A/N: Special thanks to Greatkingrat88 for his work on the chapter and helping very greatly on the introduction on a certain key person of the Revolution, who I had debating on using his character from Assassin's Creed Unity as a base, but having a big history buff of a beta writer is very helpful for a story like this.

Not to mention extra thanks for getting this chapter done a lot earlier, so here it is.

True we're not being accurate to history here, but I do want to keep things within the realm of believability and it lines up with is known with someone or events history connects well with how they appear or take place in Fate and Code Geass.

Anyway, while this will be a short chapter, it will introduce us to the beginning of the second singularity where I might do a slow burn as opposed to quickly going through events like I did in the last one, which should help fresh out new characters much better and more.

Before the chapter I'll address the reviews I couldn't reply to.

Guest: Possibly, but I might give some of the other servants who have forged a contract with Lelouch to have him experience some of their memories, and remember Ritsuka and Hakuno will have similar moments with their servants.

Jay: Thanks, and yeah I wanted someone unexpected, but could be unexpectedly useful. Too true, and Marie does have some useful abilities if applied right, which we both know shouldn't be a problem for Lelouch who can be quite creative.

That will be answered in the coming arc.

Anyway, on with the chapter.

Chapter 15

Marching On

The following morning, Lelouch was among the first to enter the main chamber outside of mission control, gazing up at Chaldea. He was accompanied by three servants: Genghis Khan, Nobunaga and Marie. Dressed in his Mission Suit, Lelouch stood near his coffin, waiting for Hakuno and Ritsuka and their chosen servants. He didn't have to wait long; Hakuno was the next to arrive with Emiya, followed by Kagetora, Izo, and Sanson.

"Kagetora is a good choice," Lelouch complimented.

"Yeah, since projectiles like bullets and such veer away from her, she'll be good at dealing with riflemen and cannon," Hakuno said, stretching her arms as she drew closer to Lelouch.

The exiled prince turned to Sanson. "And you'll have a talented doctor too. You'll be well prepared for anything to come your way."

"I thank you kindly for your praise," Sanson said politely. "I am surprised to see her majesty accompanying you."

"I did offer her a chance to sit this one out," Lelouch said, looking at Marie. "But she insisted on coming, promising to help as much as she can."

"I have a duty to fulfill to the people of France, Sanson," Marie smiled, resolute in her decision. "Even if they executed me, and hated me for me and Louis' failures to turn France around, I still wish to make a difference. At the very least I can help put history back on track."

"Your majesty is most admirable," Sanson said, impressed and surprised by Marie's resolve.

As the two spoke, Genghis focused on something else. Lelouch and Hakuno were chatting away, and the girl seemed… happier than usual, energetic and attentive, smiling at the young man. The Khan, a patriarch of clans, had seen many such smiles in his time and knew where that road led. He suspected she didn't know herself yet, much less his own master, who was typically oblivious. He was much too serious. While his ambition was praiseworthy, appropriate for a ruler of men, he was old enough to consider other important angles. He was a man, and men had needs- not just physical needs, but the need for a stable line, for family, for succession.

For such a prospect, Hakuno did not look bad. Good curves, the Khan noted. Nice hips and legs. She could bear him many children.

Genghis Khan grinned, amused. His master had accomplished great things in their last mission, and women were always drawn to greatness, to power. He suspected Hakuno was not alone, although it was too early to tell whether it was mere admiration or something else. Either way, he might need to have a talk with his master about this, from one man to another. It would be fun… oh, it brought back sweet memories, of teaching his sons, of running a clan.

"...and Izo will be a good choice as well, given the time he lived and how good he seems to be getting the drop on people. He could be key to getting the Grail out of enemy hands once we figure out where it is," Lelouch continued, mercifully oblivious to his servant's thoughts.

"Heh," Izo said, smiling pridefully. "Damn right I'll be useful. You're not my master, but I'll show everyone I am the best manslayer there is."

"Ha," Kagetora declared. "The Avatar Touhachi Bishamonten will see you to victory."

"Provided you don't die on the crapper again," Nobunaga quietly mocked.

"What was that?!" Kagetora said, smiling unsettlingly as she loomed over Nobunaga.

"Okay, that's enough. Prove it with actions in the singularity, not against each other." Emiya said, breaking the brawl off before it could begin. Lelouch and Hakuno both breathed a sigh of relief.

"Despite having the easier job, I suspect you'll be busy," Lelouch said to Hakuno.

"No kidding. You got the more dangerous job, but I doubt that means our own job will be without risk," Hakuno acknowledged.

"If things get too hairy, fall back to the rendezvous point we agreed on," Lelouch reminded her.

"Got it."

"LELOUCH!" a pair of voices shouted. Ushiwakamaru and Okita were both rushing towards him.

"How could you leave us behind?" Ushiwakamaru declared. She sounded upset, outraged and a little hurt.

"I agree, for such a dangerous singularity you'll need more than the Khan and her," Okita said, pointing at Nobunaga. "Especially when one was a former enemy who tried to kill you."

"I can't deny that would be a reason to be concerned normally, but I promise you I mean your beloved Lelouch no harm," Nobunaga replied. As she expected the two servants were thrown off, especially Okita.

"Master, I must insist I accompany you. She can't be trusted," Okita demanded.

"I agree," Ushiwakamaru said. Nobunaga smirked in amusement, as did Genghis Khan.

Massaging his right temple with one hand, Lelouch gestured for Okita and Ushiwakamaru to follow him. Once they were out of earshot, he turned to face them both.

"Don't let Nobunaga get the better of you two. I have something I can only entrust you two with," he said, sternly but patiently. "Besides protecting Chaldea, I need you both to keep an eye on Shuten."

"Shuten? So Ritsuka isn't bringing her?" Ushiwakamaru asked.

"No," Lelouch said. As if on cue, Ritsuka arrived with Mash, Tomoe, and Siegfried. "That said, while I don't expect Shuten to betray Ritsuka, she has made no effort to remind us she is still an oni. That has made me and others within Chaldea uneasy."

"I see. We're just here to put the people of Chaldea at ease with Shuten staying behind," Okita said, sounding disappointed.

"And should she cause problems or become a threat, you two are the most capable of eliminating her swiftly before she can do any serious damage," Lelouch said. "Ryoma will be keeping an eye on things as well, so I hope you three can work together protecting this place and keeping my real body safe."

"I understand. Okita and I will ensure yours and Chaldea's safety," Ushiwakamaru said. Inwardly Lelouch breathed out, thankful she decided not to fight him on it.

Meanwhile Mash and Ritsuka joined the others, meeting with Hakuno.

"So I guess you are bringing Emiya, Izo, and Kagetora?" Mash said.

"Yeah, but I guess Ritsuka isn't bringing Tamamo Cat along," Hakuno said.

"Will the two Tamamos be alright in Chaldea without us?" Mash asked, sounding worried.

"Lelouch is leaving Ryoma here. Hopefully he can maybe defuse any arguments between them," Hakuno said.

"I guess we have quite the group today," Ritsuka said, joining the conversation.

"Well, you are bringing a lot of firepower," Hakuno said noticing Siegfried and Tomoe.

"Given the danger we could face, I thought why take any chances," Ritsuka said, which Hakuno silently agreed with.

"Better to be overprepared than not prepared enough," Hakuno said.

"Too true. We don't know what our opposition will be," Lelouch said, rejoining the gathering. "Other than the Jacobins, and perhaps another of those giant pillars, we don't know what other supernatural threats we could face."

"Zombies are likely to be thing, given all of the people you said were killed during the revolution and the White Terror, and the wars," Hakuno said, folding both arms under her chest.

"Probably a lot more of them too compared to the last Singularity," Hakuno said, nodding his head in agreement.

"Even if we have more servants that are stronger, we can't get careless," Mash nodded.

"Exactly," Lelouch said, sounding pleased.

"Alright, everything is ready. Would everyone please enter the coffins?" Roman's voice rang out from the speakers, from his seat in the control room.

"Let's get going," Ritsuka said, eager to begin.

Everyone entered their respective coffins, and soon the Rayshifting into the second singularity began.

Columns of smoke continued rising into the sky. Even if most of the fires were put out, the remains of buildings continued to smolder. The harbor had mostly been destroyed, and the waters beyond the harbor saw the remains of ships, most destroyed by fire while others were sunk by explosions. The water was littered with the corpses of those who had tried and failed to flee the besieged city.

Within the city, what had happened could only be described as a bloodbath. Those unable to escape when Toulon fell back into the hands of the Convention faced indiscriminate, bloody retribution for their betrayal of the Republic.

"Get them! Gun down those loyalist dogs, kill them all!" a Sergeant of the French Republican Army commanded.

The republican soldiers advanced on the fleeing civilians, who ran in terror. They all feared retribution; the new government was cold and ruthless, and they had just been on the wrong side of a long siege.

Suddenly, as the zealous followers of the Convention gunned down the so-called traitors, something swooped down from the sky. It rammed into the crowds of armed soldiers, sending many of the flying or being knocked to the ground hard. Before they could respond, whatever had hit them was already gone, only for something else to swoop down and ram into them again. The soldiers fell into disarray, crying out in terror and diving for cover.

These attacks did not relent, and the 'traitors' had their window to escape. Many were trampled as they ran, but the Republican soldiers had surrounded the city. Escape was seemingly impossible, unless something was done to clear a path for them. As the chaos in Toulon continued to grow, some of the corpses floating in the harbor began moving.

Miles away from the chaos unfolding in Toulon, Lelouch, Ritsuka and Hakuno and their servants materialized on a hill top in the middle of a wide, grassy plain covered in snow. Their new mystic codes materialized on them as they appeared. Lelouch was wearing a black coat with matching pants and boots, fitting the fashion standards of the time. Ritsuka wore similar attire, designed to be lighter than Lelouch's clothing for freer movement. Hakuno's attire was similar, a lighter shade of gray for the coat.

"These outfits aren't too bad," Ritsuka said, inspecting himself.

"Yes, we should blend in pretty well," Mash said.

"Sion says that Hakuno and Ritsuka will appear as a nameless face in the crowd to anyone who doesn't have any magecraft skill or isn't a servant. Hakuno will appear as your everyday woman wearing expected fashion to divert suspicion, even if you talk to them directly," Lelouch explained.

"I suppose pants and boots for women weren't exactly a common thing," Hakuno said, inspecting her attire. "Makes me glad I was born in a more modern world."

"I can understand," Nobunaga remarked. "Things might've been much easier if the elders of my clan didn't keep to their old fashioned views about women."

"I'll head east towards the town of Fréjus. It wasn't involved in any major battles, but it was home to a notable politician so it might be a safe place to collect intelligence from," Lelouch said.

"We'll look for a place to set up a base camp further north of our location," Ritsuka said.

"I'll contact you two after sundown to check in with you. Roman will only call me when it's important since if I am in a city, it could be an issue if people saw his avatar suddenly appear," Lelouch said.

"Right. I don't know if it happened during this time, but it could be an issue if you got caught doing something unnatural. They might treat you as a witch or something," Hakuno commented.

"They won't take him without a fight, I promise that," Genghis Khan said, tapping the sword hanging by his waist.

"Be careful, brother," Mash said, with concern in her voice.

"You to. Be ready for anything," Lelouch cautioned as the three split into two groups.

They went walking across the countryside, and when Kagetora was well out of earshot, Nobunaga said,

"I wouldn't worry about them too much. They have an insanely strong brute like Kagetora with them, and they have Tomoe. I know she is highly capable in battle."

"Insanely strong brute?" Lelouch inquired, curious.

"Yeah, I remember facing Kagetora at the Battle of Tedorigawa. After all of the firepower I brought to bear, she basically brute forced her way to victory. My mistake was assuming she was incapable of strategy, but she likely had someone helping her with the planning."

"Sounds like you are uncertain if you should credit victory to Kagetora or someone else among her followers." Lelouch said, raising an eyebrow.

"I can't say I know for sure, but without a doubt, even close to her fifties she was a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. A true one-woman army, and had she kept the alliance with the Oda Clan we probably could've brought Japan under one banner much faster. She could've been a threat to me if she hadn't died on the crapper a year later," Nobunaga said amusedly, knowing at least her own demise was far more dignified.

"It sounds like you've learned from the experience, though," Lelouch replied.

"Yeah, I just hung back as the clan tore itself apart over who Kagetora's successor was supposed to be, which allowed me to drive them all the way back to their province. I might've finished the job, had it not been for my death."

"How much of their success was dependent on her alone?"

"Kagetora was nigh-unstoppable on the battlefield, yes, but she did have capable men who helped direct her battles and she wasn't an incompetent general by no means. However, her inability to form meaningful connections with anyone was a hindrance."

"And in their weakened state following the fight, you took advantage and dealt them defeat after defeat," Lelouch said.

"Of course," Nobunaga said, grinning.

"But treachery would cut all of that short," Genghis Khan remarked, following closely behind Lelouch.

Nobunaga sighed, "It couldn't be helped. I knew Kumquat had a thing for me, but he was too much of a coward to really act on those feelings in a better way. He could just never follow through on things."

"Kumquat?" Lelouch asked.

"The nickname I gave to Akechi Mitsuhide," Nobunaga replied.

"Oh, that guy," Lelouch said, recognizing the name instantly. "The man who was your most trusted subordinate, who betrayed you at Honnouji Temple."

"That's right," Nobunaga confirmed with a nod. "Turns out he had a thing for me, obsessively so."

"Was he the only one who…" The prince paused to find the right words, "had such feelings?"

Nobunaga considered that for a moment. "No, he was the only one. He actually thought I had a thing for monkey. I didn't, but he probably assumed that because I smiled at him."

"Smiled at him? Was he funny or something?"

"That's right, actually. He was a very competent subordinate, even if he had some odd quirks that made him funny to be around. Monkey was among the few people who could make me laugh, which I'll tell you isn't easy to accomplish."

"Given what you had set out to do and what you had to do to accomplish your objectives, I'm sure moments of levity were rare," Lelouch said.

"A shame you couldn't find yourself a husband. Missing out on love is missing out on life," Marie said, surprising Nobunaga. The queen had been so quiet since they left Chaldea that she almost forgot she was there.

"I don't think finding one was that straight forward, I am sure there were some complications," Lelouch deduced.

"Such as?" Marie said, confused.

"Your husband was chosen for you, so I don't think you'll understand. But for me… a woman holding such power and aiming to unify the land made me stand out from women in my country during my time. Any man I married would have expected me to give them the power and assume my proper role. My closest followers knew better, but there were many of those neck deep in tradition," Nobunaga said, venom in her voice. "Of course, I knew I would need an heir, one of my own blood, especially if I wanted to avoid a civil war destroying all I'd accomplished."

"What happened following Kagetora's death served as a reminder," Genghis Khan said. Nobunaga nodded.

"I was contemplating a solution to that problem when Kumquat betrayed me."

"You and your brother were just born in the wrong century," Lelouch said.

"No kidding," Nobunaga said. Before they could continue, she and the Khan noticed something in the distance.

It looked like a group of people, but judging by their jittery, sluggish movement, they looked like zombies. As the group came closer, all doubt was gone. Much like the zombies they had encountered in Japan, they were in various states of decay. Aging blood stained their clothes, and they reeked of death.

"Just over a dozen," Genghis Khan remarked, drawing his sword.

"We can handle this. Why not stay close to Lelouch, your majesty?" Nobunaga suggested as she summoned a dozen rifles behind her.

"I'll keep him safe," Marie said, confident.

Genghis Khan broke into a run, charging the zombies. Rotting bodies fell left and right, while Nobunaga unleashed a barrage of bullets mowing down the others. But while the zombies were easy enough for any Heroic Spirit to dispatch, a roar in the sky announced the coming of something worse.

A dozen flying creatures came down from above, perhaps drawn by the smell of blood, a flight of wyverns with blazing red eyes. Each were the size of a truck with wings for arms, two legs and a toothy maw at the end of a long neck.

The Khan couldn't reach them yet, but Nobunaga summoned more muskets to begin gunning them down. The hail of bullets were quick to claim a couple, but unlike the zombies, they took a lot of bullets to bring down. Their scaly hide was thick, each bullet penetrating only a little. As they came swooping down, a few went for Nobunaga and the Khan, but some separated for the easier target- Lelouch and Marie.

Or so they thought…

Before their fangs or claws could reach Lelouch or Marie, a wall of crystal materialized. The wyverns slammed into it, like birds hitting a wall of glass. The last Queen of France was not as helpless as some would have assumed. Channeling magical power into her hands, Marie let a hail of energy spheres pass through her newly created wall. Already stunned from their collision with the wall, the magic tore through the creatures forcefully. Nobunaga, finished with her own attackers, summoned three dozen muskets to finish the stunned creatures, gritting her teeth.

How much does it take to kill one of these?!

Once they were dead, the Khan sheathed his sword.

"This field is a little too open. We should quicken our pace," he advised.

"I'll help," Marie said. She muttered an incantation, and soon a number of crystal horses came into being, each one acting if not quite looking like the real thing.

before using her powers to conjure crystal constructs based on horses, one for each of them, which acted and moved like real horses.

Marie helped Lelouch onto his own horse, and the group mounted up. The Khan took the lead, Lelouch and Marie following close behind, with Nobunaga in the rear. The warlord kept rifles at the ready, floating beside her.

"Zombies, now dragons," Lelouch muttered. "Quite the escalation."

"I can say such creatures didn't exist during my time," Marie said.

"The history books don't mention them either. They are likely the work of a servant," Lelouch agreed, tapping his communicator to call Chaldea. Soon he got Sion on the line.

"I take it you are calling about the Wyverns, aren't you?" Sion said.

"I assume that means Hakuno and Ritsuka ran into some too?" Lelouch quickly deduced.

"That's right, Roman is talking to them now. The fact you've run into some confirms they are likely roaming France," Sion answered.

"Noted. We're trying to get out of the open and make for the trees," Lelouch said, the group riding forward.

"Could a Heroic Spirit have summoned them?" Nobunaga inquired.

"Most likely. It could be a skill, or part of their Noble Phantasm. A magus could summon one, but that would take considerable resources and effort that wouldn't make it worth it, since you couldn't use them without the risk of exposing magecraft," Sion answered.

"Could you compile a likely list of candidates with those skills?" Lelouch asked.

"I can, but I can't make any promises," Sion answered. As she spoke, Lelouch could hear arguing in the background.

"What is going on?"

Sion sighed in response, "Well, Mash just busted Roman for eating sweets she had set aside in the command room, along with some tea to share with you, Ritsuka, Hakuno and everyone else."

"And he still kept eating them even after he was caught red-handed," Lelouch said, shaking his head. "He did that when I made cookies for Nunnally one day."

"Yup," Sion said nodding, "And Mash is asking Ritsuka to make sure he saves some energy for an attack when they return."

"Depending on my mood, I might help her," Lelouch said. That old man… he needed to keep his grubby fingers to himself.

Maximillien Robespierre eyed his new ally with suspicion. There was a lot of that going around as of late, of course. The republic faced enemies from within and from without; Austrians and English from the outside and traitorous, disloyal elements threatening the revolution from within. Professor Lev looked suspiciously like an Englishman to Maximillien, although his French was impeccable.

"What do you propose, professor?" Robespierre said, eyes perpetually narrowed. "Your aid in turning the last battle against the accursed Austrians was much appreciated, as was your containment of the walking dead, but I cannot afford to let my guard down around anyone, no matter how well intentioned."

"But of course, councilman Robespierre," said Lav, giving a smooth bow. "I always considered you a great and virtuous man, and what you have accomplished is undeniable. When I heard of a foreign plot using foul sorcery to disrupt your republic, I had no choice but to offer my assistance. Not for free, of course, but I consider you a… comrade in ideal. In virtue, you might say. I will ask nothing of you, only that you use me as you see fit in defense of the revolution."

He was saying all the right things. These last few years had been tumultous, downright insane, but the recent turn towards… actual undead monsters and warlocks casting spells had taken things to a whole new level. Trust him or not, Robespierre had little choice; the enemy had such weapons and the professor was the only one offering a counter.

"Be that as it may, I need you to be specific in what you can offer. What are you capable of?" Robespierre demanded.

"I am not all that myself," said Lev smoothly, "but I have made a few… useful contracts in my time."

He snapped his fingers, and through the door stepped a motley crew of people. There were nine of them, and where Lev looked strange, these people looked positively alien. They were dressed in clothing from an age past, looking drawn from a time of kings and knights, and they were led by a young woman. She had pale blond hair and wore blackened plate mail, a sword hanging from her side. She held a long pole, from which a tattered banner with the symbol of the fleur-de-lis, the symbol of the French monarchy. They radiated power, each one seeming larger than life, but Robespierre stared them down with the determination of a zealot. There was no doubt they could take his life if they so desired, but if they wanted to kill him, they would have done so already. Clearly, they had other designs. But most of all…

"Who dares carry a banner of the oppressor kings?" Maximillien demanded. "We have had people guillotined for far less."

"I carry the symbol of France, not of the kings," the young woman shot back, sounding unimpressed. "I spoke for God in my time, Robespierre. I will not be told what to do by the likes of you."

"Who are you?" Maximillien demanded, his outrage shifting into fascination. Nobody dared to speak to him like that, these days; it was an interesting change of pace.

"I am Jeanne," she replied coolly, "but you would know me as la pucelle d'Orleans."

Robespierre's eyes widened.

"Are you mad?"

"Not at all," Lev cut in. "These are strange times, councilman. History comes back to haunt you, just as you are about to make history. Spirits like these roam the land. You see her banner as an oppressor's mark; I say that the maid of Orleans has come back to France in its hour of need."

"Like King Arthur from the tales," Robespierre mumbled. Normally he would not have believed it, but he had seen the magic such creatures could use up close. Perhaps it was true…

"Exactly so," Lev said smoothly. "And even as we speak, enemies of the revolution approach. Today, as I have warned you would happen, a team of infiltrators landed on French soil to threaten the republic of virtue: an exiled prince, and his horde of foreign conquerors. Near Toulon, I believe. I humbly request you use all available resources in combating them, for they possess servants much like mine."

Robespierre nodded.

"And that ultimate weapon you spoke of?"

"The god pillar? Oh yes, preparations are being made. Once it is complete, France will possess such power that no nation can oppose it. England and Austria, Russia and Prussia, all the nations will bend to the revolution."

"But not if these interlopers are allowed to run free…" Robespierre muttered.

"Exactly so, councilman," Lev said politely.

"So be it," Robespierre nodded. "The French Republic will give you its full cooperation. Locate and destroy these intruders!"

"My pleasure, councilman," Lev smiled.

By the time night fell, Lelouch and his group had managed to hide within a forest. Marie erected a secured crystal tent to allow the group to rest for the night, or at least Lelouch; Genghis Khan and Nobunaga would take turns keeping watch.

Lelouch was inside with Marie, talking to both Hakuno and Ritsuka. The pair had been successful in locating a suitable base camp atop a leyline, and had finished setting up by the time night had fallen.

Outside, Nobunaga and Genghis kept a watchful vigilance, but it didn't stop the two from talking.

"You seem to have adjusted well quite quickly, given that you two were enemies not too long ago," said the warlord.

"You do not trust me?" Nobunaga asked, sounding a little offended.

"If our positions were reversed, would you?"

Nobunaga could only chuckle, "Fair enough. Lelouch is interesting. He might be young, but few were as bold or brilliant in battle."

"I'll admit our plan only came together so well thanks to Tomoe's desire for revenge on Ushiwakamaru and us finding Sei, whose Noble Phantasm was what we needed," Genghis Khan said, grinning. "In a straight-froward battle, it could have ended badly for us."

"Nevertheless you two managed to get the better of me. Not many can claim that. Kagetora is among the few who can," Nobunaga admitted. "Which is why I don't feel bad making a contract with your master. He defeated me, and so I am confident he is more than worthy enough for me."

"That's quite the praise you are giving him."

"Not easily given, I promise you."

"I suppose the chance for vengeance against those who manipulated you is a bonus," Genghis Khan probed.

"Careful," Nobunaga said, a hint of danger in her voice, "but you're not wrong. Life does offer its little bonuses. I will avenge my brother, forced to sacrifice himself for me again."

"Again?" Genghis Khan said. "So… if I were to guess, your brother led the revolt against you to give you a chance to purge those who opposed your rise to leadership. He knew you were more than capable and would be better suited, but the others in your clan rejected you because you were female."

Nobunaga glared at Genghis Khan, but after an uneasy silence she relented.

"You're astute. Did you piece that together seeing what my brother's Noble Phantasm was?"

"Yes, and I am sure Lelouch suspected as well. He likely kept silent out of consideration. He too cares for and fights for a younger sibling. I doubt it's something he would've inquired about recklessly or insensitively."

"I heard as much, which is part of the reason Ushiwakamaru is so loyal, I think. Now he has Okita and Sei as servants on top of Ryoma, who I've read about. He has quite the list of accomplishments, that one."

"I never expected him to be romantically involved with a dragon of all things. Joining the battle on top of her while transformed was quite a sight." Genghis Khan said, grudgingly impressed.

"Not the first of such a story."

"True."

"Still, I didn't expect Lelouch to inspire such loyalty in Okita and Ushiwakamaru in such a short time. I didn't foresee them protesting that much over being left behind. But I do agree someone needs to keep an eye on that oni servant," Nobunaga said.

Genghis Khan didn't reply immediately, a contemplative look on his face before a wolfish smile crossed his features.

"I wonder if loyalty is all it is. They seemed quite keen to come with him, didn't they?"

"What are you implying?"

The Khan shrugged. "It's too early to tell. But as you've noticed, Lelouch has made quite the impression on you and others, and I am curious to see what will happen. I think it might prove to be entertaining."

Suddenly a cold wind blew past them, the two servants suddenly on guard.

"I know it's winter, but that felt more unnaturally cold than it should've been," Nobunaga said, alert.

"Yes, but there are no signs of monsters or servants," Genghis Khan said, glaring around cautiously. "But, like you, I can't help but feel we are being watched."

It was truer than they knew. Hiding among the trees, a safe distance away, a shadowy being was observing the two servants from afar.

A/N: Well things are slowly starting off, but things are going to be a rough ride for Lelouch and friends, Hakuno and Ritsuka might be safe…for now, but this will set the pace for the arc and possibly future singularities as the difficulties in the coming singularities will gradually increase.

I must admit I was considering Ryoma joining Lelouch's group, but after much discussion between me and Greatkingrat88, it was agreed Nobunaga would come along with Marie and Genghis Khan. Okita and Ushiwakamaru were upset about being left behind, and there seems to be some signs of potential ships, but they will not be happening until later but I thought perhaps now was a good time to show some signs of interest and curiosity among the characters.

The next chapter should be a lot longer, because the group will meet some of the first servants they'll encounter. And brute force will not be enough to win this singularity.

One thing I'll note is that expect Lev to be involved a lot more going forward in the coming singularities, and god help him if Lelouch gets his hands on him XD.

Also, I've closed the poll and decided against doing anymore, as you guys will notice I've replaced the poll. I decided to do away with the polls since I found someone to debate with me and Greatkingrat88, not to mention not many people were voting so I saw no reason to keep running them. For those who did vote however, don't worry the results were used in our planning of the upcoming singularities despite having far from the number I would've liked for a more definitive answer.

Thank you all for reading, your feedback is much appreciated, and I'll see you guys next time.