Chapter XX

It was midday when I found myself sitting atop the ramparts of Millennia Citadel, the treasure that I had found stowed away in the Gate of Babylon in my hand as I stared down at it. Out of all the treasures that Gilgamesh had stored, why was this one the one he actively tried to hide away? And the place I found where he had stored this treasure made even less sense. Though none of it made sense, this treasure would've been at the top of the list of anyone who raided the Gate of Babylon. Hearing footsteps approaching me, I opened the Gate of Babylon and tossed the treasure inside it.

"Faelan?"

Peering around, I raised a brow at who it was, "Oh, hey, Sieg. What's up? I thought you were still helping the other homunculi."

"Ruler and Rider convinced me to take a break," he admitted sheepishly. "And they told me to go get some fresh air. They said it would be good for me."

"Ah, I see," I nodded, my eyes drifting to the city of Trifas. "Well, we all need a break sometimes. Hard work is well appreciated, but if you burn yourself out then you stop being helpful and start being a burden."

"Is that so?" Sieg frowned, his eyes drifting down to the floor. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, I don't mind," I shrugged. "But you can take a seat, Sieg, it's kinda weird if you just stand there the whole time."

"Oh, right." Sieg sat beside me, overlooking the city. "Huh, it's nice up here."

"Yeah," I agreed with a nod, "it'd be easy to just come up here after a hard day and just stare at the scenery here for an hour or two." I shook my head, "Anyway, you said you had a question?"

Sieg hesitated, a deep frown marring his features, "Do you think humanity is a just existence?"

I blinked. Uh, what?

"I'm sorry, what?" I managed to say aloud.

I had seen the homunculus look helpless before, but this time, he looked like his existence was word away from jumping into another dimension and going down the toilet.

"When… Assassin of Black deployed their Noble Phantasm," Sieg began, "I saw things…"

"Can you elaborate?" I raised a brow.

"I saw Assassin's past," he answered. "I saw a man try to force himself on one of the aspects of Assassin and then I… I saw her get run over and no one even cared that she died."

Oh, right. Ruler gave everyone who wasn't present for the fight with Assassin of Black the rundown of what happened on their side of things. Sieg and Ruler managed to lure Assassin and her Master out, using Sieg and the heart he received from Saber of Black as bait. With Rider and Archer of Black acting as support and overwatch, they hoped to bring down Assassin of Black in one fell swoop. It did work, but Assassin of Black's control over fog caused some confusion as it separated Sieg and Ruler. Once alone, Assassin of Black's Master apparently hoped to get the jump on Sieg. However, luckily, Chiron had moved in closer and managed to shoot Assassin's Master before any real damage could be done to Sieg while Ruler was dealing with Assassin. Unfortunately, Jack the Ripper did not take that well and deployed their Noble Phantasm, taking the form of a Bounded Field that changed everything therein into 19th Century London. Though what happened after that, no one was willing to explain further other than that Assassin of Black was defeated and that their true nature was not a single individual but countless abandoned children who were left to rot in the uncaring city.

Saying that Atalanta did not enjoy hearing that part was a gross understatement.

"I see," I replied.

"That girl looked like Ruler…" Sieg added quietly.

Oh. Well, shit.

I shifted as I processed that tidbit of information. It was obvious he had some sort of bond with Ruler, the nature of which and how it was forged was unknown to me. Not that I was curious enough to ask. But it was understandable as to why Sieg was… lost, for a better term.

"I thought that humans had it all figured out," Sieg looked helpless to continue. "That even if there were some people who were bad or evil, the majority of humans proved that their existence and their ethics was just." He looked back at me again. "So, do you think they are?"

I stared at him for a moment before I shifted my gaze to the view of Trifas. "You want my honest opinion, my answer would be no. I was kidnapped by my uncle to be used as a catalyst in a stupid attempt to summon a Heroic Spirit outside a Holy Grail War and was kidnapped again by a group of insane cultists because they themselves had poor magic circuits to sustain a high-grade Servant and wanted to use me as a battery, then later, misguidingly, physically transplant my magic circuits before also deciding to use me as a catalyst for a summoning." Here, I took in a deep breath to calm my nerves, because my hand was shaking and I hoped Sieg didn't see it when I put my other hand on it to steady it.

"I think that humans, in general, haven't earned any semblance of justification that validates their existence," I continued. I then glanced over to Sieg, whose expression was saddened and even more lost. "But that's the thing about humans, Sieg. All their personal experiences differ. There are people who have suffered a personal tragedy done to them and think that while there are bumps in the road, the world and the people in it are more or less decent." I shook my head, "Then you have people like me and Assassin of Black who have suffered terribly in one way or another. And that we will always see the worst in people first because we know how painful it is to get truly hurt by others." I took in another deep breath. "So while I can give you my answer, know that there isn't one singular answer that will state whether or not humanity is a just existence."

"Then how will I know?" Sieg nearly begged.

"You live your life and discover it for yourself," I sighed. "But you have to keep something in mind, you can't determine that by thinking about just and unjust. The world, the human world rather, doesn't work in such absolutes all the time. Look at me, just because I think most humans are the lowest piece of scum doesn't mean I want this planet rid of humanity. If I did, I'd lose the people I care about."

For a long moment, Sieg sat there staring at me. He then opened his mouth to speak, "You left me with more questions than answers…"

"Welcome to being human," I laughed. "Unfortunately, I can't give you all the answers, no one can. But there will be people who claim they can and they'll either tell you lies or they'll exploit you for all they can. The best thing you can do is surround yourself with the people you want around and hope that you live a life where you're at least satisfied with the good you've done."

"I see," Sieg maintained his frown. "Thank you, Faelan."

"Don't mention it," I replied before I moved to stand up. "I'm gonna head down, grab a bite to eat. Wanna come with?"

He thought about it for a moment, "No," he shook his politely. "I want to stay up here for a while longer."

"Suit yourself," I shrugged before I made my way to the door that led downstairs.

I made it down a few steps before Atalanta materialized before me, her arms crossed as she looked at me with concern.

"Are you okay? I sensed your emotions in flux," she said, "but I didn't want to interrupt your conversation with Rider's Master."

"I'm fine," I smiled at her. "Or rather, I will be."

Atalanta stared at me for a moment before she smiled back, "Good. And if you wish to talk about it, know that I am here for you."

"Thank you, Atalanta."

…

"Yo, kid, what's up?"

Turning my head, I saw Mordred with a bag of gogoși in hand as she happily munched on the treats.

"Saber," I nodded.

"Archer not around?" she asked, noting my solitude. "Recently you and her have been inseparable. My Master mentioned that you two were a thing?"

"Basically," I shrugged. "Anyway, Atalanta wanted some alone time to meditate, gather her thoughts for the fight. I didn't want to disturb her, so I went out for a walk."

"Huh," was all she said on the subject. "So, you just about ready for our fight with the priest? There won't be any do-overs with our plan."

"Yeah," I nodded. "More or less." I frowned for a moment. "It's probably going to get crazy, isn't it? A full-on fight between Servant factions."

"Probably," Mordred shrugged as she tossed a gogoși into her mouth. "Especially now that everyone will be going all out. Everyone, no matter which side, knows the score. We want the Grail to stop the priest from killing everyone in a stupid-ass attempt to save humanity and they want it to actualize said stupid-ass attempt. No one's gonna hold back."

I took in a breath, "Yeah."

Before either of us could get another word in, my phone rang. Fishing it out of my pocket, I blinked when I saw the caller I.D. It was Barthomeloi. "Uh, sorry, Saber, but I need to take this."

"Meh, don't mind me," she shrugged before she walked away.

I answered the call, "Hello?"

"Ashford, remind me, what happened to the other Masters of Red?"

The boss-lady never was one for small talk.

"Unknown," I replied. "All I know is that their Command Seals were transferred to the priest, however, their fates weren't confirmed."

"Confirm them then," she all but ordered. "If they are indeed dead, I want the crests of the eliminated Masters of Red."

I rolled my eyes. Of course, she did. "Right, understood." Even if they were dead, Amakusa wouldn't allow a beneficial resource to go to waste. So the bodies would be somewhere they could access easily. Given that Ruler didn't find anyone at the church, it stands to reason they were being kept in the Hanging Gardens. Either Caster, whoever they were, and possibly Semiramis would be able to find some use for them. The magical crests alone were enough of an investment on the mage's part to use them for whatever means. "Anything else while I'm over there?"

"At the moment, no, however, if you find anything else of value, I leave that to your discretion as to whether or not to bring back."

"Of course."

"Oh, and Ashford, I've requisitioned something that will help you get to the Hanging Gardens. It'll arrive at one of the hangars at Trifas International Airport within nine hours. I've ordered the details and information along with the access codes to be sent to your phone." And with that, she hung up.

I pulled my phone away to glance at the screen and saw the notification of an email on my phone. I couldn't help but wonder what she sent me. It had to be an airplane of some sort, a helicopter would be too slow in comparison.

"I swear if it's a plane from the early 1900s…" I grumbled.

…

When I woke up the next morning, I couldn't help but sigh.

This was it, today was the day.

Tonight was the next new moon, the perfect circumstance for Astolfo to recall the True Name of his Noble Phantasm.

For the past two days, I had been practicing every mana control exercise I knew in all the free time I had. It was a good thing that most of my methods of combat mostly involved preparations that had long since been done beforehand; my Gandr enhanced bullets and the runes on my clothes. The only thing I truly used my magical energy for, was for channeling it into Mugetsu to enhance its edge or the occasional healing rune. And in my dreams, well, that was when things got… weird and that was coming from a magus. The Amaroq continued to teach me, but to be honest, I really didn't know what it was teaching me. Parts of the lesson I recognized as controlling my magical energy, other parts were somewhat similar in my mother's form of magecraft but used the "earth" instead. And other parts just completely went over my head.

When I wasn't practicing controlling my new amount of magical energy that I could now create from within me, I had been going out with Atalanta on dates or hanging out with Atalanta and Mordred as the Saber Servant could get bored rather easily. Sisigou had been holed up in his room, working on something, and only left it for meals. Though he was being very hush-hush about it that even Mordred didn't know what he was doing, that or she didn't care enough to know or understand it.

Probably the latter. Though he and Mordred left Millennia Citadel yesterday evening, haven said something about getting their own ride to the Hanging Gardens.

As for our temporary allies in Yggdmillennia, it was clear as day that Caules had ended up with his family crest. When I did see him, it was easy to tell that he was in pain sometimes and since neither Fiore nor Gordes looked concerned about it, it only made sense. While I hadn't inherited the Ashford family crest, as Dad had been saving it for Lin, I did recognize the symptoms of a recent crest transplant. This explained why they kicked us all out a few days ago now that I think about it.

I don't know Fiore that well, at best we could be called acquaintances, but to be honest she didn't seem the mage type to me honestly. The first and only time we fought back before Amamkusa went rogue, the Forvedge heir had ordered me to surrender. No mage would accept an enemy's surrender, maybe take them prisoner without their consent or maim them and perhaps even kill them outright, but never surrender. It just wasn't a risk worth taking. It's why Sealing Designates were often told of their new status after they were chained to the dissection table or locked in their rooms.

Something of which I wouldn't be practicing when we attacked the Hanging Gardens, keeping Amakusa alive was too dangerous. As a former Servant, the man would be able to get out of any prison we could think of given his Magic Resistance, especially since he had been a Ruler Servant. I wouldn't put it past him that he would be able to sweet-talk his way out with his Charisma if we did manage to capture the guy.

"Mm, Faelan, you're stressed," Atalanta murmured, her eyes still closed as her head laid upon my chest.

Given our new relationship, she had taken to curling up against me at night. That didn't make her any less alert though, for she could probably skewer any magus or Assassin Servant with her bow and arrows that would try to sneak up on her without even thinking about it.

"Sorry," I said a bit sheepishly. "Did I wake you?"

"You did," she nodded as she turned her head up to look at me properly. "However, as I am awake, I do not mind listening to your worries."

"I'm just…" I hesitated.

And it was because of my hesitation that I couldn't shake off this odd feeling. A feeling of finality. Turning over to my side, I wrapped my arms around Atalanta, bringing her tight against me.

"Faelan?" she voiced her concern.

"I have a feeling… that tonight's battle will be the last in this Grail War…" I spoke softly, just above a whisper.

"Did you gain clairvoyance when I wasn't looking?" she chuckled, no doubt an attempt to allay my fears. But it didn't. And she would most likely be able to tell given I pressed my forehead against her shoulder. "But if it is," she whispered into my ear, "and tonight is the last time we will see each other, know that my feelings for you will remain eternal, Faelan."

Her hands reached for my face, pulling it towards her as she met me in a kiss.

…

The drive over to the airport was going smoothly, if not quietly. Rider had been in the driver's seat and drove us all the way there while Chiron had been sitting in the front passenger's seat of the limousine, providing directions while Sieg, Ruler, Fiore, Caules, Atalanta and I were in the back. Though I confess it was a little awkward.

Given Atalanta and I's new relationship, I could see how it made the others uncomfortable with how at ease we were with each other. Though out of everyone else, Sieg looked more confused than anything. Caules and Ruler looked uncomfortable being in the same space, probably for differing reasons, but Fiore looked intrigued at the concept of Atalanta and I together.

"Tell me, have you two had sex yet?" Fiore asked curiously.

You know, it was really a good thing that I wasn't drinking anything when she asked that because I would've either covered everyone in my backwash or I could've choked on my drink. That said, I did cough rather violently as I almost choked on my own spit. Next to me, I idly noticed Atalanta's face was so red as she averted her gaze down to the car floor, not saying a word. Which was smart, given that the others wouldn't have ammunition so long as we didn't provide it. Sieg looked even more confused while Ruler and Caules were sputtering, both with equally red faces.

"Sister!" Caules protested.

"That's a little forward, isn't it?" I managed between coughs.

"Well, besides your feelings for one another, you could provide Archer of Red with more magical energy than you normally could if you did," Fiore shrugged.

I massaged my temples, "Did I say something to insult you? If I did, I deeply apologize for what I said."

"Oh no, not at all," Fiore waved off with a small giggle. "I confess that I am somewhat of a romantic, I've read many a romance novels in my spare time, and looking at the two of you are ringing those bells. But if you two didn't have sex yet, tell me, what was it that made you fall in love with each other?"

My eye twitched as I tried to will away the headache that I knew was incoming.

And that's how the rest of our trip went as Fiore excitedly grilled Atalanta and I for details.

Eventually, it was the early evening when we finally reached the airport where we would be staging our assault from. A civilian international airport that would normally be busy with people coming and going, either to arrive in Romania or to leave it. Something of which didn't go by unnoticed.

"This place is so empty," Sieg looked around curiously as our group was the only sign of life within the place. "Are we really the only ones here?"

"That is correct," Fiore nodded as Chiron wheeled in the front of our group. "We actually rented out this entire airport."

"Really?" said Jeanne, stupefied that she actually stopped.

"Yup!" Astolfo nodded. "We can't risk anyone seeing us after all, right?"

I couldn't help but agree with the Rider Servant. Regardless of the state the Holy Grail War was in, the Mage's Association would be after our heads if the secret of magecraft got out. Especially given the large number of small golems that were patrolling about or making last-minute fixes and adjustments to the planes. Eventually, we found ourselves gathered in one of the waiting areas.

"Let's go over the plan one last time," Caules spoke, unrolling a piece of paper with three triangles and two circles, one large and one small, already drawn on it. From the looks of it, it looked like the small triangles were supposed to represent the planes we would be using to get the Servants to the Gardens. The bigger circle was the Hanging Gardens itself while the smaller circle represented Astolfo. "Rider, have you remembered your Spell Tome's name?"

"Yup! Leave it to me!" Astolfo nodded proudly as he puffed out his chest. "I've got it committed to memory!"

"With that, we should have no issue storming the Hanging Gardens," nodded Chiron.

"Right," Caules nodded as he grabbed a red pen and drew a line from the three small triangles to the big circle. "We'll split into teams and make our way into the enemy fortress, Ruler and the Archer Servants will serve as the vanguard and keep them occupied."

"Of course," Atalanta nodded.

"We shall do our best," Chiron said in turn with Jeanne nodding in agreement.

"Fiore, Faelan, and I will be following in a small aircraft," Caules continued. "We can't afford to lose any other Master at this point but having us Masters nearby will provide clearer paths to transfer magical energy." He then turned to Astolfo, "Rider, you're the crux of this mission, flank them from the side while riding your Hippogriff and break the defenses of the Hanging Gardens."

"Like I said, leave it all to me," Astolfo nodded emphatically.

"It's unlikely that magical energy supplies will be cut off, but I want you to ride with Sieg just in case," Caules turned his attention to the Rider's Servant. "We would all be in big trouble should even one of their defenses survive."

"Right, I'll do my best," Sieg nodded.

"That's all," Caules finished up. "Any questions?"

"Well, not a question," I piped up, "but I won't be joining you."

"What?!"

Everyone had looked over at me in confusion, but it had been Atalanta who had voiced hers. Though hers was tinged with a bit of anger as she had no doubt seen into our link to see what I was thinking.

"You are not going into the Gardens, Faelan!" Atalanta scowled at me.

Ah, shit. Was this going to be our first fight as a couple?

"I have to," I replied calmly, even going as far as to try to calm her via our mental link. Not that it worked. "Barthomeloi contacted me yesterday, there's a good chance that the other Masters of Red are more than likely dead and my boss wants me to confirm their deaths and retrieve their crests if possible."

"And why'd you keep quiet about this until now?!" she demanded.

It was then I felt a little sheepish, averting my gaze, "Well, I, uh, kinda forgot about it and didn't remember it until now."

"How convenient," she narrowed her eyes at me, crossing her arms.

Idly, I noticed everyone else looked uncomfortable and were seconds away from being anywhere but here. Deciding to pity them, I gave them a tight-lipped smile, "It's okay guys, you can go." I barely blinked when they moved so fast I almost saw after images of them. "Huh." Forget Atalanta's and I's speed, that was bordering real magic there.

Turning back to my irate… huh, what do I call Atalanta now? It's not exactly like we put a label on it.

"Atalanta, I understand you're angry," I spoke slowly.

"That's an understatement," she scoffed.

"It was my fault for not telling you about it and for forgetting," I continued, hiding a wince. "I won't deny that, but I had been… distracted."

"By?!" her pupils thinned as her eyes narrowed.

"You," I admitted, unable to help the embarrassed smile forming on my lips, which I noted had stunned her. "Honestly, I never… well, I never had someone who was as close to me as you are. Going on our dates, being with you has made me… lax a bit." My eyes widened when I realized what I said. "Uh, not that I'm complaining though."

She stared at me, unblinking, for a moment. "As much as I hate to admit it," she grumbled, "Semiramis was right, you do have a honeyed tongue…"

I blinked, "What was that?"

"You're sure this is what you want to do?" Atalanta asked, raising a hand to rub her temples with her thumb and middle finger, ignoring my question.

"No," I sighed, "not really. But either way, I owe the other Masters that much at the very least. I know they wouldn't do the same thing, but… I'm not them."

Lowering her arm, she shook her head before smiling at me. "Yes, you're not. And the person I feel most affectionate for is you, the person as you are."

Taking a step closer to her, I hesitated for a moment but nonetheless wrapped my arms around her, almost breathing a sigh when she leaned against me.

"Well second person, it's hard to beat Lin," she quipped slyly.

I couldn't help but laugh. "I really am sorry for not telling you," I murmured, pressing my forehead against hers. "I really did forget."

"I understand," she sighed before her tone became pleading. "But Faelan please, be careful. The last time we were in the Hanging Gardens, we were on the same side as Assassin and her Master. And if the defenses we faced last time are only a fraction of what they are capable of…"

"I know," I looked into her eyes. "You be careful too."

"I will," she promised as she closed her eyes.

For a long moment, we stayed like that.

Taking in a deep breath, she stepped back. "Ahem," she cleared her throat, her voice shaky. "If you will not be joining the Forvedge siblings, how will you get to the Gardens?"

I sighed, "The boss lady sent over a favor to me."

"What kind of favor?" she asked curiously.

"I honestly don't know," I shrugged.

"Ugh, Faelan…" she sighed incredulously.

…

When I found old man Sisigou in a nearby hangar, I saw him putting the finishing touches on an old two-seater jet engine. I didn't recognize the make of it, so maybe it was an old toss away, something headed for the boneyard for parts. But I could see that the old man had got the craft to flight-capable, though I raised an eye seeing the crude "Saber" that had been painted red on the nose with spray paint.

"Hey old man, so this is your ride?" I asked.

"Can't beat a classic," he grinned.

I shook my head with a grin, "Just make sure you actually get there, I'd hate to rescue your ass the moment I hear you calling mayday on the radio."

"Give me some credit, kid," Sisigou laughed. "I may not know my way around the new phones, but stuff like these? I could rig you up a plane too if I had the time and resources."

"Thanks for the offer, but I got my own ride," I chuckled.

"Oh, you're not going with Yggdmillennia?" he raised a brow from behind his shades.

"Nah, Barthomeloi sent me something," I shrugged. "She must've caught wind of some of the hobbies I like to do in my spare time when I get it."

"Wait, you know how to fly?" he looked at me incredulously. "Since when?"

"Emiya owed me a favor after Castle Dulahann and I asked him to get me a flight instructor," I shrugged. "Odd thing was, the guy was military, so he taught me to become jet qualified."

"That's convenient," Sisigou whistled, impressed.

"Eh, the guy was drunk half the time he was teaching me," I waved off as a moment of silence settled between us. "So… are you and Saber going to take advantage of the battle between Ruler's team and Amakusa's to snag the Holy Grail while everyone isn't looking?"

He was quiet for a moment. "That's the plan," he shrugged with no guilt whatsoever.

I couldn't help but grin as I shook my head, "Figures." Because at the end of the day, this was a Grail War and there was only one winner. And it's not like Atalanta and I really want the Holy Grail at this point.

Still…

"Hey, old man."

"Yeah?"

I hesitated on what to say, so instead…

"Good luck," I finally decided, giving him a lopsided smile.

He blinked before he chuckled lightly. "You too kid. And remember, I still owe you that drink if we both manage to survive this."

I grinned, "As long as it isn't that shit whiskey you always drink."

"What the hell is wrong with whiskey?" he grinned back.

"Nothing," I gave a faux-innocent shrug. "If you're trying to drag yourself over to the finish line of becoming drunk. But vodka? That's a real drink that'll kick your liver."

"Who the hell sprints in a marathon?" he scoffed with laughter. "All right, kid, now you just made it personal. Looks like Galen didn't teach you the right way to drink, so I'm gonna take you back to school to teach you how to drink properly."

"Okay, old man, whatever you say," I rolled my eyes as I turned on my heel to walk out of the hangar and towards my own, giving a wave over my shoulder. "Saber," I nodded to her as I passed her on the way out.

"Kid," she nodded back. "Wait, hey kid!"

Wordlessly, I opened the Gate of Babylon, a box of snacks landing on my awaiting palm, to which I threw over my shoulder.

"Thanks!"

When I arrived at the hangar Barthomeloi had specified in her text, I found it with the lights off as one of the golems had left it unlocked for me. When I got in, I blindly fumbled for the light switch and when I did find and switch them on, my eyes widened on the machine I saw. Say what you will about Lorelei Barthomeloi, but she wasn't stingy on her investments.

…

Materializing near her throne in the throne room of the Hanging Gardens, Semiramis found Karna and Achilles already waiting at the bottom of the steps. "The enemy has arrived, my brethren," she spoke as she took a seat on her throne. "I trust the both of you have prepared to intercept them?"

Karna and Achilles nodded.

"Rider," she continued, "smash down their defenses with your chariot."

"Uh, I'm alright with that," Achilles quirked a brow, grinning, "but it's gonna take me a while to get it all done, just so you know."

"Whatever do you mean?" she frowned before she turned to the magecraft created screen, her eyes widening at the fleet of large aircraft that were heading towards them. "What the…? It can't be!"

"It seems they have used magecraft to create a barrier," Karna surmised, "it will make it difficult to tell where anyone is, their magical energy signatures are too vague to track, making it impossible to tell where anyone is. However, there is one exception…"

Atop the lead plane, Ruler was standing on it, her furled-up banner in hand.

"Are those fools planning on using numbers to win?" Semiramis scoffed before grinning, "Well, no matter. They won't even come close to approaching my Hanging Gardens, try as they may, I can blow their giant, flying metal garbage out of the sky." As she spoke, the defenses of the Gardens moved in position to attack and defend. "Rider, take care of the enemy Servants."

"Sounds good to me," Rider shrugged. "I'll tear those planes into pieces of scrap as I make my way to Archer of Black!" And after, the kid…

"Good," Semiramis nodded before she frowned. "Hmm, it is quite a shame that the Ashford boy did not join us. Archer of Red could have provided us with combat support in this battle…" She sighed, "Oh well. I can easily deal with Archer of Red and Rider of Black at the same time. Lancer, you will remain as our last line of defense as Ruler's defensive capabilities will allow her to make it here quickest."

"Understood," Karna nodded. "However, should Saber of Black reveal himself…"

"Of course," Semiramis waved off. "Do what you must, it was part of the pact after all. Now go and slaughter them!" she proclaimed, raising her hand towards their enemies. "The Greater Grail shall remain ours!"

The two male Servants nodded before they left.

…

Checking on my instruments, I looked at the Hanging Gardens that flew before me from the cockpit of the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II fighter jet that Barthomeloi requisitioned for me. I don't know how she was able to get a U.S. military fighter jet whose model was still in use, but I wasn't going to complain about it.

The old man and Mordred had taken off before me, both of us hoping that Ruler and her team plus Atalanta could hold off the enemy enough to allow either of us to get to the Hanging Gardens without Assassin knowing. And it looked like the battle had already begun as the Hanging Gardens defenses had already shot a plane down and I could barely see Rider of Red charging forward on his chariot. A shame we were on opposite sides, he really was a good guy.

From a distance, I saw Achilles take down two planes just in the opening moves of his attack on Chiron and it was then I realized that I regretted my former faction's team being lined with high-quality Servants. Not that my current wasn't terrible, but it would've made this battle so much easier if the Red Faction had more low-quality Servants. And speaking of easy, I couldn't really make a move until Astolfo destroyed the outer defenses of the Hanging Gardens. I saw Atalanta providing support from her plane in an attempt to distract Semiramis from what Astolfo was doing, but a beam of magecraft tore through the hull of the plane Atalanta was using as a platform, causing her to jump over to a nearby one.

However, that had given Astolfo the time he needed to get close and activate his Noble Phantasm for when Garden's defenses fired a shot at him and his Master riding the hippogriff, the beam attack was halted by a golden circle, negating the attack.

"Huh," I couldn't help but mumble, "looks like Rider delivered on his promise after all."

I saw Astolfo quickly take out two of the defenses before Karna had joined the field to intercept them. Even from my distance, I could see the lights of the fires from Karna that somehow made it possible for him to manipulate himself in the air as it looked like he was going after Astolfo and Sieg. I didn't know how Astolfo was able to avoid Karna's blows, but he was going to have to do something about it.

And apparently, he did, or rather Sieg did as not long after, I saw a familiar fount of blue magical energy from atop the Hanging Gardens, one that belonged to Siegfried. Ah, so Sieg was going to stall Karna while Astolfo dealt with the rest of the defenses, smart. Astolfo went back to his role of destroying the outer defenses but it seemed it was taking a toll on the Rider Servant as his flight seemed to be a little sluggish. Atalanta was still providing support to him, but it seemed Assassin recognized Astolfo as the bigger threat.

I really wish I could provide support, but I couldn't if I didn't want to reveal my position and despite Barthomeloi giving me this plane, she didn't send any missiles with it. Hell, this thing wasn't even loaded with any ammunition for its machine gun. The best I could do with this plane was charge in a suicide attack.

Eventually, I saw that Astolfo had destroyed the last of the Hanging Gardens defenses, but I couldn't see what had happened to the Rider Servant. But what had surprised me was that Kairi and Mordred's plane had blazed past mine and headed towards the roof of the Hanging Gardens and soon crashed into it, causing an explosion.

"What the…?" I frowned, a bit surprised.

Shaking my head, I dismissed my confusion and gunned my plane forward. Despite my reservations, Astolfo opened the gate into the fortress, allowing the rest of us to get in. And there was no way I was going to squander that opportunity.

Atalanta, I'm heading in.

Hold a moment, I will join you.

Taking a look around, I saw Atalanta standing atop one of the remaining commercial airplanes.

I see you, I'll swing by and pick you up.

Understood.

…

As the plane that had been the arena of his duel with Archer of Black fell from the sky, taking the famed Teacher of Heroes with it, Achilles watched it from the wing of another commercial plane.

"You don't fight fair, teacher," he shook his head, unable to help the small smirk he had made as he saw the last of the golden motes of magical energy shining brightly fade away, signifying the defeat of a Servant.

Still, his teacher's last wish was not unreasonable, all he had to do was give a Servant of Black a Noble Phantasm. Question was, who was he going to give a Noble Phantasm to? He was brought out of his thoughts when he heard the scream of a jet engine, Achilles turned his attention to it as a military jet flew by.

"Was that…?" he frowned. "Sis's Master?"

He watched the jet fly nearby one of the international planes that Yggdmillennia had deployed for a moment. Upon seeing Archer of Red leap onto the fighter jet, he smirked as he watched it head towards the Hanging Gardens.

"So the two of you are still up and about. Good," Achilles chuckled, but he could tell something was different about the kid, he just couldn't put a finger on it as he had only caught a small glimpse of the kid's presence. "I wonder what changed in you, Faelan Ashford." he frowned for a moment before grinning. "I must test your mettle, to see if the world is still capable of manifesting heroes in this modern age. But first…"

He had his teacher's wish to fulfill.

…

After picking up Atalanta, who had jumped to the top of the plane, I had flown us over to the far side of the Hanging Gardens' roof as the battle between Sieg and Karna was still underway, creating explosions in the arena that held their battle. It was going to be like searching in a haystack for a needle, but with Atalanta's senses, it might be possible to recover the other Masters of Red or at least their crests.

Landing the plane was easy, relatively. The B model of the F-35 had a VTOL function, allowing me to land this plane like a helicopter rather than having to land a plane on a runway. Not that there was any good place for me to land that way, so Barthomeloi sending this model was a godsend. Killing the engine, I switched the instruments off before unbuckling the harness and taking the helmet off. Flipping the switch of the canopy, I leaped out from the cockpit as Atalanta leaped down, landing beside me.

"Did you see what had happened to the others?" I asked her. "I saw Rider of Black destroy the last of the defenses, but that's about it."

"I did," Atalanta nodded. "Rider of Black seemed to have lost consciousness and Assassin was about to finish him off, but Saber and the necromancer managed to prevent that and had gone into the Hanging Gardens. Ruler managed to make it here as well without much interference, but I lost sight of her when she went in. As for Archer of Black…" Here, her tone turned somber. "Rider of Red… no, Achilles, eliminated him."

I frowned, "I see." Despite our temporary alliance, Chiron seemed like a good man. It was a shame I didn't talk to him more.

"So, to find the other former Masters of Red then?" Atalanta asked.

"Yup," I nodded. "C'mon, we have to find a way inside."

"Hold up a sec."

The both of us froze at the familiar voice and before we could take a step further, Achilles materialized before us, his hands resting on the back of his head. Though I was a bit surprised to see the damage he had sustained, most notably around his left heel.

"Rider!" Atalanta narrowed her eyes, aiming her bow with an arrow drawn.

"Whoa, whoa, easy, Sis," the Rider Servant raised his hands. "I'm not here to fight… well, not you anyway."

"What?" she blinked in astonishment before scowling. "If you think I will allow you to kill my Master, you are sorely mistaken, Achilles!"

"Whether or not he survives is up to him," Achilles lowered his arms as he turned his gaze to me, materializing his spear. "But I got a feeling he'll survive anyway."

"You want to fight me, why?" I frowned.

"I need to know if this world is capable of creating heroes," he shrugged. "That's all."

"And you think I'm a hero?" I shook my head. "Sorry, Achilles, I'm the furthest thing from it. I don't go around solving people's problems or saving a nation or country, I clean up after the messes that other people have made."

"Well, that's also in the job description of a hero," Achilles grinned before his expression turned somber. "Listen, kid, you're on the watchlist of some dangerous people."

"Tell me something I don't know," I rolled my eyes.

"The priest is one of them."

That caught my attention.

"What?"

Achilles nodded, "He did research on your background and somehow, Caster found out what happened to you too."

My hand began to tremble as rage began to grow inside me. "Caster told you?" I ground out. It wasn't difficult to figure out what they were talking about; what Camden did to me and what happened in New Mexico. They were my secrets, mine to keep, mine to divulge. Even Barthomeloi knew the importance of such information and respected my wishes to keep it secret.

"Yeah," Achilles looked ashamed, his expression making it clear that he understood what he had done.

I was so close to tearing apart this fortress brick by brick so that I could tear Amakusa and whomever Caster is apart.

"Faelan…" I heard Atalanta whisper, concern in her voice.

"I'm sorry, kid, I really am," Achilles apologized sincerely. "I know such information shouldn't be found out by a third party. But it's because of the crucibles that you went through that makes me believe that you are capable of becoming a hero."

"Doesn't that mean I'm also capable of becoming a monster on the other hand?" I couldn't help but bite out past gritted teeth.

From the way he winced, I knew what I said was right. And I didn't need to turn around to see that there was a pained look on Atalanta's face as well. Villain, hero, monster, savior. All of them, one side of the same coin. All it took were several variables and the chance for the person in question to have the potential to become a villain feared by humanity or a hero adored by it. And even then, there were monsters who found redemption and heroes who fell and became what they were fighting against.

"Well," Achilles shook his head, "that's all on you, Faelan Ashford."

"Just another burden to put on my shoulders, huh?" I gave a hollow smirk.

"Being a hero is a burden," Achilles nodded. "For it is often we heroes who decide the course of history. I don't want you to tell me if you have what it takes, I want to see it for myself if you are capable of it."

My gaze fell to the ground as I pondered on that.

"Faelan…" I felt Atalanta put her hand on my shoulder, conveying as much support as she could through her touch and our mental link.

Raising my head, I took in a deep breath and slowly let it out before looking Achilles in the eye. "I have a job from my boss, to either confirm the deaths of the previous Masters of Red or evacuate them," I spoke. "Let me collect their crests and I'll come back to fight you."

"Faelan, you can't be serious!" Atalanta protested. "Regardless of the fact that Rider is considerably injured, he can still kill you!"

"You don't have to worry about the former Masters of Red, but they were actually alive though," said Achilles. "Apparently, Lancer struck a deal with a Master of Black to get them out in exchange for a no holds barred fight against Saber of Black."

I blinked in surprise, sharing a confused look with Atalanta. It had to be Caules who freed those former Masters since Sieg was fighting Karna and Fiore being in Hanging Gardens was just a bad idea all around. It's not that she wasn't capable, but her Mystic Code wouldn't hold up against the likes of the Achilles, Karna, and Semiramis.

"I see," I spoke as I raised my hand to the side, opening the Gate of Babylon above it. "Atalanta, I want you to not interfere with this fight…"

"Faelan, if you think I'm going to sit on the sidelines like some kept woman, you have another thing coming!" she snapped.

She wasn't angry, the tone in her voice didn't reflect it. It was despair, anguish, and worry. Who could blame her? I was about to go up against a Servant of the Chariot, these Servants differed from the rest in that while they relatively had lower stats compared to the three Knight classes, they had powerful Noble Phantasms or abilities to compensate. And the hero who I was going to fight was Achilles, the famed Grecian hero for his combat skills and his invulnerability from bathing in the divine flame created by the River Styx.

"I know and you aren't one," I smiled at her as an unsheathed Mugetsu landed in my awaiting hand. "Please Atalanta, stand witness to this battle."

Atalanta glared at me with her green eyes as her tail began to wave back and forth, reflecting her agitation. "Men and their fights," she scoffed, closing her eyes. But I could see tears gathering at the corner of them, even with her eyes closed. "Fine! But so help me if you die!"

"I won't," I promised.

Reaching over, she placed her hand on the back of my head and brought me over to press her forehead against mine. Over the few days we had been together, I discovered that this sign of affection seemed to hold more weight to her than a kiss. Perhaps it was due to her lion nature, but she did this to me often, though mostly from the comfort of our room where no one disturbed us.

"May Artemis and Apollo watch over you," she whispered before she took a step back and jumped to the top of a pillar.

"Hey, Faelan, what was that about?" Achilles asked curiously. "You and Sis seem to have gotten even closer together."

"Because we did," I replied, flourishing Mugetsu as I lowered my body into a stance, holding Mugetsu near my head. "We are together for we have confessed our feelings to one another."

"Really?" Achilles raised a brow in intrigue as he got into his own stance with his spear. "Huh, who woulda thought?"

"Do you disapprove?" I frowned.

"Ha, not at all," he grinned. "I'm glad for the both of you, truly. But that doesn't mean I'll make this fight easy for you."

"I'd be insulted if you did," I replied.

"Well said," he grinned. "Be warned, Faelan, I may be injured and have lost my divine invulnerability, but if you are going to survive my onslaught, you must use every ounce of your power, your strength."

I frowned, hesitating for a moment, and took in a deep breath. For a small sliver of a second, I was back in the snowy forests where the Amaroq and Lobo roamed. The Amaroq looked eager for the challenge and for once, Lobo was awake, reflecting his interest. Magical energy that was unknown to me surged through my magic circuits which glowed red on my skin as I could feel the heat emanating from the wolves. It was then I channeled magical energy into Mugetsu, causing its sharpened edge to glow red.

"Heh, that's more like it!" Achilles roared in laughter as he charged.

It was by a mere hairbreadth that I was able to deflect the Grecian hero's attack before pulling my arms back in an attempt to stab Achilles in a retaliatory strike. But he seemed to have expected that as he slammed the haft of his weapon against the back of my sword, making it slam down to the ground. Before he could make another move, I kicked him. But it wasn't to push him away but to allow me to back up, using my enemy as a springboard to launch me back.

Back flipping in the air, I kept myself low to the ground as I opened six golden ripples from the Gate of Babylon, drawing on several mundane weapons that I wouldn't miss. Taking careful aim, those weapons fired from their respective portals, preventing Achilles from making a counter-attack.

"Heh heh, it really is a shame you weren't born in my era, Faelan!" Achilles laughed as he twirled his spear, deflecting the weapons I shot at him. "I could've used your help in the battle of Troy!"

"Maybe I was?" I shrugged as I ducked under another one of his strikes and brought my head back in a headbutt against his chin, causing him to choke a gasp as he fell back. "Perhaps I'm the reincarnated spirit of a hero long past."

Wincing as he held his jaw, Achilles gave me a rather eager look. "Really?"

"Sorry, no," I chuckled.

"About the headbutt to my jaw or the remark about you being a reincarnation?" he smirked as he readied his spear again. "Cause honestly, you have a really hard head."

I dashed forward and slashed at my opponent, our weapons clashing a few times before becoming locked for a moment. "No one has ever accused me of being hard-headed before."

"Lucky you," he chuckled as he made a sweeping kick with his leg, kicking me off my feet. "After the first time you get called on it, it always follows you," he laughed as he spun his spear with a flourish and intended to bring the spearhead down on my head.

Kicking the weapon away, causing it to stab the ground next to my head, I then spun in a maneuver to get onto my feet and bring Mugetsu up to perform an overhead swing. But Achilles spun his weapon around his body to block my strike. Before he could react, I quickly opened the Gate of Babylon and fired a sword from it. And even though he didn't see it coming, he managed to move his head back, but the fired sword did manage to nick his cheek. Jumping back, Achilles regarded me for a moment.

"First blood goes to you," he acknowledged, wiping the blood from his cheek.

I nodded, "So it seems."

"Well, let's see if you can make another one!" he grinned as he charged forward again.

…

From atop her perch, Atalanta watched Achilles and Faelan trade blows down below. It seems her fears were unfounded, Faelan could hold his own against the Rider Servant. But that didn't mean her worries were assuaged. She was now worried whether or not Faelan could keep it up, Achilles was a warrior who prided himself on endurance. Even with the injuries he had sustained and his invulnerability gone, the Hero of Troy could fight for a long time until his magical energy ran out.

Additionally, she had no idea what the repercussions were to Faelan using the Entity within him. Or what her Calydonian Pelt had done to him and the consequences of him having it within him alongside the Entity. It was a miracle in of itself that he hadn't had any complications so far with the Pelt.

Though she began to wonder how the others were faring. Chiron was defeated, Astolfo was currently MIA, his Master, Sieg was still engaging Lancer of Red as she could still hear their battle raging and she hadn't seen Ruler ever since her plane arrived at the Gardens under the din of said battle. As for the former Master of Berserker of Black, she had to give the young man credit, coming here without a Servant was foolhardy, yet it took courage.

And stupidity, the same kind her own Master had.

"Apparently, it's contagious," she grumbled to herself.

She couldn't say the same of the spectacle that was happening before her. What Faelan and Achilles were doing was asinine and she didn't know to rightly blame for it. She could blame Faelan for insisting on a job that he do himself when she was more than capable of doing it in his place. She could most definitely blame Achilles for putting forth the stupid challenge in the first place. She did not want to know if Faelan was capable of becoming a hero. Heroes rarely got what they wanted and more often than not, died with regrets. It's why most of them answered the summons to a Holy Grail War. It wasn't a fate she wished for Faelan.

But… from up here, it looked like it didn't matter what she wanted for him. Faelan was capable of keeping up with an injured Servant and if anyone besides the ones he trusted ever found out, and add the fact that he had a working Noble Phantasm, he would never be left alone, regardless of who he worked for. And if Faelan was right, that this was the last night of the Grail War, she wouldn't be there to watch out for him.

He would be alone…

…

"I truly am glad that you were able to keep up with me, Faelan," panted Achilles, crouched as he leaned on his spear. "I was kinda bummed that Lancer called dibs on Saber of Black as his rival and thought no one would be able to provide me a fight."

I released a weak chuckle, "I dunno, doesn't seem fair that this rivalry is only lasting one fight." I had to deactivate my magic circuits for a moment, they were starting to overheat from the constant flow of magical energy coming from the wolves in me. Add on to the fact that this was the first time I was even using them this way, I was starting to get tired quickly. "And I thought Chiron was supposed to be your rival."

"He was," Achilles shrugged with an easy laugh, "but to be fair to my teacher, he wasn't a frontal fighter, not like you and I are."

I chuckled again, spitting up a bit of blood onto the ground.

"Looks like we're both running on fumes," Achilles chuckled, spitting up some blood of his own. I had managed to get a lucky strike in, having distracted Achilles with a barrage from the Gate of Babylon, costing me some mundane weapons. However, I wouldn't be able to do that again as I knew he would be on the watch for it. "To be honest kid, I wanna see what you really got when you've got your back to the corner," he grinned as he rose to his feet, twirling his spear before holding it at the ready towards me. "So I'm calling it right here! This strike, it's the last, for both of us!"

"The last strike huh?" I coughed, grinning.

If this was really the last strike, then I would have to put everything into it. My sword, my gun, everything in the Gate of Babylon… wait. Huh… would it really work though? Looking at Achilles, who was waiting for me to move as I waited for his, then chanced a glance at Atalanta's figure in the distance. Tossing Mugetsu into my left hand, I reached down and grabbed my 5.7 Custom from its holster on my leg. Lowering myself into a stance, my sword held near my head and pointing at my enemy with my sidearm held next to it, positioned so that I could aim with it properly. Channeling magical energy through my magical circuits, they once again glowed red as Mugetsu's edge glowed once more.

"A gun? Really?" Achilles raised a brow.

I stayed silent, only offering a smirk.

He stared at me for a moment, before shaking his head. "Ah, well, you do you."

I fired five shots before running forward, though I wasn't surprised to see Achilles deflect them all. With my gun still raised, I kept firing until the gun clicked empty, the slide staying back. Tossing the firearm aside, I thrust with Mugetsu, but I wasn't surprised when Achilles used the haft of his spear to deflect my strike and pushed back as our weapons locked together.

"Was that really all you had?" Achilles raised a brow, looking disappointed.

Smirking, six golden ripples of the Gate of Babylon appeared all around us, several five weapons, a spear, a few swords, and an axe. All coming out and ready to fire.

"Ah, so you used yourself as bait," Achilles laughed as he glanced around at the five ripples of the Gate. "Haha, I like it! Well then, come on! Show me what you're made of!"

Was he really this obvious? "You know, Achilles," I gritted my teeth as I poured every ounce of my strength into holding him back. It was a losing battle and I was nearing my limit, I would only be able to keep it up for a few moments. But a few moments was all I needed. "There's… one thing… you didn't know about me… that's kinda crucial."

"Oh?" Achilles raised a brow. "What's that?"

"I play dirty."

"What?"

Unbeknownst to the Rider Servant, I created my last portal to the Gate of Babylon above his head. And from it, came a large canvas, one from when Atalanta and I had used that old cave as our base camp, and I knew I had him beat. If he remained his focus on me, he would be blinded by the canvas or be skewered by the weapons from the Gate of Babylon, if he went to get rid of the canvas, then it would provide me an opening with Mugetsu or again be skewered by the other weapons.

In the end, the former happened.

Not letting the opportunity go, only one of my weapons was shot forth, impaling itself into Achilles' lower abdomen.

"That's it?" laughed Achilles, letting the canvas fall onto him for a moment before yanking it off. "Not much of a last strike, Faelan."

"Not really," I shook my head, having taken a few steps back when he was covered by the canvas. I then pointed at the weapon currently skewering him with Mugetsu, "That's my last strike."

"This?" Achilles shook his head. "Don't worry about it, it's just a flesh wound."

"Of course," I shrugged. "But it isn't just a regular weapon."

"What the hell do you mean?" he frowned suspiciously.

"The weapon in question was an expendable short sword designed to explode on my command via channeling magical energy into it," I replied. The weapon's inspiration actually came from the death of my aunts and uncles on Dad's side, having died due to overloaded weapons. Same principle, but it would only take the smallest amount of magical energy from me to cause it to explode. "To be more precise, that isn't my last strike, that is my checkmate."

Achilles stared at me for a moment, shaking his head. "Huh, you're kinda like my teacher, you know? Neither of you fights fair."

"I'll take that as a compliment," I shrugged.

"Not bad," he chuckled. "The way you fought, I mean. Wasn't expecting that canvas, but it's no different than using a shield to block your opponent's view. Your win, Faelan. Even if you are cheating a bit with the Gate of Babylon, but as a warrior, it is your right to fight with every weapon you have available to you."

I narrowed my eyes a bit, still keeping Mugetsu at the ready.

"Oh for the love of Zeus," Achilles rolled his eyes, dropping his spear he then raised his hands in surrender. "By the honor of my parents and all of my friends, I yield. I saw what I wanted to see."

I let out a breath of relief, falling onto my ass as the various portals to the Gate of Babylon faded away, though I created one more so that I could toss Mugetsu into it. "Right," I panted, shaking my head, "a hero."

"You don't see yourself as one?" Achilles wincing as he walked over and took a seat next to me.

"More like I don't want to be one," I shrugged as I stopped channeling magical energy and nearly sighed in relief when the heat emanating from my magical circuits faded away. "No offense, but you heroes tend to have complicated and sometimes tragic lives."

"No arguments here," Achilles chuckled and turned his head, noticing Atalanta walking over. "Oh, hey, Sis, enjoy the show?"

Atalanta spared him a deadpan look, "Was fighting truly necessary, Achilles?"

"Well, I had to get Assassin off of my back somehow," Achilles shrugged. "She would've hounded me if she noticed that I let you guys pass. So I figure, since that I already wanted to see if Faelan had what it takes, I might as well kill two birds with one stone, and get her attention away from you guys, you know?"

I blinked. Well, that wasn't a bad excuse. "So what, you didn't agree with Amakusa?" I nodded in thanks when Atalanta handed me my 5.7 Custom that I had tossed aside before she took a seat next to me on the other side of Achilles.

"What?" he frowned, before realizing what I meant. "Oh, no, I sorta did, at first anyway. I mean, salvation of humanity isn't a bad goal and all, but I answered the summons to live as a hero, and with humanity saved, there wouldn't be a need for heroes in a world where everyone is already saved."

A fair point.

"And if there's something that kinda bums me when I got summoned is the fact that there aren't a lot of heroes in this modern era," sighed Achilles, looking at the clouds above before turning to me, grinning. "So imagine my surprise when I heard your story, what you went through and still walked forward despite it."

"I still don't want to be a hero, Achilles," I frowned.

"That's your choice, Faelan," he chuckled. "I won't take that from you, all I wanted to see is if you had the capacity to, that if the world was capable of making people like you." He turned his gaze upward towards the stars. "Something like that, you can't tell from just a few conversations. Sometimes a fight is the only way you can really see a person for who they are or who they can be."

Well, if that was true, then all the Sealing Designates I hunted were freakin' cowards given the way they fought and died.

"So what now?" I asked.

"You two can go on ahead," Achilles waved off before he fell onto his back, his hands cradling the back of his head. "I'm almost out of magical energy anyway."

"I can take out the sword," I offered, glancing at the weapon in question.

"Nah, it's cool," he waved off. "I'm done in this war, I give up."

I shared a look with Atalanta. Atalanta?

I have no qualms about it, she replied, having seen what I had in mind.

"You know, if you want, I can become your Master, Achilles."

He was quiet for a moment. "You know if you had asked me that before our faction grabbed the Holy Grail all those days ago, I would've taken you up on that offer. I don't know who my previous Master was, the one who summoned me, and to be honest I don't really much care who they are." He grinned broadly at me. "But I have a feeling that I would have had a blast with you as my Master for the duration of this Holy Grail War."

After a moment of considering that, I shook my head. "You know, I think I would've had fun too," I chuckled.

"Thanks for your honesty," he chuckled as well before turning his gaze upwards to the stars once more. "So do me a favor? Can you give me ten minutes before setting this explosive off? The last thing I want to see in this world are the constellations that humanity has named after the tales of my home country."

I looked up, following his gaze. I didn't know my constellations very well, but I did know the Sagittarius constellation. A set of stars that were supposed to be a… centaur. Oh. I wonder what the Rider Servant felt, having to fight a person he trusted in life, one who had been a central figure in his adolescence.

"Yeah. Yeah, I can do that," I replied.

"Thanks," he nodded. "See ya around, kid."

"Farewell, Hero of Troy." With my goodbyes said, I turned on my heel and headed off in the direction of an entrance to the inside of the Hanging Gardens.

…

"Not following after him, Sis?" Achilles raised a brow at Atalanta.

The Huntress of Artemis had her gaze on the ground. "Tell me, Achilles, did you truly see if Faelan has the capacity to become a hero?"

The green-haired Greek blinked at her, silent for a moment. "Why ask me? I'm sure you saw it plain as day watching us fight." Even if he did hold back a lot, he still enjoyed that fight with the Descendant of Gilgamesh. It was indeed a true shame he hadn't ended up with him as his Master. As another moment of silence became prolonged, he sighed. "You really do love him, don't you, Sis? That's why you're so worried over him?"

"He deserves to live his life as he wants to," she uttered. "What he experienced as a child only makes him worthy of it."

"You know that isn't how the world works, Sis," he sighed again. "The world and everyone in it will drag him into their schemes kicking and screaming. So do us both a favor, watch over him as best you can and when you say goodbye to him, make sure he's ready."

Atalanta stared at him for a short moment. "Thank you, Achilles," she said before dematerializing, going to join her Master.

The Servant of the Chariot watched her leave as the motes of magical energy dissipated before he stared up at the constellation of Sagittarius. "You know teacher, I kinda get why you wanted to teach. It's kinda nice passing on the world to the next generation." Here, he smiled as he continued looking up at the stars, "Faelan Ashford… I wish you glory in whatever path you take."

…

Hefting Clarent on her shoulder, Mordred released an exhausted sigh. Fighting that poison bitch had been harder than she had initially thought. A shame they didn't have the kid with them, having that Gate of Babylon might've been able to even things out a bit. Ah well, she was a knight and it wouldn't look good on her part if she complained about it. Looking around, she found her Master sitting at the foot of the throne she had just ruined, his back towards her with a cigarette held between his lips.

"There you are," she grinned.

"Hey," he lowered the cigarette, looking at her over his shoulder. "Did you manage to finish off Assassin?"

Her grin grew, "Heh, sure did, crushed her Spirit Core. She's gonna die real soon, regardless of how much mana the priest could give her."

"I see," Kairi couldn't help but smirk, but then he looked down at his wounds. "Heh, we were so close, weren't we, Saber?"

Mordred frowned, "What? Master, what're you goin' on about no-" It was then she saw the wounds Assassin had inflicted. As a knight who had seen blood-filled warzones, she knew that there was no saving her Master even if the kid and his healing runes were three feet away. "I see… That's it, huh?"

"Yeah," Kairi breathed a sigh. "But there's still some hope left for you in all this, find one of the Yggdmillennia Masters or Faelan, if you can sign a pact with one of them…" With the Entity inside Faelan acting as a Magical Reactor, him supporting Saber along with a Servant with Independent Action would be child's play for him.

To his surprise, Mordred took a seat on the steps of the ruined throne behind him. "No thanks, I don't mind if my journey ends here."

"Doesn't sound like the Saber I know," Kairi couldn't help but laugh a bit, wincing when it agitated his wounds. Not that it mattered anyway.

"What's it matter to you?" Mordred returned, a smile on her own face. "You just came here to die." She looked up. "Hey, Master, I was a good Servant in the end, wasn't I?"

Kairi smiled, "Yeah, you were. I wouldn't have made it this far if it hadn't been for you." Raising his cigarette to his mouth, he took a long drag on it and blew out a ring of smoke that soon dissipated. "You know, I was lying to myself this entire time. I wasn't actually looking for someone to be my successor. What I wanted… what I really wanted was to bring my daughter back."

"I see," Mordred replied. "I guess you and I were the same then. I was lying to myself too. And I finally get it now. My father… he didn't seek the throne to gain comfort from sparkling jewels like a lot of other kings did. He wanted to become king for the sake of the stones at the side of the road." Here, she grabbed a small piece of rubble. "I guess that's that then, I won't be seeking for the Sword of Selection anymore… because I don't need it."

Another smile pulled at the corner of Kairi's mouth. "That so? Shame, you would've been a good king, I think," he said before taking another puff of his cigarette.

"Wonder what the kid's wish is," Mordred couldn't help but wonder.

"Knowing him… he'd just make a pointless wish like… wishing for his shoelaces to be a different color to waste it so that no one else like the priest could… make a really stupid one," Kairi managed through a cough.

"Didn't think he'd be so petty," she chuckled.

"He's still a good kid," Kairi sighed, taking another puff.

After knowing the kid over the years, even if it had been sparingly and only during jobs, he had a soft spot for the kid. That's one of the reasons he was okay dying like this, he really didn't want to have to fight the kid.

"Yeah," Mordred agreed as her eyes trailed over to the cigarette held between her Master's fingers.

Something of which Kairi had noticed, "What? You want one?"

"Well," she shrugged, "you know, I've never really smoked before…"

He chuckled as he held out the carton of Dragon Smokes to her, "You're hopeless, this is my last one."

"Thanks," she laughed.

As his hand fell to the floor, Kairi looked down at the empty carton. "Saber, can you do me a favor…?"

Omake: Wedding Bells

Deep in the sewers of Bucharest, having killed Rottweil Berzinsky, I looked at the summoning circle that was almost finished summoning the Servant Berzinsky had summoned. I vaguely knew about the Grail War conducted by the Yggdmillennia clan, but given their deal with my boss, I figured he'd be safe, thereby making Linnet safe.

"This had better be worth the headache," I muttered as I glanced at the Command Seals on the back of my hand.

With a flash of bright light, a Servant had been summoned. However, when the light died down and I lowered my arm from protecting my eyes, said eyes widened at whom I saw. Kneeling before me was a woman with pale skin and pale blonde, almost silver, hair and wearing a black and blue dress.

"I am a Servant of Red. My Fate will be with that of the Mages Association and my sword shall be as your sword." Her voice inflected a tone of nobility as she stood to her full height. "However, I am a daughter of England's royal family and as my right as a daughter of Uther Pendragon, you are hereby proclaimed to be my vassal."

Well, dealing with nobility isn't something I haven't done. At the very least, dealing with Barthomeloi gave me some background experience to draw on. Though, me being a Servant's vassal did present some… difficulties.

"I see," I spoke, hesitant. "Unfortunately, I cannot be your vassal as I am employed near as such to another. Conflict of interest and all that."

The woman narrowed her eyes at me, her displeasure being the only emotion that I could discern. Add to the fact that I could deduce her identity I suspected to be, given the name drop of her father as well as the class she was summoned under, I could very well end up being in a state worse than death.

"Very well then," the woman sighed. "If not my vassal, then I hereby declare you to be my husband."

Oh good, she wasn't going to kill-

"Wait, I'm sorry," I blinked. "What did you call me?"

"If you cannot be my vassal, then you are to be my spouse," the woman replied as if speaking to a simpleton. Which I would normally be insulted over, but a Servant calling me her husband mere minutes after being summoned is… surprising to say the least. "I will have your loyalty to ensure that nothing comes between us."

Oh.

Ohh…

…

Oh no.

AN:

Chapter 20 is finally out. Ugh, thank the Root I saved those notes, otherwise, this would've been a nightmare writing up again, and to top it off, my longest chapter to date. So, don't expect another chapter until August, because I am exhausted. Also, to make it clear, Achilles was holding back in his fight with Faelan. By like a lot, even with his wounds after his fight with Chiron.

In FGO news, I got Nagao to NP5 pretty quickly and farmed all the materials I wanted from the GUDAGUDA event and now I am farming for Caster materials I'm rolling for Merlin later this month in the Vegas event or I hope to get him in the Lucky Bag Calvary Banner in the 4th Anniversary event. Though my plans for rolling for Muramasa have been put on definite hold due to one reason and one reason alone, the Servant that debuted in this chapter's omake. Yup, I plan on rolling for Morgan because she's a Berserker and she synergizes well with both Merlin and Castoria. And, she's a Saberface and a Camelot Servant and both are always a plus for me.

Speaking of Morgan, I may or may not turn the Wedding Bells omake into a mini-series because I had a little fun with it. Basically, it would be a retelling of the Cats & Dogs story but with Morgan instead of Atalanta but owning everything since she's a very powerful Berserker given her stats. Also, it would be very fun to write Mordred panicking every time the two would be in the same room.

Anywho, stay safe, stay healthy, and you all have a nice day.