Fate/Twin Roses Chapter 13: Two Faces or the same Coin?

By Bluestar076

Hello everyone! After some month, Bluestar here with a new chapter! As we said the last time, this one will talk about the aftermath of the battle that brought at the first Servant death of the Holy Grail War, but not only this! We'll also get to see two characters that will serve as an important element throughout the story, since they are related to one of the mysteries of this war. And, speaking of which, I could see that what happened at the previous chapter made an effect on most of you. Not only I got more reviews than the previous two chapters, but I've also seen many mixed reactions to Medb's death. There had been some of you who appreciated how I handled the moment but there were also people who didn't like what they had seen, in particular when it came to the fight itself. And…yes, I've been a lot anxious about the reaction you guys would have (especially the submitter that lost the Servant in the first place), and for a few days there were moments where anxiety took me over when it came to continuing the story after that part (considering that most of the characters are made by others and I want them to give them proper space), but in the end, it's overall the norm when it comes to SYOC stories like this one, and I hope I can accept it properly alongside you guys and I hope you'll still continue to enjoy the story. Really, it had been a relief to see that despite the important moment, some of you still appreciated how it was made. It's just the fact that, in a Fate story, this is what should happen, and I've wanted to do it in my own way of writing and once again, I pray you'll continue to enjoy what my fantasies had to offer! It was a hard moment to cover, but either way, I've had to pass through it.

I'm sorry if I took a moment for this… "apology"? But it was something I've wanted to say in order to make myself feel more in peace and ask sorry if what happened in the previous chapter made some of you feel bad.

With this said, we can start! This episode will be a more dialogue-one but there will also be a fight scene in the middle, and as always, I hope you enjoy!

Note: I do not own Fate. All rights and characters belong to Kinoko Nasu and TYPE-MOON.


Chapter 13: Two Faces or the same Coin?

Tokyo – Red Rose Headquarter – 17th April 2021 - 23.30 P.M

That night, in the area that surrounded the headquarter of the Red Rose Faction, the silence was absolute.

No one was in there, not even night people, and the only sounds that could be heard were the crickets and the wind that moved the bushes.

Someone might have found this scenario…almost metaphorical, if they knew the people that used to go on the building at the top of the road and what happened that night. After all…

A loss…is an event that always brings silence and grief towards everyone… and it is a moment that it's hard to accept and it's harder to move on from it. After what happened…a particular faction knew it well…

Kazuto, followed by Archer of Red…slowly walked through the road to reach the headquarters...only to hear that silence that seemed chill…but for him…it was anxious…and horrendous…

Even after his colleagues did their best to comfort him and assure that it wasn't his fault…he couldn't get that pain away…from what happened.

Those three mages of the White Rose were after him. They wanted his head, for some reason. And…because of that…someone else had to suffer in his place. He couldn't just go with it and move on…because of him…someone else had suffered and he was trying to put a remedy for it…so…he just couldn't see the same event again…

Even if the guy in question did survive…the guilt in Kazuto's heart was the same that he would have had if the outcome of that fight…would have been worse.

His Servant could clearly see that, even after their discussion, he was still upset. They didn't talk that much on the way back and his hands were most of the time clenched to a fist. She tried to calm him down…but…he just needed more time for that…

First of all…he needed to update the others…on Alvis's sake.

The two of them finally arrived at the small house that was the headquarter of the Red Rose Faction. The Tohsaka mage looked on the doorknob a few seconds in silence before actually opening the door. Did…did he actually have the right energy to do that? True…he and Gordon already told everyone what happened…but…he didn't want to continue on talking about it.

He started to pray…that that night would have passed as soon as possible. But in order to do so, he had to confront the other one last time for that day…

He took a deep breath. "…Gh…dammit…" He quietly spoke.

"…Master?" Archer of Red asked worried for him.

"It's fine, Archer…it's fine. I need to do this…" Kazuto promptly answered, as if he wanted to take off that burden from it. So, he grabbed the doorknob and went inside the house. He didn't even pass through any confirm of his entrance. He knew that Marcus wasn't going to make him do that. He and the rest of the crew…just wanted to know the outcome…

They wanted to know if their companion was safe…or not.

As soon as Kazuto entered inside, he was immediately greeted by the stares of the other five pairs of Masters and Servants of the Red Rose.

Astrea, Cahya and Calem were concerned and seemed disturbed, while Gordon and Marcus tried to maintain calm and had a serious glance. Though…they were disturbed and affected by the news…Gordon in particular. After all…he did start to work together with Alvis due to the connections of their Servants, even if for a short time.

The Tohsaka mage looked at them all…and started to feel it already. The…sensation of grief…since from that moment on, he had to say things like 'I got to tell the other five', or similar. He also looked at the table where they used to keep their reunions…

It was just minus one…but he could already feel the change. A vacant post on the table was never a good sight.

The room was dead silent for a few moments, even if Kazuto entered. Maybe, much like him, they couldn't handle the moment of telling the truth.

But…an anxiety like this was hard to fill…especially for a girl like Astrea. She looked around and then decided to make the faithful question.

"So…what…happened to him? Is he ok?"

Kazuto looked down and then looked at everyone with his eyes open. "I…I would say that it was a miracle…the medics said that even if they were many, the injuries he had on the back were less terrible than everyone expected…and his heart started to get regular pulses again. They said that he needs some sleep and that…despite all, he may need to stay in the hospital for some time…maybe even weeks…" He explained.

After Alvis's defeat and Rider of Red, AKA Medb's death, Kazuto and Gordon immediately headed to a closer hospital and hope that they could treat Alvis's injuries once they've escaped from the White Rose's group. Luckily, the Tohsaka mage was able to find a hospital that accepted to treat him properly, while Gordon would have found Astrea and make her use her hermit card to give the news at the rest of the Red Rose Faction.

Due to this, the members of the faction returned at their headquarters and waited for answers from Kazuto, and now…that moment happened.

A sigh of relief departed from everyone…but maybe it was an empty relief. Their companion was safe indeed…but they still lost him…and they still lost his Servant.

In the end, they lost one of their pairs. The White Rose tried to outsmart them…and they succeeded.

"…So…it's true, then." Marcus then said, looking at Kazuto straight in the eyes. Both Kazuto and Gordon looked down in shame for what happened. But…the truth was already spoken. At this point…confirming it or not…wouldn't have changed anything.

"…Yes. Rider is dead." It was Gordon who wanted to tell it properly. Maybe to avoid Kazuto the fear of saying it…or maybe because he wanted to feel better by telling him so. He used to be one that looked tough no matter what…but at this moment…he wanted to admit that he felt sorry as well. "Kazuto saw that the Command Spells in his hand had disappeared."

"N-No…" Astrea spoke visibly shocked before looking at her own Servant. "I-Is she really dead? Then…"

"Yes…she had left this world and became the first energy to supply the Grail…and her soul returned to the Throne of Heroes." The Servant replied before releasing a deep sigh. "It's…sad. She was loud indeed…but she was still a reliable ally." She then closed her hand in prayer. "Namu Amida Butsu…"

"…To think that the first source of energy for the Grail…would have been one of us…" Lancer of Red commented. "She was the weakest one of us indeed…but…she could still do something."

Cahya really didn't know what to say. Somehow…the news shocked him as well and…started to feel a strange sense of anguish, as if he was feeling his stomach writhing on itself. What was that? Was it empathy because he had developed some sort of affection towards him and his Servant? It was an emotion but…he didn't want to feel that.

"…I…I see…" Marcus simply spoke. But it wasn't his sole reaction. Soon, his eyes started to twitch, and his fists started to tremble. At that moment…he couldn't handle it anymore. He turned around and immediately threw a fist against the wall, forming a large hole in it which made his hand bleed. "Dammit, dammit, DAMMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!" He shouted out of pure frustration.

Everyone was badly surprised and alarmed by this sudden reaction. "H-Hey, Marcus! C-Calm-" Calem tried to talk with him, but the leader of the Red Rose didn't want to hear anything in that moment, since he quickly turned around and gave his answer with a furious expression on his face. "HOW SHOULD I STAY FUCKING CALM!? WE JUST LOST ONE OF OUR SERVANTS AND NOW WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THOSE OF THE WHITE ROSE WHILE WE'RE ONLY IN SIX! NOT JUST THAT, BUT WE ALSO HAVE TO CHECK OUT AVENGER'S MOVEMENTS! THERE'S NO WAY I COULD STAY CALM, FUCK!" He shouted loud.

Astrea closed her ears, starting to get visibly scared by that situation and wanted to go away in that moment while Kazuto looked down while gritting his teeth and holding his fists tightly, causing them to bleed. Calem and Cahya could only look astonished as their leader threw that tantrum.

Marcus then looked down and started to pant of rage and anxiety. "Dammit…we were barely able to answer at their attack back at Kabuki-Cho…I should have known that they would have prepared another ambush like that! That bastard of Isak Svala Von Lud…fuck him…FUCK ALL OF THEM! FOR ONCE THAT I'VE HAD MY HOPES HIGHT!" He continued, but then…someone held him by the shoulder tightly. When he turned around, he found out that it was Gordon.

"Master?" Fergus asked, surprised by that act. The Fragarthach mage simply stared at him with a serious…yet melancholic expression on his face. He wasn't crying…but he had puffy eyes, almost as if he was on the verge to do it. "Marcus…calm the fuck down…we won't go anywhere if our leader starts to freak out…" He simply spoke. The Yggdmillenia mage stared back in silence while still breathing heavily.

Another dead silence followed, as everyone looked straight at the two mages. "Gordon…" Kazuto quietly spoke on the verge of sighing as he witnessed the scene. He could understand that the companion was having the same messed up emotions as him, since he was there when it happened.

Once he could see his leader calmer, Gordon rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath. "…Alvis did his best during all this time, and he took seriously the words we all told him. His opponent simply prevailed over him…but I'm sure he wanted to show that…he was worthy of us. He was an idiot for sure…but he did his best." He spoke. "…Fuck…I can't believe I'm using words like these but…we must be grateful that at least he was able to survive…plus…I think we should owe him a huge thanks." He added before turning to Kazuto. "It all happened by pure coincidence since something dragged us there…but…it's thanks to him that Kazuto and his Servant are still here. They were aiming at him and…he ended up…taking their place."

By hearing those words...Kazuto could only feel more guilt. That was true…Alvis…took his place…

"…I can confirm…I knew Rider more than anyone here. She had always been a strong warrior determined to conquer the world…I highly doubt that she lost without a fight. I…can still remember the promise she made me when she decided to face Assassin of White all of her own with her Master. She…did her best. I'm sure of it." Saber of Red felt the urge to tell his opinion, considering that they were talking about the lover he knew for many years.

Marcus took some time in silence to recover…and then took a deep breath as well. "…You're…right…forgive me, everyone." He then said to the rest of the faction. At this point…he didn't feel to continue…but he had to…even if he lost one of the Servants at his disposition…he had to keep his role as a leader, especially now. His faction still needed a guide. He could see it clearly in their expressions…especially Kazuto…

He took more deep breathes…and slowly sat down at the large table. "…Please…have a seat…let's…discuss for some minutes…" He then ordered.

The others…simply agreed and did so. Maybe…talk about what to do next…would have relieved the stress…and the sorrow.

"I…I couldn't have the chance to talk that much with Alvis but...I could see that he was giving his all…even if he was blocked by his own ideals. I wish things could have gone differently for him…he…was one of the sincerest of our group…" Calem needed to tell his opinion. And…he was not the only one.

"…I…I'm not the ideal guy for this…type of discussions…but I can probably tell the same. We ended up spend some time due to our Servants…and hearing him was nice. Plus…he told me that he wanted to fight to keep a promise to an old friend of his…hearing that he cannot do it anymore with the Grail is…sad…too…sad…" Cahya added before making some sobbing. Authentic ones. He then looked at his Servant, Assassin of Red, who remained silent until now. And…he was surprised to see her expression.

Unlike most people would have thought, by hearing of Medb's death…Cleopatra felt…saddened…and upset. Even if they argued all the time and she couldn't stand her ways, especially when it came to sexual life…

She ended up feeling sorry for her. She looked down with her eyes twitching while biting her lower lip out of frustration. "Kh…That…that dammed whore…" She said with a frustrated tone. "So much for bragging herself and then…gh…even…even if she was that type of person…I knew she was able to do something…she still was the queen of Connacht…"

"You…liked her?" Archer of Red asked. She remembered to be the usual one ending up their arguments.

"…If you put it that way…" Assassin of Red simply replied, wanting to close that part right there.

Marcus then put his fingers crossed and looked down at the table. "Because of this…we're now in a dangerous situation…now that we have one less Servant…we cannot let our guard down for no reason at all…we…have to continue…with more power than before…now that we lost our Rider."

"…Then I suppose…no more break days…correct?" Astrea answered. Soon, she received a lot of glares and even herself realized that she said something inappropriate. "S-Sorry…" It was a habit of hers. Sound completely random even in serious situations. But…then…she raised her eyes and looked at everyone.

"Though…I…think Marcus is right…" She spoke.

She soon got her eyes all on her again. The girl looked around and gulped, fearing that she could say another stupid thing, but this time…she was more decided than before.

"…Now that we lost one of us…I think it's another reason to hold our wishes tight…we…we need to show that…we still can do it…I mean…I think it's what Alvis would do…right? True…he didn't talk that much but…I think he would want us to continue this war…I mean…he won't get the chance to get his wish…but I think…he would still think of us…and pray that at least…he would get his wish. I…I don't know Alvis enough to confirm if this was true…but…I think he would want us. To…still move forward." She then expressed her opinion and noticed how everyone remained silent. "…Did…did I say something wrong?"

"…No…" Kazuto replied with a weak smile. Not only him, but all the others showed some appreciation for what she said. Maybe…it was what they needed.

Even Caster of Red started to gently stroke her head with a comforting smile. "You know…what you just said was pretty mature. I'm surprised in a positive way." She spoke

Even the Alaniosta mage was surprised to see that reaction, considering that she was used to embarrass herself. "…T-Thanks…I…I just felt that I needed to say it."

"…Either way…at this point, even once he'll get fully treated…I fear that Alvis won't be able to stay here. It's better for him that he stays either hidden or that gets directly at the Kotomine church now that he's a defeated Master. If those of the White Rose find him, they could try to kill him since he can still be a threat." Marcus then explained. "…In the meantime…once we can…let's try to pay him some visits." He added.

Everyone nodded. "…For now…we're done. We will resume the topics tomorrow. I'm sure some of you are tired."

Gordon and Saber of Red immediately headed towards the exit after saluting everyone. "…Come on…let's get some drink…maybe you need it as comfort." The Fragarthach mage said to his Servant, who made a comforting smile. "Thanks…it's unusual coming from you. But…I appreciate it." Fergus replied.

"You just need it." Gordon simply told him.

"…What do you say, Lancer? Shall we go, too?" Calem asked to his Servant, who nodded. They then stood up and headed towards the exit, but before they got out from the building, Calem couldn't help but notice that Kazuto was still a bit upset. So he tried to salute him in a comforting way. "…Hey…don't worry…we can still get our chance of revenge. I…I hope that you'll feel better tomorrow." With those words, he left.

"…Stay strong, Tohsaka. For now…it's all I can say." Lancer of Red added before following his Master. At that point, even Marcus stood up and headed towards the exit. The Yggdmillenia mage didn't look at him, but he could understand how he felt. He thought that it was maybe more appropriate to scold him, but…it could have worsened everything. So…he just decided to leave with one message.

"…Don't take it too much personally. Or you won't be able to fight properly. Remember who you should really be angry at."

He then left. And while he was heading towards his hotel, Berserker of Red materialized near him. "…Sigh…sometimes I wonder if I'm doing things properly. I…I cannot let this situation drown. The Yggdmillenia name must not be harmed in this way…and must be brought to the top." Marcus said.

"Argh…" Berserker of Red muttered.

Cahya simply looked at the two remaining Masters. He didn't feel sure to add something…but he wanted to at least salute them. "I'll go upstairs now then…good night…" He said, trying to make a smile. Cleopatra looked at them and did the same. "Yeah…and…thanks for what you said, earlier…Astrea…" She added before the two of them went to the upper floor.

With that…only Kazuto and Astrea remained…with the boy still looking down. It was in that moment that Archer of Red remembered something. A thing she wanted to check before leaving. "…Mind if we go upstairs a second?" She asked.

"Uh? Oh…sure…" Kazuto stood up and followed her while Astrea and her Servant observed them.

The two of them went up to the training room and Archer of Red immediately looked at the window to have the confirm of what she thought. And surprisingly…she had it.

It was still there.

The Oni Servant came closer to the window…only to find Rider of Red's liquor. The one she offered her earlier that day. "…It's…still here." She softly spoke as she grabbed it.

"That's…the liquor…I…I thought it would have disappeared with her…" Kazuto said, surprised to see that alcoholic drink.

Archer of Red made a tender smile, since that sight made her think of the deceased Servant. After all…if she was still there…it was thanks to her. So…at least, she wanted to make…one last homage to a fallen companion.

She opened the liquor, filled two glasses, took one of them, raised it to the stars and drank it before putting it upside down near the whole one. Kazuto looked at the two glasses in silence before turning to his Servant.

"I...I thought you couldn't drink it." He spoke. The Servant turned around with a gentle smile. "As I said this morning, I can't handle alcohol well, but…this time I've wanted to make a break from the rule. I thought that she would have appreciated it.

Kazuto understood and nodded. After all…it was….a normal homage to a companion. It was still a memory. In fact…he actually decided to take the liquor with him. "…I think Alvis would like to see this…" He spoke out before noticing that Astrea followed him. "You're…still here?"

"…Well…I was kinda worrying about you. You know…seeing you depressed for what happened. I thought that…err…maybe…going alone wasn't the best of ideas….so…" Astrea started to answer.

"…You…were waiting for me?" The Tohsaka mage asked, making the girl blush a little. "I…didn't want to say it immediately but…yes. Seeing you in that way made me feel bad as well. I could see that you were the most damaged one from this day. And considering that you're the only person here that doesn't make me feel like a complete asocial one…I've just wanted to make some company…t-that's all. You can see that I'm not good at this, right?" Astrea continued, having some difficulties to say the truth, but as soon as she ended up speaking…

She felt Kazuto suddenly hugging her. Both Servants were surprised by this. A sudden…unexpected…yet…movable reaction.

"…Thank you, Astrea…maybe…this is what I needed…" Kazuto simply replied. By hearing his voice, Astrea could hear him sob heavily as he kept on hugging her. She spent most of her life all of her own without really not many friends…so hearing that…all of a sudden, made a strange effect on her. It also made her remind of the discussion she had with Caster of Red the previous day. So…hearing the first person she was having a bond with…say that thing…surely made an effect on her.

She couldn't do anything else…but hug him as well…and give him some pats on the back. "It's…it's alright…it wasn't your fault…" She spoke. This made Archer of Red giggle. "That's what I told him."

Caster of Red couldn't feel more satisfied in that moment. It was clear that her little disciple was surely making progresses.

After receiving this amount of comfort, the young Tohsaka started to feel better. Sure, he wasn't fully recovered…but he felt more better.

With that, the two pairs left the headquarters and went on separate ways…

Unaware of the fact that someone was looking at them.

The man with the butler uniform. "…Two of them…" He then looked at the house they came from. "…Hmmm…maybe it's better not to do anything now…I could regret it…still…" He added with a smirk. "I get more and more…interesting information…"


Tokyo – White Rose Headquarter – 17th April 2021 - 23.50 P.M

Naturally, of a completely different humor, was the victorious side. Though before joy, there was surprise in them.

As soon as the three mages returned to the castle after the battle ended, they got immediately put down and medicated for the wounds they've had. And, naturally, it was Maximilian who decided to give the big news, since what happened touched him personally.

As soon as he said those words…everyone was stunned…all, but Isak, who was naturally pleased. "Ah…so what I've seen was correct…" He spoke before coming closer to the Icecolle mage and gently stroking his head. The boy was surprised by this act. "You have done well, Isak. At long last…the first action is ours."

"I-Is it really true? You defeated Rider of Red?" Oeneus asked still incredulous. "So, the change I've felt before was correct…well, it's surely a good news, don't you all think?" Caster of White added, referring to everyone.

"It surely is good news! I've had no doubt that we could get the upper hand in a short time. And now our strength surpasses them even more! If we keep on this pace, there's no doubt that we'll be able to slaughter them all in just a couple of days!" Lancer of White answered, all convinced and pumped up.

"Yeah…Though…even if I thought this would have happened…it's still strange to hear that…what do you think, Rider?" Tygo then asked to his Servant.

"Well, it will surely feel different now that I am the only Rider left in this Holy Grail War…but overall, I feel pleased by hearing that. Maybe because I didn't like what type of person she was when I fought her the other day. Guess that in the end, she paid for her arrogance by becoming the first source of energy for the Holy Grail…" Rider of White answered.

"That's…kinda cruel coming from you." The Master noticed. "I know but…it's the truth. There's really nothing to say about it." The Servant simply replied.

She was right in a sort of way, so Tygo decided to leave it in that way. "Well…what matters is that we have one less enemy to take care of, right?" He then asked in general.

"I still think it's too soon to shout for victory. Even if we are in advantage right now, we still cannot underestimate them. Don't forget that they ended up giving a lot more difficulties than we expected. Plus…we still need to figure out what to do with the Avenger…" Adewale retorted. His tone seemed more stressed and nervous than the usual, and the other could notice it. Especially his own Servant.

"…Are you ok, Master?" Berserker of White asked him.

"Uh? Yeah…Why you ask?" Adewale answered, trying to not make it clear. But with a Servant like her, it was hard to let it slip. "We can talk later, if you want." She spoke. The Nwadike mage simply looked down and nodded.

Even Cynthia noticed his unusual mood and tried to reassure him. "I don't see it as a reason to get worried. Our Servants are still the strongest ones. The possibilities are higher, especially now that the Servants' number are reduced to 14. For real this time." She said before making a deep sigh. "It's surely a shame that I couldn't settle up things with Kazuto…but it's still a satisfaction, thanks to our dude here." She added, looking at Maximilian.

"You…really look serious about taking him down." The Icecolle mage told him.

"Absolutely. Now that I've understood that I can answer, I have my pride to defend, so I'll make sure that that day will come." The girl answered back, more decided than ever.

"I sense an high combat spirit coming from you…I like it." Assassin of White commented before looking on Seram. "Speaking of which…where did Saber of White go?" She asked.

"He went to rest…as always." Seram answered before looking at Cynthia and holding her arm as if to call her. The Rosi mage turned around and saw her.

"…I…liked fighting alongside you. If…possible, I would like it to do it again one day." The Qlippah mage said. At this point Cynthia almost thought that she was talking to another person, and it was incredible to see this sudden change in just one night.

But…considering that she liked her as well…and the fact that Saber of White could be a pretty tough assistant…she couldn't help but smile and gently stroke her head. "Well…in case you want, you know where to find me." She simply spoke.

Oeneus then took the moment to get the word and everyone's attention. "And, regarding what Adewale had said earlier…me and Caster…may have come up with something, if you are willing to listen." He said to the other members of the White Rose.

Everyone naturally turned their attentions on him, especially considering that he usually wasn't one to propose something to the group as a whole, even if he had a more strategic Servant like Caster of White.

"Is it perhaps the thing you have anticipated me this morning?" Isak asked.

"That's right. That one. It's something that it could require some time…but if we combine efforts on making it, it could be an absolute trump card against the Red Rose to wipe them out once and for all!" Oeneus answered with more energy than the usual.

Caster of White couldn't help but notice on how her Master seemed enthusiastic on the idea she proposed, and he decided to put into act. It wasn't the first time someone was proud to present something of her hand, but every time it was always a beautiful moment for her, especially if it came from someone she needed to satisfy. "I'm starting to think that I could actually win this Holy Grail War! Though I should think on what to wish in that case…" She thought.

A few minutes later, everyone followed Oeneus to Caster of White's lab and the boy was more than proud to open the door and show what seemed to be the skeleton of something massive.

The rest of the White Faction was sincerely impressed by what they were seeing. All the wires, all the mechanical parts and all the papers that explained every single detail of this giant project. It was simply amazing for them to see how a simple mind could be able to do such thing.

"Woah…absolutely…BRILLIANT! I LOVE IT!" Archer of White exclaimed with his eyes shining like stars. "Is this…the skeleton of…some sort of bird?" His Master Cynthia asked.

"This is more than just a simple bird, dear Rosi." Caster of White replied. "It's a dear project from the past that returns for a radiant future. A literal phoenix that rises from its ashes.

After hearing that, Vlad looked at Caster of White carefully. It almost came natural for him how to interpretate those words, as he knew her real identity. This was indeed one of her most beloved desires…and seeing it in act…could have brought some benefits if it used properly. Lancer of White took it in careful consideration, since it could have been useful for future victories.

"A phoenix you say…well…it does remember that form…can't wait to see how it works." Maximilian commented.

"Indeed…this is surely a great invention! And I couldn't expect less from a duo like you: one of the most talented geniuses of the past and the most recent heir of a prestigious mage family." Isak added, holding the tip of his stick tightly. "Yes…that could teach both them and Avenger's Master a lesson…" He whispered with his eyes glowing red.

Oeneus could almost noticed them, but Isak blinked before he could see better. Plus, he got distracted when Adewale suddenly gave him a pat on the back.

"You surely made steps forward, Oeneus! I'm proud!" The Nwadike mage exclaimed. "Ehehe, come on, it's my job. After all, I think it's also my time to shine don't you think? Just like Maximilian did, I'll do my part as well, dammit!" The Animusphere mage answered. "I could ask help for this during these days, remember it." He then added.

"That's what I wanted to hear." Isak commented before turning on the others. "Try to do the same. Today's victory showed us clearly what fate holds for us. And we just need to make sure that fate will be the only one possible! Go to rest and think carefully about it." With those words he left alongside his Servant.

"Well…that's surely a big feat…and I do like it as well…don't hesitate to call me then, if you need something. Even if I'm pretty messed up, eheh! But…I think I need to go now…Archer's blade got me really hard…KH!" Cynthia added before leaving as well. Sooner or later, everyone left, except for Tygo.

"You still here?" Oeneus asked. He could then see that Tygo kept his eyes locked on what he was going to create. "Eheh…like it?"

"Are you kidding? This is…absolutely gorgeous…it's just…incredible on how you and Caster were able to do such thing…" Tygo answered.

"And to think that Oeneus wasn't entirely sure at first!" Caster of White said, making Oeneus naturally annoyed. "OH, COME ON!"

"Eheh…well…it's not that surprising considering what type of person we have as a Caster. It could fit with my beloved iron man now that I see it better." Rider of White commented with a giggle.

Even Caster of White decided to look back at it. "It's just one of the many things I always wished back when I was alive. Starting by small things, the human being can do great things…but they has never been able to do one thing: to fly. To think about it…was almost like living in a dream. Like the experience Icarus tried in the brief moment when he could use his two leaves. It's just like with him….a marvellous vision…one man…suddenly by pure will…spread his arms and start to fly and stay together with the birds up in the sky. I always aspired to stay among them one day, and so I've tried several times to create something that could make this impossible vision…well…possible. And now, thanks to all the knowledge I got from the throne of heroes I'm almost close to do it. Hell, I may take out some tough opponent with this! Perhaps my counterpart from the Red Rose, she might be dangerous…" She explained.

Somehow, hearing her made something tingle in both Oeneus and Tygo's hearts. "Even with your knowledge you couldn't do it in the past?" The Geschiezend mage asked.

"Why, yes! I may be a genius but even I have some limits. But…the aspiration…the dream never ended and kept on pushing me forward. One human can become infinity by just…willing it." Oeneus's Servant explained.

"Right…just like those three mages who created this whole war to reach the Heaven's Feel…" Tygo spoke softly before looking at the skeleton again. "…Pure will…it would be nice to use it as well…" He then thought. "Uhm…I'll be going to now. Call me if you need it." He then left.

"Uh, wait! I'll be going, too!" Oeneus called him out before turning on his Servant. "I'll anticipate nighttime." He said to Caster of White, who nodded.

And thus, the two boys headed towards the exit together, leaving only the two Servants inside that lab.

"A wish come true indeed…and without the power of the Grail." Rider of White commented, talking to Caster of White.

"And without the help of the Grail! To be fair, I didn't know I could actually do it. Maybe it was just the fact that I wanted to help my Master that pushed me to make the proposal." Caster of White replied.

"Really?" Tygo's Servant asked, surprised.

"Yes. I actually noticed it ever since he summoned me, but Oeneus never had that big impression of me. Almost as if he was jealous of what he could do. And…it made me sad, but either way, I continued to work for him as a Servant. I felt the urge to somehow…make him feel at ease. It was clear that all of his frustration came from the fact that he felt inferior to the others and probably the fact that he represented a family like his surely didn't help him to feel better. Plus, if we continued at this pace, we could have been the first ones to get slaughtered instead of Rider of Red. And…to be honest…I felt bad for him. So, I decided…why not making him my assistant? That could make him feel better. And after all the stuff we had been through until now…I can feel that he genuinely enjoyed making all those sorts of crazy adventures with me." Caster of White continued. "Life is funnier if you share it with someone, right?"

"I see…that's indeed sweet. Maybe this was the better choice. Tygo isn't all that different from him. Especially considering the people we are dealing with. I'm pretty sure you have noticed it as well, right?" Rider of Red then asked, referring to something more serious.

Caster of White understood what she was talking about and made a small smile. "Indeed. We may have the advantage…but we can clearly say one thing: those guys of the Red Rose are still strong. If I'm correct, Maximilian put all of his efforts on a single strategy that made him win. If even one single mistake had occurred, we would have been the ones without a Servant."

"True…despite not being that powerful, Rider of Red still had a lot of aces up her sleeve. And even if I'm not surprised that she would have been among the first ones to fall…we could say that they got lucky. Plus…let's not forget about Avenger…speaking of which…do you have an idea of where he could possibly come from?" The other Servant then asked.

Caster of White turned around and put two fingers on her chin, starting to think…or maybe elaborate. Perhaps…she had an idea.

"…It's still a theory…so I need to have some proves…but…I think this war ended up getting more complicated that we could think…" She spoke.

"Hm?" Rider of White asked.

"Maybe Avenger's apparition isn't something that happened casually…rather…something more…" She spoke.

What was the meaning of this? Even a genius like her couldn't immediately grasp the truth behind that shadowy figure that was the fifteenth Servant of the war. But she was sure of one thing.

Eventually…every truth would have come out…even unpleasant ones.

And while they were talking…the castle as a whole…was observed from far away.

In the top of a building…he was standing there, glaring at the castle while the wind moved his curly hair.

The policeman with purple hair and red eyes that observed Astrea. He just…stared at that building even if it was several meters away from him. His stare and his intents were just focused enough that he could grasp the form of what he wanted to see.

And behind him…a black aura moved to stay at his right. An aura that actually had a form…a familiar one.

"You seem really serious about this." Avenger asked to the man with a smirk.

"It's only natural. It's the main reason I'm here…" The policeman answered before opening his arm. "I'm sick of this never-ending cycle." He then opened his hand at the direction of the castle. "Soon…they won't be a problem anymore."

He then closed the hand with violence.


[Katekyo Hitman Reborn – Boys and Girls]

*Seven Cards that represent the seven classes of Servants appear one by one before splitting in two different decks, each one having the seven cards*

[Boys and Girls be ambitious, Boys and Girls keep it real, Boys and Girls be ambitious, Boys and Girls keep it real]

*Kazuto and Archer of Red open their eyes, and then Kazuto with flames on his hands and on his head starts to perform various melee attacks while Archer of Red attacks with the katana, the naginata and her bow. After that, the two start to fly in the sky*

[Following the manual, jumping out of everyday, you are a boy…]

*Kazuto wakes up and quickly prepares himself to leave the house with Archer of Red while having a croissant in his mouth. The two of them leave while Hinobu looks at them with a smile from a window.*

[Not able to become an adult, but not able to stay as a child, times like that will come…]

*Kazuto and Archer of Red are reached by the remaining members of the Red Rose Faction. With Gordon give some punch to the air, Saber of Red give his Master a pat on his shoulder with a big smile, Calem walking with a smile and his guitar on his back, Lancer of Red walking with her eyes closed, Alvis looking at the phone while Rider of Red tries to get his attentions by licking her lips, Marcus giving tips to the group, Astrea joining the chat by talking alongside Caster of Red, Cahya who looks at the group with a light smile and Assassin of Red that walks happy with her hands on the back of her head*

[Where everyone is in a hurry, in the world that we live in…]

*Meanwhile from the top of a roof, Seram, Isak, Cynthia, Tygo, Adewale, Oeneus and Maximilian along with their Servant are watching the Red Rose Faction, with Cynthia giving a quite serious stare at Kazuto*

[We stopped upon a shooting star!]

*Suddenly Kazuto and the other members of the Red Rose Faction stop and turn around, noticing the constellation of a rose in the sky. Then, the camera zooms at Kazuto's eyes before the screen becomes white*

[One thing that I cannot give up, with just one, I can become strong!]

*Fergus Mac Ròich and Saber of White clash their swords and make a battle cry, while Medb runs on her carriage to reach Rider of White, who summons her giant to attack her. Meanwhile, Cleopatra and Assassin of White both make a fight pose before attacking each other with melee attack. Then Cleopatra releases some golden stardust with a determined face while Assassin of White throws plates with a grin on her face.*

[You were scared and I pulled your hand, we keep walking!]

*Lancer of Red gets surrounded in purple flames before creating purple dragons that are cut in half by Vlad III with his lance, who jumps towards her with an excited face.*

[Our breath increasing in the head wind!]

*Caster of White attacks Astrea with magical beams, but the girl is saved by Caster of Red, who cuts the beams with her staff and is ready to fight, while Berserker of White dives with anger to attack Berserker of Red, who is furious as well and he's ready to attack her. *

[Boys and Girls be ambitious!]

*Then, Kanashimi holding the Black Keys with a worried face, Hinobu making a smile with a thumb up and Avenger turning around with a diabolical smirk while surrounded in a dark aura*

[ Boys and Girls keep it real! Boys and Girls be ambitious! Boys and Girls keep it real!]

*Archer of Red is preparing a flaming arrow while Archer of White is ready to shoot with his gun. The two Servants throw their blasts which clash against each other and form an explosion. Then the screen turns white and, in the end, all the Masters and their Servants are seen striking a pose while a rose stands on the center. The opening ends*


Tokyo – Ueno Park – 10th November 2017 – 18:30 P.M

"Uhhh…uh?"

"You woke up finally! I sincerely hope that you will be able to sleep tonight after this!"

"Oh God, did I really fell asleep? For how long I was out?"

"Oh, not that much. I think a half an hour at least! But there's no need to worry! After all, you are a lazy bum!"

"H-Hey! I'm just sleepy, ok!? Also…sorry if you needed to do the lap-pillow to hold me…did it felt embarrassing?"

"On the contrary. I…actually liked it. Feeling your head on my legs was nice…and it made me feel happy. I mean…every japanese couple does it…am I right?"

"Did you make a shojo-marathon again?"

"Ahah! Come on now! You know how much I love them!"

"Don't worry! No regrets!"

"…Say…do you think…we will be able to stay together like this? I mean…you know what my family is and what dangers it can bring to you. So…you think that…everything can still be, ok?"

"…Well…I'm not really sure…no one can say what will happen to the future. But…it would be nice If things remained just like this…with the two of us simply having fun for a lap-pillow moment and other stuff! I can have these hilarious moments only with you! But…this is the best part, don't you think?"

"Absolutely! If we had more money I would have already brought you to Venice!"

"Really!"

"Sure! I mean…for someone who can make me laugh hard enough to faint and spend many hours of my life in this city or making me do a whole speedrun of that extremely long RPG…this is clearly the minimum!"

"…You really know how to hit a girl hard, eh Kazuto? Now that I think of it…how many years has it been by now?"

"10."

"OH GOD! That…much? Eheh…it's wonderful."

"And it can only go better…right, ********?"

"Right…I don't know what the future holds for us…but I'll try to do my best and stay there for you."

"This…already makes me feel better…thanks…"

Tokyo – Tohsaka Residence – 18th April 2021 – 8.00 A.M

"Uhm…" Kazuto opened his eyes and found himself in his room. Another of these situations. One of those that made him turn around and see the photo of the girl she dreamed of. Needless to say…he hated those moments. Because they made him remind of the mistake he made…and terribly regret it. Still...he couldn't help but also feel sad. They were a moment of nostalgia...he missed.

"Another one of your dreams?" Suddenly a voice called him out and made him turn around.

It was Archer of Red, naturally, who stood in the futon near his bed. Like him, she woke up early and could notice his Master having a blue mood.

Kazuto made a saddened smile. "Yes…they aren't that frequent…but each time…they are painful." He answered.

Archer of Red couldn't help but nod. "I know how it feels. Sometimes…I still dream of my husband. I wonder how he's doing in heaven." She said while looking up at the ceiling.

"Husband? Now that I think of it…you did mention him in the past. You really seem to hold him tight." The Tohsaka mage spoke.

"Hm-hm! He was the only man I'll ever hold in my heart. Now that I think of it…he reminds me a lot of you. Reckless and sensible…but still decided on his choices and most importantly…he was brave. He never feared anything. Eheh… I remember all the time I've had to suggest him battle tactics." The Servant continued.

Kazuto was surprised to be compared to such an important person for her. It made him remind of the fact that…he still doesn't know her identity, but this could be a start.

A true samurai loyal to her one and only true love. It almost sounded like a fairy tale but…by hearing her, he could feel that her feelings were sincere.

Maybe…with this…he had a hint, but he wasn't entirely sure.

"Well…glad that I remind you of him. It should be a nice thing, right? And actually…you also remind me of a girl…" Kazuto said.

"Who?" Archer of Red asked.

"It's a secret…for now." Kazuto said with a wink. Archer of Red found it funny and giggled. "Gosh, you're terrible." She jokingly said.

The Tohsaka mage immediately started to prepare himself. "Come on…we have a lot of work to do. Especially now that one of our Servants is dead…" In that moment…he heard something repeatedly touching the window.

He turned around and saw a natural thing.

Rain. A heavy rain. And the sky completely covered in gray clouds.

In fact…the participants of that Holy Grail War reminded that day in that way. A simple…rainy day.

Kazuto and Archer of Red went down to have a simple breakfast, spend two words with Hinobu…and then departure for another long day. Things were grimmer now for the Red Rose…but they needed to continue.

Hinobu gave some sweets and two glasses of milk at the pair and then sat down. After her son returned the night earlier, she could see that he seemed upset, but she didn't want to disturb him. Still…she promised herself to hear everything the day after. Mothers always know when there's something wrong, after all.

Kazuto knew that it was impossible to keep secrets with her. Plus, since she was part of the Tohsaka family, there weren't any type of problems with talking about the Holy Grail War. Especially if her son was one of the participants. So Kazuto and Archer simply went on with the truth.

"I see…so you're one pair down…" Hinobu simply said.

"Yup…and Master here thinks it's his fault…" Archer of Red answered. "…It's just that they were after me…what should I think?" Kazuto added.

Hinobu looked at his son straight in the eyes and then gently put the cup of tea she was holding down at the table. "Well…I really don't know if I can add something more to what your companions said…also because I'm not entirely a mage by myself. I'm sure Gon would have been better at this. But..unfortunately…it's something you couldn't prevent. It was just their plan…and it succeeded in a different way. What matters is that Alvis was able to survive, right?" She asked.

Kazuto nodded. "I was…actually thinking to visit him at the hospital before going to the headquarter. Even if not lethal, his wounds were terribly bad. So I want to make double sure that he's in a safe condition." By saying this, he earned a gentle stroke from her mother.

"You tend to get a lot worried on each other…right? That's my boy…go now, I don't want to make you waste any more time." She spoke.

And…they simply did this way.

After saluting Hinobu, Kazuto and Archer of Red simply headed there. At the hospital where Alvis was recovered.

The Tohsaka walked on the streets soaked with water. It was almost metaphorical…and he could feel the mood completely changed. Sure…he was anxious before…but now it was something completely different. From a tense…yet controlled situation…everything changed into a bluer one. Alvis and Medb's defeat made it clear.

This wasn't no more the time to joke around with battles that had no conclusions.

Tokyo – Shinjuku – 18th April 2021 – 8.45 A.M

Just like he said to his mother, before reaching the headquarter of the Red Rose, Kazuto wanted to check on Alvis's health. Even if they didn't kill him, the wounds caused by Maximilian were pretty serious, and he wanted to make sure that he could still open his eyes. Also…he thought that this could have lightened the still present sense of guilt inside of him.

So, naturally, while heading towards the hospital the defeated Master was hospitalized, he advised Marcus via telephone of his delay. And surprisingly enough, Marcus let him do so, stating also that he wasn't the only one that went in there.

Kazuto should have expected so. Even the others were concerned about him the last night. So the only question he could make was…who would he have seen?

The answer made him half-surprised.

As soon as he reached the hospital, both he and Archer of Red could see two familiar figures getting ready to go inside. "Uh? Are they...?"

The people in questions were none other than Cahya and Assassin of Red. The homunculus was looking at the hospital with a bit of anxiety before noticing someone behind that made him turn around. "O-Oh…it's you Kazuto. Didn't expect to see you."

"Hi, Cahya. I guess…you're here for the same reason, aren't you?" The Tohsaka mage asked, making the homunculus nod. "Yes…I ended up thinking about him this night and it made me feel bad. I guess…this is what people call concern, right?"

"Yes…it makes you feel sick but it's a feeling that shows that you care for someone. It seems that you are making steps forwards onto that. Are you feeling something different now, Cahya?" Kazuto then continued.

This question made Cahya touch his chest and look down. "Somehow…yes. It's just been a few days and I get all these mixes of emotions that never passed through my heart. Eheh…sorry, I wouldn't pass for someone repetitive. I've been saying the same things for some time, but it's just that…anger…concern…resolution…I never thought that would have been able to even think about it. Maybe…I do have a heart." He said before receiving a small poke from her Servant.

"Stupid, you always had! Even if you are created by man, it doesn't mean that you are a complete machine! Just keep on with that mentality and it can only get better, got it?" Cleopatra said with a comforting smirk.

"Yes. I think I want the same…" Cahya simply replied.

"And what about you, Assassin? It…surprises me that you agreed to Cahya's will to get here, considering that…you tended to argue with Alvis's Servant. Even if you said something different yesterday." Archer of Red then asked to the other Servant, remembering all the time she had to make the two be quiet.

Cleopatra blushed a little and looked down, implying that there were some truths that she didn't want to let them know. "W-Well…it's not that I cannot leave Cahya alone you know and come on! Just because he was with that bitch, it doesn't mean that I never liked Alvis! On the contrary, I should be grateful to him for holding her all the time! Who know what could have happened without him! T-This is all! It's not like I'm hiding anything else, got it!? Yesterday i was just upset!" She exclaimed, eager to end up that discussion.

Both Kazuto and Archer of Red looked at each other with a sceptic face. They knew what she was really thinking, but in order to avoid a scene, they let it pass. Even though Kazuto wasn't done with questions. "So, why haven't you entered yet, Cahya?"

Now, it was Cahya who had slightly red cheeks. "W-Well…it's just that I'm having a bit of anxiety. I've never talked to anyone else beside you guys, and I don't know how to behave with the reception or anyone else inside the hospital…I've been created mainly to interact and fight with other mages so I wouldn't really know how to…eeeer…you get it, right!?" He asked with a timid and agitated tone and with the face full of sweat.

"Oh…I guess this won't turn out into social anxiety…considering that you wanted to know humanity better…" Kazuto commented, feeling worried for him. "But don't worry about it. All that matters is that you keep yourself composed, and that you speak softly. In hospitals, most people rest so you have to do your best to not disturb them."

Cahya wasn't still sure about this strategy but he wanted to try. So he took deep breathes and turned around towards the entrance. "Ok…let's…do it…"

"Come on, if you can stand up to a dead face mage you can stand up with a receptioner!" Even Archer of Red tried to encourage him.

Surprisingly, for the homunculus, everything turned out well even if he ended up sounding a little bit clumsy towards the reception, but either way, they gained the permission to meet up with Alvis, even if only for a limited time.

They've discovered that he was able to wake up and to recover himself…but both pairs were still concerned on his possible status, as they waited on the elevator. Cahya was simply glaring at the door with a concerned look while Kazuto was just a few centimeters away, leaning his back against the wall with the arms crossed and one leg leaned to the wall. The two Servants, naturally passed on their spiritual form. The wait longed for around a minute, and they then soon found the room where Alvis was hospitalized.

As soon as they opened the door…they saw him.

Alvis was sitting in the hospital bed, looking at the rainy city from the window of his room. While he still had the injuries from the battle, his expression was showing calm even if a bit of sadness. When he heard the door open, he turned his head around and was surprised to see two of his colleagues. "Oh! Kazuto…Cahya…"

The two Masters of the Red Rose came closer and once the door was closed, their two Servants could manifest into their physical form. "Hey, Alvis…we're glad that you woke up." Cahya said. "…How are you doing?" Kazuto added, wanting to know Alvis's current status. He still remembered how badly treated he was the last night and feared that it could have been fatal.

Alvis looked at his body, full of bandages and made a deep breath. "Somehow…I was able to make it through…to be honest, even I thought that it was the end of me back then. For some reason…Maximilian didn't use much power in the final blow. But…" He answered before looking at his hand. The bruise was still there…but no trace of the remaining Command Spell. "The same can't be said for…Rider."

By hearing that, Kazuto looked down and held his fist tightly. He promised to stay better after talking about it with the others. But first…he felt the urge to at least…owe something to him.

"…Alvis…" He started.

"Uh?" Alvis asked. In that moment, Kazuto laid down on his knees and lowered his head, in a pose of supplication, as his body started to tremble. He wasn't crying this time, but his face clearly showed sorrow, since there was still some.

"K-Kazuto? Hey, what are you doing?" Alvis asked, confused. "Master!" Archer of Red added.

"I'm…sorry…I'm so sorry. It's…all my fault. Rider is dead…and we are in disadvantage…because of me. It was clearly their Master of Archer that led the attack…they were after me. If I had been more careful, none of this would have happened. You…could still have a chance to get your wish…I'm so sorry…I wish…I could be stronger…and stop being a target…" The Tohsaka mage apologized.

Everyone was in silence as they witnessed the scene while Kazuto remained on his knees and his body was trembling. Archer of Red understood his situation. Maybe Kazuto did feel better, but…at least he wanted to know something from the victim himself.

Alvis didn't know what to say. But…this reminded him of a familiar scenario where he was the one crying on someone's bed. This made him understand better the sadness his companion was feeling in that moment. Though he wasn't as strong as his friend Noah…he still tried to make Kazuto feel better. At least…this was what he could do in that moment.

The Walker mage simply put his hand on Kazuto's head and spoke. "Kazuto…it's alright."

The Tohsaka mage raised his head in silence.

"You couldn't know what would have happened. None of us could…and…it's also my fault that all of this happened. I know what you are feeling but…don't try to take all the weight of it. It was also my decision to fight Maximilian…and Rider wanted to get along with that." Alvis continued. "Considering how I was doing in this war and after things were starting to get even more complicated, I told to myself that it was time to do something serious. And for an instance…I thought that it was working. But…in the end, it simply wasn't enough. Maybe…if I had put aside my pacifist ideal before…I could have been a proper mage…and kept on fighting with you just a bit longer. Surely, I wasn't one of the strongest in our groups…but I could have given my contribution…and maybe I could have given more satisfactions to Rider."

Assassin of Red was listening in silence to what Alvis had to say and even now, she had mixed up emotions. But…in that moment, she was sure of one thing. And she needed to let the boy know.

"I…don't know what she could have thought but…I think that at least, you were able to make her proud in the end."

Everyone turned on the Servant, surprised to hear such a comment from her.

"She was the type that liked strong and determined man just to have them on her grasp. By deciding to finish Maximilian and their Assassin off in that moment…she was surely pleased. Considering her real identity, it's only natural that she felt like that. The queen of Connacht, Medb..." Cahya's Servant continued. "And don't get me wrong! I still think she was a bitch! No one should treat men like she did! But…" She then made a sigh. "I can say that she was resolved. And to think that she's gone like that…gosh…it's just irritating."

"I…never thought that you would think of her like that, Assassin…does that mean…that you really liked her? Like you said yesterday" Her Master, Cahya, asked.

"Not in the slightest! It's just that…sometimes there are things I don't say out loud. I just felt the urge to say it. Just to make Alvis and Kazuto better…and again, yesterday i was upset!" Cleopatra promptly answered, not wanting to give them bad ideas.

This brought up a general smile at everyone. "Heh…if she was still here, who knew what could have happened…" Alvis commented to lighten up the mood. "And…what will you do now? Do you…have any plans to regain balance with the White Rose?"

"For now, we'll remain with the goals we have established before…" Cahya replied. "And we'll have to intensify our efforts, since we have only six Servants now…we're…really in trouble…" Kazuto added.

"Come on, guys…don't say it like that. You still have unique abilities. Something will come out. I…want to hope about it." Alvis commented. "Just…don't be so demoralized. It's just that…I wasn't fit for the Holy Grail War. If anything…I've wanted to at least keep a promise…"

"Promise?" Kazuto asked. "You…mentioned something the other days ago…" Cahya added.

Alvis thought carefully about what to say. But…they were still his companions, and since he couldn't support them in a regular way anymore…there was no reason for them to hide his real purpose in the war. It had been a secret for some time…but maybe talk about it with other people could have made him feel better. So, he went on with it.

"…Yes. You see…I'm not actually a proper mage like you could be, Kazuto…or someone to hold magical energy like Cahya. Everything that I have I've got it by studying with a friend of mine, the real mage between the two of us. His name was Noah Deimos. His family took me in after my mother died under unknown circumstances…since I was friend with Noah, I could get a spot in their house, and we studied magecraft together…but to be honest…he was the most skilled between the two of us. I…merely stood there and learned as well. In fact…he was the one that the Grail chose to participate in the war."

This news surprised everyone in the room. "Really?" Kazuto asked.

Alvis simply nodded. "But…before he could do that…he ended up having a severe lung disease. Day after day…he just kept getting worse…and inevitably…he was unable to join the war. Even to this day, part of me wonders why he chose me and not someone of his family…but due to his conditions…he asked me to take his Command Spell and his catalyst and take his place. I…I knew that as a mage, I didn't stand any type of chances but…he was my friend…and I've wanted to make this last favor to him…after he gave me everything…he passed away."

"So…you've joined in…to make him happy…even if you weren't that strong…" Kazuto spoke, feeling empathy for him.

"Yes…In case I won, I really didn't know what to ask to the Grail to be fair! Maybe something like being happy or have a family. What mattered to me…is that I could have been able to keep my promise. So that, at least…he could be happy for me…and feel at peace." Alvis replied.

"…Promise…just like the one I've made to myself…when I've realized what was i…" Cahya commented, remembering the day he got originated.

Kazuto, on the other hand remained silent and took the pendant around his neck to see the picture inside of it. Alvis's situation…felt familiar.

"To make it sure…I've went in London and trained there for a while. It was then…that I've discovered some facts about my origins. My mentor was someone that knew me better than I thought. His name was…Kirschtaria Woodime…I think. Thanks to him, I found out that I came from a branch of his lineage distant cousins, I think…and because of that, he wanted to make sure that I could have been a proper mage for this war." Alvis continued.

Once again, surprise.

"A Woodime? The same family that is tied up with the Animusphere? You come from them?" Kazuto asked.

"Surprised, eh? Even I think that it's absurd. I've never talked about it before. But…after knowing it, I thought that I could have gotten more chances to keep my promise with Noah. Even though…I thought that it was just unfair to brutally murder my opponents…and I've tried my best to think of a way to win by just defeating them. Even Kirschtaria warned me about this way of thinking. Then, I've summoned Rider…and I got recruited by Marcus. You know the rest…" Alvis concluded.

"You…went through a lot. And to think that…you got defeated first…" Cahya commented, feeling a bit of regret and frustration.

"…I know someone already told you this but…I want to let you know that your ideal wasn't wrong…it's just that…this war is simply without mercy…" Archer of Red added.

"Yeah…I've learned it by myself. But…a part of me still wants to be useful. At least…I want to find another way to make Noah smile, wherever he is now. So…if Marcus is ok with this, I'll find another role in this war. As long as I'm alive." Alvis replied.

"But how?" Cleopatra asked. "You don't have a Servant anymore. And If the White Rose finds out that you are here…they could finish you…" Cahya added.

"Maybe they still don't know that I'm still alive. And…I can still work in an indirect way." The Walker mage continued before summoning one of his water wolves besides him. "I can still summon my wolves. They could serve as a spy for you or a way to communicate."

"That…could actually work!" Kazuto noticed. "But…in that case…you'll still need to stay hidden from them. And you can't move from here until you're fully recovered…"

"Don't worry. I have my ways…just…trust me…like you did during these last days." Alvis answered.

Both Kazuto and Cahya were impressed by how Alvis still held some resolution even after his defeat. But maybe it was just natural. Much like them, he still wanted the Red Rose to win, even if the future seemed uncertain for them.

"…You said that you hope that things will turn out ok…I…I wish I could have that same optimism…" Kazuto spoke.

Alvis smiled. "It's not that hard to find…if I can't have my wish granted…at least I'll help you granting yours. I'm still part of the Red Rose…even if not entirely. And…please, don't worry about me, Kazuto. As you can see, I'm still here! I don't want to make you feel sad because of me."

"I…I want to trust your words…thank you…" Kazuto answered before looking at his hand, closing it to a fist and make a deep breath. "Maybe…I'm starting to feel better…after all…this is my second chance…"

"Took you a while to recover! But at least you're still here with us." Assassin of Red commented. "So, how about we turn back to what we can do?" Archer of Red then asked him.

The Tohsaka mage nodded. "Right. We still need to get our comeback."

"Then let's go. We'll inform Marcus about your idea. Don't worry." Cahya then reassured Alvis, who nodded as well.

"No problem. I…I know we can still do something. At least…I still want to believe in this…" The Walker mage replied. "Oh! Now that I think of it…Kirschtaria…told me something else about the war…before I joined in." He then remembered.

"Uh? What is it?" Kazuto asked.

"He said that…as an operator at the Clock Tower…he had studied the mechanics of the Holy Grail War in a deep way…and said that this time, apart from the case of the Greater Grail in Tokyo…there was something else…something wrong…" Alvis continued, remembering well the words his mentor told him.

"An…anomaly?"

"It's a supposition, and I still need to get some confirms about it but…I feel something different in what's going to happen. An anomaly. Almost as if this time, something went wrong and generated a factor that could change the war entirely. I still don't get what I'm missing…so I warn you to keep your eyes open."

"He…said it like this." Alvis spoke.

The other Masters thought about it carefully.

"…Do you think he was referring to Avenger?" Archer of Red asked to his Master.

"…Maybe. His presence is already an anomaly…but…it could also mean something else…perhaps…some truth that we don't know yet…" Kazuto tried to guess.

"To be honest…I've felt like something was wrong. Yesterday, me and Marcus got dragged in your battle because we have felt a large amount of magical energy…but it wasn't coming from the Masters of the White Rose…" Alvis added.

"Yes…Gordon told me about that…It's almost like what Marcus felt some days ago. It…really is something strange." Kazuto answered.

"What can we do about that?" Cahya asked. "Well…for now we can focus on continuing with this war. Something will surely come out." Cleopatra told him.

"…Well…there's nothing much to say. We'll go to the headquarters now. Sorry if we disturbed you so much." Kazuto then jokingly said.

"Oh, please! It's better than staring at the wall! Go, now. I don't want you to hold you. And thank you for the visit. Wish others good luck on my behalf." The Walker mage concluded.

The other two mages nodded and saluted. The two Servants turned back in their spiritual form and the two Masters left the room, leaving Alvis alone again. But the boy didn't care for it, as he felt like he could still do something.

"I'll still do my best…even if I can't be with them anymore…and even if Rider is gone…" He spoke. He immediately summoned a water wolf and gave him orders. "Wander around Tokyo and if you see a Master of the White Rose, follow him. I'll see through your eyes."

The wolf nodded and disappeared, presumably to appear again in town.

"Master?" Archer of Red asked in the meantime.

"What is it?" Kazuto said.

"You know…maybe you were right. You needed to talk with him first. You seem much calmer now." The Servant commented.

That answer left the boy with surprise. "R-Really? Am I that evident?" He asked.

"To be fair…yes!" Archer of Red jokingly replied. "But it's ok. The important is that you are fine now."

"…Yes…I don't know how many times people told me that. For once I'll try!" Kazuto said back, trying to joke around as well.

And while they were gone, Alvis thought of a particular he saw while he was talking with the other two Masters. It seemed private, so he didn't ask anything…but there was still a sense of curiosity about what he had seen during their conversation.

"Who…was that girl in the picture that…Kazuto had around the neck…?"


Tokyo – White Rose Headquarter – 18th April 2021 – 10.30

The man dressed in a butler uniform was walking through the forest while listening to the sound of the rain with pleasure. Feeling in utter calm, he even looked at his watch. "Just in time…as always. It's incredible how I can be that punctual with appointments." He commented.

After a few more steps, he witnessed the sight of a familiar white castle, meaning that he arrived at destination. "And here we are…" He made one other step, but as soon as he did so, a burst of purple energy appeared right in front of him. A few inches more and he could have been probably swallowed by that assault. Despite this, the man kept his composure and had a neutral expression on his face.

Berserker of White came out from the smoke and glared at him with slit eyes. "Do not move." She simply warned him.

"My, my…a nice show of your powers for a greeting. The White Rose really looks promising." The man continued.

Berserker of White remained still, ready to attack that individual at any moment if he dared to do something, while Adewale came closer to see him better. "Who are you?" He asked.

"No one to be afraid of. Strange, I've been here already a few days ago and you never saw me. This castle surely is big. And it may be that you were surely busy these days." The man simply answered.

Adewale ended up glaring in the same way his Servant was. There was something in that guy's attitude that was annoying. But before he could add something, another person stopped him.

"Let him go, Adewale. Like he says, there's nothing to be worried. If anything, he's here for support." It was Isak, who reached them while walking with his cane.

Somehow, Adewale thought that it all made sense. He looked at the two of them and felt like they were similar. "…You've heard him, Berserker." He ordered.

Berserker of White simply moved aside, letting the man proceed, but not without keeping an eye on him. "A friend of Isak…that's just great…" She sarcastically thought.

"I hope they haven't been harsh with you, Teufel. It's just how we make guard measures around here." Isak then told to the man, calling him by his name.

"Heh. No need to worry. It's not the first time they greeted me like that. What matters is that I was able to find you in a short time. As we discussed before, I was thinking of staying here for a while. Just to keep an eye on how the war proceeds. After all, even if I'm not a participant, I still want to make sure that things go well for our side, as one of the benefactors. In case, I'll see if I can handle some support. You can be sure of it." Teufel replied.

"I can understand you. An extra powerful mage won't hurt us, especially now that we have the upper hand. I'm sure you've heard that the first Servant of the Red Rose had been defeated." Isak continued.

"Yes! And if I'm correct, she is doing a good job. I've been wondering if she was able to make some progresses in here. And I'm pleased to hear that everything is proceeding in a clean way. You don't know how long we've been waiting for a moment like this." The 'butler' continued.

"Oh, for real, I can say the same. And I suppose that the first thing you want to do is to check her." Isak said with Teufel nodding. "She's in the tallest tower. You'll recognize her room since it has a purple door."

"Thank you. It had been a while since I last saw her. But I know how she'll greet me. She had been educated properly." Teufel concluded as he moved forward to enter inside the headquarter.

Adewale and his Servant stood there and listened to the conversation, puzzled and confused. But still with that bad feeling on their mind. Because of this, the Nwadike mage turned to his leader and asked him a question about it. "What did he mean by 'she'? Who is that guy?"

Isak looked back at him with still a smirk. "Let's just say that…he is strongly bonded to one of us." He simply replied.

Meanwhile, in the tallest tower and in the darkest room of the castle, Seram was laying down on her bed, staring at the room with doll-like eyes. Saber was in the room, but in his spiritual form. As someone who wanted to avoid human contact, the girl never had any particular activities to do in her free time or someone to talk with. While she started a bond with Cynthia, she still needed to get used to that, so, apart from going out with other Masters due to the war, she spent most of the time on her room…simply enjoying her solitude.

In that moment…the door on her room opened, and she quickly stood up, ready to react at whoever was coming without an advice or her consent. She quickly jumped out of her bed and was ready to activate her dead face transformation. But as soon as she saw the figure that was entering, she widened her eyes…and suddenly…she started to feel confused…and scary.

The man in butler uniform came in and looked at the girl with a small grin while closing the door behind him. "Hello Seram…surprised to see me?" He asked.

The girl was lost. Of all the people to come, she never expected to see him. Why was he there? The only sight made her disoriented, something that rarely happened to her. "…Teufel?"

"Really? Are you that scared that you call me by my name? Come on…you know who I am. Don't make me sad." Teufel insisted.

"Oh…yes…sorry…father." Seram promptly replied, as if she didn't want to make him angry, even if Teufel didn't change expression.

"Much better…" Her father said before coming closer to her and give a better look. "Sometimes I forget how tall you became ever since you were a child. I should really feel proud. I suppose that you are happy as well…am I right, my little girl?" He then asked.

"Absolutely…may I ask what brings you here?" The Qlippah mage asked.

Teufel gave a look to the room while answering. "For the only reason I should be here. For support. Both for your companions…and especially for you. Don't you remember? We have worked a lot to reach the goal of obtaining the Grail…and now that we are in advantage…it's only natural that I come to give ulterior help. Have an adding assistant from your family is something that should make you pleased. Don't you think?" He asked with a smile.

Seram simply nodded.

"I'll stay here from now on, and I'll think up for some plan to get rid of your opponents and get the Grail once and for all. I've heard that this faction defeated the first opponent. And that you are doing a marvelous work with your Servant. This news couldn't make my heart warmer. To see my daughter finally put her progresses in act in such a successful way is just…wonderful! We both worked hard to train you to be suitable enough for the war…and I'm glad that you seem to be in touch with what I've taught you. And I'm sure you know why." Teufel continued.

"…Yes. I've…got full control of the dead face…with time, I can finish off all the enemies that will stand in my way." Seram answered.

"Indeed. Though I would remove the words 'with time'. The other faction will do anything to get their hands on the Grail before us. I suggest that the sooner you fight…the sooner we'll get rid of that problem. This is what you've been trained for." Teufel commented.

"…To be without mercy…" Seram spoke, meaning what he wanted to say.

"That's right." Teufel said before making a more serious expression. "You cannot let yourself be slowed down now that we see the possibility of our success. Or…" He then touched her front with his index finger.

"A-Ah!" In that moment, Seram had a scared and stunned expression on her face, fearing of what he could do. For once, she was begging to not feel pain.

"I'm sure you don't want us to intensify your training even more. You would leave me quite disappointed." Teufel simply said with a calm yet threatening tone.

Saber of White turned in his physical form while Seram started to breath heavily and sweat. "What are you doing to her?" The Monster Servant asked.

Teufel turned around and looked at him with a gentle smile. "Oh, don't worry! She didn't feel anything. I wouldn't lend a finger on her. I'm still her father, after all. It's simply called discipline." He answered. "Are you perhaps worried for your Master's life?"

"Tsk. I have to. She's the one that holds me here." Saber of White answered with his usual annoyed tone. In that moment, the other Qlippah mage walked towards him and gave a closer look. "I did hear from Isak that you were promising, but I didn't expect that much! A whole firing monster as our Saber. You surely seem like our war horse. Nice summon here. If used properly, this Servant can deal a lot of damages."

"I could care less about your compliments, whoever you are. If Seram lets me destroy what I see, I just go on with it." The monstrous Servant commented.

"And quite the temper we have here…" Teufel answered back, not annoyed. "Oh well…I think we've said enough. We've really had a good chat. You can call me whenever you want if you need me. And remember that you are the pride of the Qlippah family…make us proud…remember this…always…" With those words…he headed towards the exit. But before that…

"…Father?" Seram asked.

Her father stopped and turned his head behind.

"I…I think I have made a friend…is it…ok?" The girl asked.

Teufel couldn't help but grin. "Really? A sweet news, considering your attitude. In that case…try to use her power in your favor." He said before definitely exiting from her room…leaving only Seram and Saber of White there.

Seram stood still for a minute…and then fell on her knees. Her body started to tremble…and then she started to sob…she held her face with her hands…and something came out from her eyes.

Tears.

She started to cry inconsistently. It wasn't usual from her for a long while, but after that, she couldn't control it. The constant sorrow she felt intensified by just seeing him again. This made her remember what her true place was…and couldn't bear it. So she just let it out. A wild cry…even if a bit suffocated.

Saber of White was surprised to see her act like this for the first time. "Is she…crying? All that talk about pain…but even you cannot control it, I see."

"Gh…" Seram continued, as tears continued to come down from her eyes, like a little baby. "W-Why…what did I do…to deserve this? I…I hate him…I fucking hate him…I…I hate this life…I just want it to stop…"

Meanwhile, Maximilian and Shuten-Douji were on another external corridor of the castle, looking at the forest in front of them while recovering.

While Assassin of White seemed more or less the same, Maximilian was staring at the horizon with a more…thoughtful and gloomy expression. The Servant noticed it and wondered what made him like this. But she didn't want to disturb him that much, since he was already tired.

It was the sound of footsteps that woke him up. As he raised his head to see who he was coming, he noticed the familiar figure of Isak coming closer. "Is it me or this guy almost seems like he can be anywhere?" He thought.

"Good. It seems that you can still move. I was getting worried after seeing the conditions you were in yesterday, so I looked for you and see if you were feeling better." Isak told him, as soon as he came closer.

"Strangely kind from you. Not that you are entirely wrong. If I'd made even a single mistake, you wouldn't have seen me today…" The Icecolle mage commented.

"Now, now. You know that I care for my subordinates' sake at every time. If we want to win the war, we need to stay in an acceptable condition. And since you are our strategist, you deserve some extra attention." Isak insisted.

That last sentence made Shuten-Douji more protective, as she hugged her Master. "He already has me, thank you." She said while Maximilian felt pleased by this sudden act.

Though since Isak was here, he thought of having a discussion with his leader. After what happened the day before, he wanted to make some things clear. But first, he wanted to know something else first.

"Who is the guy that just entered in our castle?"

"It's Seram's father. He decided to come here and give a hand in our goal. He also intends to help me with controlling the girl." The leader of the White Rose simply answered.

Something felt off. "…Control?" Maximilian asked.

"You probably saw it with your eyes, but Seram does go wild during her battles, and I make my best to direct her in the proper way. But…we thought that this power of hers could bring up to potential troubles if she uses it unproperly or if she ends up falling prey to her own emotions. During her training to become a mage, Seram had to go through an intense experience to become what she has now…and this resulted in a control that is easy to break. Luckily, I know my ways for controlling her. But…in case something went wrong…I could have someone like his father, Teufel, to support me. He seems as resolute to obtain the Holy Grail as us, and considering that she has our strongest Servant, we need to make sure that she can use her powers and Saber of White's ones for the accomplishment of our mission." Isak explained while looking at the horizon.

This was the first time he heard Isak talk like this...and this made him feel…somehow worried. Isak talked about harmony and cooperation a lot…but this was the first time he heard him talk about something like…control…measures…emotions…he already felt something wrong in that man…but now…there were clearly no doubts.

"…It almost seems like…you're treating her like a robot…" He spoke.

This made Isak turn his eyes on him.

"…I did hear that the dead faces were experiments led by a scientist called Twice …and that it was the result of people brought to the extreme but…this feels somehow worse…are you sure you're doing the right thing about her?" Maximilian continued.

"…I know it's not entirely sane. And I don't know the entire details of what Teufel did on her during the training. But…you could see the results for yourself. She's in constant pain…wanting to see everyone she encounters suffer. She ended up being like that and…unfortunately this is what we need to do. Sometimes…for the sake of a greater good…we need to make actions we don't like. And in the end, it's also for her good. With this, she can get the Grail alongside us and use it to free her from her internal suffering. She's trying to heal herself from this sorrow she constantly holds. I'm sure you understand. Weren't you the one who wanted to join the war to change the nature of your family?" Isak said.

Maximilian was going to protest nonetheless but…he stopped himself before he could start the rebuttal. Even if he didn't like Isak at all, even if he still thought that it was not the best option for Seram…he knew that in the end, he was right.

Since all the mages of the White Rose were gathered, Maximilian could sometimes see the Qlippah mage in action, and how she could easily forget anything, even herself, just to focus on taking down the enemy. Her magecraft, the dead face, in a way, was some sort of reflection of hers. A wild beast that wanted nothing more than prevailing on the enemy…just to survive and ease out the pain.

And who could have told what would have happened if Isak wasn't around? There were still so many questions…so many clues that didn't sound right and Maximilian couldn't hide the fact that both he and this supposed father of Seram were hiding. Due to her nature, he never knew Seram deeply. It was already a luck that she started to frequent Cynthia. Normally, he shouldn't have had reasons to somehow think about her sake…but for someone that wanted others to be free (and that liked women), he felt that this wasn't entirely right. Was it pity? He couldn't tell.

And in the end…the only thing he could do for now was to nod. "I see…if that's how it is…guess I should stick around…right?" He spoke.

"Do you perhaps feel empathy towards her?" Isak asked him.

Maximilian didn't answer immediately. "Not really." He limited himself. "I didn't have enough time to hang out with her, so I don't think why I should care. She's a companion, nothing more. But…maybe it's like you say. After all…in a battlefield…it could happen to have…similar feelings with someone else who's fighting, right? Both an ally…and an enemy…being on the same mood…but with different uniforms…" This discussion led him to think about what happened with Alvis just a day earlier.

It was strange…and kinda fun. He summoned Shuten-Doji and joined in the Rose Grail War with the intent to win and finally get rid of the magic that shaped his family. It could have been considered a selfish way. But after that single battle from which he came out victorious…he didn't feel the same. And this left him with…a cloud made of doubts.

But this wasn't the same Isak felt. As soon as he heard Maximilian's 'metaphor', his expression changed. From the usual, tranquil one, to a more serious. Almost like a statue that can't do nothing more but to stare at the person that is passing by.

Why was he using those words? Something…was not right for him. Clearly not. Did he perhaps…spared Rider of Red's Master? As he hold tightly the tip of his cane…he asked something to Maximilian, with a completely different…tone.

"Maximilian…are you perhaps hiding something from me?"

The tone he used made Maximilian turn around, and he could see how his leader seemed almost a total person. In particular…he could notice that his eyes changed from blue to red…and he swore he saw a bug coming out from Isak's shoulder.

Was it…a worm?

Somehow…seeing this made both Maximilian and Assassin of White feel in utter and extreme danger, as if, depending on what the answer would have been, their leader would have given a different reaction. Even one…they didn't like at all.

Without saying a word, Assassin of White stood near Maximilian, making Lancer of White appear, in case she tried to make something rough.

That tension made the two of them silence for a couple of seconds, and the Icecolle mage could feel goosebumps over his skin, something he wasn't used to. Why that? It was just a simple question, and he didn't know what Isak was capable of. But…that question was enough to feel…insecurity. And what was that insect that was slowly coming out from Isak?

Somehow…more than ever this time, he didn't want to find out anything about all of that. So he gave his answer.

"Of course not…why would you think that?"

Isak kept on looking at him…but eventually turned back to his regular grin. "Eheh…don't worry. I don't know what passed on my mind…"

Maximilian wasn't convinced at all of that sentence. But he let it slid to not make things harder. "O-Ok…"

"Oh, well, I'll go now. I need to see a lot of things today. I should also get a look on the device that Oeneus and Caster of White are developing. Yesterday it seemed promising, and considering her real identity, her talent will give us a lot of possibilities to win the war for us, considering that thanks to you, we're already at an advantage." Isak said while turning around. "Rest well, Maximilian…we need you as soon as possible…" He then left.

Maximilian let out a deep breath once that whole situation was over, which left Shuten-Doji extremely worried. "H-Hey, Master are you alright? Can you breathe?"

"D-Don't exaggerate, Assassin…it's just that…I don't know why…I almost felt like he could have killed me..." He answered.

"W-What!? Why would he do that!?" Assassin of White asked.

"I don't know! But…that…was the feeling…" Maximilian replied. "Did…did he understood…what happened with the Master of the Red Rose? I…I didn't say anything…is…is he-" He thought. "Kh…I…I really have a terrible feeling…this guy…might be really crazy…i…I have no doubt in it…true…I don't know if that Alvis ended up dead or not but…"

"Do you…do you think…we should get rid of him?" Assassin of White then asked.

"No…knowing his magecraft, he could kill me in a matter of seconds…and you may not be a match for Lancer…he's still our leader after all…but…I'll…try to observe him more from now on…there's…there's definitely something wrong in him…" Maximilian replied.

Shuten-Doji was concerned and simply looked at the direction where Isak went.

The leader of the White Rose walked through the hallways of the castle, apparently acting like the usual. But deep inside, there was something that disturbed him even if just a little bit. His Servant, Lancer of White, understood it immediately as he appeared beside him.

"…There's the possibility that Rider of Red's Master is still alive…am I right?" He simply asked.

By just hearing this, Isak stiffened. Even in a victory, there was something that disturbed him, apart from the presence of the fifteenth Servant. How was that possible? He didn't have the certainty…but by hearing those words Maximilian used, there was still the probability…that it happened.

But why? Why would he limit himself? There was no reason for it. But…on the other hand, if he was still alive, he wouldn't have gone so far. He lost his Servant and wasn't that powerful of a mage. Maybe in the end…it wasn't a problem at all. Still…the thought that one of his subordinates spared what could have been a dangerous enemy...still made him upset, considering that there could be the possibility that this guy could make a contract with a new Servant.

So…he needed to calm himself. This was already the second time that he almost snapped out of it. But if he wanted to win…he needed auto-control.

"…Let's leave it to be a mystery for now. If that mage is still alive, he won't probably go far. If he knows what's best for him, he would retire to the church. And…he doesn't have a Servant anymore. He's no longer a threat to be considered. But don't worry, Lancer…if it turns out that Maximilian made even one single mistake…I'll make sure to take care of him personally. He's still a member of the faction, and we'll need him to defeat the Red Rose once and for all and I cannot leave out a bad impression of myself." He spoke.

Hearing that, Vlad made a large smile. "I like how there's both a part of truth and a part of lie in this. You really know what you are doing, right?" He asked.

"Eheh…you can count on it, Lancer. Perhaps…is in my nature to hold a grudge against mages." The leader of the White Rose answered with a grin and his eyes glowing red.

In the meantime, on the top of one of the castle's towers, Teufel was sitting on the roof looking at the rain in silence (while holding an umbrella), thinking on what he saw.

"How interesting…Seram seems much calmer from when she was at the family mansion and even the dark aura seems more controlled. Isak Svala Von Lud…I've heard that he was a teacher at the Clock Tower…but his capabilities ended up surpassing my expectations…" He thought before making a grin. "The Holy Grail chose some very interesting people this time…I wonder how to turn things in my favor…"

"Even if the others don't know you, you are still able to show some authority and stay calm even in front of an Heroic Spirit. I must say…it's impressing." A voice suddenly echoed around him.

Teufel turned around and his grin became larger. "So, you've been here all along watching me. That's already a relief…" He commented.

In that moment, a shadowy figure appeared and started to walk towards him. A man surrounded by darkness dressed in a formal way.

The figure was none other than Avenger, who looked at Teufel pleased.

"Well, it is my duty to stay at your side after all. And I'm probably sure that I cannot stay at the sight of anyone here…considering the little mess I've caused a three days ago. It's impressive how you were able to hide my presence at everyone in the castle. Heh…maybe you are at the same level of those leaders. It would surely be an interesting match." The Servant said.

"As the lead figure of the Qlippah family, I need to hold my reputation high in front of other mages, especially in a moment like this. Try to understand…I have a lot of responsibilities on my shoulders. How do you think Seram was able to become the girl she is now?" The Qlippah mage replied.

"Seram…so the Master of that fire beast is your Master. Judging by the type of Servant she was able to summon you put a lot of effort in training her. And it seems that you also have control over her heart. But I wonder…what she will think if she finds out that you are actually plotting against her and the rest of the Masters of this war?" Avenger then asked.

"It won't be that much of a problem. Like you said, she learned to fear me through time. Even if she ends up being the last participant of the war, she'll just end up saying what I want. I could even force her to kill her own Servant if I could. Sometimes…when you want something…you have to learn to be…possessive…strong…aggressive." The mage said.

By hearing this, Avenger made a smirk. "You're really low. You remind me a lot of someone I knew in my past life. He was a person that I thought I could trust, but in reality, he was nothing more than a manipulator. But…what can I say…perhaps living the desire of vengeance made me as rotten as that guy and you. Therefore…I don't mind!" He said with a smile with closed eyes. "But still, this answer doesn't satisfy my curiosity. I hope that I'm not bothering you."

"I don't mind…go on." Teufel encouraged him.

"If you trained Seram to make the Holy Grail choose her…why do you still want to participate in the war? If she's really in your total control, wouldn't she bring forth to your will?" Avenger asked.

"It's actually a simple answer…merely to be extra sure. After seeing her Servant, I know she will have very little problems to get rid of the remaining Masters of the Red Rose. But who knows what destiny can hold for us. I just want to have the certainty that, in a way or another, the Holy Grail will end up in my hands. And plus…who said that we were at the side of the White Rose? Like I said…you need to be possessive and aggressive sometimes…especially with those who stay close to you…" Teufel explained.

"Ohohohoh! This resolute of yours is admiring…even if you are moved by desires like every other human being, you make sure that the word 'failure' doesn't exist in your vocabulary. I wonder how far you intend to go with your words. But…knowing your magecraft, I know that I don't need an answer…" Avenger replied, pleased by that sentence. "It really seems that this war will turn out to be our grand show…am I right?"

"Indeed…speaking of which…after your little party at Kabuki-cho…was there someone of the Servants that seemed…interesting for you? Perhaps we could…start to make our own way into the victories. So tell me…is there someone, who you consider worth it?" Teufel then asked.

"Oh…to be honest…I actually liked all of them. I didn't expect to see such Heroic Spirits show up in a theater like this." Avenger simply answered.

"…But…if I were to pick one…I think…I would say the Oni demon…" He said with a large smirk.

"You mean Assassin of White?" Teufel asked.

"No…the other." The Servant simply answered.

This made Teufel more curious. "How so?"

"Simple…I could see it from when I saw her fight…she is just like me."


Tokyo – International Airport of Haneda – 18th April 2021 – 23.00 P.M

Hours passed, apparently with no big change or event. The two factions kept on discussing on how to move, now that they were certain that the wheels of the events started to move after Medb's death. And both factions wanted to make sure that the next steps will be decisive against their respective enemies.

Once again, they were hungry wolves…now more determined than ever to get their meal. On one side, they wanted to recover the damage, while on the other one, they wanted to finish the job.

In particular…three of these mages were already moving to make a next step…one of them was using, in fact, a wolf.

Since he couldn't move from the hospital for a while, Alvis relied on his water wolves the ability to communicate with others as his resource to still be useful for the faction. After receiving the message, Kazuto and Cahya confronted themselves with the other members of the Red Rose and somehow, this was able to surprise Marcus.

"It…could work. We can give it a try. If you find a useful information, don't hesitate to immediately tell us, got it!?"

With those words in mind, Alvis made sure that his water wolves could search in every possible place. Sure, considering how big Tokyo was, this could have been considered a madness, but Alvis still wanted to try his best. Even if he meant that he needed to search even in the most unknown and improbable places.

One of the wolves was running as fast as he could, trying to not get seen. It had looked everywhere, and Alvis could see through his eyes, but for a while, everything seemed absolute normal. It almost envied that situation. A town that was living in complete serenity, not thinking of all the damages that the Rose Grail War was bringing forth.

"So far, so good…those guys of the White Rose really are skilled at hiding…" He commented.

But this situation didn't continue for long. After hours…he started to feel something. A signal.

"! I sense it…magical energy…and it's coming this way…" Alvis made the wolf jump behind a banister to make sure that it couldn't have been spotted and started to wait.

Naturally, vulnerable as he was in that moment and keeping in mind that this would have given the enemy the confirm that he was still alive, his intent was not going to attack the Master that would have come in, but just to follow him in the possibility to give some directives to his companions. If he couldn't win, he would have helped to win.

The water wolf stood hidden behind the banister for a couple of minutes…until it started to hear it.

The sound of footsteps that was coming closer and closer...as well as the magical energy it sensed.

"Maybe I've spotted the right moment…" Alvis thought, thinking that it was a mage from the White Rose. But when he slightly turned the wolf's head…the answer left him surprised…and confused at the same time.

He saw what seemed to be a policeman with his usual uniform and a fedora hat on his purple curly hair. The individual had a serious stare that seemed cold and apathic at the same time.

The young mage would have believed that there was nothing wrong in seeing him, since he could have been a regular policeman that was inspecting the roads of the city. But there was a particular that left him extremely suspicious and doubtful.

The magical energy he sensed…was coming from that man.

What did that mean? He never saw that person before, and a few days earlier, he could see all the Masters participating in the Grail War…and that guy wasn't there…

"W-Who…who is this?" He wondered. But then…a thought went to his mind In an almost natural way. And thinking of it made him startle.

It could have contradicted what he heard from Calem the last day…but could it be that man was the person they were looking for? The one that somehow, introduced himself to the war and messed it up?

There was still no confirm. Only an unpleasant doubt that the Walker mage wanted to get rid of.

The policeman stopped and turned around, and came closer to the banister where the wolf was hidden. When he checked the other side, he only saw a wet spot on the ground. Despite this, he remained cautious and continued his walk. All of this without saying a word.

As soon as he got far enough, the water wolf got materialized again. "Phew…I was able to make the wolf disappear in time…who knew what could have happened if he saw it." Alvis commented from his bedroom of the hospital. But he wasn't done there.

"There's no doubt…the magical energy I sensed comes from that man. But…who is he? Are there other mages that walk around the Holy Grail War…or…is he...argh, dammit! I can't say that for sure…It's not what I planned but…I guess there's only one reason to find out…even the slightest information could be useful for our team…"

With that in mind, he controlled the water wolf to make it follow up that unknown policeman. He made sure that guy couldn't sense the water wolf by using less energy on his magic circuits.

The 'chase' continued, and the man didn't seem to suspect anything…Until the man came closer to what seemed to be his stop.

The International Airport of Haneda. One of the two biggest airports of Tokyo, alongside the one of Narita.

Alvis looked at the structure, thinking of possible answers to why he was going towards that direction. "…Could it be that he's a guard of the airport? Though I thought they had unique uniforms for that…" He thought.

The policeman looked at the building and then started to head towards the inside. Once he was already inside, Alvis made the water wolf climb the building, so that he could spy him from high, reducing the possibilities of being seen.

Surprisingly enough, the airport seemed almost empty, as the policeman was alone on the various rooms for most of the time, having to cross a few passengers here and there. Alvis found it strange, considering that, even in late hours, the airports were usually filled with people.

Maybe the government and the aircraft company decided to limit the times of the airport and the planes after hearing of all the incidents that were occurring due to the Holy Grail War. Unexplainable and almost bizarre incidents for regular citizens, especially the destruction of the building in Kabuki-Cho.

But this wasn't something to think about. For now, he needed answers about what seemed an irregular mage in there. So, he just followed him. And by doing so, he found out that the man wasn't interested in one of the trails or one of the airplanes inside the structure.

Rather…he seemed interested in the general storage of the airport, where they were holding most of the stuff, including components.

The man continued with evenly and with a calm that almost seemed creepy. Alvis didn't want to admit it…but seeing that man made him slightly frightened, even if there was no reason for that. Just the sight…was all that he needed to feel unsecure. Maybe, besides being a mage, he was hiding something else.

But once the water wolf was coming closer to the storage, his attention was diverted to the presence of more magical energy, coming directly from the storage.

"Uh? This aura…there's someone else!" He spoke. "C-Could it be…that this man sensed this energy? We walked for a while by now…is he able to sense magical energy from that distance?" He wondered, thinking that this mage could have been more powerful than he had expected.

Driven by a sense of curiosity and worry, Alvis made the water wolf accelerate the pace and reach the storage before the policeman could.

It was a hard task to do so if he wanted to make the water creature get in there unnoticed, since the storage was set on an open spot of the airport that was mostly empty like one of the many trails.

Luckily, it was a vast space, and Alvis could make the wolf get a large distance between him and the mage, making him hard to see, taking advantage of the dark of the night and the fact that the wolf was made of water, so it was improbable to hear its footsteps. Still, Alvis couldn't know what could have happened with that guy, so, in various moments, he would make the wolf get dematerialized and rematerialized a few times before finally reaching the storage.

Despite the close magical energy, the policeman didn't get faster. He merely stared at the storage and continued to walk with a regular pace. It was hard to understand if it was an high auto-confidence or just patience, as the man continued to have a neutral and inexpressive face, making him look like a tall zombie.

Meanwhile, Alvis's water wolf entered inside the storage and immediately hidden itself behind the many boxes and tools that were inside of it, while trying to give a look at everything. Once it entered, the magical energy was closer and the mage could see through the wolf's eyes what was that about, as soon as he heard a small explosion.

"There's no doubt…he's here!" Alvis made the wolf get closer and could notice them.

"Is this the one you've been searching for, Caster?"

"Yup yup! There's no doubt, this is the perfect piece!"

"Phew…thank God…we've been searching here for a while…now we need to see how can we drag this thing all to the headquarter…"

"For that, I think I can make something. Remember that I'm guarded by someone!"

The wolf could spot Oeneus and Tygo, accompanied by Caster and Rider of White that just got what seemed to be the large engine of an airplane. He could also see a pile of smoke from near them, making him understand that they made some damage to get it.

"Gee…I never thought I would have ended up vandalizing an airport to get through with the Holy Grail War…" Tygo commented.

"It's alright. What matters is that this will surely help us, considering what Caster here has in store for those of the Red Rose. Plus, if it really bothers you, once and if we'll get through with this, I can convince my father to repair the damages." Oeneus told him.

"Aaaah! I was waiting for the moment you could say these words! And I wouldn't use the word 'if'. Considering the genius and the devotion that I made in that creation, I know that we will get through with it!" Caster of White commented.

"Oh, right. I almost forgot. We will. I guess I did have changed my opinion of you." The Animusphere mage said.

"Ouch...so you were actually thinking bad of me-" Caster of White commented, making her Master get embarrassed.

"FUCK!" He shouted, and in that moment, Tygo put a hand over his mouth. "Sssht! They could hear us! Now that we are here, the most important phase comes up: getting out of here without getting spotted." He told him.

"Right…sorry…it will sure be a task…" Oeneus commented. "But…once we'll get this thing back we'll be able to put a sigh of relief to everyone…even more than now!"

"You surely seem extremely hyped up by all of this…is it because we're currently an advantage?" Tygo asked.

"Well…not really. Apart from that, it's just the fact that, with time and with the help of someone…I just wanted to think positive for once. Especially now that I have this unique chance. For once, I wish to not be a burden for anyone." The other mage answered. "And speaking of which…I really appreciate the fact that you decided to help me, Tygo, even if I told you that it was fine."

"There's no need to mention that. If anything, we do look a lot alike, so I've always wondered what it meant to help someone like me. Plus, if anything can help us to get the Holy Grail, especially if it is something like that, I'm making sure to be there!" Tygo jokingly said. For a moment, he also thought that it was almost unrealistic for him to have a moment like that with a fellow companion. Just the two of them and their Servants, going together on a mission without him getting anxiety or pressures of any sort.

It seemed almost like…he was having a friend.

"Just hear these words makes me really glad! My descendants used to act like you two. And…speaking of which…" Rider of White commented before summoning her bull, who immediately grabbed the engine. "This will help us out."

"Are you sure? He won't be able to fight normally with that on his back…" Tygo asked, referring to the bull.

"It's fine. He had travelled through lands of every type with me on. For him, this is like having a small bag." Rider of White answered to her Master.

"A good thought and moreover an altruistic one! No wonder how the mighty Zeus fell in love with you, considering your identity." Caster of White commented. This made the other Servant slightly blush.

"Oh please…those were other times…" She spoke.

Seeing how everything was going for the right verse, Oeneus and Tygo couldn't both be more optimistic. It was almost as seen a brighter light in front of them. Maybe…victory didn't seem that far and impossible at all. There could have been hope at the end of the rain.

On the other hand, Alvis was just terrified at what he had seen through the wolf's eyes. It was already hard to accept that he lost, but now he had to worry about what was coming next.

What were they talking about? What thing? What…creation? By hearing this, he could clearly acknowledge that he did underestimate the settings of the Holy Grail War a lot.

Even after getting their first victory, the White Rose was ready with another way to make their way through the war. And maybe with something even scarier.

Now that the Red Rose was at a terrible stake, there was no need to hesitate. He needed to advert them of the imminent danger. If anything, he wanted to help them think of an answer.

"D-Dammit…this is bad. I need to tell Marcus and the others…" He said to himself. He then made the wolf move towards the exit of the storage, while trying to not be seen.

At the same time, the small group of the White Rose proceeded to do the same…but…

Click.

The two pairs were suddenly illuminated by a flashlight, making them immediately stop. They slowly turned their head around, not expecting that, to see who discovered them in what technically was a crime. Alvis's wolf turned around and saw who he expected.

The mysterious policeman.

Alvis decided to make the wolf stand still and see how the scene would have evolved. Part of him thought he just needed to leave and think he had seen enough…but he wanted to know more about that man. Now he had the confirm. He wasn't just a mage that happened to live in Tokyo…he was searching for Masters that were participating in the Holy Grail War.

Oeneus and Tygo swallowed and stared at the policeman. Normally, it wouldn't have been a problem for them to take care of a regular guard. But they thought carefully of the mess that simple sight could have caused, and needed of a way to get rid of him before anything could have compromised their coverage.

"…What are you two doing?" The man simply asked.

To the mages, this seemed a natural question, but they all knew that they had to use more drastic solutions.

"Even if the airport is open, this place shouldn't be allowed to the public. So…how can you explain your presence here and all the havoc inside here?" The policeman continued to ask.

Oeneus started to sweat from his head, fearing for the worst. "M-Mister…we can explain…there's no need to act like this…" He spoke. Caster of White immediately tried to support him. "Y-Yeah! You see, we were getting to an airplane then suddenly, boom! A giant explosion occurred inside this place! And driven by a sense of curiosity we came in, wondering what caused this!"

"Really? And why would you, a normal civilian, should investigate on something this dangerous?" The policeman asked, clearly not in the mood for pranks or lies.

"Eeeeeh…" Caster of White didn't know what to say at this point, but before she could even add a single letter, the policeman continued to speak.

"But there's no need to add anything. I already know why you're here. In fact…I've been observing you for quite a while by now. All of you."

"You've...been observing us?" Tygo asked.

"Yes…you…and your Servants." The man simply replied, while removing his uniform, revealing a more elegant dress underneath.

That sentence alone…was all that was needed to stop the two mages' hearts for a second and to confirm Alvis's suspects. Both Oeneus and Tygo were confused and upset. What was happening in that moment? Was it really possible? Was he another mage?

It could have been plausible that another mage, external to the Holy Grail War, might have been in Tokyo. After all, mages aren't forced to stay in London or close to the Mages Association, and Japan was usually a favorite destination for most of them (mostly due to Fuyuki). Still…all mages knew that if they weren't chosen, there was no need to interfere in the Holy Grail War and the Mages Association made it clear in the past years. So why? Why was he there?

The two mages of the White Rose still tried to find an answer, their Servants already carried out their weapons, ready to attack, seeing a threat in that mysterious person.

"Why does it interest you? I don't like to sound violent, but I suggest you to not make any wrong move, or you may face some consequences that you won't like." Rider of White warned him.

But even If he got threatened by a Heroic Spirit, the policemen didn't seem frightened or bothered. He kept on maintaining a neutral expression. "Surely it must feel good having someone on your side such as a Heroic Spirit. Makes you feel safe, right? I know how it feels."

At this point, Oeneus couldn't stand him anymore, as he, too, started to feel the strong presence of magical energy from that man. "Cut it out. Who the hell are you and what do you want from us!?" He exclaimed.

"Oeneus, calm down…" Tygo warned him, trying to keep his composure, though deep inside, he was starting to feel agitated as well.

By hearing this, the man smirked and glared at them. "I don't mind presenting myself. My name is Ryujin Gomon-sha. I'm 43 years old and I've been working as a police officer for 20 years by now." He started to present himself, almost as if he liked to do so. The same couldn't be said for the other mages, who felt uncomfortable. His tone of him wasn't pleasing at all.

"I don't want to take too much in this operation, so I'll go straight to the point. As you presumably have noticed…yes, I am, indeed, a mage. And what you say may be right. Why should I interfere in your business if I'm not among the participants of this war? Well…that is what you may think."

The last thing he said increased the others' confusion. But they left him continue.

"You know what is the most required thing so that the world can live on? Order. Some form of total constitution that guarantees a regular style of life for everyone and a guaranteed peace. But…unfortunately, that is not possible. And through the last three centuries…the ideal of a true order had become impossible due to all disasters that has been brought by the event you pursue so much that is…the Holy Grail War. The temptation that had been brought by the Einzberns is what had started all. All those wrecked cities and lost lives that will never return…and all because of that artifact that can grant wish. Is life really worth of that item…compared to the possibility of everyone's chance to have a normal life?" Ryujin spoke out.

"What can you possibly know!? You may have your reasons, but speaking for others doesn't make you righter! Are you perhaps trying to choose for everyone else!?" Tygo said, starting to get annoyed as well.

"You can say that again! And if you had been looking for us doesn't really tell us that you're that contrary to the idea of the Holy Grail! What are your intentions!?" Oeneus added.

"…Eheh…you have the right of being suspicious towards me…and you may be right. I shouldn't be someone that can talk for others. But…I've always been strict to my job and my duty…and I cannot stand those who mess up with the society we live in just for their personal desire. In my opinion…a total order is necessary. Everyone needs a unitary law to follow. And what I want to do may be contradictory to my thought…but in order to give the people what they truly desire…I'm ready to join the disaster…and get rid of you. Plus…they've hired me to investigate about what happened at Kabuki-Cho…and I'm quite pleased to see that I've already found the cause. Whether it's you or those of the opposite faction, it doesn't make a difference…I'll get rid of you all…and I'll put an end to this." Ryujin continued.

At this point, Oeneus couldn't stand him anymore. His speeches made no sense from his perspective, and he surely hadn't joined the war to see himself being put aside by some pompous mage. He started to hold his fist tightly and set his foot still with the intention to dash in.

"Really? And what can you possibly know about it!? You have no right to say something like that, SO YOU BETTER LEARN YOUR PLACE!" He shouted with fury, as he threw himself against Ryujin, even if his Servant wasn't entirely convinced. "Wait, Master!" She exclaimed.

Oeneus was ready to punch him in the face with a fist powered up by the magic circuits in his body, but as soon as he was close enough to the enemy, something blocked him. "GH! W-What!?" He exclaimed.

He could see what seemed to be a spiral made of meat coming from Ryujin's back blocking his punch, while Ryujin himself stood completely still.

Tygo had his eyes wide open and felt a bit disgusted by that scene while Alvis continued to look while staying hidden. "A-Are you kidding me!?" The Geschiezend mage asked. "Are…are you even human!?"

"Of that, you can be sure. I may be even more human than you. But let's just say that…when I go into battle…I tend to show a more…monstrous side." Ryujin said. The spiral of meat then grabbed Oeneus by his hands and threw him away, making him crash in the junk of the storage. "GAAAAH!"

"OENEUS!" Seeing the friend in danger, Tygo didn't hesitate for once and equipped the bull's horn to charge against Ryujin at full power, but the policeman seemed to be ready even for this.

"I see. Interesting." This time, Ryujin directly turned his arms into two large pillars of meat that slammed Tygo down and made sure to make him stay down.

"GAH! GH…I've…I've never seen a magecraft such as this before! Who…Who the hell are you!?" Tygo asked. "That…bastard…" Oeneus added.

"I'm simply someone who likes to do his job. You may call me an executor, like the ones on the Mages Association. I may even become your worst nightmare, if needed." Ryujin simply stated. In that moment, he could see the two Servants of the White Rose jumping towards him.

"Alright…you've made your choice." Rider of White stated. "You can even disappear now. Arrivederci!" Caster of White added. They both started to charge their attacks, Rider with her lyre while Caster with her scepter. Tygo and Oeneus thought that maybe they were safe. No matter how strong a mage could have been, they would have never been a match for a Servant.

But they were wrong. As Ryujin still didn't seem to be bothered by them standing so close. And then…it happened.

Suddenly, a burst of blue energy appeared in front of the two Servants, blocking their energy attacks. Both them and their Masters widened their eyes, as they recognized that form. Those blue lightnings…were his.

"Forgive me if I appear only now…but I was intrigued by how the discussion was going. You are very good with words If I may say!" Avenger, who suddenly appeared to defend Ryujin, said.

Everyone was shocked, even Alvis, who kept on looking. One of the most terrible Servants inside the Holy Grail War, the mysterious fifteenth one, suddenly appeared once again. And apparently…he brought what seemed to be the answer to his presence alongside.

"N-No way…" Oeneus spoke.

"No offense taken. As you could see, I was doing fine." Ryujin said to the Heroic Spirit, who made a delighted smirk.

"In that case…I'm sure you won't mind if I lend you a hand." Avenger said before turning towards the two Servants he blocked. "Greetings, dear lady! Surprised to see me again?"

"A-AVENGER!" Rider of White shouted.

"I…I should have imagined! Are you telling me that this man is his Master!?" Caster of White added.

By hearing this, Avenger felt even more pleased. "What if he is? This doesn't change the fact that I'm still here to take ALL YOU ON!" He answered before pushing the two Servants away with two beams of electricity.

"GHHH!" Both Rider and Caster of White were pushed away, but the former quickly jumped on her white bull, who was still landing the engine. "Have it your way! I won't allow you to hurt Tygo further!" She exclaimed, as she charged against the unwanted enemy.

"Yes…that's more like it. Make me feel pumped up!" Avenger requested as he dashed forward surrounded by a dark energy.

"How interesting…you and your Servants really look alike, don't you think?" Ryujin asked.

"Kh…you have no idea…and just like her, if you think that I'm just gonna stand here and take it, you're definitely wrong!" Tygo answered, as he already prepared a surprise for him. For once, he wanted to have the upper hand, especially if the opponent was someone like him.

Ryujin didn't get it at first, but as soon as he looked him, he could see that Tygo finished a strange drawing he made with his blood. "Uh!?" From the drawing, a pillar of energy with the head of a deinonychus was generated and forced Ryujin to jump back. "What was that?" He couldn't think about it that he could already see Oeneus jumping towards him while holding a sword.

"TSEAAAAH!" The Animusphere mage started to attack the other mage with a combo with the blade, forcing Ryujin to defend himself by using his arms turned into pile of meat. The policeman didn't seem to have difficulties on that, but on the other hand, it seemed that Oeneus' goal wasn't that of attacking. The mage of the White Rose then shoot a projectile of dark magecraft in Ronin's face, forcing him to recoil (even if he didn't get hurt that much). In that moment, Oeneus found the chance to jump over him and head towards the exit of the storage.

"Uh?" Tygo said, looking at his friend. "Tygo! Let's get out of here while we can! We can't fight with the engine exposed like this! Or we'll lose our chance!" Oeneus told him.

"What? Are you sure about this? We cannot lose sight on him, you saw him!" Tygo asked, considering the power that their opponent was showing.

"It's now or never! We need to take this engine back to the base! We can't afford to lose a precious chance to win the war! Don't worry! We'll give him a lesson for sure!" Oeneus insisted.

The other mage of the White Rose was still reluctant about this. But he could get his point. Even if it was an extremely hard task to escape from the sight of such a magus, especially if he was the one, they were looking for, they still needed to accomplish the reason why they came to that airport in the first place. After all, they both wanted their chance. So he nodded and looked at his Servant with a knowing look. "I understand! Let's go!" He said while summoning a spiritual gazelle that could help him escape.

But Ryujin surely wasn't going to let it happen. "A chance of victory, you say? I don't know you, but I would get worried more on your chances of surviving!" He exclaimed. In that moment, four tentacles made of meat started to come out from his back and started to head towards the two Masters. But Oeneus wasn't going to let it happen. He quickly turned around and used the sword to counterattack the tentacles.

Ryujin didn't lose any time and jumped towards him at high speed to reach them in a short time. The Animusphere mage could have sworn to see his life passing by as the enemy came closer and closer.

Caster of White saw it and immediately shot an iron gauntlet aimed at Ryujin, who saw it and put the tentacles of meat in position of defense to at least soften the blow.

"Caster!" Oeneus exclaimed. The female Servant landed near him and grabbed him quickly so that she could start to run away. "Come on, let's go!" She exclaimed.

"You want to turn this perhaps in a change? AHAHAH! I LIKE IT! LET'S GO, RYUJIN!" Avenger exclaimed, charging immediately at the fugitives surrounded by the dark aura. Right before he could come closer, Rider of White immediately played her lyre and made a blue thunder fall above him to at least stun him.

"Now!" Seeing the perfect chance to start moving, Rider of White ordered to her bull to start running. With a jump, she easily reached them and started the escape.

But, in less than a second, both Ryujin and Avenger stood up and resumed their chase as well. "I'm sure you don't want to miss a hit, right?" The Servant asked to the mage.

"Absolutely not." Ryujin simply replied before giving himself a push with the tentacles of meat. All of them were out of the storage by now and were running through the airport. All except one.

Alvis's water wolf was still there. But after seeing what tides the situation got…he decided he has seen enough. And apart from that…he didn't need to follow them. He had seen enough…and was shocked enough to see what he had got.

"To think I would have ended up like this…not only the White Rose might be planning something dangerous…but…I also saw him. The way he uses his magecraft…and the fact that he's accompanied by him of all people…there's no doubt. He's Avenger's Master! I need to tell Marcus and the others…they need to know…"

With that in mind, Alvis ordered to his water wolf to get out of there and head to the headquarters of the Red Rose.

While, in the outdoor area of the airport…the chase was still ongoing.

Avenger was flying at high speed while aiming at the two pairs of the White Rose with blue beams.

Rider of White's bull did his best to jump from spot to spot in order to get hit or to not get the engine they needed destroyed. It wasn't the first time he got to dodge devastating blows, but with Avenger as a chaser, he needed to put his best as an agile bovine.

Soon, the airport started to get filled with craters caused by Avenger's attacks, and Caster of White decided to answer back, at least in order to push him away. She raised her scepter and used it to shoot several beams of light aimed at Avenger while Oeneus kept on running.

Avenger took it as a challenge and dodged them with ease, flying towards her. Caster of White didn't give up yet and shot an iron gauntlet. The fifteenth Servant grabbed it and with some resistance, was able to throw it back at to the sender.

"What!?" Not expecting this, The Servant got hit and fell down.

"CASTER!" Oeneus shouted, but before he could be sure of his Servant's condition, he could notice that Ryujin was already behind him, and attacked him with one of the tentacles of meat. "GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

After crashing to the ground, Oeneus noticed a long cut on the spot between the chest and the belly and could have an example on how strong his chaser could actually be. "F-Fuck…"

"Oeneus!" Tygo exclaimed while he prepared his magecraft.

Ryujin, on the other hand, approached Oeneus while the meat on his arm started to remodel itself, taking the shape of a long and pointed blade. "I admire your dedication to the cause of your group. But you should always remember to not turn your back on anyone." He spoke. Without hesitation, he attacked Oeneus with the blade.

The Animusphere mage moved away in time, but still, he got hit to the shoulder, which started to severely bleed. "AAAAAAAAAAAH!" Even if in agony, he still found the energy to shoot a dark bullet in Ryujin's face.

The stranger mage put his blade in front of him to defend himself and noticed that Oeneus started to run again as soon as he got the chance.

Without adding anything, Ryujin was ready to cut his chase down, but he got suddenly surrounded by what seemed to be a group of men made by magical energy. "Uh?"

The spirits started to attack him all together, but for Ryujin, this didn't seem to be a problem, as he started to slice them down with ease. Still…the spirits continued to come with more frequency.

"Spiritual magecraft, isn't it? A marvelous technique, but as you can see, it's not enough!" The man exclaimed before cutting five spirits with a single slice. But right then, he could see that Tygo was already charging at him, powered up by the bull's horn. "What!?"

In an istant, Tygo attacked Ryujin with a strong headbutt that resembled the header of a bull, forcing him to recoil. This time the mage felt the attack, as he spit some blood even if he was still standing.

"Do not think it will be that easy to get rid of us! I've been waiting for this moment for so long, And FOR ONCE I WON'T LET PANIC GET OVER ME!" Tygo shouted while gathering the energy from the spirit men. As soon as he did so, he released the energy in a straight beam that aimed directly at Ryujin.

The man widened his eyes and generated the tentacles of meat to defend himself. He could feel small bits of his skin getting burnt, but he still resisted to the attack with ease. Once again, once the blow was done, he could see that Tygo was already gone and was starting to run away.

"Heh…you proclaim such words yet you still run like a coward!" Ryujin exclaimed. This time, he turned both of his arms in two blades and started to run at high speed. This time, he could see both dark bullets and spirits head towards him, forcing him to defend himself. "Hm?"

"Don't worry about that! You can still wait for that! I'll make sure to settle things right one day! I CAN'T WAIT FOR THAT MOMENT, ASSHOLE!" Oeneus shouted at him while he and Tygo kept on attacking.

Somehow, this made Ryujin grin. "Unfortunately, I'm not one that likes to wait. Why do so…IF WE CAN SETTLE THINGS NOW!?" He shouted while dashing.

For the two mages it seemed absurd, but it didn't even take a second that with a dash, Ryujin was already between them, slicing their bodies with a large cut.

"GA-AH!" Both mages of the White Rose lost blood from their mouth, but they quickly stood still and gritted their teeth. The situation seemed desperate, but they still weren't going the give up.

"Do not think…" Oeneus started.

"You can…" Tygo added.

"KILL US!" They shouted in unison. Resolute as ever, they started to charge magical energy from their circuits and immediately started to shoot several bullets of magecraft at Ryujin, who defended himself with the blade. The policeman could notice that the two of them were using more power than before. But either way…it still wasn't enough. Ryujin slowly started to walk towards them while he kept on defending himself.

Tygo and Oeneus's anxiety was at the maximum, but they continued. They still wanted to hold that hope, after giving so much confidence in each other, and as such, they continued to shoot, even if it seemed meaningless.

Meanwhile, Caster of White continued to shoot beams and spheres of energy aimed at Avenger, who kept on dodging them with ease. Rider of White tried to help her with lightnings summoned by her lyre while the bull continued to escape, but the unexpected fifteenth Servant seemed to be faster than ever.

"Dammit…his movements are so swift I barely can predict them!" Caster of White commented.

"I can say I enjoyed the chase, ladies…but unfortunately, I have my duty. I would like to continue more, but seeing how the first signal already disappeared, I should start to get going." Avenger said, as he charged his attack. "Last time you were lucky that I wasn't at my full energy. I wonder how you'll handle it now." He added with a diabolical smirk.

"Is he aiming to do that!?" Caster of White asked, fearing for the worst. Even Rider of White, who was used to maintain calm, started to get worried. Still…she had still one trump card she could use to make everyone get safe. So she smiled.

"Heh…you may be right…even more signal will probably come…and perhaps the next one WILL BE YOU!" She shouted.

"Uh?" Avenger asked.

"SFYRI' TOU TALOS!" Suddenly, a burst of flames erupted from behind Rider of White, making everyone turn around.

"W-What the!?" Ryujin exclaimed. "She used it!" Tygo added.

Avenger widened his eyes as he saw the gigantic iron golem that started to rise from it. Other people from the airport could even start to notice it.

"H-Huh!? What is that!?"

Still…Avenger didn't take it as a sign of fear…rather…as one of excitement.

"AHAHAHAHAHAH! INTERESTING! So, you intend to put me against the wrath of the gods? SO BE IT! I've already been at the bottom of despair, I'M READY TO TAKE WHATEVER IT TAKES!" He shouted, as he charged the darkness and dashed towards the golem.

Rider's golem started a small brawl with the Servant, who flew around him, trying to get the weak spots. At one point, he started to shoot several beams of energy that damaged the giant's body, even if it still wasn't falling down.

But then…suddenly, the iron changed direction.

"Uh!?" Avenger wondered why he did so, but when he looked down…everything went more clear.

The giant was already preparing a punch aimed at Ryujin. As soon as it closed its hand to a fist, fire started to surround its arm, making it look like a meteor ready to destroy the earth.

For once, Ryujin feared for the worst outcome, and the two mages he was facing took the chance to make one last sprint and escape.

Ryujin tried to defend himself, since he couldn't dodge such a massive blow. Though even an attempt of defense was worthless against something like that.

"WREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" At the last moment, Avenger dashed in front of Ryujin and blocked the fist with his own ones charged of energy.

What followed was a small eruption that could be seen from all the airport, making all the civilians worried.

Ryujin still had his eyes wide open as his head sweated and the tentacles of meat disappeared. This time, he could have admitted that he was almost dead.

He could see that the Servant in front of him was slightly damaged with some burns on his clothes, but he was still standing and breathing. "Eheheh…that was close…" The Servant commented.

"Yes…thank you…" Ryujin answered. As soon as the smoke disappeared, the first thing they could notice was simple.

The two pairs disappeared, as well as the iron giant.

"…They've managed to escape…" Ryujin commented, feeling just a bit annoyed.

"…Eheh…" Avenger started to clean himself from the dust. "Clever move, Rider of White...she used her Noble Phantasm to aim at you so that she could force me to react. By doing so, she got both me and you focused and gave them time to get out of here. Yeah...that punch wasn't intended to kill us. I could feel that it was weak." He then explained.

Ryujin didn't find it hard to believe. "Is that so? Then…perhaps I was wrong. These mages really are something. Heh…maybe they will be a challenge, after all."

"You're not upset?" Avenger asked.

"Just a little bit. This failure surely won't make me falter. No matter what they think…mine will remain the sole truth…order…is necessary." Ryujin replied.

"…Heh…you really stick to that belief of yours. I admire that passion…" Avenger commented.

In that moment, the staff of the airport arrived, wondering what was all that havoc from before. "Hey, you! Are you alright? What happened here?" One of them asked.

"There is no need to worry. Ryujin Gomon-sha, of the state police. I'll take care of it. Consider this zone under investigation." Ryujin promptly answered, showing them his distinctive.

Meanwhile, a few meters away from the airport, Tygo and Oeneus, alongside their Servants were walking away, heading back to their headquarters.

The two Masters were injured and full of blood. But despite everything…they kept on walking…still with the desire…of bringing the engine back with them. Luckily for them, the bull was able to avoid Avenger's attacks and brought away the engine in a safe way.

The walk was silent for a while. None of them seemed to have something to say. Until…

"…Hey…Tygo." Oeneus spoke.

"Uh? What is it?" Tygo asked. He then saw Oeneus slightly raise his fist towards him while he stopped himself.

The Animusphere mage raised his head and looked at the companion with a wry smile. "Well done."

The other mage realized what he meant and made a long smile. "You too, buddy!" There wasn't anything else to add, only the two of them do a fist bump.

"You really did one hell of a job there! And I really must thank you. If I knew that we would have met THAT guy…I don't know if I could have handled all by myself." Oeneus then added.

"Heh…don't even mention it. If it will help us win…I'll do whatever it takes. Plus…I gotta say…it feels good to help someone else…" Tygo answered to him.

"You can say that again! Thanks to your efforts we have the secret ingredient! I can assure you, this will be my greatest invention yet!" Caster of White then exclaimed.

"You surely are excited about all of this." Rider of White noticed. "Absolutely! Just a few days and you'll see what I'm holding for the Red Rose!" Caster of White promptly answered. "Plus, i must say, that idea of yours of using the golem was just super clever!

And then…the last piece was found…and the construction…could continue.


Tokyo – White Rose Headquarter – 18th April 2021 – 23.40 P.M

Back at the headquarters, Oeneus and Tygo could keep their heads high, as they showed the engine to the rest of their faction.

"The last component is at our hand. With this, it will take just some day and my project will be completed!" Caster of White announced.

Naturally, the most pleased one was Isak, who came closer. "Interesting. You surpassed yourselves this time. Yes…I can feel that this will help us a lot. I wonder how Yggdmillenia's group will react to this." He commented.

"Indeed. All of this seems so malicious that I love it!" Archer of White added.

"I suppose that we can leave it to you then, Oeneus?" Cynthia then asked.

"Well…even when it will be completed, we might need some help to get all of them in one point, so that we can take down all of them. So…if anyone of you offers themselves to help us, it will be welcoming." The Animusphere replied.

As soon as he said so, Adewale made a step forward. "In that case, we know of something that can suit you. Am I right, Berserker?" He then asked to her Servant.

"…I see. Very well." The female Servant simply replied. Her Master then turned around and looked at Oeneus with a smile. "You're making giant steps out here, kiddo. Glad to see that you were able to find your road."

"You can bet on it. This time I'll be the one making the first move. This is…my hope." Oeneus continued.

"Though…I'm also concerned about the other thing you've discovered…it seems that in the end, he decided to make the first move, uh?" Maximilian then pointed out. Apart from Oeneus's project, Ryujin's appearance surely became a first line news, now that they had what seemed to be a clearer figure of Avenger's Master's identity.

"Yes…and it seems that he's haunting each one of us. Even those of the Red Rose." Tygo replied.

"Heh…let him come, then. After all…considering that he decided to mess with us and our path to the Holy Grail. If he shows up, it's only natural that we answer and take him down. Don't you think?" Assassin of White suggested.

"Judging by what you said…he seems quite strong, though…" Adewale pointed out.

"This won't be a problem at all. We still have a lot of trump cards in our assets, like the one Oeneus and his Servants are going to use soon. Victory is still on our side." Lancer of White answered him with a convinced smirk.

"Guess we already have a lot of ways to get this war on our side, eh Seram?" Cynthia then asked to the Master of their Saber. "Uh? Seram?" She called, noticing that her friend seemed off.

"Uh? What? Oh…sure…" Seram simply replied.

"…Is there something wrong?" The Rosi mage asked, worried.

"No…it's…nothing…don't worry. I was just…overthinking." Seram replied, not wanting to expose herself too much.

"Hmmm…in case you can tell me, ok?" Cynthia then added. Once again, this answer left Seram surprised. Once again, an act of generosity towards her. For her…it was almost impossible. But still…she couldn't be entirely convinced of what was happening.

Meanwhile, Oeneus was looking at everyone who seemed to be enthusiastic about the new move. It was almost a new sensation for him. For many years, he had lived in the shadows of the talents of his lineage, and now this chance of upper advantage for the war was his and no one else's. This time…he would have done something. But surely…if he was there…it was thanks to someone.

"…Caster…" He spoke.

"Hm?" Caster of White turned on him.

"…Grazie." The mage told her, joking on his Servant's nationality. Caster of White couldn't help but smile. In the end, she managed to completely change his mind and help him grow up a bit. She could answer in only a way.

"Heh…prego…"

And, nearby, someone else heard the news and wondered how to help.

"An invention brought up by a genius such as Caster of White…this could be interesting. Though…why did Avenger attack them? It was…too soon for that…" Teufel wondered. "Oh well…at least there wasn't any major damage." He then looked at Oeneus and made a small grin. "You've caught my attention, young Animusphere. I wonder how you'll surprise me…"


Tokyo – Red Rose Headquarter – 18th April 2021 – 23.45 P.M

The White Rose was convinced of their victory, knowing Caster of White's capabilities. But they didn't know that the unexpected can happen.

Such as…them knowing all of this in advance.

After witnessing the short battle, Alvis made his water wolf to the headquarter of the Red Rose, where he referred everything at the companions that were still fighting.

Naturally, they were surprised.

"…Heh…guess they don't want to let us go. Even if it's natural. So, what should we do about it?" Gordon asked to the others.

"…I think it's simple. We've been caught by surprise by them already twice. But this time, thanks to Alvis, it will be us to take advantage of them. Still…we need to know what this 'project' of theirs is." The leader of the Red Rose replied, already starting to think of a strategy to counter their idea.

"Back when we fought at Kabuki-Cho, Caster didn't seem that powerful. So, this idea she has may regard some of her true talents…" Caster of Red spoke.

"Yes. Even when we fought some day ago, she stood hidden somewhere and developed some sort of armor for her Master." Lancer of Red added.

"In that case…it seems that she is more skilled when it comes to intelligence and strategy skills rather than regular force like most of the Servants here. But…I'm also concerned about that other thing…is it true that the policeman was accompanied by Avenger?" Calem then asked to the water wolf.

"Absolutely. I saw him appear right in front of him." Alvis confirmed.

"So…he appeared on his own…" Cahya spoke. "And he seems to be mad with us…I wonder why…" Cleopatra added.

"Are you telling me that we need to face some sort of terminator of mages!? Oh God…how are we supposed to take him down!?" Astrea asked.

"We will find a way. As long as you are guided by me, there will always be another way! As far as I can understand his desire, order should not be put in that way! It's something that we of the Yggdmillenia clan know quite well."

"Still…the fact that he was the Master of Avenger caught my curiosity! I wonder how strong he can be! Maybe he's at your same level, Gordon!" Saber of Red then said to his Master, who chuckled.

"Heh…guess there's only one way to find out. In case…I don't mind facing someone else that can put me in difficulty. After all…we were looking for him, right?" The Fragarthach mage answered.

"Still…this makes me wonder about one thing…" Kazuto suddenly pointed out. "If this Ryujin is Avenger's Master…who was that guy that could see Lancer of Red?" He asked.

"…A good question indeed. Perhaps that Servant is still shrouded in mystery…or maybe there's something even deeper about it." Calem replied.

"Well…one thing is for sure. Since he's after us, we'll see him again. But for now…after hearing all of this, I think we have someone else to take care of, right?" Archer of Red asked to everyone.

"Well said. I'm glad that despite everything that happened, you decided to still help us, Alvis. We owe you a lot. Perhaps this will turn out to be your perfect comeback!" Marcus said.

"Please…if anything, I need to thank you for giving me this chance. Like I said to Kazuto and Cahya, I want to, at least, make your dream come true." Alvis answered back.

"W-Well…that's kind coming from you…" Astrea commented, feeling embarrassed. "Come on, don't feel that way! It's a sign of gratitude!" Caster of Red told her.

"Y-Yeah, I know Master- I mean…Caster." The Alainosta mage answered.

"Yes! I'll give my best too! I still need to find a way to avenge my beloved Medb, right?" Saber of Red wondered.

In the end, even if things seemed cloud for their victory, thanks to this anticipation brought by a defeated comrade, the Red Rose kept on fighting and thinking. If anything, they wanted to have the same hope that Oeneus was having in that moment.

Because, after all, this is what the Holy Grail War meant for those who wanted to participate in. A last chance to make things better for themselves. The hope that they wanted to be clinging on to get out from a situation of pure sorrow.

After that reunion, they decided to rely on Alvis for more information before the White Rose started their attacks, and with that, the faction was dismissed.

Kazuto and Archer of Red were heading home for the night, and during the way, Alvis's water wolf accompanied them.

"It seems that a hard work will awaits you, right, Alvis?" Kazuto asked.

"Yeah…if anything, Rider would be happy to hear that I'm working hard! Man…we've been together for a short time but…I can feel that everything is more…quiet without her." Alvis replied.

"So, you were…a bit attached to her?" Archer of Red asked.

"Maybe…I mean, she did harass me a lot but…she was still someone I could rely and that fought alongside me. Even in our last moments…I could feel that we were ready. Uhm…I hope you're not upset again, Kazuto…" Alvis said to the other Master.

"Don't worry…I've passed through it. I know, I'm a crybaby. But…coming here, I've accepted how the Grail War works…so I shouldn't have been surprised. If anything…I need to thank you, Alvis. I…I hope I won't let you down in the future. I…fight for someone I care a lot as well." The Tohsaka mage told him.

"Is he talking about that pendant I saw this morning…?" Alvis thought. "I'm glad to hear it."

"Well…you are a crybaby indeed, but I can see that you're growing a bit." Archer of Red jokingly said, making Kazuto chuckle. "Ahah! Come on Archer, don't be unfair!" He spoke.

But deep inside, he knew that she was right. It was repetitive to remind himself of this. But he needed to wipe his tears. He needed to do so if he wanted to win…if he wanted to survive…

If he wanted to find joy again… "And maybe...i want to do it for myself. I...I've suffered enough. I want to answer now."

Just like Oeneus, who kept on looking on Caster of White's invention, that was close to competition. In a few days, it would have been ready.

For both of them…hope was something that needed to be taken.

And now, they were ready to get it.


And we're finally done! Gosh, this chapter changed a lot from when I started but in the end, I liked how it went! I consider it a proper way to start things again.

And of course, let me tell you why it took a while to complete the chapter. I was a bit hesitant to start a new chapter for this story, since I still needed to recover from the important stuff that happened in the previous chapter, so I wanted to release the tension. But most importantly, at the end of 2022 something important happened.

A while ago I mentioned that I would have started something really important. That thing was that I started a manga academy of my country. A lot of my attentions were brought to that, and since I was focused in that, my writing skills were lowered. Then…the academy started to put me a lot of anxiety and stress…and in the end, I've decided to abandon it. I've felt a lot upset and disoriented…and maybe it's something that will pursuit me for still a while. But fortunately, I'm slowly healing from that scar, and I still have an alternative for what happened. And on the bright side, I now have more free time to focus on these stories! And we're kinda themed, considering that not only we got the trailer for a Fate/Strange Fake movie, but we also got the complete Lostbelt 7 on the JP version of FGO!

So yeah, I'm a bit sad for what happened, but still, my passion and my creativity is still flowing in a perfect way, so I'm still willing to not let anyone down and surprise you with more chapters for my stories, hoping that I can get back on track with this and my other ones! I guess I really like writing and I didn't notice that XD!

Speaking of the chapter itself, It was mostly focused on the next move to make from both factions now that the first Servant was eliminated. I've started with confused ideas, but thanks to the various breaks, I was able to put back the various pieces and finish the chapter in a way that could make sense. Plus, this chapter introduces two major antagonists that will make quite a trouble in the story! I don't know If I'm good at keeping mysteries inside a story, but for this one, I'll make sure to confuse you as long as possible (You can hate me now XD)! Plus, I liked to dig a little deeper on the various characters that appeared here, especially from the White Rose. Also for making things clearer, whenever Alvis's lines were in bold, it was because he was speaking through the water wolf he sent, and yeah, even if he didn't seem like it, Ryujin is a human! He just has this weird magecraft that makes him look like a mutant.

But of course, I leave the last opinion to you! Did you like the chapter? What did you think of the various interactions, what do you think of the new entries Teufel and Ryujin (even if they appeared already in previous chapters)? But most importantly...do you think you have understood the truth about Avenger's Master? So that you can brag about it? As always, let me know with your review and your theories! Your opinion is important!

So yes, you can also have a breath of relief. This story is not discontinued, and it will keep going! It simply needs a bit of time since I'm an emotional mess! But as always, I got you guys! Thank you once again for waiting, and from Bluestar here, Arrivederci!