Disclaimer: I do not own the Fate series or any related works. They are the property of TYPE-Moon. Please support the official release.

A/N: Sorry for any delays on this one. This story doesn't have a set schedule to it, but I would like to keep an even pace between updates if possible. I unfortunately still have to deal with college work, however.

On reviews:

-Anthem of the Night: Don't worry if you didn't figure out who Rider of Red is here, their identity is about to be revealed. Batreaux's lucky to have gotten through meeting Mordred as easily as he did, but sometimes you just can't help but talk, right?

-AznPuffyHair: It's a little of both, really. I probably could've explained it better, but Waver's supposed to be the one who wrote that book in the first place, which helps explain our protagonist's progress. He does have some hidden talents yet to be revealed of his own.

-Lelouch of Zero: Glad to hear you like how Batreaux and Mordred work with each other. They are going to be the main focus for a lot of the story, so it's important their relationship is at least decently engaging.

Alright then, let's begin.

.-.

"Okay seriously, Master, what are we doing right now?" Mordred asked her companion as they traveled down the sidewalk. She was a bit annoyed at the joking non-answer he'd given her back at the apartment before they'd left, and he didn't really give her a lot of time to get ready either.

In the end she settled on keeping the tee shirt on and wearing Batreaux's jacket over it. She'd also decided to put on some actual pants to his relief, and took a pair of his sandals. The jeans were old and torn in one knee, but overall he thought the look suited her.

"We're going to the church to talk with the priest." Batreaux responded, enjoying the cool morning air. If he hadn't gotten the call from Father Bianchi he would've been taking a jog with Mordred instead, the Heroic Spirit likely demolishing his abilities and confidence in the process.

"That doesn't answer my question. Why are we going to talk to this priest?"

The two travelers paused as they came to a crosswalk and Batreaux looked around for oncoming vehicles. Both Master and Servant found it a bit strange that they hadn't noticed a single person, on foot or otherwise, since they'd left the apartment. The apartment complex was rather close to the edge of town, but usually there was at least one person around at all times.

Batreaux dismissed it as everyone sleeping in on the weekend, but Saber wasn't as easily convinced. It was faint, but she detected traces of mana in the area. Someone had been performing Magecraft nearby.

"Because he's my friend, and he wanted to talk to me. Aside from that, he's also the one who gave me that splinter of the Round Table I used to summon you and told me about the Grail War to begin with."

Mordred's mood soured a bit at being reminded of what her Master used to summon her. Then she thought back over it a bit and compared Batreaux's last statement to her Grail-given knowledge of how the War was to be conducted. Her eyes widened slightly in realization.

"Wait, this priest is the one who gave you that catalyst? Master, you realize that means the War's overseer technically offered help to one of the participants? That's against the rules."

Batreaux raised his eyebrows and grinned at his companion. "Hey, as far as I'm concerned I didn't become a participant until after I summoned you. But wow, who would've thought the fearsome rebel Mordred Pendragon would be worried about a little rulebreaking?"

"Don't give me that shit. You know I only care about getting the Grail. But the rules for this kind of thing are really serious." Saber got up close to her Master and pointed her finger in his face. Despite being shorter, she clearly held the more intimidating form. "You don't want me getting into fights with people needlessly, I don't want you being an idiot and getting the other Masters pissed off at us needlessly."

Batreaux held up his hands in mock defeat. "Alright, alright. I won't break any more rules if you don't want me to." He took another look around the intersection and noticed that even still, no one had approached the stoplights. It was beginning to unnerve him a little. "Anyway, let's get a move on. I don't want to keep Father Bianchi waiting any more than I have too."

Mordred gave a little huff, but otherwise accepted her Master's answer and they continued on. After a few more minutes of walking they entered the local park. It was fairly nice, with a lake in the center and a dirt sidewalk encircling the area, surrounded by lush greenery and dotted with benches. Cutting through the park by using the bridge over the lake would save them some time.

Mordred breathed in the fresh air, the scenery reminding her of happier times. Her wistful look soon faded once she and Batreaux made it further in to the park and they came across a man sitting on one of the park benches. The first person they'd seen all day since leaving. That in itself was suspicious to her, but her Master seemed oblivious to that fact as the man closed his book and walked over to them.

Saber tensed up as she noticed the man's aura. Appearance wise he was unassuming enough, dressed in a manner one would expect from a normal civilian. His long brown hair flowed freely in the breeze, and he smiled affably as he waved one hand. Saber narrowed her eyes. This man was giving off the same energy she'd detected in Batreaux's apartment.

The energy of a Servant. She warned Batreaux through their mental link.

Be careful Master. This man feels like another Servant.

Got it. Thanks Saber.

"Excuse me, sir and madam, but I was wondering if you could give me directions? I'm new to this town you see, and I was hoping to put in some volunteer work at the local church."

"Well, my sister and I were headed our way there right now. If you want you're welcome to tag along."

"I would appreciate that very much sir." The two men shook hands as they nodded to each other. Both of them looked down at where their hands were conjoined. If Batreaux had been paying more attention, he might've noticed the nearly imperceptible frown that crossed the stranger's face on sight of Batreaux's Command Seal.

Mordred however, noticed what her Master did not. Her eyes narrowed the same miniscule amount as the man's frown.

"Might I know your name, good sir?" Mordred's frown grew deeper upon hearing this. She knew she shouldn't, but she had a sneaking suspicion Batreaux would hand out his identity then and there. Of course it wouldn't matter much in the long run, as the man had already seen his face and Command Seal, but every bit of protection they had helped.

"My name's Bartholomew, and this is my younger sister Morgan." Batreaux felt his Servant relax a bit through their mental link. Don't worry Saber, he assured her. I'm not that stupid.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I must say, Bartholomew, that is a rather intriguing tattoo you have there."

Batreaux and Saber 'glanced' at each other mentally. Under normal circumstances the question would be completely innocuous, but the pair were in anything but a normal situation. The stranger's verbal acknowledgement of Batreaux's Command Seal only cemented their suspicions. At the very least he was working with one of the other Masters.

"Yes, a friend of mine has a similar marking on her right hand as well," The man said, taking a few steps away from the others. Saber visualized Clarent in her mind as she prepared herself mentally for battle, the first step in 'drawing' her blade. She placed her right hand into her jean's pocket to hide the red energy forming around it.

Batreaux followed Saber's lead and also placed his right hand into a pocket, his being on the spare jacket he'd put on before they left. This one was blue, and unfortunately of a thinner material than the one he'd loaned Saber. Fortunately, it was still capable of concealing the item he was reaching for.

.-.

"What the hell are you doing, Master?" Saber asked, watching Batreaux reach down to the ground and scoop up a handful of dirt and place it in a bag. She noticed he also had another bag with him that appeared to be filled with sand.

"Gathering some supplies," he replied simply. "I'm nowhere near as strong as you are Saber. That said, I'd like to contribute what I can and offer you support in battle, little as it is."

"So what, are you going to use that dirt to cast some kind of Magecraft?" She leaned down next to her Master to get a closer look.

Batreaux grinned. "Nope. This is for an ancient technique passed down through legends here in Texas, devised by the great Rusty Shackleford. You don't mind fighting dirty, do you?"

"Heh. Hell no. When it comes to battle, winner takes all and anything goes. I like the way you think, Master."

.-.

Hopefully I won't have to use this yet. Until I get more practice with Magecraft in this is all I have to support Saber with.

"Say, would you mind my asking if you've read any good books lately?"

Batreaux couldn't tell what this stranger was thinking. He thought the man was working with another Master after mentioning his Command Seal, but after that question he started to think maybe it was just a coincidence. He loosened his grip on the bag of sand in his pocket, but did not remove his hand.

"I haven't read much lately, but when I was a kid my favorite story was La Morte d'Arthur."

"Ah, an excellent choice. I find the tales of Arthur's heroism most inspiring. Though that also makes his end all the more tragic."

Saber's eye had begun to twitch and her anger was rising. This stranger praising her father so openly like that, who the hell did he think he was? She was about ready to fly off the handle and slice the fool's head clean off, but her Master noticed just in time to try and reign her in.

Hold on a minute Saber. He has no way of knowing that would've upset you. Besides, if you show a reaction to that it'll give away your identity. If he's really an enemy you can let loose. If he's not then just punch me again or something.

That surprised Saber just enough for her to decide not to kill the stranger. Master's really willing to let me take my anger out on him like that?

Her attention was caught again when she noticed the brown-haired man had spoken again.

"Personally, I've recently grown fond of a book called Of Mice and Men. The ending is rather tragic. Two men, the best of friends. They nearly have everything in place to begin a new life, but one is forced to kill the other to spare him greater torment."

The air surrounding the three had grown still, and neither Batreaux nor Mordred could hear insects or birds anymore. Mordred narrowed her eyes.

"That mark on your hand, Bartholomew. It is a Command Seal, is it not?" Batreaux's eyes widened and he took a step back. Mordred instead took a step forward and drew her blade as the red, fiery energy washed over her body, materializing her armor and helmet.

"I told you this guy was trouble, Master!"

The strange man frowned and sighed. "I see you are the Master of Saber in this war. Very well then."

With a great flash of light, the man was now clad in shining peach colored armor and a great white cape. The two garments were worn in a manner that the cape also formed a cloak around the man's body, tucked under his armor on the right side. The greaves he wore on his feet appeared to be modeled after the claws of a dragon, and a pauldron modeled after a dragon's head guarded his right shoulder.

On his right forearm was a gauntlet large enough to be used as a shield in its own right, and his right hand held a black sword. The outer edges of the sword were silver, and instead of a point the blade had a diagonal cut across it at the end. From behind the man's pauldron, several red satin ribbons flowed freely in the wind generated by his armor's appearance, as did his hair.

Aside from the draconic influences in his armor, the man was the very image of a knight in shining armor.

"I had hoped to avoid fighting if possible, but it appears we have no choice but to duel, Saber. I am Georgios, the Rider class Servant of this Grail War. Whomever you may be, I hope we may conduct our battle in a manner fitting of two noble knights."

Mordred scoffed and readied her blade. "'Noble knight?' Don't make me laugh, Rider. I am not one of the chivalrous fools you're used to dealing with. As far as I care, your honor can go straight to hell!"

With a burst of red electricity from around her armored feet, Mordred leapt forward and swung her blade down at Rider's neck with surprising savagery. Rider's serious expression did not change a bit as he quickly brought up his own sword to counter. The force of Mordred's inhuman strength pushed him back slightly, but aside from that he did not budge.

Beneath her helmet, Saber grinned. She was finally going to have a good fight since being summoned, and she had an idea her Master wouldn't want to stop this one.

Speaking of her Master, Batreaux could only look on in shock as his Servant engaged Rider in combat, a frenzy of devastating blows released from her. Even her fighting style was closer to that of a Berserker. Though she was clearly skilled with a blade, Saber seemed to prefer swinging Clarent around wildly and gravity do the work for her.

He was finally able to see his Servant in action, and the weight of her earlier threats finally sunk in. Saber was so far beyond anything he had ever seen before, he realized just how much of an idiot he'd been to think he could have potentially fought back if he needed to defend himself from her.

And Rider was just as amazing. For all of Saber's ferocity, and even the few punches and kicks she'd mixed into her assault, Rider hadn't been hit once, deftly blocking or avoiding every blow that came his way.

"Ho-holy shit… That's Saint George!" Batreaux realized the implications of the man's name.

Georgios.

A saint of the Catholic Church said to have slain a dragon with a single throw of a spear, magic sword Ascalon in hand.

It hadn't registered at first, but Batreaux subconsciously realized he and Saber had technically just assaulted a saint. He wasn't the kind of man who goes to church every Sunday or anything, but he knew just how bad that had to be for his soul. Then again, Rider had come here to fight in the first place so maybe it was okay then?

He didn't have time to further ponder the ethical implications of his situation as Saber blew past him and crashed into a tree, which split down the middle on impact.

"Saber! Are you alright?" He yelled, running over towards where his Servant had fallen in an attempt to help her up.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She replied, swatting away his hand and propping herself up with Clarent's hilt. "This Rider's a tougher opponent than I expected is all. This's a pretty good fight, Master!"

"Well, be careful, Saber. Saint George is famous for killing a dragon with just one hit."

With just one strike? Rider killed one of the strongest Phantasmal Beasts that easily? So that explains why I'm feeling weaker. That sword of his must be some kind of Anti-Dragon Noble Phantasm, and it's negating the power of my dragon blood. Crap, this'll be bad if I don't finish this soon…

Stabbing Clarent into the grassy ground for a moment, Saber broke two branches off of the tree she'd collided with and threw them at Rider. The holy knight held his ground and deflected one off his gauntlet, then cut the other out of the air with Ascalon. A glowing light surrounded his blade, then shot forwards like a thrown spear. Saber backhanded the attack as it approached and it exploded harmlessly on a rock.

Thanks to Mordred's helmet, Batreaux was currently unable to see her stats, so he couldn't tell she'd gotten weaker since the fight began. As she rushed back into battle, he was trying to work out how she seemed to be losing so badly.

Out of Rider's key combat stats, only Endurance was higher than what Batreaux knew Saber's to be, at a staggering A+. Rider clearly had the advantage in a protracted fight, though that didn't explain how easily he was blocking and avoiding Mordred's attacks. Their Agility was about equal, but his Strength was a full rank lower at D.

His Luck's also A+, could that be it?

Back at the fight between Saber and Rider, their battle had moved onto the bridge dividing the lake, sparks flying and the sound of grinding steel echoing across the sky. To Saber's credit, she'd managed to land several blows to Rider's armor, denting and cutting it in several places, as well as nearly shredding most of his cape. Rider's movements had slown down slightly and lost some of their sharpness, but not nearly to the same extent as hers had.

Still well above what her Master was capable of, her movements were downright sluggish by the standards of Heroic Spirts. Try as she might to put her same furious power behind her strikes, Saber was simply too tired. After a mistimed thrust and a dodge by Rider, Saber found herself falling off the bridge and plummeting into the lake.

"Shit!" Saber's impact with the water forced up a larger burst of water into the air and even formed a light rain for a moment. Though her armor was magical, it wasn't waterproof, so Saber quickly burst back out of the lake with another loud splash before she drowned, landing right back on the bridge across from Rider.

Saber dematerialized her armor, letting the red fire roll over her. Fortunately, the clothes she'd borrowed from Batreaux weren't wet in the slightest. Saber stopped having fun with the fight about forty slashes ago, and falling into the water had just angered her further.

Saber's rage showed plainly on her face, and her breathing was heavy. Damn it! She thought. If it weren't for that damned Noble Phantasm of his, I would've skewered Rider about twenty times by now! I didn't want to use this yet, but it looks like I'll have to use my own Noble Phantasm to finish him off.

Saber needed to remove her helmet in the first place to use Clarent's full power, but it seemed Rider hadn't recognized her yet, though he'd surely figured out 'Morgan' was a fake name. She had to make sure her Noble Phantasm killed him or her identity would be revealed.

"Heh, you've put up one hell of a fight Rider, but I'm afraid this is where you die!" Saber held Clarent in front of her, point facing the sky, and began to focus.

…Only to find out she didn't have enough mana left to power her Noble Phantasm. She couldn't even get enough from Batreaux for it!

W-what the hell? What kind of Master can't even provide enough mana for his Servant's Noble Phantasm?! That damn third-rate magus!

"You've fought well, Saber, but we must conclude our match here for now. I look forward to fighting you again someday." With another burst of light Rider's armor disappeared along with Ascalon, leaving him back in his civilian disguise.

"What, you're running away now, Rider? I'm not through with you yet!"

Rider shook his head. "Not running away, no. My Master sent me here to test your abilities, and she believes I have accomplished that task. I am returning to her now." With that, Rider shifted into spirit form, a mist of blue energy accompanying his disappearance. Farewell.

Clarent faded into red light as Saber fell over onto her knees and caught her breath.

Testing my abilities? What the hell… Her right hand clenched into a fist and she drove a hole into the bridge with it. Though she hated to admit it, she'd lost this fight. The first fight of the Grail War, and she'd lost.

Saber wasn't sure who to curse more at the moment; Rider, for making a fool of her, herself, for losing to someone that wasn't her father, or her Master for not being able to provide enough mana to her.

Unfortunately for Batreaux, he'd caught up to her at that moment, just in time to catch her fist across the side of his face.

"OW! Jesus Christ, Saber, the hell is wrong with you!? I come over here to see if you're okay and you punch me?!" Batreaux pulled himself up from where he'd fallen, dirt and grass staining his clothes.

"That's for being such a shitty third-rate magus!" Saber countered. "Besides, you said I could punch you earlier! What kind of Master can't even provide enough energy for his Servant to use their Noble Phantasm?"

"Their what? What's a Noble Phantasm?" Batreaux asked, holding a hand where Saber's fist connected with his jaw.

"You don't even know what a Noble Phantasm is? I knew it! You're just a beginner, aren't you Batreaux? Of all the God-damned luck, how'd I get stuck with someone who doesn't even know basic terminology?"

Well, it's true I gave her permission to punch me, but… "Hey, it's not like I was trying to summon you specifically, Mordred. And when did you start calling me by my real name?"

It wasn't like he'd ever told Saber not to call him by his real name or anything. But so far, she'd only referred to him as Master. To suddenly stop like that, she had to be really mad at him.

"When you proved yourself inadequate for the task of commanding me." Saber huffed loudly and turned away from him. "Anyway, I'm tired, angry, and hungry, so let's go meet this stupid priest of yours and go home already. I've wasted enough mana for one day and you clearly can't give me enough of yours." Saber began walking across the rest of the bridge, and Batreaux hesitated a moment before following.

Damn it, he thought. She's right. This is my fault. Mana is everything to a Servant. Because of my own incompetence, she couldn't use her Noble Phantasm, which I'm guessing means super attack or something. Saber's barely getting any mana from me as it is. If Rider hadn't broken off the fight when he did, she could've died. Batreaux's fists clenched and he ground his teeth together. And I would've been powerless to save her.

"Oi, Batreaux. Hurry up, or I'll just go home without you." Saber called back at him, staring over her shoulder with a derisive glare. His eyes widened and eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Wha- really?"

Saber scoffed at him. "Naturally. You might be my 'Master', but it's clear that from now on, I'm the one in charge. Got a problem with that?"

Batreaux just sighed and hung his head. In less than a day, he'd managed to lose any respect Saber may have had for him. And even as tired as she was, he had no chance of beating her in a fight. He briefly considered casting a Command Spell, but decided against it. If he wasted one of his three absolute orders on something like this, then Mordred would never respect him again.

Well, there's a sentence I never expected to think before. "No… No problem." Mordred continued to stare at him until he caught up, and the two continued on towards the church where Father Bianchi awaited them.

Tch. Spineless… Saber thought to herself. While it was good Batreaux realized his shortcomings, she felt…. disappointed by how quick he was to defer to her. She may have been royalty, but that meant nothing in this land or time period. She supposed she'd see how things played out with him for now. If he actually manned up and grew a spine in the future, she might actually start enjoying their time together.

.-.

About fifteen minutes later, Batreaux and Saber came up to the church where they had met the night before. The building was still the calming, serene place Batreaux knew it as, but Saber was less enthusiastic about being there. She stopped and sat down on the steps leading up to the door.

Batreaux looked back at her. "Hey, Saber," he called to her. "Aren't you coming in?"

"Nah. I don't even want to be here in the first place remember? Hurry up and finish your business so we can go home already."

Batreaux sighed and turned back to the door. "Alright, but Father Bianchi said you needed to hear what he has to say too. It's probably really important."

Saber rolled her eyes and reequipped her armor and helmet as she stood up and walked over to the door. "Fine," she said, "But I'm leaving the talking to you. I'm good at litigation, but not diplomacy."

Batreaux pushed open the doors of the church, and the two stepped inside. The building was physically just as it was when they'd left the previous night, but the atmosphere was different. Saber could feel the same pressure she had from Batreaux's apartment and when they'd encountered Rider, only stronger this time.

Be on guard, she told Batreaux telepathically. I think there's more than one Servant here. Her tone had been slightly different this time. Before she'd spoken like a knight would to their sworn lord. Now she spoke the way a lord would to their vassals.

"So, where's this priest friend of yours?" she asked.

"If he's not in the main building, then he's probably in the courtyard through that door back there." Batreaux pointed to an oak door on the far left end of the main building.

"Well, let's go then."

The two companions exited the building and entered into the courtyard, a large area in the shape of a square due to how the rest of the church was built around it. When he first came to be the pastor of the church, Father Bianchi had taken the liberty of planting trees and flowers, as well as installing a fountain. It had served to make the area more comforting to guests.

In the center of the courtyard, in front of the fountain, a folding table had been set up with six chairs around it. At the far end sat Father Bianchi, who smiled warmly at the sight of his friend. Two other men sat at the table with him and turned to look at the newcomers.

Saber instantly tensed up. The feeling she'd had got stronger since entering the courtyard. If she had to guess, she'd say the other two men were Servants. She wasn't nearly strong enough to take both of them on at once, so she was grateful the church was considered neutral ground.

One of the men was a European with white hair and grey eyes who sat straight and proper, wearing a black suit and gloves. He simply nodded to the newcomers.

The other man was also a European, though he was much different in appearance and posture. He had muscles strong enough to make professional bodybuilders quiver in fear, spiky blond hair, and countless scars across his body and exposed chest, one even going across his right eye. He wore modern black pants and even darker tattoos traced elaborate patterns across his upper arms. Instead of sitting up straight, he leaned back in his chair with his feet on the table. He simply smirked at Saber and Batreaux.

These two are clearly Servants, Saber thought. But as strong as that shirtless man is, this feeling… Hmm.

"Ah, hello, Batreaux. I am glad to see you doing well. I assume the armored person with you is Saber, yes?"

Batreaux smiled and shook the priest's hand. "Yeah, Father. This is Saber, and I'm fine." He sat down in the chair directly across from his friend. Saber remained standing. She had no intention of stooping to the level of these commoners in her current mood.

"So, my friend. I am sure you are curious as to why I called you and your Servant here, yes?"

Batreaux nodded and leaned back in his chair. "Yeah, actually. You said it was important, but you didn't say there would be other people here too. I know the church is a safe zone, but I have to ask. Are they Masters or Servants?"

"You would be correct in assuming they are Servants. In fact, that's what you are here to talk about. You see, this Holy Grail War is not like the others."

This caught Saber's attention. She tilted her head slightly to look at the elderly priest, though still did not speak.

"Not like the others?" Batreaux asked in her place. "You mean it's different? How?"

"Allow me to explain," Father Bianchi replied, placing a chessboard on the table. He set a gold piece shaped like a cup in the exact center of the board, to represent the Holy Grail. "As you know, the Holy Grail War is fought between seven pairs of Masters and Servants, one for each class." He began to place other pieces on the board that Batreaux assumed represented the seven classes of Servants.

"Saber. Lancer. Archer. Rider. Caster. Assassin. Berserker." It was then Batreaux noticed the pieces were blue, like he'd seen before.

"Hey… I've seen these before. Seven blue chess pieces exactly like these. I had a vision of them when I summoned Saber."

"And what else did you see, my friend?"

"I saw… six other pieces, for every class but Saber… only they were red." Father Bianchi turned the board around and place seven matching red pieces on the other side.

"Exactly. I'm sure you see what's different about this war then? The role of the Red Saber has fallen to you my friend. This is no ordinary Holy Grail War. What you and these other two Servants find themselves in is a partnership in a Great Holy Grail War."

Batreaux and Saber looked on in shock. "A…. Great Holy Grail War?" they said in unison.

"Indeed," Father Bianchi continued. "When the majority of the seven Servants summoned are united for whatever reason, the Grail chooses seven more Masters and unifies them into an opposing alliance. The Masters and Servants united from Fuyuki, where the war is usually held, are the Blue Faction. You, Saber, and these Servants here are part of the Red Faction."

The two men decided to take the opportunity to introduce themselves. The white haired man went first.

"Greetings, Master of Saber," he began. "I am Assassin of Red, Charles-Henri Sanson. I look forward to working together." Sanson bowed lightly.

"N-nice to meet you," Batreaux replied. "But are you sure it's a good idea to reveal your true identity to me like that?"

"It's fine, I assure you. My Master has given me her permission, and we are allies, are we not?"

Saber had taken the opportunity to analyze Assassin while he spoke with Batreaux.

Hmmph. Sanson, huh? Our Assassin is a French executor? How does a man who kills people publicly qualify as an Assassin anyway? …That said, in battle he'll likely prefer attacks aimed at the neck. I'll keep it in mind.

"Well then," said the other man, standing up from his seat, "Now that Sanson's introduced himself I guess it's my turn. I'm Berserker of Red, but you can just call me Beowulf." He gave a grin and reached out his hand to Batreaux, who nearly had his arm torn off by the giant of a man's handshake.

"Wow, the great king of the Geats! It's an honor to meet you, your majesty!"

Berserker gave a heary laugh. "Ha ha ha ha hah! Please, no need to be so formal, Batreaux! You've already formed a contract with royalty, so as far as I'm concerned we're on even ground."

"Royalty? Oh, you mean Saber?" It had slipped Batreaux's mind, but as the child of King Arthur, his Servant was technically royalty. "You can tell something like that?"

"Of course! Your Servant carries themselves in a way only a royal would. So then, Saber. You seem quite familiar to me. You're also from around the sixth century, yes?"

Saber narrowed her eyes and tightened her guard. How the hell can he tell something like that through my armor? Did Beowulf know my father? This Berserker… If he betrays us, he'll be a troublesome foe.

"Huh. Not the talkative type I guess. Hey, Master Saber. What's your Servant's name?"

Batreaux felt a wave of anger flow through his link with Mordred. It very clearly told him "If you reveal my identity to them, I'll kill you, knave."

"Yeah, you'll have to ask Saber about that, not me."

"Awww, I was hoping to know who all I was working with. Would you at least like to have a little sparring match, Saber?" Beowulf had a glint in his eye as he said that. He truly was a Berserker.

"I'll pass for now." Saber replied. Normally she'd be willing to fight whoever, whenever, but after her sham of a match with Rider, she couldn't afford to use any more mana for the time being.

"Hmmm. That's odd. Archer was here earlier, but he seems to have left." Father Bianchi spoke up. "In addition to that, Rider, Caster, and Lancer's Masters have not arrived yet. A shame. Lancer is supposed to quite powerful."

Batreaux and Mordred glanced at each other.

A powerful Lancer? Saber thought. Could it be… my father?

King Arthur qualifies as a Lancer? Batreaux asked her.

Yeah. Likely because of that damned spear of his. Batreaux vaguely remembered reading that Arthur had used a spear to kill Mordred at Camlann. Apparently that part of the legend was true.

Well, we shouldn't worry about that now, Mordred. Besides, what are the chances of you two meeting again like this?

Her 'Master' had a point. Still… Saber thought. If Father has been summoned, then…

.-.

On the other side of the world, in the city of Fuyuki, sits a church identical in design to the one visited by the companions Mordred and Batreaux. Its construction is of a different make. Where Father Bianchi's church is built from wood, this church is made of stone.

The building is a paradox. A church is supposed to be a safe haven, a warm place where one can admit their troubles and repent of their sins. This church possesses a cold, almost oppressive atmosphere. Even during the day, one can feel darkness around them. A sermon here would be more likely to make one feel guilt of sins they did not commit than soothe the soul.

And the pastor of this church is a man who embodies that very contradiction happily and without shame.

Father Kirei Kotomine. The man has shoulder length brown hair and dark, piercing eyes. He wears the dark colored outfit of a priest.

"So the final Master of Red has summoned his Servant then? I see. Thank you, Father Bianchi." Kirei smiles to himself. While the addition of new Masters and Servants to the war would complicate things and make his job harder, it would also bring more suffering for him to enjoy.

"What are you laughing about now, holy man?" came a voice from behind him. Out of the shadows appeared a pale man with golden hair and crimson, serpentine eyes. A casual but confident smirk lay on his face, and despite his simple outfit, it would be clear to anyone who met him that he was not one to mess with.

"It seems the little alliance the Masters have created has caused the Grail's failsafe to activate. Seven more Masters will be arriving in Fuyuki shortly."

The gold haired man smiled. "So, fourteen more fools who would dare to steal from me? Let them come. It will be quite amusing to watch their struggles."

"Shall I have Lancer dispose of them then, King of Heroes? With the deaths of their Servants, we will have enough energy to manifest the Grail and fulfill our wish."

The King of Heroes, Gilgamesh, thought to himself for a moment.

"No," he said. "Not yet. Continue to have Lancer test their abilities. Should any of these newcomers fall to him, then they were not worthy to begin with. However, one or two of them may yet prove worthy of being ruled by me."

Gilgamesh left the church and entered into the cold night air. The King of Heroes found this new information unexpected, but welcome. This Holy Grail War was about to become a lot more interesting.

"Come then, you mongrels. Let us see if there is one among you worthy of my collection."

Fate/Stay Night: Dai Taisen

Episode 3: Servants of Red

A/N: Yeah, honestly, I don't really think this chapter is some of my best work. For that and the delay, I apologize. I've had a lot of work to do recently, so I haven't been able to give this my best. I know I said the Stay/Night characters would appear in this one, but in the end I could only fit in Kirei and Gilgamesh. The rest of the gang will be in the next chapter, I swear.

Standard requests apply, leave questions, comments, concerns, etc. in your review please.