Inside the Tohsaka Manor

"Archer, I thought my instructions were to fake Assassin's death. So why did you have to destroy the garden and the house while you were at it?" Tokiomi asked Archer with a slight frown on his face. As though fate was messing with him, he had indeed forgotten to buy insurance for his house. This was definitely going to burn a hole in his pocket. Archer just stood there fiddling her thumbs and stared at the floor, not knowing how to answer. Well she did go overboard, but what did you expect from someone who had spent a lifetime in the grail. She finally had some company, too bad he rubbed up her the wrong way.

"Is something the matter," Tokiomi asked as he noticed Archer deep in thought. "No nothing at all," she replied with small smile as she snapped out of her thoughts. "Sorry bout the house though, guesses I went overboard." She stuck out her tongue and bonked herself on her head.

Tokiomi almost laughed at that. She reminded him of Rin in so many ways, be it how they screw up or their similar reaction whenever they did something wrong.

"Master," Archer asked quietly, "Don't you feel lonely here, living alone in the Manor."

"I do Archer. " Tokiomi replied with a small sigh. "This house used to be filled with laughter when my wife and daughters were still around. Now because of the war, they have to be away for a while, so all I have for company is you Archer. Then again, a Magus' path is one to be walked alone. For a magus, there are no such things as friends and family is only placed at second priority. I guess being lonely is the price to pay for true knowledge."

"I see," Archer replied. It seems like she was not the only one who was lonely. Like her Master, Archer knew all too well how it was like to be without any friends or surrounded by her family. Having loss her family at a young age, Archer grew up a recluse, having fought most of her battle alone. It was not only till very much later did she make her friends, a pink-haired girl as well a bluenette. Too bad that she had to die before she could really get to know them better.

"Archer, thanks for caring." Tokiomi thanked the said servant, his back turned to her. Archer just simply nodded in response before she decided to retire for the night. A single thought crossed both their minds then: it's good to have some company around you.

Elsewhere in Fuyuki Church

Kirei stood before the doors of Fuyuki Church, waiting for his father to open them. As Risei opened them, Kirei recited the pledge that he had memorized just that afternoon. "My servant has been lost. Have forfeited my rights as a Master and cannot continue the Holy Grail War. In accordance with the treaty, I, Kotomine Kirei, ask the church to shelter and protect me."

'Your request is accepted. In my role as a judge, I, Risei Kotomine shall guarantee your safety." Risei motioned for Kirei to enter albeit a bit wearily. As Kirei entered the church, he asked Risei, "Father, is there anyone watching the church?"

"Of course not. The church is a neutral ground for this war and the sanctuary for all Masters' that have lost their servants. Also…" Risei's voice trailed off, "Your servant has also taken refuge here. He was less than pleased when he arrived and is not in a very good mood as of now."

As soon as Risei finished, a bench was hurled in their direction. Instinctively, Kirei activated his Black Keys and sliced the impeding object into two. As calm as he could, he spoke in the general direction that the bench was hurled from, 'What are you doing Assassin?"

As if on cue, Assassin materialized from the portal. His wounds were all healed and his hat had been replaced but his anger was far from simmered.

"Why did you stop me from killing Archer, Kirei?" Assassin demanded. "It was not in the plan Assassin. You were supposed to fake your death and retreat, not engage her." Kirei replied calmly.

"Huh! You are just a loyal dog aren't you Kirei? What's wrong with eliminating the competition?"

"The only wrong thing is that you have disobeyed my orders Assassin. Don't make me have to use another command seal just to force you to comply with them." Kirei held his hand out as though issuing a threat. The command seals then began to glow red.

"Damn this," Assassin muttered under his breath. "Just why the hell did you enter this war Kirei? Don't tell me it was because you wanted to thank that Tohsaka dog."

"Of course…" Kirei began before assassin cut him off.

"Don't lie to me. Of all the students Tohsaka had, the Grail chose you out of all of them. Why is that?" Assassin pointed at Kirei, demanding an answer.

Kirei was silent. He had no idea what Assassin meant. What did he want?

Under his bandages, Assassin smirked. He got up from the floor and turned for the basement.

"We will continue this discussion another time when you have realized your desire Kirei. I sense the real battle about to start and I must make preparations."

"Before he left, Assassin's eyes began to glow and he released a huge amount of killing intent. "This next battle I will not keep watch. I will participate in it and if you do try to stop me, Master or Not, I will break you." With that, Assassin walked away.

Kirei looked at where assassin was standing moments ago, still deep in thought regarding the servant's question. "Why do I seek the Grail? Is it because of the void in my heart? Is that why I was chosen, my desire to fill it?" He shook his head. Time for reflection would come later; the real battle was going to begin soon.

McKenzie Residence

"Yes!" Waver cheered and did a mini-victory dance before composing himself. He and Rider had returned to the McKenzie household not too long ago after Rider had dragged him across at least 10 sake shops. Man, that servant knew how to drink. If not for his thirst being quenched, Waver's allowance would have surely been bled dry. Rider was currently sprawled out on his bed, snoring loudly as he lay in deep slumber. Waver was also about to join him when his rat familiar returned with reports on Assassin's death.

"Rider, didn't you hear me? Assassin's dead!" Waver shook the sleeping Rider ecstatically who only stifled a yawn in response. "Who again?" Rider rubbed his sleepy eye as he looked at Waver.

"It's Assassin. Aren't you excited about it?" Rider only yawned before falling back into the soft embrace of the bed. "Big deal. Assassin is just a sneaky bastard who doesn't have the power to fight anyone head on. His death changes nothing because he isn't a major threat in the war anyway. Just a typical backstabber. If he wasn't done in now, someone would do it sooner or later." Waver realized that Rider's words held a certain amount of sense in them. After all, Assassin was more suited in killing Masters according to his stats. Against servants like Rider, he wouldn't stand a chance, right?

Rider's next questions stunned Waver. "How was Assassin killed and how did the battle take place?" Rider inquired, seriousness in his tone.

"Uh-uh, I'm guessing it was Tohsaka's servant. She was wearing a school uniform and had muskets as her weapons. As for the battle, it did not end that easily. Assassin put up quite a fight against Archer. It seemed that he could move very quickly but all of a sudden he stopped dead in tracks, allowing Archer to kill him."

"Tsk, you fool." Rider reached out and slammed the hilt of his sword onto Waver's head. "Owowow! What was that for?" Waver demanded as he caressed the swollen bump on his head.

"You were too quick to judge. Given the details you have told me, Assassin should still be alive. It is possible that he used his speed to get away at the last second." Rider laid out his thoughts before breaking into a grin. "Still, I can take him on no problem! A fool like that wouldn't even match the speed of Sanada's spears!"

"Huh?" Waver had a dumbfounded look on his face.

"Are you ready! Put your gunz out cause we ride!" Rider brought his fingers to his mouth and was about to make a low whistle when Waver instantly grabbed him. "Not in here you moron, you'll destroy the house!"

Why did this have to happen to him?

Hotel Room

Kayneth had a smug expression as he woke up the following morning. His familiar had just reported to him that Assassin was killed in combat. A day into the war and he had already gained an advantage and was one step closer towards the Grail.

"Good morning Master," Lancer gave a slight bow as he watched Kayneth exit the bedroom. Kayneth paid him no notice and continued to join Sola-Ui for breakfast. Lancer just watched him silently, his emotionless face carved firmly in place.

"Lancer, would you like to join us?" Sola-Ui asked the said servant who just stood in the corner. "Ignore him. He is just a tool that does not need to eat or sleep. His sole purpose is to protect me and win the war." Kayneth growled from behind his newspaper. He was still pissed at the servant for brazenly attacking him two nights ago. How dare him, a mere tool.

"Kayneth!" Sola-Ui hissed at him. "Servant or not, he is a normal person and I expect you to treat him as such." "Hmph!" Kayneth continued to read his paper, ignoring his fiancée's words. Sola-Ui shot him a glare before turning to Lancer. The servant just stood there, closing his eyes to acknowledge her offer.

"I will remain here. As my Master has mentioned, I am in no need of food or rest."

"Good, obey me like the tool you are." Kayneth scowled.

"As you command Master."

Sol-Ui was quite stunned at this. He was just insulted and yet he still treated Kayneth with respect. If there was anything she needed to learn from the servant, was how the hell he managed to put up with Kayneth's arrogance.

Till now, Lancer had yet to reveal any of his abilities but according to what Sola-Ui witnessed that night, he was not one to be trifled with. If only he could be more open with others. Then again, he probably would if Kayneth ordered him to do so but the man viewed him as being a simple instrument of the war, declining to make any attempt to communicate with him.

Waver Velvet was not wrong in calling him a bigot, Sola-Ui thought to herself.

"Lancer, I presume you know what to do tonight." Kayneth spoke without turning to face the servant.

"Yes Master. I will issue a challenge to all the servants tonight at the docks as you commanded." Lancer emotionlessly explained.

"Good." Kayneth smiled to himself. Tonight was the best time to identify the other servants and if possible, kill them and their Masters. Though, he wasn't going to do the dirty work himself. Lancer would do it in his stead. He would take shelter some distance away and let the battle unfold. After all, that was what tools were for, to do the work for you.

Later that night (Docks)

"Do it," Kayneth ordered as he watched from atop one of the multiple cranes hanging around the docks. From there, he had a bird's eye view of the entire place. A vantage point to examine the battle as well as his servant's abilities.

"Yes my Master," Lancer drew his sword and held it in a reverse grip. He then plunged the sword into the ground and as he did, a ripple of green light flashed before slowly expanding. Very soon, it reached every corner of Fuyuki City. As it did, Lancer felt six other contacts picking it up. "The bait has been set," thought Lancer to himself, "Time to see who would bite it first."

Underground sewers

Caster opened his eyes slowly from his meditation. He had felt the challenge issued by one of the servants and judging from the mana readings he was getting, this one was no push over. Over the last two days, Uryuu had begged him time and again to demonstrate his "coolness". Eventually Caster gave in, killing and devouring close to twenty humans for his viewing pleasure. The mere bugs were nothing more than an appetizer. Their souls tasted like shit and barely provided him with the mana he required. At this rate, he was going to have a belly-ache due to their mediocre quality.

"Finally, a decent meal." Caster licked his lips as he got up from his seat. All around him were splashes of blood and bones, courtesy of him and Uryuu. The latter was at the far end of the sewers, probably dissecting another hapless kid judging from the joyous laughter mixed with wild thrashing noises.

"Master, I'm going out for a walk. If you require any assistance, use the red tattoos on your hand to call for me." Caster called out to the murderer.

"Don't worry though I wish that you could help me with my latest art. I'm going to call it, The Blooming Flower of Red and White!" Uryuu laughed heartily from the other end. "Oh ya, if you can bring me back a souvenir will you?"

Caster smiled at that. "Of course, it will be the best souvenir yet." With that, a mass of shadows congregated at Caster's feet before the said servant sank into them, vanishing completely.

Elsewhere (few blocks away from the docks)

"Master, did you feel that?" Berserker glanced at Kariya who nodded, indicating that he felt the challenge as well.

Kariya was silent. He did not want to lose the element of surprise to Tokiomi but he had to confirm the identity of the servant first.

"Berserker, let's go closer to the docks first. If the servant issuing the challenge is Archer, you have my full permission to take her out. Otherwise, wait and watch while the situation develops."

Berserker swallowed hard. He did not like to fight, let alone kill anyone but this time was different. He had made a promise, a promise to the man who was fighting not for his own but for the benefit of others.

"Understood, let's go." Berserker then assisted Kariya in moving faster towards the docks.

Back at the docks

Saber and Irisviel arrived at the docks having received the challenge from Lancer. Judging from the location, the servant was clever. At least this place would be away from prying eyes.

Sensing something, Saber halted in her tracks and scanned the surroundings. She motioned for Irisviel to stand back before she called out loudly to the empty docks. "I know you are here Servant. Cease hiding like a coward and face me in battle!"

There was no answer except the blowing of the wind. Suddenly, Saber's eyes widened as she realized something was amiss. "Irisviel, duck!"

As soon as she called out, Saber felt a sharp pain in her left shoulder. She had to bite her tongue to prevent herself from yelling out but a small grunt did escape her. Her shoulder was now badly burnt and smoke was seen blowing out from the wound.

"Saber!" Irisviel immediately began working her healing magic and in an instant, Saber's left shoulder was as good as new. Saber nodded in thanks before issuing the challenge once more. "I know you are there. Show yourself you coward!"

Saber heard the crunch of footsteps from her left and immediately swung in that direction. From behind one of the crates emerged the other servant. He was dressed in a white hakama and had broken helmet worn on his head. His right hand was crackling with red energy, indicating he was the one who fired the shot.

"What class are you? My pride as a knight demands that you reveal your identity before we begin." Saber pointed her blade at the emotionless servant who merely gazed upon her.

"There is no need for you to know. You will be dead soon anyway." Lancer narrowed his eyes.

Saber smiled grimly. "Sorry, however…" Saber's clothes disappeared and were replaced with her battle dress and armor. "I am not going to be as easy to kill as you think." She widened her stance and readied Excalibur, still hidden behind the Invisible Wind. Lancer said nothing, merely drawing his sword

Both servants stood there unmoving and then without warning, both lunged at each other at full force.

The first real battle of the Fourth Holy Grail war had officially begun.

And another chapter done up. Sorry about this one being slightly shorter than the rest. I wanted to leave the fight scene for the next chapter. In any case, here's a warning. The next chapter will only be up in two weeks' time. Exams are upcoming next week, though I might be able to squeeze a bit of time out to update. Till then, toodles and here's the stats for Lancer

Class: Lancer

Spirit: Ulquiorra Schiffer( Bleach)

Armaments: Rapier

Alignment: Lawful/ Neutral

Strength: B

Endurance: A

Agility: B

Mana: D

Luck: C

Battle Continuation: A

Makes possible to fight even with deadly injuries and can remain alive so long as one does not receive a decisive fatal wound.

Lancer is able to heal most injuries in a matter of seconds due to his advanced regeneration abilities. However, he is unable to recreate any organs or heal them.

Magic Resistance: A

Cancel spells of A-Rank or below. In practice, the Servant is untouchable to modern magi, so it would not be an exaggeration to title the Servant a "Magus Killer".

Lancer's hierro can deflect the most powerful of spells casted by any Magus, making it impossible to kill him. Only servants can physically hurt Lancer.

Eye of the mind (False): B

Calm analysis of battle conditions, by which competent grasp of the status of the self and the opponent are obtainable even in the midst of danger; utilization of such to deduce the appropriate course of action that permits escape from a lethal predicament.

Lancer can predict and pre-empt his opponents moves as long as they are within the range of his pesquisa, enabling last minute dodges and counterattacks. Accuracy rate decrease if attacks are long-ranged.

Surgical Procedure: E

Capability of surgical repair with use of a bloodstained scalpel, applicable to the Servant or her Master.

Lancer can transplant parts of his body or cells onto other to speed up their recovery rate but he is unable to regenerate back that part of himself again.

Noble Phantasms

Sonido: C

In an immense burst of speed, Lancer can transport himself over short or long distances easily.

Hierro:A

Servants of strength A rank or below cannot hurt Lancer physically.

Cero : B~A+ Anti-Fortress type

Lancer fires a large energy beam from his fingers. Requires a charge time of 3 seconds. When mixed with blood, Gran Rey Cero can be used and destructive abilities are raised to rank A+.

Bala: C

Lancer fires a condensed energy bolt by just flicking his wrist. Travels at 20 times the speed of cero but its damage is greatly reduced, Can be fired off in rapid succession.

Pesuiqa: C

Lancer has an imaginary barrier erected around him of 3 metres in diameter. Lancer is able to detect and intercept almost any attack that enters within this range.

Resurrection: Murciélago: A+

Lancer releases his sword and takes on his true form of a bat-like demon. In this form, stat for agility and strength are temporarily raised to A. Lancer is capable of flight in this form. Due to large amount of strain and mana drain on the Master, Lancer is only able to maintain his form for a maximum of 20 minutes. By increasing the mana consumption required for the release, Lancer can immediately activate his secondary release, Segundo Etapa, in which his ultimate phantasm can be used.

Lanza de Relampago : EX Anti – Fortress type

Lancer's Ultimate Noble Phantasm. Lancer creates a thin green lance that is made purely of mana. Lancer can choose to use it as a weapon for melee combat or for ranged attacks. When hurled and upon impact, the lance would cause a huge explosion similar to that of a nuclear strike, capable of reshaping terrains with ease. Capable of matching Noble Phantasms such as Excalibur. However, due to the instable energies within the lance, Lancer has slight difficulty controlling its trajectory. Once used, Lancer would revert instantaneously back to his original form. Can only be used once every three days.