The Way, Truth, and Light

by WizardlyWords

In the midst of tragedy, among the ruins in hell, a lone boy wanders through the valley of death. Chocking on smoke, swimming through tears, he looks up and begs for help. Clutching the symbol of his faith, begging for salvation as the world ends, he asks for his savior's embrace. And he is justly rewarded. For Jesus is never far from the cries of his flock.

5. Arc 0: Flames of the Valley

Author's Note:

Got one of these on the top and bottom of the page. This time it's to explain that this is delayed because I've had CoVid, as well as my wife, and it treated us as well as an abusive parent. So now that we're both over it, it can get back to writing.

God Bless.

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Ritsuka knew that when they found the Director and Cu, there would be many questions. He knew the same way he knew of the mockery that came from those who did not understand the Church. It only made sense they wouldn't understand when they were able to bear witness.

He did not expect the accusations, however. Maybe he should have.

"We will not be taking another step until you tell me how you did that!" Her hand flung from Ritsuka to Jesus. He stood taller in front of her. "You weren't able to strike at that Berserker, but you want me to believe you caught, bent, and broke that massive attack from Saber!?"

"Gotta admit, I'm findin' it hard to put a net around, too." Lancer leaned on his red lance. The sharp smile gone, replaced instead by thin lips. "Seein' as that bitch was able to take out a good portion of the city alone, and that's 'fore she decided to take up residency as a guardian. What you did? Heck, you could've ended the first war with that kinda strength."

"The first war? I'm concerned about this war!" Olga slammed her foot down. "We are looking for the other Masters because they could have Servants of their own, but if you have the strength to simply end the enemy servants, then we could be looking for them without the fear of death!"

"Not discountin' fear as a motivator, but it ain't as much fun when you're using it ta look for people. In a fight or training? Sure, put ya in the center of the Dullahan for all I care. Lookin' around her? That's just playing with fire."

"No jokes! Not now! Not after we were almost killed because some other Servant thought it a good idea to not show what he was capable of!" Her amber eyes bore on Jesus. Ritsuka was ready to step in if she raised a hand. "You clearly have the strength to overcome Berserker, seeing as you had no issue with the attack from Saber, so why did you refuse to kill her!? No no, not just that, you let her GO!"

"Because nothing is gained by the taking of life, especially of one who is drowned in madness." The words of Jesus rang clearly. "Desperate as she was to inflict harm, she did so not of hatred of us, but grief of what she believed we were. That is not a sin deserving of death."

"Wanting to kill someone is not a sin!?"

"Not when ignorance is all you have, and the sense innocence and self-robbed. No more could she hold blame for striking at me than a child would be for picking up their father's blade."

"I don't know about that man, she seemed pretty on the ball about wantin' to kill us. And between us, I'm not a slouch when it comes to fighting. She wasn't exactly a novice, if that's what you're implying."

"Are you saying she saw you as the Child of Light?" Jesus's pointedly asked. The red eyes of the Lancer blinked. "Did she see you as who you are, or see you as what she was made to see." His hand ran against his robes. "She was blinded by something, working against her will."

"So, to iterate, you didn't kill a Servant… because she was being tricked?"

"Deceived, but your words are near mine." Jesus stood tall, and Ritsuka felt better for listening to him. "Even if she were of foul intent, I cannot say I would strike out to kill her."

"Of course not, of course not! Why would you, the literal son of God, ever want to take a life!" The Director fumed as she spun around. "Not wanting to harm her cause she's too stupid, then saying you not gonna hurt her just because! Trying to keep up with your logic is giving me a headache!"

"Your desire to have me kill is one you must be rid of. No good comes from wishing for death upon others."

"It would keep me safe!" Her amber eyes nearly glowed like the fire outside. "And what about you!? Are you going to actually tell me you don't have anything to fear!?"

"By my father's promise, I do not." She let out a sound like the fire, gargling, trapped, and suffocating. "All those who believe in me fear as much. Will you turn away from me out of desire to cling to this world?"

"I'm turning away from you because you are not making any sense!" She was starting to pull her hair. "Never mind the fact that this near lecherous man carried me like a bag of meat at speeds jets would struggle to match, but I stand only to see an attack I am sure was about to destroy the entire side of the city, bent and broken into nothing but remnants of magical circuits!"

"What's there to explain? We saw it? You're just not liking that he could do it." She fumed, throwing her hands down before stiffening up like a board. Ritsuka kept himself a step back.

"I do not like… the idea… of a man with so much power… choosing to not use it." Her breath was short as she spoke. "And I know his strength is greater because of you!"

"Me?" Ritsuka pointed at himself, matching the director.

"Yes! You were fatigued from supporting Cu's Skills, and you admitted it. But you've expressed nothing after supporting what Jesus did!"

He hadn't even thought hew as meant to be tired. Too many times he had been told that the presence of his Lord would keep him full and complete. Maybe that was apart of it.

"It would not be a foolish idea… to question your allegiance." Her words dragged him back from reverie…

"Wait, you mean you don't think Jesus is here to help us?" He looked to his Lord, but the Son of God was staring at the Lancer and Director. "No, that's crazy. He is the literal son of God! He has died for our sins and given up his flesh for us!"

"I'm not talking about his legend, but the present! In case you missed it, that Berserker was more than a little corrupted by the Grail. Who's to say he isn't the same!" The idea made his gut twist.

"Director… I-I believe you're wrong. If he was… if Jesus wasn't allied with us, he wouldn't have saved me." Mash's words were an instant balm to the tensions.

"That… is honestly less likely, I'll grant that. But it isn't impossible! You agree me Lancer, don't you? You're the one who has seen more war than any of us before. Even including this Son of God." Ritsuka could nearly taste the mockery in her voice. He was reconsidering working with her. Who was she to challenge God? Who was Lancer to judge him?

"Can't say it's impossible, but doin it without a scratch or ember on ya?" Well, at least he was reaching the right conclusion. It wasn't what the Director wanted to hear.

"You think his attire means he's pure?"

"Nah, more like I've seen the other heroes corrupted, and they aren't exactly wearing the same threads." He ran a calloused hand up and down his blue suit. "Berserker? She was dressed in a white battle dress and pair of pauldrons till the leather got slapped on her. Archer? You haven't seen 'im yet, but the dude's wearing more cloak and dagger than he has cloaks or daggers to his legend."

"Your point is?"

"My point is that I'm not seein' the Corrupted Grail spittin' out a guy who's dressed this clean, looking to wake up girls from dirt naps, and actively swearing to help out humanity. Too much is riding on our side." He spun his lance around, looking over Jesus with his antics. "There's good, there's lucky, then there's God Chosen few." Ritsuka had to smile at that.

"I am among fewer than those." Then he had to laugh.

"UGH! This is ridiculous!" Olga did not agree. "I just... we were worried the entire city was about to be blown off of the face of this Earth, and you are casually mentioning that it won't hurt you, but it you won't hurt them?! That's akin to a Lord of the Clocktower boasting about finding the means to contact the Root and then refusing to do so!"

"Director, it isn't... obvious what is going on, but I think we should be grateful we are alive." Mash stepped forward. "L... Jesus Christ did save us, after S-Senpai asked him to. He was faithful to us, and I don't believe... I don't think he would be trying to trick us."

"You too Mash? I thought we knew better than jumping to conclusions by now." Ritsuka wondered why Mash looked hurt by the inquiry. He put it away as the alabaster haired woman sighed. "But... it would be just as foolish of me to recognize the power of the Servant before me and then argue about it. I want you to go and fight the other Servants, but you won't do that, will you?" That wasn't worth his Lord answering.

"You can't be asking Jesus to go out and kill someone." Amber eyes on him told him she was. "That's... I can't even make a metaphor out of that. He is Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. And you're asking him to kill?"

"Gotta admit lass, that's a bit weird to put to tongue." Her fury changed targets in a moment.

"Don't you go telling me about decorum! I felt your hands when you were running with me!" Ritsuka blinked, even as Cu laughed at her accusatory finger. "But fine! I accept that Jesus can't attack the Servants, I'll accept it!" She didn't sound accepting. "But you have to admit that they weren't willing to listen to us. At least that Berserker wasn't!"

"She did not heed my words nor listen to my truths. You are correct." Jesus answered. Like the miracle he was made from, Olga smiled.

"Good, then we can assume we have to tackle them. And we have one Servant here who is at least willing to fight. I am correct in that judgement, right?"

"Hey, I would've fought Berserker till I was down an arm and a leg. Ain't my fault by-standards and other competitors wanted ta get in on the action." The Lancer spun his spear around, showing it off, clearly. "You get me a one-on-one match, and I can see to putting her to bed." Ritsuka's stomach lurched.

"That's better than nothing." Olga lacked the remorse he felt. "Then we need to make a plan in the meantime. I still want to find the other Masters, but if they are being housed near the Grail or Archer, than we should look for that first. Otherwise, contacting Chaldea is another high priority. If we can gain connection, we may be able to figure out who the Servants are, which will give us a means to face them on more even ground." It would? "Your thoughts?"

"Do we... have to kill them?" His question barely was spoken before Olga's amber eyes trained on him.

"No one is created to die." Jesus spoke for him.

"For the love of Ae... we do not have the time to have another moral quandary! We need to find a way to the other Masters or Chaldea! Can we please focus on that?"

"We may, that as soon as you admit the taking of a life is wrong." Jesus's words were soft, but strict.

WHAM! Olga's head hitting the desk was jarring.

"I... am the Director of Chaldea, an organization sworn to uphold the Order and History of Humanity. The history of mankind, currently being threatened, by those who want to kill us. Not merely to wipe out us in few number, but all of us. Defending Humanity, as in the collective of our past, present, and future, will mean the taking of lives of those who wish to kill us." Her head dragged against the desk as she stood up.

"I understand there are pacifists and cowards throughout humanity, but I also hope you understand that wishing for no war to come doesn't mean none will. There will always be someone who wishes to kill, always, just as there is always someone seeking knowledge. Chaldea was established not as a means to... go off and commit violent acts for some common love of death! It was made to defend those who are seeking intelligence, by getting rid of forces that lurk in that knowledge." Her breath was slow, but her eyes were as hot as the fires outside the window. "Mash... can you please explain?"

"Y-Yes, I'll try!" The lavender haired girl jumped up. "You are aware of Chaldea's purpose, correct Senpai?"

"I think so. I mean... I understand what... you are trying to do." He had to use the right word there. Olga looked appreciative. Mash, less so. She bit her lip before continuing.

"R-Right, well, the threats of Humanity, and those focused on our Order, are usually discovered by the Maguses who are looking into the Order of Humanity. This can be the past or present, sometimes the future, but it is like... like..." She stumbled. "I-I apologize. I do not know the appropriate way to describe it. Senpai you don't... you haven't been educated in the world of Magi before."

"I'm not, but... is it really that hard to understand?"

"I-I-I-I'm sorry. I didn't-"

"Peace, Mash. You have no reason to confess. You have no sins." Jesus strode forward instead, putting a hand on her shoulder. The girl calmed in a moment, as the Lord looked down at her. "You are wise enough to know the strengths of the man you call your leader, and you are kind enough to lay stress or worry at his feet. Do not create guilt when none is needed."

The girl did relax with his words, her breath evening out and slowly nodding her head. Olga was grinding her teeth, but Ritsuka saw only Mash. The girl who had saved him, and now was being comforted by his first Savior.

It was a wonderfully euphoric thing to see.

"Would you wish for me to explain?" The question threw her.

"My Lord?"

"Explain. You were against it!"

"I am against the killing of others, culling with the blade before offering words." Jesus looked towards the Director. "You are not describing an army marching against a castle's walls, but of foes beyond the earthly world, to the points of creation my father has not gifted mankind to look upon. Not before their final days." Ritsuka's mind felt light.

"My Lord... are you saying that... they are looking into..." He couldn't find the words.

"Whatever it is you're thinking, NO!" Perhaps not. "But he's not wrong. Thankfully I should say. We study more than just the Order of Humanity, but also the forces that are at the core of human nature. This includes, before all else, the Root."

"You mentioned that. S-Sorry, but what is it?" Mash looked ready to speak. He didn't miss Jesus keeping his hand on her shoulder, lightly shaking his long mane.

"The Root, is the source of all." The Director stood tall as she spoke. "The Root, or the Record of the Root, is the gateway to which all things come into the world and their histories are stored. The information regarding the Heroic Spirits come from the Root, as well as our own spirits. It is also where the determination of the future events and record of past events are stored. This information, kept safe by the Root and Ae, is how the Order of Humanity continues to thrive, and it is what all Magus strive to reach."

She walked about the room, passing a few of the toppled desk and standing before a blackboard. Her posture reminded Ritsuka of the sisters of the schools he was put in. And her tone like that of the Mother.

"Because the nature of the Root is impossible to determine alone, Magus search for it in a hope of being able to influence future events, analysis the history of other Maguses to improve their own, or to better adapt their magical abilities. The Root is, by all purpose, the paper to which the Order of Humanity is written on. Magus strive to not only find that paper, but also the pen to write on it with." She leaned forward, a confident grin dancing across her lips. Her amber eyes glowed with the fire outside. "Does that make sense?"

It did. In that he thought of it alone. If Ritsuka thought of the Root only about what she said, it made prefect sense. It was clear... if he wasn't also in the same room as his Lord and Savior. Because he was, he was reminded of what else it sounded like.

Somewhere all souls are born and then return to, and where the past, present and future of humanity is outlined.

"So then... it's heaven?"

Cu started laughing, and Mash sounded nervous. Jesus... he only continued to smile. Ritsuka had no other wishes but to continue to have that smile lay upon him.

He wished the Director had one. Instead of the expression that threatened to pop a nerve in her head. He could have sworn he heard the sound of nails grinding at the table, and maybe something move inside of her skull. She looked ready to throw something.

That was until that 'shift' in her head turned into a pop. Olga, the Director of Chaldea, collected herself swiftly. Not as fast as the priests who had to adapt to the hecklers barging into mass, but well enough.

"Let's just say yes so we can move forward. How's that? I say the Root, you say Heaven, and we both look towards saving the other Masters and leaving. Is that acceptable?" He wasn't honestly sure. It felt almost akin to denying God, to call him something else. He looked towards the Son of he.

And he saw a kind smile gracing him. He smiled in return before facing the Director again.

"Sure. A-And I'm sorry if I made you feel upset. I was just... I honestly don't know."

"Considering how Mash had to assist you after your humiliation earlier at Chaldea, I understand." She pinched the bridge of her nose. "And I'm going to be go through an equal amount of humiliation when I have to report that a talentless Master was the saving grace towards my life and the Order of Humanity."

"I'm... sorry?"

"No apologies, not yet and not now." Her eyes hardened. "For now, we try and find the Masters first. For that, I propose going towards the Grail first."

"Before facing off against the other guys?"

"If we challenge Berserker or Archer again, we'll be in the same position as before. Having arrows shot at us or another blade of darkness descending on us. We also don't have the means to fight only one, especially if the Master and a Servant are unwilling to kill." Her eyes turned towards her colleague. "Mash, I trust you have some training to be able to put us into contact with Chaldea?"

"I-If I had tools, yes... Thought I don't know where I would find them, Director. I apologize."

"No need again. Instead, tell me what you would need?"

"Well... for contact with Chaldea, we would need to connect with the Leylines, so that we can connect our current selves with the bodies storied in the Chaldea coffins." Bodies in coffins? They were dead? "Dr. Archaman did explain to me how to track medical processes through the Rayshift."

"He did?"

"Y-Yes! He wanted to assure me that he would keep an eye on me at all times." Her hands fell to her chest, grabbing at her attire. "I'm sure he and everyone else are deeply worried about us. I think... we should get in contact with him soon."

"Then we'll do that, too. Maybe he will have more information than we do." The Director pushed off the wall. "In fact, if we get in contact soon, we may be able to plan out a more effective means of storming the Grail's Cavern. What do you need to establish a connection to the Leylines?"

"A... A magical object that acts as a conduit. Not a generator or storage device, m-meaning gemstones wouldn't work, but something like... um..."

"Regalia, maybe?" Lancer threw in. An incredulous eye looked towards him. "Hey Lass, I know I'm a Lancer know, but my teach taught me all about Nordic Runes. I got a Caster class lyin' in me somewhere, so I know that the Regalia we servants are summoned with can work like that."

"Then you're offering yours?" His laughter killed any good will he just made.

"HA! No, cause I know that it'd burn up my Gae Bulg if ya used it like that." His what now? Ritsuka almost blushed. "Nah, but funny enough, I'm willin' to bet the house of Saber's former Master has got something there."

"Saber's master. In the Cavern then?"

"Actually in the forest, near hear, closer to where we were, farther than the Grail. Got one piece of trouble with it though. It's where Archer is makin' his home. More simply." His thumb moved from pointing over his shoulder to drawing over his neck. "Mess up in there, and we don't get the Grail, Masters, or a way out."

"Wonderful." Olga rubbed at her face. Her hands moved over the soot covered tables in the room. "Then... I suppose it would be best to go after Archer."

"And why is that?"

"Because we are looking for three objectives, and you just said that the base of Archer has two out of three. That increases our chances of getting out of here safely." Mash made a sound. "You understand, right Mash?"

"I do! D-Director Olga, you, mean that we are going to search for the Masters and a means to contact Chaldea. As opposed to the Grail, where we can only search for the Masters or attempt to close the grail." She was grinning broadly.

"Case I missed it, that's two against two."

"Yes, but while both are considered enemy territory, there will likely be nothing of use to us in the Grail's quarters. If the object is so corrupt that it has caused the destabilization of Humanity's Order, and a Singularity, then it will likely need time and energy to fix. We are looking for time and energy in Archer's hovel, so we won't be able to correct it by just being near."

"And going up to where Archer is perched means finding some artifacts, or regalia to help." Cu's red eyes danced like his polearm. "Kay lass, you're showin' of more than your figure with a strategy like that. Reminds me of a few queens of Ireland."

"I... I regretfully accept that compliment." Her breathing was short. "Is this suitable for you?"

"I think so. I mean... I don't know much about what's going on. I just know that it sounds like this is safer, or at least just as important with less risks."

"Then you have an exceedingly high view of the matter, but better than you had before. I trust you can convince Jesus to listen to this?"

"I have already heard your words, Young Leader of Mystics." The Lord spoke. "And I am pleased you have found a wise choice of action. Well done."

"Wha- that quickly!?" Ritsuka had to blink at the outburst. "I thought you would be opposed to conflict!"

"I am. For any man who enjoys an act of destruction knows not the toil another man spends in lifting himself up." Cu made a snort in the air. Ritsuka stared at him. "But you aim to gather the fruits of another man's successes, and not to spite him, but save others. In what manner should I offer spite, when it is action chose to preserve the gift of life?"

"I... nothing! There's nothing to disagree or spite!" She puffed her chest out. "And so long as we continue to do as I say, I'm sure we'll find our way out of here with the other Masters and much less for wear."

"That sounds excellent! Good plan, Director!" Said Director preened at Mash's words, the smile dancing across her lips genuine and tall.

"Yes... yes, thank you. I'm glad it has worked out. However," she curled back over. "We cannot jump into this right now. After the incident with Saber, I'm doubtless that there is stress on your circuits." Her eyes were at him.

"Stress on my circuits? You mean those magical things? It was a little sore, but it's okay." More pointed stares fell his way. "It is, honestly. I've felt worse when I was sleeping at the church or doing tasks for the sisters. This is just an itch."

"It could be the early stages of necrosis." The Director's words were harsh... but he didn't know if they were untrue. "If you over exert your circuits, especially after just having learned how to use them, you could end up losing the arm." He gripped his shoulder. Too many memories of the less fortunate walking in, sleeves tied and favoring one leg.

"That... that can happen? I didn't even know how to use these wires."

"Circuits, and that's an even bigger problem." She sighed again. "But we can't worry about it right now. I'm already more than well aware of your short comings, so we just have to work around them until we find a more suitable Master Candidate."

"I say we let the three of ya take a rest for the night. None of ya have had a taste of it sense you got here, and I'm willin' ta bet at least on of you is dead on your feet." Cu's grin was as sharp as his lance's head. "Now's the time to get a nap in. And Master, I'd rather you sleep on soot and wake up with a sore cheek than try and check out a dirt nap. Haven't seen many rouse themselves from those."

"Joking aside, that would be the best course of action. Not unless you wish to perform some kind of miracle?" Ritsuka looked at the Director, wondering what she meant by that.

All the way until she saw him staring at Jesus. His breath was cold.

"What miracles are needed? You ask for one of convenience, not need." But his Lord's words warmed him. "Rest, as you need, and in the morn' we will walk. All will be well then, I can promise this to you." Ritsuka had no reason to deny him.

"Of course we'll be better off after a nap. Don't act like you're making some grand prophecy. Just... Just..." She took another long breath. "We will stay here . I am sure Ritsuka, Mash and I may gain a few hours rest." The Director put her hands to her hips. "In the meantime, you two can search elsewhere. Maybe you'll find something to help us."

"No, hold on." He saw the Director almost gag. "I think the Lord should be able to rest first. It would be inappropriate for me to rest before he has."

"He can't get tired. He's a servant."

"Servants don't require eating or sleeping, Senpai. Their energized by the Prana alone." Mash grabbed his hand, gently, holding it by the fingers. He followed her grip, dainty, but calloused, digits grabbing his own. Larger, and just as worn. "It is why it is important you are well-rested and fed. If not, then they could suffer as well."

"But... the idea of resting when my Lord does not. It feels wrong." He looked to Jesus. "I know what happened in the Garden. Everyone else slept, but-"

"But I ask you to sleep, not stay awake with me. I ask you now to follow my words and rest." His hand fell over his head, combing his hair. A peace settled over Ritsuka, and the idea of being upset with the idea left him.

"Good, that settled, you two go out and prepare this place for us." Olga waved at Jesus and Cu. Like... servants? No, hold on.

"You're saying... we should have Jesus leave us?" The idea felt wrong to his body. The sure nod from Olga made his soul spin. "No. That's a horrible idea!"

"I'm here too, Master."

"Shut up, you know why he's getting like this." The Lancer laughed off the Director's comment. "And you, need to relax, you fool. I am not insinuating we go off and try and fight a war. He will look for supplies with Cu, or I suppose the better option here is have him watch over the building as we rest. If that technique with the blade wasn't a fluke, he'll be better off watching in case Saber strikes at us again. Let alone if Archer or Berserker try to attack us." She folded her arms as she regarded him. "Are you about to cling to 'your Lord' even when he is better served somewhere else?"

"I'm not going to order my Lord. He is my Lord. He may make orders from me."

"Ritsuka Fujimaru." His God spoke, and he turned back to face him. "Mash Kyrielight." The face of Jesus looked down at them both, a serene expression upon his features, even as hell burned outside. "I will leave you now, but only for a short time. There are things I must meditate on. Take this time to rest. You have both had a harrowing journey to me." Ritsuka let out a comforted sigh.

"Like with Paul at the Mount of Transfiguration." He felt Mash look to him. "Where he spoke to Moses and Elijah, after he asked for time to meditate." She made a sound of understanding.

"Moses and Elijah! The man freed the jews from Egypt against his adopted brother Ramses the II, and the one who is credited for naming and slaying Baal!"

"Not... so much slaying, but he did defeat him." Ritsuka corrected. It earned an admonished look from Mash. "B-But you know more than Olga! She didn't know that." The squawk from the Director was only overpowered by the laughter of Lancer.

"I'll have you know that I am aware of them! I even know that John the Baptist was sometimes referred to as the Emmanual, from a vision Elijah had of the coming of God!"

"And he in turn denied it, for though my father spoke to them of peace and prosperity for their enteral souls, they had no offerings beyond the offered word." Jesus outstretched his hand. "And I am the Word made flesh." The director rounded on him.

"Then go and spread your word!" Ritsuka's jaw tightened. "And you are going to stay here! Even your Lord told you to!"

"Senpai… the Director is right. We should stay here." Her hand was on his before Ritsuka was aware of it. Aware that it was clenched at least. He relaxed it, guilt flooding him as he looked at Mash. "Your circuits, remember?" He hadn't.

"O-Okay," his gaze trepedaciously looked towards Jesus. His Lord smiled in return. "I will… I will wait for your return, my Lord." He made to bow, but a hand on his shoulder caught him.

"You needn't wait, as I am never apart from you." His hand trailed, touching the center of his chest. To Ritsuka, it like a flame of warmth was being directed within him. His lungs felt as if a kick was delivered to them, letting him take in a deep breath of air. It felt cleaner than anything the soot filled chamber could possibly provide. "Be at ease, and be prepared. Until then, be patient." Then he turned from them, walking out the fire warped entrance.

"Guy knows how to make an exit," Cu followed up. "Sorry ta say I don't have much for the theatrics there. You three will just have ta keep your guard up. 'Specially you Lass." His grin was toothy.

"You're barking up the wrong tree, Lancer." He laughed at her venom.

"Seems to be a habit of mine." He twirled his red lance. "Seriously though, be sharp as Gae Bulg and just as strong. Be back in a flash." The blue clothed man walked out a moment later, leaving the three of them alone. Ritsuka already loathed being apart from Jesus.

"Finally some time to think." The Director, however, had no such reservations. "I feel as though there hasn't been a second to breathe in the past day."

"Has it really been a day?"

"I suppose. It's harder to tell with the amount of Prana and destruction in the air." He didn't get it, and the alabaster haired woman twirled her finger. "Prana allows you a sense of the world's time, if properly applied, but the destruction is clouding the sky. I can't see the stars or the sun. If there is a sun." That made him stop.

"No sun. You think this… this would have-"

"Not like that!" She stomped her foot. "The singularities would cause a disruption of space beyond their point of origin. It would be like standing in the center of a ball and looking up. All you will see is the inside of that ball." He nodded slowly. "But onto more important matters."

"Right, rest."

"Not yet. Mash." The girl's name made both of them stiffen. "You have not awakened the Servant within you, and I'm not about to start blaming you for that." Her what?"

"It's true I haven't. B-But I have been trying to and-"

"Again, Mash, I am not blaming you." The woman's gaze didn't match her tone. "A few conversations between our lone Master and his fickle Servant show how impossible it is to get the uninitiated to do much of anything." She snorted at nothing. "Whatever Servant you have in you, it clearly didn't seem to care whether we lived or died earlier."

"Yes... I suppose that is correct, Director." Mash's head fell with the words. "I was unable to assist you or Ritsuka while Lancer was in battle. That is my fault." Ritsuka was quick to react.

"I don't-"

"Don't speak." But not fast enough. The alabaster haired woman held up her hand to show as much. "Again, I am not blaming you. Unlike our other companion, you have the willingness and intelligence but lack the means. No, that's not correct. The means are being withheld from you by the will of the Servant you've been summoned with."

"That is true, b-but I have been attempting to speak with them often. I have... not received suitable response." Ritsuka did not understand what was being discussed. Not fully.

"You did so during the fight, didn't you?" She did? "I know you may not have magical circuits, but your training with Da Vinci should have made you far more durable than this pathetic Master. The idea of him recovering before you, by minutes, is just inconceivable."

"I thought... it would be the best time. I did not receive a response when we arrived, so I thought that if another Servant was present, and enemy Servant, there would be a greater chance."

"And it didn't work." The Director let out a long sigh. "I'm not surprised, only because they haven't responded at any other moment so far. Not when you were surrounded by the Dragon Tooth Warriors, or the fire, or any other chance encounter." Her head fell into her hands. "As if we weren't short handed enough."

"I apologize, Director."

"I cannot accept it. This is not a matter of you underperforming, but circumstances conspiring against you. Such deeply regrettable circumstances, especially now. I was hoping that the dire situation around us would make them react, but I suppose that I was hoping for too much. Not too different from the Master of Chaldea we have to work with." He understood insults against him at least. "Don't look at me with confusion. You were unable to even track Lancer's fight without my help."

"I apologize, but I don't know how I could have." He looked to Mash, her gaze sincere. "And I am attempting to understand what you mean by me being a Master. You-"

"No you are not." Her heel hit the ground.

"What?"

"You're not trying to learn. It's that simple. I have seen hundreds of others attempt to learn their craft or a form of crest work that would be beneficial. Among the other Master Candidates, all of them were eager to enter the training Simulator multiple times so that they would be able to understand the strain on the body as well as utilizing their circuits."

"But I didn't even know about circuits until-"

"My point is not about what you have done to others. I believe I've pointed out well enough your severe lacking quality in comparison to other Maguses, have I not?" She had. "My concern now is for how you are far more curious about the history of Jesus Christ then you are on how to utilize him." She shook her head. "You just asked him to stay here and talk about his long dead past than make him useful and keep us alive!"

"Is that wrong? This is my first and only chance to speak to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior." He took a step forward. She matched him.

"Your Lord and Savior." She put a finger to his chest. "Do not forget that. You are the one who is so in love with him. I'm the one who not only recognizes what he is, but I am trying to use that power to save the better course of humanity."

"It's that power that saved humanity before. You are a part of that." Her forehead fell to the palm of her hand.

"Of course, and you are a part of the organization trying to save the current role of Humankind. And your insistence to learn more about the past than the present is becoming a catastrophic burden on us. If it is not apparent enough for you, we are in desperate need of resources and plans, enough for us to risk three normal... three of us here without the Servants to protect us." Ritsuka shook his head.

"No, we are safe. Jesus Christ promised it to us." She had heard him say it, too.

"And I'm sure he will! But only because a Servant commanded you, a Master, to let him! You'd otherwise want to listen to him talk over act! I may not care for how the unaware humans handle their lives, but even they recognize that actions do more than words! How are you unable to realize that!?" He thought she was going to shove at him, like the beggars who had no food, drink, or grace.

"You'd ask me to order my Lord?" He clenched and unclenched his fist. "I'll do anything else you ask while we are here, because I don't know what's going on, not fully, but I do know that no one can command Jesus Christ. We are at his command."

"No, you are!" She didn't push him.

WHAM! She slapped her hand down on a nearby table. Ash and soot flew up and fell off of the table. Mash made a sound of distress behind them.

"You are the one who follows his every word. I just recognize his strength, but at least realize we need it to save the Order of Humanity! He is different from Cu only in that he isn't a Lancer or some sick pervert!" He grit his teeth. "He's polite, he's kind, he's a pacifist! I get all of that!"

"Then why-"

"Because a Servant unwilling to fight means that he's going to be led by a Master who is unable to work!" She waved her hand at him. "I'm sure of that! Just as sure as I am that you will be willing to step into the line of fire in a Servant fight just to make a point about how stupid you are!" She took a step forward. "And more than just stupidity, foolishness as well!" He wasn't ignorant about what she was referring to.

"You were asking Cu to kill Berserker. I-I know she was trying to hurt us, but it is a commandment to-"

"The commandments are older than the man you're calling your Lord, and they mean nothing in a Grail War where mercy will earn you only a swifter death!" She howled at him. "And in case I have not made my point utterly clear, your death means the end of all of this! If you die, Cu, Jesus, and perhaps even Mash will disappear, and this Singularity will remain unsolved!"

Ritsuka swallowed on nothing, wetting his throat. She scowled up at him, putting fingers through her hair, pulling out ash, sweat and knots. She turned away from him, letting out a hot breath as she did so.

"Your desire for knowledge is about the only thing you have in common with a common Magus, but even they are aware of the sacrifice of others to gain more or nurture blessings. Your insistence to look for peace and then to look for

"Ritsuka... the Director i-is... she's worried." Mash's words were a calm balm behind him. "A-A lot has gone wrong, and she is worried... that we will lose." She gripped his arm a bit tighter. "We were close to it before, when that attack struck out at us."

"You mean that black sword?"

"That sword was a Noble Phantasm." Olga turned on him again. "And I won't mock you by saying it was average in nature. That was far beyond what the average Servant may be able to produce. If nothing else, you can take the hesitancy of Cu to attack as proof that he is afraid of it."

"He didn't seem afraid before."

"That's because he's a mad dog. And a horn dog."

"A what?"

"Nothing! Mash, it's nothing." She seethed. "This just... we are lucky to be alive as we are, and we still are acting out on impulse. My father would be disappointed in me now, if he isn't already."

The Director slumped at the words. Ritsuka watched as she put her back to one of the charred walls, sliding down it and doubtlessly ruining her attire with the action.

"Mash, you tell him about the Noble Phantasm, please."

"Director?"

"I'm tired Mash. I've had more thrown at me than I can remember and… and I don't have the patience right now to answer basic questions." Her amber eyes didn't even look up at Ritsuka. "Just please explain to him what's happening, so that we aren't going to be totally exposed later on." Her head remained hanging for a pregnant moment, kept away only by the licking fires outside.

A very soft cough from Mash was all that pushed it away, and it was like a drumbeat compared to the tension. "V-Very well," the girl spoke as she straightened herself out. "Sen… Ritsuka, I can tell you that Noble Phantasms are something powerful that each Servant possesses."

"Okay?" He really didn't understand.

"My apologies. I spoke out of turn." He did not have any idea what she was talking about. "What I mean is… a Noble Phantasm is the essence of a Servant, or a Heroic Spirit. It the culmination of their legend or story."

"And that makes an attack like… like that shadow Noble Phantasm?" He looked at Olga, but she didn't stir at the question. He made not comment for her posture.

"They do not always have to be an attack of some kind, though it is common. I am sure that Lancer was about to use his during the fight against Berserker, likely involving the Lance."

"His lance was the Noble Phantasm?"

"No, that is a regalia, but he can use it if is a part of his Noble Phantasm." He swallowed, trying to keep the difference straight in his head. The classroom around it was appropriate. He didn't understand anything that was happening in it, either before or now. "The best way… the best way to think of a Noble Phantasm is as the core of a Servant. It is what can be seen as defining for them, I-I believe."

"You don't know either?" He didn't sound incredulous. He knew he didn't. He was just a little surprised. Mash still bit her lip.

"I haven't… spoken to Servants aside from Da Vinci, and she prefers to teach about more complicated subjects. Sh-She… prefers questions about how to form Singularities and outfitting clothing with mystic codes." He didn't understand majority of the words, let alone concepts.

"Then the Noble Phantasms?"

"Dr. Archiman told me about them, b-between stories and other lessons." He could not miss the smile ghosting over her lips. "He would explain to me… i-in different stories, how a Servant like this one or that one would have this kind of Noble Phantasm… possibly." This one and that one… maybe he knew them.

"Any… any examples?" Lavender eyes sparkled.

"Oh! Yes! Perhaps tales of Rama and the slaying of the demon king Ravana, in the Mahabharata! Talking about how his bow may be used to fire the killing anti-divine shots! Or perhaps the famed author Alexander Dumas's characters like Edmond Dantes, and his ability to escape any prison of man, including time itself! Another example may be Sakata Kintoki, of the famed Heavenly Kings of Japan, and how he could catch the Golden Carp!" Her smile was brighter than any other one she'd given so far.

"Um…" he started, earning Mash's almost too obedient silence. "I don't… recognize those names." And just as fast, her smile fell. He did his best to catch it. "B-But that's because I didn't read them! I mean… they sound like fun stories, I just… I mostly read on the bible and the saints."

"Saints! Yes!" Mash's attitude perked, for a moment. "I do recall several saints in those stories. One of the most famous would be Joan D'Arc! The Maid of Orleans who fought against English rule under the orders of God… o-or so she proclaimed."

"I believe it. She also fought without a sword, preferring to charge with a banner at the head of the army." He smiled at the memory of being read the tales by a sister, visiting from a nearby Convent. At the time. "The grace of God was so great within her, that she would make the opposing army question their allegiance, and it gave strength to the French rebels."

"Yes! And she earned the devotion of several commanders, including Gilles De Rais! Although he did go mad after her death and was accused of many crimes." Ritsuka knew less about him, no more than his name and being the inspiration for another book he hadn't read. Blue eyes or something like that. "B-But Joan! Her Noble Phantasm!"

"She'd have one?"

"Oh yes! I'm sure of it! In fact, it would probably be something that was non-damaging. She hated violence, but fought regardless. So… it could be something like an invincible shield, or maybe healing, maybe even confidence!"

"Confidence?"

"You may not have been in a lot of fights, but I can assure you that confidence, tied to one's Charisma, can be the defining factor in a fight." Olga still didn't raise her head.

"I've been some fights… I just never fought back."

"My point stands taller." He let out a long breath of air.

"Are there… any other saints you know?" Mash started to ask. "Stories maybe that I could follow up on? I know about, um… oh! The one the Director named!" Olga did not stir at her name. "John the Baptist!" Ritsuka perked in a moment.

"The cousin of Jesus! The one who baptized him in the Rivers of Jordan. And once he did so, the streams were purified and God descended from heaven to proclaim Jesus his beloved son!" Mash's eyes lit up. "He was also one that many believed was the Messiah, but said many times he was not. He was… eventually killed by Salome after she courted a king."

"R-Right, I remember that. Salome was an… she's not someone I enjoy reading stories about." Ritsuka nodded in understanding. "But the Baptist! I bet… I bet his Noble Phantasm would be purifying any ailments or guilt! It could even restore peace!"

The idea alone ran through Ritsuka like a river. The cousin of Jesus rejoining his family and Lord, one spreading the word and miracles while the other swept away the original sin with the douses of holy water, transforming the world in the process. It was a beautiful image, especially when it was enough to delude the fires outside.

"I wonder what the Noble Phantasm of Jesus is." The curiosity is a sobering one.

"I can't even imagine." He wasn't joking.

"You can't?"

"I mean, he's done so much! And he's the son of God on high. He is the literal incarnation of divinity on Earth, the Word made Flesh. He could walk across seas, rain bread from the sky, multiply a few fish to feed thousands, turn water to wine, command demons from their hosts, and those are just the most immediate stories." He smiled as he remembered them. "I can't even forget how he brought the dead back to life."

"You mean his resurrection? I-I know that. It's why he was listed as a famous figure."

"His, and his friend Lazarus." Ritsuka nodded slowly. "But right now, he may be repeating the miracle of the Mount of Transfiguration. Telling us to say as he goes." The idle thought of imitating John caught into his mind. The curios tone of Mash brought him back.

"What is that? I don't know of a Mountain named Transfiguration."

"It's where Jesus left to mediate, and when he did, the heavens opened up and Moses and Elijah came to talk to him. He spoke to the great saints of the past, and they spoke to him as Lord. That was when the God said from the heavens that Jesus was his son, and he was well pleased with him. Three of his Apostles offered to build camp for them, but they vanished with the light of God."

"Speaking to the dead, a-and famous figures…" Mash let out a long breath. Her smile was plain. "I don't think there are many historical characters who have done as much as Jesus has."

"There is none." That was an absolute fact. "He is the greatest to ever live."

"And I'm so glad you have the time to talk about it." The growl from the Director almost made him jump. "I'm so enthused that I almost don't care that you have decided to, again, talk about that and NOT about how little you know about the situation we are currently in."

"I'm… I'm sorry. I was distracted, Director."

"You're not the one who stopped talking what's important. You were trying to get him interested." Mash blushed at the words. "He, on the other hand, would rather talk about just how great his lord is than actually use that greatness." Her fingers curled and uncurled, eyes glowering up at him. "I have met many Magus and many devotees thanks to my father, and I can safely say you are far more obsessed with your religion than any of them are with their work or faith."

"That's not a bad thing."

"That's exactly what it is." She pushed herself up, stopping only to keep herself leaning against the wall. She clenched her jaw, probably out of anger for him. "You want to be faithful. Be it, I'm sure you can do a lot. If you want to be useful, then you're going to have to pay attention to the world around you! Even Jesus Christ wanted to go out and learn something!" He had to blink.

"He… was just going to-"

"Whatever it was, it wasn't espousing his greatness again!" She shouted. "Instead, he was listening. Can you please, for just five minutes, do the same thing? Without bringing up Jesus Christ again?"

"S-Senpai. She… th-the Director is trying to help." Mash's hand was soft on his arm. "I-I'm sorry I was distracted with the stories but… but you do need to learn how to use your circuits, a-and command spells."

"For starters." Olga added on. "Because until we find the other Masters, you have to know. Is that understood?" She kept herself against the wall. Ritsuka took calming breaths.

"I can do it." He could learn. "I've studied a lot before." The books of the Bible, the history of the Church, the procession of Saints. "I can… I can learn this."

"Good. Better." Olga gave a curt nod, her eyes still glowing like the fires outside. "I'm assuming you at least remember what your command spells are, and your circuits."

"In the broad sense."

"Then in the more detailed sense, your Magical Circuits, lacking and near decrepit as they are, are what are helping to provide Prana to your Servants. Then can, in experienced Magus, also be what you focus on to cast your spells and crafts. You are not going to think about that now." He had no desire to. "Instead, focus on the idea that your health can affect your servants." That gave his heart a twinge.

"They hurt if I hurt?" The idea of Jesus, curled in pain as he felt it, made his breath short. "Then how-"

"Not like that!" She looked like she wanted to throw something at him. "Just that… if you start gaining injuries to your nerves, or you lose limbs, the Servants will lose sources of Prana. Tied to that, they may draw more Prana out of you the more of their skills they use. This does include the Noble Phantasms. They require a significant amount of Prana." A half-dozen questions in his mind.

How much was a lot? What was Prana? What determined a Noble Phantasm from a skill? Was Jesus Christ going to require much of his Prana? Did Prayers count as Prana? Could he help his Lord by growing his Circuits?

He couldn't ask half of those, not without her throwing in a tirade. So instead…

"I understand." Her stern expression didn't soften.

"Then that's more than before. Good."

"I-I'm glad, Senpai."

"Don't forget this though. Because I just know it will be important later. I would prefer you are aware of limits like this and how to push them before you start asking your God to rout demons, thinking he can do it all without any effort."

"He can." Ritsuka watched the moment Amber eyes flickered with flames. He didn't move. "We saw him. He saved you doing it."

"Again. And I repeat, AGAIN, that was Prana, you have limits, and you will expend them if you are careless." A free hand waved at the window. "Does it look like we have time to push ourselves here?"

In all things you were meant to, he wanted to say. As Father Ciel had told him in the churches before. To always study a few minutes longer, to run a few yards further, to pray another bead more. He wanted to, he really did.

"No, not right now." But he didn't have the energy for that. "Is there anything else I should remember? I have to remember a lot." The Director looked to collect herself, or think of something to say. He couldn't tell which it was.

"Don't mention a Servant's True Name in front of other Servants. It shows weakness." Ritsuka shook his head. "That one, I'll admit, I should have drilled into you far earlier, especially with your blatant incompetency with all other areas, but if we are to face someone like that Saber... you'll have to remember to not shout out that Jesus Christ is with you."

"But he is... and... and I can't deny him." Her scowl returned.

"Then don't! Just don't name him!" She was grabbing at the bookcase again. "Because when you call out his name, you're telling everyone not only what is he capable of, but what he is susceptible to."

"But he can do anything... a-and there's nothing he would fall victim to." Mash put a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm not saying you are entirely incorrect, S-Senpai. But... didn't Jesus say that there were Commandments to follow."

"Thank you Mash, and yes, that is exactly what I mean. He has rules that other Servants aren't going to feel forced to follow. They can use that to play off of him and get what they want. Even worse they could use it to take advantage of him, us, or worse yet, all of Chaldea!"

"Don't we have rules?" Her amber eyes were hot as the fires outside. Those were cackling, hers were screaming. "I-I mean… I mean that we have to have some rules. I don't know a lot about… well-any of this, but I know we can't just do… whatever we want, can we?"

"At least you're perceptive to that much." The woman's eyes softened as they rolled. "And yes, we have rules, but in the way of regulations. You have laws. I know a few of the commandments, and I can tell you one that you have already proven will be a detriment to us one. One that, I'll add just for you, Chaldea is not against." He had a guess.

"Thou shall not kill." She gripped something leaning on the wall. Whatever it was, she used it to push herself up.

"Glad you guessed it. Now, can you tell me, if you can, just how you are intending to stave off the enemies we're about to face when they have every intention of killing us, torturing us, maybe even making toys out of us for sick pleasure, but you're Servant, apologies, you're LORD, refuses to raise a hand to defend you?"

"He raised his hand and voice to defend us," Ritsuka pushed back. "That doesn't mean taking a life."

"In some cases, that is exactly what it means."

"Then when we find those situations… we'll find another way." His lips pursed at the statement.

"By the Root, you-" RIIP! Her tirade was cut off by the common sound. Common to Rituska, but the horrified look on Olga's face spoke a different story.

"Wha-NO!" The shout made him jump back. She ignored him entirely, grabbing at her jacket and twisting it around. Her thumb and fingers ran over the material, teeth gnashing as she stared at it. "D-Dammit!" She shouted, a hot blush at her cheeks. "I didn't mean to ruin this! It was a gift from a Clocktower Lord for the construction of Chaldea, and I ruined it!" He sucked in his breath.

"If it helps... it may be able to come out... in a wash?" He honestly had no idea. "And some thread?"

"Nothing short of a specified magecraft will be able to get ash, soot, scorch marks, and tears out of this! I would need to replace the material entirely!" She looked as if she were about to throw her jacket, before realizing she was still wearing it. She settled with a toss of it, putting her hands to her knees and brushing at her skirt. "And the rest of clothes, too. This is humiliating!"

Ritsuka looked down at himself. The alabaster jacket was covered in similar marks as her own dress and jacket, though far more prevalent. Doubtlessly because of his increased activity running into ruins, ducking on the ground, and holding up debris.

"Director if... isn't that a Mystic code?" Olga looked at Mash with a long breath of air.

"No. The lacking of a Master over there is wearing a Mystic Code. I am wearing a gift of fine silk and fabric, fashioned from mystic beasts raised by Department Heads and Lords of the Clocktower." That sounded... expensive. It was the only word he could think of. "I wasn't supposed to wear this here!"

"O-Of course, the fire must have forced you to... wear this." No, no that wasn't right.

"But you entered that chamber with it, like the other people."

"Masters." He nodded at her correction.

"So then... when were you going to change?" It didn't make sense to him, like a father still dressed in the simple clothes of a civilian minutes before a mass would start. He would at least be wearing his amice and alb. But her... "Unless... were you not-"

"Back again!" The sudden shout of Cu had him nearly jumping away. The blue-clothed Lancer put on his wide smirk at the action. "Little jittery over there? Compliments for not bein' passive."

"You just... surprised me." Olga practically threw her arms down. "So where did you go? More hunting?"

"There ain't a thing around here I'd risk our location for hunting. Nothing to eat off of bone warriors and I'm not gonna try and charge Berserker or Archer again. Not alone at least." His grin was toothy. "Nope, 'stead I was just looking for the straightest path to Archer's base. Former Master home and all."

"Good work. And, I apologize, but where is that again."

"Deep forest. Don't worry, ain't the same way we came from." Olga's expression was one of annoyance at the first words. "Different road, different direction. So no worries, we ain't foxes back-tracking here. Just saw that there's a few more forgiving roads to take. Not as many dragon tooth warriors."

"Excellent work then. When Jesus returns, we'll head out with you at the lead." His lance spun around him as he relaxed.

"Director. Shouldn't… shouldn't we rest first? We took a break, yes, but you haven't… rested."

"I shut my eyes for long enough." Ritsuka wasn't sure blinking counting as sleeping. "And our Master here appears well-off, even if his best is deplorably low. He is the one that needs to be in the greatest shape."

"You're not thinkin' of putting yourself on the front lines with half your ass off the chair?" Olga made an odd squawking sound with the accusation. It made the lancer laugh. She recovered as gracefully as she could.

"I-I do not involve my rear like that! And you! YOU! You should know better!" Her hand was shaking as she pointed at him. "At least Jesus Christ, loathe as he is to actually do anything, is respectful!" She was half-right.

"I am then pleased I have not greatly upset you. For you are a leader of mystics that guard my father's people." Ritsuka smiled as Jesus walked back into the room. Cu was a surprise, a jump of the nerves. Jesus Christ was a warm torch lighting in a dim cavern, desired even with fires blooming outside.

"I am… somewhat. But that doesn't matter now. I am good to travel, so long as you two are." Her eyes were pointed at him, but softened considerably when looking to Mash. "I don't want you to exert yourself too much."

"I'll be okay. I promise." Mash stood to her tallest. "I swore to uphold the dutie and responsibilities of Chaldea, so I will be alright."

"That doesn't mean needless risk, Mash." Ritsuka agreed with the alabaster woman. "But if you are honestly feeling good, then we can take Lancer up on his easy way out of here. Sooner the better, as I'm sure-"

"Road ain't easy."

"What?"

"I said the road ain't easy." Lancer hadn't lost a millimeter in his grin. "What? I said I got a clear path, not an easy one. What you thought I saw some kinda straight shot from here ta Archer? If there was one, that wouldn't be a path to victory, that'd be a highway ta hell!" It did make sense.

"Bu… But then what road are we going to walk? One with just fewer familiars?" They were familiars now?

"Yup, but to make up for it, a lot more terrain."

"Th-Then we are walking around the city, is that it?"

"Nope! Cause that would just give Archer and Berserker more time ta find us!" Why hadn't he stopped smiling. He felt as if Olga had the same question.

"Th-Then what is it you have planned!?"

"Somethin' simple, actually. Just replacing one obstacle for another. I'm thinkin' it's a sweet deal, too."

"And what is the new obstacle?" Olga was bristling. "More building jumping? Perhaps fire skipping?"

"I'd put it as a mix between the two." Ritsuka had no idea what that meant. "Don't worry lass. You're tough as unplowed dirt and we've got a savior on our side." He also wasn't sure if that was a compliment or mockery. Jesus, to his part, only continued to gently smile. "It'll be like herdin' a single sheep 'fore taking a walk in the park." That made three for three.

"Is that… a good thing?" Mash sounded just as confused.

"Only if ya don't mind a walk!" Cu almost shouted back. "How 'bout you? Does the son of God wanna walk through a few fire pits? Heard all about you and climbin' mountains?" Fire pits and mountains? Ritsuka was beginning to adopt Olga's expression.

"I would be better for us to walk the path open to us." Confusion followed.

"Path open? This aren't exactly the Ireland Bluffs. More like the enemy stronghold. Only open paths are traps."

"Or those that have been roused by my father." The smile of the Lord gave great peace to Ritsuka. "You were looking about this ruined land for means for safety and escape. I spoke to my father instead of where we should go. He said that there is a path to a great building in the woods, and we have only need to walk it."

"So 'God'," Ritsuka ignored the quotes the Director made. "Said that there would be a conveniently open path for us to just walk up and find Archer?" Her eyes screwed. "That seems too dangerous. Impossible even. There's no way an enemy Servant, let alone one as strong as the one that was attacking us before, would be so careless."

"Were you to travel in the land of death without the grace of God, your logic would be sound. But you have no need to fear the plots of men when you have been given promises by my Father." Ritsuka could only smile.

"This is incredible." His words were breathless. "I'm... I'm actually going to walk with you, like this, a-again, but not like... not like this."

"Of course, you're already in agreement with him." Olga, bit back. "You don't even know what he wants."

"He wants to walk. I'm here to follow my Lord. He guides me." In all things.

"Sorry, I forgot who I was talking to. I'll rephrase. You don't know where he is going to walk! It could be through the most... fire ridden place in the city!" She stared at him, then at his soft smile. "And you really don't care at all, do you?"

"My Lord has yet to abandon me, and I will not be the first to abandon him."

"No but it is you job to control the mad-thoughts of your Servant!" She stood in front of Ritsuka with fire in her Amber eyes. They matched the flames outside. "Or did I not make myself clear earlier, about just how important you and he are?"

"You did, but that is why I want to follow my Lord. Nothing is more important than his will. And he will be there to guide and protect us." He smiled as he looked up to Jesus. There was no reason to feel anything else but peace as he smiled back to him. The alabaster robes, pristine and immaculate, helped. "He will protect you as well."

"Will he?" Her ire turned towards the Lord. "I'm not exactly of high faith at the moment."

"D-Director..."

"I'll let none who are near me fall to the evil wishes of others." Jesus spoke clearly. "Not even the Roman Soldiers who came to arrest me were harmed. I will not let one seeking the safety of her brothers and sister be put to blade or blaze." Olga blinked.

"He's talking about the Garden, of Gethsemane," Ritsuka remembered it well. The first Sorrowful Mystery before his crucifixion. "After Judas betrayed him, and the Roman soldiers came, one of the soldiers had his ear cut off, but Jesus healed him, and said... um..."

"No more of this." Jesus spoke the words. "No more violence in a time of war and despair. The fires of hell burn around us. I will not permit more blood to fall or death to be strewn. Not against my father's wishes."

"I... I think we should follow him." Mash's words earned more shock than ire from Olga. "H-He commanded the flames! B-Before I-I mean, when we separated. He walked into a fire filled house... and the flames just died out."

"We are talking about familiars, not fires."

"With a word he routes demons," Ritsuka quoted. "And he did destroy all the, um, dragon-tooth warriors before." He felt more pride for Jesus than he thought he already had. Or perhaps it was vindication for the look of discernment Olga wore. "And I can guess that any path the Lord takes us will be not as hazardous as Lancers."

"Oi, right here." Cu pointed at himself, before turning a finger on him. "But you got it in one. I ain't about to find a rose gardan ta skip through. You got a better plan, I'm in." Her alabaster hair nearly lifted with the anger Olga gave off. "I thought you'd be up for this lass, unless ya want me ta hoist you around again?" Her anger grew, but the man's grin did as well. "That a yes?"

"This is a 'you're-fortunate-we-need-you.'" The words brought a laugh from the Irish Spearman. "And I am loathe to take such risky advice, but I... we do not have time to be merry about discussing this. Least of all of with so many assurances." Her hand wasn't yet unclenched. "Just... Just get us to Archer, and maybe we can find what we need."

"Jesus... can you lead us?" Mash asked. "You helped us before a-and... we need you now."

"I am always here to guide you, Mash Kyrielight." Her lavender hair bobbed as she bowed. "Then let us be swift. The fires may have no where left to spread, but so much brighter they burn."

"You ain't gonna dim them?" The Lancer jabbed.

"I prefer to not walk in darkness." Ritsuka could only smile as Jesus countered perfectly. "And walking this path, no harm will come to us. There is no need to taunt the shadows. Those are where those who are afraid of my father's light dwell."

"Heh, knew you were a smart one. Then with that said, I'm ready to go! How 'bout the rest of ya?" His lance spun about him once more, looking over the group. Only Olga looked concerned. "Still got a tight end about this Lass?"

"I'm frustrated." She clarified. "But I'm not dense. We... we have to go. Before my patience finally wears."

Ritsuka had no desire to tempt her. He was pleased enough with whom he was walking with.

---

That pleasure did not cease even a half-hour later. It was the emotion that lasted the longest.

"I still cannot believe this." The Director's words showed her fading apprehension and rising relief. "There... there really is nothing."

"Wasn't here when I was lookin' before. I'll say that till we hit the forest." Cu, on the other hand, had yet to hold his head straight for more than a moment. His lance was tight in his grip, shifting hands constantly. "The bone guy ain't smart enough ta put up an ambush, but I know there were here 'fore."

"It is likely as Jesus said. A path was made... and we are safe." Mash spoke in agreement. Ritsuka could see the smile on her. "It is good that we don't have anything in our way, right Director?"

"O-Of course it is!" She looked almost appalled otherwise. "But... it feels unnerving."

"Unnerving?"

"Do not repeat me." Her return was swifter than her answer. "It feels like walking an empty hall in the Clocktower, knowing that danger lurks behind every door and the hallways most abandoned are those home to the most daring of Magus." That sounded like a poor place to be.

"Wasn't that where you wanted to send me back to?"

"Back when I thought you were a Magus. Not when I found out you were a contracted... non-entity." Her boot kicked at nothing. He didn't know what she was imagining was there. "Though at this moment, you have earned at least a modicum of my respect. Though I will emphasize it is only due to the efforts of your Servant." Ritsuka only smiled.

"Then I'll take none of it." Amber eyes were hard on him again. They reflected the fire around them abnormally well. "For I will take no credit for the works of my Lord." He looked away from her fiery gaze and to the peaceful sight of Jesus Christ. Though he could not see the eyes of his Lord, he could follow behind him.

Sandals marching across ash and soot without pause or patience. Robes flowing with each step, unaffected by the ardent flames or opaque smoke. The alabaster glow he was graced with never fading. He walked unbound through the ruins of a dead city, surrounded by the cackles of demons. Demons that were humbled by his visage and quelling themselves in fear. Ritsuka could only smile.

They were walking through what was once called a valley of death, and he feared no evil.

"Still can't believe. Ain't gonna believe it. Not till we hit home." Lancer walked around them still. "If it ain't the bone warriors, then I'll gather that Archer is aiming for us."

"Is there a reason he wouldn't fire on us?"

"A clearer shot, maybe?" Cu's tongue was tied. "Be tied up myself if I knew. Only know it ain't Berserker or Saber, the mad woman louder than a crashin' building and the bitch guarding the Grail Cave." Ritsuka found no joy in the descriptor.

"Then we'll just have to depend on you to sense another shot from Archer, as you did before." The Lancer snorted.

"Sense... oh! You're Protection from Arrows Skill!" Mash was quick to announce it. Had they described that? Ritsuka couldn't recall. In truth, he didn't pay too much mind.

"Protect me? Sure, no issue there. Protect all of you? You must think I'm clairvoyant at that point. Or faster than Archer's arrows."

"Aren't you?"

"Course I am, but not that much faster." He pointed a dragged finger about all of them. "Pickin up and running with four other people? Not exactly a great skill of mine. If he does fire at us, better tell me who ta grab and run with first."

"Myself, obviously." Olga wasted no time. "Then Mash, followed by the Master, then Jesus Christ." That irked.

"Guess that makes sense." Ritsuka's gaze turned towards the lancer. Red eyes stopped on him, smile thin. "Not mockin' ya Master. Just makes sense, seein' as he's a Servant like me. Better chance at tankin' Archer's shots than any of you could. Then put to the cloth how sure ya are he was able to grasp Saber's attack."

"You should be thankful. I'm giving him credit to survive another assault."

"I don't think… he can't survive." Ritsuka chose his words carefully. "I just don't enjoy the idea of placing my Lord in danger merely because he can… or put him last on a list of people to save. That's where I belong."

"Senpai!"

"Not disagreeing with your worth normally, but your tie to both Lancer and Jesus makes that a moot point." The Director pushed her pace to match him. "You have to survive as well, or else the Servants will lose their power, possibly their forms. That will be the end of us all."

"So no pressure!" Cu's laugh was back in full force. His posture hadn't relaxed. "Least not as much as I'm feelin'." His whistled, then the air whistled, as he sped ahead. More of that inhuman speed showing itself off. "Still gotta figure out where all the dragon toothed guys went. That, and why it's a good point cooler here. Not like there's nothin' to burn here."

"It is as I said. My father has lain bare the road for us. We have only need to follow it." Jesus spoke, and Ritsuka felt no lack of peace as he looked over his shoulder. "It is wise to follow the wisdom of your father."

"O-Of course it is." The huff from the Director was indignant. "But usually I'm told of how something worked. I can hardly be expected to ask for this again if I don't even know what you did!"

"Can you not ask for your own well-being?" Ritsuka did his best to not laugh. "My father cares for you, and would displeased if you thought so little of yourself as to not ask for my help."

"That's not what I meant!" She shouted now. Her voice echoed down the street, the lull of the fires carrying her voice. "You know what I mean, and I do not need a rouge Servant making mockery of my discomfort!" She pointed at Jesus with a sharp hand. Ritsuka watched her carefully. "You may have one loyal slave here, but I am not about to debase myself to one has shared so little of himself!" His hand clenched.

"Director. Stop." Amber eyes furrowed at him. Ritsuka did not look away. "Do not mock Jesus."

"I am not! I'm holding him responsible for respecting so little of the chain of command! He is the Servant, you are the Master, and I am the Director! Yet he's talking like… like he's-"

"God?" Her lip curled.

"And now you!" She finally stopped walking, putting her foot down. "You have summoned a great Servant, but you're lording him over me because there are no other alternatives! Talking him up as though he is somehow more capable than Lancer, when all he has done is walk and rest!"

"My Lord has saved us, and I do not mean just against Saber." Ritsuka was quick to return. His hand clutched the cross at his neck. "There is no other 'Servant' that has done that."

"There are hundreds who have!" With a few stomps across the ash filled street, she was upon him, staring up with hands on her hips and the fury of the demonic flames in her eyes. The hatred was there, and the cackling of demons was louder for it. "You don't know about them because you put too much stock in one legend about a man who claims to have been the Son of God! But everything you love him for others have done! A Japanese ninja named Mizugumo walked on water, Taware Touta was able to rain rice from the heavens to feed villages, Gawain of the Round Table could rouse his strength with a belt and repair severed limbs, and even Gilgamesh rose from the dead, three times!"

"Those are myths, legends, or lies."

"And your Jesus Christ is not?!" She wasn't backing down. "I have no doubt people like you believe in him, but making him out to be greater or better than the other divine beings is just a poor sense of bias on your part, one that will jeopardize us all!"

"Denying my God will do far more than that. It is what cost him his life already!"

"He's already dead! We are not! All of the Order of Humanity depends on us now, and we cannot afford to have a Master who worships a flippant unviewable deity!"

"He's the deity that saved my life, protected me for years, and gave me warmth and hope when I needed it!" He yelled back. "You had a father! Mine never knew me! You had a mother! Mine abandoned me!" If he saw something flash across her eyes, he didn't pay attention to it. "God and his church are all that have protected me, and you will not mock him! Not now that I have finally been graced with his presence. He is the most important in all of existence, and meeting him before my death is a miracle in itself!"

"And you're walking around depending on miracles rather than yourself!" Her reprieve was short lived. "Lancer is the one who helped us scout the land, I was the one who pointed out there are likely other Masters here who are far better trained than you, Mash has been teaching you as well! But you've thanked Jesus for just talking, all the while ignoring the rest of us!"

"S-Senpai hasn't-"

"He saved our lives! Why don't you thank him for that!"

"Because he refuses to do it actively! He's no different than a spoiled Lord who does only what suits him and be damned to everyone else! My father at least dedicated his fortune and life towards the safety of the whole of Mankind! If you hadn't called on him, your God would have had you killed!"

"D-Director-"

"Oi! Morrigan Spawns!"

"Huh?" "What?" Ritsuka and Olga faced Cu at once. Only to see him facing away from them.

"Get ready for impact!" The meaning of the words meant nothing to Ritsuka. That made Olga jump.

"Archer! It's Archer! Cover! We need cover!" She was already running down the street.

"Lass! Not that way!" Not Olga's direction, not towards a partially collapsed building. Ritsuka still had no idea whether or why she was right or wrong. Not until he saw the street explode in front of her. It threw the Director off of her feet and made his own balance shake.

"What?"

"It's Archer! He's lobbing his ballista at us again!" Cu shouted, without a hint of irony. "Get ta cover or he'll be tearing ya to shreds!"

"With what? What was that?" Ritsuka's looked at the explosion sight, dust quickly settling, and a large chunk of the road missing. He saw debris sticking up from the new hole in the road, thinking it was rebar protruding from its center. Then he thought it a pipe from some city stem.

The he noticed the fletching of arrows… and that it was as long as he was tall, thick to match… and made of wood.

"Is that… an arrow?"

"It's one of Archers now get running!" Lancer was in front of him. Ritsuka held up his hand. "Now ain't the time ta be picky, lad!"

"I'll be fine! Jesus swore this path would be safe, and I believe him!"

"Evidence kinda points to that contrary!" So close, Ritsuka had time to see his red eyes widen. His confident grin wipe to a worried grimace. "And we got round two flyin' in now!" He gave Ritsuka a hard push. Hard enough to send the novice Master tumbling and flying back. Mash called out to him, but he didn't know where from

BOOOM! He only knew that the ground exploded again, much close to him now than before. Chunks of concrete hit him, pulling out gasps of pain. The wind was nearly knocked out of him.

"Get movin! Master!" Cu yelled again. "Fore we get the trifecta here!" Another spark of fire, maybe even lightning, and the Lancer was gone. He appeared again some large distance away. "I'm tryin' ta drag his attention, but the bastard is too smart ta aim for the shield, not while ya got yer head poppin' out of the hills! So? Get ta safety!"

"S-Senpai! We have to hurry!" Mash was at his side before he knew it, pulling him up. "Lancer is correct! We have to move!"

"But Jesus… he said that this way would be-"

"And shot three! Coming in… LASS!" The meaning was obvious.

Mash and Ritsuka stared at the Director Olga, the alabaster haired woman just getting her bearings again, standing up against a collapsed building. Hand to her head, shaking herself off, she looked up with panic at the shout.

BOOOM! The eruption of stone and metal deafened and silenced him. The director lost within it.

"DIRECTOR!" "NO!" The road exploded in front of her. Dust and concrete chunks the size of his head flying like bullets around him. Ritsuka's legs felt cold.

"D… OLGA!" Mash's cry was harsh, and the fires around them laughed at the insinuation. His breath shook in his throat, jaw moving to match. "N-NO! NO! NO! NO!"

Her screaming was shrill, and Ritsuka found himself mute to make up for it. Staring into the remains of a building, a hole dug through it where the 'arrow' had flown through and impacting. The road torn up yards in front of where she was standing, and embedded well into the steel structure, like a bomb had been laden inside of it.

Nothing could have survived that. No human could have… She hadn't asked for the Lord… The Director, a woman he was just yelling with… she…

"Hey! Oi Oi! It's okay!" The shout from Lancer dragged their attention away. "I got her! Feistiest doe I ever put hands on!" Ritsuka let out a quick sigh of relief at the sight of the woman curled in Lancer's arms, Amber eyes wide. "Told ya ta be quick. Now we gotta hurry it up or else Archer'll try forth another volley. And fore ya ask, he'll fire them off till the city's a grassland and we're the soil."

"Then… we have to hurry." Olga spoke with a tight lip in his arms. "We have to hurry! I'll reprimand you and your Servant late for this, but safety first, now!"

"R-Right!" Mash got up, pulling Ritsuka with him. "Senpai! Please… Please ask Jesus to follow us!" Lancer had already turned and made to run. Mash was trying to drag him. "S-Senpai?" His feet wouldn't move.

To run, now, meant to abandon where they were, following behind Jesus. His Lord, who still walked calmly down the road, not giving more than a glance of curiosity, and his sandals failing to slip on the granite, rubble and soot.

His Lord and Savior was still walking… so he would, too.

"You can go on. I'll… we'll meet you there." Mash made a sound of distress. "I'll be okay, I have Jesus."

"You'll have the few brains you have lying on the pavement if you do that!" Olga thrashed and kicked her way out of CU's grip. We are actively being bombarded right now! Now is not the time to throw your blind adoration for the man front and center while-"

"Coming in hot!" Cu shouted again. "But… Oi! Jesus man!" He cupped his hands with the cry. Ritsuka's eyes were wide.

"My Lord!" Jesus did not turn. "Look out!" He heard Mash settle a cry, and Cu kneel down to start a spring.

BOOOM The ground erupted, consuming the Son of God. The blood drained from his face, and his gut settled amidst the flames at his feet. Arms empty vessels, breath non-existent. Ritsuka stared ahead, at the cloud of rubble and ruin. His Lord attacked, his Lord prosecuted, being led away, and-

And nothing… not this time. The cloud settled quickly, and the sight he behold made him smile.

Jesus stood tall. The bolt of Archer grasped in his hand.

He stood tall amidst the ruins and fires, holding a tool that had destroyed the streets and buildings with the greatest of ease, something so very nearly his own size. Something his Lord and grace had caught mid-flight. Something that had Lancer whistling and Olga moving her jaw uselessly.

"Be not afraid." Jesus spoke on. Again, the fires quelled at his words, and all listened. "The road is harsh, as matches this world. Dangers are about it, and they come seeking to do harm. But I promised that walking this road with me, you would not be harmed." As if knocking on a door, Jesus twisted his wrist forward.

The giant bolt of an arrow flopped forward, clacking as it hit the ground. Ritsuka had once seen and heard a church pew being lifted and dropped during renovation of one of the cathedrals. In the hallowed halls, the sound it made, with the cracking of the seat, sent a panic in him

"Let us continue. We are closer now, and I do not wish to linger where none are satisfied." He held his hand out, and Ritsuka was quick to accept the invitation. Mash just behind him.

"Gotta admit, that was a heck of a catch there." Lancer whistled, leisurely walking up. Easily, but with his lance still ready for another beating or attack. "Thought you were gonna ben just the third Servant I'd see lain up on a lance, be it the first not thrown by yours truly."

"I am happy to defy your expectations. I made a habit of doing so before." Ritsuka had to smile at the words, and Cu roared with laughter.

"Did ya now? Well then buddy, I'll get out some good wine when we're saddled up here and ya can tell me all 'bout it! Love to hear how you gobsmacked the rest of the people back in yer time. Got a few tales of that of mine own."

"I have confidence you do." The blue Lancer grinned wolfishly at Jesus. The Lord smiled patiently in return. "Do you have as much confidence in more of those arrows being sent?"

"Got no other sense for them now," Cu said as he looked up. "And I had an inkling 'fore that. Naw, what I'm thinking is Archer saw ya catch it, and he's realizing attackin' us like that now ain't gonna do much good. All he had to do was get a lucky shot on me. Don't think it's gonna help if you catch them, though. But don't worry, I'll let ya know if I feel any more rumbles of war."

"I off you my thanks. I will see the Mystics are safe." His eyes turned to them. "For they have a heavy burden on their shoulders, and for one who follows me, I cannot deny him safety."

"Lucky sod then," the Lancer replied. "Oi! Master and crew, guess this means we better start marching! Love the new cover system we got, but I ain't 'bout to press our luck. Archer'll think of something new, and I wanna be outta eye-shot by then."

Ritsuka nodded, even if only to show he heard. He was quick to gain pace again, marching up and through the rubble the arrows had caused. Stepping over one of them, something so large he knew he'd struggle to lift it, and knowing his Lord had caught it, was an exhilarating feeling he couldn't put to words.

"Never test the Lord, but thankful for the miracles you see."

"What was that?"

"Something a father once told me." He looked at Olga, the Director's face a mixture of shock and somber acceptance. "When I was still trying to find my way in the system, and I kept asking for how to see God. Didn't really understand him back then. Impossible not to now."

"I will concede his display of… strength is a grand trait to have." She tried to control herself with some breathing. "Though it only makes me wonder how much stronger he would be with a Master who had proper control or even awareness of his Circuits."

Ritsuka sighed at the words. There was no use in denying. There was no point in talking to her. She thought of this world. He thought of the next. She couldn't see what was in front of her. That was why he worshipped him. Even before he returned.

"S-Senpai," the quick whisper of Mash took his attention. It was when he looked that he noticed Olga standing close to her. "What… what is Jesus talking about?" Her eyes flashed towards the Director, who kept her Amber eyes on him. "A-About defying expectations. It's not… like, this?"

"When he began his ministry, following the wedding feast in Cana, the Pharisees and Scribes denounced his miracles, because he was challenging their temples and ways." Mash stared with wide-eyed rapture. Ritsuka smiled. "They were actually the ones to convince Pontius Pilate to have him killed."

"That I recall. He was actually against the killing of Jesus, wasn't he?" Ritsuka looked at Olga with unrestrained surprise. "W-What? I may not care for the worship of a semi-divine man, not when there are hundreds littering history, but that doesn't mean I'm ignorant about him. Especially not when the Church is one of the biggest guards against the Clock Tower."

"They are?"

"Yes!" Mash spoke up quickly. "They are heresy inquisitors that oppose the rouge Magus who attempt to take too direct an action on the citizens unaware of magical abilities." Mash's words came quickly. "They are, as was described to me, the backside of the public version of the Catholic Church. Both believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, but one expresses its wish to save others and act as though heresies don't exist, while the other actively seeks to destroy them."

"Who does that?" Ritsuka couldn't even imagine it. Not when the last time he'd seen or heard of Catholics fighting heresies were the Christeros in Mexico, and that was just for the practicing of the faith being out-lawed. "Wait… it's not crusaders, right?"

"You're imagining a group of knights walking down a street with banners drawn, aren't you?" Olga's eye was critical. So no difference. "Aren't you?"

"No, I just… can't imagine what else they would look like."

"You've been to services at your church, correct?"

"Several hundred, actually." He wondered for a moment how many he'd actually attended.

"And you've seen the priests standing at the alters?"

"Of course I… no," Ritsuka stopped himself. "That I refuse to believe."

And the words made Olga smile.

"Then I'm happy to, for once, tell you something that you don't know about your church!" Ritsuka had to shake his head.

"Mash is… is she telling the truth?" The accusation twisted the grin off of Olga's face.

"She is! Senpai… the fathers of the church are, um… they are capable of fighting Magus and the better trained are skilled enough to confront Undead Apostles as well. Their means for doing so are different, but… but they are that, yes." He almost felt like tripping.

"Seriously?"

"You can ask that question until we approach this former Master's manor, it won't change." The Director increased her pace, walking by him with head high and figure poised. "Perhaps if you'd like to learn more about your church, and not just your Lord, you should be asking me some questions as well."

"I'll ask Mash."

"Senpai. I want to answer you, b-but-"

"Mash is an extremely knowledgeable member of the Chaldean team, and her abilities, even if yet to be unlocked, invaluable. She has been spending the greater portion of her life studying history as well as magecraft. She has not ben associating with outside departments and organizations." Pace never slowing, the Director of Chaldea rested her palm across her chest. "Unlike myself, of course."

"She's right. I-I want to help you, but the Director knows about others more than I do. Better than I do. A-At least I mean she knows about groups like Atlas… and the Church… and groups like that. I know of them… but that's really it. I'm sorry." Ritsuka let out a sigh.

"No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put you down like that." Her smile was somber. "But we can talk about those other things, too! I still don't know about the circuits a lot, or history and stuff. So I'll still need to learn that. And there is tons more I have to tell you about Jesus."

"But not the church?"

"I know the history of the church. I know its purpose. But… if you do know more, then I would like to hear it." Need to hear it. He bit back the word. "But not right now. I don't think I can."

"Of that much we agree." They did? "We need to remain vigilant for Archer, as well as prepare for the assault on the manor. Afterwards… well, I suppose we will have another enlightening discussion, won't we? Because the first went so well."

"That was a pleasant conversation before?"

"No." "No." Olga and Ritsuka responded at once. The look they shared of indignation was instant and swift.

Ritsuka put the conversation out of his mind, as he was sure Olga did for hers. She was doubtlessly thinking of the road ahead. He was thinking of the Lord ahead of him. Both were more important than bitter words.

He just hoped finding Archer wouldn't be another cause for alarm.

---

Authors Note:

I've been trying to limit how many of these I write just because I made a habit of venting in them before. That's not professional, and I am trying to be more professional in these as I go forward. Have to make a good impression. So bear with me as I lay up a bit more than I did in the previous chapters.

The purpose of this story is to bring God into the Fate series, but not to merely show "here's how great Jesus is now listen up!" It's to give a context to the power, grace, and forgiveness he has. The setting of F:GO was expansive enough to allow me to twist the story to set this up. Plus, with how the current arcs go, I have plenty of wiggle room. Also, with the characters in them, I have more than enough ammunition to show the different aspects of Jesus that people keep forgetting. This, of course, brings in how I'm writing this.

Jesus is perfect, so he can't be the protagonist. Even in the four books of the new Testatment, he is the protagonist, but written from how he changed others. He cannot change, because he's perfect, so there HAS to be someone else there to realize what he's doing. He changes others, and that's why I have three people in here being changed. I trust you all know who those three are.

I am also trying to account for a lot going forward in the future, including a book to publish aside from this. So if I have dry periods, that's why. For those who are reading now, I'm glad to have made you all so happy with Jesus in here, but PLEASE let me know when it seems I'm missing or confusing something. I wanted to write a story with my faith involved, but not at the expense of doing him a disservice.

God is good, and I hope this story does HIM justice.