I'll admit, I gave Boudica a bit of an upgrade with how she looks in game. I'm not a fan of the pure fanservice (I'm a sucker for practical armor, sue me...) and the fact they gave the famed Warrior Queen something that'd look more at home for a stripper...yeah no. Not happenin'. So I gave her a bit of an upgrade and I hope you guys like it.

Septem: Take Back Gaul!

The floor was cold under me though the heat of the scars on my back counteracted that. I shifted slightly as to bring bloodflow back to my legs, hissing slightly as the needlepricks of reawakening shot through them and as the scabs tore open on my back. I felt blood drip down my back and trickle down to the floor.

The door opened and a guard in crimson and gold roughly unlocked my chains, dragging me to my feet. I was led out of the cell and thrown to the ground. I felt gentler hands pulling me to my feet as someone hid their head in my chest. I looked down to see the scarlet head of one of my daughters. She turned her face up to me, tears streaking through the dirt and blood on her cheeks and shivering as the wind tugged at her ragged and torn clothes.

Rage bloomed in my chest as if dragonfire, as a mother it was my duty to ensure my daughters' safety, their honor. That had been stripped away from them. I had been tortured and beaten bloody. They had been beaten in a different way, their chastity stripped from them in one violent night.

I held my daughter close as I turned back towards the Roman stronghold. Talking would not be an option for these barbarians. If they wanted a fight…

Then Andraste as my witness, I would sure as hell give them one.

A hand touched my shoulder...

"Master,"

Cira shot up, hand reaching to her side for some invisible sword that she felt should have been belted to her side. Her breaths steadied as she realized the one that had touched her shoulder to shake her awake was Mash.

"Sorry," Cira apologized, "Nightmare,"

"At least you're sleeping," Mash smiled, "That way your strength comes back,"

"Yeah I don't have my book with me," Cira huffed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes and looking around for her clothes, "Oh thank God my normal clothes are here,"

"I'll let you get dressed, there's been a problem that came up," Mash explained, "Please hurry,"

"Boudica and Artoria didn't gang up on Nero did they…?"

"Nonono, but they might if you don't hurry,"

With that, Mash left Cira to get ready. Cira gave a sigh as she reached behind her back...just to feel smooth skin.

"Boudica, you're going to give me some really nasty nightmares aren't you?" she wondered.

When Cira exited the tent, she saw soldiers readying up for a march, Nero was at the head of the army while Cira's Servants stayed near the tent. Cu Chulainn stood with his arms hooked around Gae Bolg upon his shoulders. Artoria was already mounted on the massive bay, patting his neck fondly as a smile painted her features. Lily too was mounted, laughing as her horse's head bobbed up and down while he pranced in place. Mash wasn't mounted yet, instead making sure the saddle was secure and smiling as the black mare gently butted her head against Mash's side. What surprised Cira was Boudica and Spartacus.

The Rider and Berserker were in a beautifully made chariot of black, silver and sky blue. Two snow white horses pawed the ground anxiously as Spartacus gave a joyous laugh, brandishing the short sword in his hand eagerly. Boudica turned towards Cira and smiled, stepping down from the chariot and coming to her Master. The red-haired queen looked radically different than she had the previous night, her long red hair now held a couple braids streaked with almost electric blue, swirls of the same colored paint spiraled over her cheeks and arms as her white wolfskin cloak rustled in her wake.

"Good to see you awake, Master," she greeted, "You will be riding with Mash today. There has been blood spilled in the night and our armies are on our way to take back Gaul."

"Nero's scouts have returned saying that there is a 'special leader' for that Army," Mash said, leading her horse up to Cira, "My guess is that it's a Servant,"

"That's probably right," Cira nodded, "So when are we leaving?"

"Right now actually," Boudica said, grabbing Cira and helping her up to the saddle of the black mare.

"Hey!" Cira protested, "Not so...jeeze Boudica! Those are some impressive calluses!"

Mash gave a soft sigh and shook her head as Cira was settled upon the horse. She then quickly and effortlessly mounted up behind Cira, making sure that her Master was not going to fall.

"Ready?" Mash asked as she took the reins...and handed them to Cira.

"Wait. Mash, why are you giving me these!?" Cira demanded.

"I am teaching you to ride," she said simply, her visible eye glittering gold in amusement, "You seemed to have some difficulty with it yesterday and if I need to dismount to fight I want to make sure you don't fall off and can actually get yourself out."

"B-But!" Cira sputtered, only to get cut off by her friend.

"To move forward, gently nudge the horse's side with your heels," she instructed, "Don't kick too hard, we don't want to go off at a gallop...there we go. See? That's not too difficult!"

The mare gave a soft whicker as she started forward, seeming to sense that the Master was a bit uncomfortable. Mash continued to give instructions, her golden gaze watchful as she would gently correct Cira when it went awry.

"How do you know all this?" Cira asked as she finally managed to relax and was riding the horse easily.

Mash seemed to give a slight jolt and a shudder before shaking her head.

"It's...just natural to me," she said, "I don't know how I know,"

"Maybe it's him?" Cira asked, not taking her eyes from the road ahead of her, "The one who saved you?"

"Maybe,"

"Any idea who he is?"

"Not a clue," Mash sighed, "I...I know I talked to you about this earlier...but I'm getting dreams, visions I guess. I don't remember any of this. People I don't know, places I've never been...I see them and when I wake I have this weight in my heart. I feel like I should know them and I don't…"

"How about when we get back we'll start doing research and trying to figure it out, ok?" Cira asked, "I'll admit...it's killing me too, haha,"

Mash's violet eyes lit up happily as she beamed.

"I agree," she nodded, "Let's do that. But first...let's get to the front of the line and see what's going on, ok?"

"Got it! Hyah!" Cira crowed, nudging the horse forwards into a canter and laughing as they picked up speed.

The road opened up to a field, Cira could see an opposing army gathered before Nero's. Nero gave a huff.

"I was going to take out their commander at his camp," she said, "But with that army there…"

"I...might have a solution for that," Cira admitted, turning to her Servants, "I know a few of you don't want to be anywhere near Nero...think you could take out the army while Mash and I go with Nero to capture the general?"

"More chances to avenge my people and daughters?" Boudica snorted, "Of course, you do not need to ask me twice."

"DEATH TO THE OPPRESSORS!" Spartacus roared.

"ANDRASTE GIVE US VICTORY!" Boudica gave a brilliant grin and snapped the reins of her chariot, urging her horses forwards.

"You guys go with them," Cira said, looking at the other three Servants, "Mash and I can handle this commander with Nero. We can't let her fight a Servant alone,"

"Master…" Artoria started, only for Cu Chulainn to put a hand on her shoulder.

"She'll be fine," he told her, "Gotta let Master spread her wings every once in a while! Though…"

He leveled a narrowed scarlet gaze at Cira.

"The moment trouble comes up, you call us, got it?"

"Got it," Cira nodded.

"Mash, do everything in your power to protect her," Artoria pleaded, "Without her, we are lost."

"I promise," Mash nodded as Artoria, Lily and Cu Chulainn followed after the whooping Berserker and howling Rider, most of the army following after them.

Nero turned to the two girls and smiled.

"Shall we?" she asked.

The girls nodded and both human women nudged the horses forwards, racing towards the camp.

"Dismount here," Nero ordered, stopping her horse and hopping off.

Mash dismounted first, helping Cira down immediately after. The two Chaldeans looked up at the camp before them and spotted a very...rotund...man waiting before them.

"Finally," he said, tapping the hilt of his sword, "I was starting to get tired of waiting. How long were you intending on making me wait exactly? Well, at least this seems to be worth the boredom."

"No doubt about it...he's a Servant," Romani confirmed.

"That is a Servant!?" Cira demanded, "Please tell me you're joking."

"Look at him yourself! You're the Master, not me!"

Cira gave a heavy sigh as she focused on the man before her, her eyes lightened as her magic took hold of her and she nearly reeled back in shock.

"What is it?" Mash asked, "What do you see."

"He…he's..." she stammered, her body going lax from the surprise, "HOW THE HELL IS HE A SABER!?"

"Umu!" Nero preened, "The best things in life are waited for. And I'm the best there is."

"Oh I certainly don't doubt that," the enemy Saber smirked, "Such a beauty...most certainly fitted for the world's most greatest treasure...Rome! So, tell me, daughter of Rome...what is your name?"

"My name is Nero," she said, "I am the fifth emperor of Rome. My name is Nero Claudius! And I will take you out!"

Her crimson sword ignited and she charged forwards, the flaming blade kicking up dust as it lightly scraped the earth.

"I will take you out, pretender to the throne!"

"Now, now, I wasn't finished yet," the man tutted, tapping the sword blade once on the ground.

The ground rippled and Nero dodged backwards as creatures of stone burst from the Earth. Mash dashed forwards, blocking the fist of one the creatures with her shield as it tried to strike at Nero.

"As I was saying," the Servant deadpanned, pointing the blade of his sword at Cira, "You. Guest commander. I thank you for coming from that distant land of yours, tell me your name and the name of the shield wielding maiden too."

"My name is Cira," Cira stated, avoiding mention of the man's weight, "This is my friend,"

"Mash Kyrielight," Mash replied as she kicked off the stone creature and caused it to shatter as it fell to the ground, "I am Master Cira's Servant,"

"I have never heard those names," the Servant said, "And they say all roads lead to Rome. Ah I am a bit arrogant, I see that now."

"Well if we're not going to kill each other, I want to ask you something," Mash started.

"Mash, he is part of the United Empire and a traitor!" Nero protested.

"He hasn't tried to kill us," Mash retorted.

"She's got a little bit of fire now!" Cira thought with pride.

"I want to ask you something about the United Empire and the Holy Grail," Mash said as Cira wandered just a little closer.

"Oh? Wait…" the Servant's eyes snapped to Cira, "That woman there...you are her Master she said? Ohhhh nonono, that won't do. So you truly are a Master and Servant. You seem different than the one I know...but that doesn't matter. In any case, that means you are my enemy and that is such a pain…"

The ground exploded, causing Cira to cry out as she was sent flying. She skidded across the cracked earth, skinning her hands and knees as she rolled and ragdolled over the ground. She finally stopped when she felt Mash's hands wrap around her and heard the screech of steel as Mash dug her shield into the ground to slow them to a stop.

"Are you ok?" she asked.

"I'm ok," Cira nodded, looking up as a shadow fell over them and she saw the Servant looming over them with sword raised, "MASH BEHIND YOU!"

Mash's eyes flared sun bright gold as she whirled around, the sword screeching off the sable metal. A low snarl rumbled from Mash's throat as she shoved forwards, knocking the enemy Servant off balance.

"Do not," she hissed, ramming the sharp cross edge into the man's stomach and catapulting him towards Nero, who was very ready for a fight, "Touch my Master."

Nero swung at the Servant, but he seemed to blink behind her, sweeping her legs out from under her and sending her to the ground. Cira put a hand on Mash's back and Mash gasped at the sudden flooding of energy in her.

"Go." Cira ordered, "Protect her,"

"Yes!" Mash nodded, bolting forward and shattering the ground on which she had stood.

Cira bolted after her, rushing to Nero's side as Mash launched into an attack against the Servant. Nero gave a groan as she was helped back up to her feet, her face already scraped up and blood seeping down onto the white bodice of her dress.

"How can he move so fast!?" she demanded.

"He's a Servant...like Artoria and Boudica...and Mash," Cira explained, "Even at their weakest, they're ten time stronger than a regular human like you or me. If you're gonna fight him, you need to make sure Mash is keeping him busy while you come from somewhere unexpected. Otherwise he's gonna make you eat dirt again,"

"Fine then," Nero growled, laying her sword over her arm as she charged forward.

"Despite his looks...he really is an exceptional Servant," Romani said.

"The thing is...he…somehow is faster than Mash," Cira shuddered, "I don't know how that is possible,"

Mash ducked under a blow from the golden sword, the blade swinging so close to her face that her breath clouded the metal. She continued with the momentum and dashed away from the Saber as Nero's blade collided with him once more. Sparks and flame spat from the crossed blades, the Saber smiled as he kicked her backwards.

"I came! I saw!" he began.

"CIRA GET MASH AND NERO OUT OF THERE!" Romani screeched, "He's firing off his Noble Phantasm!"

"MASH! NERO!" Cira yelled, "GET OUT OF THERE!"

Mash pushed Nero out of the way, slamming her shield down before her as a white ring formed around her of what seemed to be...chalk? Cira, against Romani's yelling, started bolting towards Mash, hand outstretched.

"All that's left now is to conquer!" the Saber roared, "CROCEA MORS!"

His blade arced down in multiple slashes, golden light blinding Cira as she raised her hand to protect her eyes and a screeching ring of metal on metal caught her ear.

"MASH!" Cira screamed.

The light died and Cira lowered her arm...just to see Mash perfectly fine, the enemy Servant's sword had seemed to hit her shield but had bounced off every time. The white line of chalk shattered and Mash staggered.

"Doctor?" Cira asked, staring as Mash seemed to fall to a knee and Nero rushed in to block the enemy Servant's attacks, trying her hardest to keep Mash from getting hurt.

"...I don't know, a skill maybe? Like Cu Chulainn's Protection from Arrows we've seen him do from time to time?" Romani theorized, "All the same...we need to get her out."

"A golden sword, claiming of conquering!" Nero hissed as Cira rushed to Mash and picked her friend up, wincing as Mash shuddered from the sudden pouring of energy into her tired limbs, "This isn't possible, you should be dead. Just like my uncle should be dead. Does the United Empire employ ghosts of the past, Julius Caesar?"

"...Oh that is a bit problematic," Romani winced, "You guys need to get out of there. But that just solidifies the fact the enemy is using Servants."

"You have met Caligula, so you should already be aware," Caesar stated, "We are both 'genuine'. Both myself...and him,"

He gave a chuckle at Nero's disgusted expression.

"Do try to relax, keeping a stiff and cold demeanor is not the embodiment of Rome at all," he said, casting a look at Mash and giving a grin, "Even the Half-Servant there has that same fighting beauty...does not harm that she has a beautiful form too,"

"Oh you are the worst," Cira growled, "Yeah, I can see why Saber, Lily, Berserker and Rider hate Romans so much,"

"Her courage, strength and loyalty are what are the most appealing things about her," Caesar corrected, "And out of respect of that I will tell you one thing. The Holy Grail is located in a castle within the United Empire's capital. More precisely...in the hand of our Court Mage,"

Both Mash and Cira went quiet for a good long while. Mash took a step forwards as Cira went to Nero and quietly checked on her wounds.

"Hold still," Cira murmured, "I'm not sure how well this work on regular people,"

She held a hand over a particularly nasty wound and closed her eyes, light playing about her fingertips as the wound began to close, though Nero noticed she seemed slightly distracted, almost not there mentally...as if she were thinking of something else. Mash broke the silence towards Caesar first.

"Can you tell us the name of that person?" she asked, she was tense, ready to bring her shield to bear should he come at her again.

Caesar shook his head.

"No, I'm afraid not. Your reward ends there," he turned towards Nero, "Now, Emperor Nero, your hardship is not something I wish for...however, I have my own wish for the Holy Grail and I have my own reasons to fight. Since once a Servant gets their hands on the Grail, they can get anything they desire. Greedy of me? Perhaps...but I do want to keep my promises even though I am indeed dead. Now...time for me to get serious."

He raised his sword again.

"I may not be an emperor, but none of the past 'Emperors' can stand up against the True Emperor," he continued, "Should you beat me, I wonder...how you will react upon seeing his face and knowing his name? But I know one of us is not leaving this field alive."

He started forward only to freeze as blood suddenly spurted from his chest, though nothing seemed to come through.

"Requiescat in pace, False Emperor," a female voice growled from behind him and Cira gave a relieved smile as Caesar gasped, whatever had stabbed being yanked from his chest.

Caesar stumbled forwards and Artoria flicked her invisible blade, causing the blood to spatter across the ground, cleaning the once scarlet covered metal.

"As loath as I am to backstabbing such as this," Artoria sighed, "My Master was in danger and you threatened her."

Cira gave a grateful nod, thankfully Artoria hadn't been too far when she called for her. Caesar gave a huff as he looked at the King standing over him.

"Heh...slain by beautiful women...I suppose there could be worse fates," he murmured, "Even if two of them are barbarians."

"You still speak, I can remedy that quite easily," Artoria warned.

"I was not joking about any of that, Nero," Caesar ignored her, his body breaking apart into golden motes of light, "You are beautiful...no matter what expression you...have…"

And the wind blew the wisps of golden light away like sand in a gale.

"W-What was that?" Nero demanded, "Is this some form of magecraft or…"

"Servant death," Cira explained, "They don't leave a corpse when they die...they fade and return back to the Throne of Heroes,"

"Explain," Nero ordered.

"There is not much to explain," Artoria said simply, "He has fallen, as a result, his experiences and memories of this Grail War were take back to the Throne,"

"Servants are deceased humans that have trancended into a different form," Romani explained as Nero still looked confused, "Artoria here is one...like Caesar, she's a Saber Class Servant. Mash here is another example but her situation is weird...she's fused with a Servant to create a 'Demi-Servant'...even though she's still alive,"

"I see…" Nero sighed, leaning on her sword, "That does not change the fact I made you personally kill the great leader Caesar,"

Artoria muttered something under her breath, but did not say anything further. Nero shook her head and put on a smile.

"No, it's nothing…" she reassured, more to herself than anyone else, "Umu! I commend you for defeating one of the 'Emperors'. Now Gaul is truly under my command and we have shown the United Empire what we can truly do! Just as I wished, just as my people wished, the Rome blessed by our ancestors and gods is returning to us!"

Artoria twitched.

"Artoria, be nice," Cira warned over their mental bond.

"I am 'being nice', Master," came the deadpan reply, "I have not struck her inflated head and ego from her shoulders. As you have asked."

Cira gave a heavy sigh as Nero continued to boast.

"How's the battle going? I didn't get the chance to ask when I called you over here,"

"It should be finishing up soon, Queen Boudica and Lord Spartacus were making quick work of the army. Lily and Cu Chulainn have been working tirelessly as well. I assume they will be on their way here shortly."

Cira gave a sigh of relief as she saw Nero's army and her own Servants leading their way back to them. The day had been won...but she was not sure that this reign of victory was going to last.

Master: Cira Albion

Servants Mentioned:

Servant: Shielder- Mash Kyrielight

Servant: Saber-Artoria Pendragon

Servant: Lancer/Caster-Cu Chulainn

Servant: Saber- Saber Lily

Servant: Berserker- Spartacus

Servant: Rider- Boudica