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.

15. Arc 1: Northward

Arc 1: Chapter 2: Northward

Author's Note:

So as was pointed out to me, Longinus was in Fate/Requiem. Guess I know why I couldn't find a guy who was only published in Japan. Happy to see that majority of my thoughts match how the character was portrayed though. That said, a few differences, such as he has his Legionnaire outfit still, according to images, whereas I had him remove all but the helmet in this story. Why? Because the few records of him say he was hated by his comrades after he spoke of Jesus being the Son of God, their other Gods were fake, and the state was wrong, making him one of first martyrs of the Catholic faith.

Also, his name was adopted AFTER his stabbed Christ. There is no record of Lucious Longinus in the Roman Archives. At all.

That said, I did get his Lance right at least. You'll see.

---

"Longinus. He's really Longinus?"

"That's what he told me. Even why he's revered."

"For killing Jesus Christ."

"That's what he is called by some, though others make it clear that Jesus had died on the cross before him. He did confirm his death though, and is the only man to been literally bathed in the blood of Christ."

Ritsuka looked away from the screen for a moment to see the roman soldier standing by the door. Juan was nearby, thanking the man, while Solomon and Sasaki were speaking as well. Well, Solomon was speaking to all of them, like a king, and Kojiro was watching, like a hawk. The growing crowd was impossible to ignore or control either.

Who wouldn't want to come out and see the corpses of wyverns? He only had to be pulled away by the demands of Olga. Though, in her fairness as Christ demanded of him, it was because she was focused on what was needed, and not indulging in what was wanted.

"Bathed in… you're referring to when he pierced his side, correct?"

"Yes, and then he was doused in blood and water." His eyes were off of the transparent screen and on the roman soldier. His smile, his tall stature, his small smile.

The cloudiness of his eyes.

"Doused so quickly he couldn't close his eyes. The blood of Jesus washed over him and cured him of his blindness, letting his first sight be that of Jesus dead on the cross."

"He was blind!?"

"Yes, or maybe… maybe just poor sighted?" Ritsuka realized the word when the Director's face screwed and took over the screen. "He did sear to having his vision restored, and because of it, he was the one to proclaim before his superiors and all that truly Jesus Christ was the son of God."

"This after he was condemned for lying about it." Ritsuka was thankful she was knowledgeable.

"You know him as well?"

"But of cooourse~! How could we not know of the man with one of the most powerful Noble Phantasms in history~."

"Stop exaggerating! It's not that strong."

"Oh, but dear Director, it is~."

"No its not!"

Ritsuka watched for a moment as Olga yelled to the off-screen Da Vinci. He was sure the woman was nearly prancing out of the room by the scowl that the girl had. But the roughness fell quickly when her amber eyes, tinted blue by the transparent screen, rolled back to him.

"That woman's teasing aside, she knows I'm right, even if she is." He blinked, earning a sigh from the woman. "Right, of course you don't understand. You think the scale is linear and you haven't realized yet you're standing in a four-dimensional space." He blinked again, earning the teeth from the woman. "Don't think about it too hard. I can't have you acting dumb several hundred years in the past without me."

"I wasn't trying to."

"Then don't talk or think, just let me explain." She took a higher posture. "The Noble Phantasms of Servants aren't strictly just about power or range. They are the most common, like Mordred's we saw or Cu's spear as well. But others can be based off a characteristic they have or application that is beyond the realm of physics. With that said, I'm going to assume you can't even imagine an example." His brow furrowed.

"I don't think any amount of strength will bring the dead back to life or allow you to walk over water." Olga had the graces, or perhaps minor humility to look off put by his response. It did not last.

"Don't speak tersely with me. I'm trying to explain." She threaded her fingers through her hair. "You understand that it's not all about strength, but there are levels to those phantasms as well. There are some onis in the East that can resurrect the dead as minions and make use of them, for comparison."

"That is incomparable to Jesus and Lazarus."

"The man he famously called from the tomb, I'm aware. And I agree. That is my point. They aren't comparable. Jesus's is far better. That also holds true for the Noble Phantasm that Longinus has." She pointed on the screen, as if she could see him. Ritsuka looked, to see that he was lifting up the head of the wyvern that Sasaki had bisected, earning an amused grin from the samurai. He had little idea how the situation could have unfolded. "The Lance of Longinus is famous in the Magus community for being doused with the blood of Divinity, and because of it, being able to slay any creature."

"Wait… what?" That was not what he was expected. "Isn't… isn't that power?"

"No, and yes, but mostly no. It's not that he uses more strength and can pierce anything, it is simply that nothing can resist the lance itself. No amount of armor can cover you or scales protect you. So when he uses it, there is literally no resisting it." His eyes were on the Roman servant again.

His head was bowed towards Solomon, the wise king putting a hand on his shoulder with a bright smile on his face. Ritsuka could just hear the former doctor speaking up, addressing the crowd. He was using names to introduce them. He let him talk, reminded again that he would be able to contribute nothing.

"That's a good thing then, I'm glad. He's one of the first Roman Soldiers to abandon the Empire and give himself for God." Ritsuka smile at the teachings of Longinus. "'Truly this man was the Son of God', and then taking his spear he left to mourn a loss he took himself. He never forgave himself in life, and only centuries after his death was he canonized for his necessity to prove the divinity of God, and to spill the blood that was used to redeem us of our sins."

"The way you say that, you make it sound like someone planned on him killing Jesus.'

"They did." He ignored her rolling eyes. "I don't know if it was him specifically, but it's no secret that Jesus was destined to die. It was told to Mary and Joseph when he was presented at the temple, spoke of how swords would pierce her heart as Jesus would lay down his own. Longinus was the one to spill the blood of Jesus, bear witness to his body, and carry that blame."

"He seems awfully cheery for a man who seems to be carrying that much weight.' The smile the Roman Servant gave certainly looked like it. "Don't let that fool you."

"Sorry?"

"Not fool as in he's planning to hurt you, but the smile is a lie. You don't introduce yourself as a killer unless you hate what you've done and you want to be hated." Olga scoffed. "I don't introduce myself as my father's less promising child no more than you call yourself a street urchin, because we don't want to be seen that way." What was that she said about her dad. "He's hiding something, you just have to find out what."HE He's

"It's not something bad though."

"Weren't you listening, of course not!" She yelled back. "But he's a Servant, and you're going to need his power going forward. The less he hides, the better use he is. Simple as that. So, draw it out and resolve it, order it if you have to."

"I can't do that."

"You can, actually, but I understand you won't." She sighed. "Speaking of other things you won't do, or shouldn't do, I'm guessing you've thought a bit about what you experienced before? When you were lain out on the ground from exhaustion."

Pain, actually, with the sense that his nerves were on fire. He rubbed his arms, something that Olga didn't miss. She typed something out of eye-sight, but her eyes were always on him.

"That was Solomon's Noble Phantasm, one of the most powerful in history. The origination of magic, and the literal breaking down of parts to build something new. Bands of light that will literally erase what is in order to create what is next. More of the 'other level' Noble Phantasms I spoke to you about." He regarded her with a raised brow. "What?"

"Why… did he have to use that? The other Servants didn't use any other kind of spell that hurt." She actually smiled.

"Better question, and because it isn't an obvious one. Simply put, it's because he is too powerful." That didn't explain it. "As the originator of modern magic, he carries that history in him, and the ten rings he was famously gifted by God allowed him to control and use it." Now he caught on.

"And he doesn't have ten rings anymore… but… he still has the power." He looked down at his hand, opening and closing it, before flipping it over and regarding the cross on the other side. "It's not that he doesn't have the power anymore. It's that… he doesn't have the ability to control it."

"You are learning, thank the Root!" Olga was literally cheering. "Here I was afraid I was going to have to spell it out for you." The guilt rose up in him, so the words followed.

"Actually, it was explained to me." Her pose froze with wide eyes. "Solomon did… after I collapsed." And almost just like him, the Director fell in on herself. He could have sworn to the Lord's angels that he heard Da Vinci laughing behind her.

"Of course, he did. Because of course a wise King would explain it." The sigh she gave was more audible than her words. "Whatever, it's not important. What is important is that you have found two servants that are able to compensate for the middle ground that Solomon can't make up for. When he's not trying to talk to everyone in the crowd!" Ritsuka looked to figure out what she meant.

Sure enough, the crowd had turned their gazes from the fallen corpses of the mighty beasts to the alabaster haired man standing tall atop a crate. His motions were exaggerated and his voice nearly booming, but his words were still muddled with the crowd's talk to him. He looked more like a priest before stand than a king.

Then again, as Ritsuka realized, there was a reason he was a wise king and not a tyrant.

"Not to worry, dear Director~. You know our dear Romani is just trying to gather information. It is his favorite hobby."

"No, that man's favorite hobby when he was still walking around here was sneaking off with sweets and eating in private!" Or stealing them, as Ritsuka reminded himself.

"There's too much to life to have only one hobby~." The famed inventor's return had the Director fuming. From across the literal bridge of time and space, Ritsuka offered his prayers of sympathy. But prayers were best followed with action.

"Maybe… I should go talk to him."

"No, not him." Olga stopped him quickly. "The man is childish and petty, but he's not a fool. If he's talking to them, he's trying to get more information or build something up. Let him talk, because you'll have a chance to talk later." That was true. "Talk to Longinus and Sasaki instead. You haven't had a chance to speak with them." Also, true.

"I would like to learn more about Jesus from Longinus." He heard laughter and sighs from across the screen. "Alright, I'll call you again if anything changes."

"Call us when you find anything out! Things are already changing!" She had a point. "Just be careful and depend on your Servants. It's literally why they are there." He nodded. Servants came to help the Master. It was something he understood and didn't argue with.

Just as he was here as a Servant of the Lord.

The same Lord who had been slain by the man he was approaching, or at least blood drained by him. The same man who carried the lance that had done the deed, still colored a rich red as it leaned on his shoulder, and the man owning it leaned against the wyvern's head. Sasaki sat above him, balancing on a horn as if he were a bird himself. At least now he knew why the roman soldier had lifted and twisted it.

"Longinus." Both men turned with the voice, but Sasaki gave a wry smile and looked back at the crowd, listening to Romani talk. "I wanted to thank you for earlier. I didn't have a chance to talk to you after the battle."

"You have no need to offer me thanks. Your Servant, one of the wisest of mortal kings, spoke well of you." Gray eyes focused on him, his smile softening. Ritsuka could not ignore the comparison to the weak and hungry who came in from the street for food and shelter. "He always made clear to mention you are not one of those typical to try and summon me."

"I'm not?"

"No. You do not have reservations of the church, and you know of the glory of God." Realization hit him, in the image of Olga staring down at him with crossed arms.

"I guess I'm not like that. I have been with the church for too long, and she's been too good to me. While moving on the streets, teaching me to read and write, feeding me, it is only natural that I hold the church the Lord made in high regard, and him the highest."

The words called forth a wide smile on the face of Longinus. A muffled laughter came from the Samurai behind him.

"That is true, to hold so high the one who gives you gifts without a requestion on your part." His hand rubbed at his eyes. "And when you are forced to see it, it brings only humility to what you have done before, and wonder why others have not seen it as well." His lance shook in his hand. His lance, the lance that speared the side of Christ.

"It's nothing you can force. You can only offer patience and wait." He had a smile to join the Roman's. "Patience even in the face of tyranny and disaster, as those are what Jesus showed us."

"For not even he who could command the heavens dared to show anger at those who caused him pain." Longinus's words finished Ritsuka's thought. "I have thought and meditated on it greatly. Enough to know my sin is deeper than any other, and it is one that was necessary for his blood and water to cleanse the world. A sacrifice I was asked to partake in, and I did not know the weight of until it was settled on my shoulders. Only our Lord could fathom such a task, and only he could bear it with complaints to no one."

His praise for the Lord was not only genuine, it was the warmest thing he had said so far.

Ritsuka was reminded of himself for a moment.

"It is good to see a Master and Servant so amicable. I've witnessed too often the friction of opinions before." The words of the wandering samurai took both of their attentions, watching him still balance on the horn of the wyvern.

"Do you not have the same opinion, Sasaki?"

"I may not sure the faith you both speak so highly of, but I see it as samurai serving other Lords. Respect is given for those who have a Lord they worship and adhere to, and that is what I offer you." He shrugged the long blade on his shoulder. "What else is to come of it, we will see."

"There is much more to this than just faith," Ritsuka spoke back. "Jesus was the one who made it possible for me to come here."

He felt the band on his wrist rumble, but he ignored it. He could only imagine that Da Vinci was laughing still, hundreds of years into the future.

"Then your Lord has power, and I'm happy to hear it. But I have not met this man nor have I seen his deeds." His sword fell forward, stopping when the point was aimed at Solomon, still standing above the crowd. "He, on the other hand, performed a magic that would make many wanderers his willing serfs."

"It's a deed only possible because of God, and Jesus his son." A wry brow was offered to Ritsuka. "Solomon's magic was a gift from God, wisdom offered to help him in Israel."

"Then I will say your Lord is generous, and I'm pleased we are all on his side." The samurai flipped his sword back. "When this is done, perhaps I may be able to have tea with him and ask to be of his service, if you are one who can follow him." Ritsuka felt himself smile, and a glance at Longinus showed a soft grin of his own. "But these are words for another time. This is war, and battles are being prepared."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean your Wise King is finishing, and I doubt he will come to us with questions."

It was only after he said it that Ritsuka realized that Solomon was done talking. The crowd hadn't dispersed, but he was walking over to them, more than just a few eyes following. He was all smiles, looking regal as ever, and once more Ritsuka had to remind himself he was chosen by Jesus to assist with the disorders of the past. Him, who ruled and created one of the greatest nations in the world, with the assistance of God on high.

"Greetings Solomon. What have you found?"

"A great deal! To start, I found that they have an excellent spread of jams that we can have, starting with apples and some berries I haven't tried before!" The king's words made Ritsuka blink.

He had to remember he was also once Romani.

"But that's for another time, maybe tomorrow. For now, what's important is that a few of the other townsfolk confirmed what Juan said, about the towns further ahead being destroyed and burned. It's not difficult to figure out how." Eyes were on the monsters. "But what's more concerning is further confirmation that there are hundreds more of these at least, perhaps nearing a thousand. While it was no issue for us to handle less than a dozen, that number may take more than a toll on us."

"A fair point. Quantity is its own quality."

"Correct Sasaki!" Solomon clapped with his words. "However, quality is also quality, and I refused to believe that a single being was responsible for all of this. It is a good thing I asked, for a young woman in the crowd confirmed there are other conspirators." That got Ritsuka's attention. Him and Longinus.

"What do they look like?"

"A few hairs shorter than Ritsuka here, long blond hair, beautiful blue eyes, and that small blush that lets you know they are sincere with their words."

He didn't understand. Kojiro's laughter continued.

"I mean the conspirators, Wise King." The red gowned man snapped his fingers as if he figured it out himself.

"Of course! Of course! My mistake, I was just distracted by her smile. It's a wonderful thing to be offered that. I almost forgot the feeling."

"Solomon," Ritsuka found himself muttering. He couldn't help but realize it was spoken in the same breath Olga usually did.

"They didn't have a number or guarantee on those who are in there, but Juan at least confirmed for us as well that there is more than just a single man in the castle that rules these beasts." His hand waved at Sasaki's 'chair'. "She saw one of them, and only escaped because she was stopped by another."

"You mean the woman was attached from two sides and still escaped?" Longinus was skeptical. "How odd for any to lose track of a girl so easily."

"No." Solomon smiled. "Another 'mercenary', as she called him, saved her from her attacker."

"But you said stopped her…"

"Yes, as in her attacker was female." His grin grew. "And for all the love I have of women, love rivaled by even my father." Ritsuka was sure he wasn't speaking of God in Heaven. "I have doubts than any woman of this age would be able to freely walk around without fear of death or attack of another man."

"They wouldn't, meaning that she was attacked by a servant." Sasaki nodded in understanding. "And what of them? They had to have description if she had their sex."

"Pale was the first word, as the young maiden thought a spirit was after her." There was a show in those words. "But she was also gowned in metal, with a rich red robe and a masque mask." Ritsuka had no idea how to even imagine that. "Nothing telling of her true identity, unfortunately, but enough to know that she is for sure a Servant summoned against us."

"Why against?"

"Oh, did I forget to mention? She had a staff she waved and controlled tides of blood."

Ritsuka felt his own shiver at the idea.

"I can say with no lacking amount of assuredness that you forgot to mention that."

"My mistake, I tend to forget small details." He laughed as the former Roman Soldier bowed his head.

"That's no small detail."

"But it is! When against the knowledge she is a servant at all and was turned by another that was against her." Ritsuka had honestly already forgotten about that.

"And the servant that saved your maiden?"

"Not my maiden." He heard a fourth words spoken under the former doctor's breath. "But she described him a knight, carrying a long blade yet lacking in armor. He had no shield either, for his blade was long as he was tall, and she was sure would be heavier than herself. Muscular, the man had sharp hair that fell well below his neck, and seemed heavy on its own."

"More details with no substance," Sasaki interjected. "All but the blade. A blade longer than him…" he admired his own blade with the words. "But with so much weight to it. He would have to be either an inexperienced swordsman, or a master of it."

"I'd vouch for the latter, if he was able to become a Servant," Solomon countered. "But the bigger issue is that we don't have confirmation since then."

"Since when?"

"Exactly." Ritsuka shook his head again.

"I, yes, I see. No confirmation moves made." Sasaki seemed to understand, which only bewildered the young Master all the more.

"Master," the voice of Longinus called him back. "They are referring to the last sighting of both Servants, and the time between them." He didn't understand. "They are concerned that in the time between then and now, Servants have likely moved a great distance."

"Or died, don't forget died." Ritsuka didn't even think of it, let alone forget it. "Because they weren't with each other, so death is a sure possibility. But that's just another consequence of time."

"How much time, is the question. A day, a moon?" Sasaki raised again. "The difference between seconds alone are damning in a battle."

"Good thing we're just trying to follow a trail then!" Solomon raised back. "And the answer is maybe a week, maybe less. Time isn't kept track here as rigidly as the modern world." He looked over Ritsuka's shoulder. "Or a well-managed empire. Sorry Longinus, but they're farmers and herders, not soldiers preparing for deployment or duties to cycle."

Ritsuka looked up at the gray-eyed man, seeing him nod sternly.

"If we are speaking of these Servants in the hopes of finding them, then we had best head towards the village the maiden escaped from. No matter the time, if they were there, they could return again, or in the very least show what brought them there."

"What does that mean?" The question left him as quickly as all the others.

"Meaning, that much like when I walked through nature, I saw how the animals chose dens to make homes, and how the rabbit would differ from the snake. More than just fights, we may be able to see what it is both Servants are looking for. Lives in general? The weak and chafe? Or perhaps they are seeking strong fights to satisfy themselves."

Ritsuka almost spoke up about the last one. Ready to say how silly it was that anyone would be going around France looking for life and death matches. But his mind thought of the Yakuza who would look for confrontation to earn glory, and the weak who came to the church for sanctuary. Then he went to the Hound of Ireland, and his unerupted desire to fight the Rogue Servants in the burning city.

"All differing means, but all roads leading to Rome." Longinus countered. "For all the reasons you mentioned still bring back to a well occupied town, not city ruins."

"True enough, but we may at least be able to see where they are going if not there. The answer there will tell us of who survived, who won, and who left." Sharp eyes looked at Ritsuka. "Will we see destruction carry northward towards the castle that houses the killers of a saint-mocker?" He didn't rise to the bait. "Or will we see them head southward, towards the populace unguarded and fearful of demons in the sky."

"I see, I see, you have a good sense of judgement about you," the Wise King complimented the samurai. "Your sense is good! I like it!" Ritsuka didn't get it.

"It is common sense, a necessity on the roads of warrior. I'm more than willing to share it." His smile was as loud as laughter.

"I don't disagree with that," Longinus added. "We may be able to save any lives that beg for our Lord's assistance, those that feel abandoned and surrounded with nary a call for help." Gray eyes bore down again. Ritsuka rose that.

"Then we should go!" He called out, earning the eyes of three Servants. "I know it may be mid-day, but the sooner we head out, the more likely we are to find whoever we're looking for."

"And if we get tired?" Sasaki's question caught him off guard. Not for the reason he thought.

"I thought Servants didn't get tired."

Laughter rolled from the Ronin and the Wise King. Longinus put his hand on his shoulder, patting it as he imagined a father would his child's head. He felt a flush run over his cheeks with the noise and motion.

"Truly! Truly you already sound like a Lord!" Sasaki put back. "You speak no ill words, only truth, and then wonder at delays! HA HA HA!"

"I agree! I never saw this side of you at Chaldea, Ritsuka!" Solomon continued. "The diligence of yours and prayer for God, but I never heard you so simply state others should work beyond your limits! Were you among my council those centuries ago, the walls would have risen to stare across all the lands!"

Ritsuka didn't know what was funny. He only knew he felt like he was on the street before revelers, trying to hand them directions to mass as they drank themselves into a stupor. Again.

"Do not mind them. Their histories are not ours." Longinus spoke back. "You are correct, though I believe their concerns were not for their own bodies, but yours." His hand tapped his shoulder once more. "We may die, and return to the God's domain. But you are still human. Your time has not yet come. Not like ours."

"I'll be okay. I've walked a long ways before." His honesty came out. "And the longer we wait, the further everyone else will go. So, we do have to hurry, especially if we have to find Kadoc."

"Kadoc?" The questioning tone rosed Ritsuka's mind.

"Oh! Right, I'm sorry, you don't know." He shook his head. "Sorry, I'm just… I'm used to everyone else knowing more than me."

"With companions such as the Wise King of Israel, and being guided by those far ahead of our time, that would be a difficult thought to not fall to." His smile hung brightly beneath gray eyes. "But be aware that no matter the majesty you come to witness or the lights you follow, there will always be those who do not understand or do not believe. It will be on you to show them and guide them."

"Guide… Servants?"

"Men like them. Men like us. And men like those who watch you." His hand was towards the crowd, and Ritsuka turned to see.

All their eyes were on them. On Solomon and Sasaki laughing, on the roman soldier standing tall next to him, the body of the wyvern beside them, and the joy and ease they shared. The people watching weren't afraid, but they were not relaxed. Ritsuka saw it like the guilty who came to confession, too afraid to sit close to the cross, but unwilling to turn to the door. They weren't looking upon a holy relic, however.

They were looking at him.

"Them?"

"They know of God's name, but not of his will."

"I don't either."

"You denied yourself that God forsook these lands. You argued well that he has his blessing upon them." He heard that. "I was a scout when I was beneath Roman rule. I was not a soldier among the front lines, or else they would not ask me to carry a duty as… mundane as… crucifixion."

"You know that wasn't mundane."

"To them, it was." He was right. "And to them, you speak of another impossibility. So what will you do?"

What would he do?

"Ah, is the Killer of Christ attempting to guide another follower of your Lord?" Sasaki asked with another amused grin. "Perhaps you are playing council now to him. A wise decision for an elder, such as a master to a young genshi."

"I am highlighting the truth of our situation. What is right to do… I cannot say. I did not even know the wrongness of slaying the Son of God."

The laugh Sasaki made didn't sound malicious… but he couldn't take it as good natured.

"Then allow me." Solomon was at his side. "Longinus is right, but wrong." Both? "They are looking to you for what's going to happen next, but you shouldn't feel as if it will be the decision of a brighter future or damning end. They know you're not their leader, but just recognize strength. Like a general returning from a campaign. Respected, but still beneath the king on the throne."

"That makes sense." Like angels to God's word. "Then… we just have to tell them where we are going?"

"And why. Don't forget the why."

"Why is why important?"

"Why else are why's what people whine about?"

"What?"

"Not what, why."

Sasaki was laughing again, and Ritsuka only hoped that Longinus was as confused as he was. The sigh he heard was more of one from a priest who saw a hoodlum in the church than a man witnessing a tangent homily.

"I would like to change my previous statement, Master Ritsuka," the Roman Saint spoke. "You are not surrounded by a Wise King and those of the future. You are surrounded by those whose logic is unique in God's design."

"That's not… untrue," Solomon leaned back.

"Can we… can we get back to the topic at hand?"

"Right, of course." The former doctor of Chaldea stood taller, his robes straightening, and his physique taking that of a king. "To the point at hand, it is a fine thought to tell them our plans, redacted of course, so that they may be able to provide us anything helpful. A map, contacts we may meet, those sorts."

"Okay, and why is it bad?"

"Did I say it was bad?"

"You said he was wrong."

"That isn't the same thing as bad." Sasaki was still laughing. Ritsuka felt like the Director was screaming over his shoulder. He only now wished she was. "All you have to do is remind them what we did and ask for what we need. Simple and obvious."

"That's okay?"

"We are the soldiers that protected them from harm." Longinus added. "It would be uncommon for them to not show us grace and thanks for the deeds." That made sense. Like the police officers who kept the more dangerous and rowdy people away from the church. He remembered the father always giving them donuts from the bake sales they would have.

"Alright, well… I'll go ask Juan."

"Ask all of them," Solomon corrected. "Juan is a kind man, but he does not have all that we need."

"Okay… okay…" Ritsuka swallowed on nothing as he approached the crowd. More than a few of them whispered as he approached, eyes on him. They were clearly expecting him t speak, and he could not help but imagine he was stepping before the podium to give a homily. Much like all members of a church gave attention and silence to the priest.

But he was not a priest, and this was not to be about the message of God.

"H-Hello? Everyone?" Eyes were on him, blinking. "I'm sorry if I'm… being rude when I ask this, but we're going to start heading towards the castle. All of us." His hand motioned towards the three men behind him. Solomon had a hand to his, and Sasaki was laughing again. "We were going to look for other towns, to see what is there. Can anyone help us?"

Silence was his return. Eyes strayed from him and started to glance at one another, mutterings low and subdued between them. Ritsuka looked for any hands or offerings, but found none. A knot started to twist in his stomach. He had to think.

"What I mean is… we don't know where the next towns are, o-or what could be there." They were looking at him again. "We're from… far away and we are trying to find our friend but… any hep for us to do that would be great."

"You don' have a map?" Someone asked, but Ritsuka didn't recognize him. "You traveled here without one?"

"No we… we lost ours." His hand played with his bracelet.

"Well that's worth a dragon's head." Wyvern, Ritsuka wanted to correct, but a parched mouth kept him from answering on instinct. "Angeline, can you grab the one from our room? Third drawer." A woman nodded and ran off.

"I'm sure Aaron has some food you can borrow. He dried it last month!" A woman shouted, earning a man's gruff reply. "Oh hush you! They just saved our town, you can afford to feed them at least." The man, Aaron apparently, gave no argument. "You stay still for a moment and we'll get you that."

"Do… Do you need anything for night? A blanket?" Another woman asked, though far younger than the first. Ritsuka had to imagine it was the 'Maiden' that Solomon referred to. The hair and eyes matched. She was pulling out a blanket as she spoked. "It isn't heavy, but it can keep the wind from chilling you."

To him, it looked like the blankets that were offered when he did not have room or time to make it to church. In other words, perfect.

"I'd greatly appreciate it." He responded with a full smile. "It will make the night easier." He took it from her, earning a bright smile from the girl. Suddenly he could understand the king's infatuation with her.

Understand, but not appreciate. Just understand.

"I'll carry that for you," Longinus spoke from beside him. "I'm used to heavy loads over long treks." A scout would be, Ritsuka supposed.

"And here's that meat!"

"And a good map!" The two others returned, carrying the items they promised.

"Wonderful! Wonderful!" Solomon replied with clapping hands. "And anything else?" The cheer took a noticeable dive with the question. Ritsuka's as well. "I don't mean to ask out of a lack of grace, but because we are doubtlessly going to find more of these beasts, and with luck, more people in need of help. If we have any more supplies, we may be able to offer them help as well." Oh, that's what he meant.

"Looking to save more of us?" Ritsuka recognized Juan's voice. He saw him approaching, him and his wife, carrying a satchel. "I assumed so, once I saw you start to slay those dragons. I will confess I doubted you would be able to make one fall, but now there are six littered about here."

Five, Ritsuka thought, but didn't correct. The Wise King of Israel had eliminated one with magic that took his breath away, literally.

"Juan! I assume you have treats for us?"

"Supplies for others." He corrected. "I speak not out of disrespect, but you have been treated well, and if you are to head north, I would appreciate to see anyone else being saved." Ritsuka remembered what his wife said. He said what he did with a smile.

"We'll save everyone we can." The earnest reply had the man looking at him. "Anyone we find, we'll save. I promise that." His smile grew.

"I believe you." He held out the satchel to him. "So, I'll pray for you."

Ritsuka took the satchel with a strong arm and wide smile.

---

"I must admit that I did not believe they would be so generous. Too often I am accustomed to those offering a simple meal and housing for the protection of a home."

"Generosity is a staple of a good Catholic, and Juan was happy to see we prayed with him."

"For him, yes, though I ask you not forget Master that you spoke of saving others, after he could not save his brother."

"I… haven't forgotten."

"Good, though in the same breath I must ask you do not let it weigh heavily upon you." Sasaki adjusted the pack around his shoulder. "All mourn the loss of what comes before them, and use it strengthen what lies ahead. Just as we Ronin mourn those samurai who have felled in battle, but strengthen our arms and blade so to best those who challenge us next."

"Similar, but I'm rathe sure our dear Master is more focused on saving lives than just making himself stronger." King Solomon looked over his shoulder, offering a smile to Ritsuka. "Your voice was stronger when you spoke of saving others, rather than helping yourself."

"It was easier."

"And I would feel the same," Longinus agreed with a hand to Ritsuka's shoulder. "It is much easier to ask for aid for helping another, than to request assistance for one's self. All men beneath God believe that they are capable of strengthening their own lives. All men wish to bear the weight of his judgement."

"Change that to faithful men and you're more accurate." Solomon pointed into the air. "I have a litany of names of men who would be more than willing to demand selfish things while spiting needy travelers."

"Faithful men then. I will not argue they are the more pious and generous." Sasaki laughed at the soldier's words. "But in the spirit of generosity, perhaps it can be shared where we are going next?"

"The town from before." Solomon held up the map. "That lovely maiden was clear how close it was, and we should be able to reach it an hour's time before nightfall. If we are in luck, there may be a home we can rest in."

"Luckier still if those Servants are still present," Sasaki added. "I am sure they would provide a greater challenge than those winged beasts."

"Speaking of those, I haven't seen any." Solomon made a show of looking into the sky. "With how they were described, in number and ferocity, I imagined we'd be bombarded with them."

"They were all described as pack traveling," Longinus added. "For all the animals that ruled the wilds of Rome, none were so numerous that they would dot the landscape. They herd like humans, and travel as such. Their advantage now is they have less to fear."

"Aside from us, at least," the king tacked on. "But you're right. Though that does mean if you see one, expect more." Longinus made an agreeing sound. "In the meantime, perhaps we should update the Director on our progress." His golden eyes were on Ritsuka. "I'm sure she'd love to hear about our new companion."

Oh yeah… he had forgotten. Without any ceremony, he twisted the band on his wrist. The usual translucent screen popped into life a moment later.

It was almost unsurprising to see the Director's snarling face bearing down on him.

"There you are! I've been trying to open a line for hours now!"

"You had?" He looked at the wrist in honest confusion. "How could I tell?" The noise of distress she made was smothered only by laughter from Sasaki, and the same from Da Vinci short a millennium in the future.

"You bumbling idiotic poor excuse for a well-educated Master!"

"I-I don't know if I'm that well educated. I only know enough to read, write, and give history on the faith."

"That much is obvious!" Olga shouted down at him. She hissed out of her clenched teeth. "But never mind your lack of critical thinking for now. Just… just relate what's happened. You have Sasaki Kojiro, Longinus, and Romani. Where are you going now?"

"Ro-Solomon, spoke to a woman who said she was saved by someone in another village. This while she was being attacked by a Servant."

"She was attacked by a Servant? How do you know that?"

"I think it's because the wyverns didn't attack her. And the man who saved he was a Servant as well, because he was using a broadsword." He looked at Sasaki. "So we're going to where she was attacked, so that we may be able to find out where they went."

"You may be out of luck, considering the time and level of destruction. However, it wouldn't hurt to study the ruins~." Da Vinci popped into screen. "It would be a grand for being able to discern these Rogue Servant identities."

"We can do that?" No one else had suggested it.

"But of course~! It could be as simple as finding sword etchings rather than bludgeoning dents so we may discern their weapon, or as detailed as finding inscriptions, runes, or the remnants of their tools to discovery their most likely period of activity. Any and all clues will paint a portrait of who they are~."

"And knowing who they are will tell us how to defeat them, or the more likely means to be able to stop them." Olga nodded. "Continue on then, but answer when I call you next, and be sure to relay any information you start to find when you get there. Da Vinci will be able to guide you on how to analyze the battlefield as well."

"Dear Director, I believe the warrior's will be better at that than me~." Her laugh was met with a scowling face from Olga.

"Then go carve a statue! Make it a monument to your own constant mockery!"

"Already done~. Would you like to commission another?"

A sound came from the screen, followed by it blipping out. Ritsuka looked down at his wrist, confused, but wary of attempting to speak again. It felt off to try, like a man who had rebuffed him on the street.

"Master, who was that?" Longinus's question distracted him well enough.

"That… oh!" Ritsuka felt dumb for a moment. "I apologize! You haven't met Director Olga or Da Vinic before."

"I know of the last name by the information of the Throne, but not the first. I may assume she is your commander from how she spoke. She seemed knowledgeable but… perhaps short is the best word."

"The very best!" Solomon agreed. "She's a very short person, remember that! Next time you her, remember to ask her to be less short! It would distract our Master otherwise!" Longinus nodded seriously at the words.

"Understood, I will do so." Ritsuka held up his hand, unsure if he should stop the roman soldier. Sasaki laughed on as he increased his pace. "But before then, we should decide on what to do when we enter the town."

"I thought we already did that?"

"He means in terms of securing it and keeping any more threats out," Sasaki relayed. "Just as I would not rest under a tree until I knew the bears were gone, we should not enter a ruined town before ensuring that the beasts and Servants are no longer present. Do so carelessly, and we may be attacked."

"Ambushes are common against strong foes, and it is unlikely that our enemies will not recognize our strength as Servants." That made sense. It was why so many muggings he had seen were snatch-and-grabs. "I suggest that Sasaki and I enter first, as we can make use of our strength without tiring Master."

"No arguments there," Solomon returned. "Further, I think it would be good for us to be a distance out, perhaps shy a mile, so that we may see any attacks coming our way. If we are to close, a sufficiently fast Servant may be able to surprise us." Ritsuka remembered Cu and his speed. "That said if you do find anything stronger than a wyvern, retreat."

"Why's that?"

"You have to retreat to regroup, and for all the bravado of fighting a Servant one to one, we are here to save lives. If we regroup, our chances go up." Ritsuka nodded affirmatively.

"If it is an order from our Master, I'll comply. What else do you wish to discuss before finding the village?"

"Would you care to listen to the stories of Christ?" Longinus asked.

---

"A simple word you say?"

"I was not there for out, but all his apostles swore to it, and the fisherman that was interrogated as well. All spoke that with but a word, he commanded the storm to cease."

"I have heard embellishments of moving mountains with an order, but to have nature truly bend to one's will does make for a strong Lord."

"The Lord of Hosts and Lord of All. Even the stars, sky, and land we walk upon."

"Truly a marvel. And he never wielded a blade?"

"Not while I was alive, and I was the one to take his life."

"Remarkable. Most Lords in my land must be knowledgeable with some tool, be it lance, bow, or sword. For him to have none and be so sure of himself is proof of great courage." The samurai stroked his chin as he spoke. "I would enjoy to meet this man."

"All who worship him would." The soldier looked down. "As would I once more."

"To ask for forgiveness, correct?" Ritsuka looked at the samurai, only to see that the Roman Soldier shied away from his inquisitive gaze. "You have no need to be shameful of your intent. The hate of your own deed is enough, though I cannot say what will be the request of your Lord when you do see him."

"No price would be too high to earn his forgiveness. Even my own death would be agreeable." That almost made Ritsuka stop. Almost. He had to remember he was already dead.

"Ah, then you truly are alike to me. Your life secondary before your Lord."

"All is beneath him. I am no exception."

"Good. Very good."

"I think it's horrible." Ritsuka was not the only one to whip his eyes forward, furrowing his brows at the back of Solomon.

"Wise King of Israel, you have best rethink those words."

"Not your story, not that. That." He pointed forward.

Just over the edge of the hill, a town came into view, or what little was left of it. Even preparing himself for it did little good for Ritsuka, and he had to remind himself they were still easily miles away. Like looking upon the Tokyo towers from one edge of the city to another, missing every detail that mattered.

And yet, he could still see the buildings that had come down, the small puffs of smoke from nearly dead fires, the scorched land about the town, and the broken vestibules of homes. All of it there and so far away… He felt no oy in seeing it.

"Horrible indeed," Longinus agreed. "Though I think Sasaki and I should go ahead now."

"This far out?"

"At full pace, we should reach there quickly," the Samurai spoke. "You have walked long enough Master, so it would do you well to rest until we return. And we will return, be it alone or in the midst of battle." His smile was sharper at the end.

"Be thorough, not quick, and that's all I ask." Solomon spoke up. "We don't need to be surprised in case there is an Assassin." The man flung his red robe as he walked behind Ritsuka. "Allow me to bless you before you leave."

"I need no prayers from you, Wise King."

"Not that kind of blessing." Ritsuka was confused for a moment.

Until he looked up and saw one of the rings upon his hand glowing. His hand reached up and grabbed his chest, as if preparing himself for the feeling of nausea and pain. Ritsuka held his breath as green mist, like lines, came out of the ring, surrounding the pair of Servants. It swirled up them so much like snow, and fell away faster than leaves. Nothing outwardly changed about them, nothing that he could see at least.

"Hmm… a shield? No… I feel a tie to myself, stronger than before." Sasaki felt something obvious.

"And I the same. I recognize it, but not from the inside." Gray eyes bore on Solomon. "You have tied us to the Earth?"

"I've given you the recovery from mortal wounds. Only once, as any more would damage Ritsuka, but think of it as giving yourself a bit more… guts in battle."

"A resistance to death you mean?"

"That works too, but it sounds a bit… cringy, doesn't it?" Ritsuka sighed as Solomon clapped his shoulder. "Either way, this should make it a bit easier for you to retreat if need be, especially if there is an Assassin who tries to kill you. But don't ask for it again so quickly. It would hurt Ritsuka to use a stronger version."

"You have my gratitude and understanding." Longinus adjusted his infamous lance, keeping the posture of a warrior. "Then Sasaki?"

"Hai, I am ready." The two looked ahead at the town. A rush of wind made Ritsuka shut his eyes.

When he opened them again, they were already half way there.

"Far slower than the Hound of Ireland, but far better than you or I could manage." Solomon spoke proudly. "Or maybe I should say me before I was given these rings back. I did hate exercising with the rest of the team. Always made me miss my sweets."

"Your candy, right?"

"Of course! What else would it be." Ritsuka didn't think too hard on it.

He looked at the ruins, watching as they slowly grew with the slow trek he and the Wise King made. There was obviously no rush, but he was looking for more as well. There could be something, anything, and he had to be aware of it. He had to, because he promised the Lord that he would do his utmost for him.

"It looks like they're already done." That quick? Ritsuka looked over the few rolling hills to see Sasaki standing atop one, long blade out and waving in the air. It was hard to miss. "It must be safe." He didn't question it, but followed behind Solomon as they trekked on. "But just in case… stay close to me."

"Is there something dangerous?"

"Maybe, possibly, but likely."

"Why likely?"

"Because the fires are still burning, and there should be nothing left to burn them with." Ritsuka hadn't even thought of it.

The small rolling tops of smoke that rose, dissipating before it traveled above the ruined towards. So small compared to the burning burning burning burning fires of the other city, but still there. They were almost too small for him to give consideration before. That was dangerous.

"You think… someone is hiding there?"

"I think someone has been there recently, but they are not showing themselves to Sasaki or Longinus for a reason. Either they think the pair are travelers that have come to survey the ruined city, or…"

"Or?"

"Or they know exactly who they are, and are waiting for you to arrive." Ritsuka felt his muscles clench. "It isn't a guarantee, just something to be aware of."

"Couldn't it just be someone came and left, or is just too afraid?"

"Possible, but unlikely."

"Why's that?"

"If they had just left, the fires wouldn't be so large, especially if they were travelers. No campfire of travelers would have smoke rising above buildings." Ritsuka hadn't seen enough of them to be able to understand, but he took the King's words. "And if they were too afraid to show themselves, they would not be willing to light a fire at all." That one made a lot more sense.

Just how if he wanted to avoid be spoken to when he went to adoration, he would wait at the back of the church to the offside of the pews, away from those who were entering and with head bowed before the priests could make eye contact with him. He didn't want to talk, he didn't make himself known. Fires that burned burned burned burned made you noticed.

"Don't think too heavily on it." Ritsuka looked up to see Solomon smiling over his head. "It'll make your legs ache if you think too heavily. That much extra weight would be a pain on your shoulders, too." He laughed as he rolled his arm. He didn't get it. "Just know that we're here for you, and we'll keep you safe." Ritsuka looked past him.

They were closer now, with Sasaki standing with his sword drawn and Longinus like a soldier, lance tall at his side. The king smiled far before them, and it made Ritsuka give his own smile to follow.

"Okay. Alright, thank you."

"No problem! It's what we're meant to do."

"Indeed, it's what we're all meant to do."

That… wasn't Solomon.

Ritsuka spun on his heel, so fast he almost fell. Solomon was in front of him before he could put his second foot down, arm out and covering him. It didn't stop him from seeing the man before him. It was a man, and that was all he was confident in.

A man that stood with a hat brim so large it shadowed his face in the late day sun. A man with a cloak so long it held up around his ankles. Clothing a darkly green, and with a smile that seemed to pierce through the veil of the shadows. He stood there like a shadow cast from no object, and smiled like it was where he was meant to be.

To Ritsuka, he felt like something inhuman. He wasn't alone.

"Who sent you?"

"Who sent me? An odd first question. Would two nobles not first greet one another with names before inquiring on the aspects of their current predicament? I would care to enjoy your name." One of his hands reached out from his cloak.

It was pale, pale as snow. Fitting and unfitting for someone who was covered in so much darkness. It just looked wrong, it looked unnerving to stare at. Ritsuka kept his lips tight as he stared at the man.

"A name is inquired when discussions are to be had. You didn't approach for that reason, so I won't offer what you are unwilling to give." The words of the Wise King came out smoothly, with a hand raised showing the five rings upon it.

The sight, or the words, made the man laugh.

"PHUAUAUAUAUAUA!" Leaning back with the same pale hand put over his face, covering himself as he roared into the sky with a jubilation Ritsuka could not even begin to understand. He laughed as if he was told a joke from Christ himself, and yet grinned with clearly unholy intent.

Good men did not smile with sharp teeth. True men did not have eyes that burned gold.

"You are who he said you would be! Good! I am glad that he was honest about who would stand before us." The man righted himself, clapping hands together. "And here was I nervous that our dear accomplice would be playing both sides."

"Accomplice?" The words lipped out like a question. It was enough to earn the man's burning gaze.

"Yes, a dear compatriot you may even call him. Someone who is assisting us as we asked. And we provide him protection. Protection behind the thickest of walls and highest of floors." The words ran through his mind. He realized quickly what they meant.

"Kadoc… you have him?"

The man's sharp smile was answer enough.

"You say you as in referring to me. But I, like you, do not travel alone." It wasn't the words that gave Ritsuka panic. It was the reaction to them. Or perhaps… what followed them.

A shadow appearing over him, chilling him more than winter's wind. The sound of clashing steel before he could fully turn around. Then the sight of lavender robes being swirled in a red irony liquid. A liquid he knew well from beatings, injuries, and adoration for the holy kind.

Blood.

Blood that didn't sit like a true pool, but stood like icicles coming from the ground. The long blade of Sasaki pushing them back, even as he had his own gown drenched in them.

"Master… I ask you vacate from the field." Sasaki spoke with his back turned. SHINK-SHINK! His blade moved before Ritsuka could breathe, cutting through the swath of bloody protrusions. They fell apart as if melted by his blade, but then retreated as if alive. "I believe the woman does not care for my life, but yours." Woman?

"Oh? So, your mind is sharp as your blade. How unique for vagabonds such as yourself." A high and sultry voice spoke proudly beyond the samurai. Ritsuka managed to see a bit of her, and almost regretted it. He did not recognize her from sight, but description.

A cage of metal about her waist, a long mask that her face, and a staff that was used so much as a walking stick at her side. And yet, that was not what made him cold. It was the blood that swirled and vanished about her, so much like her body was drinking it. Her smile matched the cruelness of the image. And her eyes burned like the man's behind him.

BOOOM! The man whose fist had just edged past Ritsuka's face.

"GAH!" The noise left him as he fell, hitting the ground to see Solomon reaching his hand out and pushing at the dark sleeve of the man. His rings glowed, but the man's arm burned.

No… it just swirled, with darkness.

"PHUAUAUAUA! Of course, a king as old as you would know basic fisticuffs!" The man looked unimpeded even as Solomon gripped his arm, and stared with golden eyes. "But knowledge means nothing when you have no time to ponder upon it!" And then he was gone.

Simple as that. Gone. In a wisp of smoke. Ritsuka stared in disbelief. Solomon did not.

"Ritsuka!" He shouted. "This will hurt, but it's better than the alternative!" He reached forward with his hand. "For this is the time of returning." His voice echoed in a chant before his rings began to glow. Ritsuka felt the same burning rip through him as before. The same sensation of emptying himself out and being unable to catch a breath.

It hurt, but as it did, a field swirled around him. A bubble of transparent steel, melting and hardening around him. The time it would have taken for him to scream, it finished about him, and he could only hear the echoes of his own pained panting as it swirled atop him.

BOOM! BOOM! Then the dull sounds of fists beating at it. He fell back to look behind him, seeing the same darkly green dressed man standing there, firsts swirling with darkness and eyes burning down upon. Out of reach, he still smiled.

"Falling behind walls for your own safety. Predictable for its effectiveness. But walls came be used for safety or imprisonment. You are not wise enough to know the difference!" He reeled his hand back. "Nor the proper way to tear them down!" He threw his hand forward, launching a stream of darkness.

Ritsuka didn't know how else to describe it than that. Like opposite of a beam of light. A dark straight force of condensed shadows, crackling as if summoned form a lightning cloud, and striking force with a terrifying might. It wasn't aimed at him.

It bore down on King Solomon.

Ritsuka didn't have the breath to scream, but only watch as the man's raised hand pushed the force away. The pale skinned and darkly dressed man didn't look even slightly perturbed.

"As expected of one warned by my accomplice. You will not fall easily."

"I will not fall at all. Not against you."

"Neither will I against this foul woman." Sasaki's words were matched the swinging of his blade. Propped up by the bubble on the ground, and swimming in delirium as his Mana was drained from him with need, he watched the man cut through what were tendrils of blood, watching them fall to pieces before his long blade. "She is no swallow."

"Oh? But I have made a habit of swallowing many things, though nothing you have ever had the privilege to enjoy." The woman's words were strong as she swung her staff, the blood billowing with her motions, and then flying out from its head. "And you speak too confidently for a man who cannot even make me sweat."

"And you who strike like snakes speak so highly of yourself." Sasaki chuckled. "You are no swallow, it is odd for you to think my blade will sing as though you are one."

"I can sing, and do so easily. A pity your Master cannot." Ritsuka continued to hold his chest as he struggled on the ground. "An impoverished man who struggles to hold his breath before those above him. Such is the place of the serfs and slaves, and he will die as befitting those beneath me. Beneath my heel." Her leg come out and stepped on the ground.

In time with her stomp, a figure of metal fell from the sky. Fell like a comet, slamming into where Sasaki stood and scattering the field outside from where Ritsuka's bubble lay with dust and dirt. His weak breathing, held back by harsh breaths, could only look out as the dirt quickly settled. Relief for Sasaki standing to the side, deftly dodging the blow, was belied by seeing what the hunk of metal was. He knew it well, from the past of the church, and understanding the dark underside of the western persecution.

He knew what an Iron Maiden was. He did not know how the woman had summoned it with a stomp of her heel.

"A swift bug, that is for sure. But a bug nonetheless. I may very well rest in the comfort knowing you are not a strong one, or else you may have endured the maiden. But you had to dodge it, and for that, I know a blow from it will kill you."

"Then I must offer my apologies, for I thought you strong in mind but weak in body." Sasaki levied his blade against the woman, standing aside the Iron Maiden. "Now I can see you are weak in all aspects, depending on the blood of others." He chuckled. "How pitiful."

"Pitiful?" the woman's lips snarled, a dark red vanishing under the edges of white teeth. "How dare a wandering vagrant call me pitiful!" Her staff slammed into the ground.

The Iron Maiden opened up beside Sasaki.

"Too slow, lowly woman." He jumped back swinging his blade.

"Indeed. Too slow, apathetic samurai." The shadowy man was next to him, Solomon's eyes wide and mouth agape. He gave the man a push into the mouth of maiden's thousands of thorns. Ritsuka, still trapped on the ground in pain and anguish couldn't even cry as Sasaki was nearly held in place to be swallowed in blood.

TWANG! But the fatal blow was held back by a stick of metal, sticking between the doors, and holding it open. The metal of a sword that Ritsuka didn't recognize, but stared at with praise. Sasaki did the same, even as he swung back the strike at the gowned man, missing as he vanished in another wisp of smoke, only to reappear next to the woman.

"What misery, so close to scourging another rouge element, stopped by a pick of metal."

"A pick of metal that dares to defy me!" The woman turned. "By a roman who doesn't know his place!" Ritsuka turned as if in a death roll, looking toward her voice.

Longinus ran towards them, hand still drawing back from the throw, lifting up his famed spear. Blood was still doused over him, the lance that confirmed the death of Christ the same as he ran. Fury painted his features, even as gray eyes stared forward.

"A foolish soldier than! Who would throw their sword before their lance!?"

"A man who knows I will throw away my life before I do this spear!" Longinus leaped like the famed soldiers of the army, lance coming down at the pair of attackers. The man vanished in a smoke of shadows once more. The woman swung her staff.

Blood tackled Longinus like vipers, surrounding him and dragging him into the dirt. For a terrified moment, it looked like he may even drown in it. The idea was too possible to be anything less than horrifying. But Ritsuka had forgotten for a moment who the man was. Not just the confirmer of Christ's death, but a Servant returned to serve the Lord.

A Servant who swung his lance and dispelled the blood, who stomped the ground and made the blood tremble, and took long his grip on the lance to swing it forward, like halberd more than a lance. Enough to make the woman step back.

Into the direction of Sasaki.

"Into the embrace of steel," he smiled sharply as he swung his blade. It did not connect with her.

Just as Longinus had saved Sasaki, so too did the shadowy man save the woman, but in a way far less miraculous. It wasn't a miracle what he did. Miracles did not leave you surrounded in fear.

And a man who appeared before the samurai fast as lightning, gripping the Servant's arm with a passive grip to stop his swing, and grinning ruefully with the promise of death, did not usher any other emotion but that of death's embrace.

"The embrace of steel? Phuauauauaua." His laughter was cruel before the man. "Before that, you must dance in flames." Ritsuka, even in pain, didn't understand. Solomon, playing as much catch up as he was, did.

"WYVERNS!" The cry came from the king as he put his hand to Ritsuka's shield. He was within a moment later, shielded like the master. IT gave the Master enough time to look up and see the sky dotted with the beasts, in numbers far greater than before. Not a dozen or two, far more than that.

Hundreds. Hundreds that circled the skies with beating wings and roars of power, all with craning necks and filled chests. A moment later, with a cry that Ritsuka recognized from the village, fire was indeed rained from the heavens, and all around him.

It was dulled, the roar of the crackling flames, by the bubble of magic he was in. The sound and scent of burning land was kept at bay, but the sight was as clear as the Alter of Christ. He watched as the plumes of fire came down and raptured the land around him, Solomon next to him, on knees holding him up, almost forcing him to watch.

"You'll be okay. You'll be alright," he spoke. "The magic of this shield was crafted in a manner to protect those who worshipped God. I cannot do anything from within, but those within his embrace are kept from harms outside of his design."

"And what is outside of your God's design?" The question came above the roar of fire, from the shadowy man they fought.

Standing outside the bubble and amidst the torrent of flames, the darkly dressed man stared at them, eyes of a darker fire than the wyverns rained down. His smile crueler than any screams they could admit. Ritsuka could not even whimper as Solomon held him.

"The same God that gave you those rings is the same God to throw me into a prison of no return, King Solomon." The wise king hissed as if pained. He knew why, Olga had BORED that knowledge into him. A Servant's true name was their true history, and giving you knowledge of their weaknesses and strengths. This man, be it only partially a man, knew who Solomon was. "A God that will offer one the gifts of heaven, and then force another to crawl from the ocean's floor for even a speck of joy."

"Talk to Job if you think your life is unfair." Ritsuka, even through his pain, had to grin at the comment. A sudden pull at his stomach, like it was being twisted by a hand from within, pushed that same grin away.

"Indeed, the God that would forsake a man for the world. How much of his plan do you know? How much does he account for?" The man put his hand to the shield, leaning in with the same dark smile. "Did your God not see me approach? Did he not discern a vampire's attack? Did the dozens of wyverns above do nothing to his plan? Does none of this matter?"

"Matters to what?" Solomon asked. "To you, to your accomplice? Do you have a Master you are serving?"

Rather than answer, the dark man leaned his head back and laughed.

"Me serve another?! PHUAUAUAUA! That is the humor I expected from a wise king! The rueful and cruel that only those confident in themselves can appreciate. No different than if I were to mock that woman for all the blood she drank and comparing them to pigs, asking if she was so interested in the taste of swine." Ritsuka didn't understand. "These plans of ours matter to all, for they will affect all. Just are our actions, for they will truly free us all."

"What are you looking to be free from?"

"More than you have time to hear." The man lifted his hand up, and Ritsuka watched as it began to whisp into smoke again. But not. It didn't become wisp. "And less than I'm willing to say."

It became a claw. A crackling, dark, and dripping with shadows claw that looked ready to rend the wings of an angel, and carried by a man with a smile like a demon. That was what it was. That was what Ritsuka knew this man was like.

He was a man, but with the face, smile, and speech of a demon. The fires around him, burning and burning and burning and burning and burning disagreed.

"Fare the well, fools of Chaldea." His claw fell.

TWANG! And it rebounded off of glass. Ritsuka thought his ailed mind was getting to him, until he saw the shimmer began to twinkle.

Twinkle, crack, and finally shatter.

"And fare to you, my noble citizen!" The cry was not from a voice that Ritsuka knew. He didn't know anything.

Not even the glass stallion that fell before the clear magical sphere, carrying a girl adorned in a far too large red hat, looking over them with a beatific smile.

Where did that come from? What was going on? How was she?

"Damnable girl!" The cry came from the masked woman. Her staff beat at the air and blew away the flames before her, having her stalk forward with the Iron Maiden trailing behind it. It dragged like a boulder, yet did not deter her. Her eyes gave off the same hate her energy gave her. "Who are you to interfere! Who are you to keep us from burning these fools!" The shout from the noble woman of blood made the hatted girl laugh. Like a child, laugh.

"Me? I'm just a rider from decades into the future, helping my people!" She spoke the confusing sentence with folded legs atop the glass stallion. "And you are not permitted to harm them." With such simple words, the stallion turned and kicked. Only because of tales of knights of Christ on horseback did Ritsuka know how strong a horse's legs were.

But he did not think they were strong enough to strike the Iron Maiden with a force to send it back into the sky. It would have been great alone, but it was not alone.

In the same moment, Kojiro and Longinus ripped themselves from the flames around them. Both fast as the wind, and with weapons aimed at the shadowy man. He, however, had the gift of the embrace on his side, giving him enough time to look at them both. He was but a wisp of air when they swung through him.

He reappeared on the other side, smiles and laughter.

"So, a rueful princess comes to save a king?" His sharp smile had not fallen, and only darkened amidst the flames. "A pity you have no means to calm our just rage."

"You're correct, I don't!" Even in the midst of his gut emptying pain, Ritsuka could stare at the woman was she smiled from atop her crystal stallion. "But a princess loved like me doesn't attempt to journey alone. You don't, dear Count." Rather than an immediate answer, blood ran towards her.

The stallion she was un bucked and jumped away from it, splashing the red liquid into the brighter flames, and galloping about without care for the heat. The vicious noblewoman stepped out, twisting her cane.

"It doesn't matter who you bring. You cannot escape these fires or my desires."

"Aha! That isn't true! I have the perfect means of escape."

"Your stallion of glass will be shattered like your dreams if you believe that capable of escaping us." Her cane twisted again, and the blood pooled around her, sucked like a sponge and dying her dress crimson. Next to the shadowy man and around the burning and burning and burning landscape around them, she looked akin to his bride. A demonic entity fit for his evil. "You cannot resist what we have planned no more than you can rescue these fools!"

Her staff swung at them, and blood coated the invisible field around them. Like the inside of a bubble, the pained Ritsuka watched the crimson liquid fall over it, and then swirl back towards the woman. Her smile showed no sign of falling.

"Either to my blood, the dragons' fires, or the count's malice. You will fall today." She stepped back, stomping her heel on the ground. "And no acts of deceit will stop us." From just behind her, he saw Longinus approaching, lance raised and poised for a vicious thrust.

But he stopped himself, jumping back as the Iron Maiden fell again, barely missing him and forcing the fires to billow under the force. The dirt smothered some of the fire, letting the Master, still unable to breath without pain, see Kojiro approaching the same, blade drawn back and stance long. Even without pain, the Master could not see how the man swung his blade.

It did not mean the other Servant, the demonic man, had any difficulty in catching the blade between his fingers. Dark wisps of smoke and crackling energy formed between his fingers as he held the samurai's sword.

"More an Assassin than a saber, and once I'd approve." The man's sharp teeth hid nothing. "A pity you do not drink yourself full of the power that vengeance may bring you, otherwise you may have a chance to save your Master."

"I have no need to indulge in things I do not have." Sasaki spoke back. "And you speak of our plans before we have yet to grab our blade's hilt."

"PHAUAUAUAU! You seem sure of yourself while I hold your blade!"

"Indeed, because there is no better way to ensure you stay still." Ritsuka didn't get it.

Not until the glass stallion was next to him, facing away from him, and hind legs pulled back. The large-hatted girl atop the steed pointed with a prideful scream.

"Viva la France!" The stallion bucked. This time, it hit.

The figure blew through the fire so much like a stone in water, vanishing from sight and dragging the plumes of smoke with him. If he impacted the ground far away, Ritsuka couldn't hear it through the muting billows of fire. He didn't care, not as much as watching the red dressed woman gasp in shock next to him. It stopped her from seeing Longinus spin his lance at her again. She raised her staff to block it.

It did not protect her back as Sasaki dragged his blade up her back.

This time, the blood that came from her earned a shrill cry of pain from the woman.

"Yes! Yes! That's it!" Solomon cheered next to him. "Just hold on a bit longer, Ritsuka! It looks like we may be able to handle two Rouge Servants!"

"Not nearly so." The voice of the demonic man stopped him, as both twisted to see the man standing beside the shield again, opposite the others. "This only shows the necessity of our plans. And sates the desire to see your own blood." His hand pulled back again, lightning and dark fire coating it once more. "Allow me that gift, Wise King."

"Nope!" Solomon yelled as he swung his hand. No beams of light took the man like the man before.

Instead, the shield exploded outward.

Ritsuka was no Magus, as he was quick to be reminded, and his knowledge of science was only enough to know how electronics work. Thus, he had no idea how impressive or possible was the result of Solomon's actions.

The fires around them were blown away in a moment, a wind that coalesced and spun them to nothing. The dark man's hand and body were turned to wisps of smoke again, and he vanished from sight. The woman fighting Sasaki, Longinus and the girl was blown over, doubtlessly howling for the unseen attack. The rest of them were no better, falling to the ground or grasping at their stallion to remain upright, and with little effect. And then the fires from the sky were dimmed, as the wyverns above them were injured, or even killed.

But for all of that, he was not immune to the required energy like before. And the hole in his gut became larger, swallowing more of him.

The explosion left him rattling in pain. Almost slamming his head against the ground. More than in gut, it felt as if his spine was being violently pushed on, ready to rip it out to suck out whatever little strength was being kept inside. He had no voice to plead for mercy from it. He could not hear any promises or mockery through it. He did not know what Solomon was screaming above him, only that he had a hand on his forehead, and an expression that looked as pained as his.

Someone else picked him up then, maybe Longinus, just not Sasaki. His body was rattled further as he was placed on the crystal stallion, the hands of the large-hatted woman putting hands on his back to hold him still. It hurt, like mad. As if he had put the embers from fires over his body and rolled in the molten wax. It hurt, like hell.

"-urry! Hurry out of here!" Someone yelled, Ritsuka hearing it as his ears rang with pain.

"You will go nowhere!" And voice screamed, and then blood ascended around them. "One of you, your Master, or all at once! I will feast upon you all!" It began to fall.

"Such a disgusting swallow." Sasaki's words were almost muted as the blood fell down.

"A bad swallow? Is this your first time?" Ritsuka didn't know who said that. He didn't know if the voice was different from his ailed senses or what.

He only knew that above them shone a quick shield of light, a brilliant display that was accompanied by a sharp ring in the air. More than the ring to his ears that came from the twisting sensation of pain, this was like a church's bell, rung as the prayers were concluded, and bringing his senses back to light.

Pain still stirred in him, but he was able to look up and see another robed man standing before the glass stallion. With a hat… as ridiculous as the girl's holding him, and a long robe of golds, greens, and lavenders. He had no idea who he was.

The only thing on the man he recognized was the conductor's baton.

"You! Cursed musician! Are you here to create a new dirge?!"

"AHAHA, not at all! I've had my fill of those sad tunes." He flung his hand left and right. "I'm just unwilling to let my new muse be injured by an unruly critic." Ritsuka didn't understand the motions he was making.

Not until he saw little balls of light bloom and exploded around them. Not from the ground like grass or flowers, but in the air, like stars plucked the sky and squeezed between fingers. They erupted near the pillars of blood, blowing them over like the blades and blows from before. This time, however, accompanied by the woman screeching with hands to her ears.

"Hurry! Hurry now! There's only so long a poorly-played Tuba will keep the naysayers at bay!" The warning came as he jumped, far higher than Ritsuka was sure a normal man could, and latching onto the side of the stallion's neck. "Our dear sponsor needs us back quickly, and it is poor form to underdeliver or return late a promised reward!" The horse began to gallop, and the pain that the Master felt returned with a rage. If he cried out, he couldn't hear it himself.

"Where!? Where are we going?"

"Someplace far from here! AHAHA!" The oddly robed man spoke. "Now Princess, shall we go?"

"Indeed! Tally ho!" The stallion leaned back without a neigh, then ran forward without delay. Ritsuka was held down by the girl's hand, and could feel the wind whipping at him, his pained body treating each whip of the wind as a cut against his skin. Was it the speed they were moving or the pain of the magic doing it? He didn't know.

He only knew he had to be screaming, because his ears were ringing. His unsettled mind finally lost its hold on the world around him, and threw him into the abyss.

Darkness took his senses, and he fell in shortly after.

---

"No! Dammit! Get back here!" She howled as the stallion drew dirt and vanished from sight, tearing the other Servants away with it. Until it was a dot along the endless fields of France, and then not even smoke. "Damnable bastards! Damn them all!" Her eyes glowed scornfully at the impossibly far off foe, twisting her neck and craning to the dragons above. "And you fools!? Why do you not chase them!? Are you going to behave like house cats over the hound dogs!?"

The screeching cries of the great lizards only served to boil her already magma blood. The woman slammed her staff into the ground, drawing forth the blood that had been battered and splashed across the field. With a sick twist of her stomach, she commanded it to form.

And with a speed that would be a nary second to the retreating horse, a spike of blood ripped into the air. Thin, small, and hardly enough to injure a field of men, only one. But it was enough to rip through the underside of one of the beasts, ripping up past its guts and skewering its heart. Others cried out around it, but she only stare up as the body began to fall and drag itself down the bloody spire. She snarled, ripping her staff back and stalking away.

WHUMP! The motionless body of the beast hit the ground a moment later, not even worth a glance.

"Disgusting monstrosity."

"PHuauauaua. Careful where you criticize these beasts, you may insult their master instead." Her glowing eyes twisted to see forming shadows, unsurprised to see the sharp smile of a count approaching her. "One as noble as you knows better than to insult the prizes of a royalty."

"Just as well as you know the insult of being unable to claim what is mean to be mine. My prize of rich Magus blood and divine Servant essence running away on the back of a glass steed. A mockery of this world and more rules that were never spoken of to me."

"The rules that we follow are hardly written or told, and I dare to say we broke many rules ourselves." He admired his hand, watching as shadows played between his fingers. The woman thought it like a pirate watching his fingers play with a gold coin. "So close to removing the promised obstacle early, but instead setting us up for a grander display."

"Display? What do you mean?"

"Only that, a display. A display such as the difference between a street side stand constructed to entertain the youthful and ignorant, but the compared to the grand halls of a theatre, with seated homes for hundreds to thousands." His arms flung out. "The display to show a message far grander than this."

Her eyes narrowed behind her long mask, a hiss drawing itself out from between her lips. It only had the man chuckling ruefully at her.

"Are you to say, dear count, that you let them go?"

"Are you asking if I released them as a wish of me will? No."He folded his hands back. "I know of the thirst for revenge well, and the allure of taking from those who stole from you. I wouldn't think to deny that from you."

"Then what you are saying? Are you mocking me?" He did not answer. "Speak quick as your feet, or else I'll remind the witch just what the bastard is doing."

Sharp teeth glinted beneath a sharp smile, and the shadowy Count stalked forward. The burnt grass billowed into embers in the wind, but the woman did not step back or shirk as he towered over her. The blood of her staff and body pooled around them, and shadows licked at charred lands about them.

"I'm saying that you may have killed a Master here, but there is a far grander one about these lands. To kill one here would mean allowing the other to roam free. If you are seeking revenge, then you must plant your seeds, tie your knots, and set all your pieces in place before you strike."

"Then you did let them go!"

"No." His smile was colder than any block of ice could match. "I sentenced them, and him, to death."

The woman lowered his staff slowly, eyes refusing to give away. Glowing and burning eyes stared at one another, a scowl for a smile and hatred for jealousy.

"Fine… be that as may, I want my blood."

"Phuauauauauauauau!" The man peeled back with laughter. "And you shall have it! The richest blood that is incomparable to any maiden you once drank or bath you fell into splendor with! All of it will be yours, just as it once was for me."

"It better be. I have yet to receive my revenge, unlike you."

"Unlike me?" The man leaned forward again. "Phuauauaua. That is humorous, thinking my needs for revenge all met."

"Don't play your games with me Count! I had enough dalliances in my life that kept me from the joy of blood and beauty. I will not tolerate your tongue any more than I did theirs."

"It is not a game, countess." Her jaw set as the man hissed. "Only that there is another I need revenge upon, and one that I had given up on, as there was no way for me to reach him. But here, now, with our dear accomplice, I finally have the means to tear down that damnable thing. This is a precious moment, and I will not let it be wasted."

The red-gowned woman watched him, him and the darkness that moved under his cloak. No shifting light to warrant, but it still danced like the fire that burned in his eyes, dark and greedy. Her staff did not rise to the challenge, but neither did her face fall in shame.

"Does the witch know of this?"

"Know of it? She suggested it." He grinned down at her. "And it is no secret to anyone who may ask. Everyone who knows my tale knows why I would hate this man."

"… You're right. I do." His grin was no warmer for her words. "So, prepare yourself for when I kill him, for he has wronged me far worse than you?"

"Worse, you say? Then me?"

"Yes, you." Her hand rose and finger pointed at him, showing the sharpness of a nail that daggers may envy. "You, the witch, the knight, the phantom, the cook, the bastard, the fake king, or even my uncle. My need for revenge against him is far higher than yours."

"Phuauauaua! You must tell me why! Tell me so we can dance with our accomplice and plot out a scheme to drag him under all of us! I need only know why your thirst for revenge is so great!" The woman peeled back her lips and answered.

"Because he never told me it was wrong. No one ever told me I was wrong. They used his name to damn me, and my damnation was complete, but I was never told it was wrong."