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A/N: Welp, here's another Episode. Enjoy guys.

Fanfiction: Fine, I'll change the synopsis. Christ everybody's a critic nowadays.

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"How odd? Our synchronization should have been much quicker, unless…" Tapping his foot in impatient, Archer narrowed his eyes at the falchions his female counterpart was holding, as though he was able to see glimpses of the inner-workings of this 'miraculous' event. It's not everyday a person got to see their gender-bent counterpart of another Timeline, it's even less likely for the two to interact so peacefully without one trying to take the other's head off.

For this reason, there were a lot of holes in Archer's knowledge regarding this matter.

Timeline or Multiversal Travelers were rare as it was, most times these people only got to visit Timelines similar to theirs- Timelines which were sometimes near identical to the ones they originated from… And of course, since these instances were so rare, there was not much of the encounters documented in books and even ancient magical scrolls. Currently, the leading theory Archer had as to why progress was far slower with Shiro than Shirou's because while both were him technically,

Shiro's gender was an obstacle,

Men and women, whether you agreed to it or not, were inherently different creatures. Things and values Archer or his past-selves once held dear to heart might not be the same for Shiro Emiya.

Similarly, the ideals his female counterpart had based her whole life and personality upon might not necessarily align with his.

For example: Archer had loved Leona, but not in that way. He loved her like a sister, and definitely not in the 'Alabama traditions' either- a sister he never had- or rather, unfortunately never had the chance to really get to know since he's already a Counter Guardian when they met- all but a mere slave to the Collective Unconsciousness of Mankind.

Then again, he was whisked away by Alaya just after that War so maybe things could have developed into something romantic between them had he stayed? Who knew, and Archer doubted he'd ever get to know. Point's, unlike Archer, Shiro Emiya very clearly had a thing for Leonis Magnum. He could see it in her eyes- in the shy, nigh awkward manner that she spoke and how she acted around the boy.

Her mannerism was crystal clear to him,

Forget being in love…

She's fucking smitten,

She simply didn't know it yet due to a lack of understandings regarding human emotions…

And perhaps a tiny dose of survivor's guilt and insecurities mixed in there just to be sure.

If Archer recalled correctly, he's much the same at her age. He never even thought of romance, considering himself unworthy of such a thing after having survived the Fuyuki Great Fire. "If we can't use the shortcut to accelerate my growth, what can we do?"

His female counterpart- completely unaware of the thoughts plaguing Archer's mind- huffed and complained loudly, an action that nearly caused the tanned Servant to rebuke her in sheer frustration. He had had to toil and roll in the dirt for decades to reach where he was now, while she- trained in swordsmanship by Leonis- had already had a giant head-start in comparison to him.

Though he didn't show it, there were times when Archer couldn't help but feel his life might not have gone down such a shitty path if he had someone else to inspire him rather than the old and broken Magus Killer. Yet, here she was, moaning about how difficult it was for her to progress her Magecraft when she had long surpassed the him at her age… For the briefest of seconds, Archer felt like all his efforts, all his sufferings were being poked fun at,

And that? It's not exactly the nicest feeling in the World. "I said it's slower, not non-existent. You are still gaining a lot from training with me, just not nearly as much as you'd have if you were a boy. Now, square your shoulders and raise your blades, you wish to be a Hero whom everyone can depend on- even Leonis, right?"

"Yes." Thankfully, it seemed his counterpart wasn't always a pain in the arse. At least she was serious- much more serious than he was at learning and honing her crafts. Now, she might cry and moan and whine a lot, but she genuinely wanted to be a Hero,

And in spite of himself, Archer could not shrug away the slight sense of respect he felt for the young woman. Sure, he was one stubborn son of a bitch once upon a time too, though not like this… Never like this. Shirou Emiya, prior to the Fifth War, had never trained extensively. Yes, he did practice Magecraft,

But that could hardly be called 'proper training' when the full extent of it stopped mostly at him reinforcing and fixing broken electronics in his school.

"Let's do this." Though her arms trembled with exhaustion, Shiro did not falter, her posture upright and tall as Avalon nourished, healed and helped her tired body improve… Another advantage she had over Archer in his youth. Trying his best to ignore the sudden bouts of jealousy, Archer released a calming sigh. "Are you certain? In case you haven't noticed, you are not exactly the picture-perfect of health right now."

"I'm not going to be in perfect health once this… War officially starts. Might as well get used to it now." His counterpart nonchalantly shrugged, an act which reminded Archer of simpler time- time when he wasn't forced to commit atrocities at an someone else's behest. What did he even expect? This was Shirou Emiya, albeit a gender-bent version of him, of course she's not going to care about a wound or two. Snorting, Archer raised his blades too. "Fine, but don't go screaming unfair to others when I beat you up. It is inevitable."

Archer replied cockily. They gave each other one last look before bolting into actions, while Shiro's fighting style did resemble Archer's, it's nowhere near as suicidal. She used feints and baits to draw the enemies in, yet her primary mode of attack was full-blown offense created to make anyone who had faced someone even remotely proficient at [Sword God Style] fearful of the harsh and violent strokes of swords.

Like a dancer, there was fluidity in Shiro's movements- the kind which Leo did not have despite the two training in the same Style. It's understandable really, while [Sword God Style] had its basics, stances and forms, everyone's interpretation of it was different. It's why every 'Sword King', 'Sword Saint' and even 'God' of the Style had their way of utilizing it. For some- Leo for example- it's simply a very efficient and relentless and at times unpredictable Style,

For others, its biggest advantage was how seamless the Style was…

Unfortunately, none of it mattered.

Archer had already fought Leona thrice, regardless of how different each person's interpretation of the Style was,

He had had experience in dealing with it, and it showed.

Two pairs of falchions met- a pair looking like an artistic piece, the other surprisingly simple- and colorful sparks were shot out all over, but neither of the combatants cared. "So- *Groan*- So how went your conversation with Saber? I doubt it must ha- have been pleasant, knowing what I do about Artoria."

"Urgh… L- Like Leo often says, it could have gone better."

Archer laughed sarcastically. "But it could have gone worse, right?"

Shiro and her male counterpart separated, jumping away from one another. This time, the two did not rush to meet weapons,

Instead they were carefully examining the other for openings in their defenses. "It could have indeed."

Shiro answered, mind whirling to the short conversation she had had with her Servant just an hour ago.

.

.

.

(Looking at her young Master, Saber frowned, asking. "So sir Magnum said he's doing all this to save the World, but are there evidences to support his theory? Master, can you even trust someone like him? From what you've said, he seems like your typical Magi."

"I trust him wholeheartedly, always have and always will–" Seeming almost offended, Shiro replied with a growl, "– I don't know how he knows but he knows things… And regardless of your suspicions, if you try to hurt him again."

She did not finish the sentence, though the flash of her Command Seals made the unspoken threat clear. It wasn't every day Saber wad threatened by someone, yet the 'King' could respect the loyalty and trust displayed by her Master. Unfortunately, after decades of navigating political intrigues and experiencing betrayals by those she had once trusted- even though she did not blame them at all- Saber's skepticism remained still.

"He could have lied… You do know what lying is, right Master? This is a Wish-Granting Mystic Code we're talking about, everyone desires it for one reason or another." Your friend might not be an exception this, or else he would have tried to stop the Grail from proceeding, was not said though the implication was clear to any who'd bother to read between the lines. "He'd not do that."

Shiro said calmly, her expression not wavering one bit. "I understand you don't trust him due to his connection with Gilgamesh, but you are my Servant. You should at least trust me, so trust in my trust for him."

Shiro could tell there was a valid argument Saber was making, though she remained steadfast, believing Leo mean the best for them and in a way, she was right. "He himself told you he has made a Deal with the the Daemon infecting the Holy Grail, his words are–"

"Saber, you were King Arthur in life… Have your Knights ever shown you distrust?" Artoria shook her head. While there were subjects the Knights of the Round Table had issues with, their main problem was her lack of emotions and understandings of Humanity, not Saber's kingship itself. Even when the end of Camelot neared, they hadn't strayed from her because she's a bad King, but because they could not comprehend the path she had willingly chosen.

"Their feelings towards you are the same ones I have for Leo." Shiro licked her lips, searching for the correct terms. "Leonis might be iffy at times, but I trust that he won't try to harm us, not on purpose at least. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a training session to get to. You're welcome to visit all the facilities in the Castle, but don't harm anyone, please."

Saber looked offended at the reminder.

What did her Master think she was? A violent murderer?! Granted, she hadn't exactly given the best first-impression, though that was no reason to judge her yet. "If you need anything, you can ask the servants. I don't know all the specifics, but Leo has arranged your room right next to mine… Holler if you need me."

Caught up in the thoughts, Artoria didn't even bother to refute the decision. Personally, she'd have liked it much more if she could easily gain access to her Master, yet simultaneously, the Servant felt she needed time to fully digest all the information she had just been given, and maybe resolve the guilt plaguing her mind and heart at the revelation that she had caused the Great Fire which orphaned both Lancer's and her Master.

Albeit, she was forced by Kiritsugu's Command Seal- a last-ditch effort to stop the Apocalypse- an act she could now understand and perhaps sympathize with one day… Sadly, that day was not today. Thus, the pair of Master and Servant separated from one another with even more questions than they had come with. To make it worse, of the two, neither felt particularly satisfied with the result of their conversation.

.

.

.

"That is rough." Archer commented after dodging a swing aimed at his head, though he underestimated the force and speed Shiro had put into it and was lightly injured- it's nothing too serious, just a small, unnoticeable scratch that'd heal in an hour at most with Rin currently supplying him Mana. Still, it did hurt his ego. Usually, the Servant wasn't one to hold pride in the 'Art of Murder', but against a younger, less experienced version of himself?

Immediately, not to outdone, Archer launched into actions.

Their falchions clashed once again, and this time Shiro could clearly tell the experiences pouring into her, which caused to flinch and nearly got hit by Archer's attack. Thankfully, he was able to stop himself in time. "Don't be too harsh on Saber, she has had a rough time in the Fourth War with our old man. I'm surprised she doesn't try to kill you the moment you hear Emiya."

Blinkingly owlishly, Shiro asked. "You have details about dad?"

"You pick up news here and there when you're constantly on the roads. Plus, I was Saber's Master once upon a time, I've experienced the Dream-Cycle too, you know?" The taller, older man explained. Then, with a twitch of his arm, the Servant slipped past Shiro's defense with ease as he twisted into a kick which would've- should've shattered her ribcages to bits, but he was able to hold back just in time. "Oopsie... That's going to bruise in the morning. Perhaps it's time we stop?"

Choking on her breaths, Shiro tried to rise, using her Mana to reinforce her innards in an attempt to stabilize her state. "I- *Huff*- I can still go on."

Annoyed, Archer grumbled back in response. "Even muscles need rest to grow, let alone you- a person. I know you have this obsession with heroism and survivor's guilt, trust me I was the same too, but I beg the differ. You won't help anyone being dead on your feet, Shiro."

"But–"

"You just don't know when to quit, do you? Either you go back to your room and take an eight-hours nap, or I'll knock you out right here. Your choice."

"But I haven't made any progress…" Raising a brow, Archer grabbed his counterpart's arm. "Haven't you? Try tracing a weapon- any would do."

Wordlessly, Shiro obeyed, trying to replicate Kanshou and Bakuya and to her surprise, she was able to do so nigh effortlessly. "You have not noticed, but throughout the spar, you were beginning to use a more advanced version of [Reinforcement]- the one I use."

Fingers sliding down the edges of the projected falchions, Archer smirked. "Although these aren't the best quality-wise, they are far more than simple shapes."

With a throw, Archer sent the projected Kanshou flying only for it to make a curve and return to his hand. "See? You're not as bad as you think. In fact, I believe you'll be able to rival me easily in Magecraft within the next couple of weeks."

"T- Then I did good?" A hopeful look in her eyes, Shiro smiled proudly- a smile which shone brighter than the Sun itself- and for a brief second, Archer couldn't help but see a glimpse of his past-self in the young woman. That same determination, the sheer grit and passion he had for saving lives. The cynical parts of him scoffed at the girl's stupidity, yet the Hero dwelling somewhere inside seemed proud. "Yes… You did."

Unconsciously, Archer extended his hand to pat her on the head, muttering as his female counterpart collapsed in his chest, his face schooled in a gentle look- something more reminiscent of Shirou Emiya instead of the sarcastic and cynical Archer. "Hang in there, don't put yourselves down, huh? Your advice is easier said than done, Leona."

But Archer didn't dislike it, he didn't dislike looking at a version of his past-self with fondness as much as he deluded himself into believing.

— [Fate: FS] —

Enkidu's Chains rested against the two Church Officials even though the Servant was still in his Astral Form. It's a complete surprise to me that nobody- no Master had ever tried this tactic of mine. To be fair, I hadn't expected it to work either, the fact that partial-manifestation of a Servant was allowed could change a lot. Most Masters were decently powerful Magi so they might notice a Servant snooping around,

But a Master with no prior experience with the Moonlit World would be an easy target to take out without their Servant.

Then again, I doubted a Master like that would allow their Servant to move away for too long, so maybe not? Ah-It didn't matter.

I could ponder on the important things later, right now there was an angry woman to worry about. Hibiki's hits hurt as much as a teddy-bear throwing himself at me, but I did have an image to maintain. "Alright, alright. It's my fault, can you get me and my… Friends–"

I stressed, clapping my hands together in a show of sincerity. "– A table please? I promise I'll bring apology-gift later, but we're in a hurry at the moments."

The waitress glared at me, but seeing the awkward smile on my lips, she relented. "Fine! A table for four, correct?"

"Actually, we're just about to leave, Lord Magnum–" The priest tried to use this chance to escape, sadly I was having none of his bullshits. And Lord… Really? Did he really just refer to me by my Title in public? "Nonsense! Since you two have visited Fuyuki, you should at least share a drink with me first!"

My toothy smirk widened, yet the amusement never reached my eyes and the priest violently shuddered, knowing if he tried to protest, there was going to be Hell to pay.

"Lord Magnum?" Hibiki repeated, and my smirk got tighter for a second. The priest- seeming to have realized his mistake- tried to rectify it via means of murder, his hands slowly reaching for the Black Keys hidden inside his coat. I waved him off with a glare, "Right… Apparently I'm the distant descendant of some fancy Noble House in London. It's why I left Fuyuki for so long, my family has been looking for me after the Great Fire to no avail, we only reconnected because I was spotted by their men seven years ago."

Shocked at the revelation, Hibiki covered her mouth. "Th- Then, your parents?"

"Still an orphan, I'm afraid." I chuckled humorlessly, trying my best portray the image of an orphaned boy whose sole hope of meeting his parents was extinguished. "I was in Fuyuki with my parents when the incident happened… They didn't make it, according to my grandparents, but they're happy our family line hasn't ended with my parents."

A lie was best weaved with some truths. It's the truth that I belonged to a bigshot Noble House in London, but I wasn't a descendant, I was the Founder.

"Oh-Leonis… Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Pulling me in a hug, the maid patted me on the back- an act which reminded me of that one time when Gil left me alone on the rooftop of an unfinished building, naked and confused as I gathered my belongings. I spent the entire night that day drinking away my sorrows, and surprisingly enough, neither Hibiki, George or Chikagi tried to stop me. In fact, it's precisely George who kept on pouring in my cup, it's a fun night for sure.

Granted, my mood was dampened by the fact that I wouldn't be able to see Gil for the coming decade, but it's still fun.

Biting on my lips, I forced unshed tears to my eyes, yet 'refused' to cry. "It's alright. I'm sure my parents are somewhere better now."

Not likely. Not because I hated my parents or anything- Yes, I did resent them though all the faded memories of simpler, better times were always present-

No, it's due to the fact that unless you're a Phantasmal Beings, or a great Hero, the Afterlife was not a guaranteed deal. Most were absorbed back into the Root, never to be seen again, recycled into new Souls. It's a bleak reality, though with the Game, I was not afraid to confront it. Perhaps not now, but in the far future… Who knew? Maybe I'd be able to one-shot even Conceptual Entities. "So… About our table?"

"Come on in. Your table is empty." With that, Hibiki turned to the kitchen. "Leo, Gil-chan, you two want the usual or…?"

"Screw it! I'm feeling adventurous so why don't you surprise me?" Hearing my answer, the waitress glanced at Gil. "I'll take my usual. Be quick on your feet, handmaiden."

Apparently, after being introduced to Ahnenerbe, Gil and Hibiki struck it up with each other, and the Golden Queen had taken to calling the waitress that ever since. No idea how it happened, I just came for coffee and saw the two making jokes one day. "Got it. And these two?"

"A coffee, as bitter as you can make it." The white-haired nun said, face expressionless. "I- I think I'll pass."

It seemed the priest's not as calm as his partner. Understandable really, he clearly recognized me, while his partner did not. "C'mon, it's on me."

Sweats poured down his forehead at my words and he hastily made to correct his order. "Then please give me a black coffee like my friend here."

"Alright!" Hibiki clapped excitedly. "Take a seat, I'll return with your drinks soon!"

Watching as she happily skipped into the kitchen, I gestured for the Church Officials to follow, but did not speak. "Lord- Lord Magnum, we weren't aware you're going to participate in this War… We've offended you, please–"

"We can speak later. Play along for now." I ordered calmly, pointing to our table. "Take a seat. I won't take 'no' for an answer."

"T- Then excuse us." The pair sat opposite to Gil and I while Enkidu- still in his Astral Form- loomed behind them menacingly. "Now, why don't you two explain to me why you're tailing us? I don't believe I've made an enemy of the Holy Church."

I did come into conflicts with those self-righteous assholes once in a while, but it's not to the point they'd out a bounty on my head- mainly because they had tried that and it did not work out too well for the Executioners they sent. Let's just say I sent them back in pieces and leave it at that. "Lord Magnum, we suspect you're possessed by a Daemon."

… Did she just–? Wait, this nun looked familiar. "Have we met?"

"We haven't." She replied. "Though you might know my father if you were living in Fuyuki a decade ago. He's supposed to be the Overseer of the Fifth War before a tragic accident took his life."

My eyes widened.

Golden eyes, white hair and no tack, I knew this woman… Not intimately, but– "You are Caren Hortensia?"

"You know me?" At my slip of tongue, Caren questioned as I looked away. "Your father has- Well, had mentioned you to me a few times. He was actually my first tutor in Magecraft, though he wasn't a very good one."

Think, Leo. What do you know of Caren? What? It had almost been a decade! My memory was good, but not that good! "Really? Forgive me if I don't believe you. I highly doubt my father would do that given how he left my mother and I."

Christ! Was it too hard to just agree with me? "He has always had you in his heart."

"Again, I highly doubt that. Not all sheep are stupid, Lord Magnum." Like so, the atmosphere became even tenser as the priest balked at Caren's honesty. "Please forgive her, she's an apprentice Exorcist. She hasn't been taught proper decorum, Lord Magnum."

'Why's this guy so afraid of you? Pretty sure these hypocrites always have a 'holier than thou' attitude.' Angra suddenly quipped in, and I saw the Exorcist stiffen. '… Masochistic Spiritualist Constitution, that's it! Angra, hide right now!'

'What? Why?!'

'Just trust me! I think she can sense you.' I told the Daemon calmly, while simultaneously keeping the conversation going with not a change in my expression. It's almost as if I hadn't seen her flinch at Angra's presence at all. "It's fine. She's honest, if a little frank. I can work with that. Miss Caren, do you still think I'm possessed?"

The Exorcist didn't respond, looking at my silently as her partner scrambled to rectify the situation. "Of course not! We didn't realize it's you, else we wouldn't have dared tail you, Lord Magnum."

"Enough with this 'Lord Magnum' bullshit. Just call me Leonis, we're in public space!" I scolded. It's one thing to tell that sob-story to one or two people, it's another entirely to have to explain to every person who's paying attention to us. "And I do believe I was talking to her. Are you Ms. Caren?"

The priest shook, seeming to shrink at the negative attention. "No Leonis, it seems I was mistaken."

Yeah, like I'd buy that. To her credits, Caren lied with a completely straight face. Like father, like daughter, aye? "It's alright. We all make mistakes every once in a while. All is forgiven. So, which of you two is to be the Overseer of the Fifth War?"

"I am." Without hesitation, the Exorcist raised her hand. "I look forwards to working with you, Ms. Caren."

Silence- utter and uncomfortable silence descended on us as we waited for our drinks. In fact, the only one who seemed nonchalant and happy was Gil and that's mainly because she didn't care. The Grail War was nothing more than entertainment for her, but for us? It's do-or-die. "Here comes our drinks."

"There we go!" Hibiki gently put the cups on the table then left, but not before giving me a, "Remember to visit later. Chikagi-chan isn't here today, but we have a lot to tell you, I'm sure you're the same as well."

"Cya, Hibiki-chan!" Only when she's out of hearing distance did I speak, "Well, this sure is awkward… Do I have your words to stop trying to spy on me?"

They weren't sneaky about it either, which was extremely unprofessional of them to be honest. "You have my words this won't happen again!"

"Good." I nodded. "You may leave… But don't forget your coffees. George put his heart and soul in his dishes and drinks, I don't want even a drop wasted, understood?"

Without waiting for my prompt, the priest grabbed his glass and emptied the whole thing in his mouth, before looking to Caren to see if she had drunk hers yet. When he saw she had not, the priest hurriedly gestured with his eyes almost pleadingly. "From what I've heard, all the past Wars only officially start once the Overseer has announced it to the Masters. Am I right to assume you two will do so soon?"

"Of course! Anything you say, Lord- I meant, Leonis!" Fed up with the treatment, I just barely stifled a groan. "Oh-Just sod off already."

Cowardice was a human thing, but he's taking it too far. I hadn't even met the guy prior to this, at least I don't think I had, he had no reason to be this fearful beyond my reputation. "Excuse us."

Grabbing Caren, the priest practically raced out of the café like the Devil himself was on his tail, leaving both Gil and I baffled. "What disgusting coward… Even the lowliest of mongrels are better than him."

I gotta agree with her on this. Couldn't believe I was going to say this, but that guy was a giant step down from Kotomine, and that was saying something given the latter's twisted mindset.

"Idiot doesn't even have the decency to tell us his name."