A few faces turned as a foreigner walked by some of the civilians, who noted the strangers' clothing, body and unique hair. Many of the men, including some women, blushed in sight of them.

Long white hair, deep blue eyes, she was quite beautiful, with something about her that made people feel comfortable around. Still, nobody bothered her and merely watched her walk past them, respecting her personal space.

At the same time, the foreigner could only find herself observing her surroundings. Taking in everything she didn't know or recognize which roused her curiosity as she did before. All which stirred her interest in just what they were and how they even worked.

The metal carriages, or cars as the Grail whispered to her, were noteworthy as they came in different colors and forms. It was incredible to see the abundance in such transportation. She even saw a flying metal carriage called a plane. It was so strange since it didn't even look as if it should fly. That wasn't even mentioning the small devices some humans carried and the strange toys she saw. Some from plush dolls to statues of different people or creatures.

'I suppose this is just one of many admirable things the outside world has.' Much of Archer's life had been spent in her home after all. While the circumstances of her being here may have been troubling, even she couldn't deny that just like before, she enjoyed wandering to see what the humans of this world have been making. Even better, she held the strange ability to turn invisible, or enter spiritual form as the Grail told her and observe without being caught.

Granted, she was in physical form now since she liked feeling the cool breeze blow on her face and the warmth of the sun settling on her skin. It was just a shame that she couldn't bring out Blue-Eyes, as she was certain her other self would enjoy all of this as well. Sadly, summoning her may cause problems, specifically, attract the attention of those with ill-intent.

The appearance of the woman in dragon armor came to mind, making Archer shudder. In her mind, she heard Blue-Eyes hiss.

It was to be expected, considering the curses and blood that could be seen on that woman. The resentment. The despair. Archer felt her body go cold whenever she thought of that woman. Fear, even. Never in her life had she seen a dragon-slayer like that woman.

A person that killed dragons. Be it for fame, glory, money, the reasons varied for many. The few dragon slayers she had met had either fought dragons to prove their strength to others, to steal what belonged to the dragon, or for revenge.

'I wonder if that girl is the last one.' Archer thought, recalling how driven that woman had been towards Blue-Eyes. Her desire to kill her other wasn't even hidden, Archer recalling how the woman even went to attack her. Likely because she sensed Blue-Eyes within her. That wasn't even mentioning the power she held as she hurt Blue-Eyes.

"Grrrr." Came a statement from Blue-Eyes, almost as if it was insulted.

"Mmm, yes Blue-Eyes. I know. I know. Wounds like that won't even slow you down, but still." She got another growl which made Archer shake her head. Even now Blue-Eyes held confidence that she could beat the dragon-slayer. Of course, Archer also felt the same, but she wasn't one to believe it'd be done so easily.

That woman managed to cut Blue-Eyes' skin. A feat that would make even the most devoted of the white dragon to deny and simply claim a trick of the eye. Archer knew better though, and she knew Blue-Eyes was of the same mind, even if she wouldn't outright claim it. The number of individuals who could harm Blue-Eyes could be counted on a single hand.

It was telling when most of them were powerful monsters such as the vile five-headed dragon, or a 'dark god' that was rising. As for people, Archer heard stories of a powerful human magician with inspiring dark magical attacks who could contend with Blue-Eyes' own might. It seems the list might need to be updated seeing as that woman could be considered one of the few who managed to harm Blue-Eyes.

Using what could be described as an obsessive curse as part of the woman's power to strike, enhanced further by the blood of those she killed, making Archer feel sick as she sensed how twisted that woman's armor was. It was frightening to think a single woman could become that powerful.

"Ruagh." Once more Blue-Eyes spoke to her. Not in the usual prideful tone, but in a calm, reassuring manner. As if telling her all would be alright. Archer gave a small giggle.

"Thanks for that, Blue-Eyes. I needed that." Encouragement. In a way, Blue-Eyes always did try to support her, even when they were young. "Still," Archer looked by some passing cars. "That woman will come for us again, including others. After all, we're Servants." Where they had to fight one another.

Such a thought made Archer just a bit sad. After all, she held no grudge against these Servants, nor did she want to fight them. The Grail however whispered that a fight was inevitable. That they had to kill one another simply because they should. It was distressing to know such information. Even more that some of the other Servants didn't even seem to mind it.

Although…

"Do you think we'll see that fine young man and his allied Servant again?" Archer asked her other-half, with the intent in asking if they could perhaps be good allies.

"Grrr. Raugh."

"True. I suppose our partnership, even if they agreed, could be temporary." After all, they were Servants who should kill one another for a wish. "Still, they did seem honest. And they never attempted to hurt us." If anything, they were rather kind to her.

"Gruagh." Yet kindness meant nothing if they ended up fighting anyway. Blue-Eyes giving Archer a reminder of what could strip them of their desire to not fight. Where all it took was a few simple words using one thing. Command Seals.

A slight tinge of guilt hit Archer. While she held no regret in leaving Tokiomi, she couldn't deny her misconduct in her treatment of him. She wasn't one to enjoy threatening people; rather than arguing, speaking and finding common ground was something she preferred when handling a delicate others wasn't something she was fond of, yet if she didn't, would the man calling himself Master not force her and Blue-Eyes to commit horrible actions with no regard for her or others safety?

"Maybe we should talk to someone else about this." Deliberating her choices, Archer thought of perhaps asking someone, another Servant, for advice One who wouldn't run her through with their blade when she spoke to them. "Maybe we can talk to Saber again. What do you say, Blue-Eyes?" Archer heard Blue-Eyes grunt.

Then Archer felt her body stiffen as an influx of energy affect her body, freezing her in place. She then resumed movement as if it had never happened. Almost as if it had been her imagination.

"Eh?" All the same, she felt something about her was amiss. She turned to the one she trusted most. "Blue-Eyes?" There was no response.

Countless footsteps walked across the land, while many others oversaw the supplies they had. Crates were put in a row, all open to reveal many things.

Food. Water. Supplies such as tents and rope. Protective gear and maps. But more importantly, weapons.

"Move out!" The time had come at last. Word had already reached the army of a beautiful city full of resources. Mana stones. Mystic secrets. Strong men and women that could be used as slaves. Children that could be 'taught' on who they should obey. Not to mention the supposed method in controlling a dragon.

The ships were stationary, more men rowing to the land. The journey had been simple, traveling from their land to the one here. Where already they could see a great city miles away. As the merchants stated, it indeed looked beautiful.

Grins spread across the men's faces.

The city would be theirs. As commanded by their emperor, all this place had would belong to them. The city. The people. The resources. Even the great dragon. None would escape their grasp. Such a shame that the city would be dyed red, but then again, if the people were smart, they'd surrender once they got a look at their army.

As one, the men then moved out.

Their weapons were held for all to see.. They had already been told by spies that the land here held no army whatsoever, and while this land supposedly did have a dragon they could control, there wasn't actually much information regarding it. If anything, none of the spies have ever seen it aside from murals of it and in stories.

All things considered, there may be a chance the dragon was dead. No matter. Even if it was, they could always pilfer the secrets in how this city's rulers managed to control a dragon. On the off chance it was still alive, they already held enough weaponry and a few sorcerers to deal with the mindless beast.

The sun reached its peak and the army was now closer to the city. Already they had sent a messenger to claim their right in taking over. Either the people gave themselves up, or rebelled and faced their blades. Those were the only two options they had.

That was what they believed anyway.

One of the commanders stopped with his men following suit. There, up ahead, was a single woman with a few other people by her. Nearby, on his knees is the messenger they sent.

It seems they had refused to agree with surrendering. A bit of a shame, but not problematic in the long-run. If anything, a few soldiers chuckled, having been looking forward to a fight.

As such not a single one put down their weapons. They'll allow these people to come, perhaps talk, then kill them where they stood. Maybe take them hostage. One or the other.

As the commander prepared to bring a few men with him, it was then he noticed a woman with white hair leading the group getting closer to them. For a moment he wondered if she was a representative, who desired to make a futile case in having them leave. Smirking, the command stepped forward until eventually, the two were just a bit across from each other.

"I assume you're the representative?" the commander asked.

"Of sorts." The woman was quite beautiful. Her white hair, those blue eyes. The commander liked her already. "All I can say is, and ask, will you and your men leave our land from invasion."

"Already know, huh." The commander looked at the messenger he sent, held by a man in armor who didn't look happy. "If you already know, then you should realize what we possess."

He waved his hand to all the soldiers behind him. Well-trained. Skilled. All ready to fight for the glory of their kingdom. "I heard this town has no army." the commander gave a small grin. "While I already know the answer, I advise you to surrender now. Do so, and there will be little blood spilled. I'd rather not dirty your home too much. It is quite the sight."

"...little bloodshed." Beside the woman, another woman seemed to scowl. The commander couldn't help but chuckle a little.

"Your people need to know who's in charge. So, your leaders will have to go. But worry not, we will take charge." The small group looked at one another, clearly realizing the position they were in. The woman who first spoke turned back to him with her mouth curling to a grimace.

"You really won't leave, will you."

"Naturally."

"Even if I told you that many, if not all, will die."

"From what?" the commander snorted, as if he heard a funny joke. "If anything, you will all die if you don't surrender to us."

"I see." The woman looked to the others, all of them nodding. "Then all I can say is, I'm sorry."

"Hm?" her words made no sense to him. Sorry? For what? Granted, he supposed it didn't matter. He didn't entirely care either, seeing as it was clear that these people won't give up in spite of the advantage the army has over them. It was a bit of a shame, but oh well.

Once they deal with these folks, they can move to the city and have all the people step in line or fall six feet into their own graves.

"Very well." Taking out his sword from his sheathe, the commander saw no reason to let these people live. Aside from that one person in armor, the rest didn't even seem like fighters. Bringing their heads to show to the people of the city would be a good step in showing he and the countless soldiers and commanders behind him weren't kidding around.

None of the other people seemed to even move. As if his actions in taking out his sword was nothing more but a common sight. Perhaps they had already realized fighting was pointless. It certainly made things easier for him. Lifting the blade, the commander prepared to cut off the woman's head and have all the other soldiers march to kill the others.

Everybody behind him watched to see the first body drop among many, and indeed, blood was then spilled.

"!" On account of a foot crashing down onto the commander and squashing his body into paste. All the soldiers were shocked beyond belief.

"Gruaaagh!" The massive white dragon that appeared out of nowhere didn't help them any less. It then turned to face them all with its stunning blue eyes.

Its jaw opened and a spark of electricity was produced from its throat.

All while observing in silence, in what might be the distant past itself, Tokiomi Tohsaka watched as screams and begging was heard as what should have been the destruction of an entire city had been turned into the destruction of an entire army. The magus, or spellcasters as they are called in this land, vaporized before they could even speak. The soldiers didn't fare any better.

Faced with what could only be described as an engine of destruction, the entire army that had come to conquer this land was wiped out in a few minutes. The ships that tried to leave were destroyed when the white dragon followed and blew them apart. Any survivors would likely have just drowned while those on land were taken in, imprisoned no doubt.

All which left the dragon itself lifting its head and roaring in absolute victory.

It was to be expected. An army, even one with some trinkets, were nothing to a dragon. Yet seeing it in person, even if it was through a memory, was something else altogether.

Smacking his lips together, Tokiomi found the courage to speak and turned to face the actual white dragon instead of the one he was seeing, asking, "I suppose you are…some form of guardian then."

"Correct." The entire land changed, this time showing the city itself. Buildings were seen along with many people. All enjoying their day where everything seemed so clean and its people living in happiness. A peaceful place altogether, where above all the small buildings was an open path that led to a large temple itself.

The home of those who were in direct service of the white dragon.

"This was the land I and my other were born in. A place of peace that we protected from others. From men who sought out the resources we had." the dragon's eyes narrowed down on Tokiomi. "To take command of the ' powerful dragon' for their own purposes." There was some vindictiveness in the dragon's words.

The scene changed again, showing the temple itself. A statue of the dragon is revealed, the temple having an opening that would allow the dragon to easily enter if it wished. Wandering in, with Tokiomi following, the Master of Archer then noted the countless murals and carved pictures inside the temple.

Each depicted the dragon, though some were clearly different from the one before him. Most held the same appearance as this one, but others had three heads. Another had a knight standing on the head of one. There was an image of a two-headed dragon as well.

It didn't take long for Tokiomi to understand this meaning. "There were others before you."

"Yes." The response came quickly. The dragon's tone has a bit of pride in it. "My many predecessors from before. While some were more powerful than others, all these women were blessed with a special gift. The power to call upon the power of their soul, materializing their inner selves. Us."

"Third Magic?" The words left his mouth, yet even then Tokiomi couldn't be certain with what he said. Heaven's Feel, once possessed by the Einzberns themselves, the power to materialize ones soul, which seemed to be exactly what this dragon stated.

'But if that were true, then how is Archer even conscious when releasing her soul? Not to mention why does it even take the form of a dragon?' Attempting to figure this out wasn't going to be solved any time soon, of course. There was also the fact that this could potentially just be an application of the Third Magic, but even then Tokiomi couldn't be certain. Even so, it was incredible to think that a single person could call out and summon forth a dragon as devastating as this one.

"You said women before Ar-your other," Changing the name, as he saw the dragon growl at his usage of the Class name, Tokiomi kept a careful watch on what he was saying. "Were all blessed in summoning dragons such as yourself? How?"

"You would have to ask Kisara for that. I never bothered learning such details." Kisara? Did it mean Archer!?

'So that's her name.' Yet it didn't ring a bell. Actually, the name didn't even feel familiar. While Tokiomi couldn't claim he knew every historical or mythical figure, he still did his best to learn as many as he could. But the name Kisara didn't register at all to anything in his mind.

More suspiciously, the same could be said for the dragon as well. Such a legendary creature with immense might, not even referenced in the magus world, despite the power it possessed. Was Archer's legend simply one that faded away? Even though the dragon all but admitted that there had been more before her. Unless…

"Did you ever go out?" Outside their home.

"No." Another quick response. "Our duty was to this land. Our people." A firm resolve could be heard. It was actually something that Tokiomi felt he understood, as it was a resolve all magus had who desired to reach the Root. "Even if I was rarely called upon, it only meant that our home was at peace. That nobody had to deal with invaders who sought what we had for themselves." The dragon then growled. "Not all of our predecessors could share the same fate."

Tokiomi then stood in front of another mural without realizing it. Seeing as the dragon controlled this mental scape, it must have wanted him to see this, which he did. The image here shows a three-headed dragon.

Followed by a five-headed one across from it. Making it clear the two were enemies with fire and people running in the picture.

"Many times in the past our home had to deal with nuisances such as these. All while other countries 'asked' that we lend them the strength of my predecessors, claiming it was for the greater good." Now Tokiomi saw another image. This one showing a dragon in clear agony with some kind of mask over it. Thrashing around while on the ground is a human woman that was chained.

"You were betrayed."

"We were." The dragon snorted. "A predecessor accepted the aid of an unknown man, who belonged to a country we were allied with." Anger could be seen in the dragon's eyes. "They imprisoned the maiden and tortured her, then brainwashed her other until it became something malefic. They used her as a weapon against others to cause much destruction alongside other brainwashed dragons."

A mural next to it now showed the same chained woman only without a head. The dragon lying in a pool of blood alongside other dragons. "There had only been one way to save their souls from continued enslavement."

It was now that Tokiomi began to understand just a little.

After being caught in this unexpected situation, somehow ending in a place of the mind and meeting this dragon, it suddenly began showing him its memories. This latest addition made it easy to connect the dots.

"Neither of you liked the idea of being a Servant-"

"As we could be forced into acts of evil." The dragon cut him off and finished his sentence. "It's happened more than once. At least two more incidents occurred where our predecessors were turned towards the dark path." One through kidnapping, another through misguidance and trickery.

Growling, Tokiomi felt the dragon's eyes on him. In particular, his hands where his command Seals resided. The power for an absolute command no matter how much the Servant resisted. Followed by disgust.

"You may act the part of a reasonable man, but I see you. See what you are." Eyes narrowed further with Tokiomi feeling as if his entire existence was being oppressed. Overshadowed by the power of an unimaginably strong being. "And I ask, how willing are you to sacrifice one to fulfill your own goals? You and your ilk."

The dragon was right. As a magus, Tokiomi held a duty to his lineage, an obligation to ensure his line will continue for the day they can reach the apex all magus searched for. No matter how far that destination was, or the obstacles littered across this journey, a magus should and must continue their family line. Even at the cost of others.

Betrayals and coercion being just one of many actions magus are willing to do if it meant getting another step closer to achieving their work. Tokiomi, while he wasn't one for such dishonorable methods and unwanted killing, couldn't deny he had done his fair share of manipulation towards others. Plus, in a Holy Grail War where a Servant could be unruly and potentially get in a Master's path, it was only natural to use a Command Seal against them.

But it was exactly that alongside their inclusion to the Holy Grail War that caused Archer and her dragon to become repulsed by their current situation.

The two were individuals who only sought to protect what they cared for. They didn't seek fights for the bloodshed, but to defend. Their avoidance in aiding others wasn't out of paranoia, but caution and fear they would be used as a weapon. Or worse. Make the undeserved suffer while being treated as a tool.

'Yet that is what a Servant is. A tool.' Familiars summoned forth for the Master's aid and then killed off to fulfill the Heaven's Feel. Or, at the very least, that was how it was supposed to be.

A small gnawing feeling could be felt in the back of Tokiomi's mind. Uncomfortable whenever he attempted to see the dragon and Archer as just mere tools. Yet they were more than that, displaying their own thoughts, making clear how they felt.

More importantly, they were also more than capable of fighting back, especially the dragon. While he couldn't be certain, Tokiomi had the slightest feeling that if the dragon attacked him here, that may be the end of it all. However…

"I do not deny it, I seek to only use you and Archer." He could already see the dragon looking at him in disgust. Saying the wrong word could even bring its full ire onto him. Even so, lying would get him nowhere. If anything, lying is beneath him.

"I am a magus. And like many, I seek the truth." Placing a hand on his chest, Tokiomi continued speaking his thoughts and feelings. "Even if I cannot seek it in this lifetime, I'll ensure those after me can see it through if I cannot. And this Holy Grail War is my chance to take that final step. Still," He looked up at the dragon, unwilling to back down. "That doesn't mean I have to use forceful methods."

"Oh?" While there was a hint of sarcasm in the dragon's voice, it was also clear Tokiomi had caught the beast's attention. A pique to see just where he was going with this or simply vaporize him. He shouldn't waste this chance.

"I won't apologize for summoning you. Nor for using my first Command Seal in stopping you both." Tokiomi made his point clear, feeling no guilt for those incidents. "Even so, that doesn't mean I'm unwilling to compromise." To change his tactics and mindset, even if just a little.

The dragon leaned its head down, willing to listen.

"You and Archer fear being used as weapons. Forced against your wills to cause destruction and harm." While the dragon said nothing, it didn't deny his words. "However, I can tell you that I have no intention of causing unneeded suffering. If anything, I'd rather this Holy Grail War be unknown and unseen to everybody in this city. All I care for is defeating the other Masters and Servants, nobody else."

Raising its head, the dragon huffed out a breath. Brows wrinkling, Tokiomi carefully asked, "Do you have problems with fighting the unknown?"

"Not in particular." Admitted the dragon. "As I and my other are marked to be killed, I have no problem in defending and annihilating them if it means to protect my other-half."

"Then you are willing to cooperate, perhaps?"

"Perhaps." The dragon repeated his words. Acting less aggressively as it did before, as the dragon heard his replies. "If you only target these Servants with no intention of abusing our power in harming the innocent, then I have no real problem in aiding you." Tokiomi noticed its words became tinged in pride as it said, "If anything, I enjoy a good fight against the mighty."

"So-" Before Tokiomi could finish, the dragon interrupted him.

"But that is just I. You must also convince my other and she is much more pacifist than I. After all, she is human."

"Did you not say you are just a materialization of herself?"

"We may be one, but we still hold individual characteristics." The dragon corrected Tokiomi, leaning its head down as its eyes met his own. "The same but different. We hold identical beliefs, but how we go about it is our own choice. A mistake many men fail to realize as they merely believe me to be a 'pet' or obedient dragon."

In other words, the dragon could be considered something close to another persona of Archer in a sense. Some form of aspect that simply took the shape of a dragon. Even though it declared itself a materialization of Archer's 'soul', it's clear that the dragon wasn't a pure copy of Archer at all.

'Meaning I must convince her as well.' Frowning, Tokiomi couldn't deny that doing so may be difficult. He could only assume this aspect of Archer only considered his words because it held different beliefs as it said. To be expected as despite being Archer's materialized soul, it is also a dragon at the same time.

"In other words," Looking directly at the dragon without backing down, Tokiomi asked, "If I can get your other to agree with me, then…?"

"We may work with you." So he still had a chance. "However," The dragon got closer, making it certain its teeth were seen as it made its threat crystal clear to Tokiomi with its next words. Declaring, "Any attempts to control us, force us against our desires, will be met with your death."

It wasn't making a warning. It was a promise. As such, any attempts to use a Command Seal to get Archer to 'agree' with him was out the window. Which only made things more difficult, as the space itself suddenly seemed to turn blank.

"It seems our time is up." The dragon began to fade away. "Either you convince my other, or you will fail in your dream, one or the other. In the end, the rest is on you." Everything was now gone, leaving only Tokiomi in this empty space.

"-okiomi. Tokiomi!" Except for a single voice.

"Tokiomi!" Eyes opening, Tokiomi blinked.

"Wha-" A pair of hands gripped his shoulders, Risei Kotomine tightening his grip with concern. The man looked quite worried. It was only now Tokiomi realized what was going on, saying, "I…I'm back."

"Back? Back from what?" Risei let go, though still appeared strained. "You had gone silent after I gave you the Command Seals. As if your mind wasn't there at all."

"My mind wasn-ah." Tokiomi knew what Risei meant, then went to explain himself to his old friend. "Apologies. I never meant to cause you concern, Risei. It's just that I was…well…" Finding the words were a bit difficult. How was he to say, 'Sorry. I was just speaking to my Servants soul which takes the form of a dragon and showed me their past. It's all good now.'.

…It was tough to say aloud.

Still, not wanting Risei to fret, Tokiomi said in reassurance, "It seems the Command Seals given to me came with an additional influx of energy that, hm…momentarily paralyzed me. But no harm was done." It wasn't the best explanation, though it'll have to do. Risei, while he didn't look convinced, backed away regardless.

"...You do seem alright at the very least."

"I am. And again, apologies for the concern I gave you. Still, we got what was needed." Raising his arms as proof, the Command Seals were shown in their full glory. "The power to command Archer."

"She would indeed be useful for putting a stop to the other Servants."

"That she would."

Which is what Archer and her dragon obviously feared most. As his lips thinned, Tokiomi found himself looking at his Command Seals, as that gnawing from before returned. Biting at him as he thought of doing what he originally planned. Forcing Archer and her other against their will to obey.

The moment he thought of doing that, that image came back to his mind. The mural of the thrashing dragon and chained woman, who as the dragon explained, were forced against their own will.

'...but it's not like I'm going to have her attack the city. I meant what I said, all I want is for her to eliminate the other Servants.' The contrition in his heart said otherwise. Almost accusingly at that, never mind the dishonor he'd be doing by allowing this to happen. All the same, his mind assured Tokiomi that in the end, a Servant was just a ghost. A figure from the past. It wasn't as if they'd remember what would happen, especially when he'd have Archer kill herself in the end.

This conflict in Tokiomi scarred his thoughts, as both sides of him went to war with the other. If he should resume his plan or not. Risei watched, waiting for him to do what they planned.

Shutting his eyes, Tokiomi soon settled on his role, opening his eyes once more. "I-"

"We have a problem." Kirei came in, a grim expression on his face. The room growing cold when his next words gave no relief to anybody inside. "Assassin's monster has appeared." Kirei's eyes narrowed. "And it's coming here."

Well, seems Tokiomi lived. All while starting to learn that just because Servants are familiars, doesn't mean their mindless tools. Giving my own thoughts on Blue-Eyes and the Maiden's own lore, which I hope you liked.

With Tokiomi learning of their past a bit along with the reason why neither like the idea of having someone hold power over them. Cause let's face it, if Ryuunosuke had them on his team, he'd have abused their power on day one without hesitation. Or he'd be vaporized before he made his declaration.

Point is, Tokiomi now understands just a little more on their feelings. All while feeling horrified when for some reason, Number 96 is coming to them. But why? The answer lies in Assassin as we check the next chapter.