Words Count: 4905

A/N: I swear, all the fics I like to read haven't been updated in weeks. I know not everyone can be a writing machine who can pump two, three chapters but dammit, how is it possible for over a dozen fics to be put on a temporary hiatus? What the fuck?

Guest: The earlier Eps do have some references, but I think I haven't written a single thing related to UBW Abridged in twenty Eps.

Anyway, here's my usual spiel:

You can start reading up to Episode 55 of Fate: False Sovereignty in advanced. The Tier starts from as low as 1USD! You can support me and read as soon as I release an Episode, check it out:

P(a)(treon).com(/) LiamThePoor

"Illaoi, arrange rooms to our guests. Then I want to have a chat with you privately." Believe it or not, I did not enjoy watching my poor maid tremble with fear. She had served me faithfully for the last seven years without any regard to her own safety and wellbeing.

I could not ask for a better maid… But her mistake was simply too big to ignore. I had explicitly told all of my subordinates to keep an eye out for Rin, Shiro and Sakura in case they got restless and did something idiotic-

Something like going out unguarded while a fucking magical Death Game was raging within the City. It's one thing for the younger Tohsaka to ignore my warnings, it's another entirely for my own maid and confidant to betray my trust in her, and for what? It was not she would have carrying the grocery without someone else to help her! She's a Magus for fuck's sake! Albeit a pretty shabby, third-rate one.

Even so, Illaoi could quite effortlessly wrestle dozens of polar-bears and would probably still come out on top- unharmed.

Why on God's green Earth did she feel the need to invite Sakura on a shopping trip? Even if she wasn't the one to initiate it and Sakura's at fault, she still should have known better. She had seen how lethal a normal conflict between Magi could be…

Now, imagine that times ten, a hundred, a thousand- what with the- albeit limited- Wish on the line. My Head Maid shivered with fear and concern, arms instinctively reaching to hug her chest and distance herself from the situation entirely- a rather dramatic display, considering I had never laid a hand on her. Hell, I had not even raised my voice at Illaoi more than thrice throughout the past seven years! Granted, it's partly due to the fact she very rarely gave me a reason to be upset, but still… Was there really a need for all the theatrics?

"No! It's not Illaoi-nee-san's fault!"

Immediately, Sakura jumped forwards protectively. "It's mine! I was going crazy cooped up in the Castle and escaped through the back entrance."

"Sa- Sakura–!" My maid stuttered in visible terror. "It- It's fine, I should have-"

"No it's not!" The younger Tohsaka said resolutely. "I just wan- wanted to breathe some fresh air, I studied your guards' shifts and climbed the wall. She was just escorting me home when your enemies came to us… If anybody deserves to be punished, it's me!"

If I wasn't angry before, I most certainly was now. "My enemies?"

Repeating with an ugly scrunch of my nose, my fists clenched. 'Did she really just imply it's my fault?'

Perhaps my anger had slipped through my carefully-maintained mask,

Or maybe they were just that good at reading me,

Either way, the whole group- including Illya's- quickly backed off, a cautious expression glued to their visages.

Taking in a deep, forceful breath, arms crossed in front of my chest, I closed my eyes in an effort to make the bubbling wrath in my belly subside. 'See no Evil, hear no Evil. See no Evil, hear no–'

Again and again, the words echoed in my head like a mantra. This had nothing to do with me, even if my gallery of enemies hadn't decides to join the War, Sakura being reckless and dumb could not- should not be blamed on me. Mouth thinning to a tightly-pressed line, I questioned, visibly irritated.

"Sakura, is your name Illaoi?" She averted her gaze from mine, though she remained standing tall in front of my maid, stubbornly refusing to budge. "Then retire to your room please. There are certain matters– important and private matters I need to discuss with my maid and guests… So unless you have anything to add to the discussion, this is no longer a concern of yours."

"I'm also–"

"Sshhh!" I hushed, index finger pressing against her lips as I frowned. Maybe I had grown far too used to people doing exactly what I asked of them, but the more Sakura spoke, the more I wanted to- Well, kick her out of my fucking Castle! It's one thing for her to threaten me for Rin and Shiro,

I'd even go as far to say it's pretty heartwarming. It was something else entirely for the younger Tohsaka to completely disobey the chain of command. "Leave."

Just a tiny-teeny bit of [Tyrannical Charisma] seeped in my voice, its mystical elements used to produce a type of despair-inducing fear akin to [Mesmerize], though less direct. "I don't like to repeat myself twice."

""Le- Leo-san!/Don't bully the girl, Leonis.""

It's not good to air your dirty laundry to others- even if said others were your allies- but it was worse to display insubordination. It made me- and consequently my Faction- look weak. That I could not afford, not while our enemies were stalking us like vultures, ready to prey on our carcasses. Affected by my presence, Sakura stormed off in another direction, only then was I able to breathe easy. "Now…"

I turned to Illya's group and the two Martial Artists who appeared nervous. The first much less than the latter with Herakles and Ishtar in their corner–! 'Oh-Shit! Fuck me sideway–!'

Out of nowhere, a golden, rippling portal tore itself into Reality and out came a sword flinging towards Sella/Ishtar.

Yet, that wasn't all, for following it were dozens of Chains, each aimed at the lethal areas of the homunculus maid.

Thankfully, I was just barely able to react in time, accurately catching the sword with my palm- which left my right hand a bloody pulp- while simultaneously summoning a portal to redirect the Chains of Heaven elsewhere. "Gil, Lancer! Illya and hers are here to help! They're non-hostile, STAND. DOWN. PLEASE!"

I got that they had a history together, but for fuck's sake, could everybody just CALM THEIR FUCKING TITS?! First it was Artoria with her straight up bombastic entrance which left a major part of my Castle in ruins, then it's Illya and Herakles' berserk rampage. Now it was Gil's and Enkidu's turn to attack recklessly… Sure, everyone must have heard of the idiom: 'Shoot first, ask questions later', but what the Hell happened to being calm and reasonable?!

"WHAT WAD THAT FOR?!" A certain albino woman screamed.

"Little Lion, stay back. You don't know what that wench is capable of." Unlike before, both the Golden Queen and her Eternal Friend did not back off- the resolution and disdain clear in their voices and on their faces. "I thought I've made it crystal-clear you mongrels are not and shall never be welcome within the confines of my Garden again? I told you I'd use your head as a footstool the next time we meet… Did you think I was joking, Goddess?"

In spite of the use of Ishtar's proper Title, there was not an ounce of respect in her voice as the Golden Queen spat hatefully.

Sella/Ishtar huffed angrily, her- their golden eyes narrowing at the slight as the Sumerian Goddess of Love and War began to take over, while Sella- the homunculus herself started to relinquish control- Nay, relinquish would imply she's doing so out of her own volition, and that couldn't be further from the truth. Drawling, the Goddess put hands on her hips tauntingly, "I see you're still as hotheaded as ever, Queen of Uruk. Still as beautiful too."

Ishtar winked, a smile on her lips despite the dozens of Golden Gates aimed towards her. "Cease your flirtation, Goddess. I'm in no mood for your mind-games."

Then, she snapped towards me. "Why did you bring her here?"

Was it wrong for me to find an angry Gilgamesh super hot? Shaking the useless and unrelated thoughts away, I reached for my forehead, sensing a growing headache building up. "We're about to be surrounded by enemy Servants and they helped us, so I gave them a ride. Relax, please." Once again, I pleaded with her, raising my right hand in a gesture of pacification as I stepped in front of Illya and her group, putting myself between in case a fight were to break out.

Thankfully, Gil didn't pursue the matter any longer, turning away after letting out an angry scoff. "Don't fall for her tricks, Little Lion. The wench has nothing good to offer and she will sleep with any man and woman she sees. She is more diseased than any cheap prostitute on the street. If you're feeling curious, I can find you better wenches out there."

"Better wenches?" The Goddess repeated with a snort. "You seem to have forgotten your own habit, O'Queen. Does he know all the men and women you've slept with throughout the years? Or did that fact just conveniently get lost in the process?"

That appeared to do it- the final straw which broke the camel's back as Gil glanced at the Goddess who's still running her mouth with a murderous gaze. Hurriedly, I slapped a hand over Ishtar's mouth, keeping it pressed tightly against her lips to muffle any sound she might make as I whispered. "Shut. Up! Do you want both Gilgamesh and Enkidu all up in your ass?"

"Am 'ot 'opposed to it/I'm not opposed to it." She replied smugly. "U can 'oin in 'oo/You can join in too."

"Not interested. And when I said 'all up in your ass', I did not mean it in a sexual way, Ishtar." Fuming, I pinched the fat of her arms, smirking viciously when I saw the Goddess yelp in pain and agony.

With a glare, I felt the Goddess move in my grasp. Then, something wet- something sticky touched the skin of my palm. Hastily, I made for a retreat, grimacing all the while as I wiped the saliva off.

"Did you just fucking lick me?!"

"Please–" Condescendingly, Ishtar rolled her eyes. "– Don't act like you haven't touched or done even grosser stuffs. You mortals- men especially- are all the same."

Wow… What a shitty Goddess.

Luckily, Illya- finally- chose that exact moment to intervene before the situation could get out of hands. "Sella, stop messing with our hosts this instance. Don't forget we are guests in his Castle. Leonis- May I refer to you by name?" Shiro's long-lost elder sister turned to me, her crimson eyes flashing with caution. She only breathed a sigh of relief when I nodded. "– And Leonis has so graciously granted us all asylum from the opposing Masters. Be nice."

"Well… I do know a way to repay him." The Goddess slithered near me,

Her silky smooth body leaning up in a way which left my crotch resting directly against her ass.

"Pervert!" Illya screamed.

"Uwawa! How bold of you, Sella-chan!"

Leysritt added. Meanwhile, I was just as stoic as ever. Ishtar was not the first to try honey-trap on me, and she certainly would not be the last. Having been apart of political intrigues and conflicts, I was used to it. Ishtar might be stunningly pretty but she was a thot of the highest order- the sort to wake up one day and decided to take your house, your money, your kids, your pets and leave you a penniless bum struggling to stay alive on the street.

Hell, if you knew of her history, you'd know the example I just gave was mild at most.

Nearly all- if not all- of her lovers had gruesome fates for no other reason than she grew bored of their presences. Horny, reckless and at times far too impulsive than I should be, but I did not have a death-wish, nor did I want a to have my life ruined for putting my dick in a nutcase. Wordlessly, I shoved her away, glare deepening at the sudden and frankly unwanted intimacy. "… Don't ever do that again. Respect my boundaries or I will personally throw you out of my Castle."

'I didn't want Gil to misunderstand.' Was left unsaid, though I believed I had made the message I was trying to convey through my actions perfectly clear for everyone to see: 'I am not interested.'

Sadly, that only seemed to increase her interest in me… Both in a good and bad way. It's good because for as long as she was interested in me, I could make use of her and bad because Ishtar did not have a history of dealing with rejections nicely. Was it scummy of me to use her? Perhaps. But I saw this as a way of Life. Everyone used everyone else, plus I knew for a fact Ishtar was a horrible person. "Illaoi, show them to the guest rooms. Izuku, Bakugou, I fear whatever discussion you want will have to wait tomorrow."

Next, I addressed Illya and her group. "Same goes for you guys I'm afraid. I'll have to sort things out in my house first."

Illaoi shivered with fright on the side, though I pretended I didn't notice and went about my day.

We traded pleasantries for a short few seconds after before I marched off so Illaoi could work more efficiently. Of course, I had not been idle all this time, having used one of Zolgen's Scout to spy on Swan's group by ordering it to attach itself to her boot when she was busy cursing my very existence in her head. Once I was out of sight, my knees buckled and I couldn't resist the urge to fall against the wall. 'Leo, are you alright?'

"No…" I replied without any fire in my voice. "I don't think I am. What do I do Angra?"

Uncharacteristically gentle, the Daemon whispered. 'You'll figure it out… Like you always do, my friend.'

"Is that so." Even though I tried to divert my attention from my comatose friend, the pangs in my heart, knowing I might have to go against his last-wish caused my chest tighten with fear. The fact that he might one day be resurrected made it all the more terrible.

("Do- Don't hurt my sister, please! She- She's all I have left… Please- Please- Please."

Even as he laid on the operating table inside my Workshop- bleeding, hurt and delirious- Sven continued to beg- an action which in and of itself should never be associated with the proud and haughty Noble-Born I had grown to love like a brother.

"Pro- Promise me!" Still dazed by the event, I forgot to even breath, grasping when he shook me all of a sudden, his pale face nearing as he looked wide-eyed at me in fear. "Leo- Brother, promise me! G- Give me your words, give me!"

I nodded dumbly as his Life-Force began to wane and fade and weaken… "Ha-Ha…"

Still, he laughed, as though those words had somehow bettered the situation. "Tha- That's good. You- You will ne- ver go back on your words, that much I know… I c- can rest easy now."

"Sven?

SVEN! Don't play with me!" I shook his prone form violently, hoping it'd fix those crisscrossing erupted Circuits of his. It didn't.

"BROTHER?!")

"Sorry, Sven. It looks like I won't be able to keep my words this time."

— [Fate: FS] —

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

How could he have been so idiotic as to agree to this living arrangement? Sure, it was more efficient, allowing them to cover more grounds and spreading their forces out had made sense at the time, given Magnum's well-known inclination to the usage of air-bombardment to annihilate his enemies, but they didn't say 'There's strength in number' for nothing.

Now, here he was, stuck in this shitty motel room in the middle of nowhere, forced to live the life of a peasant. To make matters worse, he was near- Leonis, Titus' most hated enemy, the man- the boy- the monster who murdered his wife and turned her corpse into one of his demonic hordes was near, stalking outside his motel like a predator prowling for its prey.

The fact that despite having a Servant out to keep the defenses up- a being quite literally made out of pure Mana, said to outperform humans in every way, shape and form- and Titus still fearful for his life was a testament to how deeply he had been traumatized by that creature in the guise of a boy. 'But, it mattered not', Titus silently encouraged himself, feeling his spirit lifted a little.

'That's right! The arrogant fool hasn't come with his Servant! Surely Rider will be able to beat him?!' Titus might not know how he was found- Well, scratch that… He knew how, it's because he had slipped up, forgetting to check his clothes for the loathsome insects Magnum often used to bug people's rooms with, having been too confident- but he certainly knew how this would end: 'With Leonis serving his own head on a platter!'

Besides, it's not like Titus didn't have an escape plan.

Magnum's repertoire of Spells weren't too well-documented, but most of the members in their Faction had educated guests,

Hence why every single one of their temporary residences had been layered under tons of Spatial Bounded Fields- rare as they were. There were also Flesh-Dolls they managed to procure from some sketchy Magus, imbedded with Rune Stones made to replicate their exact heights, weights and even Mana-Signatures. Though the Dolls were not that sophisticated as their main purposes usually belonged in the… Sexual category,

They're capable of speech- recorded lines mostly- and should be enough to divert Magnum's attention while the real people went to gather help– Or flee- said a traitorous thought. "What's the situation out there, Rider?"

Soon, a thought was telepathically transferred into Titus' mind. 'Worry not Contractor. You're talking to the son of the great Sun God! The mortal's head shall lay beneath my feet once sunrise comes!' The Demigod Servant boasted condescendingly, yet the confidence only made Titus that much more anxious. He knew well the fates that had befallen those who underestimated Magnum, and it's not pretty. "Do not foolishly underestimate him! Leonis has not come this far through incompetence!"

The Demigod scoffed disdainfully, 'Already, you're worried about a threat of his level? You disappoint me, Contractor!'

With those last words, Rider leaped down from the ledge he was on and landed right next to the boy his Contractor so feared. There didn't seem all that scary or unnatural. Yes, he was far more handsome than any normal man would be, but Rider had seen those once too many times.

They're all barks, no bites. "A Servant–?!"

"My Contractor seems to think you're something special, but I see you for what you truly are, foul, tainted thing… Fornothing can hide from the Sun!" Sunlight exploded in every and all directions, incinerating- consuming practically everything in its path, washing along the oh-so feared Magnum in a shower if glaring lights. A guttural escaped the teenager's lips- a desperate and pained screech like thousands of insects' all layered on top of each other. "By my father's Divinity, I'll scorch thee from this Earth."

"What a disappointment–" The teenager chose that exact moment to burst out from the inferno with a blade in hand- a infernal saber which seemed to corrupt all it touched. The blade cut a thin line beginning on Rider's cheek to the bridge of his nose, and while the damage done was not too severe–

Suddenly, the wound just exploded, widening from the thin, nigh unnoticeable line on his face to a scar that would be visible a mile away. The Servant- speechless at the turn of events- bit his tongue and scowled deeply. "My- My face! Worthless Demon, you dared?!" The charred, humanoid coal walked forth, his eyes flashing a toxic green, his hair which had fallen off due to the heat smelled of sulfur and burnt flesh.

Though, the casual smirk on his lips was most disturbing. "Why wouldn't I dare?"

The teenager bolted forwards, his blade trying to reap Rider's life to no success for the Servant- even while shell-shocked and upset- still outclassed him in almost every way. "I'm going to severe thou spine!"

And severe it he did, his hand made into a claw, shooting and piercing Magnum's belly with inhuman precision. A tug later, and three segments of the scorched teenager were gone, blood spilling on Rider's open palm. Yet, he lived, laughing manically even as the Servant began to gorge out his eyes. "You face the son of Helios- the true and rightful Sun God of Mt. Olympus! I am Phaëthon–!"

His other hand reached Magnum's neck, the pressure increasing gradually in tandem with the slow pickup of his voice. "– And I am your Doom, FILTH!"

"Who- *Cough*- Who the Hell are you? Which legendary feats ha- have you accomplished?"

Rider threw his hands to the sides, laughing heroically. "I have ridden upon the Great Sun Chariot!"

.

..

…

"Pffftt! Are you fucking serious?" Contrary to Phaëthon's expectations, the teenager merely laughed, as though having heard the funniest joke ever. "Tha- That's it? That is all? You- You rode on daddy's car and thinks it's a feat worth-noting?! Nobody– *Wheeze*–"

Spitting up a mouthful of blood, the charred and beaten Magus' body's wracked by laughter as he shook, wheezing in visible amusement. "– Literally nobody has even heard of you or yo- your tale, worthless shitstain. But I know some actual Heroes whom everybody admires- whom practically every child and adult have heard about! I can list you their names, do you wanna listen–?!"

A punch landed on his crispy jaws, sending chunks of flesh from his cheeks flying. "I was about to give you an easy death, you foul-mouthed vermin. I don't think I'm going to do that anymore."

'Bring him to me.' Titus ordered telepathically. 'I've looked forwards to- dreamt about this day for years. His death will not be an easy one, I can assure you.'

'Fine… But whatever torture you plan on making him suffer, I want to be apart of.' Titus wasted no time responding with excitement. 'We have a Deal!'

"It seems the Contractor has a bone to pick with you."

Yanked up by his shoulder, Leonis Magnum appeared exhausted- he's not at all like the conceited and arrogant King he usually loved to portray himself as. Titus- staring out at the scene from the window inside his motel room- smirked viciously and yet…! Yet, he could not shake off the unease plaguing his chest. 'I've won, haven't I? Then why does something feel off? How did Magnum get defeated so easily?!'

Unfortunately, the excitement of victory quickly overwhelmed reason as Titus rationalized, repeating to himself. "Maybe I'm just overly paranoid… It's probably nothing. Rider is a Servant after all, it's not that weird for a mere human to lose to him."

The short trip from the front yard of the motel to his room felt oddly distant.

Titus knew not if it's a product of his excitement- being the person to take out the exalted Lord Magnum- or if his Servant's just taking his sweet-time coming back. Only when the two burst through the front door, did Titus breath a sigh of relief. "Leonis Magnum! There you are! I've been looking forwards to this for years."

The Master said through clenched teeth, his anger palpable even a room-distance away. Tilting his head- hair matted with blood and dirt and yellowish pus- Leonis spat. "Who the Hell are you?"

"Ah-Yes… You and your arrogance, always thinking you're better than us normal- sane people. A self-proclaimed King, reduced to a prisoner." Grabbing the chair to the side, Titus sat facing a kneeling Leonis. "Let me tell you my identity then. I am the father of a girl who lost her mother to your filthy hands. I am the husband of a woman you murdered in cold-blood. I am a man on a mission, and I'll have my vengeance.

I'll have it today."

Hand clamping on Magnum's mouth, forcing it to close shut, Titus stared at the teenager, hoping to find a trace of fear or worry, yet there was none. "Do you have anything to say- any excuses to make for your crimes before I strike you down?"

Magnum shook, though he still spoke. "Was your wife's name Maddison Lance?"

The mention of his deceased spouse made Titus halt, his eyes reddening as he grabbed. "You remember her? Explain! Explain to me why you killed my wife- why you took her from me- from us?!"

"You're a family man, I can respect that. Tell me, do you want the truth?" The charred, half-dead teenager paused, before continuing- this time without the usual smirk he's often seen wearing. "Or do you wish to preserve Misses Lance's image in your heart?"

Silence fell over them, and despite his rationality telling otherwise, curiosity got the best of Titus. "The truth, you owe me that at least." Closing his eyes in contemplation, the bound and kneeling Magus asked. "Did you know of her extra-activities? Did you know she was experimenting on children to reclaim her youthfulness?"

Titus' face immediately paled. "So you didn't know…"

Gritting his teeth, the Master pulled Leonis up by his collar. "Lies! All of it, LIES! My wife is- was the sweetest woman, most of our incomes went to good causes!"

"You asked for the truth, I've given you it. My target at the time was a suspected Apostle, when I found your wife, Mrs. Lance was using her Separation Magecraft to pick apart the best limbs and organs to create her own homunculi Vessel- one she planned to take over to extend her life. I'd be the last person to claim a moral-high ground, but even I don't touch children." Titus' cheeks puffed up with rage.

"For what it's worth, I am sorry for causing you such heartache. It could not have been easy to tell your daughter about her mother's death."

"I don't need your damned apology! Take it back!" Angrily, Titus slammed the boy against the wall. "Take it back! Say it, say you are lying!"

Those toxic green eyes which once brought Titus fear and nightmares,

They now gave him a sense of despair.

Desperately, he tried to search for a sign of lies in those eyes, only to falter when he again saw none.

"It doesn't have to end like this, just walk away. Think about your daughter. I swear I will not try and pursue you, you have my words, Titus."

"… Your words mean nothing." A pained look crept on Titus' aged visage. "Even if what you said is the truth, I need to- have to do this."

Face lowering, Leonis bit his lips and muttered something inaudible. "– Then forgive me…"

"What did you say?" In order to listen more clearly, Titus knelt next to the boy, his eyes still brimming with unshed tears. "I said, forgive me."

Suddenly, his wounds- burns all healed in a second, his jaws unhinging into a gaping, fangs filled maw with fleshy, rippling throat as he took a bite out of Titus' face. "Contractor! You–!"

Rider raced forth to save his Master,

But it was far too late… Titus gargled on his blood, before the life faded from his eyes. "The Magnus Foundation will take care of your daughter."

Leonis spat the mouthful of flesh from his mouth, chin covered in blood as he said. "Phaëthon- Son of Helios, I'm guessing your Wish has something to do with the ability to ride the Sun Chariot?"

"Wha- What? I thought you didn't–"

"It's merely a ploy to anger you. I've studied every legends in preparation for the War. Of course I know who you are. You were struck down by Zeus when your lack of experience caused major droughts and extreme colds… I can grant you your Wish, join me." The Magus extended his hand, seeming genuine in his offer. "And what of your Servant, what about their Wish?"

"Lancer's Wish has already been granted. Plus, since there are technically fourteen Servants in this War, only six need to die." Still keeping his hand raised, Leonis continued to convince. "This Faction has no chance of winning the War. They'll all perish, just like him."

Hesitating for a second, Rider- Phaëthon approached, having made up his mind. "Fine, I suppose it's better than having to work under these incompetents."

They traded smiles, about to celebrate their newly collaboration, when the Magus abruptly pulled out a knife from his sleeve and shoved it inside his heart, "Y- You…! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

Expression schooled in a stoic look, Leonis replied. "Sending a message."

Phaëthon choked. "Don't blame me, but my Faction already has enough people. Your Wish isn't even that good anyway, your hubris caused thousands- if not millions- to die. You don't deserve shit."

"DON'T THINK YOU'LL GET AWAY WITH THIS!" The Servant screamed, caring not for his wellbeing. Even as the several mouthfuls of blood started to seep into his lungs, he showed no fear, only hatred and resentment as his arm was shoved clean through Leonis' chest. "You will die with me, demon!"

To his surprise, the other party merely laughed, his head nearing Phaëthon to whisper. "Wanna hear a secret? I am not really here."

At those words, his body fell apart to reveal countless squirming, writhing luminescent insects of all kinds, each pulsating with Mana… Each ready to explode at the slightest touch. "Better luck next time."

* KABOOM!