-84:09:52

"Urrgh…"

Slender fingers gently pressed against Kirei's battered chest, keeping him on the concrete ground. "Steady, Master," Bilal the Mending spoke softly, gaze behind his skull mask fixed on the bandage he was applying to the priest's right arm. "There is still much to be done."

The Hassan network had been stretched quite far due to their diminished number and increased efforts to go unnoticed. But when they sensed collectively their Master in danger, Bilal, the one of their collective who knew the most of healing, had fortunately been closest. The one who had called Assassin and Rider X into this world had been caught in a powerful explosion. Preliminary analysis determined that he had instinctively moved backwards, allowing him to evade it to an extent, but damage had still been done; nasty burns, internal bleeding, two cracked ribs and a dislocated shoulder from the impact, not counting the vicious bite mark on the other one. A hound, perhaps?

If Kirei Kotomine were a less physically trained man, he'd have perished from his injuries. As it was, Assassin had a fair bit of work on his hands once he'd recovered his Master and brought him to safety. His medical knowledge alone was admittedly outdated, but with what the Grail provided on modern times, he could at least ensure the Hassan's wouldn't need to find a new Master too quickly.

Still, Bilal mused while applying a salve to the burn on the man's right cheek, this shall take time and-

He stiffened upon registering another Servant's presence in the alley he'd hidden Kirei away in. But then Rider X's massive form materialized before him, allowing him to relax (if only a little) again. The foreigner, too, had seen better days; damage and scorch marks were splayed across his frame, and that odd light-blue blood of his trickled from one or two gouges on his chest, but the metallic familiar showed no signs of being in pain. Rather, those crimson orbs were trained on the injured man before him. "How is our Master?" He rasped out in an unreadable tone.

Assassin turned from his partner to his current patient. And their Master. "I've managed to keep him from the brink of death, and he seems a step away from regaining consciousness." A sigh escaped his mask, the symbol of the order he'd served faithfully in life. "But his injuries are too much for me alone to treat. Especially if he is to do battle again."

This outcome, Kirei Kotomine would not appreciate. Neither did his Servants, for that matter. Just when he had seemed this close to finding his initiative, now stood the risk of him not being physically capable for that. And after all they had sacrificed in this Grail War, Hassan of the Hundred Faces was very much invested in claiming their wish: completion in mind, body and soul.

Megatron had similar thoughts, and truth be told, he still felt frustration over this night's events. That damnable Berserker knocking him out of the sky, Assassin X and Caster X still alive (Zouken voicing his displeasure about the latter situation through their link)…

And the true form of Saber's blade. "The Sword of Promised Victory" which had shined with such magnificence, as though to say he could not hope to defeat her! As though only those fated for glory would receive it!

No, the lord and master of the Decepticons vowed to himself. Saber struck at me with that sword, and I still function. I can defeat her, as surely as I can defeat Rider. As surely as I can defeat Gilgamesh, Caster X, Berserker and anyone else fool enough to try and stop me! Nothing would stop him from seizing the Holy Grail and subjugating all of existence under his will.

Certainly not the fleshy weakness of his Master. "We cannot deliver him to Tohsaka," Assassin was muttering next to him, "not without risking exposure of our survival. The same goes for his father, and he does not appear to be a magus, either." He shook his head, loose strands of purple hair swaying, before glancing up to his partner. "Perhaps that old man you have for an ally…?"

"No. My arrangement with Zouken is one of mutual benefit but little trust. Delivering our Master to him in such a state would give him an opportunity to claim power over us. Besides, I do not favor being in anyone's debt, much less his." Rider X stepped closer to Kirei and knelt before him. He lifted his right fingers up to his face, concentrating as mana flickered.

"I may have something, though, that can restore his strength."

A chill crept up Bilal's spine and traveled to every corner of his body. A single crystal shard was now clutched tightly in the Servant of the Mount's hand, glowing violet with power. An odd humming sound seemed to be emanating from the shard like a twisted melody. But watching it, listening to it was… unsettling, the Hassan noticed. Vile, unclean, dangerous… Evil. Not a moniker anyone in the Hashshashin would give lightly. But the Servant of the Shadows couldn't think of anything more fitting. "What… what is that?"

Unlike his partner, Megatron was admiring the crystal before him, testing the sensations of it and growing pleased with the result. Though it may have been birthed from Unicron, he surmised, on this world, Dark Energon is my Noble Phantasm and answers to my will.

Out loud, he said, "This is but a fraction of my secret weapon, Assassin, a power like no other that I discovered while conquering my world. It can even raise the dead."

"But… Master Kirei isn't dead… yet…"

"Oh, I know." An amused sound escaped Rider X that made Assassin shiver again. "And I do intend to ensure that remains the case for him." And though no one would've believed him, Megatron said this with sincerity. Kirei Kotomine had proven such an interesting person throughout their time together, his Servant from another universe was actively invested in seeing how he would develop. For good or evil? Staying on the path of the faithful, or succumbing to his inner darkness? Either way, Megatron wished to see the final result.

And if his little experiment provided him with a little insurance against the priest's possible betrayal… all the better.

"If his spirit proves strong enough," the shard flipped about in his grip so that the tip hovered like a dagger over Kirei's chest, "then he will conquer the power. If not, it will conquer him."

"And… in the latter case?"

"You and I will need to find ourselves a new Master." And so Rider X stabbed without hesitation the dark shard into the human's body.

It seemed to dissolve into a violet mist that seeped into the stab wound. An aura of the same color (and malevolence) began to spread over Kirei's body, covering every last part of him. Then, as Rider X watched with an eerie sort of curiosity, he began convulsing violently, his Magic Circuits visible through that same purple. The right hand surged up, its fingers curling into a fist, then struck against the ground hard enough to crack it and make Bilal flinch.

And all the while, the priest continued to thrash uncontrollably as the violet blazed. "Agh… Uhh…" An old part of Megatron grew pleased at his Master; for all the pained grunts that escaped his lips, Kirei had yet to actually scream. And through his own connection to the Dark Energon, he sensed that the battle within would be resolved soon. You simply cannot bore me, can you, Master?

But they were still in a War, and the conqueror had other matters to attend to, as well. 'Archer X,' he sent his thoughts to the tentative ally he'd made, 'Report. Where are you?'

The black-armored Servant of the Bow's answer was clearly frustrated. 'I'm in the rural part of this stupid city, trying to shoot down that ass of an Assassin X. Oh, and Lancer's trying to spear me, too, but other than that, I'm just fucking dandy!'

Ah, I thought she was speaking with a trace more agitation than usual, Rider X pondered amused. But to her, he stated, 'The battle is over for now. Caster has perished, as I'm sure you've noticed.'

'Yeah, it's kinda hard to ignore a giant golden mana-nuke going off by the river! Who the hell did that?!'

'That was Saber's Noble Phantasm. She is more powerful than we had calculated,' Rider X admitted grudgingly. He was fairly certain she couldn't have gotten a good look of his ace in the hole, but that he'd needed to draw it in the first place… infuriating and yet exhilarating at the same time. 'Fall back to the Matou mansion for now. We need to revise our next moves. I shall head to your current position-'

'Like hell, you're going to.' Anger flickered in him at the interruption, but Archer X continued with nearly equal heat. 'I don't need any help for this. I'll kill or escape from these two clowns myself.'

'I am not making a suggestion, woman…'

'And last I checked, I'm an equal partner in this alliance, not your fucking subordinate. See you back at Zouken's damn mansion.' If the mental link were like a telephone, she'd have snapped the receiver shut. As it was, the finality in her words left much the same impact.

An uneasy Assassin continued to watch the thrashing body of their Master, even kneeling down to ensure he didn't swallow his own tongue. Rider X, however, was too busy silently fuming to pay him any mind. That rebuttal just now reminded him why Archer X had such a dysfunctional relationship with her original team. She was an exceedingly deadly soldier, but the problem was, she was well aware of that. Add her temper to her pride, and Megatron suspected her aggression increasing as the Grail War went on was due to the fact she hadn't won yet. He didn't doubt she was planning to betray him and Zouken; Archer X had slain the man who summoned and bound her spiritual essence to this world, after all. Why would she be any more faithful to an alliance with people even more treacherous than her?

Moreover, her infatuation with Lancer persisted. No matter how the surly woman attempted to dress it up, Rider X knew she wanted her ex-partner. Maybe more than the Holy Grail itself, if not now, then with each passing hour. He couldn't be sure whether she could bring herself to kill Lancer or if she would let him kill her, but either way, this obsession made Archer X a liability. And with Caster gone and this new Avenger X's allegiance dubious, he couldn't afford any negligence. The situation between Archer X and Lancer needed a resolution. Quickly.

Rider X crossed his arms behind his back and frowned in contemplation. Killing that knight is easily within my power even at present, but it would shred any hope of cooperation to pieces if Archer X learns of what I'd done. Lancer is also far too noble to ever join forces with us, even if offered the chance to finish his precious duel of honor with Saber. The only way to coerce him would be through a Command Seal, and his lie with-

He froze as a certain idea crept into his processor.

A subtle, ruthless idea utterly devoid of any humanity.

No wonder the Cybertronian's metallic lips curled back to bare his denta into a devilish grin. Oh, this I shall savor.

'Megatron,' Zouken's voice stirred him from his musings, 'it seems you've instigated and taken part in an eventful evening.'

'Indeed, I have,' the Servant "replied" evenly. 'Did you enjoy bearing witness?'

'Oh, I was definitely tickled more than once with the collective performance, the anguish of a few certain characters in particular.' An idiot could recognize the frustration layered underneath the elderly man's saccharine tone. 'Yet, I must say, the ending was a bit disappointing. Caster returned to the Throne of Heroes with only one of our enemies' Servants joining him.'

A sliver of heat crept into his next words. 'Truly a shame that said Servant wasn't Caster X.'

Rider X's smile widened by a fraction. He'd surmised that the Matou patriarch was a patient man, considering he was willing to throw this Grail War in order to punish his spawn and wait another sixty years for the next one. But for Zouken to be this on edge about the foreign wizard… He's already summoned an irregular Servant, and he might make other reckless decisions. Caster X's presence may make him even more careless… Excellent.

But for now, their alliance needed to remain intact. There were too many other Servants running loose for either being to betray the other. So, Megatron kept his mental message cordial. 'Patience, my friend. I promised you Caster X's death, I simply never stated when it would happen. But you've actually made contact with me at an opportune moment. I have a plan that may bring us one step closer to victory.'

For about a minute, there was silence over the link. Then came an amused, curious, 'Do tell.'

Rider X glanced down to where his still-convulsing Master lay, violet-tinged blood trickling from where he'd bit into his own lip. "Assassin." His partner looked up from his restraining the priest, involuntarily shivering at the gleam in those optics. "Your other personalities have been tracking the other Masters and Servants since before the river battle, yes?" The behemoth received a tentative nod as an answer. "Which one was sent after Lancer's Master?"

"The Sophia-Ri woman?" Bilal inclined his head to remember before replying. "That would be Macour the Quick. He should still be in her vicinity."

"Excellent." Another piece of his plan falling into place, Megatron returned to his other conversation. 'Tell me, Zouken, just what are those little worms you cultivate capable of?'

Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri breathed a heavy sigh of relief once that great flash of light ended. Her eyes, even Reinforced, couldn't see through the mists that well. She had only been able to send a pre-prepared familiar, a clockwork bird-thing among Kayneth's Mystic Code collection, to monitor the battlefield, and it was shredded to pieces halfway through the aerial battle of those three Servants. All this left her with little to help her Servant.

But a glance at her right hand reassured the woman; there the Command Seals were, clear as the nighttime stars. "Thank goodness…" Sola-Ui breathed in relief. If the handsome knight contracted to her had perished, the Seals would've been reclaimed by the Holy Grail. But not only did the two remain, but they would soon become three once again. "Once I've collected the reward for Caster's death, Lancer and my bond will be truly complete." Granted, others might've argued about the Heroic Spirit's contributions, but Sola-Ui could be persuasive when needed. Kayneth could've attested to that if he still lived. "Archer X won't claim him… we'll be together…"

A heavy ringing sounded inside her head, making her jump in shock from the fence. That was all that saved her hand from the knife that sliced there an instant too late.

Despite the irritation at her attempted amputation failing, Maiya Hisau kept her expression neutral as she circled the redheaded woman seated on the roof. Urushi hadn't taken long to find her, but the associate of the Mage Killer had decided to delay her attack until Sophia-Ri seemed completely distracted.

A tactic that would've worked if Sola-Ui hadn't plundered her late fiancé's collection of Mystic Codes. One of which was a pendant that had been crafted by a blind Hungarian magus roughly three hundred years ago. Comparatively simple in design, but it would warn its owner should anyone with hostile intentions approach.

Sola-Ui clutched the bleeding cut on her right arm tightly, her thoughts too rattled to apply healing magecraft there yet. Her sight kept flickering between her attacker and the back of her hand. Her Command Seals were still there, but it had been too close just now. If I'd lost it, then Diarmuid wouldn't come if I called. He wouldn't protect me! Rage swept through her at that thought, and she went for her bag. This woman before her would pay for what she'd nearly stolen!

Maiya had already been moving to close the distance for another attempt but paused when something gold was ripped from the woman's bag. The night flared up for a moment, and she barely evaded the streak of heat that rippled past her and burned a hole in the fence behind her.

A vicious scowl decorated Sola-Ui's normally pristine face as she adjusted her left-handed grip on the Eye of Ra. The solar beam emanating from the medallion's jewel followed the dark-clad woman, blazing with a fury second only to the one inside her. She'd had the foresight to let this treasure collect sunlight during the day, and now it would incinerate every last trace of this fool.

The attacker ducked under a sweep, the distance between the two women widening. Sola-Ui flicked her weapon downwards, the beam finally catching her. Smoke wafted from Maiya with a loud Poof! The woman maintained the stream for a few seconds, satisfied with the immolation of this female rat, before shutting if off. The charred corpse before her would serve as a warning to others-

Except all that lay before her was a scorched piece of a pipe.

Her pendant flared up with another warning and she spun around, Eye of Ra flaring up, but Maiya's gun barked first. The golden Mystic Code went flying through the air alongside a cry from Sola-Ui, the woman staggering back from the bullet wound in her left shoulder. Her white blouse was stained with her own blood, but the magus finally put her Magic Circuits to work on repairing the damage even while she fumbled inside her purse for something, anything else.

Maiya didn't so much as raise an eyebrow at the crude dagger levelled shakily towards her. Despite the crimson edge, she could tell with a glance that it wasn't suited for combat like the knife in her own hand. "S-stay back, you wench!" And her target's panicked state confirmed without a doubt that Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri had never been in a fight before.

A fact the noble by magus standards was becoming painfully aware of again now that the blood which had surged through her head in all her fury was starting to leak out of her hastily patched wounds. She couldn't hope to defeat this woman, not alone. And much as it pained her to lessen the bond with her beloved, magi had to make sacrifices.

Maiya's eyes narrowed at the red glow from her target's Command Seals and levelled her gun at the forehead. By the power of my Command Seal… Fire and lead erupted from the muzzle twice-

-84:01:19

Lancer bounded off the roof as yet another claymore detonated in his wake, the moonlight outlining his lean body and making his eyes gleam. Most women (and a fair number of men) would've appreciated the sight, Love Spot or no Love Spot. Hell, Archer X found her eyes roaming over his figure before making them focus on the red tip heading right for her. She threw herself to the side before it tore through the supports of a water tower right behind her.

The Freelancer rolled smoothly to her feet, an SMG materializing in her right hand and a combat knife in her left. The latter she swung to deflect a flurry of shuriken hurtling from behind. Assassin X somersaulted away from the bullets fired as payback, his fingers snapping through three handsigns within half a second. "Wind Style," he briefly pulled his mask down to suck in air, "Air Bullets!" and spat it out in a series of pressurized bolts that sent Archer X stumbling backwards. She cursed while trying to right herself, firing her gun blindly.

Every single one went wide, of course, and Tex barely managed to parry the next series of attacks from both of her opponents. A slash from Gáe Daerg disassembled her SMG, and the next nearly took her head. Lancer was much calmer now; though the tension in his posture painted a clear image of his persisting anger, his actions displayed restraint. He'd been boxing her into a corner for a while now, forcing his treacherous partner to exhaust her tricks.

They were close to the borders of the forest from a few nights ago. Even with Zouken keeping her from bleeding out, Archer X was running low on both firearms and explosives. She could probably still take Lancer with some good old-fashioned fisticuffs, but unfortunately…

She parried a jab with her knife and grabbed hold of the spearman's sole remaining Noble Phantasm to reel him in for a roundhouse kick, but two kunai hurled by Assassin X sank into her supporting leg. With a pained growl, Archer X fell forward only to take a knee to the gut from Lancer. Her armor took the worst of the blow, but it still knocked the air out from her.

She rolled away, letting go of the spear in the process, until her back struck a wall. Archer X tried to rise in defiance to her feet but fell grunting back to one knee; that masked bastard had thrown one of his stupid little knives into her ankle tendon.

…Unfortunately, Assassin X was also there. Between his own combat prowess and cooperative nature, the shinobi had helped Lancer slip around nearly all of Archer X's remaining traps with little damage. He's always, always screwing around in my business… Archer X grumbled to herself while cycling through what was left of Weapons of War's immediate repertoire. Been saving the minigun and missile pod, but they're too unwieldly for this little distance between us. Plus they won't just shred that jackass but Lance- damnit! He's been trying to kill me for the last few days, and I'm still pulling my fucking punches! Face it, Tex, it's him or you if you want that fucking Grail. After everything you've done in this War, can you really just drop the damn ball now?!

Then a familiar velvet voice cut through the soldier's self-scolding. "Raise your head, Archer X." She instinctively looked up to see Lancer striding to where she crouched, his spear pulled back for one final lunge. "You can at least have the dignity to face me when I avenge our lord's murder."

Diarmuid didn't let his eyes drift away from the armored cretin before him, but his ears picked footsteps behind him. They were of a slow pace, though, and he recognized the sound of Assassin X's sandals. The ninja moved within view to his left, obviously ready to stop Archer X should she make a break for it. Otherwise, he made no move to strike. He's relinquishing the final blow to me. Lancer nodded to the veiled man in gratitude for his honor.

Archer X's fists clenched as she went over her options; the knife wound in her ankle slowed her on the left, and Assassin X was guarding her from the right. No time for her arsenal to replenish for something less lethal to Lancer… Damnit. Her fingers loosened and fell to her sides as the man she'd abandoned in this second life took one final step. Texas squared her shoulders and sighed to herself, all resistance leaving. "Get it over with, Pretty Boy."

Well… there are worse ways to go out. And at least it's by his hand. With those thoughts in her head, she stared one last time into those… fuck it all, those alluring eyes as he thrust the red spear towards her-

And halted.

Archer X had been bracing for her death by impalement, but now she blinked perplexed at the red tip trembling in front of her chest armor. What the…?

Assassin X shared her confusion and focused more on his current ally. Sweat was glistening down Diarmuid Ua Duibhne's face while his body had grown stiff as a board. His hands gripped his spear nearly as tightly as his teeth were grinding against one another. Blood trickled down his lip. "What's wrong, Lancer?" The Copy Ninja finally asked warily, not letting their enemy out of his sight.

No answer came from him, and when she continued to remain unimpaled, Texas warily let her sight travel up to the man's face. She found it to be scrunched up in exertion, his eyes glistening with conflict and pain. This emotional maelstrom confused her and made… something stir. Why isn't he ending it? I thought he wanted to kill me… Is he…?

Then as Assassin X took a step towards the knight-class Servant, he convulsed even more as though struck by lightning before suddenly spinning on his heel. Lancer hissed to the ninja, "Stop me!" just as he bounded off away from the other two Servants. Both could only stare baffled for the next few seconds, the Love Spot-warped thoughts in Archer X's brain jumbling about against each other. Wait, he's running away from me? Did he change his mind, is he going to fight one of the others? He… he doesn't want to kill me? The stone-cold soldier had never felt so utterly unsure about something in her "life."

Kakashi recovered quicker and decided to alert his allies. 'Saber, Kiritsugu, something's happened to Lancer. He was just about to finish off a cornered Archer X when he suddenly ran off. He's headed in a straight line back for Fuyuki Bridge, I think he's acting under a Command Seal.'

'I'm currently driving to your location with Irisviel,' Saber replied. 'I should be able to intercept him.'

Their Master inquired, 'What about Archer X?' His words were clinical, carrying no confusion over the situation or concern about what might've happened to their temporary ally.

'She's still with me and injured.' Assassin X spared a glance at the kneeling rogue, still as a black statue. 'I intended to let Lancer dispatch her, but-'

'But you'll have to handle that yourself now, Assassin X,' Kiritsugu cut through with a coldness that didn't surprise the ninja. 'She's too dangerous to keep alive just for Lancer to mend his pride.'

Assassin X suppressed a sigh; he could practically feel Saber's agitation over the mental link. Even with his status as a skilled enemy, both Servants liked and respected the spearman. But ultimately, she voiced no objection, and he himself was already turning to finish the job. Kiritsugu was inhumanly insensitive about the rival duo's situation, but he wasn't wrong.

Regrettably, while her feelings about Lancer were precariously unstable, Archer X had zero conflict concerning Assassin X. Even as he readied Lightning Blade, she materialized her missile pod while unleashing its entire salvo within seconds. The rooftop and much of their already battle-worn surroundings promptly went up in smoke and flame, the Man of a Thousand Techniques barely managing to flip out of the blast radius.

And even then, he knew the reason he'd gotten off with just a slightly singed wardrobe was because Archer X hadn't put any real effort in aiming. Nor did she have interest in staying around, from the looks of it. 'Assassin X, what's happening over there?' Kiritsugu's voice appeared in his head; no surprise, even if he hadn't heard the explosion, the smoke ought to be visible for kilometers. Rather, Kakashi thought he could've heard a sliver of concern in his Master's question.

Thoughts for later. 'Archer X doesn't want to comply with our intentions. Surprisingly.'

'She's escaped?'

'Not quite…' The Sharingan's sight pierced the fumes to detect the familiar ebony-clad familiar; she'd activated her cloaking feature, but it wasn't enough to hide her from that eye. 'From the way she's moving, I'm pretty sure she's tailing Lancer.'

'Can you catch up with her?'

His legs were already bending. 'Shouldn't be a problem.' But just as he made to take off, a heavy rumble preceding a variety of panicked screams caught his attention.

Archer X's errant rockets had severely damaged much of the surrounding rooftops, leading to pieces crumbling off from the rest and beginning to fall to the streets below. To make matters worse, people had taken notice of the noise and plumes, and small crowds had gathered. They fortunately had the good sense to disperse start running when the first debris came down, but not everyone was fast enough. And the biggest pieces had yet to fall.

Assassin X's mind raced. If he stayed, he might not be able to reach Archer X and Lancer in time before something happened. Saber could probably take both on now that she could use her left hand again and Lancer was missing a spear, but with those two so agitated, he didn't feel good taking any chances. But if he left, someone was almost certainly going to die down there, maybe a few if they were unlucky. Kiritsugu would chalk them up as acceptable losses… can't ask him for help even if he could. The Hidden Leaf shinobi shook his head, this was like trying to look left and right at the same-

Naruto's face inadvertently appeared before him, frustrated one second, then flashing a broad grin in realization.

The blonde knucklehead's teacher could've slapped himself. Why are the simple answers so hard to figure out sometimes? Assassin X grumbled to himself, fingers in a t-formation. One of life's great mysteries, I suppose.

Most of the people had moved yelling and scrambling to what seemed like a safe distance, but some weren't so lucky. A teenaged girl had taken a bad hit to her leg and lay crying on the street, and a man and his son, originally enjoying a lengthy evening stroll together to talk about the upcoming holidays, found their own retreat cut off by a sizable chunk smashing down in front of them. The little boy cast his brown eyes terrified up above them as more tumbled downwards. Then he was pulled into the chest of his crouching father and saw nothing else. "Dad, no!" But the man stroked his boy's head and readied to try and throw him to safety, desperately hoping that at least he'd survive the debris falling towards him-

Then all of a sudden, a heavy gust of wind overtook everything else.

Next thing they knew, the two found themselves unscathed on the other side of the debris blocking their way. Even the injured girl had been brought next to them, her broken leg set and wrapped in bandages. She was unconscious and her face was scrunched up in pain, but she seemed to be breathing steadily. Moreover, the falling boulders had all somehow been smashed to dust, leaving everyone below unharmed.

"Shirou, are you alright? I-I don't know what happened, but-"

"I-I'm okay, Dad." The boy's reassurances did little to stop his father from patting him all over, but he didn't mind. He always felt safe when around the big man, even after… all this. "R-really. …What about you?"

Dad finally stopped checking him, sighing in relief. "I… I'm fine, Shirou. Not a scratch." He then pulled the youth in for a tender hug, stroking his auburn hair. "Course, that'll change when your mother hears about this…" he murmured, making a slightly hysterical laugh escape from both.

But between his father's arms, the boy still looked up to where all those rocks had come from.

Later, he'd swear he saw a man kneeling on one ledge, staring down at them. But then smoke had welled up, and nobody was there.

Maiya cast one more look about her surroundings before affirming her report over the phone. "No, not a trace of Sophia-Ri anywhere. I don't have a clue who could've helped her." Her usual cool tone was marred by irritation.

She'd had the woman dead to rights, but just as she pulled the trigger, Urushi had pounced onto her from the right a second before something heavy would've smashed her skull in. I knew there was a reason I told him to hang back, the disciple of the Mage Killer considered. Neither she nor the canine managed to see their attacker before they vanished, though, and by the time Maiya had regained her bearings, Sola-Ui was gone. Whoever helped her was fast. And sneaky enough to evade Urushi's nose.

The latter the hound confirmed by walking around her in a slow circle, scrunched-up snout in the air, before making a disappointed huff. "Whoever scampered off with her must've loosed some kind of stuff in the air. It's messing up her scent, and I can't pick up any new ones." His head and tail dropped, saddened at letting his friend down, but the woman only petted his head while relaying the situation to Kiritsugu.

Maiya Hisau was honestly not frustrated with Urushi at all, she was angry at herself. She'd fixated so much on neutralizing her target that she'd neglected paying attention to her surroundings. An amateur's mistake. Now what should've been a simple kill had escaped. Yet another complication for Kiritsugu…

Yet the man who rescued her gave no indication of sharing their frustration. "Can't be helped, then," that cool tone she'd known for years finally answered once she was done. "Saber tells me she's close to intercepting Lancer, and Assassin X and Archer X are right behind him. Head for the same area; if Lancer really is being commanded to do something, this could be a trap. Be ready for anything."

"Understood." Maiya snapped her phone shut and nodded to Urushi, who released himself with an affirming grunt and a Poof! She then bit down on the tip of her right thumb hard enough to draw a drop of blood and performed the five handsigns Assassin X had taught her before slapping her palm on the roof.

A fresh burst of smoke, and now Guruko sat to attention before her. "Urushi told us the basics, Biscuit's doing fine aside from a bruised rib."

"Good to hear." Maiya nodded at the news and made for the door, the hound loyally trotting after her. "Keep your nose sharp, maybe we can still catch Sola-Ui." But even as she said the words, she doubted it would happen. The redhead couldn't have been responsible for Lancer's actions. She had been at Maiya's mercy even with her little magic toys' help, and she was unmistakably infatuated with her Servant. If she had used a Command Seal on Lancer, then it obviously would've been to call him to her side. This very instability coupled with the Seals had been why Kiritsugu had assigned his assistant to eliminate Sophia-Ri.

So whoever had "rescued" her most likely did it to steal her Seals and gain control over Lancer. But aside from what the Servant could've been commanded, the biggest question was who? It can't have been Kirei Kotomine, Maiya mused while heading down the building's steps. I'm 74% positive that my attack put him out of commission at least for tonight. And even if it didn't, my clone confronted him twenty minutes ago, thirty, tops, in the Shinto half. There's no way he could've crossed the distance to here even by car. The other Masters didn't fit the profile, either, and they were all most likely retiring for the night to replenish their Servants' strength.

That left one other suspect: Zouken Matou. Kiritsugu said his Shadow Clone tried to dispatch him inside his own mansion. But could an old man come all the way out of his mansion and abduct a young woman all by himself? The head of the Matou clan's abilities were largely unknown save for the insect magecraft he had warded off Kiritsugu's clone with, leaving anything as possible.

However, even as the dark-wearing woman and her furry ally made their way to the oncoming clash between knights, they failed to discover that Sola-Ui Nauda-Re Sophia-Ri wasn't that far away. Nor was her "savior."

"Just when you think you've encountered every kind of evil in this world…" Macour the Quick murmured while maintaining his grip. A fresh wail bubbled up in his captive's throat, but he'd kept his hand on her mouth, reducing what escaped to nothing more than a tiny groan.

Sola-Ui couldn't have screamed for help even if she'd wanted. Special Crest Worms sent from Zouken Matou had infiltrated her body and burrowed their way through every last organ and tendon, feasting on the mana inside her Magic Circuits. While Assassin had been quick to knock her unconscious and swipe her from the roof lest that other woman or her blasted mutt realize what had happened (with their current numbers, the Hassan's really needed to hide their involvement in this War for as long as possible), the Worms had taken their sweet time climbing into her.

According to their progenitor, this slowness was necessary; if they moved in for the young lady's Magic Circuits too quickly, Lancer could've alerted through their contract. Thus, the disgusting things had gathered around her brain and Command Seals before sinking their "teeth" in, painfully turning poor Sola-Ui into Zouken's newest puppet. The first order of business had been to use Diarmuid's remaining Seals for two quite specific commands.

That done, the Crest Worms were now collecting all they could from Sola-Ui's body while ensuring she didn't die just yet and deprive Lancer of his supply. And making doubly sure that she couldn't somehow interfere with the Heroic Spirit's current mission. It left her in obvious agony, though, and even Hassan-i-Sabbah, a Heroic Spirit who'd committed his fair share of despicable acts, found no joy in watching over her twitching, broken body.

His fellow Assassin, Strange Arm Gozour, winced from where he stood watch. Those same massive fists that had almost crushed the other woman's skull a while ago clenched and opened again from his unease. "Is this really for the best, brother?" Gozour finally rumbled. "I'd be lying if I said I was comfortable with these deeds." He ceased briefly in his vigil to stare with pity at the blood and tear-stained face of their captive. "With the last of her Seals gone, can we not put her out of her misery now?"

"Not while Lancer still breathes, Rider X was very specific about that," Macour reminded him with a sigh. "And I'd rather not risk earning his ire, would you?"

"Heh, he knows he cannot just kill off what few of us remain, not when he still has so many enemies running about." A shiver traveled through the big dark-skinned Servant despite his words, though. The Assassins' partner had told them what to do over their telepathic link while the Matou Worms had been delivered by their airborne "cousins." And even if he hadn't actually stated it, both personalities were certain that Megatron had devised this scheme himself. Further consideration about other factors and just what the result was meant to be had made their bloods freeze in their veins.

So, even if the extraterrestrial tyrant still needed what was left of Hassan of the Hundred Faces, who could say what he would do to them to ensure they followed his orders?

Gozour finally sighed before returning to sentry duty. "All this for our wish, brother?"

"All this for our wish, brother," Macour confirmed with more resignation than he'd have preferred. They were among a member of the Hashshashin, those who had dwelled in the shadows, beings uncelebrated as more traditional heroes would be. The creature of darkness they had struck a deal with, though… perhaps he was Iblis himself in disguise.

But it was too late for Assassin to turn back now. The darkness was his home and his prison.

And for poor Sola-Ui, trapped in misery and weeping at how fate had dangled the greatest prize she could've imagined before her only to snatch it away, trying and failing to send what was almost surely her final thoughts, her love, to Diarmuid… for her, it was simply too late.

-83:51:25

In the beginning, there was nothing. Then with a great explosion, there came light and life. And simultaneously came darkness and death.

The light formed its own being, Primus, as did the darkness, Unicron. Though in a sense brothers, as they were the same and yet opposite in every way, neither could accept the other's presence. Battle was inevitable.

But as the titans struck at each other again and again with fist, blade and energy dwarfing that of the stars themselves, the battle became never-ending. For every action Primus took, Unicron had the appropriate reaction. For every power Unicron unleashed, Primus created the exact counterforce. Entire galaxies were born and died as their clashes continued, but never was there a victor in sight. They were equals.

Until Primus chose to change the nature of their battle. He stepped down and birthed thirteen smaller beings, each having received his blessings in one form or another. Alone, each being, each Prime could not hope to match Unicron. But Primus knew together, the Thirteen would find a victory. So, as a final gift, he shaped himself into an entire world for them to call home. A world for them to hone their gifts, to prepare for the clash with their greatest enemy, and to enjoy what small whispers of peace there be in the cosmos. A world… named Cybertron.

Unicron hounded the stars in search for his immortal enemy, millennia passing before he managed to catch a whisper of his presence. He traveled swiftly, prepared for anything Primus could throw at him… but it was the Thirteen Primes who confronted him. The Chaos Bringer could not have imagined such a tactic… the very idea of bestowing one's own power to lesser, weaker beings… After a great battle, his consciousness was sealed away inside his own body, which in turn became a planet teeming with life. Oh, the irony. The humiliation.

Yet fragments of Unicron remained, scattered among the stars. The energy that had coursed through his being as blood flowed through an organic lifeform… the dark reflection of the same energy which originated from Primus, Energon…

Dark Energon.

Most avoided it, fearful of its corruptive, chaotic nature. A few, though, found some sliver of courage to contain it and attempt to study its essence. Fewer still worked up the nerve to try and wield it… those paid the price for their insolence. To think they could hope to tame an embodiment of destruction, the foolishness!

Then after eons of slumbering, the Dark Energon sensed a change in its surroundings. An imbalance. Conflict had ever been present on the face of Cybertron, such was the way of the universe. But now, a war was being waged, one far greater in scope than ever before! Primus himself would have wept at the destruction the successors of his disciples were leaving in their wake.

If the blood of Unicron were capable of emotion, it would have felt the highest of joy.

Yet it only began to stir when a certain individual came for it. One of the leading figures behind the war that ravaged Cybertron, in fact, the very cause of it! A Spark brimming with desire and arrogance, things Dark Energon had seen in others before him… yet also combined with a will strong as the forces that bound the universe itself.

Events began to take place, events that would lead to the near reawakening of Unicron itself. Yet one moment sang out at present, the very moment where this creation of Primus had confronted the blood of Unicron. Another that bore witness had screeched his disbelief at the sight before him. "No! No one can control Dark Energon! It dominates and destroys everything it touches!" Then he had fled like the quivering speck he has.

But the one who had challenged the ultimate corruptive force in existence? He laughed. "I… am the dominator." He strode out before his assembled soldiers, all bearing witness in frightened awe at what their leader had claimed. "I… am the destroyer. I. AM-

Kirei Kotomine awakened with a heavy gasp, rising to a sitting position… and almost toppling off his perch. "Careful there, Kirei," a familiar voice rang up around him, "we are at a fair altitude. And it would be a shame for you to perish after your recovery."

A pair of hands grabbed hold of his shoulders, steadying him to where he sat. A glance behind him revealed one of the Assassins, a rather short one with long arms and fingers. Fine tools for surgery or thievery. Or both. Kirei noted the caution veiled by the skull mask's eye slits before studying his whereabouts: both he and his Servant of the Shadows (one of them, at least) were seated atop Rider X in his spaceship form, high above the buildings of Miyama Town. The aircraft showed no signs of prior conflict, indicating the Cybertronian Heroic Spirit had used Kirei's mana to replenish his strength. The engines produced a slight whine that few would hear from this height.

The priest forced his breathing to slow, drawing in more oxygen (harder than usual, we must really be high above ground) before releasing it in a measured pace. Once he'd managed to calm from the, the… well, there was little other way to describe what he had viewed in his dream other than a creation story. The very beginning of a world, of a race, mere flashes, an abbreviation, really, but what an incredible sensation for a religious man! Father would turn green with envy if I told him of this experience, Kirei mused with a little humor.

That faded, though, when he remembered how he came to view this. Not through the "eyes" of a sentient being… but of a primal, unquestionably malevolent force. But how could I have seen all of this just Rider X's memories? He's old, but nowhere near old enough to have witnessed the time of these Primes, let alone Primus and Unicron's battle. So… Then Kirei's thoughts caught up with the very final scene shown to him.

Did he… does he… The Master thrust his hands out in front of him and instinctively activated his Magic Circuits. They flared up briefly visible to his prepared eyes, but instead of the traditional turquoise of mana…

They crackled a horrifyingly familiar shade of violet. "Rider X…" More of his own memories were returning now: him watching over Tokiomi at the battle of Mion River, noticing who he thought was Kiritsugu Emiya and confronting him, only to discover it was that lackey of his, then the hound biting him, those exploding papers- A trap set for me. He concluded. But… he rolled his shoulders experimentally and checked his body; not so much as a whisper of pain. But that ominous glow from his Circuits persisted. "What… what have you done to me, Megatron?"

His whisper was met with a blood-chilling chuckle. "Why, I saved your life, Master. Such is my duty as a loyal Servant, and you were in a rather precarious state." A ripple of menace emanated from the priest's transport. "Now, I understand you're not a very social person, but considering I bestowed a sliver of my true power to return you to full health, in this situation, you would say, 'thank you, Rider X,' and I would answer, 'you're welcome, Master.'"

Thank him? Thank him?! Kirei's teeth ground against each other in silent fury. Looking aside from the obvious fact that Rider X would never just give him power, not without the possibility that the Master could now become a puppet to his own Servant…

What the metallic creature had done was unforgivable. He'd defiled a devout priest's body, perverted his nature! Dark Energon was a force of chaos and destruction, a wretched power that had ravaged an entire world from the inside out! And the very perpetrator of that crime of inimitable magnitude was now carrying him to where perhaps only the Devil would know. Kirei seethed as he felt this loathsome energy bubbling inside of him; what injuries he'd sustained had healed up as though they'd never existed, and his limbs, his very muscles felt stronger, as if he were using Reinforcement or the like. But this all seemed… normal now.

Kirei Kotomine could not have felt more revolted by all this, much less because he couldn't be sure if his revulsion was sincere or forced.

His eyes traveled down to his left hand where the final remaining Command Seal over Rider X rested. Part of him wanted to order the wretched titan underneath him to tear out his own Spark as punishment for his… desecrating his Master! That would finally rid Kirei of the monstrous feelings that had plagued him since this ridiculous War had begun. And if Rider X's death meant his own, either by the fall or Dark Energon's disappearance, so be it.

He raised his hand, noting how Assassin braced himself behind his Master… and froze up. Kirei could neither say nor even think the command he wanted to give. Something was… barring him. Of course… the Master snarled to himself. Dark Energon may have originated from Unicron, but it currently exists as a Noble Phantasm. Rider X's Noble Phantasm.

He'd seen what the violet crystals were capable of, reanimating the dead, asserting control over them… The same power that had revitalized Kirei Kotomine was the source behind his hesitation, it just had to be. Damnit! Thanks to his carelessness, the Master was now at risk of being controlled by the Servant. Oh, the irony.

"Well, Kirei?" That damned familiar spoke up again as he slightly adjusted course. His tone oozed of amusement, no doubt at the power he now held over the Executor. "Aren't you curious about how the Grail War has developed during your time of recovery?"

Warning bells began ringing inside Kirei's skull; what did he mean? The city was still standing, so Caster and his monstrosity must've been eradicated. But what about the rest? Was Kirit- master Tokiomi still alive?

The member of the Church's Eighth Sacrament drew in a breath to steady himself; yes, the War continued. In time, perhaps with Tokiomi's help, he would find a way to purge himself of Rider X's corruption.

…And loath though he'd admit it, his curiosity had been awoken. "Assassin, tell me the proceedings. Keep your report brief but essential."

"Yes, Master," Bilal the Mending acquiesced with a bow of his head. "Saber destroyed Caster and his monster with her Noble Phantasm, Excalibur." Kirei's eyes narrowed. So as suspected, the blonde female was indeed the King of Knights. He also detected a slight increase in speed from their transport. Agitation? "Saber X is dead, slain by Avenger X, but his two partners and Master, Waver Velvet, remain. As do Kariya Matou, Kiritsugu Emiya, sir Tokiomi, and their respective Servants. Most have retired to their bases now, with little interest in more battle." Relief flickered inside Kirei's mind at hearing his teacher was still doing well (even if that meant Archer would probably continue to pilfer his wine reserves).

And… he still had a chance to encounter Kiritsugu Emiya. But before he allowed himself to ponder more on that, Kirei noticed a few details missing. "What about Lancer and his Master? For that matter, what is the status of Archer X and that… unexpected Servant?"

"Avenger X was hurled away from the battlefield by Saber X before the latter's death, but we are certain he survived. We have yet to narrow down where exactly he is, though, aside from somewhere on this side of the river. As for Archer X and Lancer…" The dark Servant paused in his debriefing, but a hesitant glance down to the silver metal underneath them gave a hint.

Perhaps it was the new "connection" between them, or perhaps he'd simply developed an understanding for the foreigner's thought process. Perhaps it was both. Either way, Kirei Kotomine caught on quickly. "Anything you'd care to add about those two, Rider X?"

"Oh, a few little things, Kirei." The aircraft promptly dipped downwards towards one of the lower buildings' roofs in Miyama. It then stopped to hover a few meters above the spot, silently beckoning its passengers to depart. They did so warily (Kirei noting in trepidation how easily his non-Reinforced legs landed onto the roof with nary a stumble), and then Megatron reassumed his normal form to touch down, a wicked grin on his face. "But I feel what I've helped organize would be better shown than told."

He gestured with his left hand out towards the other residences. "Lancer shouldn't be far away, and Archer X follows him as ever. I brought us here to ensure we could enjoy the spectacle without being drawn in ourselves." A red optic settled meaningfully on his partner. "My thirst for battle has been sated tonight, and I assume yours has as well, Master?"

Truth be told, Kirei's cells was practically vibrating inside him, like animals eager to break free of their cages and rampage. Dark Energon's influence, no doubt. He took a long breath to steady himself, remembering his bajiquan lessons, and forced down the urges. "Very well," the man turned towards Assassin to initiate shared perception (and maybe find a distraction from the fire bubbling within him), "let's have a look at what madness you've instigated, Decepticon."

He couldn't stop running. His legs, tirelessly crossing rooftop and street one pace at a time, simply refused to stop moving no matter how much his mind begged them to. 'Lady Sola, please! Or… whoever else you are! Stop this madness!' But Lancer's telepathic pleas went unheard. He didn't really think the lady who'd become his Master was responsible for these heinous orders, but… what was he supposed to believe?! Who could have done this? Rider X? Avenger X? How is this happening? What should I do? Even as all these thoughts raced through his mind, Lancer's body persisted in following what he'd been commanded. No matter his agony over this. The Seals… I can't-

He leaped high over a clearing… and then a miracle in blue and silver was before him.

Lancer's reflexes kicked in, Gáe Daerg raised in front of him to block an invisible blade. The force of the blow sent him hurtling downwards, where he performed a three-point landing in the clearing that cracked asphalt. The knight rose swiftly to a running position and made to continue when he was stopped again by his foe.

His foe, his admirable opponent, his finest rival in this Holy Grail War. "What is the meaning of this, Lancer?" The King of Knights asked worriedly despite the sparks flying from their weapons locked. Her emerald eyes shined not only with that chivalrous resolve he couldn't help but respect… but also a compassion that eased his pain by some measure. "What could force you to abandon your duties like this?" She nodded behind him; Archer X was close by.

Diarmuid knew, he'd sensed her presence right behind him through the entire run. Her chasing him, now; another little irony. And he couldn't do a damn thing. But to Saber, he hissed, "What else could force us Servants?" The remark visibly rattled her; she understood. His pride was already in tatters, lessening the sting of his next plea. "Stop me, Saber. Stop me before I try to kill him!"

Then Lancer's arms pushed her back despite himself, but instead of pressing the attack, he made to leave. Saber quickly cut him off, forcing him to stay. Still, they both knew he'd try making a break for it again. "Kill who? Who's making you do this?"

"I don't know, but-" A gunshot rang out before something zipped past her forehead. Saber held back a wince while trying to keep her sword in place. One misstep, and Lancer would slip away.

"Get the hell away from him!" Archer X crashed against the pavement next to them, sniper rifle aimed up. It fired again but failed to hit any target on account of a sandal kicking its barrel.

Assassin X landed a fair distance between the soldier and the knights, releasing a trail of lightning with a distinct canine appearance that struck Archer X. Despite her armor, the voltage stung, sending her convulsing wildly backwards. "That," her opponent noted, "was for that flashbang-grenade combination you lobbed at me." He prodded a scorch mark on his left shoulder with a wince before it suddenly healed up. "Ah, many thanks, Irisviel."

"My pleasure, Assassin X." The white-haired woman replied from where she leaned against her car. Her outstretched hands trembled slightly, but she noted with relief that her magecraft was still usable. For now…

Archer X flipped back onto her feet with a new gun and a growl. Her partner was here, he hadn't attacked her in all the time she'd chased him, maybe he really had come around to her way. Crazy thoughts, but a girl could hope, right?

And of course, now that fucking doll dressed up like a knight and her mummed-up stooge decide to interfere because life's just a bitch like that! Well, to hell with them. Plain and simple.

By contrast, hope grew all the more inside Lancer's heart upon realizing Saber's group had arrived. Maybe there was still a chance! "Assassin X!" He called out even as his arms continued to jab through the swordswoman's guard. "Do you know a way to counteract a Command Seal?"

The shinobi nimbly evaded a flurry of bullets aimed at him before answering. "I'm not sure, but that's really what's going on, isn't? You've been given a command?"

"Two," Diarmuid bit out while trying to leap over Saber. Fortunately, she proved fast enough to stop him yet again. "Please, find a way to stop this! If you don't, I'll be forced to hunt Caster X down!" Both Servants and their homunculus friend started at what he'd said.

This revelation was a bit of shock for Kirei Kotomine as well. Even while he kept part of his attention on the battle, witnessed through the senses of the hidden Assassin and relayed to him, he still turned to the other viewer with an accusing glare. "Caster X? Was that your doing?"

"Partially," Rider X replied smoothly. "The idea for forcing Lancer into this position was mine, yes, but… let's just say my… associate has little fondness for that old meddler. And small favors help keep alliances strong."

Kirei frowned to himself, processing what he'd just learned and weighing it next to his prior observations. Quicker than he'd thought, the pieces of Rider X's machinations began sliding into place before him, forming a picture that chilled and fascinated him:

Coming into contact with his hidden "associate," Zouken Matou, Megatron had explained to him the details of his plan. From there, the magus had likely sent out a collection of those revolting creatures (he'd learned about them from Assassin) to the one monitoring Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri. The Servant then abducted her and infested her body with Zouken's magecraft, bringing her body, and most importantly her Command Seals, under his control.

Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald had already expended a Seal on Lancer nights ago, and Sola-Ui wouldn't have had time to restock, so that left her with two Seals. Judging by how Lancer kept trying to turn towards Archer X, likely intent on finishing her despite the current situation, but would always freeze up, Zouken must've used one for a particular command:

Do not engage Archer X until you've killed Caster X.

And to make sure the knight wouldn't "misunderstand his responsibilities," Zouken subsequently invoked the final Seal:

Kill Caster X. Now.

Despicable… and utterly brilliant in using Lancer, the noble fool, Kirei scoffed to himself. If he weren't so busy resisting the commands, he could surely slip away from this battlefield, maybe even kill Assassin X in the process. Archer X's presence and… zeal in "aiding" him would keep the rest off his back. Is he really capable of dispatching Caster X, though? …His red spear is a natural counter against magic, and with his fighting skill, it ought to be possible even without the yellow spear. So… yes, he stands a fair chance. Berserker's presence would complicate the battle, of course, but with a little help from Archer X, Lancer would have nothing to impede him from finishing her as well once his task is done. But he wouldn't accept a victory like that… not one tainted by the blood of an honorable man. An amused smirk began to play on Kirei's face before he covered it in horror. It was just like earlier today, during that discussion with Megatron and Gilgamesh. What am I doing, imagining such a scenario?! Is because of the corrupting power Rider X put in me? Or…?

He sucked in a breath to calm himself and forced his mouth into a disgusted frown. Either way, the events in his mind were just a possible outcome that seemed unlikely especially now. Does Rider X seriously expect Lancer to succeed in his current conflicted state with two Servants in his way? Why doesn't he join in himself to let the knight run free? Cowardice? …No, despicable though he is, Megatron wouldn't just stay away from a fight. His pride as a former champion among gladiators wouldn't allow it. If he really wanted Lancer to succeed, he'd intervene. But the way things are now, Saber and Assassin X are going to-

It was in that moment Kirei Kotomine understood what his Servant's true intentions were. And he wasn't sure what disturbed him more, this sinful idea… or his own exhilaration at it.

So, that's the command over him? Saber mused as she swung her sword at a fast pace, forcing him to parry. They weren't meant to inflict serious damage but to keep the fellow knight bogged down. She sensed he was telling the truth from the hesitance in his stance, the straining of his muscles against each other. Lancer was obviously fighting against his own body this entire time.

But both the King of Knights and her friends (as well as Kiritsugu and Maiya, kept up to speed by Assassin X) wondered: who could have given him this command? Sophia-Ri had no reason to want Gandalf the Gray dead other than him being an opposing Servant. And even then, there were plenty of other targets Lancer could've been sent after otherwise, like Kakashi who'd been literally right next to him at the time. Maiya's recounting indicated that another party had involved itself and most likely made use of her Seals. Which, the Servant duo sadly noted, almost positively meant that the woman was beyond saving. A fact Lancer himself was beginning to realize if the renewed anguish on his face was any sign.

But there was no time to commiserate over yet another failure for Diarmuid. The command to take Caster X's life kept urging him on to leave this battle and find the wizard he respected, and Assassin X's earlier answer had weakened his hope. Moreover, he could tell from their movements that both of his friendly opponents had expended much throughout this night's events. Even the magic of that pale woman could only do so much to keep them on their feet.

They would press on, of course. Lancer knew that neither the blonde king nor the masked ninja would ever let a little thing like exhaustion prevent them from performing their duties. Or having each other's backs.

A grenade from Archer X briefly rattled Saber, almost leaving her open for Gáe Daerg, but Assassin X instantly appeared between them to kick the thrust off course. His partner simultaneously stepped in front of his back to deflect gunfire with her sword, then she spun to slash at the spearman trying to break for the left while he drove back the blackguard with a large fireball.

Lancer couldn't stop a bittersweet smile from crossing his face. There it is. No words were exchanged between Saber and Assassin X, not even glances were necessary at this stage. They simply fought in perfect synch, covering each other's vulnerable points and assisting when things looked a little precarious. And so fluidly, it was as if they'd rehearsed this battle. They were from completely different worlds, could've only known each other for a few days, a week at most, but the duo acted now like they'd been standing side-by-side all their lives.

They weren't just allies after the same prize, they truly shared a silent but strong bond. Artoria Pendragon and Kakashi Hatake were comrades. Friends.

Envy was unbecoming of a knight, but after everything else he'd managed to botch up, feeling this emotion didn't weigh so much on Diarmuid's conscience now. Besides, it paled next to his respect of these fine heroes before him. "Saber. Assassin X." His smile grew more grateful at how the addressed turned attentive despite the battlefield. "Facing your dual fighting resolve refreshes my heart more than the coolest breezes."

Saber smiled back at him while a brief chuckle came from Assassin X, the latter quickly flashing him that odd eye-smile. "A knight and a poet. No wonder you're so popular."

Lancer's own laugh was cut short by an almost feral growl. Furthest from them, Archer X twitched savagely about where she stood, the fury emanating from reminiscent of another Servant in dark armor. Why's he complimenting them?! He's supposed to be my partner! He's stopped gunning after my head, but he's still saying more good things to that stick-up-her-ass Princess Charming and that weird ninja asshole?! "Whose side are you on, make up your fucking mind already!" She howled before unleashing her next barrage.

Kiritsugu ducked behind a cement column a second before the next explosion rang out. Smoke billowed from the side and pebbles could be heard cracking against his hiding place. He sneaked out a careful peek and allowed himself to sigh in relief; Iri had found cover, and Maiya was by her side. He could trust them not to get involved in this chaos of a fight. No human could hope to survive here; even a Servant was bound to die from Archer X's onslaught. Good thing Iri set up the Bounded Field in advance…

The Mage Killer took another scan of the area with a thermal imaging camera; still no sign. Whoever had set all this up wasn't watching their results in person. Probably via proxy like a familiar. Still, that shot down the possibility of him eliminating them, leaving the only way he could contribute by invoking a Command Seal of his own. And that was a risky decision.

He'd been able to save his Seals thanks to his Servants' cooperativeness (which, honestly, the Master owed to Assassin X most of all). Technically, expending one now wouldn't be such a great loss, especially seeing as Kiritsugu could claim the reward of more Seals from the Grail War's overseer. But even though Saber had delivered the final blow, he didn't trust Risei Kotomine one bit. Heading to the church could mean walking into a trap.

Besides, Kiritsugu was at least seventy percent sure that Rider X or Zouken Matou was behind this mess. Maybe even both. But the Matou patriarch was bound to have fortified his home's defenses against another visit, and that foreign monster was who knows where by now. The ninja hounds could narrow his position, but finding Rider X wouldn't do any good without a Servant to kill him. And both of Kiritsugu's were tied down here.

He looked at the battle again. Archer X was growing more erratic with each passing minute while Lancer had ceased trying to attack her. No, Kiritsugu corrected himself, it's not so much that he isn't targeting her as that he can't target her. His body keeps freezing up every time he so much points his spear in her direction, like what Assassin X reported back then.

In light of all these observations, the most suitable course of action was perfectly clear to the machine that is Kiritsugu Emiya. 'Assassin X, Saber,' he sent to both Heroic Spirits following him.

'Let Lancer run loose and finish off Archer X.'

He noted approvingly how both only flinched for a moment on the battlefield before regaining their focus. But Saber, of course, still frowned. 'You can't be serious, Kiritsugu!'Her reply was quite irate. 'If we don't keep Lancer here, he'll chase after Caster X! Either he kills him, or Berserker,' a hesitation before she sliced a rocket in half, 'will tear him apart!'

'None of that is of any concern to us, Saber,' her Master answered coldly. 'Lancer, Caster X and Berserker are all enemies in the long run. Helping them is a luxury and a waste of time put to better use in dispatching bigger threats.' His thoughts sharpened slightly; he was not in the mood for a debate. 'Like, say, the insane soldier currently trying to blast you both back to the Throne of Heroes?' Another explosion punctuated his point rather nicely.

Kiritsugu held back a sigh as he saw the King of Knights' aggression increase. This was the most practical course of action they could take: he carried no ill will against the Gray Wizard, but circumstances aside, Lancer wielded perhaps the best possible weapon against Caster X. Berserker maybe, too, considering how his own Noble Phantasm functioned. One killing the other would remove a strong piece off the board, and if Berserker was among the casualties, then it'd be one less distraction for Saber. But no, she probably still wanted to settle her silly little duel with Lancer. Ridiculous sentimentality between two knights. 'Master…' she practically snarled, but he ignored it.

He still had one Servant he could count on, after all. 'Assassin X, pull Saber back and wait for Lancer to leave.'

A new explosion, more powerful than the previous ones, swept out, almost knocking the hunter off his feet. But he could still hear the Copy Ninja's rather testy retort. 'Easier said than done...'

-83:34:48

The yard where the four Servants were fighting erupted in fire and smoke. The freshly materialized missile pod spat its payload out with all the fury of the one aiming it. Saber, Lancer, and Assassin X were forced to stay on their toes lest they risked getting blown to giblets. The Servant of the Spear stabbed his class weapon into the ground and vaulted over two streaks with a grace that would've won him Olympic sponsors (and fans) across the globe. He landed closer to his ex-partner and made to swing down Gáe Daerg's tip, only to freeze up yet again. Damn this command… he grunted in desperate anger before glaring at her. "You have no idea how lucky you are-"

"Oh, I'm lucky, am I?!" She shot back with a venom that actually rattled him for a bit. "Quit screwing around with me!" Another missile zipped past him to blow a wall to rubble. They were lucky to be fighting in a deserted part of the town, but without the Bounded Field set up by Saber and Assassin X's Master, they'd have attracted an audience by now.

But what drew Diarmuid's attention more than the destruction around him was the anguish written across his enemy's body.

She just couldn't understand it. Was Lancer an enemy or an ally? Did he want to kill her or not? Why was he trying to run away one second and then swing that red stick of her the next? Agent Texas' mind had been so utterly warped by the influence of Lancer's bewitching effect and the increasingly strange circumstances that she couldn't make heads or tails of her own thoughts. That geezer or Rider X might've tried contacting her a while ago, but honestly, even if someone had sat Archer X down and explained the entire situation to her step by step, she still wouldn't have understood. Add antagonistic factors like Assassin X and Saber (a rival?), and she had become too agitated to listen to reason.

She didn't even know if she wanted her old partner dead… or just wanted him.

The problem was, while Archer X's mind (and maybe heart) was trying to figure this all out, her body was busying itself with trying to blow everything and everyone around her to kingdom come!

Maiya quickly pulled Irisviel away from her beloved Mercedes and towards one of the few intact walls left. In the process, she shut down any protests with two lines: "Cars run on gas. Gas explodes." The homunculus accepted the logic with a grudging nod and a silent prayer for her favorite toy.

Assassin X slashed through a collection of grenades thrown in his direction before noticing a blur of green through the plumes. Lancer trying yet again to get away. The Copy Ninja hesitated for only a second before slapping both palms against the ground. "Earth Style: Mud Wall!"

The earth rose up in front of Diarmuid's path, forcing him to dig his heels into the dirt lest he collide headfirst with the newly formed wall before him. Sadly, the blasted command compelled him to let no obstacles stop him; one slash from Gáe Dearg reduced the wall to pebbles. But a new obstacle took form in a length of chain that wrapped around his torso.

Yanked to a halt, Lancer glanced back to find Assassin X holding the other end of the chain. "Many-" His gratitude was cut short as his limbs acted against his will again. His spear's enchanted tip easily split apart the links holding him, then his other hand tugged hard on the rest, pulling the other Servant closer. "Look out!" Even as Lancer yelled out the warning, muscles straining against each other, the red spear was already piercing Assassin X's hand.

Kakashi couldn't stop the "Argh!" that escaped his lips, and to make matters worse, he couldn't use jutsu like this. Not just because of his impaled right hand, but that tip dripping with his blood nullified all magic, even otherworldly techniques like the ones he used. Not… good.

But unlike Lancer, he wasn't alone. Before the spear could be pushed further up his arm, Saber grabbed hold of the shaft with all the strength in her left hand. Her iron grip halted it immediately, but it left her with only one hand to hold Excalibur again. A bit of a nuisance when knocking away missiles shot from an increasingly furious Archer X. "Get the hell away from him!"

Saber paid the other woman's raging little mind, her eyes focused on the agony written across Lancer's face. "Please…" her fellow knight whispered, shame etching across those amber eyes for his begging, "End this, Saber…" Then they traveled to her hidden sword.

Her heart nearly stopped at the request's meaning. I can't just cut him down like this… She wasn't stupid, she knew from the way his arm's muscles kept contracting that Lancer could just relinquish his final Noble Phantasm and leave for Gandalf's head. While he was still holding onto the spear was her best chance to run him through, she certainly didn't need Kiritsugu to tell her that. Archer X didn't look like she'd be letting up any time soon, either.

But… this isn't right... Artoria Pendragon didn't want to finish her duel with her rival like this. Diarmuid Ua Duibhne deserved better.

Behind her, Assassin X had much the same thoughts. He was also keeping an eye on Archer X stalking towards him, reloading that monstrosity of a firearm in the process, and having a mental argument with Kiritsugu about whether or not to just cut Lancer loose, though, so his tension was marginally greater. Maybe Kiritsugu's way was the correct one in this scenario.

But one glance at his partner's slightly trembling shoulders told him what the right one was.

The Man of a Thousand Techniques wrenched his right arm free of Lancer's spear with a grunt of pain, startling both knights, and hurled a trio of shuriken with his left at certain spot of Archer X's weapon that looked rather sensitive.

Tex didn't have time to react before her missile pod exploded in her hands, knocking her off her feet. "Oof!" She landed hard on her back, armor smoldering and her head ringing like crazy.

Lancer stared at his dazed enemy, conflict warring within him. Should he try to finish her now despite that one command? Or- "Lancer, look me in the eyes!" His head turned on instinct from the authority in Assassin X's words, and his gaze suddenly met the ninja's. That red eye seemed to bore into his mind, those red dots shifting into edged points…

Saber noticed the counterforce on Lancer's spear lessening and looked to her partner. "Are you counteracting the command over him?" She asked in awe. And a little hope.

Assassin X shook his head slightly. "Not sure even the Mangekyō Sharingan's powerful enough to do that, but I've got something else in mind." He inclined his head towards her, not breaking his stare for a second. "It's bound to work, so you better get ready to settle things, Saber."

His comrade blinked in surprise. "What-" Then the spear's shaft was wrenched from her grip, and Lancer suddenly hopped backwards. She made to cut him off, thinking he'd go for the river again, but instead had to bring up her blade to parry the spirited thrust at her.

Her shock at this action was only surpassed by Diarmuid's. "How…?" The verdant warrior whispered in shock. He'd stayed to attack Saber, really attack and not just force her aside so he could move on. His body also felt different; it wasn't straining to leave anymore but was focusing on her now. And to Lancer's inner eye, the small blonde knight's form slowly warped into that of a familiar, robed, elderly man, sword and staff at the ready. Then she was Saber again… or was she? "Assassin X… what have you done?"

"I guess you could say I made you a compromise, Lancer," the foreigner replied while moving for the slowly rising Archer X. "You've been ordered to kill Caster X, and now he stands before you. Right there." He cast his left thumb backwards…

To where Saber stood. His partner looked confused for only a moment before comprehension settled into her features. "Oh, you sneaky, clever fox…" she whispered through an impressed (and very much relieved) smirk. Artoria had learned much of the Sharingan's powers during her time by Kakashi's side, including its potential for hypnotic suggestions. So, she had little trouble following her friend's thought process:

Assassin X hadn't been sure if his Mystic Eye Noble Phantasm would be able to overpower the absolute authority of a Command Seal itself… so he had chosen to use it in a way that would definitely work: manipulating Lancer's perception. Just now, the Mangekyō Sharingan had likely captured the Heroic Spirit inside an illusion that made him believe Saber was Caster X, making him stay and fight her to fulfill his command.

Lancer began to grasp the situation as well; the sight of Saber, the words she spoke, even her scent itself, they all indicated that the wizard stood before him. And even with me knowing that it's just a trick, I'm still convinced she's him, the cursed knight noted in wonder. Such a simple but potent illusion…

And both knights understood why the crafty but deceptively compassionate shinobi had set up this scenario: he was trying to give them one last chance to finish their duel of honor.

The battle's audience slowly came to piece this together, Maiya Hisau and Irisviel von Einzbern familiar with their comrade's abilities as well and the latter relieved for Saber's sake. Kiritsugu Emiya assessed these developments with a discontented frown. He made to berate the Servant he thought he could count on when Assassin X preempted him. 'Saber can handle Lancer while I deal with Archer X, Master. Let her end this on her terms. …Please.'

He glared down at the red leaf-swirl symbol on his left hand before taking a breath. 'Fine.' In light of his Servant's persistent reliability up till now, the Master could throw him this bone.

He was still going to have words with him afterwards, though.

Regardless, nothing stopped Saber from releasing Invisible Air, revealing her fabled sword for all to see. There was no point in hiding it from Lancer who already knew its length and shape. Besides… "Well, your quarry stands before you, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne," the King of Knights challenged with a proud smile. "Are you going to run from your duties now?"

Laughter of mirth and joy escaped the First Knight of Fianna. "Accusing a knight of cowardice? I shall teach you the error of those words…" he winked amused one eye, the sparkle within making even Saber lose herself for just a moment, "Gandalf the Gray."

Saber regained her composure and hummed amused, grateful her opponent understood. The two warriors of chivalry moved cautiously forward, slowly closing the distance between them. They tapped their weapons against each other, a final salute, then they clashed.

Kirei Kotomine didn't have the foreknowledge of Assassin X's powers like the Servant's team, but he still managed to get the gist of what he'd done. Circumventing the power of a Command Seal instead of fighting it head on… A fitting tactic for a ninja. He also noted how Rider X beside him was thinking carefully.

"Cunning devil…" the Servant murmured to himself. "I underestimated his resourcefulness." His words carried grudging respect. Saber is the more powerful between the two… but Assassin X's mind can't be taken lightly either. He barked a laugh. A troublesome team.

Archer X was the only one unclear about what was going on; rattled as she was from the blast and her mind's unrest, all she could understand was that Lancer was now fighting Saber. For real.

And Tex didn't like that at all. She flipped to her feet, practically strangling the handle of the minigun that materialized in her grip. And of fucking course, Assassin X stepped in front of her. "Move or be roadkill," she snarled, flicking off the safety. "Only warning."

"Ignored." Assassin X flexed the fingers of his freshly healed right hand, silently thanking Irisviel for the quick work, then the hand blazed with lightning. "I'm not letting anyone interfere with their duel. And you and I have some unfinished business, too."

Between him and this Servant, there was none of the mutual respect that Saber and Lancer shared. To Assassin X, she was a short-tempered, trigger-happy thug who claimed to be a soldier but would even stab her comrades in the back without hesitation.

And in Archer X's eyes, he was a persistent, smart-mouthed thorn in her ass, always getting in her way and making her look bad. She was honestly this close to cutting loose with- No. Not that. I don't need it to get rid of this bastard, not when I can snap his scrawny neck with my own two hands. "Fine. Your funeral." Then the two charged without further ado, weapons blazing.

Meanwhile, sword flashed against spear as Saber went for an overhead slash that brought Lancer to his knees. He diverted the blow, the sublime legend scraping along his weapon's shaft, and then diverted the edge downwards. She shifted away before it could've taken her eye, took half a step back which he copied as well, then they swung again.

Lancer stumbled back from the blow, tremors traveling up and down the length of Gáe Daerg. The strength behind her attacks was no longer constrained by the sealing of one arm, and he found it difficult to match. Incredible, he thought with a smirk before noting how Saber kept glancing down at her left hand. Oh, don't tell me…

"Handicapping oneself is Berserker X's game, Saber." Her eyes returned slightly shocked to a chuckling Lancer. "No need to tarnish your steel by emulating that savage. Your partner was skilled enough to deprive me of one spear, do not dishonor him by letting that go to waste." Then he was suddenly right in front of her, his spear having seemingly multiplied. "Nor should you dishonor me by thinking you can win without all your strength!"

Sparks flashed through the air as the radiant sword met that crimson tip. But Saber couldn't parry his multi-thrust attack perfectly, and her right hip was cut before Excalibur was actually knocked from her grip and began spiraling high. It was true, she had been considering wielding her blade one-handed again to balance Diarmuid having only one spear. It would only be fair, she'd thought. But he clearly didn't need any more charity than already given.

A competitive fire flared up inside her. "Very well, Lancer." The King of Knights smirked back, unworried about the spear traveling for her again. "But you would do well yourself not to think you can triumph so easily!" She then leaped up, over Gáe Daerg's edge, and added an extra step on it to reclaim her sword in both hands. But her gauntleted fingers didn't travel around the handle but the blade itself.

Lancer tried to jump away, but Excalibur's cross-guard hooked him by the shoulder and reeled him in for his chin to meet Saber's left knee hard. She landed on both feet as he staggered backwards, barely able to stop the pommel with Gáe Daerg before it would've smashed his ribs to dust. He wheezed out a laugh. "Mordhau… later than our times, no?"

Saber deftly flipped her sword up, its luster shimmering in a circle before its handle landed once again in her hands. "The Germans may've named it, but in my kingdom, you could always find a knight or two grabbing their swords' blades for a little bludgeoning action." Mordred had a particular fondness for that trick, she noted to herself with a hint of melancholy before sobering."A bit heavy-handed, but you did say I shouldn't hold back." The King of Knights slashed a few times confidently, the air nearly singing where the "Sword of Promised Victory" cut it. "Remember, no excuses for when you lose."

He only snorted at the dry wit in her words. "Now I know for certain you've been spending too much time with Assassin X." But that's not necessarily a bad thing, is it? He admitted to himself, that silly envy from before flickering inside him again for just a moment. But he swept it aside; no sense dwelling on who could've been. Right now, there was only the duel.

The "Crimson Rose of Exorcism" danced about between his fingers like a ribbon through air. As it came to rest in a ready position, Lancer proclaimed, "Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, first spear of the knights of Fianna, has come for victory!"

Saber placed the prized symbol of her class before her, her face mirroring his prideful joy entirely. "Artoria Pendragon, King of Britain, challenges that claim!" And so they lunged for what both knew would be the final round of their duel.

Despite her current efforts to turn Assassin X into a sieve, Archer X couldn't help but overhear every word those two had said. Nor could she interpret the tone of their banter as anything other than respectful, even affectionate… even flirting?! Oh, she is so DEAD!

"Get the fuck out of my way!" Assassin X ignored the demand and continued to weave around the bullets. In contrast to the near-tangible hatred emanating from Archer X, he retained a level head and drew her fire away from the duelists. It wasn't easy, particularly because he was also making sure his non-Servant allies wouldn't get caught in the crossfire, but the odds were steadily shifting towards his favor. Archer X's temper is pushing her on, but it's making her sloppy too. She's not putting any effort into aiming that heavy thing or taking note of her ammunition.

Soon, the minigun clicked empty, but a Freelancer like Tex would only need six seconds tops to reload.

Kakashi only needed one to close the distance and cut through the armament with Lightning Blade.

She shoved the remains of her gun into him and backtracked cursing, making to call up another weapon… only to find Weapons of War was exhausted. She'd used up just about every last gun and bomb she had throughout this night's fights. "Ah, what the hell…" Texas growled before drawing a single combat knife. Getting up close and personal did have its appeals, anyway. But even as she made to slash into the oncoming Assassin X's neck, her gaze drifted again to the other battle despite herself.

Lancer swerved away from a lunge that still left a cut above his chest before cracking the blunt end of Gáe Daerg against Saber's stomach. Her armor absorbed the brunt of the strike, but she still staggered back half a step, allowing him to adjust his spear's position and lunge. Saber's Instinct flared up, and she managed to divert the red point so it only went through her abdomen instead of her heart. Then instead of letting him pull it back out again, the King forced herself along the spear's length before her sword sliced off its wielder's right arm.

Texas' entire body froze for just a crucial instant, then it began to charge for the knights. "NO-" In her panicked state, she only registered Assassin X's electrified hand carving into her chest armor a second later.

Saber spun gracefully in a circle, ripping herself free of Gáe Daerg in the process, and cut Lancer down with a single stroke of Excalibur.

As the one-armed Celtic warrior slumped to his knees in defeat, Assassin X closed his eyes for just a second. A shame it had to come to this… "You…" He opened them again to stare at s twitching Archer X, barely on her feet from his Lightning Blade. "Kill… you…" She spat out. Huh, I thought I'd put enough strength in to run her through. No point dragging this out. The Copy Ninja made to force his Noble Phantasm through her spirit core…

Only to find his hand wouldn't budge. What the- He'd gotten through the armor and broken her skin, the blood dripping from the hole clear proof of that. But he couldn't go any further, nor could he pull his hand back out. He couldn't even move his other limbs… and his body was starting to hover above the ground. Assassin X only realized why just before flying.

Irisviel having swiftly healed her injuries, Saber had placed her sword before her and taken a solemn silence (a final courtesy for her opponent) when her partner suddenly crashed into her. Both skidded across the asphalt before flipping simultaneously to their feet. "Sorry about that, Saber," Assassin X muttered. "Looks like we have a late arrival."

"Impeccable timing, Avenger X." Kirei cast again a gimlet eye towards his Servant for the cheeky comment.

The horned Servant lowered his right arm as he stormed towards Archer X. She had crumpled to her knees similar to her dying onetime partner, but judging by the fire in her spirit, he sensed he'd acted just before the Assassin would've killed her as well. "Get up." He snarled at her. "Our Master has instructed us to retreat." Even with the closing of the wound that drunkard had inflicted, he was in no shape for another battle tonight. And neither was she.

"Kill you…"

A ripple of primal rage swept through Avenger X. Not a sensation he was unfamiliar with, but in a rare case, it didn't originate from him.

Archer X drew herself to her feet, shaking fists opening and closing again. Her helmet was fixed on Lancer where he was kneeling in a pool of his blood. "You bastards…" Then the visor shifted towards those two Servant that had kept pissing her off, that did this to Lancer. He was going to die Saber killed him Assassin X did something to make him fight that bitch thiswasalltheirfaulttheytookhimawayfromherblowtheirheadsripthemapartkilllancersdeadicouldntsavehimIlovedkillthemkillkill-

The Heroic Spirit would've lunged at them were it not for hornhead holding her back. "I'LL KILL YOU ALL!" She howled her hatred out for all to hear. "DO YOU FUCKING HEAR ME?! YOU'RE ALL DEAD!"

Saber was unfazed by the furious female's declaration of war. Her eyes reflected no sympathy as she and Assassin X braced their slightly aching limbs for one last bout. Though the latter did have a glimmer of pity in his eyes.

Something shared by Lancer even as the last of his strength faded away.

"Let me go, you horned freak!" Archer X thrashed about like a caged beast in Avenger X's hold. "I'll tear them to fucking shreds!"

"Not tonight," the Sith replied while freeing his left hand and stretching towards the approaching pair. "But soon." His fingers curled upwards as a large piece of the ground before him was ripped up. It hovered for only a second before hurtling straight for the two women on the sidelines. Saber and Assassin X wasted no time in summoning winds powerful enough to blast the projectile to dust, but by the time they turned back, the rogues were gone.

Assassin X's eyes scanned the area carefully. "They're on the move in spirit form. We could probably catch up to them even with their head-start, but," he rolled his right shoulder with a wince, "I'm not really sure I have any more energy to take both Servants on."

"Me neither," Saber sighed, her own shoulders slumping marginally. "Still, I'm not comfortable letting Archer X run amuck in her current state. Should we have one of the pack track them?"

"No need for that." Both Servants turned to see their Master stepping out of the shadows. "By now, it's a safe bet to assume that Archer X and Avenger X are both contracted to Zouken Matou. He'll have recalled them to his home where their wounds can be treated and their strength restored." Kiritsugu's mouth was set in a cold frown. "Matou's bound to have prepared for uninvited guests, so mounting an attack in your current states wouldn't go well." He spared a glance at his Command Seals in consideration before deciding against it. With our luck, Rider X could be there as well. The team needed time to prepare for a fight like that.

A wet cough drew their attention to where Lancer was beginning to sway at his spot. The Master's demeanor did not change even a little even as the knight almost toppled over, but Assassin X vanished for an instant before reappearing crouching beside him. He held his dying opponent steady by the shoulders, Diarmuid managing to give him a weak smile. "Yet another… courtesy… I must… thank you… for…" He wheezed out.

Assassin X shook forlornly his head. "You don't owe me anything, sir knight. But you and Saber have my apologies for interfering in your duel."

Lancer blinked in shock at those words and the sincerity behind them. "Interfering…? Heh, you… salvaged it… gave me… a chance to… honor… at least one… vow… before I fell." He managed to bow his head in gratitude. "Forgive my… bias… Kakashi… Hatake. You are… far more… noble… than I would… have thought… of an… Assassin."

The shinobi of the Leaf Village smiled back. "You wouldn't be the first." He glanced up to Saber who'd stepped closer, a hint of shame in her eyes. No doubt remembering our first conversation... So, he said to both, "Don't worry about it."

That drew a brief smile from her and the silent message that she agreed with everything Lancer had said to Assassin X. "King of Knights… I hope… to ask you… and your… comrade… one last favor…" Both gave the dying Servant their full attention as his body slowly began to disperse in spirit particles. "Please… stop Archer X… put her out… of her… misery…"

"...You sound more sympathetic to her now, Lancer," Saber noted without judgement. "Have you forgiven your partner for her transgressions?"

"Not… entirely," the knight admitted between a cough. "She committed… grievous… crimes against… my Master… and… my honor. But… I fear… I am not… so… innocent… either."

Assassin X tilted quizzically his head. "You're referring to your Love Spot?"

"Somewhat… it may have… affected her… decisions… and I never… really… took the time… to inter…act… with her. I… never even… learned her… True Name." Remorse crept into his weaking breaths. "Perhaps… if I had… tried… harder… I could've… made… a fine… team… with her." Those deadening eyes flickered up to the duo. "Like you… So… please finish… her… in my stead… not for ven…geance… but for… her sake…"

Saber absorbed these words carefully, then after exchanging a meaningful look with her friend, planted her golden steel, no longer stained with the honorable man's blood, in the ground before her and let both hands fall on the guard. "Rest easy, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. Kakashi Hatake and Artoria Pendragon shall fulfill your final request." She swore with all the candor of her title as King of Knights while the Copy Ninja slowly rose to stand one step behind her.

The first knight of Fianna gave these two marvelous, earnest, Heroic Spirits one final grateful smile as he faded into nothing. Not the ending I had hoped for… but there are worse ones, I suppose. Best of luck… Assassin X… Saber.

"Well," Kirei Kotomine noted, "that's the end of that." He'd seen more than he'd cared for and just wanted to head back for the church where his bed and a few lengthy sermons awaited. Anything to purge his mind of the strange fixation over watching Archer X's increasing rage and anguish. "You've got what you wanted after all, Megatron."

But as he made to send Assassin the recall order, he paused at a raised finger from Rider X. "Ah, but I feel the show has yet to end. Would you care to watch a little longer?" His smirk widened slightly. "I sense Kiritsugu Emiya is not pleased with his Servants' antics. Or have you lost interest in him?"

Kirei stared at the behemoth a while longer, his suspicions deepening, but nevertheless told Assassin over the link to maintain his position. "…Alright. Let's get this over with." He still couldn't suppress the excitement bubbling inside of him, though.

The two Servants remained where they were for a few more silent seconds out of respect for Lancer. Irisviel had walked quietly back to her car (which had by some inexplicable miracle survived the onslaught of explosions with only a few nicks in its carrosserie), not wanting to disturb her friends. She'd taken no joy in watching Lancer die, even if it meant another step closer to her and Kiritsugu's dream. An impassive Maiya kept a close watch on their surroundings while striding off, hoping that her own ride had remained undamaged as well.

Kiritsugu Emiya, however, simply lit a fresh cigarette and began to walk away. "Wrap it up. We've wasted enough time as it is."

The apathy in his voice rankled Saber, and she turned to glare at him. "Wasted time? Is that really the only thing you have to say about a hero's end? Didn't you understand the values of my duel with him?"

"All I saw was two Servants drawing out a fight unnecessarily," her Master coldly retorted. "Meanwhile, Archer X is still on the loose while all you two have accomplished is getting rid of an opponent that was going to get himself killed anyway. Even after I told you to leave him be." Those empty eyes sharpened towards the other Servant under his command.

Saber's temper burned hotter with each callous word that came out of the man's mouth; how could she have been foolish enough to hope that he would understand honor on some level? But Assassin X spoke before she could. "I take full responsibility for failing to kill Archer X. Avenger X somehow slipping past my awareness is no excuse, I'm aware of that." The ninja reaffixed his headband over his Sharingan before letting his hands slide into his pockets, his entire demeanor a mirror of Kiritsugu's. Including the forced calm. "But I won't apologize for making Lancer stay and fight Saber. It was only fair for both of them."

"Lancer's fate was sealed. There's no scenario where he could've seen another day."

"Obviously," Assassin X replied coolly. "But he deserved to die with at least some closure. Lancer was barred from attacking Archer X, most likely by a Command Seal." He shrugged. "If my eye's genjutsu was strong enough to counter that, I would've set them against each other, but I don't think it would've worked. Hence my opting for giving Lancer a chance for a somewhat honorable death."

A scoff escaped Kiritsugu's lips. "Honorable? How exactly is it more 'honorable' for him to get cut down by Saber than ripped apart by Berserker or Caster X?"

"He had no control over his actions. And Lancer and I made a vow to one another as knights that we would battle for the Holy Grail." Saber stepped forward, clenching her sword as Invisible Air enveloped it once again. "Upholding that vow was a matter of principle and respect. Lancer showed me respect when we first fought, so it's only right that I return it. Him being an enemy does not change that." Her eyes narrowed in suspicion at the one who'd summoned her. "But now I have to ask myself, how do we know you didn't orchestrate all of this, Kiritsugu?" Her glare darted to the side where a dark-haired woman stood, her face blank as stone. "You sent Maiya after Lancer's second Master, the woman, didn't you?"

"I did," Kiritsugu confirmed without a speck of regret. "Even if Lancer wouldn't think of betraying this precious respect you both had, Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri wasn't nearly as chummy. She could've decided to ally with one of the opposing Masters, maybe even the rogues if it meant winning, and she was too spellbound by Lancer's curse that she'd accept a partnership with us. Or did you really not notice the jealousy that practically oozed from her every time you and he interacted in front of her?" Saber held her tongue, unable to dispute that point.

The Mage Killer continued. "So, yes, I instructed Maiya to deal with her. Sola-Ui was a wild card too risky to leave unchecked in the Grail War." He then became more thoughtful. "…Granted, you have a point, Saber. I might have hijacked Lancer's Command Seals and sent him after one of our enemies. Caster X was a good target; even with one spear gone, Lancer was a natural enemy to magic-centric Servants. And regardless of who won, it would've resulted in the death of at least one Servant." He dropped his spent cigarette onto the ground and crushed it underneath his heel, not a trace of emotion on his face. "Smart. A shame someone else interfered before Sola-Ui could've be captured." But who exactly…?

Pulling up in her vehicle in time to hear, Maiya was unfazed by Kiritsugu's musings save for a little disappointment in herself. She still wasn't pleased with letting Sophia-Ri slip away. Assassin X saw the logic in what his Master had said, but he was still a bit unsettled by the glaring ruthlessness displayed. And he wasn't blind or unsympathetic to Saber's mounting outrage, either. Looks like I was too optimistic about them working together…

"Kiritsugu Emiya…" The King of Knights bit out with barely restrained fury. Her own Master so willing to turn a fellow noble warrior into his puppet?! "I'm finally seeing just how different we are from one another. It was idiotic of me to believe that our goals were the same even if our methods differed. Up to this point, I had accepted Irisviel's words and Assassin X's counsel that you could be a trusted ally.

"But I can't believe any longer that you seek to save the world with the Holy Grail!" Assassin X tried to step between them, but she brushed past him. Her glare abided as it briefly shifted to her friend. Forgive me, Kakashi… I can't accept this. Then it returned at their Master with full force. He had turned his back to her in dismissal, but that didn't deter her one bit. "Tell us right now, Kiritsugu! What are your true intentions? Even if we win the Grail, trusting you with it…" To Saber right now, the very idea was reprehensible. That scene two nights ago, him breaking down in his wife's arms… had all that been nothing more than a deception?!

"Answer her, Kiritsugu." Irisviel's soft but stern words cut through the air. She was leaning against her Mercedes to support herself, the full weight of what the man she'd loved had just admitted to. She knew in her heart that he hadn't lied about his dream… but to think the man she loved would so coldly consider such actions… "You owe your Servants a real answer this time."

The Mage Killer finally sighed and inclined his head slightly towards her. "Right… this is the first time I've really shown you my usual means, Iri." Guilt slipped into his otherwise emotionless tone at how she flinched. "If a Master still lives, there exists the possibility of them finding a new Servant, and vice versa. Therefore, it's best to dispose of both. Even with Assassin X's contributions, I only have so many resources at my disposal, so I can't let opportunities go to waste." His eyes traveled to another. "I thought he understood that, too."

The X Servant remained unfazed by the accusation. And Iri put a little more heat into her own words. "I don't need your words, Kiritsugu, I want you to explain yourself to Assassin X and Saber without just berating them! They need you to talk with them. For real."

"No." Something prodded inside Kiritsugu for refusing his wife like this, but he didn't back down. "Assassin X may be more naïve than I'd hoped, but he still ought to be smart enough to comprehend my decisions. And I won't waste words on a murderer bewitched by honor, glory and that sort of nonsense."

The last of Saber's restraint began to snap away, and it was only her partner's arm before her that kept her from lashing out. "How dare you insult chivalry to my face, you cretin!"

"Chivalry can't save the world." Kiritsugu Emiya only focused on his wife, not even deigning to look at the irate fool. "The knights who follow it call some ways of fighting good and others evil and then act like there's some kind of noble code in battle. How many young men have been swept along by the illusions of honor and glory that knights of old celebrated, only to lose their lives for nothing?"

Assassin X narrowed his eye; he knew he could detect some melancholy in what the man said. Saber recognized it too but felt an even greater urge to refute his accusations. "They aren't just illusions! Even if a human life is taken during battle, it must be done with ideals! Without exception! Otherwise, every last war on this or any world would make manifest hell itself!"

That final sentence made Kiritsugu scoff. But not in mockery… but disgust. "There it is." With a humorless smirk, he gestured towards the Servant he'd grudgingly summoned to win the Holy Grail. "You all heard her, Iri. Maiya. Assassin X. The great King of Knights here thinks that a battlefield is any better than hell." His eyes narrowed in bitterness. "A bad joke. A battlefield is hell itself. Hope is nowhere to be found there. There's nothing but endless despair. And a broken cry we know as victory, paid for by the life of the defeated. As long as people continue to ignore the suffering it causes, this world and all others will forever be doomed to perpetuate the cycle of war."

Saber slipped herself free of her partner's arm, her rage settling just a bit. Both she and Assassin X were finally beginning to see the entirety of Kiritsugu Emiya. This man… hated war. He hated the senseless violence that sundered fields and robbed men of their lives, families of their loved ones. He put on a cold mask and sealed his emotions away, but with all the tension this night had wrought, the Mage Killer's sorrow was being laid bare.

Kiritsugu couldn't stop himself from continuing his bitter lament. It was getting harder not to raise his voice, but he pressed on. "And yet humanity still hasn't understood this simple truth. Why? Because in every era, on every world, courageous, inspiring heroes arise to enchant everyone around them with their 'great' tales, making them shut their eyes to the sinful massacres they cause." He turned his back to these "Heroic Spirits," these embodiments of everything he'd come to loathe. "Thanks to them, true human evolution has remained stagnant since the Stone Age!"

And a new piece of the puzzle slid into place, why Emiya avoided interacting with Saber and tolerated Assassin X but kept him at arm's length. Ever since they'd arrived here in Fuyuki City, he had found himself surrounded by Heroic Spirits, proud representations of the ideals he believed doomed humanity. No doubt he felt even greater scorn at particular ones such as Iskandar, Megatron, Kenpachi Zaraki… and Artoria Pendragon.

Kirei Kotomine was frozen in shock. Kiritsugu Emiya… hates war? His memories resurfaced of when he'd first read of the mysterious mercenary; how Emiya had been spotted on battlefields, always when the fighting was at its fiercest. His actions could be considered suicidal, or at least fixated on death. But then… why would he pursue such battlefields… when he loathes them?

"All beings seek and act for the sake of pleasure," Archer and Rider X had repeatedly stated this truth. But in that case, why would Kiritsugu Emiya familiarize himself with a concept that brought him the exact opposite of what he sought? What was this answer he had discovered living among the Einzberns? Or… did he have it even before he'd met them? But then why-

"Confused, are we?" Kirei was snapped out of his mental running in circles by the voice of Rider X. Violent, sadistic, unfettered… just the sort of being that man would surely hate with all his heart. But he simply sneered. "Life and living beings are full of these little contradictions, dear Kirei. Just keep on watching." The priest frowned but did so, curious despite himself.

A Servant was first to speak in the wake of this soliloquy. "You make some fair points, Kiritsugu," Saber and Irisviel glanced in shock to Assassin X while the Master continued to face away, "but… you're oversimplifying things, too." That coated back stiffened slightly, but the Copy Ninja heard no rebuttal, so he continued while scratching his head. "War itself is a horrible thing, I won't deny that. But those who instigate it don't all seek honor and glory as you imply. Sometimes, it's for resources, other times, revenge, and sometimes, it's out of the desperate hope for survival. Heroes have perpetuated that, but there have been just as many individuals who stopped wars and were lauded as heroes for the lives they'd spared."

That statement only made Kiritsugu shake his head. "And how long did their efforts last before someone else twisted their ideals and instigated new battles?" Sadness crept into his words, melding with the anger still present. "I wouldn't have thought you of all people would defend senseless bloodshed, Assassin X. Not after what it's cost you."

The Servant paused at the implication, visibly trying to keep calm. "…What have you learned about me?" Saber was perplexed before she recalled one spark of knowledge given by the Grail. Did Kiritsugu… see our lives? She knew of the possibility, but it wasn't an absolute.

"I've seen… glimpses." Kiritsugu sighed, finding no joy in what he was about to say. "You fighting for your life and your village in, what was it called again? Oh, yes… the Third Great Shinobi War. The Third. And based on how events seemed to proceed later on, your world was well on its way for the Fourth." A slight flinch went through the ninja, his partner turning to him in concern and sympathy, but Kiritsugu continued. "You first began learning the ways of the shinobi when you were what? Four, five years old?"

Maiya had been sitting patiently in her car's driver seat, ready to ferry Kiritsugu away, when her hands inadvertently tightened on the wheel. Her eyes traveled despite herself at the still Servant. "You lost both parents at a young age. You received your current rank, jōnin, at the age of 12 and had already become familiar with battlefields. You were practically groomed for war before you'd even reached your teens. A top shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village, feared and respected throughout your world… at the cost of a normal childhood. You weren't the only one of your generation either, nor would yours be the last. Team 7, all thirteen years old at most. What kind of sensible community would force children to fight for it?" She absorbed every word from Kiritsugu, everything that told her more of this odd man…

Who in turn grew ever stiffer. "…I believe I mentioned earlier that my home didn't practice drafting," Assassin X finally noted in a clipped tone, Irisviel and Artoria becoming even more worried at his indirect confirmation, "and it wasn't just because of tales of past protectors of my home that I fought for it, either, so don't demean our ways. I chose to become a ninja and fight for the sake of my village, for better or worse. From the sound of it, you've only seen fragments of my past, Kiritsugu." That cold anger of his was rising again. "But you clearly don't know everything, and I'd ask you as politely as I can not to draw conclusions too quickly." His glare hardened. "And don't ever use my students to justify your cynicism."

Saber's fury had returned again at seeing the minute trembling in her friend's posture. "And what right do you have, Kiritsugu, to pass judgement on a world not your own?! Is this how you repay this good man who's stood by our sides and defended your methods against my criticism time and again?" She noticed a tenseness inside Kiritsugu as well, maybe shame-

Then it was gone, and he merely shrugged. "True, that's all the business of your world, Assassin X. I'll retract my comments about your students, but it doesn't change the fact that no matter where you look in this… multiverse, there will always be another war waged and people dying for the sake of foolish ideals. From what I've seen of the other foreigners, this principle applies everywhere."

Irisviel couldn't bear much more of this clash between her husband and her friends. "Tell me, Kiritsugu… do you humiliate Saber and question Assassin X's beliefs so… because of your hatred of Heroic Spirits?"

Kiritsugu drew in a breath to calm himself before answering. "Of course not. My personal feelings have no place in my plans. I shall win the Holy Grail and save the world. And to achieve this goal, I shall employ the most suitable tools at my disposal." His tone was free of anger or sorrow again, just the words of an unfeeling machine. "Human nature makes it impossible to rid life of violence. Killing is evil, no matter what we say or do. So, it's best to see it through as quickly and efficiently as possible. So long as more lives are spared than lost. With this world the way it is, justice can't save it. Therefore, I have no interest in it."

Assassin X stared at the back of that black-haired head moving away, weighing his next words. "So, to sum up your modus operandi, you believe in sacrificing the few for the sake of the many, correct?" He shook his own head in disappointment. "Hate to break it to you, Kiritsugu, but that thinking's hardly any different from the ideals you look down upon."

The Mage Killer froze in mid-step, his neck slightly straightening. "By that logic, every war can be prevented just by killing off a few people every now and then," the shinobi continued in an even measure. "But do that long enough, and you may find there are just as many people dead as there would've been on a battlefield. Killing is evil, you said so yourself, but ultimately, evil ends up saving no more lives than justice would've."

Kiritsugu finally turned back his head to glare at the familiar. "Careful…"

But Kakashi Hatake didn't back down. "And in practice, how well have these methods worked for you?" The night's fatigue had caught up with him, too, and he was done pulling his punches. "Can you really say that wherever you gunned down a few key individuals or blew up a hotel then the world automatically became a little more peaceful? Can you claim with a hundred percent certainty that this world will ultimately be better once all the corpses have been disposed of?" He took out his hands and crossed his arms in finality. "You can't, can you? I know you're not that naïve."

Naïve?! Me?! The Mage Killer's teeth began to grind together so he wouldn't rage like that Archer X.

"If your methods were so efficient, you wouldn't need the Holy Grail in the first place." Assassin X's gaze softened again. "But you still hope for your world's salvation, just like how every soul that perishes on a battlefield hopes that their actions weren't futile."

That final sentence struck a chord inside the Master, his temper suddenly rolling back into itself. He straightened slightly, eyeing the silver-haired man carefully though he didn't for sure why. Signs of weakness, maybe? Or falsehoods? No, no trace of those. But there wasn't any spite or sadism, either. Assassin X had been brutally blunt, yes, but he wasn't interested in hurting Kiritsugu.

Then Saber, herself having cooled down once again, took over. "Kiritsugu Emiya, my partner isn't wrong. And… neither are you entirely." She closed her eyes with a silent sigh as both looked at her in shock. "Recent events have forced me to extensively scrutinize my own ideals, and I won't deny that it was only through Assassin X's kindness tonight that I could even settle my duel with Lancer."

She straightened before opening his eyes again to stare levelly at her Master. "I don't know who it was that betrayed you or what drove you to despair. But I still know using evil to defeat evil doesn't necessarily mean that all evil is erased. Rage and hatred will only bring about new battles. And that anger you show, the way you lament the loss of lives and childhoods… those all prove that you, too, once believed in justice. Like Kakashi, you chose in your youth to fight for what you held dear.

"You, too, once believed in a Hero of Justice who can save the world, didn't you?"

Kiritsugu's eyes were like guns loaded and primed to kill. His knuckles tightened increasingly inside his pockets as those two Servants stared levelly at him, no anger but sadness in their eyes. They thought they could tell so well who he was, dismiss the sacrifices he'd made as just another foolish ideal?! Do I look like I want your damn pity?!

"We're not your enemies, Master." Assassin X's words cut through the haze inside his head swift as Lightning Blade would through flesh. "Just because we disagree about ideals doesn't mean this team has to fall apart like El-Melloi's did." The masked Servant of Assassination was wearily scratching his head as he spoke. "And sadly, life isn't so simple where one can solve every problem by being absolutely chivalrous or absolutely ruthless all the time." That earned him two cold looks, making him grumble barely audibly, "Honestly, just my luck to wind up with a pair of morally polarized dunces…"

Neither King of Knights nor Mage Killer were sure how to feel about that comment.

Another couple seconds, though, and Kiritsugu's irritation abated. He turned back to Maiya's car while speaking conclusively. "Think whatever you want of me, Assassin X, but I will break this endless cycle. The Holy Grail will make such a miracle happen. I swear that the blood I spill in Fuyuki City will be the last spilled of humanity in this world's history. And if I have to stain my hands with every last evil in this world, then so be it. If that will save this world, I accept it." He then opened the passenger door while his driver seemed to snap herself back to attention.

But just as his Master slid in, Assassin X spoke up. "Hopefully, it needn't come to that."

A second passed, then the door closed, and the car drove off.

Kakashi's shoulders slumped; what a night, and sunrise was still a couple hours off. A pat on his back drew his attention to his side, where Artoria stood. "Thank you," was all she said. "For everything."

She needn't say anymore, she knew by how his own expression brightened that he understood her meaning. No matter what grievances she carried with Kiritsugu Emiya now or in the future, she was at least grateful to him for summoning Kakashi Hatake as her partner.

"Kiritsugu… is he… gone?"

Both turned in time to see Irisviel sway by her spot, then she began to fall. Both Servants were on either side in a flash, holding her steady. "Irisviel!" Saber adjusted her grip, her gauntlets fading away so her hands could feel her temperature. "She's feverish."

"Breathing's becoming erratic, too," Assassin X noted while wiping away some of her sweat. "Start the car, we need to get her back to the house."

Saber nodded and released her, a Shadow Clone of her partner immediately taking her place as she slipped into the Mercedes. Then as the original Assassin X released her, Irisviel gripped his arm (hardly any strength, he noted) and whispered. "Please… will you… watch over… Kiritsugu…" Her crimson eyes flickered with weakness but still carried that deep love for the man.

"Of course, I will." Assassin X eye-smiled reassuringly back at her. "He's my Master and my comrade." She managed to smile back as he faded into spirit form, knowing he was sincere, before darkness overtook her.

-80:41:27

The doors of Fuyuki Church opened, and Risei rose from the altar where he'd been praying to turn around. His eyes swiftly widened at seeing who entered. "Kirei!" The overseer's legs swiftly carried him across the hall where he wrapped his arms around his son in a tight embrace. "Thank goodness…" He whispered, burying his head into Kirei's right shoulder.

Kirei slowly returned the hug, patting his back lightly. "…Forgive me for worrying you, father." It came as a hesitant whisper. "I went to assist Tokiomi as you asked, but… I was led into a trap. I survived, but recovery from my injuries took… some time."

Risei sensed a tautness in his muscles. He pulled away to have a closer look at Kirei, gently prodding his body. "Well, you seem to be in perfect health now. Can't see so much as a scratch anymore." He looked up at Kirei's face with a proud and relieved smile. "You've developed your healing skills impressively."

But what was meant to be praise made his son glance away, as though he was nervous. "Please, father. I am not half the magus my teacher is." Then he started. "Is sir Tokiomi well? The last I saw of him, he and Lancer X battling Caster's monsters. Alongside Kariya Matou and Caster X, surprisingly."

"I've heard of that as well," Risei agreed. "Based on the reports from my sources, sir Tokiomi departed from the Mion River following the destruction of Caster and his obscenity. Neither he nor his Servants seemed to have sustained any lasting injuries, but…" His gaze flickered towards the church's doors. "Tokiomi has yet to arrive. We could reasonably argue that his Servants' contributions played a significant part in eliminating Caster and forcing Rider X to retreat." A sliver of satisfaction crept into the priest's voice before he frowned. "However, even with almost four hours having passed since then, Tokiomi has neither come here in person nor contacted me. I can't even reach him."

Aside from where his son could be, the patriarch's absence had been the biggest worry on the elder Kotomine's mind these last few hours. Tokiomi Tohsaka was one of the most composed magi, no, people Risei had ever known in his life. A firm believer in his family's teachings, having refined his magecraft and emotions through years of training, it had been little wonder why he was the Master trusted and aided by the church in the Fourth Grail War. Not to mention Tokiomi himself had set up this entire scenario against the rogues to replenish his Command Seals. But for him not to claim his prize… something must've happened.

But Risei Kotomine had a difficult time imagining just what his patron might've witnessed at the river that could've shaken him so. Could he have had a falling out with Lancer X? No, sir Tokiomi harbors no illusions about the nature of familiars. If there was a problem between them, he'd have dealt with it decisively. Besides, she's the reliable Servant. That meant Archer could've been responsible, somehow; Risei didn't trust or like the hedonistic King one bit. …Except if Tokiomi was having problems with his Servants, then he'd have all the more reason to want more Command Seals at his disposal.

He looked to his son for answers, but Kirei seemed deep in thought. "I noticed him having a heated argument with Kariya Matou, but they didn't actually come to blows. Nor did their Servants…" Finally, he gave a slight shrug. "We would have to ask him. But what about the other Masters?"

"None of them have arrived, either. You are in fact the first person I have seen tonight, Kirei." The father would have gone to visit Tokiomi or find his son, but his position as overseer dictated he remain inside the church at all times. Someone had to be present for tasks like monitoring the War and granting defeated Masters asylum, after all. On that note… "At least the sightings of the Mion River battle has been resolved for the short term."

Despite appearing deep in thought, Kirei nodded at that. "Yes, checking on the area is part of why my return here was delayed. One of our agents told me that the temporary cover story is a mixture of heavy fog and toxic chemicals having leaked from factories not far from the bridge." A bit flimsy, but the story ought to keep the masses sated until the church devised something more concrete. "What about the Magus Association?"

A tired sigh escaped Risei. "Given the situation, they proved cooperative in obscuring the truth. Their enforcers aided in spreading the story amongst eyewitnesses and news reporters. Hospitals have also been placed on standby to pick up supposed victims of chemical poisoning." He shook his head; there was still bound to be a fair bit of politics after the War. "As for the military, the two fighter pilots sent were safely recovered and had their memories altered. All they will be able to report is severe weather conditions that ultimately made them crash their planes." Better than having to evaporate their budget buying two new F-15s to make it seem like the pilots had never been dispatched in the first place.

The overseer of the Holy Grail War had only finished all the most crucial negotiations a while ago, and plenty more time with the telephone still awaited him. But for now, Risei Kotomine was simply relieved his son had safely returned.

Kirei, though, still appeared conflicted. His father knew he'd never been particularly expressive even as a little boy, but his lessons in bajiquan still exposed signs of anxiety: a slight tremble in the arms, heightened avoidance of eye contact, a deepening of his usual frown in the right corner of his mouth…

Risei reached up to place a hand on his shoulder. "Is something the matter, Kirei?"

His boy flinched slightly before taking in a deep breath to recompose himself. Just like I taught him… "…I'm worried about the way the Grail War is going. I can't stop thinking about one Master, Kiritsugu Emiya. Or how most of the rogue Servants are still at large… there is even a new one, he protected Caster and battled others at the river…" He glanced down at his left arm. "…And I'm afraid of what Rider X might be up to."

The mentioning of that monster made Risei's blood go cold. Now it all made sense why Kirei was so visibly worried: he must have been exposed to just how evil that metallic titan truly was! Had he threatened Kirei? Had he attacked him? Risei quickly lifted his son's left hand to see all but one of his Command Seals for Rider X had faded. Only one left…

"Kirei…" He slowly lifted his gaze to his son's eyes, filled with conflict and self-doubt. "You know that I care for you more than anything, don't you?"

"I-I…" Those eyes blinked befuddled before glancing to the side in shame. "Of course, father…" he whispered.

Risei nodded to himself, all the thoughts that had been rummaging about in his head now coming together for a clear picture. He hadn't forgotten his responsibilities as overseer of the Holy Grail War or his duty to the Tohsaka family or his old hope to see a miracle with his own two eyes… but he knew what he had to do. "Hold your hand still." He pushed up his right sleeve, exposing the many Seals spread across his arm.

Kirei froze in shock. "Father-"

But Risei placed his right hand over his son's left. "Drink from it, all of you," he intoned. "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." The Seals on his arm flared brightly, then upon returning to their dormant state, two had faded away. Meanwhile, that foul symbol of the tyrannical demon was fully restored on a stunned Kirei's hand.

And Risei wasn't done yet. "Use these to stop Rider X from whatever evils he might try to call forth on this world." He then clapped a hand on his son's right shoulder. "And should you require any more aid, or should anything happen to me," Kirei drew in a heavy breath at that, but his father continued, "remember this: Jn 424."

His dutiful son, one who had dedicated his youth to the studies of God, mouthed this code that would make little sense to any normal person, his eyes glimmering with comprehension. They continued to shimmer as liquid gathered inside them, Risei patting his shoulder again. The father was relieved he understood; even if his overseer status prevented him from actually using the Command Seals, he could at least provide his boy with the means to stop that devil from another world. And was there any better way to show him who much his father trusted him?

"Th-thank you, father…" Kirei touched his cheeks where the tears had begun to flow, studying the drops on his fingers. He began to mumble as though in a daze. "I… the last time I cried… was three years ago."

Risei's face fell. When Claudia died… "I'm so sorry, Kirei," he said with all the sympathy his heart carried. "Claudia was wonderful. I was happy to consider her a daughter."

"She said I loved her…" Kirei was mumbling tearfully while he glanced down at his hands, looking much like a confused little boy. "Even after I denied it. Even after… what I had intended for her… my heart ached… so much…"

Risei was about to pull him into another hug but stopped. Something about the words sounded off. "What you had intended for her?" he parroted, placing both hands on his son's shoulders. Had he been trying save her life? "Kirei, what do you-"

Sh-shk.

Risei's eyes widened inadvertently. His breathing grew unsteady, his vision was blurring. He could feel something wet on his chest. With more effort than it should've normally taken, he looked down… at the bleeding spot in his chest.

Where a thin blade had pierced it.

"I felt so sad when she died…"

His fingers' grip weakened and began to slip away, but an arm curled around his shoulders. "K-Kirei…" Risei gasped out as he was pulled into his son's chest, the blade being pushed further through his heart in the process. A-a Black Key… His mind recognized the Executor armament's shape easily even now.

"I was so sad, father…" Kirei whispered while little drops fell onto the crown of Risei's head. "Sad I couldn't kill her myself…" A strange sound began to ring in the father's ears, tinged with his boy's voice but unclear. Was it sobbing… or laughter?

K-Kirei… what did this... to you? Those were Risei Kotomine's dying words. Regrettably, he failed to understand his son right up to the very end.

A shiver traveled through Kiritsugu Emiya in his hotel room. He turned away from the dossier of Kirei Kotomine and scanned his surroundings, but there was nobody. Even the windows were shut.

After a minute of wariness, he put down the file and leaned back with a sigh, lighting a new cigarette. After Lancer had been disposed of, Maiya had driven him back to the hotel, Assassin X trailing them carefully as ever. He'd initially meant to stay for only a little while, an hour at most, to consider a new target. The night was still young, and the other teams were surely still recovering from the battle against Caster. Prime targets for removal.

But his thoughts had kept running in circles. He'd checked and rechecked and re-rechecked the files he'd compiled, the map of the Masters and Servants' probable locations, the guns he'd stashed in the room, and before Kiritsugu knew it, almost three hours had passed. Strange that Maiya didn't alert me. Worst of all, he still hadn't formed a decisive plan.

No, worst of all, he knew exactly what was distracting him, but he couldn't push it aside like normal. The clash with his Servants reverberated inside the Mage Killer's skull, key words and moments standing amongst the cacophony. Saber and her self-righteous outrage, he could shove aside easily. But Assassin X's…

"…you're oversimplifying things…"

"…hardly any different from the ideals you look down…"

"…I chose to become a ninja…"

They just wouldn't leave Kiritsugu alone. That final sentence in particular, the rebuttal to his resolve… "Hopefully, it needn't come to that." It'd have been easier to dismiss if it had sounded condemning, but no, the masked, sneaky bastard had sounded sympathetic. As if he understood. Ridiculous, the Mage Killer spat to himself while burning through his cigarette. How could a man who acts that casual and jokes around know anything about what it means to dedicate yourself to a mission? How could he ever understand the sacrifices I've made? The lives I've taken?

Her face inadvertently flashed before his eyes before his mind banished it. "Those who abandon the mission are trash, but those who abandon their comrades are even bigger trash, huh?" Kiritsugu recited with a bitter scoff. He glared towards the room's door, where the foreign familiar's presence could be sensed. "Should've known he's an idealist at heart."

He stood up with a sigh to put out his cigarette, then let his back hit the bed. Regardless, he was mentally in no shape to head out for another mission. Maiya was in another room down the hall, keeping watch alongside Assassin X. Kiritsugu tried to get up, but his legs just wouldn't respond. So, he told them over the phone to call it a night. Might as get a little sleep. He began to cast the same hypnotic trick from last night on himself. My head ought to be less cluttered come morning...

In front of another room, Assassin X had just stepped out to stand guard (and admittedly avoid those odd looks Maiya kept sending him, it was like she was frustrated at him yet curious simultaneously). He wasn't having an easy time staying focused, either, though, not with the argument still fresh on his mind. He hadn't meant to let his temper slip, he'd just been trying to help his partner. She was already dealing with enough grief, and despite being an opponent, Diarmuid was a good man. Kakashi didn't regret his decision to facilitate their duel, but now it looked like that had come at the cost of Kiritsugu's cooperation.

Was I really too naïve in thinking those two might be able to work together? I know a lot is weighing on Artoria, but just what the hell happened to Kiritsugu? What could've shattered his trust in heroes like her that he'd rather throw every last moral out the window to save this world? Those questions just wouldn't leave his mind. Couple that with Irisviel suddenly collapsing, and the jōnin was growing worried that he'd failed another team. Third time's the charm, I guess…

Assassin X cracked his neck and slumped against the wall; even with his mana replenished, there wasn't a bone in his body that didn't ache. Maybe a little meditation won't hurt. But the shinobi hadn't lasted this long by being careless. He pricked his thumb and sped through the Summoning Jutsu's signs, a certain pug appearing in a burst of smoke. "Mind keeping watch for a bit while I rest, Pakkun?"

"No worries, Kakashi," the pug waved his paw in an easygoing manner. "You know I got your back." He then sniffed curiously about, his stubby tail wagging slightly but eagerly.

His trainer and alpha rolled his eye in amusement. "Maiya's right behind that door, and I doubt she'd mind a little company." He then held back a laugh as the dog eagerly slipped past the door into the room, most likely trotting up to the stoic woman for some snuggles. Irisviel spoils my boys, but they seem to like Maiya and Saber, too. Even Kiritsugu's okay in their book. He propped himself against the wall, his head hanging in pre-slumber. Thank heaven…

Rider X twitched for a moment, Zouken noticed even while inspecting some spoils of war, and it didn't seem like it stemmed from yet another tremor rippling through the mansion. "Something the matter, Megatron?"

"Hard to say." The largest occupant of the room the Matou patriarch and three Servants were in tilted his head from side to side. "For a moment, I thought I felt something… stirring inside of me. Perhaps a premonition of sorts." He strode over to one of the windows, peering out at the clouds above. "I'm not sure, but… I believe it has something to do with my Master."

"Our Master," a Hassan perched atop the desk corrected him before he could stop himself. Thankfully, his partner only appeared by the outburst, so Macour cleared his throat and continued. "I-I mean, is he well? I do not sense his death or anything fatal."

Those spiked shoulders rose briefly before coming down again. "Neither do I. And despite my… contribution to his recovery, Kirei is not nearly under my control as you or he seem to think he is." He cackled to himself. "But he does seem to be making progress on his own journey. I am practically giddy in anticipation, it's been so long since I've felt this way."

A fully recovered Avenger X nodded by his spot before a bookshelf. "The dark side is more powerful and seductive than most realize. Even after it becomes too late to turn back." The room shook again, and this time, a furious, distinctly feminine howl accompanied it. The Sith's lip twitched at that. "Speaking of which…"

Assassin turned warily to the doorway, then to the sole human in the room. "How long are you going to let her rampage about like that? She's liable to bring down the entire mansion at this rate."

"I expressly made sure my basement was built to last." Zouken waved off the split personality's concern, not taking his dark eyes off the tecpatl he was looming over. A halfwit Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald may have been, but he did have good taste, the older magus granted him that. The energy from that Lancer-besotted woman's Magic Circuits as well as the many Mystic Codes she'd carried and Assassin had collected made fine spoils of war. "My darlings will intervene if she deploys any of her weapons, but otherwise, she can't cause more damage than some of my unrulier creations."

Something heavy could be heard being smashed underneath them, making Matou raise a hairless brow. "That said, I might give her a little sedative later. Just so she doesn't burn herself out before we set her loose again."

"Do not underestimate the power of a hatred as great as hers, Master," Maul hissed. "I saw firsthand how committed she was to avenging the one she lusted for. If I hadn't forced her to retreat, she'd have thrown herself at those Servants without regard for her survival." Those yellow eyes shifted towards the silver titan to his left. "How fortunate for this team."

The grin that Rider X gave the fallen Sith was eerily similar to the ones his Master would show during one of his schemes. "I couldn't help but notice, Avenger X, that you intervened in exactly the last second to save her life. Could it be you had already arrived sooner but waited to act until Lancer fell?"

"Lancer was bound to perish one way or another," the Servant of Vengeance sneered back. "But witnessing Saber do the deed has made her the main target for Archer X's wrath." His eyes narrowed at remembering Zouken's instructions while his chest was being healed. "Most ingenious, Rider X."

Macour shifted uneasily, a dagger dancing between his fingers. "Why make her snap like this? Her current state is little better than that of a Berserker. Wouldn't she be even more difficult to work with now that she's become this volatile?"

"Volatile is Archer X's default state, Assassin," Megatron countered unconcerned. "She's always carried a fierce temper ever since her first battle in this War, perhaps since her first moments after being summoned. Thanks to the late, bewitching Lancer and their pompous Master. We simply added a little more fuel to the fire and gave it a target. Two, in fact.

"Besides," the Servant of the Mount turned away from the window and sauntered over to a nearby table with a chessboard set up. "Archer X is only allied with us out of convenience. She undoubtably would've attempted to double-cross us and take the Grail for herself once enough of the other Servants were out of the picture. And by running ourselves ragged to kill them, we might've been easy pickings. She could've been a major concern…" he chuckled while picking up a knight piece and inspecting it, "were it not for one little weakness."

Zouken leaned delighted back in his seat, twiddling the tecpatl in his fingers. "Which is why you had me and my Worms trap Sophia-Ri and take control over Lancer." His smile widened at how Assassin shifted again at his spot. "I sent him after Caster X while forbidding him from killing Archer X until he completed that task, thereby confusing her and unbalancing her emotional state even further. She couldn't help but chase after him…"

"And Saber and Assassin X, compassionate, earnest fools that they are, couldn't help but intervene." Rider X laughed at the playful glare the Matou head gave him. "Oh, I had no hand in that, Zouken, I assure you. Those two would never be free of guilt if they hadn't tried to help that gullible fool. And even if they hadn't stopped him, it would have changed little. Diarmuid Ua Duibhne did have a slim chance of slaying that wizard, especially if he'd stopped being reluctant about his orders, but he'd have been slain one or another. Which ties up a loose end in the process."

"But the key part of your plan was ensuring Archer X witness his death," Darth Maul surmised. "Seeing the man that had enraptured her would drive her over the edge, and I sensed a preexisting hostility towards that knight and her partner in our dear soldier's heart. Now she is consumed by rage, her only thoughts being to destroy the ones who killed 'her' Lancer."

"Thereby directing her full attention to our enemies and reducing the danger of her stabbing us in the back." Zouken finished as he rose from his chair and hobbled over to the small liquor cabinet in his study. Retrieving a few glasses and an unopened bottle, he poured out some amber liquor and raised his glass in an impressed toast. "An exquisite work of art, your scheme, Megatron, even if I still believe Caster X and Berserker in place of Saber and Assassin X would've made it perfect." They shared a good chuckle while the bigger being accepted his own glass. Avenger X claimed one as well, but Assassin waved it off. "What was that you said during our first meeting?" Zouken clinked his drink against theirs before taking a satisfied sip. "'A good strategist is half psychologist and half sadist,' yes?"

Rider X took a hearty drink himself, savoring the taste with a laugh. "Merely understanding how an enemy thinks is not enough, as I'm sure all in this room know. One must also learn how to utterly crush them… and then cherish their agony." He then eyed the newest member of this little cabal he'd put together. Though he kept his guard up, the Decepticon didn't lose his pleased smile. "Congratulations on claiming the first kill amongst us, Avenger X."

The black-and-red foreigner returned his suspicious but savage expression. "And may we see just who ultimately claims the most." A veiled hint that even if Archer X was too distracted to contemplate treachery, the danger for Rider X had not disappeared entirely.

Excellent. I knew there had been a reason I kept Starscream around for all those millennia, the Kaon champion snickered to himself as he stepped away from the others. He then strode out of the study, satisfaction bubbling inside him despite the persisting noise from the basement. The pieces of the Holy Grail War were all slowly but surely sliding into place: on his side, tentative allies just as invested in eradicating the rest before turning on him and each other; opposing him, three Kings, two with loyal allies, and one wizard with a savage but tamed beast. Boisterous Iskandar, prideful Gilgamesh, chivalrous Arthur… All of them fated to be crushed underneath his heel, one after the other. Assuming they haven't torn each other apart, he noted in mirth while that passionate argument a few hours ago came to mind.

Witnessing that little row had amused Megatron to no end. So, the great Mage Killer, the man who has spent his life chasing battlefields actually despises them? He is willing to shed as much blood as needed to wish about a world without bloodshed? Such irony! Hilarious little delusions of an idealist fancying himself a cynic! Oh, the fun I might've had with you, Kiritsugu Emiya, if you had been destined to summon me as your Servant.

That wasn't to say Rider X was displeased with the Master he had, far from it! Kirei was developing quite beyond what his Servant had expected; the little glimpses of his inner desires, the fascination with sin and those who indulged in it… Emiya's revelations had visibly rocked the priest. And the way the Dark Energon had reacted to him, ah how intriguing he was for a human!

Megatron was actually surprised at how much he was investing in helping his Master along his journey. He'd even granted him a bit of his own power, something that might provide him some leverage later. But for now, Kirei Kotomine himself deserved say over how to use this "gift" which now lurked inside him.

In the meantime, Rider X had something else on his mind. A sort of… investment. He stepped through another doorway that led to what he sought: the Prismatrix Reactor. Embarrassing title aside, this little device symbolized too much potential to simply let it gather dust. Finishing his drink, he set the glass aside and hefted this contraption, the details of its inner workings as Archer X told echoing inside his processor.

"I still haven't tested it yet." Zouken stood within the doorway, black pits on the Reactor. "You're not a scientist or a magus, so perhaps you might reconsider tampering with that. The stakes are already high enough." Cautious words, yet they came from a rather excited grin.

Rider X flashed him a smirk of much the same kind. "Ah, but the higher the stakes, the greater the prize, Zouken." He then twisted the Reactor's valve counterclockwise, a metallic hiss escaping it. Then his right hand released it for the fingers to curl into a clutching motion, a familiar crystal materializing in his grip for only a second before it was shoved inside the glass part.

Every last evil in this world, Kiritsugu Emiya? Megatron's grin couldn't grow any wider as the Reactor began to glow violet, energy being visibly drawn to its center. Before this War is over, I just might show you and all the others a few you could've never fathomed.

Phew, sorry for the long wait on this one, I got caught up in a few other things. And sorry if the whole Lancer-thing seems a little convoluted, I started out with the whole "Lancer-class always suffers"-thing in my head, then I guess I just wanted to give the poor guy a break. Either way, three Servants down, twelve to go.

The Sharingan-Command Seal thing was honestly an important detail for me. I didn't want to cheapen the power of Command Seals just because I was bringing in characters from other franchises. Maybe the Sharingan could've overridden Lancer's orders if Assassin X had been less exhausted, or maybe Caster X could've nullified them with a lot of effort. But Command Seals are supposed to be "claims of absolute obedience," orders that cannot be easily so refuted by a little spell. And none of the characters I added really have anything like Rule Breaker, a Noble Phantasm specifically designed to counteract the natural rules, after all. Hence Kakashi's decision to devise a sort of loophole. Plus, he was trying to balance Saber, Lancer and Kiritsugu's wishes into some form of compromise. Still can't make everyone happy, though… I know the feeling.

Sadly, Archer X is still alive (yeah, I bet you guys were all expecting her to have kicked the bucket by now on account of her getting chronically killed), so Lancer departs from the Grail War with regrets. At least he got a more dignified death than in canon, that scene always breaks my heart.

Not to mention I wanted to try my luck at the classic argument between the King of Knights and the Mage Killer, just with a third party thrown into the mix. Who is right, who is wrong? Either way, the team's camaraderie is strained but not broken just yet.

Meanwhile, Megatron continues to make this story just a little darker. Muahahaha…

PS: Here's a little clue of the next chapter via its title: "What Dreams May Come"