turned on the spot. Before the rest who bore witness to this awe-inspiring moment (though none had more amazed eyes than Waver Velvet), the Heroic Spirit proudly declared, "Thus, the King never stands alone, for his will carries the collective will of all who would follow him to the ultimate glory that could exist!"

The army repeated their prior chant with even more fervor if that were possible. Saber stared out along the many, many warriors, seeing their absolute loyalty, their unyielding dedication to the King of Conquerors. This Noble Phantasm, Ionioi Hetairoi… it wasn't merely a weapon. It was the greatest symbol of Iskandar's ideals and way of ruling. An entire world formed by the collective dreams of thousands united by their following one man.

An unbreakable bond. One the King of Knights could've never forged in all her life.

Her shoulder being squeezed pulled Saber from this rising gloom, and she turned to look into the concerned eyes of Shadow Clone of Assassin X. Her partner. Her comrade. The burden on her heart became just a little lighter.

"Now then…" Rider shifted his attention with rising malice back to his very nervous enemy, "let us proceed, Assassin." More than a few flinched from his challenge. "As you can likely tell, we prefer wide plains to fight on. And we have the matter of numbers in our favor." He urged Bucephalus a few steps forward to where his partners stood. "Qrow, Kenpachi." Both glanced up at him. "We will handle this. Relax and enjoy the show."

Saber X took in the relatively tiny group of shadowy Assassins, then the many, many, many soldiers at Rider's command. He then collapsed Harbinger and slung it onto his waist before pulling out his flask. "…Don't need to tell me twice." He mumbled before taking a drink and trudging away. "Way to make a Servant feel insecure, big guy..."

Berserker X sheathed his sword with a laugh and sauntered to the rest. "Me and you gotta have it all out one day, Kandy Bar."

Iskandar, King of Conquerors, beamed at his friends' reactions to his Noble Phantasm, then drew his spatha with a sweeping move. "CRUSH THEM!"

He spurred his horse onward, and the army followed. All charged past the other Servants without a second glance; they were not the targets for this round. Waver watched them charge on in bewilderment before Saber X eased him to sit on the sand. Neither needed to do anything else.

Most of the Assassins tried to flee, but Asako merely let her arms fall to her side. There wasn't any point to resist. Nowhere to hide, too much sand to run, too many to fight. She offered no resistance to the sword of the King of Conquerors as it severed her head from her body.

Some soldiers hurled spears which impaled the Hassan's from afar. Others cut them off and cut them down with swords. One or two personally fell to Rider as he rode into the fray. One way or another, there was not a single Assassin left alive in the Reality Marble.

Rider surveyed the carnage he and his prized men had wrought within a single minute and pointed his sword straight into the sky with a cry of victory. His army echoed the cheer across every corner they had rampaged, another conquest in the name of the King of Conquerors. And so, their King departed alongside his guests from the Reality Marble, Ionioi Hetairoi, once again.

But not before a certain Servant of steel and savagery beheld the vast sands before him, the great army… and smiled.

Assassin X and Lancer X blinked again, and the group had returned. Minus the Assassins. 'It would seem your plan succeeded, Tokiomi,' the female Servant reported.

'Yes, indeed,' was the somewhat pleased answer of her Master. 'Return to the manor now. We have much to discuss.'

'Perhaps I should stay a little longer. I have a feeling we could learn more, and we no longer have Assassin to spy for us.' Jade made her offer in a cordial manner, not wishing to damage their newly mended trust.

Eventually, Tokiomi answered with a telepathic sigh. 'Very well.' So, she stayed to watch.

Back inside the Einzbern castle's courtyard, Rider scooped some wine from the casket. "A bit of a letdown for our banquet's ending," he lamented with a drink. Waver blinked, eyes sweeping dazed around himself. "But I suppose that's enough excitement for one night."

Saber checked on Irisviel and her partner's double (who was subtly fiddling with his surveillance gear to confirm it was working again) before raising her voice. "Wait, Rider. We're not-"

"Quiet." That single word in dismissal stopped her in her tracks. "This was a dialogue between Heroic Spirits." He turned slightly to watch her out of the corner of his eye. "Out of respect for Mithrandir's counsel, I shall continue to recognize you as a King." He slashed his sword to summon the Gordius Wheel again. "But you should take his words to heart as well. And these." As Rider stepped for his mount, his gaze grew a bit more tender.

"Wake up from this painful dream of yours, and do it quickly. See the truth before what pride you have left as a Heroic Spirit is crushed into nothing. Your ideal of kingship… the way it is now, it binds and breaks you."

Dazed though he was from the experience of standing within a Reality Marble, Lancer snapped himself back to this reality with one last attempt to defend his rival. But then he saw her straighten up and adopt a contemplative demeanor. The lack of anger in her green eyes made him relax, as it did for Assassin X and Caster X. Iskandar himself felt a splash of relief at his fellow monarch's apparent willingness to think. He made to leave, but a polite cough from Mithrandir stopped him. The elder one appeared as though he wished to say something.

A dark chortle snapped both kings out of their musings. "Do not listen to the babble of these fools, Saber." Archer leered maliciously towards her. "Follow the path you believe in, that is what's right." Those words could have been reassuring, were it not for his demeanor. He took a final sip of his own wine. "The unparalleled agony, the crushing sorrow as you try to carry a burden of kingship too great for anyone is a delight to behold."

"You've got some sick tastes there, Goldy," Berserker X mumbled while the Sabers, Assassin X Lancer and Caster glared at the King of Heroes.

"Your palate is simply unrefined, mad dog," Archer shot back unafraid of the anger cast his way. "Continue to thrash about against each other, mongrels. Carve, burn and send one another in your scramble for what belongs to me." He rose to a standing position with one more smirk at the rest. "Perhaps the last one standing amongst you may yet earn my blessing." Golden dust shimmered around him as he focused on one in particular. "I'm rooting for you, adorable King of Knights." Then all that remained of him was a taunting cackle.

Saber was just about to drive her sword into something while Rider grumbled. "Always needs to make things so dramatic."

"Look who's talking," Saber X, Assassin X and Lancer replied in unison, earning a stinkeye from the King of Conquerors.

"Indeed." He turned to see Rider X take one last sip of wine with a wooden cup. He too rose and strode into a different direction. "An impressive showing, Rider. I cannot remember the last time I've witnessed such glorious delusion."

Rider closed the distance to him in three swift strides, his expression stern. "You would call the way of the King of Conquerors a delusion? Even after having witnessed the eternal bond between me and my army? Can you still claim, Megatron, that I know nothing of trials or earning my right to rule?"

Rider X sneered right down at him. "Eternal bond…" He spat out the words with a derision that would've made most lunge at him. "Just as Saber is a little girl filled with illusions of knightly chivalry who plays at being a humble, just king, you are a little boy who was read too many epic tales and is now running around in search of your own adventure. You have taken the way of the conqueror and twisted it into some romantic fantasy. This army you have at your beck and call is your most priceless treasure? Your right to rule?" A vicious laugh with no humor escaped those sharp teeth. "Armies are weapons to defend what you have and lay claim to more. Simple as that. And if your strength comes from all of your followers, then that simply means you are left with nothing without them.

"You may be a King, Iskandar, but I refuse to acknowledge you as the King of Conquerors."

The two Heroic Spirits of the Mount gazed levelly at each other, flames of anger blazing in two sets of red eyes. Saber X and Berserker X moved to confront the largest Servant as well, but a tanned palm snapped up to stop them. Rider finally spoke in a frighteningly level tone. "…The darkness of those mines you toiled in… of the pits where you fought for life and victory… it continues to lurk within you, Megatron. Your belief of conquest stems from a neverending hunger. A bitter envy of all with bright dreams." He flashed a broad, vicious smile. "I shall prove my title worthy and drag you into the light when we do battle."

Rider X matched his expression tooth for tooth. "We will see." He then turned on his heel and took a few steps away.

"Uh," Saber X glared at the massive behemoth, "where do you think you're going? Party's over, there's nothing left to keep you safe from the beatdown you deserve-"

"Anyone who wishes to stop me may try their luck." Megatron leered without fear towards the rest. "I have been sated otherwise for the most part tonight, and the first Servant has finally fallen. Victory is yours for now, Iskandar." He cast one final challenge over his shoulder. "Replenish your strength. Prepare your troops. When we face each other again, I will come to teach you what it means to be a conqueror. And I shall do it by taking your army, your kingdom and your title."

With that, the Lord of the Decepticons shifted into his vehicle mode and ignited his thrusters, blasting straight up into the sky a split-second before Assassin X's Lightning Blade would've reached him. "Damn," the Shadow Clone muttered to himself. He then gave an irked Rider a flat look. "War, not a tournament."

This unapologetic statement earned him a grumble before the Servant of the Mount eyed with some bemusement one of his partners. "I confess to being surprised you didn't do that."

Berserker X shrugged. "You're obviously interested in fighting him, and I can respect a claim like that. I've already had a good scrap with Rider X, and there are others like Goldy or Saber for me to have a good time with. Besides," he gave his usual bloodthirsty smile, "if he kills you, I'll get to fight him again."

Rider burst in laughter. "Impeccable logic! Though I have no intention of falling to his blade, Kenpachi." They shared another chuckle before he glanced to Saber X. "And you accept my claim to Megatron as well?"

He received a raised black eyebrow as an answer. "Kinda hard to argue with the guy who can sic a whole army on you whenever he feels like it." The alcoholic Servant huffed to himself with a tiny smile. "Like it wasn't hard enough before…"

Rider chuckled again before he heard a polite cough. The remnants of the banquet turned their attention collectively to its origin. "Thank you for staying a little longer, King of Conquerors," Caster X began with his usual courtesy. "There are a few things I wish to discuss with all of you."

Lancer's attention returned in full force. "Yes, you said you had something important to tell me about Archer X." Saber and Assassin X shared his attentiveness about the rogue.

The Gray Wizard shifted to his Master, his eyes asking wordlessly for permission. Kariya nodded to him, prompting him to explain. "Berserker and I came close to killing Caster earlier tonight, but your former partner, sir Lancer, intervened and carried him off."

The information stilled the six Servants before him. "Archer X… helped Caster escape?" Saber frowned. "What could she want with that madman? A new partner?"

"…Or a weapon." Lancer's mind was racing as his legs would across a battlefield. In the wake of this revelation, he decided honor dictated he return the favor. "The night Archer X murdered my lord, she also made off with her Command Seals and a form of magical technology. A… Reactor of some sort which can collect and store large quantities of mana."

Rider tilted his head quizzically. "Your Master crafted this Reactor for use in the War?"

"No, it was gifted to him by the Kaleidoscope." Everyone, Servant or not, stilled at the mention of that name. Lancer nodded in slightly shaken confirmation to them before continuing. "My lord had explained the basics behind its functioning, and Archer X seemed to believe she could use it to keep herself in this world without a Master."

"Hold up…" Berserker X crossed his arms while thinking. "Why didn't she just contract herself to Caster's Master if she wanted to stick around and work with that clown? Sure, I chopped off that little shit's hand when I left, but he might've made a contract with her. Better than using some gadget she doesn't understand." Even a brutish outsider like him knew better than to dismiss the Wizard Marshall of this world.

"Even if he had the skill to forge a contract, the one who called you and Caster into this world is dead, Berserker X," Caster X informed him. "Slain by her weapon." He nodded pointedly not towards a confused Saber, but further away among the shadows.

Lancer X stepped a second later out from her spirit form into the open. She ignored the few surprised looks she received in favor of eyeing the wizard. "How long have you known?"

"I first noticed a flicker of your presence after Berserker X showed his power. Your Presence Concealment is excellent," Caster X commended her, "but not perfect."

Tokiomi was voicing disapproval of her revealing herself, but it couldn't be helped. 'Please focus, Master. There's more to learn.' She sauntered casually over to her colleague who looked to her (ignoring the redhead's glare). "He speaks the truth, Lancer. I succeeded in killing Caster's Master, but Archer X ambushed us and then scurried off with him." Lancer X's eyes narrowed in thought. "…Though I think she wasn't pleased with her actions herself. She muttered something about this better being worth it…"

The male Lancer focused more on her (while Sola-Ui seethed silently). "You think it means she was working with someone else?" A nod. "But who else is there in this Grail War?"

"I can think of one person." Now Assassin X's double was at the center of attention. He cupped his chin before explaining his interjection. Kiritsugu may not like sharing this, but it doesn't compromise our own plans, and they ought to know. "While I was scouting earlier today, I found a spot in this city's rural area that had traces of Archer X's presence… and Rider X's." That caught everyone's attention, particularly that of the other Rider. "No signs of any conflict, either. If I had to guess, they left that place on peaceful terms."

"So, Archer X and Rider X might be in an alliance now…" Saber concluded from her friend's intel. She compared this to their prior theory of Tokiomi Tohsaka and Kirei Kotomine working together. If that were true, was the black female now part of their team now? She glanced subtly towards Lancer X; the taller, emerald-clad woman appeared genuinely taken aback at this revelation. Did she not know of Megatron's dealings? What of her Master, then? Megatron… Leader of the Decepticons… Saber's suspicions grew.

Saber X crossed his arms with a scowl. "And with Archer X snagging Caster, it sounds like your rival's putting together his own little crew," he noted to a solemn Rider.

"All the better I got rid of Assassin, then…" The King of Conquerors rumbled to himself. "One less variable or tool for Rider X to claim…" A sentiment the rest agreed with unanimously. So many Servants spying on them all the time; erasing them from the War was a relief.

With this, Caster X attempted the same plan he had believed in on Middle-Earth: unity. "In light of this information," he began, drawing their attention, "it stands to reason that we have common enemies. Enemies that may be standing together."

"And you wish for us to do the same, Gandalf the Gray?" Saber surmised. She closed her eyes in regret; it pained her to disappoint this kind fellow. "While I too would wish that we could face this threat on a united front, I fear it is not possible." She gestured to her fellow monarch. "Rider and I cannot see eye-to-eye on the ways of kingship even with your guidance, and there are… others," her breath hitched at the image of a black-enshrouded figure, "who cannot not cooperate with me."

Call it an irrational fear, but Assassin X hoped she meant Berserker and not him.

Caster X however recognized the reference to his partner and friend, as well as her trepidation. Her entire sense of belief has been called into question, and she struggles between what she thinks is best for her people and what could be best. Out loud, he said, "I respect that, King of Knights. And if this night has proven anything, none of us are willing to yield our chance for the Holy Grail." A wave of agreement rippled through his listeners. "However, perhaps we can agree to maintain the ceasefire among us until these rogues are dealt with." He stared at one particular Servant, then another. "Can two Kings stave off warring with one another to deal with a greater threat?"

The King of Knights and the King of Conquerors eyed each other for what seemed like ages before returning the wise one's gaze. "Before I agree," Iskandar held up a hand, "I insist that I be the one to deal with Rider X. This is a personal matter."

"While I cherish the idea of stepping onto the battlefield with you all as comrades, I, too, claim the right to stop Archer X," Lancer declared. "I put my own honor at stake."

Caster X wasn't one to encourage grudges, but he detected no malice in their hearts. "Does anyone object?" None of the rest said anything. Thus he nodded to them. "So be it."

Rider smiled briefly before sobering. "I have one final question for you, Mithrandir: do you take Saber's side or mine?"

"I take neither," the Istar answered immediately and truthfully. "As a Servant myself, I must oppose the both of you for the sake of my Master and the Holy Grail."

Kariya Matou discreetly wiped a tear from his eye at the loyalty his Servant showed.

Both Kings nodded stoically in acknowledgement of this truth. "And as a friend to you both," they perked up as he continued with a soft smile, "I will not choose one over the other."

They nodded again, this time with their own smiles. A touched Lancer X addressed him, "Truly the wisest Heroic Spirt of this Grail War." And the other Servants, even Berserker X in all his desire for violence, completely agreed with her assessment. None present voiced a single word of objection to the Gray Wizard's offer of a truce.

Though some received rather heavy nagging to return to their Masters. Jade assured Tokiomi that she was heading back and spun on her heel to leave. But she wasn't quite finished. "Two things before I take my leave," she intoned loudly for the rest to hear.

"While I respect Caster X's neutral stance, I personally side with the King of Knights' way to rule than with the King of Conquerors'." Saber looked to the emerald Servant's back in surprise. "I have seen enough of a conqueror's rule in my life. And as one whose own wish is to save my mother, my best friend, and the man I loved from their deaths, I respect such desires." Assassin X nodded his gratitude when she cast an eye for sincerity back to them.

"Lancer." Diarmuid blinked at being addressed. "Take this advice from one who shares your class: do not confuse obedience for loyalty." The knight frowned in confusion at her words, but rather than elaborate, the Edenian teleported from the courtyard in a burst of green mana.

Much to an agitated Sola-Ui's relief.

Rider gave a good-natured chuckle at Lancer X's leaving. "A woman of few but poignant words. Come, boy, friends." Waver found his numb body pulled along by a sympathetic Saber X; it had been an eventful night, and his young mind needed time to process the fantastic (and tragic) things he'd learned.

Iskandar mounted his chariot, the bulls huffing impatiently, and grabbed hold of the reins. "I shall honor Mithrandir's faith in me, King of Knights," he swore. "But I have not changed my opinion of your ideals or my advice to you. Think on them before our own clash."

She gazed levelly back at him without scorn or wounded pride. She simply vowed, "I shall." He actually appeared relieved to hear that as his team stepped onto the Gordius Wheel one after the other.

Save for one. "Well," Saber X snagged one last sip from the wine and made to walk off, "I'll catch you late-HEY!"

Rider reeled him in by his tattered cape with an exasperated laugh. He shut down any protests with the words, "Stop worrying about Misfortune and cherish with us the good fortune."

Credit where credit was due, Saber X still tried to protest, but a clap upside the head from a smirking Berserker X, and a tiny pat on the back from a sympathetic Waver nipped that in the bud. So, he settled for slumping in the chariot with a swig from his ever-reliable flask.

Before they left, Lancer of all people spoke up one last time. "Qrow Branwen." The addressed glanced back to his fellow knight class. "I don't know how the rules of naming work on Remnant, but your surname… if I recall correctly, it has meaning in a tongue of my home." The spearman smiled at the inquisitive look he received. "To my people, Branwen can mean 'blessed white crow.' Curious, isn't it?"

Saber X blinked at that before shaking his head with a bitter laugh. "Ironic is what it is…" A snap of the reins from Rider, a crackle of lightning and thunder, and they were off.

Four Servants, two humans and one homunculus remained now. They stared off after the divine chariot for a while before Assassin X cleared his throat. "Well if there's nothing else, shall we escort Lancer, Caster X and their Masters to the mansion's exit, Saber?"

His heart sank at her dignified, emotionless tone. "Yes, that is best, Assassin X." The King of Knights extended her arm towards the building. "If you would all follow me." The trip back to the outside was accompanied by a polite, slightly awkward silence. There was little else to be said and much to contemplate. But no more battle would be waged tonight. Not for lack of energy, mind you, but even Kiritsugu recognized that no matter who he may order his Servants to attack, the others would step in to aid. So, he grudgingly let them be. For now.

Before long, they were stepping through the hole in the front of the Einzbern mansion. Caster X murmured something to his Master who gave an affirming murmur back, then turned to the other guest Servant. "Do you and your Master require transport back to the city, Lancer?"

"The offer is appreciated, Caster X, but unnecessary," the knight declined politely. "I can transport us there myself."

Sola-Ui's heart soared at the implications. Him carrying her through the forest at night, wind rushing against her skin… held in his strong arms… gazing at his determined face…

Then she forced herself to maintain a polite smile rather than scream as he turned to that little doll of a Saber.

Lancer crossed his arm against his pectorals before bowing to her. "I thank you for your hospitality, King of Knights, reluctant though it was." He then flashed her a cocky (flirtatious?) smirk. "And regardless of your grievances with Rider, keep your sword sharp for our duel after I'm done with Archer X."

Saber returned his bow and smirk, though not as strongly as usual. "Try not to let her armor dull your spears, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. I will accept no excuses after your defeat."

Whatever their wishes or ideals, whatever the circumstances of the greater War, both knights swore they would finish their bout with due honor.

Lancer then picked up his frowning Master who immediately softened inside the bridal carry, then sprinted into a mighty leap upwards. But while she anticipated a romantic flight, his mind flowed to… other thoughts. Some formed by the banquet. By one certain swordsman.

That left Caster X, who watched the young girl carrying the burden of a King in empathy. He still had one unanswered question, but that could wait. He would make time to unravel the riddle between his partner and her.

So, he told her, "You would have made a fine King on Middle-Earth, Saber. Perhaps as fine as the one you made in the kingdom of your time."

Saber looked at him with a face of regret. "Your counsel would've been most welcome in Camelot, Gray Wizard. Perhaps then I would not have led my kingdom to destruction."

"Your reign mightn't have been perfect, King of Knights. But that does not mean it was terrible." He leaned via his staff closer to her. "Nor does it mean your beliefs, impossible though they seem, are not worth fighting for."

He then moved away from her and towards her partner, a man nearly equal in height and shrewdness to him, yet displaying such guilt now. This one… he was of a mature mind and nurturing soul, but he would sacrifice himself without thought for those he cared for. Much like Saber in that regard. No wonder they are partners.

To him, Caster X placed a hand on his shoulder, prompting the Servant of the Shadows to reluctantly look him in the eye. "True bonds do not break so easily, Kakashi Hatake," he whispered to him. "Sometimes, a few words can mend a bridge, and the damage was lesser than it seemed at first glance." A flicker of hope sparked inside Assassin X's cloudy eye.

And so Caster X shuffled off like the old man he appeared to be while Kariya Matou shook hands in goodbye with Irisviel von Einzbern. There had never been animosity between them before, and there certainly wasn't any now. Master and Servant slipped slowly into the Toyota and drove smoothly down towards the forest's street.

Finally alone, Irisviel turned to the duo serving her husband. This truly had been a night for Heroic Spirits, and it had left its mark. Saber stared out onto the night with a faraway expression. Assassin X's clone merely stood there in such shame Irisviel's heart panged for both of them. The entire time, she hadn't been able to speak up or do anything in the presence of such powerful individuals. It pained her, this feeling of weakness. The inability to help her friends or even speak up for them. What could she say to either of these Heroic Spirits?

Finally, Kakashi squared his shoulders to face the music. "Saber, I'm sorry about-"

"I remember something you said in our first real conversation, Assassin X." Her voice was calm, now, catching him off guard. "As I recall, your words were, we differ in our view on certain topics." She turned to him with a bittersweet smile. "That doesn't mean I hate you."

Relief flooded through him at seeing the sincerity in her eyes. He sighed right through his mask. "Thank goodness…"

Irisviel found herself giggling at her friend's response. "You were that worried about her opinion of you, Assassin X? Saber is kinder than that."

He held up his hands in mock-surrender, the amusement in his body language soothing in turn the women's nerves. "Forgive me for doubting you. It's just… I've put my foot in my mouth before, and it has cost me."

"I don't think defending your own beliefs even when they differ from Saber's is 'putting your foot in your mouth'," Irisviel assured him with another giggle at the memory of another night far away, where Kiritsugu had explained quite a few metaphors to her. And when she caught him doing that particular one a few days later. Hands clasped behind her, she smiled kindly at the two Servants. "And temporarily putting Kiritsugu and my wish aside, I'm sure that you would fight now more than ever to win the Grail. Not just for yourselves, but for each other."

"Of course/Naturally."

Both Servants looked at each other before snorting at the simultaneous answers. Her humor returning, Saber fixed her grateful gaze on her partner. "You continued to have my back during the debates, Assassin X. Even when I let a minor disagreement over beliefs with you cloud my thoughts. But…" Her smile faded. "I have been given much to think about. And I am not quite as assured in my way of the King as before. I apologize if you think I blamed you for that.

"There's something else I remember through Rider and Caster X's words." She cast her gaze back out into the night. "One of my most trusted knights once said, 'the King does not understand the hearts of men,' and subsequently left Camelot." Her voice lowered, and in that moment, she seemed every bit as young and fragile as her apparent age indicated. "I can't help but wonder, Kakashi…" she faced him again. "Did the other knights of the Round Table share this sentiment?"

The clone next to her poofed out of existence, the camera and speaker mounted to it hovering for only an instant before it began to fall. And with it, some piece of herself.

Then a pair of gloved hands snatched the technology long before it hit the ground. The real Assassin X pocketed it as he stepped out of the manison before locking gazes with her. Kiritsugu had told him to head back to the hotel, but he would take the time for this, no matter what. "…I can't speak for the fabled knights of the Round Table. But I will say, King of Knights or not, King of Britain or not," he extended his open hand to her, "I couldn't think of a better comrade to have in this Holy Grail War than Artoria Pendragon."

She stared at him for the longest time, replaying those words in her head over and again, before her eyes began to glisten and the widest smile she'd ever given stretched across her lips. She grabbed hold of his hand so tightly a miniscule part of her feared she'd break it. "Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke…" she recited his students' names he'd confided to her. "They were blessed to have you as their teacher, Kakashi Hatake."

The mention of his students knocked down more than a few barriers inside Assassin X himself, but he managed to keep his composure intact (save for a tear or two that gathered inside his hidden eye). He reclaimed his (slightly bruised) hand with a humble laugh. "And yet I still hope to go back and do right by them as much as I possibly can. I'll even use the one chance I may ever get from an omnipotent wish-granting device to make it happen." He gave her a pointed look even while moving to head out for Kiritsugu. "Pretty ridiculous, don't you think?" Followed by a wink.

Saber wiped away her tears and smiled back, having understood the unspoken message. "It is absolutely ridiculous," she replied with her own wink. "As ridiculous as hoping that same device can save an entire kingdom from destruction."

The partners-no, comrades of fate shared one final happy laugh before he leaped off towards the city and she escorted Irisviel, likewise eased in mind and heart, back into the castle.

Once again, Rider X soared above the Shinto district before landing in robot form onto the roof of a taller building. Archer X's obscenity-filled assurances she'd lost Berserker rang loudly over the telepathic link of his ally and her new Master, but it was of second interest now. Truly, this had been a most eventful night, with more information in his grasp now than he could've dreamed. Oh, there were some details that made him grow warier around certain individuals: Saber X's erratic Misfortune, Berserker X being even stronger than he'd gauged after their first battle, whatever Caster X actually was…

But he found new interest in two particular Servants: Saber, the little knightly girl killing herself with her impossible righteous standards; and Rider, with his hopelessly romanticized view of conquest. Those two each had certain qualities… her ingrained, self-destructive devotion to justice… his charismatic belief that his followers gave him his strength…

It was like they were decomposites of an old, dear enemy of Megatron. The eternal foe standing between him and dominion over the universe. He sighed to himself almost wistfully. Ah, Optimus… if you are not somewhere in the Throne of Heroes, then it knows not the meaning of the word.

The Cybertronian Heroic Spirit shook his head. Even if he couldn't enjoy a good clash with Optimus like in life, there were other ways to amuse himself. His thoughts trailed off to a certain desert, thousands and thousands of soldiers in rows, their King riding in front… Were he a disgusting human, Rider X would've salivated at the anticipation of tearing Ionian Hetairoi asunder. All in good time, he assured himself. All in good time.

He stood ruminating atop that building for a while before asking out loud, "How many of you are left?"

"Ten," Macour the Quick replied as he appeared from a flash of darkness. "Sixty-two of our number were butchered by Rider's Noble Phantasm. The survivors are stretched thin across the city, where no one can detect us." The slender dark man stepped without a single sound to his partner's side. "As I understand, we have you to thank for our continued existence."

"Our Master is the one responsible for that," the tyrant waved off his gratitude. "I merely gave him a little advice."

There were two reasons Rider X had not taken greater part in tearing down Saber's ideals, fun though that would've been. For one, he enjoyed watching Rider take up that responsibility for himself. But more importantly, he received a mental message from Kirei which required his attention. Tokiomi had wanted his pupil to send all of the Hassan's out into the open and bait at least one of the Servants into showing their full power. And Kirei had spontaneously decided to let his other Servant know in advance. It hadn't been up for debate.

Or, that was what he'd claimed. Rider X saw the hidden request for help despite his near raging at such a stupid maneuver. 'Would you truly inform me of Tokiomi's plan like this,' he had said at the time, 'if you didn't harbor your own doubts?'

With a little more prodding, Kirei decided to use one Command Seal the way he'd been instructed… and subsequently use a second to have ten amongst the remaining seventy-two personalities of Hundred-Faces Hassan disregard the previous order and stay hidden. Any more, and they'd have risked Lancer X or Archer (if he'd been attentive enough to keep track of their numbers) growing suspicious.

Either way, the bulk of Assassins were now gone. Slain amidst the sand of Rider's secret weapon. But the Servant of Assassination wasn't completely gone just yet.

One surviving Hassan now stood next to his partner, admiring the stars above. "But why convince our Master to spare us?"

"Good spies are a valuable resource in a War," Rider X indirectly praised him and his others. "An entire network of them, even more so. You do not sacrifice it on a suicide mission." He growled quietly. "Leave it to that little aristocratic dimwit to be so wasteful playing strategist…" Macour wisely chose to say nothing about his partner's distaste for Tokiomi Tohsaka.

But Megatron didn't fixate on this tactical blunder. He understood well that Tohsaka being so quick to have Kirei sacrifice his intended Servant meant that his own time in the mage's plan was nearing its end. Rider X would soon no longer be of use to him. So, I'll have to move up the timeline for my own plans.

The numbers of the Hassan's had already been stretched exceedingly thin as it was. The remaining ten could only monitor so much even if acting solo. But Rider X had made do with less in the past, and Tohsaka's tactic, stupidly shortsighted though it was, provided an opportunity: the other Servants and Masters believed for sure now that Assassin was completely dead. Including Tohsaka himself.

"So, partner…" Not to mention the remnants wouldn't be carrying any loyalty left for the patriarch after what he'd pulled. "What's our next step?"

Rider X smiled down at him. "For now, patience, my friend. Unless our Master says otherwise, you and the rest should continue spying as much as you can. Focus on targets like Rider, Saber and Assassin X but stay in the shadows. Do not let anyone catch sight of you under any circumstances. Especially Archer or Lancer X."

Macour nodded in comprehension. The former was of mercurial temperament, but the latter would surely report such a discovery to Tohsaka. And if he caught wind of this deception too soon, the punishment could be severe and unavoidable.

"Oh, and make sure Archer X doesn't attract more attention than she can handle."

This drew a sigh from Assassin, but he agreed, nonetheless. "Very well. What about you?"

Megatron sauntered along the roof in a rather good mood. "I'll be busy arranging the preparations for what's to come." He then assumed Alt-Mode Starship and soared off. His destination, a certain manor in Miyama Town with a very spooky basement.

Sorry about the delay with this chapter, I've been going over and over it again, trying to make the scenes as fluid as possible. Not to mention putting so many different and totally awesome characters into the spotlight. No wonder this is my longest chapter to date ;-)! Hope I succeeded, I'll let y'all be the judge.

Just to clarify, though, I'm trying REALLY hard not to bash anyone, Saber or Rider included, in this story. Cross my heart. I'm not using any character as a conduit to voice my own opinions (except maybe Caster X. It's kinda hard not to write him as the benevolent, wise peacekeeper among feuding royalty, y'know?) Please keep in mind, all of the Servants are biased and maybe a little unreliable as viewpoints in their own way. The beautiful complexity of personality, I suppose.

And admittedly, I was kinda sidetracked by "Horizon Forbidden West." Holy, that game is a marvel. It got me half-wondering how to make an Archer (or maybe Lancer) and a Caster of Aloy and Sylens, respectively.

By the way, a lot of you have commented on how none of the Servants have died yet. Technically, I've killed off eight Assassins before this chapter and now seventy of them are dead, but something tells these facts mean little. I could apologize for not following George R.R. Martin's method of writing characters, or I could simply say that these Heroic Spirits are too useful and just plain too fun for me to throw prematurely into the grinder. Rest assured, I have a plan for this story, and Servants will start dying from this point on. Thank you for your patience.

Ah, how I hope this story may appear on TV Tropes one day, even if just recommended…

Oh, and to help put my additions' motivations and wishes into a hopefully clearer light, here's a list of their deaths, ergo the "finishing point" of when they became Heroic Spirits:

*Assassin X is from when he briefly died during Pain's invasion. He wasn't brought back to life in this timeline.

*Rider X is from his canon death in "Deadlock" thanks to Bumblebee. Similarly, Unicron didn't resurrect him here.

*Saber X is from a timeline where he didn't survive Tyrian's poison.

*Berserker X didn't survive his first battle with Ichigo.

*Caster X died in his battle with the Balrog of Morgoth.

*Lancer X was killed by Sindel.

*Archer X… pretty much all of her deaths rolled into one.

And these moments, like I said, are the "finishing points" for these Servants. That's as far as they can remember, any returns to life didn't happen here. Assassin X doesn't know that Obito survived or that Naruto eventually succeeds in knocking some sense into Sasuke, Saber X hasn't experienced Raven betraying him or the truth Ozpin kept hidden, Rider X didn't suffer under Unicron's oppression, etc. Kind of like how Archer-Gil doesn't have the wisdom and maturity of Caster-Gil. This is intentional.