I'm Already Married!

by Yuhabahha

For want of a nail, Kiritsugu summons an entirely different Saber. A Saber that has the potential to perhaps be even more powerful than the King he would have summoned in another time and place. ...The only problem being the unintended consequences caused by the new Saber's summoning...as well as the fact that in this timeline the world's oldest Hero is a woman...

3. Chapter 3

For those unaware, a High Servant is a Servant whose 'essense' is comprised of multiple sources/Heroic Spirits. An amalgamation if you will, one that is either guided by a leading intelligence akin to a Bleach Adjuchas/Vasto Lorde that dominates the others, or in a symbiotic relationship or a 'normal' Servant that merely has the 'mindless' essenses of other Spirits and doesn't have to fight for control.

Examples of High Servants are Summer BB, Melt, Lip, "Gao"...err Tea etc etc

And yes, as expected they're usualy beefier than your run of the mill Servant.

With that, enjoy.

---

His heart hammered like mad in his chest and a cool bead of sweat trailed down the middle of his back.

He let none of his discomfort show of course, it wouldn't be a wise tactical decision but more importantly, it wouldn't be proper.

Instead, straightening the ribbon wrapping around the front part of his neck, Tokiomi stood tall, and with parchment in hand left his car and the minuscule comfort it provided behind.

Why are there two Servants here? He snarked within the comfort of his mind…after making sure the connection to her was not active. Did they forge some sort of alliance? Dammit, Gilgamesh, how can we win this if you don't cooperate? Especially now that that bastard of a priest went and turned traitor… Is Risei even still alive?

Still, approaching the dangerous trio with wide strides, he let none of his apprehension show on his face. After all, confidence made the man… and the clothes apparently. And even if he was starting to get used to them he couldn't wait until Gilgamesh's wrath subsided and he could be free of them.

"Salutations," he said, coming to a stop a few paces from the infamous Magus Killer. "I come in behalf of my King," he said, suspecting that honesty would be preferable with the man in front of him, and since he had little desire to provoke the two Servants by his side, he saw little reason to antagonize him.

"Oh?" the black-haired man asked, voice just as frosty as his gaze, the man tense, not at all distracted by Tokiomi's…garments. And he hoped they'd be useful in at least this much, able to provide a momentary distraction in case things turned sour…

"Yes," he said with a nod after a moment, seeing as the Magus Killer saw fit to add little else and the pair of Servants remained silent. "In fact, it pertains to your Servant, here," he said, and with slow movements lifted his arm, offering the golden rolled up parchment to the man, who of course made no move to take it, a wise if unnecessary precaution in this case.

Instead, the intended recipient stepped forth after a glance towards his stoic Master. Saber reaching out and grasping the rolled up message, tense, and when nothing seemed to occur, starting to relax as he opened it up and started reading it, growing tense yet again.

Tokiomi took a respectful step back, and coughed into his fist before inhaling deeply. "In my King's words: "Rejoice, mongrels, for the King has decided to grace you all with a couple more days of existence within her Garden, for those of you who remain alive at the end of it, she graciously extends an invitation in 3 days time to witness her marriage to her new Queen, where you will battle each other for sport and spectacle. Attendance will be mandatory, refusal to do so, will be punishable by death," he finished, taking another breath.

…And watched, as the Magus Killer stared at him deadpan just as his daughter's Servant did. Tokiomi tensed as the man, eye twitching, reached into his coat and started to pull out something metallic, for a moment worry and fear consumed Tokiomi. Was this it? How it would all end? Just because Gilgamesh over inflated Ego and sense of melodrama—

The Duke of Flame narrowed his eyes as he caught sight of what the man was pulling out.

That isn't a gun. In fact it seems remarkably like—

"Humu, Berserker, I'm proven correct, yet again. The Golden Bimbo is a hussie."

In the presence of such force, even if Tokiomi wanted to take offense regarding his Servant he'd do anything but. No, as the girl nodded and crossed her arms with a self satisfied smirk and Saber averted his eyes with a look of shame something else caught his attention.

"Wait, Berserker?" he said with a frown and received a pitying look in return from the blonde.

"Humu, you were unaware too then? Yes, I'm this war's Saber."

Tokiomi twitched and smiled, he wasn't touching that with a reinforced ten foot pole.

"So…"

The Magus Killer voice drew his attention, the man letting the item slip back into his pocket as Tokiomi turned towards him.

"Your… King," the man drolled. "Does she realize she isn't giving us much of a choice at the end there? It's death either way," the man asked and Tokiomi nodded solemnly.

"Indeed, and I apologize, for my King has… a unique way of viewing the world, and so—" Tokiomi paused, and his eyes widened as he noticed the man's tiny smirk. "Wait, were you being sarcastic?"

At that, a groan escaped from Saber while Berserker twitched and pushed up her glasses.

"Humu…"

"Nope, I'm not touching that, Lady Irisviel can deal with that."

Their words, judging by the scowl forming upon the Magus Killer's face, were less than welcome apparently.

"At any rate, this is no joke," the man said and focused upon Tokiomi. "You delivered your message, but, you also all but delivered yourself to us. Why should we let you leave?"

Alive left unsaid.

And it was a fair point, Tokiomi mused as he smiled wryly.

But, in at least this much Gilgamesh did offer a helping hand.

"You raise a fair point, Lord Emiya," he said and the man twitched. Tokiomi blinked, he didn't say anything offensive, the only reason for it would be… Preposterous, did he not like his name? "But, the reason for why you should not take hasty actions is the same as to how I knew where to find you."

He smiled and spread his arms… or rather arm.

"Please ask yourselves, if my King told me where to find you coupled with the fact that she, as you're well aware by now, is a long range fighter with a vast armory, as your Servant can very well attest to…"

At that Saber twitched and after a brief instant the man spent communicating with Emiya—

"Clairvoyance is bullshit," the ancient man ground out.

"Quite," Tokiomi said with a blink. Apt, but did the God have to be so crude about it, for Root's sake neither of them was a peasant. He sniffed.

"And of course, she chooses to use it at the most inopportune of times," Saber continued grinding a hand through his hair with a groan. "Master?" the man asked, side-eyeing Emiya.

"…go," the man said with a nod at last, and Tokiomi inclined his head in thanks.

"But, if I may?" he asked, drawing the eyes of the trio as they prepared to leave. "A personal question." He fixed his eyes on the blonde.

"I won't pry as to why you are here, my Lady, but, what of my daughter, is she safe?"

xxx

Kiritsugu, yet again, felt his respect for the man rise another notch.

For even if, to him, the redhead wore his heart on his sleeve…

The barely concealed worry in his eyes, ready to turn into a pit of rage with which to fuel his revenge, was somewhat impressive.

On the other hand, Archer's Master choice of attire left much to be desired, and so, it about evened out.

"Humu?" Mhxa said with a blink and a tilt from his side. "Sakura? She's fine and as safe as I could make her in these circumstances, what of it?" the woman asked, and Kiritsugu caught the girl's golden irises narrowing, a threatening neigh possessive growl in her voice.

"I…no, it's nothing, I was merely worried," Tokiomi replied with a sigh, running his hand through his locks. "It's…it's heartening that it is so," he said and sent a familiar bitter smile towards the girl. "Please, my Lady, I know we are enemies in this war and that I've already pleaded you to do so, but for what is worth, please, do your best to keep her safe?" the man pleaded.

Not adding why. Not that Kiritsugu needed to hear why the man's voice was so thick with self loathing. Saber's cliff notes from earlier this morning being enough in that regard.

"Humu, but of course," the girl said with an imperious nod. In a movement too fast for Kiritsugu's eyes to track, manifesting her sword and stabbing it to the ground, assuming a regal pose. "Fear not, future subject, in that much at least, you have the King's word."

"I'm glad…" the man said with a small bow and turned to depart.

And so did Kiritsugu, but—

"Humu, the King did not give you leave to depart, subject," the girl said, and Kiritsugu turned back, watching as the woman, her sword vanishing, approached the man, and rummaging through her coat's pockets, produced a small golden contraption. "While you lack the King's favor, my apprentice still cares for you, and thus, I offer you this," the girl said, thrusting the item into the blinking man's hand.

His surprised fingers clenching reflexively around it.

"What's this…"

"Mhxa…" Saber said with mirth, and Kiritsugu frowned.

But the girl ignored him, staring at Tokiomi. "Humu, while I fear that it will be a mite difficult for you primitive people to grasp the concept, this tiny miracle, utilizing hyper advanced science and magic allows for its wielder to communicate with others who possess another such object, and thus, given that I too, of course, possess another, you'll be able to talk with Sakura under my supervision. Rejoice!" the girl said with a nod.

Kiritsugu's lips twitched. " 'Saber'," he said, causing both the woman and his Servant to face him. "They are called phones, cellphones to be exact, we've heard of them, yes."

The girl's eyes widened and her cheeks flashed scarlet and she turned, staring towards the forest.

"H-Humu. I see…"

"Thank you for this, my Lady," Tokiomi opted to say instead, offering another bow and seeing as Kiritsugu offered no further words, nor did Saber, turned and with swift steps made it to his car. Departing in short order.

Feeling the newest source, or rather harbinger of said new problems, depart, the wet yolk vanishing from his back, the tension left Kiritsugu's shoulders.

…Some of it at least.

"Was that wise?" he asked, causing the blonde to blink.

"Humu?"

"Offering Tokiomi a way of communicating, I mean," he elaborated and the girl shrugged her shoulders.

"No harm can come of it," she said in reply and he bit his tongue. "The constructs are secure I assure you, he'd had no way of tampering with them, and even if somehow, he or Archer succeeded in doing so, all they would achieve is breaking down their device. The effect will be isolated on their end."

That wasn't the only problem with her decision…

"Still, I can see that I've been remiss in offering one to you as well," she said and before Kiritsugu could react, reached in her coat and threw another banana like item at him. Kiritsugu barely managing to catch it before it hit him square in the forehead.

"Worry not," the girl added. "Its method of usage is remarkably intuitive and given that you, apparently have prior experience with similar devices, these…'cellphones' of which you speak off, I'm certain you will—"

"Mhxa."

Saber's voice once again rang clear, making the girl pause and both turn towards him. The Servant's mirth evident by his gigantic smirk.

"Why is the futuristic cellphone shaped like an ahoge, mmh~?"

Mhxa stilled. Her face smoothing out, her visage akin to that of a polished mirror, and out of the corner of Kiritsugu's eye, Saber's smirk widened even further still. The girl twitched, and then so did the lone strand of gold standing proud atop her head. The Magus Killer's brows furrowed. A strand which bared remarkable resemblance to—

"H-Humu! I fear that I must depart rather sooner than I hoped, f-for I must see to the safety of my Master," the girl said, her glasses turning opaque as she quickly spun around, facing the forest and the city further up ahead. "But fear not, with our alliance forged and our methods of communication secured we will remain in touch as all stalwart comrades should. Farewell!" and with that the girl crouched, limbs flaring with mana and jumped. Clearing a path to a distant branch out of view and then a heartbeat later becoming airborne again, the cycle continuing as she swiftly vanished from view.

Kiritsugu, turned.

"Saber. Explain," he ordered. Even if part of him wasn't sure he wanted to.

"Are you sure you want to know more about the Servantverse, Master?" the man asked, the Servant's arched eyebrow further supporting the idea that he'd probably regret this.

"Yes." But he was used to dealing with hard to swallow truths.

"Well, your funeral," the man said with a shrug. "The short or the long version?"

Considering that they didn't have all day to discuss history and they were still in the middle of a war?

"The cliff notes version," he said at last.

And so Saber shrugged and begun speaking.

The golden man and Kiritsugu's instincts both had been right.

He regretted asking and he already longed for the time a few minutes prior where he'd only known what few relevant details Saber had mentioned this morning.

What was his life turning into…

He started to reach for Acht's gift in his pocket.

He paused.

No.

He was stronger than this.

But still…

"Kiri~!"

Iri's voice caused the pair to turn to Kiritsugu's left and watch as Irisviel, with Maiya in tow stepped into view from in between the trees, an exhausted Shirou hoisted in her arms.

"Hello, Iri," he said with a tired smile, as the trio came closer.

"Eh? What is that?" the woman asked with a blink, noticing the golden…ahogium in Kiritsugu's hand. He bit his tongue. No, he wouldn't inflict this madness on either Iri or Maiya.

Watching Saber's mouth open he quickly intervened.

"Just an item Berserker gave to us to cement and celebrate our alliance with."

"Eh, we're allied with Berserker?" Iri asked, tilting her head and even Maiya perked up at his words. Her gaze sharpening.

"Yes. Yes, we are. Thanks to Saber's quick thinking," he glanced at the man, choosing to remain polite for now. "We managed to secure an ally who also cares little for the grail. And as for the item, it also serves as a futuristic cellphone, more or less."

Iri blinked and then the wide smile which he loved bloomed across her face.

"Oh! But that's wonderful!" the woman said, hopping on her feet and managing to catch and stop herself at the last time from clapping. Remembering the boy in her arms.

"Mmh…Kaa-chan?" The boy mumbled and Kiritsugu froze as the sleepy boy stirred.

Please no.

"Iri…"

"Eh? What is it Kiri?"

"What did Shirou say?"

His words made Iri reward him with another megawatt smile.

"Oh! Say hello to our new son, Kiri!"

A wheezing sound left his lips.

By his side, Saber started to chuckle, followed by the man bending over and letting out deep belly laughs.

"Eh? Saber, is something the matter, eh, eh?"

Kiritsugu, eye twitching like mad, almost reached inside his suit again. Managin to stop at the end. It was a close thing.

xxx

"Mongrel," Caster sighed, and raised his left hand away from the orb, snapping his finers. "if you know what's good for you, you will release me right now and—mphf! Mphf!"

Behind him, Jeanne quieted down, one of the tendrils rising to still her mouth.

At last, some peace and quiet, now he could focus on the necessary tasks to restore Jeanne and give this world its just rewards.

Eldritch words sprouted from his mouth and his eyes glowed as he lowered his left arm, stopping it an inch above the pulsating orb and moving it in counter-clockwise motions as is if steering.

The time would soon be at hand…

xxx

So, some things were simply unavoidable it would seem.

The Emiya family, in timelines where it stayed intact would, one way or another find a way to come together.

Saber wasn't entirely sure he bought into the rumors regarding Alaiya, but after all he'd seen, and given the his progenitor's own experiences prior to his intervention back then resulting in Saber's creation… Well, he was finding all those rumors regarding Humanity's embodied… or rather centralized but disembodied unconscious having a thing for a certain man less improbable now then he did a moment ago.

"I still don't understand," his Master muttered, by his side and leaning back in his couch in one of the Castle's siting rooms. A twitch of discomfort flashing across the man's face for an instant.

It was to be expected, what with the Scabbard being embedded still within a sleeping Shirou's body. A smiling Iri wrapped around the boy in a hug, joining him in the lands of dreams.

"Understand what, Master?"

"Iri."

Saber blinked.

"Master?"

But Kiritsugu just sighed and run a hand through his hair.

"As much as it pains me to say it…" the man peered with one dark eye through a pair of fingers. "Why is she still alive?" he murmured causing Saber to jolt and stare at the man in alarm.

"Master, you—"

"Don't get me wrong, Saber," the man said, shaking his head. "I'm glad. Very glad that is the case, and yet, I can't help but wonder, for little of it makes sense. According to Iri's own words, most everyone last night sought to abduct her more or less. With some exception's, like the priest," the growl in his voice was a healthy reaction, in Saber's opinion to Kirei's existence. "But everyone else… why? Why would they seek to keep her alive once they found out she wasn't a Master, even as a bargaining chip it makes little sense! After all…"

By the thick loathing coating the man's tone, Saber had some idea as to the direction of his Master's thoughts.

"After all," he started in a low voice, drawing the man's gaze away from the sleeping pair. "They should know of your…reputation, should they not? That's what you wanted to say?"

In a rare moment of vulnerability, Kiritsugu stared at him with haunted eyes, before giving a tiny, stiff nod.

Causing Saber to sigh in turn. "Well Master, one explanation is that they simply refused to believe said rumors, you know how humans are," he said, receiving a quiet snort and a nod. "And in Gilgamesh's case, or the priest's your reputation might in fact spur them on but…" he sighed and leaned back, running a hand through the exposed part of his hair and spending a few moments watching the crystal chandeliers above.

"But?"

"I have a suspicion, and granted, it might be baseless, but I suspect that in this case? The fault lies with me?"

Kiritsugu furrowed his brows.

"With you?"

"Yes, or at least in a manner of speaking. Master, you do remember what I've told you of the aspects composing me, their identities, yes?"

"Yeah." Kiritsugu nodded. "We have the three we've managed to keep hidden so far, and then your identity as 'Abzu'. What of it?"

"Well, that's where I think the problem lies."

"I don't follow."

A wry smile spread across Saber's lips.

"Master, please try and recall my legend."

Kiritsugu blinked and once again leaned back, pushing his back deep into the couch.

"'You' were…are? Tiamat's husband and the progenitor of Gods and Men according to Babylonian myths."

"Yes, yes, but that's all boring stuff in teh past, how did I die?"

The frown in Kiritsugu's face deepened. "By being betrayed by your own kids who betrayed you and then split you apart, scattering you into the waters of the world similar to Osiris or Ymir and then they—" his Master's eyes widened. "Then—"

"Then they went after my wife, and even if by some accounts she struck first, for our purposes the effect is sufficient to be engraved in my legend."

Kiritsugu's mouth opened and closed a few times. No sound coming out, before the man's eye started ticking.

"So, Saber."

"Yes, Master?"

"You mean to tell me, that the only reason my wife remains amongst the living, is that, that…"

"Yes?"

"Everyone, at least to start with mistook her, as we intended, as your 'Master' and thus, 'wife' for a given value and so, sought to, to…"

"To kill and cuck me, yes," Saber helpfully finished the words Kiritsugu had trouble voicing.

A hollow wheezing sound escaped Kiritsugu's lips and his eyes turned vacant. Fingers twitching, almost moving towards his suit.

"Master?" he asked after a few moments of silence, beginning to worry. "Are you alright?"

With an explosive sigh leaving his lips, Kiritsugu closed his eyes and nodded.

"Yes. I'm fine, Saber, but, aside from the absurdity of it. If your suspicions hold even the barest hints of truth then I have little reason to blame you, and my apologies, but, if your past woes are the reason Iri still draws breath...

"Then I thank you."

Saber, pursed his lips and nodded. For much as his Abzu side liked the man's words not one bit, he cold not begrudge his Master his practicality.

"As you say," he offered at last to the Magus Killer. "Still…"

"Mmh?"

"They look so peaceful right now, I can't help but wonder, what are they thinking."

"Mmhehehehe, Grandkids!" the sleeping woman mumbled with a creepy laugh, clutching Shirou tighter.

"Mmh, some things are best left unknown," Kiritsugu said with a nod, as all three males present in the room shuddered.

After a second or two, after the ominous aura's passing, Saber turned towards Kiritsugu.

"Still, Master, we really do need to decide on a plan of attack for tonight, and discuss strategies on how to deal with Gilgamesh and her…invitation."

The man pinched his nose. "That we do, still, if there's one silver lining is that your gung-ho attitude netted as a strong ally."

"Apologies again."

"Save it," his Master said, making a dismissive gesture. "What's done is done, but as for tonight—"

xxx

"Mom! Mom! Over here~!"

"Shiro-chan, stop running!"

Iri kept running, trailing after Shirou, the young boy vanishing in a field of grass with only the sounds of his giggles to guide her.

"Shirou, come back or Mama will be sad!" she said, cupping her arms in front of her mouth and shouting. And yet, aside from the grass swaying, even more distant giggles were her answer.

She blinked.

What was she doing in a hay field? Last she checked, there weren't any around Fuyuki…

Like crystals fracturing, the edges of the dream shattered. The world around her grumbling until she, once again, found herself into a soothing white void. Enveloped in a comfy embrace, and as she sinked even deeper into unconsciousness, muffled voices argued from somewhere near and yet afar.

Unbidden a tear trickled down Iri's face.

"Mama…" she mumbled and the warmth around her grew.

She stayed like this for what might have been a few minutes, or a small eternity. But, a pulsing, tendril composed of abhorrent mana pierced into the dream. Quickly followed by more of its brethren.

And Iri awoke with a scream.

But, if any hopes of finding refuge in the waking world were quickly dashed, for if anything, the feeling of wrongness surrounding her, grew.

"Saber!" her husband's voice drew her gaze, the man leaping to his feet, pistol in hand and scanning their surroundings, approaching her and Shirou as he did.

"I'm aware, Master," the Servant growled, his voice laced with the barest hint of a dragon's rumble.

"Were is it coming from, are we under attack?" Kiri asked, looking down at her and Shirou, offering a steadying hand as he did.

One she took with a pale smile, but as for their new son…

He remained sleeping. A peaceful aura seeming to radiate from and cling to his skin.

"Papa…Mama…" the boy muttered, clinging to her all the tighter. Not rousing, but seemingly unaffected by the miasma around them.

"I think we discovered another use for the Scabbard," Kiri muttered to himself. "Saber?"

The frowning Servant, shook his head with a scowl. "No we are not under attack, Master. Not a direct one at least, but, as for what it is…" the man's brows furrowed. "I'm not sure, I can almost taste it, and it is foul no doubt, but, it is almost out of my reach even if it…flows?" the man mumbled, eyebrows scrunching up in thought at what his senses were telling him. "…it's water related at least. But, perhaps…"

"Saber?" Kiri asked and their Servant shook his head.

"Just a hunch, Master, give me a moment, this isn't as easy as my usual aspect…" the man mumbled and focused. Staying silent for a few seconds while all around them, the nauseating, slimy sensation grew.

Making Iri want to retch, and at the same time as Maiya burst in through the siting room's door, a soft glow begun emanating from Saber. A white soothing light and his features seemed to slim and soften.

The tiny aura of tranquility emanating from the man enough to counteract and push against the cursed energy. Not completely but enough to ease everyone's breath.

Despite herself, a soft smile spread unbidden against Iri's face. And she glanced from Kiri to Shirou, and imagined their new child playing with their daughter. The laughter of children filled her mind's ears.

"Shit!"

"E-eh?!" her cheeks burned and she stared wide-eyed at Saber, and caught Maiya doing the same. Feeling as if the Servant broke some sort of unspoken rule, for no such words should come out of so pure a being's mouth…

"What is it?"

Iri pursed her lips and blew her cheeks. Of course Kiri would not care. She begun slamming her fist against his thigh.

"Eh? Iri? What—"

"Well, Master, it seems that shit just hit the fan," the blond said with a scowl. The white aura dimming but not fading from around him, the remnant enough to lessen the effects of the the filth polluting the very space around them. "The Caster from last night? I'm pretty sure the idiot fucked up by the numbers here. He summoned…" the Servant eyed both her and Maiya, even glancing at Shirou, pausing for some reason as he did. "Err, the priest."

Iri tilted her head. The priest? Did he mean the man from last night? What did the Master of Assassin have to do with this war's Caster?

And judging by Kiri's frown, he was just as confused. "Kirei? What does he have to do with anything?"

Frustration marred, Saber's features as he shook his head.

"No Master. Not the priest, The Priest," he said, putting emphasis on the words for some reason and then blinking, the nervousness in his eyes dimming as he looked into Kiri's eyes.

Her husband's eyes almost bulging out of their skull a moment later coming as somewhat of an unwelcome surprise.

For if something caused such a reaction out of Kiri…

"Sensei?"

And even Maiya felt the same.

"An old one…" Kiri said, chuckling and running a hand through his hair. "As if we didn't have enough to worry about!" the man roared, and in an uncharacteristic fit of rage, kicked with his shoe against one of the foots of the glass table. Breaking it clean off and causing the rest of it to shatter to the ground.

"So, it is safe to mention at least that much, I wasn't certain," Saber said with a nod crossing his arms.

And Iri exchanged a confused glance with Maiya.

What were the two talking about.

Ignoring the ruined table, Kiri nodded and with an explosive sigh faced Saber, murder shining in his eyes.

"Can we stop it?"

It was Saber's turn to frown.

"I'm…in all honesty, I'm not certain Master, I make no promises. Maybe. It's not fully here yet, or awake for that matter. And now that I know what it is, I can feel it polluting my waters, they are screaming as they are being defiled by its touch." Saber grinned. It lacked the man's usual mirth.

"So, in short? Maybe, but I might have to reveal that, if we are to have any hope of surviving this."

Kiri growled.

"If that's what it takes."

xxx

Sola's day hadn't been the greatest so far.

What with having to endure more of her foolish husband to be irritating levels of affection for the brat—why couldn't he be that interested in her? And if he was a closeted… how did the backwater peasants of this land put it? Ah yes, if he'd been a sister-con he could understand, but no, the idiot just really loved Reines that much—to getting a surprise visit from this war's Archer.

For a moment she'd thought this was it.

After all, even Lord Lancer seemed…wary of the boisterous woman.

And that was saying something, since from what Kayneth had shared last night while the fight was going on and later, the Servant's own words after they'd safely sequestered away their hostage. Their Servant had been cautious against the ancient god, yes, but not as afraid as she'd watched him be this morning against the beauty clad in gold.

A frown spread across her face and she stared down her body, examining her curves, conscious all of a sudden of her own inadequacies when compared to the two third goddess.

Was…was she ugly? Could that be the reason Kayneth avoided her? At the thought of the idiot, a smile fought its way across her face. He did look suitably dashing today though, when he stood tall, shoulders squared and trying to cover the whole of the hallway and by extension her, from view…

No. He was an idiot!

The smile vanished and she sighed, before reaching for the cup of coffee in front of her, lifting it to her mouth while glaring at the clear skies outside their new suite's windows—thankfully Kayneth dealt with hypnotizing and calming the sheep after the second owner refused to show—Not even the weather willing to cooperate it would seem.

She longed for clouds and thunder not…this!

A tremor rocked the ground, making the liquid in her porcelain cup ripple.

And then a nauseating presence spread across her senses. Potent, thick, vile mana that clung to the throat and poisoned her very senses.

Sola all but dropped the cup to the table, growing pale while from the hallway to her left a half naked Kayneth sprinted into view, water droplets clinging to his frame and his hair not styled back due to his rush.

The man coming to a stop next to her, the lines of reinforcement fading from his muscular torso just as Lord Lancer materialized into view.

"Lancer!" the idiot barked. Face serious and a commanding aura about him yet again. "What is going on? Are we under attack again?"

Idiot! Why can't you be like more often. And… and with me? Sola's traitorous mind whispered even as another fetid pulse came, making her stomach churn before Kayneth's steadying hand on her shoulder coupled with a warding rune from Lord Lancer calmed her innards.

"I'm…not sure," the Servant said, face stern as he faced towards the window, his eyes narrowed and peering at something only he could discern. "Give me a…moment… Aife's tits!" the man cursed a moment later, making Sola jump in her seat as he spat at the carpet and clutched his spear hard enough to bent metal.

"L-Lord Lancer—" she started, cheeks warm and tone scandalized.

"Not now, Sola," Kayneth barked, making the heat spread.

"S-sorry," she said, squirming with a smile.

"Lancer, what is it."

"Well, Master," the man said, turning and fixing Kayneth with a bloodthirsty grin that made Sola's hackles rise. "You want the good news or the bad news first?"

Her fiancée arched an eyebrow. "Judging by your tone, I rather doubt I'll like either, but sure, start with the good ones."

At that, Lancer's grin widened, and in his eyes, Sola noted the manic energy of the damned.

"Well, the good news is that, one of the idiots taking part in this war. Caster most likely. Has decided to give us the opportunity to partake in a fight that, gods willing will go down in history. So, rejoice Master, for if the world survives, your name will be passed down in legends for ages to come." The man slammed the shaft of his spear against his shoulder. "After all, how often could a man fight to repel a servant, namely a priest of the old ones?"

By her side, Kayneth stiffened, as Sola scowled trying to parse Lancer's words.

"…Lancer, I'll give you that much," her fiancée said with a nod. "This is a time fit to cuss, and so, to follow your example and in honor of your history… Scathach's tits."

Sola gasped and turned scandalous eyes towards her husband to be, chancing a glance at her modest assets as she did. They weren't small! They were but properly sized.

"Kayneth!"

But he ignored her, and what was worse. Lance broke down into guffaws, leaning against his spear as he slapped his thigh.

"Bwahaha! I knew you weren't a total bore, Master, but still."

"Mmh?"

"Loathe as I'm to say it, you should have chosen either Medb, or my lovely Aife, I wouldn't have minded in this instance. But, the hag…well, she's a hag."

An ominous aura spread across their suite for an instant, making Sola shiver and Lancer's smirk shrink while, seemingly oblivious Kayneth smirked, smirked!

"Lancer, with all due respect, given that you were there and all. But, somehow, I doubt that."

The aura vanished, and Sola took a relieved breath.

"Still…"

"Yeah, Master?"

"Are you certain?"

Lancer cranked his neck backwards, staring again at something only a Servant's eyes could see.

"Yeah…" he nodded after a few seconds. "I'm sure. I might not have Teach's gift with clairvoyance, I'm pants at the stuff really, never bothered to learn the art. But…after spending so much time in her…gentle tutelage," watching Lord Lancer shudder came as somewhat of a nasty surprise, needless to say. "She even managed to impart a thing or two on a mangy mutt as hopeless as me. So, yeah, on this much at least? I'm sure."

Kayneth scowled and let out an explosive sigh as he gripped her shoulder tight.

"Well then, if that is indeed the case, time to prepare then. Which priest are we facing?"

Lancer cocked an eyebrow.

"Which one is most famous in this day and era?" He asked.

"Medb's tits!"

"Bwahaha! That's the spirit, Master!" Lancer grinned. "Although, just so you know, she didn't have much to begin with."

A second fell aura seemed to infest their room while from afar a fell voice seemed to shout Cuuuu…

xxx

"Panhellenios preserve us!"

Waver startled, gazed at his giant of a Servant.

For the man, wide eyed and pale faced had pulled the youth close to him, no doubt in an unconscious move to protect him.

Waver squirmed, no doubt. The air around them tasted foul and it would seem that someone amongst the other contestants had decided to ignore the rules, for the sun was still westering. The night yet gathering its strength.

Still, whatever it was couldn't be that bad as to necessitate such a reaction out of the Legendary Conqueror, the very offspring of the Skyfather himself… Could it?

"Rider?"

And yet the red-haired man's grim face caused Waver's gut to churn and turn.

"Master…" the man's low rumble would have at any other time caused Waver to squirm, and yet, now… "This is not good," the King offered at last, before staring down at him.

"I regret to say this, and loathe I am to leave a job undone. An oath unfulfilled, and yet," the man lowered himself to one knee, his scarlet cape managing to catch around Waver's shoulder and partially shroud him in it, even as Rider's massive arm came to clasp his shoulder. "I fear that this might be where we have to part ways."

Waver froze, his heart clenched and all the taunting words from his classmates came back in an instant.

So this was it then? Even Rider had finally grown tired of him and had decided to ditch him as well?

"R-Rider…why?" he said, not entirely managing to hide the sob.

And cause the large man to blink and break out into a deep belly laugh.

Oh sure, rub it in wouldn't you? Waver was unworthy, everyone knew that—

And then the large man, lifted his massive arm from Waver's shoulder and—promptly slapped him on the head. Gently. Or what passed for it, given the man's stature and origins at any rate.

"R-Rider!" he shouted. Feeling his cheeks burn and narrowed his eyes at the larger man, scowling and waiting for the slight ringing in his ear to pass.

"Bwahaha!" Rider laughed and nodded. A pleased smile spreading across his face. "That's a better look on you, Master. Determined. I like it. Keep it," the man said, standing and crossing his arms. And Waver's cheeks burned for a different reason. "Now, I'm not entirely certain what foolish notions entered your mind but discard them. It's not out of my desire that I leave you."

Waver's eyes widened as he looked at the sad man.

Was…was whatever was currently going on really that bad then?

"But Rider, then why?"

Rider sighed, and met his eyes.

"Because, my young Master, what has appeared. What, at the very least I, am about to face, is something that I'm loathe to expose you without reason. So, it would be best if—"

"Rider you're a fool!" Waver said, huffing and stomping his foot.

"Eh? Master?" Rider blinked at him.

"That's right!" Waver said, pointing a finger at the man, and watching with some satisfaction as the man's eyes crossed slightly. "I'm your Master! Where you go, I go! What you face, I face! Or were your words and boasts of conquering the world but a boast? Show them to me!" he shouted, finishing with a pant…and promptly realize what he just did.

Mortification overtaking him, Waver hid his face behind his hands.

"Master…"

Oh gods! Why did he mouth off like that—

The blow never came, instead, the arm once again landed on his shoulder. Causing him to blink at Rider.

"Eh?"

"Those words… I like your conviction. But, are you certain? I can not guarantee your safety in this…"

Waver grinned and raised his arm, the back of his palm facing Rider. "Let's go, Rider. It is a Master's duty to support their Servant, is it not?"

Rider snorted, and with a nod retracted his arm, before summoning his power, and consequently his Chariot. The neighing of horses reaching Waver, before, in a series of rapid movements. Rider jumped on board, grabbing Waver as he did.

"Hyia!" the man shouted, clucking the reins, spurring the horses forward.

Waver, blinking craned his head backwards. "Err, Rider?"

"Yes?"

"What are we facing exactly."

Rider blinked and shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, right, I forgot. Mmh…" the man left the reins with one hand, scratching at his beard as he did. "I'm not sure, but I think the translation in the modern tongues is Cthulhu?"

Waver paled.

"R-Rider! S-s-stop! Turn aroooound!"

"Bwahahaha! Rally your courage, Master! For this will be worthy of song!"

"No! I don't want to be a song, R-Rider!"

"Bwahahaha!"

xxx

"What's the plan, Sensei, what are we fighting?"

Saber, blinked. Something was itching in the back of his mind.

"We aren't fighting anything, Maiya?" Kiritsugu next to him said.

It was distant, and yet pulsing, trying to achieve…something, the thing almost reminding him off Navi, in a sense. If it started nagging at him…

Saber shuddered.

"Sensei?" the woman asked, a note of trepidation coloring her tone.

Ignoring the maddening sensation for now, it seemed harmless enough, besides they had bigger fish to fry. Saber, at the prompting of Kiritsugu, approached, Iri, helping the woman to her feet as she carried Shirou, while his Master approached Maiya at the entrance of the room.

"This…this is not a foe I would expose you too, Maiya."

"I can help you, Sensei!" the girl shouted, growing emotional for the first time since Saber had met her.

"Kiri…"

"And you will," his Master said with a nod. Causing the woman in front of him to relax and start smiling. "By protecting Iri…and Shirou, and if things get bad enough, making a run for it."

"Sensei. Kiritsugu—"

His Master held up a palm. "Let me finish, Maiya."

"Y-yes, Sensei."

"Good. This is not a fight I go willingly too. No, it is one of those cases," he said. Drawing a gasp from the woman, his Master's words apparently having quite an impact, if the way she paled served as an indication. "In fact, were not my presence needed for Saber to fight at his max potential, and perhaps even potentially tip our scales to victory." The man shook his arm bearing a pair of sigils. "Then I wouldn't accompany him at all."

A snort escaped Saber's lips alongside a smile.

"But, I have to, and so I will. You three on the other hand… Go to the bunker." Kiritsugu reached into his suit's pocket and withdrew…

Saber blinked, surely not.

A golden engraved coin gleamed in the man's arm.

"And if the worst comes to pass, and before you ask, you'll know. Then… and assuming you can manage it and that the Counter Guardians win and you escape them in turn… Go to America and pass this on to my… friend in New York."

Saber refused to even entertain the notion of this. Nope!

Maiya's face, on the other hand, grew constipated.

"Him?"

But Kiritsugu was undeterred. "Yes." He nodded. "Although, if the Counter Guardians fail, and yet you still manage to escape somehow… I'm not sure what help he'll be to you then… But even so."

Maiya's eyes glistened.

"Sensei…"

"Yeah?"

The woman's arms shot forward, grabbing the only partially surprised Kiritsugu and pulling him forward. The woman kissing him with an almost possessive hunger.

"Come back alive. Or…or I'll haunt you!" the woman said as she pulled back and let Kiritsugu go. "Lady Irisviel… I'll be waiting outside." The redhead said and walked out the door.

"Saber?" the white-haired woman said, tone sweet, making him blink towards her.

"Yes, my Lady?"

"Mind holding Shirou for me for a moment?"

Confused, he nodded. "S-sure," he said, taking hold of the still sleeping kid…and watched as the woman strode up to Kiritsugu, also pulling him into a deep kiss.

Saber, if not for the kid in his arms, would have thrown his arms in the air.

"Kiri?"

"Yeah?"

"What Maiya said, come back," Iri said, eyes shining.

"Mmh."

Before letting go and approaching him again, taking the child in her arms yet again. "You too, Saber," the woman commanded.

"Of course, my Lady."

Yet, the bittersweet smile she sent to them both, showed she harbored doubts.

"Saber?"

"Yes, Master?"

"Are they gone?" he asked after a few moments. And he strained his senses, both magical and mundane.

"Yeah. They've made it to the car and are heading towards the bunker."

A relieved exhale escaped past Kiritsugu's lips.

"Good, then—"

"Humu, humu. Is this on, are you receiving?"

His Master blinked, and reached into his front pocket, withdrawing a squished pulsing ahogephone, the item snapping back into its shape without a sign of damage.

Saber arched an eyebrow as he raised it close to his lips.

"Yes, we are. Mhxa?"

"Humu! Yes, it is I, and I—"

"If you're calling about that then we already know—"

"Who is this? Emiya, Bers—'Saber'?"

Saber stilled. Kiritsugu paused. And from the other end even Mhxa seemed to stop.

And Abzu, despite the grimness of their situation, grinned. "Helo to you too, Lord Tohsaka," he said as he stepped closer to his Master. "'Saber'~"

"Y-Yes?"

"Did you forget to disable the party wide function?"

"H-Humu, a-ah, you see, I was very busy and—"

"You didn't read the manual did you."

"…Humu."

"What the hell is this all about? Did you call in to jest? This is no time for jokes, Emiya!" the man on the other end of the line roared. "Is the foul presence infecting my city, your doing?" he asked tone frosty and Saber blinked in surprise, staring at the banana like item.

Bitting his lip to suppress his instinctual desire to snap off at the man.

"Lord Tohsaka," he started, tone polite. "I'd thought you know."

"What?" the clearly irritated man asked. "Speak plainly Servant. I'm currently maintaining the wards around my property against an unending miasma. Know what?" And very much not in the mood for riddles it would seem.

But, if anything the man's words only heightened Saber, and he was pretty certain, Kiritsugu's confusion.

"You mean that Gilgamesh did not tell you what we are up against you? Weird. Apologies, and I know it might be presumptuous of me but could you ask her to attend this unexpected meeting. We could really use her input in this."

"So you are really not to blame then…"

"Humu?"

"Gilgamesh left earlier this morning, on a self imposed mission which she refused to share the details off and has yet to return. But, if it's not your doing or Berserkers…"

"Humu! Lord Tohsaka do not confuse me with the blond hunk, I—…Humu."

Saber, and even his Master's lips twitched. But Tokiomi it would seem cared little for the girl's peculiarities.

"But, if you are not to blame, then is it perhaps the priest?"

"Tohsaka," Saber growled. "Irrespective of Gilgamesh's mercurial behavior and moods. We're facing a bigger problem here," he roared. Voice once again laced with a hint of the dragon. "Man up and communicate with her via your bond."

"You think I didn't try that?" the man roared back. "She blocked the connection!"

Saber bit his lip, while in the back of his mind, the maddening itch grew stronger still.

"Irritating, but irrelevant. Call her with a seal if you have to, for we face a priest of the old ones. We need her."

And just as he finished speaking, the barrier within his mind burst.

xxx

"What?" Tokiomi hissed. Paling and staring at the peculiar phone with wide-eyes.

His shock almost enough to cause him to lose control of the wards protecting Rin and his wife.

"No," he shook his head. "That can't be, you're surely mistaken and—"

"What?"

Tokiomi made to reply to the foolish Servant's question but—

"M-Master! Are you there, Master?" Gilgamesh panicked voice blosomed in his mind.

"My King, what is it? Where are you?" he sent back, standing up straight in his chair and ignoring for a moment the strain of powering the wards and the sweat dripping down his body so. "I'm in contact with Saber and Berserker and they claim that—"

"M-Master, there is no time, please! I need your help!" the woman said before a scream of agony reached him. Making his halt.

"My King?"

"Please! I've been captured and I need your help to escape! Save me, Master!" the woman pleaded. And despite her acts towards him so far, they were still partners and he was loathe to abandon her.

"What do you need, my King?"

"A command seal!" the girl said, making him grimace. "I've been drained of most of my strength and thus I need the boost to escape. H-hurry!" she said before a scream of pure agony filled his brain yet again.

He glanced at the sigils in his arm. Surely this was a step too far—

"Master!"

Swallowing he raised an arm.

xxx

"My Queen, are you receiving your King's words?"

Saber's mouth fell open.

"Gilgamesh?" he mouthed back. And judging by his Master's widening eyes, it would seem that whatever madness was allowing the Golden Beauty to do this, included him as a side effect. Luckily, aside from widening his eyes, Kiritsugu was wise enough to stay silent.

"Mwahaha! But of course! Who else could it be, dragon? It is I! The one true King! Mwahaha!"

Saber opened and closed his mouth. "…where are you. No, forget that, why did you call in the first place?"

"Mwahaha! It is simple, my Queen to be. I have come to inform you that I'm currently locked in battle with a magnificent foe. And one against which I do not need help with. Mwahaha! So, feel free to come at the city's river and witness my glorious escape. Mwahahaha!"

Saber blinked. And parsed her words through his mind once again.

He nodded. "So, you've been captured by the Priest—" something, perhaps due to some instinct clicked in his mind and he shook his head. "No, not the Priest, the battle would have leveled this whole island. No, somehow Caster must have captured you—"

"…mwahaha…"

"And thus, this must be your way of asking for help, is it not?"

"…Mwahaha! Of course not, dragon! Who do you take me for! I'm the world's oldest Hero! I need no saving! But, the battle will take place—"

"In the river, we got it."

"…We?"

"…It's the royal we."

"Ah, accepting your fate? Good. But, still as my Queen you should make haste to witness your King's power! Mwahaha!"

Tokiomi had fallen silent, as had Mhxa for some reason. And Saber, made to respond before, maybe due to his multiple authorities, he finally traced the metaphysical 'call'.

"I will consider it, but first a question."

"Mwahaha! The King will allow it, but make it quick for I'm losing my patience!"

Translation: whatever it is she was doing was taxing her.

"I've been meaning to ask this ever since I was summoned," Saber mentally send. His voice calm and relaxed. "But I couldn't help but notice that I looked rather different than when I still walked among the living… In any of my aspects. My King…Gilgamesh."

"Y-Yes?"

"Is this your doing? Is my current appearance your fetish?"

"…mwahahaha!"

Kiritsugu blinked and facepalmed. A muted groan leaving the man's lips as he pinched his nose. For his part, Saber nodded.

"I see." He cut the connection.

And for a few seconds there was silence, before it burst back into existence causing Saber and Kiritsugu to wince.

"Mongrel! You dare hung up on your King? Gkh…"

"Consider this my revenge and know I could do a lot worse," Saber growled back, his tone holding little respect for once. "But worry not, we're coming to help… for what little it may amount to."

"Archer, by my command seal I order you to return to your full strength!"

Tokiomi's words, coming over the connection made the blood freeze in Saber's veins.

And three different voices shouted some variation of, "Toshaka, stop!" over the connection.

And yet it was too late.

xxx

Ignoring the cacophony over the call. Tokiomi blinked and waited. A frown appearing on his face.

"My King?"

"Kiyaaa!" M-Master! It didn't work! It's not enough, please give me more~ Or call me to your side!"

"No! Tohsaka stop!" Saber roared, over the connection, and he scoffed. Did they take him for a fool? Of course he wouldn't.

"By my command seal, Archer, return to me!" he roared, watching as another sigil vanished from his arm and… Nothing. Gilgamesh was nowhere to be seen.

"Tohsaka…Lord Tohsaka! Please! Listen to me!" Saber pleaded, and with a cold pit forming his gut, Tokiomi did just that. "Gilgamesh has established communication with me just now, and says to stop listening to whomever is making you use up your seals."

Tokiomi scoffed. So they'd been lying and they were the ones who'd captured Archer after all.

"Nngh! Please, M-Master! It didn't work still, one more, just…one more~"

He frowned. "But, my King, if I do that, then—"

"Worry not, we can re-establish a contract afterwards. Just save me!"

The sense of wrongness intensified, and yet, he raised his arm yet, again, what choice did he have. Archer's words, made sense, and he needed to win this war, and so—

"Archer—"

"Stop you idiot!"

"By my command seal, break through your limits and return to me!" he roared.

And as the last seal in his hand faded to nothing dark laughter filled his mind and with a horrible start he realized he'd made a horrible mistake. After all, when had Gilgamesh ever deigned to call him 'Master' before?

"M-my King?"

The laughter intensified, and the connection cut off.

"Tokiomi you absolute imbecile!" Saber roared, and he had no rebuttal.

"I—"

The wards protecting his house burst like a soap bubble and a horrible maddening wail caused his world to turn white, an instant later he came to. Finding himself half bent over his desk. One shaking arm supporting his frame as droplets of red kept landing on his desk. His ears ringing.

"Rin…Aoi!" he croaked and pushed himself to unsteady feet, while the shadows of the room seemed to lengthen and the edges twist. Tokiomi rushed out of his study, in search of his family.

xxx

Saber, having snatched of the ahogephone from his Master's grasp, barely fought of the urge to crush it in his grip.

"Gilgamesh?" Kiritsugu asked.

"Gone." He shook his head. The connection cut off with the last seal and—"

A horrible sense of wrongness slammed into them, making the windows of the Castle rattle and burst.

Saber, took a step closer, and focusing, amplified the power of that authority. Mitigating the effects somewhat.

"What the—"

The wail reached them.

"Well, it seems, it's awake. Joy," Saber said, voice thick with sarcasm. He stared down at the phone in his hand. "Mhxa, you there?"

For a few seconds no answer came.

"Yes…" the girl replied and pre-empting his next caution she continued. "I'm ready to meet with you. But I was tending to my Master. Ensuring her protection the best I could. But under these circumstances, even my best… wards I believe you call them. Even the best, well…"

Ah.

Saber sighed. He understood all to well, Mhxa's worry. For Sakura, even if snatched somewhat early from the worm's grasp… Her time under him would make her especially vulnerable to the current circumstances wouldn't they.

His eyes met Kiritsugu's

Lovely.

In other words. Aside from his Master's two remaining seals they could count on no mid-combat boost. Just lovely.

"Master…"

"Yeah, Saber," he said, giving him a nod. "Let's swing by the armory and then go."

He followed after his Master, not replying or giving as much as an indication that he noticed the man's thoughts. For Kiritsugu was right. What could would an anti-material rifle and a couple tones of explosives be, even assuming they could haul them all, against such a foe?

xxx

Part of Sola wanted to be in awe, the rest of herself on the other hand, watching as Lord Lancer's hands danced through the air in a dizzying blur, lines of gold trailing behind them, rather wanted to scream and huddle down.

For the man seated on the middle of the car's backseat next to her, was almost dead to the outside world. Such being the depth of his concentration. With Sola, offering a steadying hand from time to time as Kayneth, busy driving jerked the vehicle hard in one direction, or the other, so as to avoid one of the hysterical drivers fleeing in no particular direction.

Such being the weight of the creature summoned that on those without a strong enough force of will, its mere existence being enough to activate the primitive part of the brain and overwhelm logical thought.

And they…she swallowed, glancing from Lancer to Kayneth and the road in front of them. They were driving straight towards it.

A hand touched, and her body blazed gold for an instant.

"Eh?"

Blinking, she watched as the colors faded back to normal and Lancer's hand left her, the man continuing to mutter before touching Kayneth next, and Sola had another opportunity to observe the effect of the Servant's actions.

"Ah… primordial runes," her fiancée muttered with a shudder. "Oh Lancer, I'd love to have an in depth discussion with you about them," he said, apparently discerning a deeper meaning from Lancer's actions.

Despite his focus, Lord Lancer snorted, and a hint of awareness seemed to return to him.

"You wouldn't like it," he said, shaking his head. "You'd have to apprentice under my Teach to learn anything, and she…" he stopped, shuddered and produced another couple long chains of runes before gradually stopping. "There," he sighed. "I've done all I can to protect you." He eyed both her and Kayneth. "At least on this short an amount. Sadly I'm constrained by my container, and can't do more. Not without a lot more time."

"Something is better than nothing, Lancer, especially against such a foe," her fiancée retorted, eyes on the road.

"Indeed. At any rate, this won't shield you from prolonged exposure or directly staring at it…not completely at least. And it depends on your own willpower, now, Master…"

Kayneth nodded.

"Go."

"See you in the halls of the brave," the man said with a wave and after glancing at her, and her midriff, causing her to fight a blush, for now was not the time— Lancer kicked the door of its hinges and leaped out, astralizing in the middle of it.

Sola, swallowing the sudden bout of nausea, as Kayneth fought with the wheel to steady the car, making them for a moment indistinguishable from the madmen around them, realized with a pout that Lancer hadn't been staring at her. Rather he was making certain she'd been wearing her seatbelt.

"Gae Bolg!" A distant roar split the night, overwhelming all the sounds around them.

The pained answering roar almost made her eardrums burst.

"Kayneth…"

"Steel your heart, dear," the man mumbled distractedly, gripping the wheel tightly enough for his knuckles to turn white. A small smile spread across her face.

xxx

The creature's roar, seemed to shake the heavens themselves, a part of Saber took offense at the notion.

But, he could be bothered about that later.

With Kiritsugu in his arm, or rather arm, and an oversized bag in his back, he leapt from building to building, before at last removing his right arm from Kiritsugu's back. The white glow around it subsiding.

"—and you swear to bring Justice? Fight for truth?" he asked, leaning hard on his other authority and letting the aria flow almost unconsciously out of him.

His Master, nodded. "I do," completing the pact.

"Then go forth my warrior, and strive for the victory of all that is good."

The air around them pulsed and the pact was sealed.

"That about does it, Master," he said with a sigh, leaping again and Kiritsugu moving about so that Saber was once again carrying the man in a bridal carry.

Well, he couldn't deny the man his desire for more comfort in this situation. It was likely they walked, or rather leaped to their doom after all.

Another roar split the night, this time stronger, forcing Saber to grit his teeth and with an exertion of will manifest his wings once more.

And fight against the buffeting gales seeking to cast him down as up ahead, a towering bulbous head rose above the surrounding buildings skyline, and they caught sight of their enemy at last.

But he would not fall!

Overcoming the enemy's might, Saber spied a familiar face a few dozens of meters ahead and with a flap of his translucent wings, sped towards her.

Lowering himself and Kiritsugu both a few dozens of meters from the start of the river's bridge.

"Ah. I see, you've come prepared," Mhxa said with a nod towards the bag around Saber's back before freezing. "I mean, humu! It is good to see you my loyal subjects, yes, humu!"

Saber blinked and frowned as his Master landed on solid ground again.

He opened his mouth before shaking his head. No. They had bigger fish…or rather octopuses to fry. He could deal with the girl's peculiarities later, assuming they survived.

"Saber, Mhxa," Kirititsugu said, voice cold. Calculating. "What do we know of the enemy's long term capabilities? Its range?" he asked, and Saber, after exchanging a look with Mhxa sighed.

"Not much, I'm afraid," he replied as another roar thundered all around them. "Apologies Master, but aside from the normal fog inherent in a summoning, the memories of past summonings are even more obscured," he said and Mhxa nodded across from him. "So, while I can tell I've fought against it and similar creatures in the past…the specifics are, blurry for lack of a better term."

He sighed and closed his eyes, before opening them and fixing them upon Kiritsugu's coal like ones.

"In short, and from what little I can remember, most of the myths have a grain of truth in them. The longer it's awake the stronger it'l get and—"

Kiritsugu held up a palm and sighed. "In other words these are about the worst engagement conditions we could have asked for, potential lethality at all ranges."

Saber shrugged. "Pretty much, sorry Master."

"Not your fault, Saber," Kiritsugu said and stared at Mhxa.

"No, I'm sorry…Humu. What Berserker says is pretty much correct and all I can tell you right now. Oh if only my altereactor was running at full power and Mha was here…" the girl muttered, eyes downcast and Kiritsugu sighed.

"Then, there's little reason to waste any more time. Saber, forget the explosives," the man said and Saber let the bag drop with a nod. "Proceed to engage the enemy. But, before you do so drop me on the roof of that building," Kiritsugu said, jamming his thumb at the building behind him, whose roof no doubt allowed direct line of sight towards the eldritch being.

His Master kneeled before the dropped sack and rummaged through it, retrieving a sniper rifle and—

"Gae Bolg!" a familiar voice echoed throughout the skies for the second time this night eliciting another pained roar from the abomination before a sound akin to a bomb going off make everyone stumble and Saber turned towards the bridge.

Watching as Lancer slammed into the bridge, making it bend and cave inwards, a hint of a tentacle visible for an instant and the reason for the man's flight. Before the whole structure broke under the strain of arresting Lancer's momentum.

Beginning to break and collapse.

Saber manifested his sword the same time as Mhxa summoned hers.

And they could only watch in horror as another tentacle whipped towards Lancer's distant immobilized form. Edge first. Seeking to bifurcate the man.

We can't lose the brat! Not now!

Prana begun coursing through Saber's limbs and body, but, it was futile, they wouldn't make it in time.

"Wololo!"

But salvation came from an unexpected source, with the crack of distant thunder. The clouds roiling above split apart, and Rider's grinning in his chariot, descended from the skies like his mythological father, a lance of gold lighting slamming down and out of view, drawing a pained roar while Rider, slammed his speeding chariot into the tentacle. Shearing it clean off and saving Lancer's life.

"Aaaaaaaa!"

And as Lancer finally managed to free himself and leap to safety with a nod towards Rider, Saber allowed his senses to slow down back to normal time… and catch the screams coming from Rider's panicking Master atop the man's chariot.

He snorted and turned towards Kiritsugu.

His Master, guns in hands, nodded, and Saber, glancing at Mhxa. Leaped atop the building, depositing his Master and leaping again with Mhxa alongside him as they headed towards the alien creature.

The creature's mental pressure was immense, and yet not something beyond what he could handle.

"Hiya!" an arching beam of gold flew from his side.

He gripped the pommel of his sword tighter, preparing to emulate Mhxa but before he could do so, Saber's eyes widened for he caught side of Lancer, knocked face down in the river's waters, helpless once again as a tentacle approached and Rider was too far away this time to help.

It would seem that Lancer once again did what he did best. Namely aggravate his enemy to no end and make them focus entirely upon him.

Pursing his lips, Saber diverted the energy he'd been building up for his own sword beam towards his wings and back, and with a startling explosion of energy and a pirouette, he dived towards the man in blue. Leaving behind a startled Mhxa.

xxx

He was superhuman yes, the fact had been true even before he'd become a Servant.

His heritage coupled with Teach's…gentle guidance, saw to that.

But even so…

He wasn't Scathach. Cu couldn't recover neigh instantaneously from such a blow, the second in such a short span of time at that.

And if his head could stop spinning and his limbs obey him, then he could try and do something about the approaching death his instincts screamed at him about.

"Lancer!" His Master's slow panicking voice was of little help at that.

Dammit. There was no way he was getting out of this, huh. And he rather doubted a command seal, or even three could fix him up…if half of him was gone.

Sorry, Master. I—

A familiar dragonic roar resounded in his ears and a brilliant golden glow erupted above Lancer, turning the night into day for but an instant.

And the blaring alarm coming from his instincts ceased.

"Get up," a gruff voice said, before reaching down and grasping him by his upper left arm. Yanking him upwards.

"You!"

"Yeah, me," the man Lancer was quite certain should be dead said with a nod. "Save your questions and you enmity both for later," the dragon said, making Lancer narrow his eyes.

What did he take him for? Gilgamesh? He wasn't a petulant child and could very well swallow his pride in the face of such a grave threat. As long as Abzu did not attack him first, he had little to fear for now.

"Of course, you overgrown lizard," he shot back. "But still, I will have you tell me how."

Saber roared, and swung his sword upwards, a golden arch flying upwards and flying true, making the approaching tentacle vanish, and the old one roar.

"You may try," the man said with a snort. "Now get your head back in the game, we need to kill this, and quickly."

Lancer snorted even as he nodded, and flung his right arm to the side, palm grasping and a heartbeat later, with the sound of an arrow flying true, felt the comforting texture of his thorn's shaft.

"That might be a tad more difficult than you hope for, pops," he said, watching as the man twitched and with a smirk at his victory faced towards the Priest. "I've been trying before you got here, not even my thorn was of much use." He pointed at the being, who was busy fending off Rider's assaults coupled with Berserker's mighty blasts.

"You see those holes?" he asked. "One of them almost healed? Well, they were bigger before. The bastard's healing, when he shouldn't."

Saber by his side, snorted.

"All I'm hearing are excuses, Lancer. I thought Scathach taught you how to handle your spear properly, did you forget your lessons? Or is it perhaps that aside from some excellent pull out game you never had much talent in the first place? Even a Legendary Teacher like her can only do so much with substandard materials after all."

Lancer gritted his teeth and gripped his spear hard enough to crack concrete.

"Bastard…"

The man was making it mightily difficult not to spear him.

But then again… Lancer did kill him.

"Buy me some time Lancer," Saber said with a sigh, his taunting air vanishing as he stared at the river's waters around them. "I have an idea."

Lancer blinked.

And snorted.

"Ahh, performance issues, got it. At your age it's not unheard off that it takes some time to get in the mood, so to speak. But I hear that the modern humans have invented a pill for it."

Saber gritted his teeth and flipped him the finger, before closing his eyes and focusing, the currents around them beginning to ripple.

Lancer grinned and headed towards the Priest of the old ones. Call him a bad student would ya?

"Whatever you're planning, just don't fire it at me!" he roared back as he ducked under a tentacle, and giving a nod to Berserker, the girl falling towards him, threw his spear beside the girl. Diverting a pulsating tentacle from whacking her away.

Cthulhu roared again, and turned dark beady eyes towards him, and Lancer, calling back his lance, waved with his free arm. A cheeky smile as he stood upon the waves.

"Hey~ Remember be? It seems that despite the tales told about you, you're not all that much at the end of the day," Lancer glanced lower and whistled. "Well, maybe you are, girth wise at least."

The beast roared, bat like wings flaring in anger and slammed down a palm at Lancer, the man jumping to the side, barely avoiding the massive stinky fist, he doubted he'd want to eat seafood for a while after this.

Still, with the massive fist so close to him, Lancer angled his spear just so, carving a thin upward line as he flew away from the monster. Making its ire grow and the priest to focus on him.

"Wololo!"

Right before Rider slammed his chariot into the creature's face, making its head jerk to the side with surprise.

Well, you got your distraction, hope whatever you're planning works.

A massive pressure begun building behind him. Making Lancer stumble upon the waves.

xxx

Saber payed little attention to the sounds of distant bullets.

For his Master's best attempts amounted to little at the end of the day.

The Priest caring little for the tiny bits of metal slamming into its massive frame.

"Saber, what are you doing?"

"Trying something and hope it works," he sent back and focused harder, deeper upon the waves around him. Examining, caressing, the streams of pure fresh water screaming at anguish upon the violations imposed upon their kin, touching the alien.

He beckoned, and kin recognizing kin and Master, the waves answered.

"At the beginning there was none."

xxx

For a moment everything and everyone stilled, pausing and turning towards Saber standing in the middle of the river, even Cthulhu pausing to stare with a certain amount of interest shining in its alien gaze.

"R-R-Rider, what is that? What is he doing?" his Master asked, voice in the grips of panic, and yet the boy remained firmly in control of his faculties. Even in the face of madness.

"Hiya!" clucking the whips again, guiding the chariot in an arc and preparing to ram it into the abomination, he too stared at the Primordial God.

"I suspect, Waver," he said at last. "That we're about to witness Saber's true power."

"Let us hope it is enough then."

"Yes…"

xxx

"But then, there flowed two," Saber…Abzu said, and his voice grew thick with emotion even as his aria continued. Memories of a pale white-haired woman and her smile flashing through his mind. "One the primogenitor of all life, another the father of all life," Saber continued and as waters flowed around him in an ever growing bubble he knew not where he begun or ended, not anymore.

And as the memories continued, he saw the dark times and his heart ached.

But if Tiamat could forgive their children so could he. And in that case—

"One the lord of the fresh the other of the salt," he rumbled, his voice bearing little resemblance to that of his human disguise shaking the world. "I, am Abzu, husband of Tiamat and Father of Creation, begone from my sight oh mongrel!"

The bubble burst, and with a world shaking roar, Abzu, the Father of Creation stood on four legs. Gazing the intruder on an even height.

His wings spread from corner to cornet, stretching past the river's banks, covering th the nearby buildings for close to half a mile while his tail stretched past the ruin bridge with span to spare.

Gkh… Not enough water, this…this isn't what I hoped for. But it would have to do, and he couldn't hope to ask his summoner for aid either, if his child even attempted to do so, the youth would crumble to dust and barely add a quarter of an inch to Abzu's height while his donated strength would be but a drop in the river that was He.

Still, it would have to do, for it was a father's duty to protect his children.

Massive, cross shaped pupils fell on Lancer.

Yes…even the annoying ones.

"I command thee, aberration," he boomed in a loud voice. "Kneel and be gone from my sight!" Abzu spoke, and leaped towards the creature. His jump causing a small tremor to the ground.

"Gwahahaha!"

Abzu's pupils dilated in fury, the Priest was…was laughing at him?

Slamming into the abomination and pushing it down on the ground, Abzu's maws opened wide and a torrent of white prismatic flame slammed down into its face, part of the flame splashing to the sides and charring the alien's wings. Making it squeal in pain and the dragon grin in satisfaction, before a mass of spun tentacles slammed into his sides, making him roar and cut the torrent short.

Growling, Abzu raised a paw, and brought it down in a furious slash, carving deep grooves into the beast's hide and eliciting a howl.

Not so tough now. Eh, fiend?

Alien eyes narrowing and before Abzu could react the beast rocked backwards, drawing its legs in and—

"Grah!" making Abzu howled as it kicked him in his gut, the force of the Priest's kick enough to sent Abzu's massive frame soaring through the air.

Fury ignited within him, and fighting through the pain, Abzu brought his wings close, and slammed downwards into the alien with a headbutt.

xxx

As the world continued to shake around them, courtesy of the titanic battle.

Sola, once again landed on her butt. And this time, chose to stay there. Her arse was hurting somewhat fierce from all the repeated falls after all.

"K-Kay…" she said with a whimper.

"I know, dear," he mumbled, standing next to her and gazing at the mayhem taking place in front of them.

"W-We'll win, right? Lord Lancer will prevail, right?" she asked with desperation, turning and clutching at her fiancee's trouser as she stared at him.

"Sola…if the dragon fails, I…I'm not sure what Lancer can do," Kayneth admitted at last, tearing his eyes away from the combat shaking the world and glancing at her, rubbing his eyes with a grimace as he did.

"B-but, Lancer is a demigod, right? He's been taught, by the Queen of the Shadowlands, that has to amount to something? R-right?"

Kayneth tried to smile and nodded, before sighing and sitting down next to her, hugging her.

"K-Kay?"

"You're right, of course, dear. Lancer, will win."

She bit her lip and through the haze a thought made her frown. "But, how is the dragon still alive?" she asked, bitting her lip. And turning to gaze at the battle again.

And blinked.

From somewhere far off, Kay sighed. "That I do not know, but it fortuitous that he did and it is a mystery best left for later, assuming we survive," he said and let go of her, running a hand through his slicked back blond locks. Disheveling them as he did.

She turned back towards the fight.

"But I doubt even Abzu's strength will be enough."

So majestic…

"Why?" she asked in a dream like voice.

"Simple, Sola, the water. The man…or rather God, is the lord and derives his strength from fresh water, and while the river is…was big," he said and Sola glanced at the dry riverbed, the roar in her mind quieting for an instant. "I doubt the amount of water was enough to give him enough strength. After all, God or not, he is still a Servant and thus his container must have at least some limitations."

"Ah…"

"Yes…" Kayneth said, and closed his eyes.

Eyes,eyes,eyes~

Sola stood on quiet feet and started walking towards the symphony~

"Mh, Sola where are—"

She giggled and, running down the banks sped towards the approaching pulsating mass.

"No!"

The scream full of desperation aimed at her managed to pierce though the haze if for a moment, and Sola begun to scream as the glistening tip was almost upon her and—

Strong hands pushed her to the side, driving the breath from her lungs and making her fall to the ground.

With a blink, and a realization of what just happened, Sola, her mind her own averted her eyes with haste from the Priest and the God and—

"Kayneth!" she screamed. Watching as her fiancée stood, impaled upon the tip, blood dripping down his chin.

"S-sola…r-run!" the man managed to gurgle and she screamed, leaping to her feet and approaching the tentacle with upraised arms, directing energy through her limbs and preparing to.

A hand that seemed to appear out of thin air held her back and a familiar red spear slashed down, severing the limb, eliciting a distant roar as Lord Lancer, grabbed both her and Kayneth and jumped further up the sides of the river, coming to a stop behind a small thicket of trees, their thick barks grouped together, enough to hide the battle taking place and its participants.

Breathing heavily, arms shaking, Sola watched as Lancer set Kayneth down, and lifting his spear directed the butt of it towards the pale man's gapping wound in the middle of his torso.

Starting to chant while also tracing runes with his free arm, a pale glow spreading from the rear of his spear and seeming to agitate the, hidden until now, mass of writhing darkness.

A splash of color returned to Kayneth's cheeks, and the man gave a chortling gasp, his eyes fluttering open, conscious once more.

"K-Kay!" she shouted, scrambling to her feet and making for her fiancée before stopping with a blink. For Lord Lancer, one arm casting the other on his spear, had raised one of his legs. Barring her way.

"Eh?"

"Don't come closer, my Lady," Lancer said with a shake of his head. "It's not safe."

"W-what?" she squawked. Turning furious eyes upon the Servant. "What do you mean its not safe? Its Kay! Lower your leg Lancer.

"You misunderstand me. It's not Master that has me worried, its what's swimming in his gut as we speak," the man said with a frown, but nonetheless lowered his limb.

Sola, gulping, eyed the seemingly living darkness with weary eyes.

"T-Then…you mean…"

"H-Hey, honey?" Kayneth's weak voice made her blink and focus upon his smiling face.

He shouldn't sound so weak!

"Y-Yeah?"

Her fiancée exchanged a quick glance with Lancer, the Servant after a brief scrunching up of his brows and a scowl nodding with reluctance and changing the cadence of his change and the runes traced.

"Come a tad closer," Kay said, and as she took another pair of steps, Kay's arm shot outwards, grasping hers and halting her in her tracks.

"Eh?"

And then Kay, voice weak, begun to chant and in a blink and a small hiss from Sola at the sudden intrusion of unfamiliar energy it was done.

Kay let his arm drop back down with a tired sigh, and Sola—

"No,no,NO!" she shouted in horror. Staring at the sigils in her hand. Refusing to accept what her soon to be husband's act meant. "Kay! No! Take them back!" she shouted and made to step closer and kneel by the blond's side, only for Lancer's leg to once again appear. Barring her way.

"Lancer…" she growled. Fire in her eyes. "Let me pass!"

But the Servant shook his head unrepentant.

"Nope, I can't do that, Master."

His words were like a punch to her gut.

She stared at Kay. Stared at Lancer.

An idea came to mind.

"Lancer!"

"Yes?"

"By my command seal, heal my husband!"

With a burst, the sigil faded and Lancer's limps tensed, new found power and direction coursing through his limbs.

"Master…you…" he gritted his teeth, but despite his growl, Kayneth seemed to breath a little easier.

xxx

"Gwahaha!"

The intruder's chuckles grated his ears.

And yet.

Panting and glaring at the alien, Abzu could do aught but take the moment to catch his breath while the Priest stood to its full height, cracking its neck and making his head tentacles quiver before raising a clawed hand and…

Abzu's claws digged into the dirt.

Did…did it just…

Taking the hand with which it scratched its peck, as if to remove a speck of dirt, the Priest extended a clawed finger and made a beckoning gesture.

Abzu saw red and with a roar, kicked off against the ground, breathing prismatic fire down at the monster again.

But unlike before, only a grunt of discomfort came from the alien's eyes, the beast enduring it and as Abzu approached, it shifted its stance and.

"Gkah!" Abzu felt his left leaving his lungs as the Priest's punch blew him backwards and with it, his fraying control over his form cracked, his majestic shape fracturing like a mirror, the waters composing him bursting apart and Saber landed with a pained cry in the moist dirt. Digging a deep trench and then, the remaining waters that were he but a moment prior splashed down into the dry river. Burying Saber and drenching parts of the surrounding area.

"Saber?"

"M-Master?" he sent back with a groan, pushing himself free and with tired strokes breaking through to the surface of the somewhat reinvigorated river, much as he wanted to rest and recover beneath the waves.

"It didn't work."

Bitting back several choice explicits, and reigning back the fading dragonic instincts, Saber opted to sent back a mere. "I'm aware."

"Mmh. My bullets aren't of much help," Kiritsugu sent back, either not noticing or not caring for his mood, while above Saber, the alien threw its head back, a roar of triumph heralding the doom of this world leaving its lips. "Do you have any other plans?"

Above, the clouds hiding the sky cleared and the distant stars glimmered with an evil aura. Starting to…to move.

"Shit!" he sent, flapping his reformed wings and rising to the air, clutching his sword in trembling hands.

"Saber?"

"The sky, Master."

"Ah…"

"Yeah, we're running out of time. As for idea, I have a few but…I'm not sure what help they would be. Not as long as I can't use my true power."

"…and without all three seals, even the gamble of incarnation is out of reach," His master added. For even if they were sure it would have worked, after last night, the option was forever out of reach.

"Gwahahaha!" The priest's tentacles rushed forth, and Saber pushed tired muscles beyond their limits, hastening to deflect each strike.

"Gkh!"

Managing to do so, by the skin of his teeth, but, trapped under the endless onslaught, he could do naught as the alien took a step forth, and then another, and then, a massive fist rocketed forth.

Slamming into Saber like a cannonball into the left river bank, embedding him deep.

"Gwahahaha!"

The tired Servant struggling to pull himself free as the Priest raised an arm high and eldritch energies begun forming into a ball. A ball that he no doubt intended to—

"Cross-Calibuuuuuur!" a familiar voice roared, and from behind the massive beast a beam almost as big as it slammed into its back.

Causing the alien to lose control of its ball of death, the energies destabilizing, causing to disappear into nothing and with a roar, it took a stumbling step forward before whipping about in rage, turning to face Mhxa only for—

"Wololo!" Rider to slam into its head yet again, causing the Priest to bend forward with a pained roar…right into the path of another round of Mhxa's noble phantasm.

Its back leg skidding backwards, the giant swayed, and then tumbled backwards.

Cratering the ground and some of the nearby buildings with it's arms as it lay in a momentary daze.

"Hiya!"

Saber, managing to stand on recovering feet, tensed as Rider and his chariot gunned straight towards him.

Was he intending to fight now of all times—

But, luckily that didn't seem to be the case, for crackling the reins and tugging at them, caused the pair of black horses to neigh and turn to the left slightly, the chariot coming to a stop right next to Saber.

"Well met, friend," the massive man said with a grin and made a beckoning gesture. "Hop on."

"R-R-Rider!" the young teenager shouted in worry, and the two Servants snorted in tandem.

"Now this might not be my place," Saber said, taking the proffered muscles limb and allowing it to pull him on the chariot. "But, did anyone tell you that your Master is a bit of a scaredycat?"

Rider blinked, and as the youth's mouth fell open, he started to laugh even as with his other arm he urged the horses forward.

"Bwhahaha!" the man said as they took to the skies. "You're not wrong, friend."

Apparently though, his Master took exception to that. "R-Rider! What, why? A-are we not enemies?"

Glancing at his Master as Saber's arm held the rim of the chariot in a deathgrip, the redhead…slapped the youth's head.

"R-rider!"

"Master," the large man said with a sigh as they flew over the large body that was beginning to stir, approaching the blonde from a distant future, the woman catching sight of them from below. "This is a bit more important then the Grail," he said and the youth flushed red, looking down on the chariot's floor. "But, worry not, once we win this we can go right back to killing one another, bwahahaha!"

"Y-Yeah! That's the spirit," the kid said, smiling and pumping his fist. "R-Rider…" and then the rest of his Servant's words hit and he paled. "Eep!"

"Bwahaha!"

Even from this far up, Saber, with his enhanced vision could clearly see, Mhxa, squat, tense her muscles and jump.

"Hiya!" with Rider, catching on, directing his chariot to slow and move right underneath the girl's path. Or rather, as Mhxa reached the crest of her jump and begun falling, the downward part of said path.

"Salutation," the girl nodded as she perched on the rim in front of them, her eyes catching his. "H-humu!"

Underneath, a massive clawed limb, dug into the dirt and concrete, beginning to push.

Saber sighed. "So, how do we kill it?" he asked before frowning. "And where's Lancer?"

At that, Rider's shoulder slumped.

"Lancer is…indisposed at the moment," Rider said with a sigh of his own. "I caught sight of him earlier, during your big battle, his Master was wounded and he is tending to him. As for how to banish the abomination…" he shrugged again. "I have no idea."

For a moment they remained silent. If nothing else, this break allowed Saber to recover some measure of strength. But still…

"I might have an idea," Mhxa said, and her eyes glinted. "But it rather depends on you," the girl said, pointing a finger at Saber.

"How so?" he asked with a blink.

xxx

His Master…or rather, his now ex Master's outlook did not look good.

That was despite his best efforts, and powered by a command seal at that to boot.

But, as the grail put it 'dem's the breaks'. Perhaps if he'd been summoned as a Caster he could have done more, but even managing this much was a small miracle in and of itself.

Mostly thanks to Teach's Runes.

But that wasn't the problem.

Pausing for a tiny instant in his chanting, a small sigh left his lips as he resumed and eyed the woman, seeming to move in slow motion, vibrating and twitching as she did.

The problem was that his new Master, despite her earlier words and standoffish behavior apparently cared a great deal in regards to Kayneth. And so, as he watched her start to raise her arm again, a suspicion as to what she planned he slowed down his perception again, halting his chanting for a moment. Not like it would matter much in the long run anyway.

"It won't work," he said.

"W-what?" Sola asked, wide eyed as she turned, palefaced towards him.

"Using another seal to help Master—Kayneth," he amended. "It won't be of any further use."

"But—what, what do you mean of no further use?!"

He internally winced. Idiot!

"Simply that, a single seal already pushed my limits as far as they could go. Nay, past my limits in fact. So, another won't be of much use."

"B-But, they're small miracles, surely they can be of some help and—"

Much as it pained him to do so to a fair maiden, he shook his head. Watching the woman's hopes crumble.

"Nay, Master, it won't," he said, voice turning gentle. "They are 'miracles' yes, but 'simple' ones. And as such, in the same way they won't be able to force a warrior who had no means of flying to do so, neither can they make me eliminate this darkness. For even in my Caster form at my core I'm a warrior, not a healer. I have an understanding of the art but beyond that…" he shrugged.

"No…"

"H-hey, Lancer?" the blond's weak voice drew his blinking eyes.

"Yes, Master—Kayneth?" The man stared at him with a blazing intent. "W-why don't we run, and let the Counter Guardians deal with the whole mess?"

Lancer's brows furrowed, and he bit of the instinctive retort aching to fly past his lips.

For if the man knew that much, then he should know why it was foolish to suggest it in the first place. No. The blond was many things, but not a fool. Not to that extent at least.

If only they still had the Master-Servant connection.

The man's gaze grew sharper despite his face turning even more white, and his eyes fleeted to the side in a blink and you'll miss it moment. Too fast for a human but not for a Servant and he had his answer.

"Really, Master…Kayneth," he said with a sigh, continuing the pointless attempt at healing the man, his spear's shaft glowing again as he run his free hand through his hair.

A step to his side, Lady Maiya blinked and the despair seemed to lessen as she focused on their conversation.

Good. Then, once again misidentifying the blond as his 'Master' did the trick. Giving her hope.

"If you're aware of that much then you should know why that is a foolish idea."

"Err, Lord Lancer, what are you talking about?" the woman timidly asked and Lancer's tense muscles relaxed. Good, she chose the right moment. For Kayneth, according to his spells, had trouble working his lungs, courtesy of the rot. So, an extended conversation would be…inadvisable.

Outside, he rolled his eyes.

"Kayneth here just proposed something very foolish."

"Pardon?"

He sighed. "He said to let the Counter Force deal with the problem, something…foolish to say the least."

"Err, what is the Counter Force?"

He side-eyed the woman. "Normally, I'd say nothing you need to concern yourself with, but given the circumstances a meeting might be unavoidable. Even if it is inadvisable."

The girl cocked her head, even more confused, but her mind also a tad less fixated on the dying blond.

"Suffice to say, Master, the Counter Force is humanity's cleanup crew, an assortment of Heroic Spirits sent in when all other hope is lost to deal with whatever mess is at hand."

Sola's eyes brightened, renewed hope filling them. "Then—"

"No."

"But—"

"Master, I can tell what you're thinking and no, they won't be of help to us. If events reach the point where they intervene, well…" like a light-bulb coming on, a flash of inspiration raced through Lancer's mind and he had it. "Once its members come, they make sure to remove every trace of the problem," who would have thought that the grail's insistence of cramming modern crap into his head, including stuff his Master and his retinue, namely Sola, were interested in, would come in handy. "Master, think of the Counter Force like the Grey Knights, and all of us, bystanders next to the a demonic invasion."

Sola blinked and then— "W-W-What?" she stuttered, flushing crimson. "L-Lancer! How do you know about my miniature collection and…" the girl trailed off, the rest of his words hitting her and she paled. "Oh."

"Yeah," he said. "But fret not, I'm sure that things will turn out alright and—"

A frankly, unacceptable, amount of mana slammed down into Lancer and the two humans with him.

He spun his neck, cranking it upwards and to the side, seeking the source and his mouth flew open as he found it, floating sky high.

The good news was that the source of the power was not the alien.

On the other hand…

"High Servant?" he muttered, eyes wide. That explained many things. But still… "That's bullshit!" he roared while above the figure, golden clouds covered the sky. Clouds which flashed with thunder and within which a thousand thousand figures could be seen.

xxx

"It is simple, humu," Mhxa said. "You're certain that the bimbo was abducted, yes?"

Saber bit his lip to stop the chuckle from escaping.

Mhxa and Gilgamesh…they truly got along like oil and water, eh?

"Yes, I'm sure, we talked and she informed me herself."

The girl arched an eyebrow.

"And you're sure it wasn't a similar case to Tokiomi?"

"Yes, let's just say her behavior could be nothing else other than the real deal."

The girl nodded. "Just making sure, good, in that case I have an idea."

"Hmm, mind filling the rest of us in?" Rider asked, urging the horses forward.

Saber quickly summarized the situation as Mhxa, leaning to the sides peppering golden death at the alien below.

"Mmh, that is grave news," Rider said, rubbing a hand through his beard. "What then, little Miss is your plan?"

"I'm not little, humu!" the girl said, stomping a foot on the metal railing. "You're all too big!"

"Yes, yes, as you say," Rider replied with an indulging smile and Saber realized that even in the midst of deathly combat, the ancient conqueror was not above getting his digs in where he could. It would seem that he was somewhat miffed at his treatment last night, courtesy of Mhxa.

"Hmf!" the girl crossed her arm with a sniff. "If what Berserker says is true—"

Rider and Waver's eyes shot towards him and he quickly mouthed 'don't ask' and they nodded. Both of them smart enough to the get the hint.

"Then, the creature is yet to be fully summoned."

Rider pointed upwards.

"Its working on rectifying that."

"Yes," Mhxa said. "But, until it does, it owes its current and continued existence to some artifice of Caster, using the bimbo as a power source no doubt."

"Then…" Waver's young voice drew their gazes, the youth's brows scrunched up in thought. "What you hope to achieve is to dislodge its anchor in this world, causing its grip to falter and lead to its incarnation's dissolution?"

"…H-humu, yes Quite."

Saber blinked, it would seem that the would be Lord El Melloi's analytic skills were potent from a young age.

The boy's frown deepened. "But, to do so it would necessitate a strike of tremendous power,"

"Yes," Mhxa nodded and pointed at him. "That's why I hope Berserker can go Kaiju once more and blast it with his full power."

Saber frowned and shook his head. "I'm afraid not," he said and watched as hope vanished from Mhxa's eyes. "I'm running on fumes, and besides there is not enough water for me to transform again."

He paused.

Rider noticed.

"Saber?"

"Master, what do you think?" he asked, sending a stupid idea downstream their connection. And felt Kiritsugu's slight shock.

"I don't like it," the man sent back. "For it would mean—"

"That all cards are on the table, yeah. But what choice do we have?"

The connection remained silent for a few seconds. "Would it work?"

"Can we afford not to try?" he sent back, receiving a tired sigh laced with acceptance in return.

"Do it."

From afar, something pulsed, and Saber felt his strength return.

He grinned.

"Mhxa?"

"Yes?"

"About your plan, the overwhelming firepower part? Consider it covered."

The girl and Rider blinked, sensing his restored energy.

"Hooo? Did your Master…"

"Yes," he nodded and Mhxa perked up.

"Then you'll go full Kaiju again?"

"No."

"But—"

"Not enough water, but worry not, for I have a few other aces up my sleeve."

A smile spread across the girl's cheeks, a smile so pure that for a moment Saber wanted to reach out and squish those cute cheeks.

Twitching he repressed his fatherly instincts once again. Glad that Tiamat wasn't around, for Mhxa would never escape her embrace.

"But…"

They all turned towards the boy again. "For your plan to work, you would not only need to hit it with a tremendous force but you'd also have to shift its grip from the world. The easiest being by shifting it into another realm, like say, the reverse side, or a reality marble."

Mhxa nodded. "Humu, yes," and stared intently at him. Saber raised his arms.

"Don't look at me, I said I have a couple of aces up my sleeve, not that I can open a portal to the reverse and I don't have a marble."

"Oh…"

"If another realm is what you need…" Rider's voice drew their gazes and the man smirked, letting go of the reins with one arm and jamming a large thumb towards the middle of his chest. "Then I've got you covered, bwahaha!"

Waver's eyes flew open.

"Rider! No! If you do that—"

"I know, Master," the large man said. "I was not merely a Conqueror in my life, but also the incarnation of Horus and had some of the brightest teachers from round the world. I might not have pursued the path of magic, but I know."

"B-But then…"

The giant cuffed him on the head again. "Master. Waver, a true King walks his path without fear or doubt. And does whatever needs be done for the sake of his subjects."

"Humu, correct."

A suspicion formed in Saber's mind. But there was naught to be done.

"Y-yes, you're right, my King," Waver said, rubbing his eyes with his sleeve.

"So, we're in agreement then?" He asked, gazing from Mhxa, to Rider and yes, even Waver.

Receiving nods, the man took a step backwards, and flared his wings. Jumping to the sky while the chariot raced away from him, and soon, Mhxa's tiny form jumped away as well, holding the boy in her arm as she fell towards one of the river's banks.

Sighing, Saber rose and rose. Until he was closer to the few scattered clouds than to the earth.

Throwing his left arm sideways, his trusted companion manifested, and with another shake, the ever-present field of concealing water fell apart.

Revealing a magnificent blade. One imparted to him by the very King he now hoped to save.

Looking at the distant figure standing tall below him, the creature not moving, content to merely gaze back, its alien eyes filled with malice, for it knew that time was its ally.

Saber nodded and brought his pale blade in front of his face, grasping it with both hands and thrusting it upwards, as if it be both a signal of hope and a key unlocking the gates of Heaven.

And in this case.

A Golden radiance erupted from the blade, one mixed with a soft White one.

He pulled on his other two authorities, the ones relevant in this case, before pausing and for the heck of it throwing the other one as well. It wouldn't be of much help in this case, but then again, his own status as an outsider might prove of use.

"Hear me," he spoke, calm, pure and slow. And his voice spread like a crystal throughout the lands below.

"I, am the one entrusted to protect this world, this garden. Enemies of the world beware." Clouds rumbled above him, as with each word leaving his lips, the wind picked up and more and more of the golden clouds covered the sky. Concealing the shifting stars. "From the Garden to Babylon itself, I hold the sword," he said and his blade erupted into gales of fire. "Merodach, the blade of selection, and the instrument of doom for those impure and unjust."

Saber thrust Merodach down, pointing its blazing tip downwards, at the aberration and its mocking eyes.

"To some I'm known as Marduk the defender," he said and then spread his wings wide. A blinding white radiance flaring from them as they shifted.

The devil below him shifted, realizing its mistake too late.

"And I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth:" he proclaimed in a musical voice while above him in the clouds, a host of a thousand thousand of his kin awaited. "And there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince!"

The Angelic choir above him intensified, and Michael, the field commander of the Army of the Lord and protector of Babylon both swung his sword in a downward arc, his dove white wings spreading white from blessed pinions while above, his Father's host lend him their strength, their might joining with his as their powers joined and the Archangel's beam, humbly accepting the gift of his brethren spun into a magnificent golden-white drill which pierced through the creature.

Its howl of true agony filling Michael with righteousness.

"Altereactor, full power! Cross….CALIBUR!" a second sun lit the night as the child of the future lent him her full might, further damaging the creature.

"Wololo!" and the Archangel saw the misguided pure soul ram his vessel into the weakened devil, engulfing it in his heathen powers and absconding with it in his inner realm and Michael thanked his Father for the sight served as much balm to his soul.

A moment later, the world trembled. And shook once more before on the wind, Michael could hear the planet's flow relax, akin to a relieved breath at something foul being removed and the weight pressuring against existence itself vanished.

Michael, raised his sword to the Sky, and with its tip glinting, bid farewell to his kin.

His brethren departing with a farewell choir while, his Lord and Father answered his plea and prayer both, the golden clouds intensifying and even as his kin disappeared from within a soothing purifying rain begun. Cleansing the land and its residents both.

Michael sighed and the radiance surrounding him burst. His wings turning back to streams of water while a deep wariness spread across his limbs, and glancing at his sword he did not even bother to conceal it with water once again.

For the cat was out of the bag so to speak, and besides, he very much lacked the strength to do so at the moment.

Despite the situation, a chuckle escaped unbidden from his throat.

Who would have thought that Gilgamesh's meddling would provide their key to victory.

After all, who else could somehow conflate the myths and legends of Abzu, Marduk, and an Archangel from a religion yet to be into a single package, all tied to a dimensional traveler named Michael, creating…well, him.

He chuckled again and darkness creeped from the edges of his vision, and he fell like a rock, his senses returning with him but a few dozen meters from the ground. A few desparate flaps of his mostly gone wings being the sole reason that Michael landed with a pained groan deep into the dirt instead of going straight into Eresh's embrace.

A slow pulsing came from straight ahead, and the amalgam known as Michael, lifted his head from the once again thoroughly dried riverbed, spitting a bit of dirt while up ahead a small dark orb pulsed into existence.

One that rapidly grew until it came to be the size of a small house and then, popping, revealed the existence of a bound Gilgamesh with a frothing Caster by her side.

"Oh…that's some bullshit," Saber managed to say, and then, Michael's face landed once again into the wet loam and he knew no more.

xxx

"No, no, NO!" Gilgamesh, straining against her bonds watched as the by now utterly unhinged madman raved and paced this and that way in front of her. "This cannot be, cannot be!" he said, squirming in a revolting fashion, one hand running through his oily hair, the other still on the pulsating orb.

The mongrel's eyes landed on her and he stilled.

"But…all is not lost. Yes… Worry not Jeanne~" the man said with a pure smile, one which, knowing the mind behind it her made the King want to gag in disgust. "We can try again, and this time we'll get it right and—"

An arching stream of pale tendrils of lightning slammed into the King's prison, evaporating it and causing Gilgamesh to land on her feet, with but a thought, her destroyed armor manifesting around her even if she was drained so.

Caster paled as she took a step forward.

"W-w-what? No! Stay back, Jeanne! This is not yet the time for—Gargle!"

And then, pausing, she crossed her arms and watched as the man, gazed with a stupefied expression at his chest, and the humming blade piercing through him. His eyes met that of the King again.

"Jea—" and then, the girl from last night swung her sword upwards and then downwards, silencing the pest at last, as the bifurcated pieces dropped to the side. Vanishing before hitting the ground, the orb rolling away.

"Hmf!" Gilgamesh snorted, eyeing the short idiot. "The King had everything under control."

"Sure you did."

"Nonetheless, the King thanks you for your intent if nothing else," she waved an arm dismissively. "The King, after breathing clean air again is in a great mood. So, begone and be thankful you live another night," she said, turning away from the irritant, eyes landing on her Queen, and the King's lips curled into a slow gentle smile.

For even bound as she was, due to their proximity she could see him as her dragon fought for her. His King!

Such loyalty was to be commended, and was worthy of reward.

"Yes," she nodded. "The King had decided on a fitting reward," she said and took a step towards the unconscious man.

"What are you doing?" the idiot asked, the sound of the girl's sword scything through the air causing Gilgamesh to pause and turn.

"That rather depends on if you have a brain in between those ears of yours, woman," she replied, arching an eyebrow. "And if you do, I would think it prudent to point that toy elsewhere."

"I think not."

"Hoh?"

"For he is my ally, and a powerful ally he is, one that I will not yield to the likes of you…" the girl nodded to herself, and an evil grin spread across her cheeks. "Hag."

Gilgamesh twitched…and smiled.

"Mmh~ Is that so, then be glad mongrel. For the King, in her infinite mercy had decided to grace your last moments with your splendor," she said and dozens of portals opened behind and around her.

Not her best. Not even close.

But, judging by the idiot's frantic gasps for breath, she was far from said best as well.

Gilgamesh raised her arm, pointing with her index towards the blonde and prepared to fire but then, her instincts, even as suppressed as she could make them screamed at her and she jumped back.

"Tsk!"

And watched as veritable tide of dark skinned pests descended upon the battlefield, filling it with bone-white masks as far as she could see.

Ducking another Assassin's blow, seeking to strike from her blindspot, she jumped, and to her appreciation, saw that the idiot had the same idea, landing next to her. The blonde's back flush against hers.

And then the army descended upon them.

They should've been nothing but a fleeting amusement.

A group of irreverent and irrelevant pests.

And yet…

With her weary limbs and empty reserves, they proved more of a match to the King then they should have ever dared dream off.

Still, even as her portals, started to fade one by one, even having to crush a few of the upstarts with her fist. The idiot behind her did her job well, culling the army of Assassins down a dozen few.

And so, even with only three portals remaining. They'd make short work of them and—

Spying a female assassin, surrounded by a trio of her kin rushing away, with a mental flick, she skewered the trio.

Watching as her portals winded down to one.

"Tsk!"

Still, more than enough for the job, but—

Her senses blared again, and she blinked in confusion. Nobody was near them or…

Ignoring the gurgle from behind her, as the King's blonde companion sliced through a pair of assassins she glanced to the side and froze for half a heartbeat.

For above her Queen, seven assassins stood poised. Ready to plunge their daggers into him and end his life.

"No!" she roared and with taxed muscles jumped towards the group, making its members twitch. And thrust downwards.

From behind her, Berserker burst into motion, passing by Gilgamesh, ramming into a pair and dragging them away even as the girl's blade ended her life.

And from somewhere far away a twin pair of gunshots rang, blowing through the skulls of another pair of assassins.

As for the rest…

Gilgamesh, still roaring, fired of her last one remaining portal, pushing past her limits and dismissing her armor, another golden portal popping into existence and the spear flying from it disintegrating another assassin.

But then, there was one.

And his spear continued to descend.

Removing every conjured item from her self, the King pushed the gathered mana behind her, accelerating minutely, but enough to interpose herself between the body of her Queen and assassin's dagger.

"Gkh!

The blade digging into the sides of her gut, but stopping there.

"You cur," she said with a blood filled smile. You dare strike at your King?" she asked, and as the wide eyed man let go of his blade, starting to move upwards, the King's left arm shot forth, bursting through the upstart's ribcage and through to the other side and Gilgamesh startled.

"Eep!"

Falling backwards in surprise, dragging the vanishing man with her, for just as she punched through him. The idiot, believing her to be defenseless had apparently decided to throw her sword, through the man's head.

"You fool!" she roared, turning her head and glaring at the approaching offal as she lay atop her Queen. "I needed not your help for—"

The girl's silence coupled with her pointed arm made her pause and turn, noticing that in the vanishing assassin's arm, a hidden blade lay.

"…I see."

Perhaps dying would not be such a bad idea if the alternative was that King owed a favor, nay her life to the idiot!

xxx

Reality popped and Lancer breathed a sigh of relief.

"L-Lord Lancer?" his Master's hopeful tone caused him to smile and nod.

"Yes. We've won, or rather, Abzu, Rider and Berserker secured said victory for us," he elaborated, his smile dimming while his pride as a warrior rankled.

But, more important than his bloodlust were his duties to his Master and ex-Master both. Namely keeping them safe to the best of his abilities and winning the grail for them.

"Then, Kayneth will be alright then, yes?" He turned away from the tremulous smile and the eyes on the verge of tears.

The visage of the pale, too pale man at his feet did not paint a good picture.

He pursed his lips.

The writhing essence had slowed, yes, as if wounded greatly by its master's disappearance but it'd yet to be gone entirely. Lancer suspected it was drawing sustenance, at least in part, from Kayneth itself. And so, it was unlikely it would expire before the blond did.

Still, Lancer maintained his spell of restoration, still, he fought. Even if it was for naught.

For Lady Sola's sake at least.

"…Oh." The woman inferring some idea of his thoughts courtesy of their new bond and his silence both.

The sounds of distant clashes reached them for a few seconds and then all was quiet again. Aside from the near and far alarms and screams of the normal humans that is.

He glanced at Kayneth.

The man was beyond his skill in healing, yes. But then again…

"Master?" he said, standing tall.

"L-Lancer?"

"I have an idea," he said. "Now, don't get your hopes up, for its just as likely to lead to my doom and your defeat as it is likely to bear fruit, but, do you wish for me to try it?"

Her tearstricken eyes blazed with an iron will.

"The Grail is Kayneth's fancy, not mine, if your idea can save my husband?" the girl said, forgetting their status for a moment. "Then, do it! Screw the Grail! Save him and keep yourself safe!"

Lancer nodded, and leaning back down, chanted for a few moments, Kayneth's breathing slowing and stilling.

"Lancer!"

"Worry not, I merely halted time for him and placed him in a trance, but neither will last long," he said standing back up, and with a last nod to the woman jumped, heading towards the dry riverbed.

Fleeting images of limbs restored and a dragon who continued to live even when he by all rights shouldn't, dancing through his mind.

With Lancer hoping beyond hope, that his suspicions and the man's legend would prove enough.

xxx

She was alone.

For the first time in a long time, and due to the nature of her existence as a Servant, she was, alone.

Assassin, warred against a fleeting, desperate urge to hug herself and cry like a child.

She should be glad, for whether she was or wasn't the original Hundred faces Hassan of old, she, as she was now could at last, if so desired achieve her dream.

That of being a true Hassan, one not plagued by doubt and fear.

And yet…

She was alone. The last. All that remained.

"Mmh~ Is it done?" landing in front of him and kneeling, she fought the urge to shiver and gave a small nod.

"Yes, Master," she said, and lowered her eyes, offering her arm to her Master…and the revolting orb held within.

"Ah~ It is even more beautiful then I could imagine," the man cooed.

She should be glad, she was at last normal, so why was all she could feel—

"With this, our victory is assured," the man said with a smile. "Rise, Assassin," he said, voice and visage mockingly kind and she did as requested. "Look," she turned and gazed out across the rooftop and at the destroyed river and bridge, and more importantly the wounded city on both sides. "It was truly a glorious sight," the man said and she shivered. "Rejoice, Assassin, for the end approaches," the priest said, and spending a few more moments staring at the ruins, the small fires and hearing the sirens and the cries, spun around and with a revolting cackle made for the rooftop's door.

She followed obediently, the question still burning in her mind.

If she was normal, why was the only thing she could feel a profound sense of loss?

xxx

Yes, perhaps it would not be such a bad idea to return to the Throne and rest. Across the infinite timelines she would surely get her chance to claim her Queen. Yes. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

"Oh, you're fading, huh?" the idiot's voice caused her to twitch and with a scowl, verify that yes, she could almost see through her arm. "Well that's to be expected without a Master to anchor you in place."

At the girl's words, the King stilled.

"Servant! Answer me!" she roared down the mental path, the equivalent of static flowing back and the sensation of a terminated connection.

She side-eyed the blonde and pushed to her feet, clutching in her arms her unconscious Queen.

Was Berserker responsible for this—

No. Asking would be worthless, for either the idiot was responsible, or if she wasn't then she'd no doubt know little. What with that empty space between her skull.

No. Holding her Dragon close, ready to react at a moments notice to any follow-up towards him. Gilgamesh reached out with, expending the fumes that passed for her reserves at the moment and with her sight peered beyond the confines of time and space.

Her clairvoyance sputtering out in a heartbeat, but even that being enough for the King's purposes.

"Tokiomi you fool," she growled, clenching her arms.

"Ugh."

And causing Michael to groan, starting to come to.

"Look at what you made me do, Berserker," she said.

"Eh?"

"The King only engages in consensual Bdsm!" she said and Mhxa blinked at her in a deadpan, the emotion seeming to somehow emanate from the banana looking item the girl held in her hand.

"Yes, you're still just as much a bimbo and an idiot as I thought," the idiot nodded, making the King twitch. "So, shoo!" the girl said, planting her sword in the ground and making a dismissive motion with her freed arm. "Go on, disappear and don't let the airlock blow you back in."

The King could feel a vein throb in her temple and her eye twitch.

"Oho? Is that right?" she hissed with a dark grin. Screw going back to the Throne! She would not let Berserker have this!

But…

She pursed her lips.

She was dry.

Oh if only she could access her treasury, then she could…

Gilgamesh froze, her head swiveling towards her Queen and she grinned.

"W-why are you smiling?" the blonde asked, nervous all of a sudden.

"Hm~ Wouldn't you like to know~" she said, and with that, listening to her instincts and her all but faded sight. Begun dancing with her Queen. Making Mhxa gawk, mouth open just as the King hoped, and then, spinning them both with taxed if still superhuman muscles, she came to a stop with her Queen in front of her, the man's back facing towards a distant cluster of buildings and then…

She kissed him.

"Eh? No!" the shout from behind her was asking to sweet music to her ears. "I wanted Abzu to be mine! For 10 years at least!"

xxx

Michael came to a sensation of something soft and wet invading his mouth, swiveling around, his own tongue reflexively responding while at the same time…

Why did he taste blood?

His eyes flew open and he found himself standing atop the dry riverbed. Mhxa staring wide eyed at him from further up back while the woman kissing him was none other than…

Oh.

The hypnotic red eyes staring deep into his soul caused his eyelashes to flutter, and for a moment, Michael forgot everything and everyone, closing his eyes and leaning into the kiss.

But then, the twin prinpricks piercing and tugging at his lower lip made his eyes fly open in surprise.

The hell? Is she…is she a vampire? Was his first delirious thought, while the woman whose arms were wound around his waist seemed to guess at his thoughts and the blonde's eyes creaked in amusement, and with a wink, she pulled back, breaking their liplock and removing her right arm from his side.

"Saber!"

"Master?"

"Move either to your left or your right, I don't have a clear shot."

But in the time it took to process this, Gilgamesh's aura came to a stuttering start, the woman shuddering in his arms, making him frown at how weak it is.

Gilgamesh licked her lips and from behind her, Mhxa started to move towards them, sword gripped tight but it was too late, for right next to the King's right arm, a tiny portal opened and from it an ancient cup fell into the hand of the divine woman in his arms.

One that flooded the are with potent mana, making his knees wobble while from behind Gilgamesh, Mhxa stumbled and gasped.

"I-is that—"

With lightning fast movements, the blonde raised the cup to her bloodstained lips and drained the liquid from within, with the cup itself glowing white right after.

The woman exploded into a corona of energy, the force enough to push Michael back and away from her.

The instant he did, the sound of a bullet reaching his ear, aiming straight for the center of the glowing woman's torso, and yet, failing to do anything other than ricochet with a metallic clank.

"Cross-slash—hrk!"

Mhxa, not one to let go of an opening tried, and failed to slash Gilgamesh, only managing to get her sword caught in one glowing arm, while its twin hoisted the future girl from the throat.

And the, Gilgamesh, letting go of the sword, moving faster than he'd ever saw her move, punched the girl with that said arm! Blowing her a dozen or so meters backwards.

Before turning and facing him, the glow finally dying, revealing the Golden Beauty once again clad in her pristine armor, patting the front of it so as to remove a scuff of dirt, courtesy of Kiritsugu's bullet.

A triple staccato reached Saber's ears and a blink later, Gilgamesh moved. Tilting her head to the side and letting the bullet pass her by and cause her locks to whip about while for the other two, her arm flashed upwards, slapping one to the side and catching the other.

The woman examining it with a curious eye, before with a scoff and an eyeroll flicking it to the side.

"Ahh~ Perhaps I should have done this from the start~" The woman said, tone delighted, working out the kinks in her neck and rotating her shoulders. "Yes," she nodded "I'm sure now that I should have." She murmured as her eyes fell upon him while her power continued to grow and grow.

Standing on tired feet, he couldn't help but wonder.

"This… this isn't the incarnation I'm familiar with…"

The King scoffed.

"Of course it isn't, Michael," she said and sashayed towards him, his traitorous eyes falling towards her middrif, which the woman, smiling helpfully dismissed the armor around of. "Lest you've forgotten due to some head injury, I hold all the treasures in the world. The derivatives and the superior originals. And my grail…" the girl said coming to a stop in front of him and raising a hand, palm upturned, facing a tiny portal opening above, from which hung—

Michael's eyes just about fell out of their skull.

"But, you already used it," he questioned. All of his focus upon the Grail, the edges of which the woman caressed before with a flick of her fingers, shooting it back inside the portal.

"And so?" she questioned with an arched eyebrow. "The King's treasures are the King's treasures. And that can't be so if they up and vanish every time I call upon them," she said and with a hand cocked on her hip, leaned forward, offering him the other one.

"But…the rules of magic—"

She pulled him to his feet and flashed him a pitying smile.

"Michael…I am the King, I make the rules."

Fair enough. He had no rebuttal to that.

"But now, I do believe it is time for us to go."

That, he didn't like the sound of.

"Go? Go where?"

Gilgamesh's smile widened.

"Why to sanctify and consummate our marriage, my Queen."

Alarm bells the size of the death star blared in his mind.

"But, I was given to understand that wasn't to happen until—"

A gauntleted finger touched his lips.

"Shh~ Relax, my Queen, as a reward to your devotion to your King."

Translation coming to save her.

"I've decided to reward you, and thus speed up the timetable, so to speak."

Gilgamesh, as always held a strange idea of what rewarding means.

Shit! We're not prepared for her! He thought, despair threatening to swallow him. For as empty as he was and with…with how naked the desire shone in the King's eyes…

Perhaps…Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to go along with Gilgamesh's whims?

"Hm? How about no, Hag?" a familiar voice asked, making the lust vanish from Gilgamesh eyes, and a frown to spread across her face as, with a twitch and a growl she turned to the side.

Where Lancer could be found, grinning with bloodlust, an aura of death shining from his fabled spear as he waited to pounce.

"You mut! You'd interfere in the King's business?"

Lancer snorted. "You're no King of mine, woman. And as for interfering in your 'business'? Yeah," he said with a nod. "I have business of my own with Saber you see, and I can't let him get stolen by some crazy woman."

Blinking, and with the spell broken, the lust clouding his thoughts fading, Saber pushed Gilgamesh's arms away, jumping backwards.

"Michael!"

"Humu. I do suggest you leave," Mhxa said, landing behind Gilgamesh and making her tense.

And Saber understood why.

For even if Gilgamesh was now truly alive as she claimed, and with her full, if still returning power, available to her.

Taking on three Servants out for blood, even if two of them were exhausted carried the risk of death.

"Tsk!" the woman scowled, and for a moment stared at Lancer. Her lips quirking as her ruby eyes glinted. "Hmf, I see, and to assuage your worries, mut, my beloved can in fact help you, and so could I. Not that I would ever bother to deal with you. But, as for you, my Queen."

Saber tensed.

"Be glad, for the King, in her infinite kindness had decided to postpone our wedding by a day, thus, I demand you be prepared and glad in your best for tomorrow night." Gilgamesh's smile faded as she sniffed and glanced behind her. "But now, I must bid you farewell for the air reeks of idiocy and rabid dogs."

"Bite me Hag."

"Not even in your dreams, mut! Roleplay is reserved for my Queen alone," she flicked her long locks over her shoulder. "But I tire of this, farewell, my Queen, dream of your King this eve. Now, I must go deal with Tokiomi."

Saber's eyes widened as a massive portal opened up underneath the golden woman, Saber jumping backwards yet again, for from within a golden plane emerged, Gilgamesh already taking a seat.

Shit! He might not particularly like the man, and the redhead might have acted foolishly, yet his intent was good. We have to delay or warn him somehow… for all the good that would do against the King's ire.

"Hold."

Mhxa's voice made the woman sliding into the cockpit's seat twitch, and as the ship fully freed itself from the portal, with a twitch of her arm, the wheel spun and so did the ship. Turning to face the tiny blonde.

"What?"

"I saved you, you owe me," was all the girl said and Saber blinked. When was that? What exactly did he miss?

"…so?"

His eyes bulged and he stared a surprise glance with Lancer, the man equally as bafled if still on guard.

"Leave your ex-master and his family out of your hissy fit," the girl said. "They're not to blame for your…performance issues." Mhxa's eyes lowered for an instant, meeting his as above them the ship hovered. "H-Humu!"

"And this is what you wish to waste the King's favor on? Are you truly that stupid?" the woman he couldn't see asked, the disgust in her voice clear enough.

"…are you saying you'll not honor the favor, that the King has no honor?"

"…you'll regret those words, woman, but very well. So be it. The King decrees it!" she proclaimed and with a deafening whine the craft blasted forth, disappearing into the distance.

Leaving Saber alone with the other two Servants.

xxx

"Soooo, what can we help you with?"

Lancer, couldn't help but snort at the fake joy in Saber's voice, Berserker approaching the golden haired man, eyes fixed upon Lancer, sword held wearily in her arms, facing towards him.

So, an alliance then?

Well, even if the two were spent, and even if Lancer wanted to fight them at the moment…

Fucking bullshit!

Saber was still a freaking High Servant! And comprised of Abzu, Marduk, and the freaking Prince of the Heavenly Host at that.

Why can't I ever catch a break?! Lancer lamented. All I want is a good clean fight against a worthy opponent, but nooo, Cu can't ever have nice things can he? Freaking E rank Luck…

He intentionally lowered his guard, dropping out of his combat stance and standing back up, the shaft of his spear colliding in a familiar embrace with his shoulder.

"Well, I know how this is going to sound, especially given that we're enemies in this war for the Grail." Why did Berserker twitch? "But, in the fighting against the big guy prior? My Master…might sorta, kinda gotten himself stabbed by one of the Priest's tentacles."

Saber arched an eyebrow, and the man crossed his arms.

"And that should matter to me why?"

Lancer shrugged. "It shouldn't, not really, but given you're the Father of Gods and Men…amongst other things," he couldn't help the bite in his tone, really! After all, he won fair and square…for the most part. How was he to know that the man could somehow rise from the literal dead? "Well, I was hoping you and your Master would be amenable to some sort of deal to help heal my Master…if you even can, that is."

At least the dig to the man's capabilities seemed to do something, for Saber frowned and his eyes flickered left and right.

Ah. Mental communication.

Well, now all he could do was wait, hope, and prepare for the inevitable fight.

He had little to fear from the no doubt coming bullet as well. For even aside from his own power, luck aside, his class was good for something.

Any second now…

"I see…" Saber said with a blink.

"Lancer?"

"Yeah?"

"We are willing to come to an agreement," the man said, and Lancer's mouth flew open. Did…did he catch a lucky break for once?!

Frowning, Lancer quickly looked over his shoulder, and then scanned the sky and the ground under his feet. Even dropping to the ground and giving it a quick sniff.

"Err, Lancer?"

No. No hallucinogenics in the air he could detect. And no portal's to the Land of Shadows opened to drag him back in Teach's training grounds.

"Sorry, just…not sure what you said was real," the man replied with a shrug, and judging by their weary stares they no doubt thought him mad. Let them.

"But, you're speaking the truth then, Saber?"

Even as by his side, the blonde pinched her nose, Saber nodded. "Err yes, but—"

"But?"

"There are conditions?" aaand there was the other shoe dropping.

"Such as?"

"Well that depends," the man said.

"Upon what?" Lancer asked, suspicion thick in his voice.

"On how long your Master has, for my Master wishes to prepare a geas scroll."

Ah.

There was the other shoe, in freefall and making its way towards Lancer's head.

Still… Depending on the conditions, this might prove to be less bad than he feared.

He glanced at the stoic Dragon.

But then again.

He did kill the man, and depending on his relationship with his Master? Well… Let's just say it was still to early to celebrate.

"Master?"

"I've heard, Lord Lancer, proceed. Let's hear them out."

Lancer sighed.

"My Master is still interested, and as for your earlier question. A couple of minutes, so, best not tarry."

xxx

"That so…" Saber mused.

"Master, once again, are you sure? I'm repeating myself here but you won't have any seals afterwards."

"I know. The more important question though is, has your answer changed?"

Saber sighed. "No, I'll forge a contract with you again, but the tactical advantage will be—"

A spike of amusement shot down the link, as if Kiritsugu was privy to some joke that Saber wasn't.

"Don't worry about it then, just sent Berserker to get the scroll."

With a nod and a last shrug, Saber turned towards the way to honorable blonde by his side, the girl still eyeing Lancer with suspicion.

"Mhxa?"

"Yes, what is it? Humu?"

"If you could go get the scroll please…"

The girl whirled her head about, staring at him with wide eyes.

"But that would live you all alone with Lancer, and in your current state…"

He placed his arm on the girl's shoulder, flashing her a smile and making her flush. "Don't worry, if Lancer attacks me all he'll manage is to secure his Master's demise…and get an angry space corgi after him. I place my trust in you in, Mhxa," he said, flashing her a thumps up.

"…I'm not a corgi," the girl muttered and yet, with a nod stepped back, giving one last glare at Lancer before jumping in a gigantic arc over the man, landing somewhere in the city and then disappearing.

Smart thinking, for that way—

Lancer snorted, and planted his spear in the dirt, butt first.

"I saw where those bullets came from earlier," he said as he crossed his arms and leaned against his spear. "No need for this subterfuge, it would've been quicker to head for the shooter, that's your Master, right?"

With a sigh, Saber nodded, and with nothing better to do, sat down on the ground, emulating Lancer and manifesting Merodach and in a careless toss, making the sword sail overhead, spin, and land with its tip facing downwards but a few inches from his back, with Michael leaning against it.

And waited.

"So…"

Lancer's grating voice made him blink and focus at the man and his shit eating grin.

"What is it, Lancer," he asked with a groan.

"Well," the man shrugged his massive shoulders, the metallic pauldrons rising with the motion. "I couldn't help but oversee you Frenching the Hag as I was making my way here, and I've got to say…nice," the man said, rubbing his chin with one arm and nodding. Even giving him a thumps up! "For all the her personality is rotten she is one hot piece of ass!"

Saber's urge to get up and punch the man was on the climb, suffice to say.

"And…"

"And?"

"Well, its good to see that infidelity runs on the genes, after all if the Father of All can't keep it in his pants we can't be blamed either, right?"

Taking a deep breath, Michael ignored the shit-eating grin on the man's face and, willful, slowly, unclenched his fists and smothered the growl in his chest.

"Lancer?"

"Yeah?

"I will hurt you, shut up."

The brat's smug aura seemed to somehow intensify, and he raised his arm in a two finger salute. "Aye aye, pops."

If this was what the man was like when asking for help… Well, Saber now realized how Lancer had managed to so irritate the alien before he got here.

Still, if this kept up, one of them would die.

And whoever it was it would be bad for his Master's plans, so.

Across from his, Lancer vibrated in place. No doubt, already thinking up of new ways to irritate him.

"Lancer."

"Yeah, pops?"

Let it go, Michael. Now is not the time.

"Tell me your Master's symptoms."

The man cocked his head to the side.

"Eh? What for? Can't you just do your river thing and heal him?"

He gritted his teeth, the brat couldn't be that dense. He was surely doing it on purpose.

"The reason, Cu," he started, speaking slowly, and using the man's name, which from the sudden frown meant the brat got the implication and the connection to Gilgamesh's earlier use of the word. "Is that the more I can understand what I'm dealing with the easier it'll be and the higher the chance of success."

He sighed in an exaggerated manner and shook his head. "Seriously, to think that Lady Scathach managed to teach someone like you…truly a one of a kind woman," he leveled a suspicious stare at the purple-haired man. "…do you even know what you're doing when you're using those Runes you've been so graciously gifted with brat?"

Lancer gritted his teeth and his hand twitched.

Saber smirked.

Come on, brat, do it! Make my day!

Lancer, closing his eyes and sighing made a bone white fist and then stared away, and begun speaking.

"The primary issue is—"

As Saber listened, he had to admit, at least to himself, even if he very much didn't like it. That Lancer, knew his stuff and had a brain. The bastard.

"Difficult, and will require a delicate touch," Saber said, rubbing his chin, having risen in the middle of the conversation and busy staring at a few diagrams Lancer had crafted with his runes, the projections laced with a gold outline, depicting a few of the man's theories and observations regarding Kayneth's condition.

"Can you do it?"

Saber's eyes narrowed, pulling hard on, the mental aspect, of his authority as Abzu.

"…Yes," he concluded at last.

Fully incarnated, it would be trivial. But now, in a Servant vessel, even fully 'stocked'?

It would be a bitch and a half.

And not due to the size of the injury or the blonds proximity to the hands of Death, rather more due to the nature and the infection from beyond the bounds of reality.

Mhxa chose that moment to land next to him, disrupting Lancer's focus and thus dispelling the projections. The girl quick to close rank and step close to him. Passing him the scroll.

Unfolding it, Saber scanned its contents.

"Huh, not as bad as I expected."

"We're trying to win them over and avert the Grail made manifest, Saber."

"Still, even so, it's rather generous of you, Master."

Kiritsugu snorted. "Yes…isn't it?"

Michael tossed the scroll to Lancer, the Servant catching it with one arm and a raised eyebrow of his own.

xxx

Lancer scanned the contents and part of him wanted to curse and rage, the rest, rather more practical understood and even felt his respect rise for the prick's Master.

For the man could have easily demanded a great deal more. Kayneth—Sola's group was the one in a disadvantage after all.

But still…

"Master?" he asked, as he read the words, focusing on their connection so as to act like a…what was the word, right, a camera for her.

"I know, Lancer," the woman murmured back. "Harsh. But fair. To be honest I expected much worse," the woman continued and he nodded. "Perhaps the Magus Killer's reputation has indeed been unfairly maligned," his Master said, tone questioning. "But at any rate, and given that the contract activates on Kay's successful rescue… Sign it and bring it here so I can do so as well, Lancer."

He paused. "Are you sure, Master? If you do that, then it will mean—"

"I know what it means, Lancer," the woman snapped. "But as I told you, the Grail was Kay's obssesion not mine, and even he would not wish to win if it meant sacrificing his loved ones," a hint of steel entered his Master's voice. "Bring it, or I will use a seal."

Lancer chuckled.

"Lancer?"

He shook his head.

"Pardon me, pops, I just have a most interesting Master," he said outloud. "Aye, I'm coming, no need to waste a seal, Master, I only wanted to make sure," he said through the connection.

"Be right back, Saber, Berserker," he said with a wink and jumped. No doubt, making the girl annoyed as she'd be wondering whether he meant her or not.

"And Master?"

"Yes, Lord Lancer?"

"I don't have a wish for the Grail, no need to worry about me."

"Eh?" her surprise made him want to chuckle. "B-but then—"

"I merely wanted a good fight. It's been a while after all."

For a few heartbeats there was silence over the connection and then—

"Hmf! Men!" Sola said with disdain and Lancer grinned, for it was the first time the woman truly felt annoyed with him.

---

So, yeah, the protag's actual name is Michael, now ask yourself this, Gilgamesh, being the dick he/she is, would they or would they not ensure that their friend's/love interest's legend be conflated with that of the Prince of the Host?

...silly question I know, of course they would :xD.

Now that aside, as I've already said I remember practically nothing from Zero, so, as I am sitting there writing it went down somewhat like this.

Yuha: "Shit! We've introduced most everyone in the war/shown their pov and turn this into an actual fic instead of just an omake, but not Rider. Fuuu-"

Brain: "Fuuuu-"

"Quick! We need a way to deal with him quick and not add yet another pov that we can't get rid off. A death worthy of the man's legend."

"...A worthy death you say? Hmm, how about-"

"Brilliant!"

Needless to say I cursed like a sailor once I saw that in the show proper-skimmed through the episodes to see if I liked something-Rider did, in fact, utilize his Reality Marble to temporarily restrain the eldritch monster.
B-but! This is Cthulhu! So it's completely different in this case r-right?

"Yeah, about as different as you and Issei are in the brain department."

Shut up brain!