Ok, so this one was a little more fun for me...if only for a little tiny bit at the end. Thankfully we manage to get the leyline relatively quickly in Septem, so I get to uh...introduce some people to Nero. Oh who am I kidding, you all know who gets to meet her...it wouldn't be fun without her!

Septem: Eternal City

They'd made it into the city at the start of the golden hour. Despite it being so late in the day, the city was still vibrant and the streets buzzing with people. Nero strutted before the two Chaldeans and her army, though the latter was starting to dissipate as they were taking their wounded to the healing houses or just going home to their families. Nero turned around to face Cira and Mash, holding her arms out in presentation.

"Take a good look and be struck with awe!" Nero preened, "This is my city, a glorious regime that even young girls extol!"

"It's certainly very lively," Cira agreed, "Your people look happy,"

"Of course they do!" Nero snorted, "I have told you, this is the greatest city in the world! First, there was Septem Montes and that is where it all began. Our glorious history began with our divine ancestors and those seven hills. And…"

She reached over and grabbed an apple from the stand at her side.

"Shopkeeper! I am taking one of these apples!" she stated, looking at the brilliant red fruit.

A wisened old man came out from the counter, seeing Mash and Cira he gave a warm smile.

"Oh, welcome to my-" he stopped as he saw Nero and gasped, his smile growing brighter, "Oh your majesty! Please...take as you wish! Glory to the Emperor and Rome!"

Cira stared at the conversation before a slight frown crossed her face. She'd never seen Artoria do this. Granted, they had never been to England and especially not during her time. However...while Artoria certainly had her pride as king and as knight, it was nothing like this.

"You don't have to be so stiff," Nero chastised, taking a bite of the apple, "These are absolutely delicious, you should be proud."

She turned towards CIra and Mash.

"Why don't you take some as well, we are returning from war so no need to worry about bad manners," Nero said, "Sweet fruit always does wonders for battle fatigue. My wounds may not be healed, but my motivation will be!"

It was then that Cira realized that they must have been a fright to look at. Nero's gown was spattered with blood in a lot of places, not even her skin had escaped the red spatter. Mash also was not exactly pristine, as her shield and armor carried remnants of blood and dirt from where she had tangled with Caligula and his soldiers. Cira looked down at her own self, her white blouse was covered in dirt and dust but thankfully no blood.

"Oh, no thank you!" Mash replied politely, "I appreciate the gesture though,"

"Same," Cira nodded, as Nero turned her emerald gaze on her.

"That's quite modest of you both," Nero hummed, "I'm usually humble about things as well,"

"Oh I very much doubt that," Cira thought, and her feeling of doubt must have made a feedback in her bond with Mash because the Shielder gave a soft cough, disguising the light laugh that left her.

"I just want to show off a little," Nero explained, "Anyways! Umu, once again, I like you. I am unsure of what you speak of, this 'Master and Servant' business and all...but I can tell both of you are honest people."

"Its a relief to hear you say that, Emperor Nero," Romani said, causing Cira to raise her wrist so he could be heard better, "It might be best to think of us simply as a mage and his pupils."

"Is that so?" Nero asked, "Well, then let us forget all this confusing talk of Masters and Servants. You are the mage's pupils and the mage speaks from a distant land. And...you said that your goal...is to aid me?"

"You're not wrong about that," Mash nodded.

"The center of the world and the world itself. The name of the greatest empire that rules the world is Rome," Romani added.

"When did you get all poetic on us, Doctor?" Cira chuckled.

"Shush, I'm trying to impress royalty here." Romani hissed, "Ahem. Annnyways, in this era there should be no great threat to the city. The Grail's influence must be upsetting events. If I'm right, the existence of this singularity is probably the Great Roman Empire. An empire that greatly influenced later generations. Stopping that destruction would fix the singularity."

Nero raised an eyebrow, confused.

"Sorry, he can get a bit theoretical," Mash apologized, "Let me explain. We're looking for something called the Holy Grail. It's an object with powerful magic and it's causing disturbances just by being here. Odds are that this is what is eating at Rome now,"

Nero's eyes narrowed, emerald daggers and Cira was chillingly reminded of a pissed off Artoria.

"This Holy Grail is destroying my Rome?" Nero growled, "It worries me, yes...but I am more angered than anything. Mash, Cira, I will help you...but you must promise me that you will dispose of this thing and never let it come to my Rome again,"

"That's the plan," Cira nodded.

"With that settled," Nero smiled, "Come, let us talk freely in my home."

The moment they had walked into the throne room of the palace, Nero had gone to said throne and lounged upon the golden seat. She snapped a finger and a servant came rushing out a side door with a jug full of wine as well as a cup. Nero took the cup and poured some wine into it.

"Now then," she said, taking a sip from the cup, "My Rome is endangered. My great empire's territories, vexingly enough, are now ripped apart and scattered all over. One one hand, there is the True Roman Empire that I rule. The area centered around this capital, Rome. On the other hand, there is an alliance of multiple 'Emperors' that have popped up from nowhere and rule the 'United Roman Empire'...stealing half of my empire in the process."

She swirled the wine in her cup lazily and watched the two Chaldeans.

"The United Empire is still a mystery to us. No matter how many scouts we send out, none return," Nero sighed, "Even the capital of this fake empire is unknown to us. In my eyes, they are nothing but a group of treacherous bandits…"

She sat the wine glass down on the throne's arm and rubbed at her temples as if to massage away a migraine, though she looked a bit troubled.

"Something's bothering you," Cira pointed out, "Isn't it?"

"Mas-Cira!" Mash caught herself, though she looked a bit shocked.

"I backtalk Artoria all the time and this is what surprises you?" Cira asked.

"St-Still!"

"No, no, it is alright," Nero dismissed, "As you saw earlier, my uncle, Caligula, is fighting amongst the United Empire's forces. He has singlehandedly taken out multiple armies...and is one of those fake emperors."

"Isn't he supposed to be dead already?" Romani asked.

"That is what I thought," Nero admitted, "He should have died years ago...yet still lives. He defeated my Court Mage easily, despite my Court Mage boasting the fact that he had overcome death."

"Yeah, no doubt about it...he's a Servant if he could overpower this era's mages this easily," Romani said.

"Which means one of the 'Emperors' must have gotten ahold of the Grail," Mash figured.

"Likely,"

"The United Empire is strong," Nero nodded, taking another sip of her wine, "Violent battles are waged daily and my people suffer. It is all I can do to keep them away from my Rome. I have thrown my best viceroys and generals at them...yet their power is undiminished. All that is left to do is take them on myself. And even still…"

Her hands shook and she closed her eyes.

"A few weeks ago, one of their expeditionary forces managed to get inside my Rome. It showed me that not even I can break them, much as I am loathe to admit it. So, Cira, Mash…" she looked at the two and Cira could see how tired she really was, "I order...no...implore you, please...save my Rome. Fight alongside me as my generals. If you do so, I will help you obtain this Holy Grail,"

"I don't see why not," Cira shrugged, "I'm not a warrior, I'm barely even a mage. Mash is more a fighter than I am. We'll do our best."

"Then, Cira, I appoint you the position of 'Praetor'," Nero smiled, "Get some rest, for tomorrow I shall create a feast worthy of our new Praetor."

"Thank you," Cira nodded as Nero snapped another finger and yet another servant ran into the room.

"Show our new Praetor and her soldier their room," Nero ordered, "Give them whatever they ask for and make sure they are comfortable."

"Of course, your majesty," the servant bowed before turning towards Cira and Mash, "If you two would kindly follow me,"

"One more thing before the girls go," Romani called, "Emperor Nero...have you heard the name of Lev Lainur before?"

Cira froze and her hands started to shake as sparks of white hot light spat from her fingertips, making the servant jump back in shock. A look of rage seemed to pass over the young Master's face and the crimson command spells burned as if iron in a forge.

"Master…" Mash whispered, putting a gentle hand on Cira's shoulder and getting her to jump, "Easy, please…"

"Lev...Lainur?" Nero hummed, "No, I am afraid I have not. Judging by the look on my Praetor's face, it is not a happy name for you."

"He is a mage of our era," Romani explained, "He betrayed Chaldea and all humanity,"

"There is a high chance he is in this era," Mash added, not taking her hand off her shaking Master but looking towards Nero, "I don't know if he's revealed himself or taken any action,"

"A mage from a foreign land," Nero tapped a finger against her cheek, "I have heard that there is a powerful mage in the United Empire and there are rumors that he has been seen on the front line,"

"...Its possible…" Romani's voice was soft, "I have a request."

"Speak," Nero nodded.

"I would like Cira and Mash to be deployed as close to the front lines as possible."

"D-Doctor!" Mash protested, "I thought you wanted to keep us away from danger!"

"It's the best chance we have at taking him out," Romani countered, "Cira?"

"The Director will be avenged," Cira hissed.

Mash's face went pale as her shoulders sagged and her hands shook.

"You're right," she sighed, "But I don't think it's a good idea to be up in front of the enemy...I do not want you to get hurt."

"I won't get hurt," Cira said, "But I will make sure he pays for what he did to the Director,"

"I'll honor that request," Nero promised, "Please, go get some rest,"

The girls nodded and let themselves be taken by the servant to their room.

The next morning dawned bright and sunny as Mash and Cira made their way to the throne room. Cira had found that her normal clothes had been taken, likely to get washed, and replaced with colorful robes belonging to the era. Mash had been given some as well, but the Demi-Servant had turned it down politely saying that she felt more comfortable in her armor.

"Ah, I see that the robes fit," Nero grinned, "Umu, that color is strikingly beautiful on you, Cira. Royal blue suits you very well,"

"Uh...thanks," Cira rubbed the back of her neck, her face flushing.

"Good morning, your majesty!" Romani started, "We actually have a bit of a favor to ask of you. Cira?"

"Um, yeah…" Cira nodded, "About yesterday. I was thinking and I may, uh...I might have a way to get us some more soldiers. People to counteract those Ser-I mean, false 'Emperors',"

"It'd also stabilize our activities in this era," Romani added, "So, I would like for you to allow us to go to Mt. Etna,"

"...Romani why the hell are we going to a volcano!?" Cira demanded.

"Because there's a leyline there, Cira," Romani said.

"...Why though."

"I can see why you want to go there," Nero interrupted, "My Court Mage used to go there often as well, so it would make sense if mages such as yourselves would want to. I shall allow it so long as it will benefit me and my Rome."

"It will," Mash said, nodding, "We will better be able to fight against the United Empire this way,"

"Then I shall allow it," Nero stated, getting off her throne and walking towards them, "Quickly go, it should not take you long to get there and come back. Do not dally. We can't afford to waste time."

Cira gave a short bow of the head, looking towards Mash and nodding towards the entrance.

"Ughhhh I thought that hunting trip with Cu and Artoria was bad…" Cira groaned as she took Mash's hand and was yanked up onto a ledge, "At least the hills in France weren't like this! There's nothing but rocks and I'm pretty sure they've eaten through my shoes!"

"Perhaps next time you should tell them you'd like to keep your clothes," Mash chuckled.

"I'll do that…" Cira huffed, bringing her watch up to her face, "Doctor, how much farther do we have to climb?"

"You're almost there. There's a shelf not too far up the path that should be big enough for the Summoning Circle," Romani grinned, "Oh come on, Cira...you should be better suited for this! Maybe you need to exercise more."

"Don't you dare lecture me," Cira hissed, "When you spend most of your time lounging around eating potato chips and cake!"

"...Ok that's fair,"

The two girls climbed, higher and higher until they finally made it to the ledge. Cira looked around, her gaze looking up at the slightly smoking mountaintop far above them.

"You don't think that's going to erupt on us while we're here, do you?" she asked as Mash knelt on the ledge, setting her shield down on the leyline.

"I don't believe so," Mash said, "The closest recorded eruption of Mount Etna to this era was in 1030 AD. However, there have been unrecorded eruptions."

"You are not reassuring me," Cira muttered as Mash laid her hands over the shield and closed her eyes.

The sable metal sparked and shone with silvery-blue light, a magic circle tracing itself underneath the shield as the light began to grow. The ground shook slightly and Cira jumped, grabbing Mash's shoulders in panic as the light suddenly surged.

"Come here, come here, come to me right now!" Cira ordered, her voice panicky as her command seals burned.

She didn't even give the summoned Servants time to ask questions before she grabbed Mash's arm, yanked her up and started bolting as the mountain shook. She felt hands grab her around the waist and she felt like she was flying as the ground suddenly got much further away.

A few seconds later, she was at the base of Mt Etna and being sat upright by Cu Chulainn.

"Master, why the hell are you Summoning us on an active volcano?" he demanded.

"Don't look at me!" Cira protested as Artoria and Lily came up with Mash, "Yell at Romani! He couldn't find a safe Leyline to summon you with!"

"At least you're safe, that's all that matters," Lily beamed, "Where are we this time?"

"Uh…" Cira blinked, "Did Romani not tell you?"

"Just something about bein' here way before these two's time," Cu Chulainn said, jerking his head towards the two Pendragons, "Oh, Georgios was gonna come instead of me...but there was an issue between Vlad and Kiyohime that he was needing to take care of first."

"...I'm really going to have to do something with her aren't I…" Cira sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Master," Artoria said.

Cira turned to regard her from the corner of her eye. The king of knights did not look amused whatsoever as she looked at the countryside and the buildings around her.

"Yeah?" Cira asked.

"Would you hold it against me if I wiped out this entire empire?"

"Maybe," Cira replied cautiously. "Why-"

And that's when it hit her. Many legends of King Arthur ended with Arthur leading multiple campaigns and raids against Rome. Many of them started with Romans raiding the Briton coastline...of which Artoria had been born on.

"Oh," Cira blinked.

Artoria stared at her, awaiting an answer, apparently serious.

"Please tell me you're not-" Cira began.

"I am," Artoria said bitterly, "only partially serious."

"You have some beef with this place?" Cu Chulainn asked.

"The Britons and the Romans did not get along, at all," Cira explained.

"...We're in Rome?" Lily asked, a faint tremble in her voice, "Master...there's nothing but barbarians here that pillage and plunder and kill everything they see that lives. Why are we here?!"

"I don't really know," Cira sighed, "Honestly, if I had remembered, I would have probably called Georgios, maybe Medea here...Artoria, Lily, I am so sorry…I panicked. I thought Mash and I were going to die so I called my best here...The ones I know I can trust...which happened to be you two and Cu since Mash is already here."

Artoria's hard emerald gaze softened somewhat.

"Master, I will put my personal grudge with this empire aside...but only because I know that if we do not stop who or whatever has this Grail, then humanity falls." she said, gently putting a hand on Cira's shoulder, "Though, I will admit, my own feelings may slip out from time to time, I will never think less of you,"

"Oh thank God," Cira breathed, "And thank you guys...let's uh...get out of here before the mountain really blows its top, 'kay?"

"Ah, I was wondering when you would return, my praetor," Nero said, not looking up from a table full of maps and scrolls as Cira and her Servants walked in, "Judging by the fact I hear more than just two sets of footprints, I would say your recruitment went successfully?"

"Yeah, I managed to get some friends," Cira nodded, noting that Artoria seemed to bristle slightly, "Easy…I told you she basically recruited Mash and I as her generals,"

There was a slight huffing sound from Artoria as the Saber class Servant's eyes never left the back of the Emperor.

"Any other soldiers against the United Empire is a solid start," Nero said, straightening up from looking at the maps, and turning to face them, "I know you have just returned, but I was thinking about an expedition into Gaul. Just to give aid to my subordinates. If I do not go then there is no point, so I order you and Mash to join me, Cira. And of course your new so-"

Nero froze and Artoria seemed to tense, both monarchs looking at each other with no small amount of shock.

"...What the hell?" Cu Chulainn sputtered as Artoria and Nero came closer to each other.

"Oh my God..." Cira breathed, "No wonder I thought I saw Nero before!"

It was as if they were looking into a mirror...even down to the very way they had done their hair. The Roman Emperor was more filled out, though not by much, whereas the Briton King was taller...again, not by much.

"Who are you and why do you have my face!?" both monarchs demanded.

Master: Cira Albion

Servants Mentioned:

Servant: Shielder- Mash Kyrielight

Servant: Saber-Artoria Pendragon

Servant: Lancer/Caster-Cu Chulainn

Servant: Saber- Saber Lily