Episode 10

The entire part of the trip that were on the first train then a bus was carried out in silence. None felt it was necessary to speak, not that they didn't want to, but their attentions were fixated on the young brunette who listlessly gazed out the window she would claim when they changed transportation. The aisle seats were taken by Rider on one side while Yugi sat on the other, which left Ruler to sit across from his Master. Their normal attire would have been much too thin to sustain the cold, according to Anzu, so they had accepted her guidance and donned clothing more suitable to this century; jeans, boots or some other black footwear that was closed toe, thick coats, scarves, and gloves. The High Priest wore a palette of whites and blues while The Nameless Pharaoh donned hues of blacks and violets. Buildings and smooth roads gave way to landscapes of trees and mountains. Her gaze though was unseeing as the occasional blink would cause a droplet of moisture to gather among her lashes. Unbeknownst to the young brunette, each salty droplet that fell down her fair cheek was felt by both Servants whom she now held contracts with as if they themselves were shedding tears.

It was as they settled upon the last train when her glassy eyes gained a hint of clarity when they rose to meet the amethyst gaze of the one who sat across from her. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Allow me-"

"I wasn't talking to you, Rider, so please wait your turn."

Yugi was quick to disappear at her cold tone, knowing full well that this was supposed to be a private conversation and was wise enough to take the Servant with him, both casting one last glance over their shoulders to find Ruler heavily guarded as if he were preparing for battle.

Her gaze narrowed once silence had fallen for several moments. "I'm waiting."

"Are you asking as my Master or as a Mage?"

"I'm asking for answers as a human being who deserves it!" Vermillion momentarily overthrew cerulean, causing his being to flash with heat in response to her flare of mana, but he remained unmoved from his cross legged and armed position as she took a steadying breath. "For the moment, I am not your Master or a Mage. Right now I am no different than a high school girl who is trying to come to terms that her father may or may not be dead thanks to her selfish actions and choices."

He blinked and felt a wave of remorse radiate from her being. "You hold yourself responsible for something you had nothing to do with? Apologies, but I do not see the relevance." He leaned forward slightly, resting his entwined hands upon his knees as his feet rested flat on the metallic floor, so that the space between them was just a bit smaller. "He was a man who decided what he did all on his own."

"That doesn't answer my question." She moved in such a fluid motion that he was momentarily left in stunned silence as her hands found his shoulders, which forced him to lean backwards until his back met the seat, and legs parted to allow her room to stand closer when hers pressed between his knees. Her patience was nearing its very short fuse and inching quickly to the end that was the containment of her suppressed emotions. This was not the time or place for her to have a meltdown though. "Why didn't you tell me that someone had been trying to get through the warding?"

"We were not their target," he said slowly, carefully, as her fingers dug into his shoulders. "He was."

Anzu's hand instantly rose to press against her mouth for a moment then an expression of doubt crossed her features. "Dad's a powerful man in the world, being a business man and multimillion dollar tycoon, but even his competitors wouldn't resort to something that severe. He's too smart anyway."

The wild haired man didn't move, nor did he deter her away, he simply accepted her closeness when the feelings of lonely isolation caused the mana connection between them to chill slightly. "It was a Servant." He wanted to curse those very words as her gaze slowly returned to their normal azure, moisture gathering in the corners of her eyes as she gasped. "There is another special class, called Foreigner, that is nearly on the same level as we Rulers and those known as Avengers. They are highly unpredictable and are cause for great concern when the three of our classes are summoned are summoned individually, let alone within the same plane. They are the class who is possibly one of the least known but the indisputable fact is that they were either swallowed by darkness then emerged with a pure heart or they were a pure heart who was consumed by madness then turn around to devour more." A shadow fell over his eyes. "Most often, whenever one is summoned, I am sorry to say that the latter of the two is what occurs."

"Do you know which Heroic Spirit they are at least?"

"Foreigners aren't exactly like most of the Servants summoned by the Holy Grail War. They derive from superstitions and abide by different rules." A muscle in his neck tensed as she leaned forward in suspense, the stiffness of his upper neck causing her being to come even closer to his own. He instantly ridiculed himself the moment he realized that her closeness had earned a quickening of his breath; this was definitely not the time to be thinking such things.

"I don't know about you, but I need a distraction." Her lips lifted in the corners as she plopped herself down in his lap, which earned a soft sound of surprise from him, and rested her head against his chest as the slow rises and falls of it helped to ease her own breathing as she snuggled into his warmth. Though he was a Servant she could have sworn she heard a heart beating beneath her ear. The emotions swirling within her being were simmering like a stew on the stove, but it didn't feel as though it was going to boil over anytime soon. She would have to address them eventually, especially if she was going to make an appearance before the rest of the family, yet for now she wanted nothing more than shove all of that responsibility and hindering stress to the side for now.

The mana connection between them relaxed as she did when his arms loosely wrapped around her waist, keeping her balanced so that she wouldn't fall backwards when the train rocked or shifted. His brow quirked when a nearby family with a young child shot them narrowed glares. "It appears that some are not approving of this display." He directed her gaze to those who were still watching them, though they tried and failed to hide their disapproving stares.

"Then let's give them something to really hate."

His lips parted to question what she meant but completely forgot his own words as her lips covered them. Though he tried to resist the warming flames that now danced between their beings via the invisible mana thread she had caught him by surprise and he was nearly swept away along the throughs of passion as her being pressed intimately against his own. It wasn't for several seconds that she released her hold upon his neck, allowing fresh air to enter the space between them as she gasped for breath, and donned an expression of amusement when he found her cheeks to be tinted pink when she bristled. "That was quite bold of you," he whispered, allowing his voice to deepen as the blush within her cheeks darkened, "but I am not one who will complain."

"Ahem-exhibitionists-cough!"

"Perhaps, but you have yet to look or move away despite the young child at your sides." He called, eyes rising to lock on the nearby group as she hid her face in his vest with an embarrassed groan.

The cougher and a few others were now red in the face as he smirked, but the elderly woman whistled softly as she grinned toothlessly when their gazes met. "You keep her close, young man, she seems like quite the catch!"

"That she is." His smirk became less amused and more affection as he gave the brunette a squeeze. "I am truly honored that fate brought us together though the circumstances are not the most favorable."

"I like your spunk!" The old woman laughed, earning disgruntled looks from her companions as she got up to hobble in their direction as Anzu slid into the seat beside Ruler, then surprised the pair as she grew serious when she came to a brief pause. "That bond you share, hold onto it no matter what. Something tells me that you two have quite the battle ahead and it would be best to keep each other close." And then she was gone out the door that led to the nearby dining car, leaving both her traveling companions and the odd couple blinking in confusion.

"…grandpa was the one who originally tried to partake in a previous Holy Grail-" Yugi came to a halt, Rider alongside with him as well as the chibified Castor who peeked out from the wild hair atop of his head, the young mage's expression becoming pained. "Ew, at least wipe off the your mouth when you're done. No one needs to see that."

Anzu bristled, quickly raising her fingers to wipe away the sheen of sparkly peach hued and flavored gloss that was faintly visible upon Ruler's lips. "S-sorry, completely forgot that I put that on earlier." Her reach was interfered by his fingers wrapping around her wrists, stopping them before their pads met his skin. Much to her strange delight, and Yugi's chagrin, the Nameless Pharaoh mimicked the motions she herself had done when applying the sheer layer of lip balm. The sight of him in deep concentration while the planes of his face twisted and moved in such a bizarre way earned first a giggle then a full blown laugh from the brunette as he smirked once satisfied with how the moisturizer had seeped into his skin.

He hummed softly, slightly surprised at how much the strange substance soothed the harsh ridges of his lips until they were smoothed, and offered her a grateful smile. "This time's products are truly astounding. I appreciate you sharing it with me, Master."

"Don't even try and make it sound that she was sharing her gloss with you, that's the oldest and lamest trick in the book." Yugi shook his head, plopping down in her vacated seat. "At least be creative with your lies."

Her retort was cutoff by a shrill gasp when she blinked and found Ruler bent over the mage, the laughter threatening to bubble up her chest overtaken by thankfulness when she found that if Yugi had been siting up any straighter their lips would meet. Definitely didn't need that image in her mind.

The smirk raising the Servant's lips was devilish as he swiped a thumb across his mouth in one smooth motion then proceeded to smear the little residue against the young man's.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

"Now you have no reason to be jealous." Ruler's smirk darkened slightly, as if in warning while straightening.

"Clarification before I kill you myself!" Yugi roughly wiped his mouth against the collar of his jacket, face bright red in anger and lavender eyes shining with loathe when they locked upon the Servant who had invaded his personal space.

The Nameless Pharaoh's eye glittered with amusement as he retook his seat beside Anzu. "Forgive me, Master, but it appears that someone was upset that your product looked so much better on yourself that he simply couldn't bring himself to ask for some so I took it upon myself to share that which you provided me. Would it be acceptable for me to request more?" The heart in her chest gave a heavy thump as his tanned fingers brushed her chin, gently tilting her face in his direction as he leaned towards her.

"Now I know you're wanting to die-" Yugi rose to stand, anger diminishing when he unconsciously licked his lips and tasted peaches, then turned his gaze on his friend who looked as though she was having a hard time catching up with what was occurring as the smirking Servant retreated while releasing her chin. "Mmm, that's actually quite good. Is that the new gloss from HarpyCharm Cosmetics?"

She blinked, giving herself a mental shake. "Yeah, a gift from a family member."

"Allow me to be the first to compliment you, Mutuo Mage, the glitter is quite becoming."

Anger burned brightly in his cheeks as laughter was heard from the nearby booths. They had caught the attention of several other passengers who were just as amused at his embarrassment as Anzu and Ruler were when he surveyed himself in the nearby window. "I- You- Shut up!"

Anzu turned her gaze from the bickering pair until they met calm, slightly amused azure, earning a blink from the tallest of their little traveling group as he too took a seat. "I'm sorry about earlier, Rider, I'm ready to listen now."

His head bobbed in a slight nod. "I will be more than happy to answer any and all of your questions, Mistress Anzu."

"Ugh, do you have to call me that?" She squirmed, not liking how the title ground against her being like sandpaper. "Just Anzu is fine." The fine hairs across her body as a warm breath tickled the sensitive skin of the ear shell before Ruler whispered the same honorific that Rider had used. "Yeah, definitely don't use that ever again," she huffed, hands shoving him away as her cheeks dusted with pink. "It's worse hearing it in generally so find something else to call me."

"Then I shall follow my king's lead, Master Anzu."

"I give up."

. . . .

They came to a halt in front of the large gates that bore a familiar dragon emblem, its sapphire eyes so much like a certain mage's that they hesitated for a moment before searching the gate for a means of entrance. The young woman with chocolate hair huffed, her arms wrapping around herself for a moment while taking a hesitant step back, her breath coming on in faint clouds. "Is it too late to just forget about coming here?"

"Are you freakin' kidding me?! We hiked up a mountain in drifts of snow and now you're telling me that was all for nothing?!" Yugi exasperatedly dropped the traveling bags that he'd been carrying with a groan. "Anzu, I know it's scary and all but we came all this way and you said it yourself that you'd feel better staying here then at my place!"

"It's been forever since we visited last and I forgot how much I hated the cold!" She snapped, sympathetically looking from her childhood friend to the Servants who had remained close to her side during the entire trip. They regarded her curiously, as they did the white drifts of the powder. "Snow I like because it's pretty but I could do without the loss of limbs and skin discoloration. Bet you guys have never seen it before, huh?"

Beside her, attempting to hide the fact that he too was struggling to adapt to the cold, Ruler offered his Master an encouraging nod. "It is quite breathtaking, as if looking out across a landscaped covered in diamonds." He couldn't help but internally agree with her earlier statement though. Himself and the High Priest of the White Dragon originally came from Egypt, a place where it was warm all year round, so they were at first skeptical when the young Mutou mage spoke of "white dust that could blind a man". An icy breeze snuck along the collar of the thick coat he'd been lent, causing the underlying hairs across his being to rise into needles, but he made no other indication that the cold was affecting him. "Remember, you are not alone."

Rider took a quick survey of the property line in front of them then up to the sky. Though he too had been enchanted by the change in scenery, temperature, and glittering substance he could not ignore their Master's hesitancy. She had every reason to be on edge with the warding and warnings that were barely visible upon the gate before them. "You come from a highly skilled family of mages," he said softly, dark azure gaze falling to meet her lighter one. "But know that we will not allow any to lay so much as a finger upon you, Master Anzu."

"That's sweet of you, really, and I'm not doubting your abilities but you may find that difficult since nearly everyone in there is going to make me look like a chump compared in the ability standpoint." Though she sighed, her lips lifted into a smile that spoke of her words not holding merit. They'd been extremely patient with her when taking the time to train her during their short breaks in the trip. Yugi and Rider were especially was impressed with how well she picked up on the runes and incantations; then again she had selected Latin as her foreign language class. "Standing out here isn't going to accomplish anything but blue fingers and toes so let's get this over with." Slender shoulders rose as she took a deep breath then placed her hands upon the gate's icy metal surface. "Let me in, Manadraica! I came for a visit!"

"Who?" Three pairs of brows furrowed as three voices, each different in octave and pitch, chorused.

The moment her fair skin touched the gate it opened widely to reveal a maw lined with several rows of serrated teeth, as if a giant beast had been waiting patiently for them to make some sort of move, and the group was swallowed up in one big gulp as the gates slammed shut once more.

Each of her hands had been grasped by tanned ones, Ruler on the left while Rider on the right, as gravity carried them farther into the belly of the beast but not a sound escaped from between her lips as a flat surface rose to meet the bottoms of their feet. A crash from behind them earned a startle from each until they realized the source had been Yugi and the trunks. She offered him an apologetic smile as he stood and brushed himself off but it fell as a door opened ahead of them that caused bright white light to envelope them.

"Well, what do we have here?" A voice called out, earning the young woman's bristle when a figure approached as the light faded to reveal a room so decorated with ancient relics that it may as well have been a museum. His chubby hands wrung while greedy eyes darted across her being. "Ne, Anzu-chan, look at how you've grown."

The three men internally glowered at the way the newcomer looked upon their female companion, each gaze darkening a few shades and Ruler's flashed with warning when they came to a stop at the bottom of the staircase they'd been descending. He kept quiet though as she stepped up to stand before the stranger. Hot anger however pounded through his being when she was nearly forced to kneel by means of an incantation from the other mage's lips.

"It's been much too long, Anzu-chan, you have no idea how much I've missed you."

Both Servants leapt into action when he reached out to touch her, his mana levels rising to dangerous levels, Rider appearing behind the man while Ruler had drawn her up against his being with one arm while the other was posed for an attack. "You would be wise to not try anything while we are here." Rider spoke, his tone dripping with hidden promise of retaliation if the mage decided to repeat his motions but it was Ruler's crimson stare that earned a frightened recoil.

"Anzu-chan, what is the meaning of this?!"

"It's okay, I can do this." Her hand lightly patted the pharaoh's arm, a silent request to be released, and was helped back to her feet as she crossed her arms to lock stared with the mage. "I see you haven't changed one bit, Kokurano Toei, despite you now being twenty. He's one of the distant distant distant cousins, I'm afraid to say. Are you still going around and using that fake prophet shtick?" A tilt of her head earned Rider's reappearance at her side as other members began to appear within the neighboring doorways.

Men and women alike looked upon the small group with narrowed gazes that voiced that none of them were welcomed in the slightest despite the beauty of both people and artifacts that surrounded them. Outside was a landscape of snow but what they found within these walls created a whole new definition of cold. The stares were daunting to the young mages yet they held fast; she had every right to be here as any of them

She raised her chin, not in defiance but to show that she was not afraid of them, as she took a small step away from the group. "It's been a while, everyone. It's good to see you all in good health." Anzu bowed her head with respect in each side family's head, earning a slight degree of their stone expressions softening just a little.

A man more than six feet tall walked until he was facing her. He wore a tailored suit that looked to be made of the most expensive material available that was the color of rosewood that was accented by cream colored trim. His pure white hair and beady eyes were enough to make anyone suspicious or weary of him. "Well, this is certainly a surprise. I wondered why the Guardian Dragon over this estate would allow someone entrance so easily." His lips fell into a frown from beneath a bushy mustache. "Only you two, her favorites, would find their way easily through the other traps that have been in place since long before either of you were born. It seems that I've misspoken though. Where is your father, Seto? The one beside you looks very much like him but I can sense that his energy and mana tracing is much more ancient."

The Servants found themselves rooted to the floor by a wave of his hand, their expressions becoming tense as she obediently stepped closer so that they were inches apart. Though she tried her best to not let anyone see the trembling of her being was noted by both her childhood friend who was impersonating a wallflower, which was probably the smartest move for him to carry out right now, and the pair of ancient kings. Her head bent forward in a respective bow. "Apologies, but the answer is a long one and leads me to the reason why I am here." Cerulean gave way to vermillion as their gazes met. "The Head of the Family has disappeared, which means that I, the biological offspring of said head, now leads this family." A cold tone entered her voice when he stiffened, hushed whispers rising as they too saw the change in the hue of her gaze as it returned to normal. "Sorry, grandfather, but looks like you'll be stuck with me for the time being."

They nearly gaped at her words.

With a clear of his throat, the man approached her with a strained smile. "Come now, Anzu, raise your head. Someone of your…standing…need not do such things to someone clearly lesser than you." He gasped audibly, dramatically, and three pairs of eyes belonging to the trio of males who had come with Anzu felt their blood chill as the man's lips rose into a malicious smile. "Though your mother was my creation you have no reason to bow to me. Not when you yourself have far surpassed the family's expectations!" The man chuckled lowly, his bass timbre bouncing off the walls that earned a few hushed whispers as she straightened. All of their heavy weather gear disappeared with a wave of his hand, appearing within the hands of the waiting maids who looked more like ghosts, and encouraged her to showcase the backs of her hands to their audience. "You all were ashamed that our prized Kisara had been taken from us by that mage, Seto Kaiba, but gaze upon what their union has brought to us. Our little Anzu has become quite the fine mage indeed, one worthy to be a member of our clan name, for she has not one but two Servants at her disposal while she fights in the place of her fallen father in the Holy Grail War!"

"Don't call them that!" Her shout cutoff the rise of awe filled exclamations, azure eyes flashing bright vermillion as she fixed each with a stare before they calmed back to tense cerulean when a light wave of mana erupted from her being that amused those present to be wafted with peach scented breezes. "Anyone else would see them as you do but not me. I refuse to see them anything less than normal human beings so I would appreciate it if you would refrain from calling them pawns again." A slender hand rose, incantation sounding from her lips that released both of her comrades, and straightened her spine as a few of the family members gasped.

He chuckled lowly as the surrounding members hissed at her display of disrespect. "You've got your father's quick tongue I see but your mother's blood seems to have activated within your veins as well. Fascinating!" The very air itself vibrated with magical energy as an outline appeared around him, one that was emerald green that radiated with intense pressure that forced many members to retreat slightly.

Anzu however, was all too familiar with scare tactics like this thanks to her father. Her chin remained upwards even when a near invisible wave of energy lashed out from his immobile being that aimed for Ruler but she reflected it back with a flex of her brow. There wasn't a huge amount of force behind the blow but she'd flared her own mana outwards in time to send it back with more oomph behind it that cased the framed works of art hanging on the walls to rattle dangerously. They made to take a battle ready stance but were deterred by a shake of her head.

"So your circuits have opened as well? Now I simply must see what you are capable of!"

"I take my eyes off of you for two seconds and you're up to no good, old timer." The new voice caused all eyes to rise towards the top of the staircase where a woman was hurrying to the best of her ability despite the long skirt that threatened to trip her. Golden hair, twinkling mauve eyes, a bosom that was straining against the ties of her corset, she was breathtaking to nearly everyone present save for the small traveling group who were fixated upon the brunette who grimaced with dread when she was swept up into a tight embrace. "Anzu! Look at you, I hardly recognized you!"

Yugi's jaw dropped, earning a questioning glance from both Servants. "That's- That's- Mai Valentine, owner and founder of HarpyCharm Cosmetics!" He sheepishly smiled, reaching back to scratch the back of his head when their expressions became tense. "Right, sorry, not the time."

"No, it's okay. Mai is one of the distant cousins that is actually pretty cool." Ruler and Rider made to intervene if not for Anzu's quick intervention. She returned the embrace with vigor, earning a squeal from the older and well-endowed blonde. "Long time no see! Thanks for the care package you sent!" She groaned softly when released, massaging her now sore ribs while casting them both a small smile that said she would explain more later. "Sorry I didn't send you a heads up that I was coming."

The blonde beauty turned her blazing gaze to the nearby family members then fell to rest on the man, who instantly allowed his built up mana to dissipate under her blazing gaze. She was the favorite of the family, their hopes of the family bloodline regaining its once glorified standing over the mage world, but none of that had stopped her from attaching to the child they deemed "disposable". Her head snapped back to meet Anzu's azure gaze. "Let's get out of here and away from all of these stiffs."

Though her hand was now clasped within Mai's, the other somehow found its way to a warmer and darker skinned one, receiving a comforting squeeze as they closely followed the blonde up the stairs without so much as a glance to those who had begun conversing lowly. Rider shot each a warning glare that said if they even entertained the thought of harming her he would personally see to their punishment and was forced to walk when Yugi came up from behind, tossing him Anzu's trunk so that they could hurry to follow the women.

A roar of disproval rose the moment the group was out of sight; questions, exclamations, blasphemy, and insults alike intermixed in a near incoherent fashion until it was halted by his flare of mana. "Enough of your chattering like common filthy mongrels! She will stay, for now, until I see that she should be removed." His bark earned heavy silence as he turned on his heel to enter his personal study, not bothering to address any of the questions that had been voiced, and slammed the door behind him that signaled the end of the discussion.

. . . .

Mai's slender brows wiggled as the young brunette sheepishly glanced towards the pair of Servants who were closely examining one of the ancient relics that had been rumored to belong to one of the first kings of Mesopotamia. They'd felt the warding change from pine scented hostility to soft rose independency and had only relaxed their own guards at Anzu's assurance that none would be able to hear or disturb what occurred in this suite. "So, Anzu, I see you've been busy."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"And I hear you've been less clingy as of late." She turned in Yugi's direction, her gaze free of judgement as he shrugged despite his giddiness. "Finally got it through your thick head that she didn't like you in that way, huh?"

He sighed but didn't move from his comfy position in the oversized lounge chair. The initial shock that his childhood friend's distant cousin was THE Mai Valentine was beginning to wear off, meaning that he could now begin to act like normal again much to Anzu's relief. "Yeah, it was my bad that I didn't think of her wants into consideration and I paid the price for it."

"No hard feelings or anything?"

Anzu grimaced, recalling the control Avenger had over her that brought to light her innermost feelings of betrayal at her friend's lack of consideration towards what she wanted leaving a bad taste in her mouth. "It wasn't the best way to go about it-"

"But now the air is clear and I know where the line is now." His lips lifted into a tender smile, earning a brief glare from the nearby Servants. "It's fine. I'm just glad I can stay next to you." He bristled as the blonde marched across the room, rising to his feet by her hand on his shoulder, and blinked as Rider was also snagged by the sleeve of his shirt. "What gives?!"

"The three of us are going to take a little walk to get to know each other a little more!"

Both Servant and Master were left stunned as the door slammed behind the odd group, silence falling upon the pair for nearly a full minute before Anzu giggled. "That's Mai for you. She's so straightforward its almost painful sometimes."

"She is…something." His chest rumbled with a baritone chuckle. A soft breath slipped between his lips as he found himself surrounded by warmth, courtesy of a pair of arms that wrapped around him from behind, and hummed softly as her head rested against the space between his shoulders. Not a word was spoken as he allowed her to lead him backwards, away from the relic he'd been studying, and settled upon the chaise beside her when her arms fell away. Another sound of amusement threatened to rise as her head unceremoniously landed within his lap, a bend of his knee allowing her to head to sit more comfortably while propped up. "You did very well when faced with an adversary such as he," the Nameless Pharaoh said lowly.

"Hopefully no one noticed how much of a wreck I was, I thought my knees were going to give out." She groaned loudly, slipping though the opening in the gray vest he wore to bury her face in the black long sleeve sweater underneath while shifting onto her side so that her back was towards the door. All the stress and tension slowly faded from her being the longer he held her. He'd been aware of her anxiety the entire trip to this place but had not felt it appropriate to address it since they had been in the company of Rider and the Mutou mage.

They were alone now though.

He accepted the entirety of her weight as she leaned against him when his fingers worked as a knot that had appeared within her neck, earning a soft groan. "I forgot how intimidating he could be. All of them are actually pretty scary." She sighed when the knot his fingers had found released its built up tension. "I should have warned you guys about how mom's side of the family is. Dad really didn't have much since his side was wiped out in some big controversy between the church and a secret organization." The fine hairs across her body stood upright when his other hand found its way to rest atop of her head, calloused fingers carefully combing through the chocolate tresses.

His brow rose slightly when a giggle sounded and spotted a faint smile raising her lips. "It is odd to find you in such light spirits despite the situation we are in, Master."

"You're gonna make fun of me if I tell you."

"I would never."

Peeking up at him, she nibbled her lip while contemplating on if she should tell him or not. He was a sincere being, one who spoke the truth "Seeing you and Rider in such normal clothes. I'm so used to seeing you in your Egyptian attire that I guess it's a bit much to see you both looking so…so…" She desperately searched for the right word but found herself speechless when she felt laughter bubble within his core. Sitting upright, she was farther surprised to find him attempting to hide his mouth with a hand as her jaw dropped. "You promised!"

"F-forgive me." He couldn't help the chuckle that rose up his throat when he saw her expression. Deviousness shone brightly within his amethyst gaze as he quickly prevented her from moving away, hands gently lifting her from the chaise and settling her upon his lap with ease that earned a squeak of surprise from the young woman that quickly turned into a breathy gasp when his neck bent slightly so that their faces were inches apart. "Tell me, Anzu, what do you think of me in this type of attire?"

A shiver passed down her spine as his warm breath wafted her face, those gemstone eyes of his glittering with the dancing flames in the nearby fireplace. Words scrambled in her brain as she attempted to swallow, finding her throat dry as a desert, when one of his hands found the small of her back that brought her closer as he rested against the chaise's back. "Not half bad," she managed to croak, earning the appearance of a smirk, "but I prefer you without any at all." Satisfaction filled her as his tanned cheeks blazed brightly and noted the widening of his eyes; two could play at this game and she was not about to let him have all the fun.

He realized that this had become a battle when her own lips, still bearing a bit of the glitter from the balm earlier, lifted into a smirk that could rival his own. "You are especially bold today," he whispered lowly, rising to stand while keeping his hands tucked beneath her thighs so that she was kept close to his being as he took a few steps towards the room's separating doors where he had caught sight of a canopy. The blood in his veins warmed as her hands clung to his borrowed sweater, seeing the light dust of blush in her cheeks grow with each passing second that their gazes remained locked. Carpet gave way to solid wood floor beneath his shoes but it was a mere afterthought as he laid her out across the cushiony duvet and suppressed a low groan in his throat when her bent legs forced him to follow her. Concern filled him when she shivered, debating on moving her back to the fireside or under the covers. "Are you still experiencing a chill? I must admit, the cold is a bit daunting here. We have traveled a long ways, Master, it would be best if you took this opportunity to rest."

"So you hate the cold too, huh?" She giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck as his being lowered to rest against hers, cerulean becoming hooded as the warmth of his body slowly seeped into her own that began to chase away the chill that had settled into her bones. As if she was going to be capable of sleeping while in this place or with him looking as he was currently. A twist of her body caused their positions to swap, earning a blink of surprise from him when discovering that she now held the power of the situation, but he quickly donned an expression of anticipation as her hands rose to bury themselves within his hair. Her bent neck caused their noses to brush and their lips to ghost against the other's as she tilted her head slightly. "We could always warm each other up in a different way."

His breath caught as nails scraped across his skin, causing a thrill to slip down his spine. It was clear that she was anything but relaxed, with how stiff she was moving and the tension rolling off her in waves despite his ministrations earlier. A hot bath might help but he was not familiar with this environment. What could he possibly do to help her not as a Servant but as something much more? The answer came to him as the blush in her fair cheeks darkened as he slowly rested back upon the bed.

She blinked as his being grew slack underneath her, submission within his gaze as he beckoned her once hesitant hands higher by arching so that they slid upwards to bunch the sweater so that more of his upper torso was exposed. The warmth of an unseen sun beneath her slow traveling fingers that had snuck beneath the sweater's hem of their own accord, the scent of sandalwood and sand that was coming off of him, the mere sight of him beneath her with that natural crown of wild hair starkly contrasting against the pristine white duvet under them, the way the shadows within his gaze shifted as she moved against him…

He was a powerful Pharaoh, King of Egypt, beholding knowledge of both myth and legends that would put every museum on the planet to shame, a Ruler Class Servant that fate assisted in her summoning by pure accident, yet here he was giving all control of the situation to her of all people. Atem, the Nameless Pharoah, was offering himself to her to do with him as she pleased.

Like a tool.

"No." Her head shook, yanking him upwards by the sweater so that their torsos met as she wrapped her arms around his neck once more, burying her face in his neck. "How many times do I have to say I won't ever treat you like that, as if you a disposable toy or pawn whose sole purpose was to serve my every whim? You mean too much to me," she whispered against his skin when his arms rose to return her sudden embrace. "And I would never think less of anyone in such a despicable way."

Why was a part of him relieved to hear her say that? An emotion that he'd only experienced since crossing paths with Anzu surfaced in a raging typhoon that caused the blood in his veins to roar. It could not be ignored that she was in desperate need of something to get her mind off of whatever it was plaguing her.

"Such kindness," he whispered, pressing his lips to her temple in a quick peck.

She shivered, causing her hips to brush against his own that earned caused their gazes to darken.

"So honorable…" They drifted down to brush against her cheek as his nose nuzzled her forehead until it tilted upwards.

The hairs across her body rose, her hands that had fallen still trembling as they clung to his shoulders.

"Beautiful inside and out…" Tanned lips met fair peach quicker than a heartbeat, the remaining traces of the peach flavored balm causing them to lightly stick.

An arch of her spine caused their chests to meet, causing both to intake a breath sharply.

"The one who holds my heart…" a shy little tongue peeked out in response to his own brushing against the flesh of her lower lip that was coaxed farther from its protective cave by a tantalizing brush of his-

A resounding bang pierced the air, causing her to sit straight like a stiff board, cheeks bright red in embarrassment from her as her hands reflexively shoved against his chest that sent him reeling backwards to bounce lightly on the mattress, and a scowl from Ruler, as she slipped off the bed when a shadow appeared within the doorway. This figure was on the small side, hair a shocking white with slanted crimson eyes that honed instantly upon Anzu and smiled sweetly. "I've been looking all over for you. If I had known we were playing Hide-and-Seek, I definitely would have finished counting by now several times over. How cruel Onee-san is for hiding so well!" She said in a sing-song voice that earned a frown from the brunette. "I'll be taking both of your Servants now so try not to scream too loudly while I take your Command Spells."

"What are you doing here? Your family hates ours more than any other so how did you even get in here, Mage of Einzbern?" Cerulean was overruled by vermillion, amethyst by crimson, as they quickly raised their arms to block blows; Ruler's jaw growing taunt as a large barbaric man twice his size appeared as if from nowhere with a weapon that was made of forged blade and animal teeth, Anzu finding herself faced with several runes that were aiming at each of her vital areas. Both were slowly inched backwards then sent flying through the wall with unified cries as the strength the pair possessed exploded. She was quick to jump to her feet, relief filling her when she found him standing in his Egyptian wear with the violet cape extended before them protectively as the girl and Servant slowly appeared from dust and debris that was once the wall. "Illyasviel von Einzbern, explain! How were you able to bypass the warding and protective barriers?" She called, flinching when a flare of pain seared up her leg that told of an injured ankle but it was ignored. "What have you done to them? The rest of my family-"

"Goodness, big sister is such a slow one." The little child tilted her head but the smile never wavered. "It was quite the surprise to find that you had been chosen as a Master when you yourself weren't a mage or had any magical energy until recently, Anzu-chan! Consider me impressed!"

"What are you-" Anzu froze, eyes wide. "How did you know I was here?"

"We have been betrayed." Rider appeared beside Ruler, also wearing his Egyptian wear, face and voice full of fury as he tossed Yugi towards Anzu who quickly caught the unconscious ally.

Horror filled her as she took in his horrible state. Yugi was covered in lacerations ranging in size and depth, clothing torn or burned in several places, skin paler than normal that was covered in a thin sheet of sweat. His eyes cracked open when she gave him a slight shake and offered her a pained smile. "I t-tried holding them off as much as I could." He grunted as from her arms he was passed into those of a wooden toy soldier that had appeared from thin air. Castor appeared, returned to his full size and strength, with a flurry of sparkles as his enraged gaze and maniacal expression were honed upon the duo who were responsible for harming his young Master. "F-finally, was wondering what was taking you so long to get back to normal…" Lavender eyes slid closed as he fell into unconsciousness.

Something within her mental psyche strained seeing his body grow limp. "Castor, take him to the nearest hospital."

"You are not the holder of my Command Spells, girl."

Time itself seemed to freeze as her mana flared, causing the toy soldier to falter slightly and the Toon Magician found himself pierced by her shifting gaze. Her shadow grew in size by tenfold, stretching across the ruined staircase that they had fallen into until it towered over their heads as a menacing growl filled the air and blazing sapphire eyes appeared upon the mighty beast that resided within it. "I said do it."

The toothy grin raising the now plastic looking face of the Castor Class Servant became tainted as his head snapped to the right with a crack. Before he could respond with a retort though was the moment he feels his stance upon the plane shift as the monster within her shadow bared its pure white fangs that dripped with translucent liquid. Instinct screamed at him, causing the artificial heart of his own creation to seize in fear, then bowed his head. "How entertaining it is indeed." And with a flurry of his sparkles, he and his Master still in the hold of the toy soldier were gone.

Ice slipped through her veins as the anger and bloodlust ebbed from Anzu's being. Neither of the other Servants looked as though they had noticed the sudden transformation, though their outlines had become tinted with red. "Such power," she whispered, a small hand rising to clutch her chest as vermillion returned to cerulean then her small face became set in anger. "I don't know what else I should have expected from mother's affair."

Silence rang loudly within Anzu's ears, causing both Ruler and Rider to flinch as their eardrums were also attacked by the heavy pressure in the air.

Illyasviel frowned. "You never knew? Poor big sister, did you honestly think that they stopped once Seto Kaiba had stolen Kisara away?"

"W-what are you talking about?" Rider and Ruler felt their hearts and bloods chill at their Master's weak voice. "What affair?"

"Why, the one that gave birth to me, of course. The homunculus of this family was once given as a peace offering to the von Einzbern when an experiment gave rise to a rare male. I was born of their union but mother found me disgusting so she turned her back upon father and I to pursue a fantasy with that horrid Mage from the Kaiba family!" Anger filled the little girl's voice. "Little did we know that they'd already bore you in a filthy, unorthodox, unacceptable union! Of course I would answer grandfather's summons immediately but then he told me of how you became Master of not one but two Servnts! I was capable of summoning and taming my ownServant yet compared to you I have now become the bane of the family! How could you do this to me, big sister?! Was not stealing mother enough for you?!" The fair child seemed to regard the group with momentary pity before it became joyful. Her lips raised into a menacing grin. "Berserker, bring me her head on a silver platter!"