"Talking"

'Thinking'

"Mental link"

"Noble Phantasms"

POV

Chapter 41: Map markers.

Sulyvahn and Da Vinci POV

"I'm not sure whether I should congratulate you that your interrogation techniques were so painful that our captive would rather speed up their own death to avoid them, or mock you for allowing them to die." Sulyvahn spoke up, not looking away from his desk as he continued to work on something.

"Now, now." Da Vinci sang through the screen next to him "No need to be rude, besides, its not like we had much time to get information from him anyway."

"No, I suppose not." Caster shrugged his shoulders, then held a small decorated ring over the map as he began chanting in a strange language. The map in front of him began to glow, lines forming through across the entire region. Lowering his hand, he stared at the map "Impressive, I had thought you no more than mere bluster, but your boasting is matched by your competence."

"Well, I am a genius after all~"

"You seem remarkably uncaring of my, debatably coloured, past." Sulyvahn pointed out, looking towards the screen "Although I suspect it is an opinion formed from necessity rather than anything else."

"Oh. You are an unrepentant mass murderer." Da Vinci bluntly put "But I can't deny intelligence when I see it."

"How quaint." He looked back to the map "In any event, it has confirmed our hypothesis." He gestured towards the map, running a wooden finger along the image of the Leylines "Aldrich was draining the Leylines along the entire western region."

"Indeed." Da Vinci nodded her head "However, it appears that he stopped just shy of Spain. The far most western country."

"Indeed...However, even with our combined efforts, mapping the Leylines of an entire continent is difficult." He replied "But from this, we may begin to discover the location he is present within, they do not appear to be registering further drainage to them…"

"Perhaps this Leyline was important enough to provide the extra fuel he needed." The extravagant Caster mused, cupping her chin with a thoughtful expression "He may require more magical energy than he has at present to open the rift to this 'Abyss'"

"Possible." Sulyvahn nodded "This era seems to be lacking in sufficient mana within the air. A side effect of the lack of Lords?"

"If you refer to the Age of Gods, then that has been in decline for some time now, but it picked up with the Death of Solomon nine hundred years ago, well nine hundred years from where you are now, for us its more like...three thousand."

Sulyvahn stared at her image for a few moments before turning his head back to the map "I envy your people, that you could so easily detach yourselves from the Gods…" letting out a tired sigh, he went on "No matter, we will continue on as planned, the contraption you sent here, it has begun sending back information?"

"Indeed!" Da Vinci grinned "All sorts of wonderful little numbers! Its refreshing to speak with someone who actually understands half of what I'm saying! A shame you're morally bankrupt."

"From my perspective I see no true error with my actions." He shrugged "The Age of Fire had crippled the world for thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years. When the future of the world is in jeopardy, is there any price that could be too high?"

"There's a whole can of worms I could crack open right there about 'means and ends.'"

"Means and ends?" Sulyvahn tilted his head "Is that a saying?"

"The ends justify the means."

Sulyvahn's wooden brows rose, producing a slight creaking sound as they did "That is a surprisingly...accurate saying. Still, I suspect you do not share it."

"I'm all for showing off genius and saving the world, but that does not excuse excessive murder and mutilation experiments." Da Vinci frowned "Ash informed us in greater detail when he warned us about you."

"Ah, told you about the sewers, I suppose?" Sulyvahn let out a small chuckle when she nodded her head "Irithyll was just as much a mockery of how I perceived what the Lords had done to the world as it was defence against wayward undead." he shrugged "It did not work in the end, but that does not detract from it. Did I derive minor amusement form experimenting on those citizens? Yes. Although considering they were religious fanatics who would desperately cling to such a perverse way of life, is it really a sin to make their looks match their beliefs?"

Da Vinci's face scrunched up "Like I said, a whole can of worms I refuse to open. You clearly believe what you have done is right, while I believe what you have done is wrong. At the end of the day, there is nothing much that can be said."

"True enough." Was Sulyvahn's uncaring reply, moving back to the table before he froze for a few moments in thought "However, when you find yourself staring towards the precipice, finding your vision glued onto what you see as the end of life. You find that it becomes remarkably easier to engage in acts you would have once found repulsive. Your claim to moral supremacy may sound enticing now, but I have no doubts you will abandon it when the situation calls for it." turning his head to stare at the silent inventor "My actions were necessary, and I admit I found enjoyment in the experimentations I performed, but they all served a purpose. I needed Irythill guarded from incursions, thus I created the Outrider knights. I needed someone to put an end to the Lords in Anor Londo, thus I allowed the Church of the Deep and Aldrich entry into the valley."

He stood back up to his full height, turning his whole body to face the Caster "I did all this, because it truly was for the betterment of the world. If all it takes to end the stagnation of life is for me to sacrifice my morals, then that is a small price to pay."

"If it is progression born out of cruelty, then the world will know nothing but the cruelty of progression." Da Vinci replied "You would have brought about a cycle which viewed innovation as a partner of ruthlessness. Can you truly say such a world is worth it?"

"We will never know." Sulyvahn shrugged his shoulders "But for me, even if it was a world perpetuated by despicable acts, as long as it continued to stride forwards, as time continued in a linear fashion, then that would have been enough for me." tilting his head, he sighed "You are not quite there yet. Your world progresses onwards, even in this corruption of History, the world still marches forwards. But we shall see who is right by the end of it."

"A bet over the abandonment of morals." Da Vinci shook her head, giving a wry smirk "That's one I'd rather not gamble on."

"We'll see." Sulyvahn replied, turning back to his desk "On a more relevant topic, how far have you gotten in tracking down Aldrich?"

"We're close." Da Vinci replied "Using the Leylines, we'll be able to identify points of disturbances, hopefully the largest will belong to Aldrich and be the centre of this Singularity."

"Hopefully…" Sulyvahn replied in a quiet voice "Hope is something which I do not rely upon often."

"You should, its actually quite nice!~"

"Hmph."

Ritsuka, Mash and Lucien POV

"I don't know what a 'Victorian' is." Lucien replied with a shrug of his shoulders, furrowing his brows under his hat "Nor how it relates to me."

Ritsuka stared at him with slightly narrowed eyes, then crossed his arms "Where did you say you were from again?"

"Yharnam."

"I've...never heard of that." He turned to Mash, the girl offered a slight shrug in response showing that she wasn't sure either. "What about you, Roman?"

"We've got nothing in our records about any place called Yharnam." Romani replied, an interested tone in his voice "Perhaps he's from a different world-"

"I am." Lucien answered immediately "I know that much." he looked up at the sky, towards the moon "Mainly because of that."

"The moon?" Romani blinked "Why? Is it different?"

"No...Yes." Lucien offered a confused reply "It feels different." sighing he looked back to the group in front of him "Regardless, I am from a different world to you."

"Huh…" Romani shrugged "I probably shouldn't be surprised that more visitors from Ash's world-"

"I'm not from his world either."

"What!?" The Doctor sqwaked in shock "How!? Does this mean we have a second world involved in this now!? How many more can we expect?"

"...Was there a need to shout?"

"Well...um…" Ritsuka scratched the back of his neck "Travelling between worlds is apparently a bit harder for us."

"...It is?"

"Lucien-san...Don't tell me…" Mash sounded almost hesitant as she tried to ask the question "Do you...travel between worlds too?"

"...You don't?"

"...I don't think we should tell the Director about this particular part." Romani spoke up, Ritsuka and Mash turned to see the Doctor's strained expression "She got pretty hysterical when she found out that Ash's world could use the Second Magic like that, if she finds out another world is doing it...she might burst a blood vessel."

"Probably." Ritsuka nodded his head sagely "She did look pretty mad-Hm? Ah!" he grinned, leaning down to pick something up near his legs "There you are Fou. I was wondering where you got to." he smiled as he pet the small animal behind the ears "You like to wander off don't you?"

"Fou!" The small animal replied, Mash giggled and then widened her eyes in realisation.

"Ah, that's right Lucien-san!" She turned back to the Hunter "This is Fo-Eh? Is something wrong?"

"Hm?" Ritsuka turned to see what Mash was talking about, promptly blinking in surprise at the display.

Lucien's eyes were locked onto the small white animal, they were wide and frightful with visible sweat trailing down his forehead. His hands were trembling as he stared at the animal, nervously swallowing "W-what...What is that?" he spoke out, voice awash with fear.

Ritsuka and Mash blinked, looking to eachother in confusion and then back to the Hunter, Ritsuka held him out in front of him "This is Fou."

"Bl-bloody hell…" Lucien stuttered, backing away from them "You two are fuckin' crazier than me…"

Ritsuka and Mash stared at eachother, not entirely sure what they were supposed to make of that sentence. The Hunter continued to stare at Fou as if it were the most horrific thing they had laid eyes on.

Fou stared at the Hunter, tilting its head to the side "Kyu!" then let out a tiny bark that had the man flinch.

Servants POV

"Twas after Milord had placed down the ashes of the Lothric Princes." Cecilia recounted with a small smile, Gareth and Arash sitting near her with eager eyes as she continued her story "He proclaimed that 'The long journey was nearly over'...unfortunately, Milord forgot his feet."

"No…" Arash grinned "He didn't…"

Cecilia nodded "Milord forgot that the Lothric Throne was the highest point of the Shrine interior, he turned to leave...then slipped and fell from it."

"Pffft!" Gareth covered her mouth to stop the laugh from spilling out "H-he fell off the throne?"

"Indeed. Onto his head." She let out a slight giggle "Unfortunately, the fall did kill him. When he returned, he remained silent for a good while. Twas quite amusing, I believe he sulked for some time."

"I'm amazed you can make a story about some poor guy falling on his head and breaking his neck on the verge of completing his quest so amusing." Arash commented, shaking his head with a wry grin on his face "Must be a special thing about being undead that makes that type of thing amusing."

"Ah…" Cecilia froze, her mouth forming an 'O' shape in realisation, her shoulders slumped slightly as she looked away "Apologise, perhaps I have spoilt the mood-"

"Nonsense!" Gareth proclaimed with a grin "That's the type of silly thing that people normally hear about…" she quickly paused, a frown soon appearing on her face "Then again, they don't typically die, but he comes back alive, so its all good. I guess?"

"Hmm?" An interested hum brought their attention to Solaire as the knight made his way over to the group "What's all this talk then? It looks very interesting."

"Sharing amusing stories." Arash supplied with a smile "Although right now we're trying to find out if undead humour is different, considering most of Cecilia's end up with someone dying."

"Ah." Solaire nodded his head, crossing his arms "Yes, that is certainly true. Although dying is such a common thing that it has since lost meaning to undead. Going hollow however, that is very different...Regardless." Solaire waved his hand, dismissing the thought and sitting near the group, removing his helmet and giving them a wry smile "I suppose I should tell you the story of how I first met one of my good friends in Lordran, Bedric."

"Oh?" Arash leaned forwards "Sounds like this will be good."

"Oh, yes." Solaire chuckled "We first met in Undead burg. Near enough the bridge. He was quite relieved to meet another who was of sound mind...well." another laugh escaped his lips, this one more embarrassed "As sound mind as one could be in Lordran. I had journeyed there after becoming undead myself, anyway. He was in such a rush to get across the bridge that he didn't give me enough chance to warn him."

"Warn him about what?" Gareth asked, tilting her head, Solaire smiled.

"The large Wyvern currently roosting there."

Gareth and Arash widened their eyes, the former gaped in shock "A Wyvern!? How big?"

"Oh...Covered half the bridge with its body at least." Solaire cupped his chin in thought "Anyway, he rushes off before I can warn him, but I figured he would be back soon anyway." giving a shrug, then knight let out a small huff of mirth "Sure enough, I hear the roar of the Wyvern and the sound of the inferno it breathes out. Then there's silence for a few moments." he paused for effect, the others leaning in towards him "Then Bedric comes back where he came the first time. Staring at me with the most gobsmacked expression I had ever seen. When he asked if I knew about the Wyvern, I told him that he ran off before I could mention it."

Arash and Gareth shook their heads in equal parts exasperation "Wyverns...Sound an awful lot bigger than what I would have thought."

"I thought Wyverns were supposed to be smaller than dragons?" Gareth wondered with a small frown "At least that's how they described them in the previous Singularity."

Solaire tilted his head, nodding slowly "There were several differing breed of Wyverns. They were all offshoots of the Everlasting Dragons, the drakes were the smallest, I believe. They were...a little smaller than Sif, I would say." he shrugged "However, they were more numerous and often spat lightning instead."

"Lightning, huh." Arash nodded "Sounds a little different to what I was expecting, but Fafnir was apparently a dragon that spewed poison."

"Ah, Bedric mentioned a Dragon like that once." Solaire offered "Although he said it had succumbed to the undead curse. A nasty fate."

"I thought it was just humans that could get that." Gareth asked, frowning in confusion as she did.

"Well, humans were the most susceptible to it." The Knight affirmed "It was quite rare for other races to contract such a curse, not impossible but exceedingly uncommon."

"Sounds nasty."

"It was simply the way life was." The knight shrugged "Besides, that is not the only story I have of good Bedric and Dragons."

"Really?"

"Oh, yes. There was one dragon that turned its stomach into a mouth-"

"It did what!?" Gareth cried out in shock.

Ash and Olga POV

"You're looking somewhat tense." Olga looked away from the table she was sat at, turning towards the voice and relaxing slightly as Ash made his way towards her "Does something trouble you?"

"No." She replied instantly, wincing at how unconvincing she sounded to herself. Ash grunted in acknowledgement "I thought you would be with your 'Firekeeper' was it?"

"Cecilia is experiencing proper socialisation for the first time in…" Ash paused "...A long time, I suppose. I can allow her that. I had thought you would be in the company of the Emperor, considering her interest in you-"

Olga let out a groan, her forehead slamming onto the table "Please don't joke about that...She's been trying to seduce me for several days already."

Ash chuckled, sitting opposite her "You should be honoured, being the object of interest for such an important figure." Olga's head raised, glaring at the Saber servant, he shook his head, removing his helmet and placing it on the table and giving her a calm expression "I joke. Although she does seem quite enamoured with you."

"She also seemed quite enamoured with your firekeeper." Olga shot back, smirking as Ash's face flattened out "Should you not be honoured that your close friend was the object of interest for such an important person?"

Ash rolled his eyes, crossing his arms and leaning back into his chair "It seems you have regained some of your good humour. You have appeared quite stressed for some time now."

"I'm fine." She snapped back "I don't need pity."

"It was not pity I offered." The Saber shook his head, rubbing his brows "What can you tell me of this 'Lev'?"

Olga glared at him "Why?"

"His betrayal has troubled many, none more so than you." Ash explained "I can only assume he meant a great deal to you."

"It doesn't matter anymore." She replied in a dead tone of voice "Lev has sabotaged Chaldea and put all of Human History at risk. He needs to be stopped."

"Lady Olga...you are crying."

Her hand snapped up to her eyes in an instant, wiping them down and composing herself "You must be mistaken. I wouldn't do something so childish as to-"

"I see." Ash replied in a quiet tone of voice "Lady Olga. You have done an admirable job thus far."

She guffawed at him "Is that supposed to be some sort of joke? I've been harassed since I got here, and absolutely nothing has gone right."

"What were you expecting to happen?"

"What was I-" She growled "I was expecting competence! Chaldea was supposed to be the culmination of my fathers dream! We would work to preserve the Human Foundation! I was…" she cut herself off, looking away from him "It doesn't matter."

"My social skills are limited." Ash replied to her with a sceptical tone "However, I can tell that you are attempting to bury your concerns."

"I'm the Director of Chaldea." She scoffed back "I am to appear dignified at all times and present a strong foundation for the entire facility. Weakness would undermine my position." coughing into her hand "Besides. I must be composed for when we capture Lev Lainur and determine his motives…" she trailed off, looking at Ash and biting her lip nervously "You...you said he was a Demon?"

"I did." He replied with a nod "And he is. Not like the Chaos Witch, but there is the same feeling surrounding him."

"Do...do you think its possession?"

"I was unaware Demons could do such things." Ash replied with a shrug "But if they are capable of such feats in your world, it is entirely possible he is not acting of his own will."

Olga looked visibly relieved "Then there's a chance-"

"I said it was possible." Ash cut her off, staring at her with a frown "And what will you do if he was a Demon the entire time you knew him?"

"T-that's…" She looked far more anxious now, rubbing her upper arms and hunching herself in "That is...But that...He…"

"I would not abandon hope just yet." Ash attempted to reassure her "However, I'd advise you be prepared for the worst outcome."

"Worst outcome?" She scoffed incredulously "How can it be worse than our current situation?"

"I have found that it can always get worse." He replied in a deadly serious tone "However bad you believe the situation to be, it is best not to tempt fate further."

"Experience?"

"Yes."

She let out a mirthless snort in response "It seems you've taken some of that experience with you, with how this singularity has gone so far."

"You have secured the aid of a Lord, a Chaos witch, a Giant, an Emperor and their empire." Ash flatly replied with a raised eyebrow "You have more help than I ever received, you should take greater pride in that achievement."

Olga sat in her seat, quietly brewing back a response before her eyes flicked back to the unkindled "I...I suppose we did, didn't we?" she gave a tiny smile "In spite of everything, it has gone pretty well so far…"

"It has." Ash nodded his head in affirmation, letting out small sigh "Certainly far more than one would have expected, given the nature of our foe and the scope of our allies." a scowl came to his face "However...Sulyvahn can be trusted to fulfil his role. That much is certain, beyond that I do not know."

"Well...The God wants to kill him when this is completed." Olga shrugged "You probably won't have to deal with him for long."

"Hmph." Ash nodded in response "I imagine he probably would." he suddenly paused, feeling a prickling sensation on the back of his neck. Olga's eyes looked just past him, trailing upwards. Ash turned around, finding himself staring at an armoured knee.

His eyes began to look upwards, further up as he took in the figure standing behind him. The Dragon Slayer armour glared down at him, craning itself over so its shadow fell over his entirety.

Ash turned back around, Olga raised an eyebrow then looked up at her Servant "Its fine Berserker, Saber is an ally." the armour released a growl in response. "What's the matter with you?" she frowned "Barely a peep so far and then all of sudden you're growling." she mumbled under her breath, somewhat confused.

"Well…" Ash coughed into his hand, looking away "That might be...um...my fault."

Olga raised an eyebrow "What do you mean?" the Armour growled again, her eyes flicked back the two of them.

"I, well, I'm not sure if you could use the term 'kill' with a suit of armour but-" The Armour released a deeper groan, sounding somewhat disapproving. Olga's face flattened out in realisation.

"How many other Heroic Spirits can we expect to encounter that you have killed?"

"I'm...not entirely certain." Ash rubbed the back of his neck "Its entirely possible that we would encounter many more who I have personally slain, however with the concept of the Throne stretching across every Age of Fire, it is more likely we will encounter individuals who I have no knowledge of."

"Hmph." She grunted in acknowledgement, frowning "The Holy Grail usually grants the Servants access to all the history of the world necessary for the time period they are summoned in." tilting her head, she cupped her chin and looked at Ash more inquisitively "How is it you are not only ignorant of the history of this world, but also of the history of your own world."

"I would not know, my knowledge of summoning is limited and even then, it is the system of summoning of my world." Ash shrugged "You would need someone with more experience with the subject."

Olga sighed, rubbing her brow "Of course…"

"Hey guys!" Ritsuka's call came from further in the came, a type of elation was present in his voice "Guys! Director! We found him!"

Ash and Olga instantly shot out of their seats.

Chaldea Group POV

"I said we were close, not that we had found him." Sulyvahn remarked in an irritated tone of voice directed towards the Master, the boy rubbed the back of his neck nervously, eyes darting away from the Caster servant. Sulyvahn sighed after a few moments, turning to the screen with Da Vinci "Regardless, you are not incorrect that we have narrowed down our locations significantly."

"That's right Mr Protagonista!~" Da Vinci grinned "We've identified a Leyline way north of you."

"How North?" Nero strode forwards, her hands on her hips with a stern expression on her face "We must prepare at once, for how long do we ride?"

Da Vinci's smile seemed to strain slightly, she and Sulyvahn looked at eachother, as if exchanging some hidden conversation between them before looking back to the assembled group, the 'genius' coughed into her hand "Well, I know how much cardio is important for the body-"

"Da Vinci." Olga stared at the woman, unable to hide the growing sense of dread that was building within her "How far away are they?"

"Well...They are in Augusta Treverorum." Da Vinci replied, Nero went silent for a few moments, staring blankly at the screen for what felt like hours before she flattened out her expression.

"For those of us unfamiliar with Roman Territories." Olga gestured for her to hurry up, Sulyvahn took this as an opportunity to step forwards.

"I believe that you refer to it as Trier."

"...For those of us who don't know about every little location in Europe?"

"Its three hundred and sixty off miles from where you are." Da Vinci offered, Olga gave her a blank look, Ash scratched his brow sniffing slightly.

A silence permeated throughout the assembled group as they all looked around eachother for a few moments.

"Well…" Ash coughed into his hand, breaking the silence to offer forth his wisdom "Shit."

"Yes...Quite troubling indeed." Sulyvahn dryly retorted "If we leave now we may get there by...maybe…" he seemed to make a thoughtful noise for a few moments before he finished his sentence "Yes, we may get there by the end of next week."

"I don't suppose you have a faster method of transport available?" Nero turned to Olga and Ritsuka with a slightly pleading expression. The boy turned to look at his superior, almost mirroring the Emperors subtle begging not to have to walk so far.

"We...Do not." Olga dashed their hopes with a strained expression of her own "How are you faring in terms of fighting power?"

"One thousand three hundred." Vespasian answered, his head having fallen into his hands "And only three hundred horses between us."

"I shall inform thee now." Gwyndolin interrupted them "I cannot call forth that many horses, before thee begs for my aid." the God went back to remaining silent, sat in the corner of the room, the snake legs looking around and occasionally staring at someone who got to close. Namely the Emperor, who had occasionally poked them.

"So!" Da Vinci clapped her hands together, giving the best enthusiastic smile she could as she stared at the group "Better get moving quickly then, right?"

"I'll let the others know." Ash informed Ritsuka, turning around and departing the building they were in as he made his way to where the other servants where gathered.

"Worry not, Pale rose!" Nero grabbed the Directors hands in her own "You may ride in my carriage if you do not wish to walk the way there!"

"Go on, Director!" Da Vinci grinned mischievously "You can do it!"

"Of course, you're subordinates may join!" Nero waved a hand at the pair "With how much help they have provided to us, it would be wrong to allow such individuals to traipse through the roads on their feet like the common soldier!"

"Well, that's a very nice offer." Ritsuka replied to her, holding his hands up in a placating manner "But I'm fine."

"Are you sure, Senpai?" Mash sent him a worried glance, Ritsuka leaned over and whispered to her.

"Gareth says I might be able to ride Sif. He's a giant wolf, no way am I turning that down."

"Senpai…" Mash sweat dropped, then paused "Is he comfy to ride?"

"I've ridden him twice." Ritsuka nodded his head "He's very soft….Do you want to ride him to?"

"W-well." She coughed slightly, a small flush on her cheeks "I wouldn't...would he be alright with it?"

"Never know if we don't ask."

"You have some other method of transport?" Nero tilted her head at the pair, they both turned back to the Emperor, Ritsuka nodded his head with a small smile.

"Yeah, giant wolf, if we're lucky."

"Ah!" Nero grinned "The beast the wields a sword! How did you come upon such a thing? It was so marvellous to gaze upon, how soft is its fur?"

"Soft." Ritsuka nodded his head sagely "Very soft."

"...Would I be able to touch it?"

"I don't see why not."

Servants POV

Sif suddenly tilted their head, their eyes squinted in a confused manner, something Gareth caught onto as she stopped brushing his fur "Something wrong?"

The wolf let out a confused whine, Gareth frowned, then shrugged her shoulders "Maybe someone was talking about you?"

"I thought that was sneezing." Arash commented with a raised eyebrow "Or am I wrong?"

"What does sneezing have to do with being spoken of?" Solaire asked, Arash shrugged at him in response.

"I just heard it was some kind of superstition. Apparently if you sneeze it means someone is speaking of you."

"I don't think I've ever sneezed in my life." Beatrice pointed out, then slumped in thought "Oh…"

"There, there…" Solaire pat her on the back "I'm certain you've merely forgotten, undead don't get ill. You probably sneezed plenty of times before you turned."

Beatrice seemed to perk up slightly "Y-yeah! I'm sure that loads of people have talked about me behind my back!"

"...Well. I know that Bedric mentioned getting help from a witch once. A butterfly, I believe?"

"The moonlight butterfly!?" Beatrice gaped at him "So that was his name! The undead who summoned me to help him! Yes, I remember him!"

"...Butterfly?" Arash raised an eyebrow "Like the little bugs?"

"Little?" Beatrice turned to him with a confused expression "It was the size of a small drake."

"Oh, a big butterfly then." Gareth nodded her head in understanding, then paused "How come you didn't tell us about that when we were sharing stories!" she whined "That sounded pretty impressive!"

"Well…" Beatrice blushed, looking away "I-I didn't do that much-"

"Nonsense! Bedric had nothing but praise for your aid!" Solaire cut her off with a fierce gusto in his voice "He made many compliments about your skill during our talk."

"R-really?" She flushed, twiddling her hands "I was...useful?"

"My dear...You really should have more pride in yourself." Solaire shook his head "You may not have succeeded where you thought it mattered, but that does not detract from your other achievements."

"Well…"

"Good news." Ash called out as he approached the group, they all looked up towards him "We believe we have found Aldrich."

"That's good." Arash smiled "So we'll be done with this soon then?"

"…"

"So, what is the less than good news?" Solaire asked with a small sigh "I suspect it is the next thing you will tell us?"

"He is currently three hundred miles north of our location."

"...Well...Bugger." Beatrice bluntly stated, her face flat "How long is it going to take us to get there?"

"Around a week." Ash shrugged "Well, a week for the Romans anyway. They are desperately low of manpower and transportation."

"They are also our only allies." Arash pointed out "We're going to have to walk with them, I don't know if we can launch an assault ourselves, considering we don't actually know what's waiting for us aside from what Solaire described."

"Then there is Aldrich." Ash winced "If he has the Grail, he has likely been using it to his advantage."

"To do what?"

"He could...use the abilities of those he consumed."Ash sighed "If he can summon servants to his command…"

"That's disgusting." Gareth scowled, Arash frowned in response.

"Not to mention dangerous. If he can use the Noble Phantasms of servants he's consumed, then that places him on a pretty high threat. Especially if he's consumed more than one." He cast a glance at Ash "How many different abilities did he use when fighting you?"

"Several. A scythe that seemed to steal my lifeforce to heal himself, the arrow rain of Gwyndolin as well as well as some manner of weapon like catalyst." He paused "Although it might be that he could also fabricate those he dreamed of as well, considering that the owners of both of those, aside from Gwyndolin, had been dead for some time."

"Dream?"

"He was...clairvoyant to an extent, I believe." He frowned "I do not know if it was vague or specific, but all I know is that he was capable of seeing hints of the future, even that knowledge came from what little information I was able to extract from his soul."

"You can do that?" Gareth blinked, Solaire, Beatrice, Ash and the Firekeeper nodded as one.

"It is only a trickle of information." Solaire informed her "Not nearly enough to form a complete story, but enough to grant some understanding of the world, certainly with the more potent souls you acquire anyway. The ones who have a greater impact on the world as a whole."

"Huh...that's a little morbid but also kind of impressive."

"It is what it is." Solaire shrugged his shoulders, turning back to Ash "So when are we to depart?"

"Soon, I suspect." He looked back over the group with a puzzled frown "Where are the others?"

"Sir Verndari is away running drills with the Roman legionnaires." Solaire informed him "He believes they will need some more experience for the coming days, Ser Gough is currently recovering from his bout with the spider, much to Lady Quelaag's insistence."

"Really?" Ash tilted his head "She seems...unusually close to him, does she not?"

"Much like a doting mother." Solaire chuckled "Although I would not recommend making such comments in her presence, she might just burn up with embarrassment. As a Pyromancer, it would likely be in the most literal sense."

Ash snorted "Most likely. The Hunter?"

"Lucien passed by, he's currently tending to the wounded. It turns out he is a healer of sorts."

"He is?"

"Hmm." Solaire nodded his head "It surprised me to, but he merely claimed that if you are take something apart, you must first know how it is put together."

"That's telling." Arash shrugged "But I don't think he's wrong, and if he wants to use his skills to help the soldiers, then I don't have a problem with it."

"If you're wondering about the two giant suits of armour." Gareth called out to him, continuing to brush Sif's mane as the wolf had its eyes closed, allowing the knight to continue to pet them "They're currently near the front of the city, guarding in case anything else turns up."

"That's fortunate, I suppose." Ash commented "Still, I suspect we shall be in for quite the uphill battle, even with our numbers as high as they are."

"Most definitely." Solaire nodded "It is always when you approach the end, that the quest seems more difficult."

"Well, no use worrying about that now." Arash pushed off the ground, standing up fully and cracking his joints "At least until we get there, eh?"

"I suppose that is one way of looking at it." Solaire replied as he stood up as well, matching Arash's upbeat attitude with one of his own.

"Milord." Cecilia nodded to Ash as he approached her "Thou art well?"

"As well as could be expected." He replied, smiling down at her "And yourself? I realise you never did engage much in conversation with others before."

"Milord, thou worries too much over trivial details." The firekeeper shook her head, a tiny smile on her face "While I am not masterful in the act of conversing, such things are not impossible for me."

"I wasn't doubting you." He replied back "I was merely concerned, I know you're better at it than I am-"

"Milord, thee should not speak falsehoods." Cecilia cut him off with a small frown "Thou art more skilled than thee gives accolade to."

Ash sighed "Not as good as you make me out to be, I'm still at a loss as to this entire situation. Very much a...what is the correct term? Improvising it?"

"Milord, thou art far too critical." Shaking her head, the Firekeeper rose to her feet "Thee have done a fine job, thy summoner is more welcoming thus far."

"He is a good child." Ash acknowledged "A good child in a poor situation, although I suppose we have that in common." he muttered under his breath "Well...at least the situation part."

"Milord, thou should not dwell too heavily on the final act." Cecilia cupped his cheek, giving him a reassuring smile "Twas not an act born of malice, there is nothing to regret in the outcome."

"I know that." Ash mumbled quietly "But…"

"I know." Cecilia's smile turned more sorrowful "I know how greatly it troubles thee, but thou spoke of the painter Aria, should that not calm thy nerves?"

"It is a cold comfort." Ash turned away from her "A cold comfort from a cold place. I wonder what the Dark had truly become by the end, if it could so easily produce creatures like Aldrich."

"Milord, the Saint abused his power-"

"He abused it remarkably easily." Was the rely she received instantly, a slight edge in his tone "It took him no great skill, and then there was Wolnir, the Watchers…" his shoulders hitched "Time after time groups rose to challenge the Abyss or abuse it, they all fell to it in the end. Becoming monsters…" he looked back at her, something flickering through his eyes "Was my choice correct?"

"Did thou wish to propagate the flame?"

"No." Ash's eyes hardened "That...no. I could not allow that."

"Then thy choice was the correct one."

"A choice between a future uncertain or a certain future abusive in nature." Ash scoffed "What choices I had…"

"Milord…"

"No...That's my fault. I should focus on the here and now." Ash cut her off, closing his eyes and exhaling through his mouth "There are those who require my aid here, that is what I should prioritise."

Cecilia watched him, a small frown flittered across her face as Ash retreated back the way he came, the other Servants continued their conversations as they prepared themselves for the march north.

She would never cease worrying about her lord, and she suspected that he was troubled by their betrayal of their own cause even now. Although she would not confess to him that even she was unsure by the end of it, as she had died before she saw the flame flicker out.

Quite what that meant, she wasn't sure.

AN: We're in the final stretch now.

Meaning that the next chapter or two will cover the end of the singularity. So this one is more filler than anything else, which is why its only 6000 odd words rather than the new 7000-8000 Then we'll be off again.

Anyway...Considering today is Valentines day…

Also I uploaded this as a special bit on Spacebattles. But we'll have it here to.

The Valentine Dialogue of Ash, Siegward, Nameless King and Arkon. If they were in game servants.

Enjoy!

In game Dialogue From MC

*Servant actions*

[Item Descriptions.]

Valentine Day Servant Roster (Singularity: France) No Gael because we haven't properly met his Saber Version

Ash

Siegward

Nameless King

Arkon, The Silver Knight

Ash

Receiving from MC

*Humming* "Hmm? Ah, Master! You're looking rather spry this day. Although I suppose there is an air of merriment about. Its actually rather strange…"

It's actually a special Holiday today.

"A Holiday, you say?…"

"Hmmm…"

"That sounds most intriguing. A Holiday? I admit, I have never taken part in one...Siegward might have though…"

"I am curious, what is it about?"

It's Valentines Day. It's about showing gratitude.

"Valen...tine? A day of showing gratitude, you say?"

"Ha...Sounds quite wonderful, truly. That would explain the air of joy. However...I confess my ignorance might have gotten the better of me in this situation…I am afraid I have nothing to gift you…"

That's alright. Here you go!

"This is-!"

"Master...I...well...I'm actually worried I may have blushed a bit...hahaha...Dear me, getting all worked up over a gift. However…"

"Hmmm…"

"No. This will not do. Remain where you are, Master. I shall be back momentarily." *Runs off*

He ran off so fast!

*Runs back* "I apologise for the delay, I'm afraid it took some time."

"Here you go, Master. This is my gratitude for your company."

*Gifts you item*

A tiny model Bonfire!

"Hahaha...sorry. I'm afraid the intricacies are still beyond me, but it will provide comfort to you. They always did for me in harsh situations...well...even when I knew what they truly represented, there was still that small element of gratitude. So...I hope this brings you a much needed sense of calm during trying times."

[A small bonfire model, hand crafted by Ash. The minute flame that flickers below the coiled sword is warm, and comfortably so. Whenever you hold your hand near it, you feel a sense of serenity.]

Siegward

Gifting to MC

*Knocking on door* "Master! Master! It is I, Siegward of Catarina! May I enter?"

Sure thing.

*Door opens* "Thank you. I am sorry to disturb you, but I have heard something truly wonderful. Is it true that today is a special day for Chaldea?"

If you mean 'Is it Valentines Day?' then yes.

"Hahahah! Splendid! In that case, I need not worry about embarrassing myself with this!"

*Gives you gift*

Siegward...This is…

"Hahahah! Speechless? I don't blame you, the others I presented with were similarly surprised by this present."

Its a Chocolate Onion!?

"Onion!? It is the ceremonial helm of a Catarinan knig-…"

"…"

"…"

"...Oh...Oh yes...I see it now…"

"Hmmmm…."

"Hmmmmmmmm…."

"I've got myself into a bit of a pickle now, I suppose…"

You don't need to worry too much about it. It looks great!

"Really? Oh, thank you for the compliment. I was worried that I had gotten it all wrong you see. However, even with my failing taste buds I can still work a kitchen! Even the good Archer who prepares the food was surprised!"

I'm still shocked you can cook without tasting food.

"Hahaha! Such things are simple, once you get the hang of cooking a few hundred times, you get the timings all worked up in your head. Still, I have never made chocolate before...I admit my skill in such things may be lacking…"

Don't worry, I'm sure its fine!

"With such confidence in my craft from you, Master. I suppose I need not fear!"

"Well. I shan't keep you long. I have other chocolates to deliver!"

You're doing others?

"But of course! If this is a holiday, it is best to be enjoyed by everyone! Although some of the others have proven more...hostile to the idea so far...But I will not be dissuaded!"

Good luck then.

"I thank you, Master! I will take my leave of you now!" *Leaves room*

...This Chocolate really does look like an onion.

[Styled to look like the helm of a Knight of Catarina, this chocolate unfortunately looks very much like the vegetable the knights are often accused of appearing to be. However, for a man with no taste buds. Siegward is probably one of the best cooks in Chaldea, and this chocolate solidifies his status.]

Nameless King

Giving to MC

"You are here."

I came as fast as I could!

"I know. Impressive, I had only sent you the message a few minutes ago. To get to the other side of Chaldea in such little time…"

"I am gladdened to see your training has been paying off."

So...What did you call me here for?

"A direct question, but I understand your position. It might be considered unreasonable for me to call you out here all of a sudden. However, remember that all Warriors of Sunlight must be prepared to move at a moments notice. You are no exception."

I...See…

"In any event, you are here now. It has come to my attention that there is a festival occurring today. The exchanging of gifts of some variety?"

Valentines day?

"Is that its name? Hm. Regardless, I found myself curious as to how one would best express their involvement in this time...so I sought advice."

Really? From who?

"Quetzalcoatl."

...Oh.

"Indeed. She was actually rather useful, although calling her 'little cousin' appears to have inspired some...hm...mixed reactions from her? I do not see the issue. Although perhaps she is a little upset I flaunt my age."

You're technically the oldest spirit in Chaldea…

"Not quite the...Actually, you may be correct. No, there is also the old red knight and the shrewd merchant…I'm the Oldest Divine Spirit…"

"...I feel as though I have gotten off topic." *Clears throat*

"Little Cousin Coatl suggested that I gift you something I feel represents my feelings towards you...I'm not entirely certain why she suggested food afterwards...Anyway. Here you go, I had Andre create it specifically for you." *Gives item*

Oh, wow! Thanks! Its a Spear? No! Its a Sword? Wait…

"Hahaha...It is a sword spear. Not as basic as mine, but not as advanced as the one Ornstein wields. If it is a holiday about gifting, then I will grant you this….And also instruct you with is as well...personally."

O-oh...You...um...you don't need to do tha-

"Nonsense, Master. Storm has actually gotten quite excited at the prospect recently, and I admit I am a little impressed at how quickly you got here. Therefore, it is only right I see that speed put to better use."

(I regret being so quick…)

[A Basic Sword spear made like the Nameless Kings, its a little unwieldy, but he says it will become simpler to use with time. It appears to have been infused with trace amounts of lightning, as the tip will occasionally crackle.]

Arkon, The Silver Knight

Receiving From MC

*Shows Arkon standing guard*

Hey, Arkon!

"My Liege? Is there something you require of me?"

Yep.

"Simply name it, and it will be done."

I need you to accept this!

"…"

"…"

"…"

"Apologies, My Liege...do you need this delivered to someone?"

Yes...you.

"Oh...I see…"

"…"

"…"

"...I…"

"I'm not entirely certain, if you shall pardon my confusion, as to why you have gifted me this."

Its Valentines Day, and I wanted to show my gratitude to you.

"...My Liege, you needn't have bothered. I am merely serving my role. Gratitude is not necessary."

Don't be like that. Its a special time of year!

"That may be so, My Liege, but-"

No buts! Accept the chocolate!

"...If my Liege commands it, I suppose I have no choice."

"You said it was a special time of year?"

Yeah. Valentines day.

"I see...and what does this day entail?"

You show your gratitude and affection for someone in giving them a gift.

"I see. So you are showing your gratitude and affection to me."

"…"

"…"

"...By the Flames! I have failed to procure you anything!"

Arkon? Are you al-

"T-This is a grave failure on my part! W-worry not, My Liege! I will correct this oversight immediately. It was my own ignorance which has led to this moment of embarrassment!" *Runs off*

I feel as though I should have explained that better…

*Later, in Masters Room*

*Knocking on the door* My Liege, a thousand pardons for the intrusion, but I must speak with you urgently.

Sure, come on in.

"My thanks." *Enters room*

"I have come to correct my oversight earlier, and I hope this will made amends for my failure." *Gives gift*

Arkon...this is…

"Indeed. Only those of the highest nobility in Anor Londo were seen fit to wear Circlets. While I had no access to the Divine materials necessary, nor the skill to reach their craftsmanship, I made such a circlet that I believe reflects your authority."

I didn't know you could do metal work!

"I am a mere amateur as things stand, My Liege, you should not burden yourself with false hopes for any future works of mine."

Are you kidding me!? This is amazing!

"Your praise is...truly gratifying, My Liege. I am glad to have met your expectations."

Thanks a lot, really.

"I only hope this forgives my earlier blunder. Now, if you will excuse me, My Liege, I will no longer distract you."

[A silver Circlet with a symbol of the sun embolden on it, if one looks close enough they can see small fragments of yellow jewels lining the star to give it a certain shine. Well crafted and perfectly suited to your head, a symbol of nobility for those in Anor Londo, although even if it is just a copy of such an item, it is still of exceptional make.]