Before I begin with anything, I want to ask you something, dear reader. What does it mean to be correct? is everything that you see the truth? Or is it a series of falsehoods you simply assume to be the truth? Are your dreams really just that, dreams? Or are they simply ideas you mentally play out? I guess what I'm asking is, what does it mean to be alive? Take some time to think about it, and whenever I provide a dream sequence. Think for yourself, given the grand context of this story. "Would such a sequence make sense?

In case anyone was wondering about Jeanne's Parameters as a servant they are as Follows:

Strength: B-

Endurance: EX

Agility : A

Mana : A

Luck: C

Noble Phantasm: A+

Disclaimer: I don't own the Fate Series, I only on my OCs

Enjoy chapter 4!

(New Fuyuki)

"I don't know why, but just standing in front of this church freaks me out a little." I was standing in front of the church which those letters said I should visit when I had my own servant, ruler by my side obviously. For some reason she seemed a little tense about going in there, and for some reason, I was feeling the same way she was.

"Umm, Ri. There's something strange about this church. Are you sure it's safe to go in there?" To be completely honest, I'm not entirely sure of that myself. The letters said that the representative would be in this church. But even if Jeanne's having doubts about this. Something definitely has to be amiss with this entire place.

I said nothing, instead, I walked straight into the church. Better face whatever is inside there now, while I still could still summon the courage to do so that is.

"Ahh, welcome young one. How may I be of assistance to you this fine day?" I assume this was the one I was supposed to speak with. The one who calls himself Kirei. With Jeanne with me, hopefully, he wouldn't pull any dirty tricks.

"Would you happen to be called Kirei?" Before we went in, I requested that Ruler go invisible. Just as a safety precaution. Wouldn't it be better to be safe than sorry in this situation?

"Perhaps, I believe you're here with regards to that servant you have with you?" I was shocked, Kirei was able to sense her? There's no way that anything like that should even be possible!

"Relax young one, I was once a master myself. I know a servant's presence when I sense one." I had hoped that this action was the right one. But with Kirei being able to sense ruler, I don't know anymore. However, since Kirei already knowing of Jeanne's presence, it wouldn't make any sense for her to keep herself hidden anymore. With mutual agreement, Jeanne became material once again.

I still couldn't understand how Kirei was able to figure that she was with me.

"You are confused? That is to be expected. I know you must have many questions. Come, I shall try to answer as many as I can."

And so, we talked, there were many questions I had for him. Questions, which I needed answers to.

"Kirei, I- I need help. I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I mean, I have a general sense of everything that's going on. But what am I supposed to do?" Jeanne was sitting next to me, her mere presence holding my nerves and fear at bay. I would have to thank her for that later.

"Guidance? Yes, I should be able to provide what you seek, Riyoshi." I couldn't believe it; the letters were actually true! He really could help me.

"You are a master in the Fifth Holy Grail War Riyoshi. The Servant you have summoned to your side is to be your partner in this war." He looked rather stern before continuing on. "While other masters in this war seek the Grail for their own self-interests. Your purpose within this war is unique." Unique? What could be unique about having a Ruler as a servant, or partner as he called her?

"I can sense that you have no desire for the Grail, that much is obvious. It is because of your lack of desire, the Grail granted you a unique class of servant. One which is different from the other seven servants, the Ruler Class."

"Riyoshi, the burdens of a Ruler are large and unrelenting. The burdens you and your servant share are just like my own." This was the part I think I understood the most. I had to maintain order within the grail war. The enforcers of the rules of war as it were. Only intervening upon the Grail's request. That is what it means to be a ruler.

"I believe I understand everything now. Thank you for your time, Kirei."

(Fuyuki City)

I was thinking over what Kirei and I talked about in the church. About what it truly means to be the master of the Ruler class of servants. Most of the other masters get the more common classes: Saber, Archer, Lancer, Rider, Caster, Assassin, and Berserker. But here I am, I have a ruler as a servant. What makes me different from the others? Is it my lack of a desire for the Grail as Kirei said it was? Or was it something else entirely?

These thoughts must have been distracting, as Jeanne called for me multiple times. Each time I would catch back up, only to fall back into that thought process. I just don't know what to make of it all.

For some reason, Jeanne wanted to explore Fuyuki a little more today. From all of the stores along the various streets to the numerous restaurants. Each one had their own appeal to them, I think she's starting to enjoy this city a little more now. Otherwise, and I could be wrong on this, she'd want to go straight back to our home.

Wait, did I just say OUR home?

I can't believe this, I'm acting some lovestruck teenager.

But I guess this isn't too bad. After all, if it wasn't for Jeanne coming into my life like this. Who knows what I would have done. How would my life have gone differently if I wasn't able to summon her?

"Hey, Ri! You okay over there? Come on, we still have places to go!" Once again, Jeanne broke me from my thoughts. Hopefully this time, I would be able to enjoy the rest of the day without having to worry about things like that.

"Don't worry, I'm coming!" Yeah, Jeanne coming into my life was the best thing that happened to me.

(Later that evening)

With school actually being closed today brightening my mood even further, I actually had a lot of fun with Jeanne today.

"Something's amiss Ri." There was seriousness in her voice for some reason? Was she sensing another's presence?

"amiss?"

"We need to go to the temple, and fast." Before I could even react, she took off in the direction of Fuyuki's temple. Seemingly without regard for her own safety.

As we ran through Fuyuki, something seemed off. Not at the temple, but close by. Something, or someone, was following us.

However, before I could react to anything, time seemed to slow. I looked around, Ruler seemed to be looking behind us. A look of fear evident on her face. Turning around, I could see a spear, heading in my direction. As far as I could tell, it was red and had some sort of engravings along its length.

That must have caused the look of fear on Ruler's face.

Thankfully, with time running as slow as it was, I was able to avoid the spear. Although it was a near miss, a miss is still a miss. Time then seemed to speed back up after that.

"For a master, you seem to have quick reflexes. Sorry, but I have orders to deal with you two. Nothing personal." Another servant? This had to be the Lancer servant Saber talked about last night.

"I Take it you're-" Jeanne quickly interrupted me before I could finish. Taking a defensive posture in front of me.

"Cú Chulainn, Ireland's Child of Light. I never picked you to be such a dishonorable fighter." A look of confidence, or was it one of annoyance? Anyways, Cú was going to be a difficult opponent for the two of us. From what I understand, the agility of spearmen is second to none.

"Ri, Stay behind me." Without warning, Jeanne's banner blocked my view of Lancer. "This is going to be a battle between Servants."

"Ruler-" That was all I could say, despite me somehow having the ability to slow down time. I was nowhere near the capabilities of a Servant. I had to leave this to Ruler,

"I'll be fine, I promise" Her gaze hardened at Lancer. "Now then Lancer, are you prepared to accept the divine light of the Lord?" Her sword was still sheathed, was she going to fight this with just her lance?

Nothing else was said, the two servants began their duel. Lance clashing against lance, Faster than even my eyes could see. But I would only be a target if I just stood out in the open like this. But what was I to do, there had to be something, right?

I could still hear the clashing of lances, it was impossible to tell who was winning at the current moment. Silently I prayed for Jeanne to be victorious. Not that I doubted her abilities or anything of the like. I had complete faith that she would win. It's just, with as much fear as I had at the moment, I could do nothing but pray, as well as worry.

"I have to say, you happen to be quite capable with that lance of yours, Ruler." From where I was hiding, I could see both servants. Both had quite a number of cuts along their bodies, yet they still seemed to be standing as if they still had the energy to spare. Where they only getting a feel for each other? Testing the waters, so to speak?

"The same can be said of you as well, Child of Light." Jeanne's determination never faltered, not even for a moment. At that moment, it was clear to me. Jeanne d'Arc wanted to win this fight. To do that she would need my help. Whatever Mana I could spare, I had to send to her.

"Now then." I could hear Lancer say. "As I'm sure both of us are a bit short on time, why don't we send our strongest blows at each other and call it there? First one on their feet wins." That smirk, what was Cú planning? A Noble Phantasm, perhaps? That is the strongest move in a servant's arsenal.

"I was thinking the same thing." Jeanne closed her eyes for- 'Ri, I know what you're thinking. And yes, this will be decided by our Noble Phantasms. If you could, please send me what Mana you can.' A battle of Noble Phantasms, Jeanne d'Arc, savior of France, I pray for your victory.

"I've spent enough time waiting! Here it comes, Ruler! My ultimate attack!" Lancer yelled, he was getting serious.

"Gáe-!" here it comes. Why do I feel scared all of a sudden?

"Oh, my Banner, Become the light that shall pierce this darkness!" Ruler's Lance started to shine with a golden light. This had to be her own Noble Phantasm.

"BULG!" Gáe Bulg? The very spear said to alter causality to ensure it always hits?

"Luminosité Eternelle!" I couldn't see what was happening, the light of Ruler's Noble Phantasm was too bright. Did Jeanne win?

It took a few seconds, but eventually, the light did die down. What I saw, I couldn't describe it. There without any new injuries, stood Jeanne d'Arc, holding on to her banner with a sort of pride I could only hope to one day match.

"What? Even you were able to survive that? Is the Gáe Bulg really that weak of a weapon?" Cú seemed confused, and I couldn't figure out why. The legends of the Ulster cycle would speak numerous praises of the power which that spear possessed.

"It's not that your spear is a weak weapon, the divine light of the Lord was able to protect me from that attack." Now that I take the time to look at her closely, most of the cuts that were across her seemed to have healed from that light.

I could hear Lancer scoff, perhaps this wasn't going according to what he planned?

"consider yourselves lucky that my master wants me to retreat. Otherwise, I would have killed the two of you right here." Before either of us could respond, the lancer known as Cú Chulainn retreated up to the rooftops. Desperately I tried to catch up, hoping that he would explain just who his master was. More than anything, I wanted to know how Lancer's Master knew about us.

"It's no use Ri," Jeanne's voice stopped me for some reason. "Even if we could find a way to follow him, there is no point in doing so." Hanging my head down in a disappointed sadness, I simply gave in.

"I guess you're right." I began, "There really is no point in attempting to follow him, is there?" with no further exchange but content smiles, Jeanne and I continued to the temple. Hoping that whatever was up there was still following the rules which the Holy Grail had supposedly set in place for this war.

But what was that ability to slow down time, was that my magic at work? Whatever that was, I would definitely have to look into that a bit more. That might come in handy in future battles.

Does anyone else find it sad that I keep coming up with ideas on where to take our friends Riyoshi and Jeanne for the future? Only for them to line up pretty well with the premise for Apocrypha?

Oh, I did find an interesting picture which provided me with big inspiration for a potential future arc. if you all want, I can put a link to it in the next chapter.

Wish you all the best and I'll see you next chapter!