Chapter 67: True Colours

Ritsuka wasn't quite sure how long he walked before eventually coming to a stop near enough the shore of the beach that the waves only just touched upon his shoes. The Master released a gentle exhale as he placed his hands upon his hips and stared out across the horizon. His features were set in a perfect mask.

He stared out as the sun touched upon the edge of the darkening sky, slowly descending and forming a rather beautiful sunset which, combined with the scenery, gave off a feeling of tranquility. Ritsuka wasn't sure if he could enjoy it or not.

"Senpai?" Mash's timid voice reached his ears, he gave a hum of acknowledgement "Are you alright?" she queried, approaching closer with a faint look of concern on her face "Did what Ash-san say bother you?"

"A little bit." He admitted, he frowned "It's just that…"

"Are you concerned about his story of the city?"

"I'm not ignorant." Ritsuka sighed, lifting up his left hand and running it through his hair "I know what some of the people we have in Chaldea are like...Boudica's campaign against the Romans is pretty much brutal slaughter and even Jeanne was a leading member during the hundred years war so you can't tell me she didn't kill anyone but…" he frowned "I always got the feeling that they felt something for their actions." he stressed "Jeanne might be regretful for killing or proud for defending her homeland from invasion."

Waving his hand back the way he came, he shook his head "Even Boudica would likely feel something...you saw how she reacted when Nero came up, didn't you?"

Mash nodded her head.

"But Ash…" Ritsuka gave an unsure shrug "He just...didn't seem like he cared at all. He makes it sound as though he just...waltzes into a city and wipes it out as easily as I take out a trash bag…" he bit his lip, shaking his head "It isn't right." releasing a mirthless huff he threw his arms up "He even says he saved his world! He did! Himself! But he doesn't even smile when he says that it's like...like he doesn't care about anything and that…"

Mash looked down, slowly nodding her head "It seems very cold, Senpai."

He racked his brain as he continued on "I even remember in Rome when he warned us about Sulyvahn, about how he killed an entire city but he just admitted to doing the exact same thing...I don't know, it feels as though he's maybe leaving something out or isn't explaining well or something!" he exhaled heavily "I'd like to think so anyway…"

Mash hummed in acknowledgement "You think Ash-san might not have told the whole story, Senpai?"

"I don't know...maybe?" Ritsuka struggled "I feel like he didn't give much of an explanation but even with how he acted back there..." he shrugged "I don't know...It's just that compared to Siegward he just seems…" he frowned "I feel like I could do with having Cecilia here."

Mash blinked "Cecilia-san? Why?"

"She knows Ash best." Ritsuka explained "Probably better than the two of us combined. She said he exaggerated a lot of what he felt but I didn't think it went this far. I was imagining how instead of giving a small smile you burst into a laugh kind of deal not…" releasing a heavy breath, he reached up and rubbed his eyes "Just wanted to get that off my chest...Hope I didn't come off as too rude to him." he frowned.

"I think he will forgive you, Senpai." Mash assured him with a confident smile "It was something troubling that he revealed but…" she frowned "I was aware that Heroic Spirits did not live bloodless lives but...it felt as though he did not care about it." she tilted her head "I cannot decide if that is good or bad that he doesn't feel ashamed of his past."

"An eternal question one must ask, is it not?" The warped voice spoke from behind them, Ritsuka instantly reacted by spinning around. Mash rushed in front of him, shield brought forth and held up in a defensive manner "Whether one's actions should bring shame...or perhaps...a sense of completion."

"Stay behind me, Senpai!" Mash exclaimed as she stared down at the area in front of them, the sand metres from them burned into glass and split apart, blackened roots sprung forth from the ground and began to wrap themselves into a shape. "Doctor! Servant approach-...Doctor?" she looked to the communicator "Director?"

"In such a rush to bring an audience, are you?" The burning roots chuckled in a pleasant tone, their shape tightening until it formed the image of a misshapen head. A glowing eye locked onto the pair as the still burning bush stared down at them. Focusing itself entirely upon the shielder "How interesting…" the voice mused with a hint of intrigue "One with no spirit to be found and one with spirit yet to be discovered."

Ritsuka stared up at the figure and tightened his expression "The Caster from Rome."

"Hmmmmm?" The glowing eye shifted from Mash towards Ritsuka and intensified, a deeply pleased noise bubbled forth from the bush "Ahhhh yes~. I believe we've been acquainted. Young human, how goes your path of a true Monarch?"

Ritsuka frowned "I told you, I'm not doing this to be a Monarch or King or whatever."

A gentle chuckle emerged from the bush "Oh, young human. There are few ways to describe one who overcomes fate. Who is to say a Kingdom is material?"

Mash shuffled closer to Ritsuka "You are the Servant that Senpai encountered in Rome." her eyes narrowed suspiciously "Are you an ally?"

"Such simple terms." Caster rumbled "Ally or enemy. I am but a Scholar. I bestow knowledge upon all who seek it…Or desire it."

Ritsuka stared at the glowing eye "Is that why you're here? To tell us something?"

"You must present a question for it to be answered." Caster replied with a warm tone, "But I shall answer only one. To rob you of your own deductions would be most saddening."

Releasing a mirthless snort, Ritsuka crossed his arms in front of his chest and stared at the Caster with a pensive expression "Can never be easy, can it?" he narrowed his eyes "Are you a Servant from this world or Ash's?"

"The painting, or the ruin?" Caster asked with an amused tone, prompting a blink from Ritsuka "He explained the paintings to you." the Caster stated with utmost accuracy "A world beyond the scope of light and reach of dark. A gentle place and one I very much approve of." the glowing eye narrowed "That does not interest you though, does it?"

Ritsuka slowly shook his head.

"No, your question is simpler."

"You know about the Ringed City or whatever."

"I do…Is that your question?"

Ritsuka made to reply and then slowly closed his mouth, shaking his head. "No. I'll hear the full story from Ash."

"The first step of a Scholar indeed." Caster gave a pleased rumble "Perhaps you have missed your calling." a sigh left the Caster's mouth' "But very well." the roots around the base slowly began to retract across the sand and sink back beneath it before pausing "What of you, ephemeral but innocent one?" Caster's eye landed upon Mash, the girl blinked at being addressed "Have you a question?"

"Ummm...Do you have a true name?" Mash inquired "Just in case anyone in Chaldea knows about you?"

"Should we meet a third time, I will introduce myself more formally." The Caster agreed as their final remnants slipped into the ground, disappearing entirely from view "May we meet again."

Ritsuka and Mash stared at the spot where the Caster had emerged, the sand was covered in a thick layer of blackened ash with the central area where the Servant had emerged being covered in a thin layer of glass from the extreme heat. Releasing a sigh, the Master rubbed their forehead "Should probably get back to the others...and let the Director know we encountered the mystery Caster servant again." he turned to Mash "Could you tell anything about them?"

Mash shook her head "No, Senpai...I couldn't even tell they were here until they revealed themselves." her expression became troubled "If it were not for the fact they were right in front of me, I would not have been able to tell they were even present at all." she took on a thoughtful look "It might be a form of concealment magecraft?"

"But cutting off communications with Chaldea as well?" Ritsuka queried, then shook his head "That doesn't sound right either...He also gives off the feeling that he knows more than he's letting on."

"Does he?" Mash blinked, then pursed her lips "Do you think he knows about the Singularities."

Ritsuka blinked and then palmed his face "...Should have asked him about that, shouldn't I?"

"Maybe, Senpai." Mash admitted with a strained smile before her own expression turned downcast "But it slipped my mind as well when he asked me. I just...couldn't think of a good question for them beyond asking their true name in-case we could research them."

"We know they're from Ash's world at least." Ritsuka pointed out, "Given they knew about the painting worlds."

Mash slowly nodded her head "Their appearance is also quite distinctive, but no one in Chaldea when he last appeared knew who they were."

"No...They didn't." Ritsuka frowned, cupping his chin. He remained silent for a few moments before shaking his head. "We can think about it later, we should head back before they begin to miss us…" he turned so stare at the sunset "Also I'm getting a little tired."

"He probably didn't mean to rush off in such a hurry." Boudica assured him as the pair cleaned away the embers of the campsite, Ash blinked and tilted his head in confusion at her "Ritsuka, he probably just needs to think things over." she sighed "I suppose he's never really been confronted outright with the legends of his Servants."

Ash stared at her "I do not mind if he needs time to think." he replied "I have shared my story of the Ringed City, there is little more I can do."

"You have." Boudica agreed, looking Ash up and down with an impassive expression "Do you truly feel nothing in regards to what you did?"

"I felt…" Ash tapered off, looking away "Gael lost his life retrieving the Dark Soul...I felt saddened that he was unable to fulfill his pledge to the painter. It was what he had strived towards for longer than I could imagine. As for when I gifted the painter the Dark Soul to use as pigment...I felt satisfaction in completing what I had set out to do."

Boudica gave a hum as she nodded her head "Most heroes are overflowing with pride if they achieved something like that." she remarked "Likely along the lines of 'I conquered this Ancient City outside of time and returned with a great prize'." she crossed over her chest and nodded her head "That's mainly what caught me off-guard."

"Because...I lack pride?" Ash tilted his head "I do not see a reason to be prideful in it, I did what was asked of me."

"And as you are now?"

"I am fulfilling my duty to render aid to Ritsuka and Mash." He nodded his head "I have satisfaction in my goal."

"I heard you saved the Director too." Boudica pointed out "No one asked you to do that."

"They didn't." Ash affirmed "But it was more of a circumstantial rescue. There was no intention behind it."

"Do you regret saving her?"

"No." Ash replied quickly "It...It was unexpected to be able to save a life rather than take one." he slowly answered "It is not an experience I would like to forget."

Boudica hummed in response with a knowing smile on her face "I see. Well, that aside." she continued on "I'm in no position to judge you, considering my own legend." Ash gave her a blank look in response, prompting a sigh from her, the woman waved her hand in front of her face. "Ah, right. Of course, you wouldn't know, would you?"

He shook his head.

"Well, suffice to say my history is very bloody." Boudica replied "It could very easily be described as the Romans hurt me and my people so I hurt them back." she looked away "Much more than was necessary, looking back at it...but whenever I saw a Roman, all I could see were the faces of those who brutalized my family and…" she sighed "We were not a kind people to our enemies."

Ash tilted his head "Did you enjoy it?"

"Oh yes." She admitted "Very much so. I finally achieved my vengeance against the Romans, I could inflict upon them the very same cruelty they inflicted upon me." she paused. "Then we lost." looking down at her hands, she rubbed them together "Lead all of my people in rebellion against our Roman oppressors...and I lead them all to their deaths as well."

Ash stared at her "Your enjoyment of brutality is not something I can approve of...but…" he paused when she looked like she wanted to reply "But considering you are expressing shame in your past, I cannot comment on it. You understand your actions were wrong." he paused for a few moments "Was your intention freedom from Roman occupation?"

"It was." Boudica nodded her head "Wanted to get back at the Romans for all they did to me but I wanted my people to be free of them." giving a half shrug, her expression flattened "Maybe I lost sight of why I was doing it partway through."

"You did not succeed then." Ash stated, his expression troubled. "...That is unfortunate."

"More unfortunate that my people all ended up butchered." Boudica scoffed, reaching up and rubbing her brows with one hand "It's in the past now but...I'll never forgive them for what they did."

"I am not one to absolve sins." Ash shook his head "And I was not present at the time so I cannot state whether or not the deaths of all those you killed were necessary-"

"They weren't." Boudica replied with a thin expression "They really weren't."

"...Then I cannot approve of it." Ash replied easily "You fought for duty to your people and lost to indulgence in brutality."

Boudica raised an eyebrow at him before a thought occurred to her "If I said I felt nothing when I killed all those Romans and that it was entirely necessary, would you have a problem with me?"

Ash stared at her with his brows furrowed "Why would I? It was an act of necessity rather than indulgence and worked to a goal you believed in. If those people had to die, then they had to die."

"Regardless of who they were?"

"Yes." Ash nodded his head "But if what you have told me is true, they did not have to die so I cannot approve of the acts themselves. Your duty to free your people from occupation is one I have no complaints with but the fact you enjoyed the deaths of those you killed is not something I can accept."

Boudica stared at him for a few moments before she released a huff, shaking her head and staring at Ash with a disbelieving expression "That's a very simple way of looking at it, isn't it?" her expression shifted into a softer one "People are more complicated than that, sometimes they do things because they feel like it." she shrugged "People have committed greater acts of kindness than me simply because they felt like doing it on a whim."

Ash remained silent as he stared at Boudica, his eyes shifted away from her and towards the ground "That is...not something I can understand. Duty is supposed to give you meaning…" he looked towards her with an innocent expression "So how can an act have meaning if it is not born of duty?"

"I can't answer that for you." Boudica replied with a shrug "Because it's all based upon feelings. I can't explain my feelings to you because they're mine...but if that is how you want to live your life, then I hope you change your mind. Because it's really quite sad to see."

"You were alive to begin with." Ash replied easily "I was not. Perhaps that is the difference."

"Neither of us are really alive right now." Boudica wryly pointed out, "So I can't really see that as a reason anymore."

"...Hmm." Ash grunted in response, looking around to see the others moving about the camp "Have I caused distress?"

"Oh, them?" She looked around, her expression flattening "Don't worry about them. I'll be sure to give Archer a stern talking to about making remarks like that, it wasn't a very nice thing for him to say."

"I do not mi-"

"I do." Boudica cut him off, "Just because I can't understand your way of living doesn't mean that I should make fun of you for it. Having your very way of life mocked to your face is what first got me to hate the Romans. I'm not going through that again."

"...Do as you will then." Ash permissively replied "If you believe it will matter."

"...Don't worry." She patted him on the shoulder as she walked past "I think I understand you a little better...you aren't all that complicated actually."

"It is a simple way of existing." Ash remarked "It is how you stay sane."

Oscar stared out in silence towards the setting Sun, eyes fixed upon it behind his helmet. His mind was already awash with doubt as to whether or not he was truly fitting to be stood here while someone of actual worth had died so that he could escape. It has since spiraled on from there.

Heroes of ancient and future legends as well as those of other worlds were always but a few feet from him.

He stared down at his hands, what was he to even dream of standing next to them. Raiding the cities of the Gods, serving the Gods and the like. His greatest pride was that he was a Knight of Astora…

Who had stumbled at the first hurdle like a fool and hollowed soon after.

However, when he thought about the cost of being remembered.

The destruction of a whole city?

Was that really what it took to be worth remembering?

His eyes fell onto the box he kept at his waist. There was information at the tips of his fingers, just a sliver but it felt wrong or perhaps incomplete. Undead like himself would not wander into cities to butcher the inhabitants even if it were for the sake of duty. That much he had to believe in.

He moved his hand closer to the box and flipped the latch open, resting his palm just above the black void. He steadied his breathing as he closed his eyes. He would have to be quick so as to not alarm anyone. He moved his hand towards the box and grasped onto that which he searched for.

What he discovered would determine much of who 'Ash' was…

But perhaps information on the others he had met would not be wrong to learn of.

He closed his eyes and concentrated as the information filed its way into his head regarding the 'Ringed City' and what had occurred there. His shoulders trembled for a few moments before he wrenched his hand away from the box and released a heavy sigh of relief "Another city of Hollows…" he exhaled, moving his left hand to cradle his helmet "No great loss then…" he regained his composure as he best he cou-

"An...Everlasting Archdragon?" He breathed out in shock as more information filed its way into his head. A city which resided upon the end of the world.

Legions who were felled trying to gain entry.

Guardians pulled from across time.

Giants and servants of the Gods.

The Abyss which had felled Oolacile.

Oscar's mind wrangled with the sudden influx of information, his shoulders trembling as his breathing began to quicken. He couldn't help it at this point.

Havel, who slew Everlasting Dragons only to side with a rogue Goddess to slay Seath.

Sir Sanura, who guarded the Cathedral of Heide in service to a God of Flame and Goddess of Bounty.

Euryale, A Goddess who was lusted after by many.

Asterios, a beast who slew many and was slain.

Boudica, who led a rebellion and met her ruin.

David, Ancient King who felled a giant.

Orion and Artemis, a Hunter and the Goddess who fell in love with him.

Sir Francis Drake. Who navigated the world and routed the armada of an empire.

He wrenched his hand away from the box, the lid snapping shut as he began to pant heavily. His knees shook before giving out and allowing him to drop into the sand, eyes fixed firmly upon the setting Sun in the distance.

"Ha..haha…" A quiet laugh slowly bubbled in the back of his throat "Hahaha...hahahah…" which slowly began to grow in intensity until it became maniac "Hahahahahahahaha!" he fell forwards and propped himself up with his hands, his gloves splayed into the sand as he continued his crazed laughter. "A...A fisherman…" he wheezed out "...I stumbled at the first hurdle and can be called a Heroic Spirit?'' The laugh broke into a pained sob "Wh-what did I do to deserve this? What did I...what deeds did I…" he would have cried to himself if he had tears to shed.

The sob devolved into a sniffle "...Why did you summon me? Why couldn't you have left me be?" he questioned, slamming his fist into the sand "What good am I? Is that what granted me my place on your throne!?" he cried out "One good word from a better man and you think that gives me the right to stand alongside them!?"

He received no answer.

"Well!?" He stared at the sky, his tone shifted into a broken pleading "Well? Please...tell me." Oscar begged with his whole being "Please...Am I really that deserving of it? A failure who could only burden others with his mission? Is that what I am summoned to be?" he remained silent at the whistling of the breeze in his ears and the quiet tide "...So that is what I am." Oscar muttered to himself as he rose to his feet "Very well, if it all I am good for...I shall defend it with me being, for all it is worth."

The pair stood in perfect silence upon the beach.

"So you seem troubled."

"Didn't...care...for...Ringed...City." Havel grunted in response, his voice sounding tired beyond all measure "Thought...it...was...waste…" his arms were crossed in front of him with his hands tightened into fists. "Wanted...to...smash...dragon...egg." he snarled, David didn't allow himself to be intimidated by the voice as he slowly nodded his head.

"It wasn't the city you cared for, was it." David stated, his own expression set in a sad smile "No, you didn't react that much until after Ash revealed the fate of Filianore."

Havel silently nodded his head "...Was...there...when...she...was...born…" he quietly revealed to the Archer "Was...there...when...they...were...all...born."

"I see." David slowly nodded his head "I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sure she's in a better place now."

"Should...never...have...been...there." Havel's shoulders trembled "Was...always...stup..id." the Berserker growled "Sea..ling...awa...y….so..ul...of...human...ity." a dismissive huff poured out from the helmet.

"Ha...d...alrea...dy...been...gifted...to...humans...Made...no...difference."

"What was she like?" David asked, tilting his head in questioning, Havel slowly turned to stare down at the Archer for a few moments before he released a dry snort.

"Doesn't...matter...now."

"I like to think it does." David moved closer to him "Especially if she was important to you as someone close. Perhaps the child of a close friend?" he queried, the way Havel's shoulders tightened and he looked away informed him he had struck true. "It is best to recall how we remember our departed, so that we might never truly forget them. So, tell me about Filianore?"

"Al...ways...smi...ling…" Havel's shoulders loosened as his tone took on a much softer note to it "Would...ma...ke...flo...wers….bloom….out...of...sea...son."

David chuckled, "Sounds like quite the gifted one."

"She...was…" He reminisced "...Faraam...indul...ged...her…Big...stories...of...battle…" the Berserker paused for a few moments before he let out a more genuine chuckle. "Would...dote...on...Gwyn...dolin…"

"Overbearing older sister, was she?" David chuckled which managed to elicit a small – almost imperceptible – laugh from Havel in response.

"Mmmm." Havel helm gave a slow nod in response "...Proba..bly...better...she...died." his arms uncrossed themselves from in front of him.

"Fa..ther...dead...Broth...ers...dead….Sis...ter...never…visited…" He looked down, gently kicking at the sand with his right foot. The Grail or whatever it was had been slowly providing with trickles of information of events which occurred after his death. None of which painted a particularly pleasing picture for him. It wasn't anywhere close to the level of information he needed for a complete world view, but it was still more than enough for him. "Hard...to...to...she...was…"

He stopped when David gently rested a hand on his shoulder, Havel stared at the limb and then towards Archer, the man giving him a sympathetic smile as the two stood there in silence. Havel turned away as David removed the hand from his shoulder and the two stared out across the ocean as a comfortable silence descended.

Archer hadn't strayed far from the camp, the servant had immediately gone back to assuming a watchful gaze upon the horizon. Although he wasn't so preoccupied that he didn't hear Boudica stomping towards him. Looking over his shoulder, he saw the red-haired Rider make her not so subtle approach with a scowl on her face.

"Dear me." Archer gave a mirthless chuckle, not bothering to turn around to fully face the approaching Servant. "Have I earned the Queen's ire in some wa-"

"Wise ass." Boudica cut him off, stopping and crossing her arms in front of her chest, "What was that supposed to be?"

Archer's expression didn't change in the least despite being cut off, all he granted her in return was a slightly raised eyebrow "To what do you refer? My comments or Saber's admission that he can justify anything if he has reason enough for it?"

Boudica's eyes narrowed in annoyance at the Servant "You know as well as I do that he has known nothing beyond that way of life. He's outright admitted that his time spent in Chaldea currently dwarf's his actual time spent in his world, so there was no need for that." The Rider soon began to tap her boot into the sand repeatedly, forming a subtle rhythm which underlined the conversation.

"Did I come across as insulting?" Archer mused "That was not my intention. I was actually complimenting his determination. To be able to walk over those in between him and his objective without caring for them in the least is just the sought of determination that is needed right about now."

"Then what was-"

"Because none of you seemed to grasp it." Archer scoffed "Not until he outright admitted it. Until this point you all thought of him as the same sort of Servant as the rest of you. He committed deeds and has a great deal of pride in them or something along those lines or that he was perhaps something more than a simple killer." Archer stared at her with a blank expression "That's exactly what he is. The Perfect Servant that can be summoned for any Master. Point him at an enemy and watch him go."

"That's not his fault and you know it." Her boot stopped tapping as her entire form tightened up, her tone becoming hot. "And I don't see how you get to question anyone's way of life."

"Oh no." Archer shook his head "I'm quite possibly the worst type of person to comment on how he lives or rather, lived. Indeed, in defense of humanity what they really need is someone who would ignore everything for the big picture." his lips contorted into a heavy scowl "But this fascination with treating him as if he is anything more than a weapon will ultimately cause you more harm than anything else. Better to just treat him like a tool."

Boudica bristled "Would you want to be treated like a tool?"

"That is exactly what Servants are." Archer shrugged "Tool's for our Master's to use as they please. It just so happens that Saber fits the bill perfectly. Give him a good enough reason and he'd likely walk over a thousand corpses if it meant his mission was achieved." a snort escaped him "And he seems to have no aspirations beyond it. Neither shame nor pride in his achievements. He does it because he was told to and that's it."

Boudica leveled her finger towards him "He's known nothing but that way of life and that doesn't mean he can't learn something different."

"Is that what you're going to do?" Archer mused with a wry smile "Teach Saber the joy of living before he gets de-summoned and all that hard work goes to waste?" he shook his head "No, the moment he found out about that he'd likely refuse to consider it. You've already seen how much he dislikes Drake."

"Drake is an acquired taste." Boudica dryly replied "And she isn't the only one, Oscar didn't agree with her-"

"But he didn't make several attempts on her life." Archer pointed out "Neither did Havel, who we all believed was the biggest concern amongst us." he remained silent before shrugging "But go ahead, if you wish to waste your time in teaching him to be human when all that hard work will go to waste, go ahead."

"It won't be a waste." Boudica declared, fixing Archer with a stern glare "Because it doesn't matter how short it is. He will actually want to do something because he wants to. Not because he was commanded, or told, or ordered or whatever." she then relaxed herself "But maybe I won't be the one to teach him. Maybe Master and Mash can do that better than me."

"Ho?" Archer raised an eyebrow.

"Of course." Boudica smirked at Archer "In case you haven't noticed, that boy isn't your typical Master. I think he could do it."

Archer stared at her for a few moments before his lips thinned. She probably wasn't wrong, that boy already had the hallmarks of being a naive fool. He was a mediocre mage and an average Master so far.

But he was a good kid who probably wouldn't leave well enough alone.

His lip twitched slightly at an old memory of another fool, his eyes briefly darted away from Boudica and towards the direction of the camp. "Well...That is up to him." he settled with, giving Boudica one last glance before he turned away "Still, if you think it's worth it. Go ahead, I won't stop you…"

Boudica gave a single determined nod as she turned and walked away, only to be stopped by Archer's parting words.

"Don't feel too bad if it doesn't work though." He warned, "And don't blame yourselves for it."

By the time Ritsuka and Mash returned to the camp, it was already dark with the Moon gradually climbing into the sky. Ash was still by the remnants of the campfire, kicking can over the top of the ashes before he turned to see the two of them approach. "Was your walk pleasant?" was the first thing he asked in a tone that made it clear that he was genuinely curious if their walk was actually pleasant for them.

"Ran into the Caster again." Ritsuka explained as he reached up and rubbed his left eye "The one from Rome."

Ash frowned and looked towards Mash "They were not hostile?"

"No, Ash-san." Mash shook her head in response "But they said if we met them a third time, they'd give us their true name."

"Ah." Ash nodded his head "That would prove useful." He agreed before looking around the camp "The others have either moved off to rest for the night or assumed watch." he frowned "Boudica went to speak with Archer regarding the conversation but I do not see the need for it."

"That so…" Ritsuka stretched out his arms as he could feel weariness begin to take hold of him. "Alright…" a yawn escaped the Master's lips as he rubbed his eyes once again, blinking several times "Feeling a little tired."

"It is understandable, you have been hard at work during the day." Ash gestured towards the few tents that had been set up for the crew to sleep in while repairs to the ship were ongoing. "You can and Mash can rest, I will stand guard for the night to ensure nothing approaches."

"Are you sure you also don't want to try and rest, Ash-san?" Mash queried with a slight hint of concern as she approached the Saber, the Servant gave her a curious look before he shook his head in response.

"I have never been able to sleep, unlike Siegward." He added on in remembrance of the Onion Knight. In truth, it still surprised him how the man was able to sleep at all. Ash had never been able to find the compulsion within himself to rest out of his own will. How Siegward had managed to do so at all was a surprise. Although the fact the man had also been robbed while he rested made Ash slightly thankful that he wasn't under the same restriction. "So you need not worry about me. I have not slept since I was summoned."

Ritsuka gave two blinks in response before his features flattened. "Alright then. I'm afraid I don't have the same…resilience you do."

Ash gave him a blank look in response "I see." Slowly nodding his head in understanding, or misunderstanding in this particular instance. "That is unfortunate."

He got a slight cringe in response as Ritsuka debated whether or not to tell Ash he wasn't being serious.

"Yeah…" Ritsuka eventually decided upon with an – albeit shaky – look on his face. "Real envy right there." Giving a final stretch, Ritsuka made his way towards the direction of one of the tents before pausing, slowly staring at each of the identical set-ups with his arm bent up at his waist and a strained look on his face "Umm…"

Ash wordlessly pointed towards the tent on the far end of the camp, Ritsuka gave him a grateful nod of his head and a tired smile before he turned and made his way towards it. Mash followed in his wake with a similar smile of gratitude directed towards the Saber as she stopped just outside his tent, realising that she likely couldn't sleep in the same area as him.

Giving a raised eyebrow at the bizarre antics, Ash gave a dismissive shrug and turned back to standing guard near the remains of the campsite.

It was around midnight when Oscar eventually returned to the camp, the knight's entire posture was slackened and uncaring as he dragged his way towards the embers of the fire, catching sight of Ash standing stock still and staring across the beach.

"You...did not mention the Ringed City was full of Hollows." Oscar pointed out quietly when he was in earshot, Ash slowly turned his head to stare at the Knight as they approached him. Oscar moved at a slow pace until he stood but a few feet from the Saber and stood still. "Why?"

"Would it have mattered?" Ash tilted his head "The act itself remains the same. The city is gone and any chance for repair died with it." he paused, turning his full body towards Oscar and thinning his lips "Besides, there was a good portion of undead that remained rather than true Hollows. I suspect that if the Flame was re-lit, the undead curse would have been broken and the city would have been able to recover to some extent. The death of Filianore ended that possibility."

Oscar continued to stare at him in silence before a heavy sigh passed through the man's lips "If it were not a city of Hollows...would you have done the same?"

"...Yes." Ash nodded his head eventually "The end result was the same either way, the Dark Soul is retrieved and the Painter will craft a new world with it. It likely would have been more challenging, but there is no great difference beyond the time it takes for me to achieve my objective."

"I see…" Oscar slowly nodded his head, shoulders slacken "Do you believe that such a cost would be worth it?"

"The world Painted with the Dark Soul will not be bound by the curse." Ash gestured to the remains of the fire "Untouched by all the Flames brought with them, I was told it would be a soothing home for some. For that purpose, I believe it is entirely meaningful. Otherwise I would not have done it."

"Then…" Oscar let out a shaky breath, "A world free of the Curse you said? I suppose it is a trivial thing in comparison to the cities lost to it." the Knight continued to walk on before pausing "Forgive my earlier words, it took some time for the information to become available to me. Regardless of whether you would have done the same to a living city, the fact was this Ringed City was full of Hollows."

"I was informed the Grail would provide information to Servants." Ash paused, his arms still by his side before he turned his head to look at Oscar's back "How much information does it grant you?"

"...Some." Oscar gave a 'so-so' gesture with his hand "Enough for me to know those I travel with...Did you know she will be a Knight?"

"Who?"

"Francis Drake." Oscar gave an empty wheeze, moving his left hand to cradle his head "Sir Francis Drake. I remember being told that Knighthood was the highest honour and that when inducted into it, you should act with grace befitting your role."

Ash stared at Oscar before his eyes turned towards the embers of the camp with a troubled look growing upon his face "That...I am not a Knight. So I cannot comment upon that feat but her way of life is unacceptable in my eyes. Her acts benefit nothing and will inevitably all be meaning-"

"She routed an armada." Oscar quietly revealed, turning back to Ash and seeing the Unkindled slowly nod his head "You were aware?"

"Boudica saw fit to enlighten me." His head travelled towards the direction of Francis Drake's tent and stared at it for a long period of time "All I've seen of greed and indulgence is lives brought to ruin and monsters born of the flesh…"

"So how did she achieve something so grandeur?" Oscar gave a mirthless huff, turning away from Ash and continuing towards the shoreline "I don't know. I truly do not know. She's a fiend who steals to her heart's content, care's for little beyond the discovery of her next treasure and is fully willing to indulge herself at the cost of others."

The Astoran stared across the ocean, his shoulders slumped in defeat "So how then, did she achieve more than one such as I while acting upon every sin imaginable?" raising his hands to stare at them, Oscar clenched his fists "Perhaps it was conviction."

"Conviction in greed?" Ash curled his lip in distaste "That does not seem possible. Or at the very least, should not have allowed her to live to achieve anything positive."

"And yet she did." Oscar's hands dropped back to his sides "What does that say about us...or me? I strove to uphold every noble ideal drilled within me since the moment I became a Knight...and I hollowed like a common undead fool."

Shaking his head, the Knight continued on his walk "Forgive me, I became distracted in myself. I will patrol along the beach in case of more beasts."

"Very well. I will remain here." Ash nodded his head towards the back of the retreating Knight. Neither of them had much to say in response to Drake's status as a Knight. Ash himself couldn't comprehend how a woman seemingly devoid of duty could create such an impact upon the world itself.

He stared down at the blackened embers buried by the sand with his face set in a mask. It wasn't right. It wasn't a correct way of life and it shouldn't have had such a profound impact. Yet, somehow, it did.

The end result was acceptable, but he could never understand the path to get to it. No, rather the motivation itself was unacceptable.

"Thy face Ashen One…" Her lips were parted in a clear show of surprise, even her shoulders had jolted at the shock "Thou art…"

"You frequently did much the same." The smile fades from his lips, it was a small thing and fleeting in its existence. Yet she could have felt it all the same. Perhaps that was the link between Fire Keeper and Unkindled. "I was curious how it would feel."

"I understand. However, t'was unexpected to seeth thy visage setteth in such a way." She replies with a tone of clear surprise, however her posture relaxes into its usual way. "T'was not unwelcome."

His own smiling makes her feel better? Its unusual but it does not impact him all that much. Then again, his own feelings should be irrelevant. Whether or not he smiles will have no impact on the success of his mission.

…

But it makes her comfortable. No..rather, it made her happy.

What a strange thing to consider, that such a small deed could bring her joy.

It's a trivial deed just to smile when he greets her, hardly something to be considered in the least as wasteful. If it makes her time here more bearable, then it is acceptable.

There is no great harm in making her more comfortable when he is around.

They are both bound by this duty, there is no reason why it should be unpleasant for either of them.

So...He'll smile more.

It makes her comfortable, so there is at least meaning in the act to some degree.

It won't affect his duty in a negative way, so there is no harm in it.

It's only a smile. A twitch of the expression. There's no greater meaning behind it for him, so it is fine.

"I hope I have not woken you roughly." Ritsuka jolted at the concerned voice, shooting up and instantly cringing at the rays of sunlight that assaulted his face. The Master rubbed his eyes to attempt to adjust to the brightness only to find himself staring at the young face of a red haired woman with bright blue eyes. Her features were soft and youthful with her crimson red hair set in a braided bun.

Ritsuka squinted his eyes at the woman before his still sleepy mouth moved faster than his brain "Who are you?"

The woman flushed slightly in embarrassment – which Ritsuka found disarmingly adorable – as she seemed to jolt in realisation "F-forgive me, I realise we spoke with my features hidden." straightening herself out, Ritsuka quickly became aware of the iron armour she wore with the Lion headed helmet gripped just underneath the crook of her right arm.

"It is I!" She loudly declared, with Ritsuka wincing at the volume, punctuated with a thump on the chest with her free hand "Sir Sanura of Heide!"

"Kyu…?" Fou's head popped up from next to Ritsuka's, the white animal's face was scrunched up in a tired grimace aimed towards the Knight which quickly devolved into an irritated scowl. "Foooouuu…" the animal stretched itself while glaring at the Lancer.

The woman stared at the small animal and felt an involuntary shiver run up her spine before fidgeting "I was too loud, wasn't I?" she tapped the tips of her fingers together repeatedly as she sent a slightly ashamed look towards Ritsuka, bowing her head low.

"I apologise for that." Her head rose as she took a single step out of the tent "I merely wished to wake you, the others are already up and preparing for departure. I will see to Milady Artemis and her muse."

"Right, right…" Ritsuka gave a quick wave of his hand and he stretched himself out "Thanks for the wake up by the way." he quickly nodded to her, which earned him a satisfied smile in response before the Lancer placed the helmet back upon her head and ducked out of the tent.

Releasing a sigh, Ritsuka pulled himself up as he noticed Fou staring up at him with a flat look "I know you probably wanted to sleep longer, but we do technically have a job to do Fou."

"Fou…"

"If you stop complaining, you can ride on Mash's shoulder for the rest of the voyage." Ritsuka offered with a smug smile as he watched the animal's expression freeze before its eyes narrowed in a thoughtful manner. Giving Ritsuka an appraising look as if judging the value of his word, Fou eventually gave a single nod of his head before skipping out of the tent.

"I hope Mash isn't bothered by that…" He muttered to himself as he rubbed his eyes and made for his Mystic code uniform "I hope she isn't anyway…"

Quickly getting changed, Ritsuka threw the tent flap open and stepped out onto the beach, quickly giving his sleeve a shake and displacing a thin covering of sand on his clothes. His lips quirked into a resigned frown "That's about what I expected…"

"Sand in your clothes?" David chuckled as he walked past Ritsuka with a few of their supplies tucked under his arms "Don't worry, I think it annoys even those who grew up in a desert." he shivered "I hate sand. It's coarse, rough and irritating and it gets everywhere."

Ritsuka stared at David in suspicion "...How much knowledge does the Grail give you?"

David sent him a conspiratorial smile "Who knows?" he let out an amused laugh as he wandered away from Ritsuka "Best hurry along! The captain sometimes gets impatient in the mornings. Although she hasn't had a drink yet so she might be alright."

Ritsuka wasn't sure if having an early morning drink was really the kind of thing people needed to be reasonable. If he was being honest, it sounded as though the opposite was true.

"How's it looking?" Drake questioned as she approached the ship, Oscar looked down from his standing place upon the scaffolding with a small but confident smile. Drake whistled at the expression and cracked a smirk "That well, huh?"

"Well enough given our rush." Oscar admitted with a slight shrug as he turned back towards the hole, moving some of the strips of wyvern hide to cover the planks of wood "But the repairs are coming along. I would give us an hour before we are at least able to sail without fear of sinking." he paused, humming as he bobbed his head from side to side in thought "Perhaps an hour and a half."

"Good work." Drake nodded her head to the man "Wouldn't mind having someone as handy as you on my ship for a lot longer." Oscar stopped his movements and glanced at Drake through the corner of his eye.

"I'm sure you'd find someone better." He steadily replied as he lifted the next beam of wood and held it in place for the crew to hammer in, "Besides. I doubt I would make a good fit amongst your crew."

"Fair enough." Drake nodded her head in understanding, crossing her arms and leaning to the side "Probably too much of a chivalric sort, ain't ya?"

"Hahaha…" Oscar released a quiet laugh in response "You say that as if I am somehow burdened by it."

"You are." Drake pointed out, snapping her finger to point at him "You'll never get the chance to experience certain things because your code won't let you." she shifted her finger to point at herself "I don't have that kind of restriction...for the most part."

"I should point out that it is the duty of Astoran Knights to apprehend criminals." Oscar nodded his head towards her "I believe you would fit the category quite well."

"Funny." Rolling her eyes, Drake dismissively waved her hand "But it's your choice if that's what you wanna do with your life or whatever. Just try to have some kind of ambition, yeah?"

"I did have an ambition once…" Oscar admitted "It did not work out well for me."

"Just means you gotta try harder to make sure it does next time." Drake gave a shrug and walked away "Doesn't always work out but that's what makes it an ambition!" hollering back to him as she walked about the camp, Oscar turned his head to watch her depart before releasing a heavy sigh and turning back to the repairs.

"Easier said than achieved, I am afraid."

"That's just boss." The crewmember next to him offered as way of consolation as he hammered away at the nails "She just outright does the impossible…" the man paused mid-strike as he considered something "Hang on. Can you actually achieve the impossible? Because technically if ya' achieve the impossible, it weren't impossible to begin with."

Oscar stared at him with a thoughtful expression behind his helm. "Is that not simply improbable then?" he pondered aloud.

"Right?" The crewman nodded his head, placing his hand on his hip and scratching his chin with the hammer "But sayin' someone achieves the improbable ain't as impressive, is it?"

"I...suppose not."

"Well...just don't let it get ya' down." The man shrugged "I'm sure she'll see us through."

"Hmm." Oscar wordlessly hummed as he grabbed the next patch of scales and held them up, peeling back the armoured sections and exposing the skin as the man lined up the next nail.

It didn't take Ritsuka long to catch sight of Mash, the Shielder was already stood near Ash – and surprisingly Asterios – with the trio already being engaged in a conversation. Blinking once, he shrugged his shoulders and approached the trio stood outside a rather large tent which he immediately guessed to belong to Euryale.

Fou skipped by at his feet as he closed in on the group, the furry creature immediately making their way towards Mash.

"-ill take some time for the ship to be prepared." He could hear Ash as he closed in, the Saber speaking towards Asterios with a usual toneless voice to him "Although It is more for your strength than anything else that you will be required. Given the Goddess's claim to you, I had hoped to pass along the message that she might have to make do with another form of rest."

Asterios gave a single nod, although his expression seemed slightly saddened by the reveal "Understand." he shifted his body, almost fidgeting nervously before speaking again "Have...more...glowing soup?" he questioned with an almost hopeful tone to him.

Ritsuka almost face faulted before his lips quirked themselves into a small smile.

"We don't, Asterios-san." Mash shook her head, her own expression slightly saddened "I could try and ask Chaldea to dispatch some to us next time we need a re-supply if there's time." the girl added on when Asterios posture seemed to shrink in disappointment, the latter part made him perk up slightly.

Ash stared at Asterios with a mildly intrigued look "I have noticed that you appeared taken with Estus...why?" he asked, gesturing the Minotaur up and down "Unlike myself, you are still entirely capable of tasting food. Why do you limit yourself to a tasteless substance." he paused, moving his hand to cradle his chin in thought "Unless it was the healing properties that you required, in which case it is understandable."

"Healing?" Asterios blinked, tilting his head in honest confusion "It...heals?"

"You were not aware?" Ash stared in surprise before gesturing to himself "Unkindled like myself and undead require Estus for face paced healing where spells are not an option. It's rejuvenating qualities for injuries are matched only by miracles." he paused and lowered his hand "Admittedly, Siegward appears to be limited in the ability to craft Estus with the materials on hand and without a bonfire it is a paltry amount compared to its original ability."

Mash turned her head to stare at Ash in surprise "It is a healing potion? I suppose I felt better after drinking some in France but I did not know it was an alchemical potion." her eyes widened in realisation "Has Siegward-san been making healing pancakes?"

"In some manner of speaking, yes." Ash nodded his head in affirmation "Although it will not be able to instantly recover stab wounds as it used to."

"That's amazing!" Mash positively exclaimed "It means that Chaldean staff can enjoy unhealthy foods while also being healed at the same time!"

"It does not cure poisons." Ash shook his head "It only heals the damage they do over a certain period of time. Although what you have spoken to me about…" he scrunched his face up in thought "Dietary problems?"

"I think she means fast foods and the like." Ritsuka interrupted as he approached, Mash turned to him and gave a warm smile and a nod of her head. "Go ahead Fou."

"Fou!" The animal seized the chance, leaping upwards and landing perfectly upon Mash's shoulder, causing the girl to let out an 'eep' of surprise at suddenly being turned into a climbing frame.

"Fou-san?" Mash stared at the animal in shock, then turned her attention to Ritsuka as she moved her right hand across herself to pet the small animal "Senpai, what-?"

"Made a deal with Fou, he got upset that Lancer woke him up." Ritsuka explained with a wave of his hand "Told him he could ride on your shoulder. Hope you don't mind."

Mash gave him a shake of her head, smiling warmly at Fou "I don't mind Senpai, although it might be best if he stay with you during combat situations."

"Probably." Ritsuka agreed easily, giving Fou a wry smile "I don't think he'd do all that well in a fight, would you Fou?"

Fou levelled him with a thoroughly unimpressed glance before letting loose a tiny huff and turning his nose up at the Master.

Ritsuka stared at Fou and then turned to Ash and Asterios while still pointing at the creature "Did I just get snubbed?"

Ash and Asterios looked at each other and then turned back to Ritsuka before giving equally unsure shrugs. The Master sighed, shaking his head before looking at Asterios and giving him a smile "Morning Asterios, realise we haven't spoken all that much since we started travelling together."

Asterios stared at him, his brows furrowed slightly as a hint of confusion drifted across his face "You want to...speak...with...me?"

"Well, I thought it would be a bit rude if I never said a word to you." Ritsuka pointed out, reaching up to scratch the back of his neck "Just wanted to make sure you were alright, given that we are all travelling together and in-case anyone was holding a grudge or something."

"Hmm." Asterios shook his head, his lip twitching slightly "Fine...not...lonely." He raised his right arm and pointed over his shoulder towards Euryale's tent "Have...company?"

"I imagine she's doing alright." Ritsuka snorted, crossing his arms "I know I arranged for her to be able to speak with Gwyndolin yesterday, I assume she was able to."

"Hmm." Nodding his head, Asterios lips curled into a minute smile "She was...happier."

"That's good." Ritsuka let out a sigh of relief as he turned back around "Well, I'll let you get back on with whatever you were doing. I imagine that Euryale is likely one who doesn't enjoy being woken up so early in the morning like everyone else." he chuckled out, then froze when the tent flap behind Asterios was violently swung open and the Goddess stepped outside.

"She most certainly does not." Euryale narrowed her eyes at the group, placing her hands on her hips. "Haven't you ever heard of the concept of letting a woman get her beauty sleep?" pausing, the Goddess placed a hand on her chest and gave a smug smile "Not that I need it of course, but the principle remains. Haven't you all some grunt work to do?"

"That is – in part – why we are here." Ash gestured to Asterios "We might have need of his strength and I had hoped to ask you if it was acceptable to request his aid."

Euryale opened her mouth to respond before she closed it again and gave Ash a piercing look "And why would you need my permission?"

"He has assumed the role of your guardian, therefore all he truly need concern himself with is your protection." Ash explained easily "I had hoped you would grant him a brief leave of his duty so that he could aid us, but it is acceptable if you do not."

"Why not ask Asterios?" She crossed her arms and leaned to one side, looking Ash up and down and then towards the Berserker "He's my protector, not my slave." she paused "Unless you count him as being a slave to my obvious beauty-"

"Will...help...if...you...want." Asterios gently cut her off as he nodded to Ritsuka "It..alright?"

"Yeah!" Ritsuka enthusiastically replied, grinning up at the Berserker "We'd be more than happy for the help. We'll let you know if anything pops up." he paused, turning around and staring towards the ship "Should probably get back and do something before Drake comes to try and fetch me."

Mash nodded her head in agreement "It would also speed up the repairs so we could try and locate Blackbeard and reclaim the Grail." she helpful added on. Ritsuka snapped his fingers and pointed to her.

"That too."

"...That is all I came for." Ash nodded his head to the group in parting as he turned away "We'll speak later."

"Yeah…" Ritsuka nodded to him "We will…"

AN: Repairs almost complete, that means next chapter we take off to the high seas!

Also no one was judging Ash for his actions, it was the complete lack of emotion he described them with along with the little context he provided. Most heroes have some level of pride or achievement, Ash doesn't because why would you take pride in doing what someone asked you to.

He basically revealed that he doesn't care all that much as to how many he kills so long as he achieves what he set out to do and it is something with meaning behind it. It wasn't to make him look evil or make everyone look like assholes or whatever.

It was to show how utterly clinical Ash's way of thinking truly is because he literally doesn't know any better.