Waver did not expect to get anything his soul wished for out of this meeting, but he wanted to see him anyway.

Waver dreamed of seeing the King of Conquerors for twenty years, to stand before him like he did in his dreams and tell him that he fulfilled his order. That he lived and told the tale that he grew as a person and is now leading a charge of his own, albeit in a very different battle. Above all, he wanted Iskandar to remember, but it was impossible. For him to be summoned during the war to end all wars, for this truce to grant them an opportunity to talk just before they would become enemies again, there was no end to fate's cruelty.

"Alright, we can summon him now," Hector told Waver as the two of them found a secluded spot on the higher levels of the building. The young master wasn't too enthusiastic about this idea but was willing to go along with it for the sake of their union. "And I'm sorry, but I have to stay and watch. I don't want you to make a contract behind my back or something."

"A contract would require the Servant to be willing," Waver noted. "Do you not trust him, or does he not trust you?"

"Enough, I am not getting into that." Hector sighed. He was visibly upset, and each of his responses sounded snappy and bitter.

"You can stay and watch as long as you do not interrupt until we're done. Does that sound fair?"

"Yeah." Hector nodded. "Rider, I need you to show yourself."

In the next instant, a familiar figure emerged in front of him. His features, body, and energetic eyes…Waver felt as if he was caught up in another of his dreams. Just like twenty years ago, when he was but a young, arrogant boy who wanted to prove himself to the world, just like that day, he encountered someone larger than life and infinitely larger than himself. Iskandar was a legendary hero to some and a cruel tyrant to others, but he was someone etched in this world's history, someone who would never be forgotten.

"Finally, and here I thought your discussion of plans was getting tiring," Iskandar spoke. "I take it someone wants to meet me?"

"I…" Waver's lips quivered, his voice sounding much fainter and weaker. It was Iskandar, the man he remembered and saw in his dreams again and again. Something felt different, however…Waver realized that he no longer had to look up to see his idol's eyes, that even though he might have felt like a boy in front of him, he was still a man. At this point, he was a few years older than Iskandar. They should have been equals, even though Waver couldn't feel like one.

"Ah, the leader of the Coalition my master talked about," Iskandar said with intrigue.

"Yes…" Waver took a deep breath. "I am Lord El-Melloi the Second."

"To what do I owe the honor?" Alexander said those words so calmly that Waver could feel his knees shaking. Meeting him…An honor? The mighty King of Conquerors, the man whom Waver idolized for two decades, told him it was an honor to be in his presence.

"The honor? Why would you say that to your enemy?"

"Enemy or not, I have heard much about you from my master and his allies, and your potential is as obvious as his," Iskandar said, making Hector raise an eyebrow. "But unlike him, it seems that you've already realized yours. Even when it comes to enemies I inevitably crush, I respect conviction."

Conviction…Waver desperately resisted the tears that were slowly forming in his eyes. There was so much he wanted to say to Alexader, so many words that he couldn't say because he knew that his old friend would not remember. But when it came to Iskandar, he didn't want him to say much…And the words of this, different reincarnation, were enough to melt his heart. He realized his potential and found conviction, and he became an enemy Iskandar respected. How pathetic for the one who calls himself Lord to tear up in front of an enemy master and servant…

But Waver knew that he wouldn't succumb to emotion. This was not an awkward, friendly reunion; this was a soldier coming back to the king who gave him an order twenty years ago, reporting his success. Waver swore to be Iskandar's soldier, and he would behave like one.

"During my studies in the Clock Tower, there was one historical figure who always intrigued me the most," Waver said, finally gathering some confidence in his voice. "And that is you, King of Conquerors."

"So much so that you could not miss an opportunity to meet me?"

"Precisely so. If it is an honor for you to be in my presence, then know that I feel the same way. The stories about your journey inspired me; your naivety became a grand dream that motivated you to keep pushing forward and became the source of my own. Every time I felt down, felt like giving up and abandoning my dreams, I thought of your struggle. Of the Kingdom you led into the battle, of the glorious victories you achieved, and of countless people, you inspired. I thought of my own goals as you thought of Okeanos…And now I have a chance to fight by your side against the insurmountable force of nature. Know that I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life."

"Hah!" Alexander chuckled as he usually did, though there was no malice nor mockery in his voice. In fact, it even calmed Waver down, knowing that it was his old friend. "I am impressed; it seems you looked only at the best of records to know of my dream…I see why you wanted to meet me now. Beneath your dedication and pragmatism, there is a side of boyish enthusiasm and naivety that you want to indulge in. I know how it feels, El-Melloi. And knowing that my tale has inspired even a single hopeless fool is an achievement worth my pride."

"I…Thank you, Rider."

Here it was, the confirmation that Waver's path was not a waste, that it was not for nothing. At long last, the promise he gave to Iskandar was fulfilled. Now, it wasn't Rider's dream that pushed Waver forward but his own; he could feel the determination brimming within him. The doubts he faced were irrelevant; Waver knew that he was heading towards success. It was time to let go of his regrets and continue his battle, for he had a war to fight.

…

Finally, Sakura could put the uncertainty behind those negotiations behind.

After El-Melloi had his wish granted, the group began preparing for the upcoming battle. Angela, Shirou, and Rin focused on tactics, they were likely the ones who end up setting up the bounded field, although Sakura assumed they would ask for her help in the matter.

Meanwhile, she decided to approach Hector after noticing him pacing around the skyscraper's roof. He seemed to be worried and at unease, which motivated Sakura to help him out.

"Hey, are you okay?" She asked, making the young man shiver and turn around. Sakura couldn't help but sympathize with Hector after seeing Angela put him down in such a rude way.

"What's it to you?" Hector asked with a voice of distrust.

"Nothing, really, just…You seem distraught, and I was wondering if I could help. We are allies for now, after all."

"I tried to kill you twice, and you still want to comfort me? Why?"

"You didn't want to kill me," Sakura said, making Hector recoil.

"And how do you know that?"

"You made it very clear. You never focused on me during either of our duels, only going for Caster, even though killing a master is always easier than destroying a servant."

"I…" Hector looked down and clenched his fist. "No, I didn't want to kill you. Not when it could've been solved another way, either talking it out or destroying your servant."

"Angela would just choose what was simpler."

"She would, yes…" Hector admitted, "But you don't deserve to die. It's as simple as that." It warmed Sakura's heart to hear those words in all of their sincerity, even to this very day. After all, there was a time when she genuinely believed that it would've been better for her to never be born.

"Thank you, Hector…" Sakura let out a sweet smile.

"Don't think that it means I won't kill you if I have to."

"Do you do all of this for Angela?" Sakura wondered. "Just so she could be happy and proud?"

"So that we could be happy and proud." Hector corrected her. "Our desires are…Inseparable." Hector said confidently. "We have the same goals, that's why…It's one of the reasons I follow her."

"They don't seem inseparable." Sakura shook her head. "I just saw the way she treated you in front of everybody; it was very rude, even cruel. You don't deserve it."

"I challenged her in front of others. It wasn't the place or the time. She just reminded me of that…"

"But you gave her sound advice, right? If not for this, we might have never joined our forces."

"I…Maybe, but I shouldn't have said it in that way."

"What way? You were polite and considerate, unlike her!" Sakura spoke up, immediately realizing that it was a mistake. "Sorry for raising my voice, I just…I know how it feels. There have been people in my life who treated me like this, too. They showed me kindness, made me think they were my friends, and then never allowed me to forget it. It's easy to do everything they demand of you if you feel you owe them…"

"I told you, Angela showed me more than simple kindness." Hector shook his head. "I have no right to speak over her. She saved me and adopted me, I owe everything to her…" Hector paused and looked away, his words did not sound nearly as confident as before. Sakura could hear so many emotions familiar to her. Pain, shame, regret.

"You keep saying that, but you've already been with her for years. How long does it actually have to take? Do you think you deserve to be in her shadow all the time?"

"I choose to be by her side because that's what I want, and it's…It's worth it."

"Are you sure?" Sakura said quietly, further stirring doubt in Hector's soul.

"Yes…Yes, I am!" The man said dismissively. "I should've known you would try to convince me again and again…But I will never betray her trust."

"I see." Sakura looked down. "And I understand…Just wanted to make sure that you are happy with it."

"Why do you even care for a stranger? Especially for someone you fought?"

"There were many moments in my life when I wished for people to care for me, but all I got was them turning a blind eye. Now I'm in their position…And I know how it feels. I don't want to repeat their mistakes."

…

Finally, there was a measure of peace and agreement between the two groups, but Shirou still felt uneasy. Angela and her allies had to take out Iseri, but what would happen after? She would return to her machinations and continue her work with the Grail. Out of all the participants in the war, she was the most mysterious, playing her own game without any consideration for others. She reminded him of Kirei, which was why Shirou couldn't stop thinking about her motives. This alliance was temporary and fragile. There was no reason to maintain any illusions.

"Still gloomy, huh?" Shirou heard Rin's voice from behind, turning around and noticing a familiar woman.

"Wouldn't you be if you had someone plotting behind your back?"

"Don't worry, I understand. I learned to spot mages like Angela a long time ago. All opportunists with little to no morals…If you think she would backstab the moment we bring our wind master down a notch, you are right."

"And what if we confront her about it?"

"Seriously, Emiya? She would not tell us the truth."

"She will give some kind of excuse, which will shed light on her actual course if we approach it analytically."

"If you want to try, then be my guest…To be honest, I would like to ask her something, too."

"About Archer?"

"Yes…I want to see if he remembers."

"Servants don't retain their memories, you know that. Saber was an exception due to being alive."

"It's not a stretch to assume there are other exceptions. Archer had a troubled summoning; he could not remember his past or identity, which is not something a servant usually struggles with."

"Hm…Maybe there is something to it. Let's check." Shirou beckoned for Rin to follow him, and the two were quick to approach the blonde magus.

"What do you want?" She asked, not trying to fake warmth or enthusiasm this time.

"I decided that it would be better for all of us to agree on some reassurance strategy," Shirou suggested.

"Worried that I'll betray you?" Angela chuckled. "Do I seem that sleazy?"

"I'm worried you'll exploit our agreement as much as you can, coming just short of direct betrayal. That's why it would be for the best to clarify something."

"Alright, what do you wish to know?"

"Let's assume we defeat Iseri…After all, even with his magic, the odds are in our favor. What are you planning to do immediately after?"

"My allies and I will retreat and regroup, continuing to serve the greater good of the Grail and our entire world."

"And will you agree to a day-long ceasefire so that both parties can take the needed rest?" Shirou asked sternly, making a playful smile emerge on Angela's face.

"A day? I doubt you would need that long."

"You will have that day, too. It is a fair condition that benefits us all; it ensures that when the war continues, we're all on an even playing field."

"I'll consider it," Angela responded. "But if you want to discuss benefits, I have another suggestion. When we defeat the mad dog, you and Sakura will use command seals to have your servants commit suicide and thus leave the war. This means the war can end today; no more innocents will suffer, and none of us here will have to die." She proposed, making Rin scoff.

"Not going to demand we become Einzbern slaves while we're at it?"

"Predictable, Tohsaka, as ever."

"Enough," Shirou spoke up. "I know what you are trying to gain from this war. You want contact with Angra Mainyu, the bearer of all the world's curses, a demon that will annihilate everyone in its path. If we surrender, there will be far more casualties than any war could bring."

"Angra Mainyu was simply guided in the wrong direction. From what I know, for Father Kotomine, the matter of his birth was just an attempt at self-validation and an opportunity to sow destruction all around Fuyuki. It's insulting to suggest that Einzberns' goals are even remotely comparable with his."

"Then what are your goals?"

"To atone for my family's past mistakes. We failed this majestic being by forcing him to exist in this painful state between life and death and all the people who had to suffer because of it. Angra Mainyu, our world…I will breathe life into their connection. Angra Mainyu needs a presence that will free him and set him on the right path, the path that will serve our family and the Mage society. He needs a mother, a vessel that will bring him into this world. It is a goal I consider noble, and while any loss that occurs on my way to its realization is regrettable…All of them are necessary. If you don't surrender today, there will be no other opportunity."

"In that case, I'll take those chances," Shirou said proudly.

"So be it, Emiya." Angela sighed. "It would be a shame for Japan to lose their 'hero' due to an action this stubborn and pointless." She said coldly, making it sound like a death threat. "But it is your choice, at the end of the day. Was there anything else you wanted? I have a few spells to prepare."

"Yes, actually," Rin spoke up. "I'd like to see your servant, Archer."

"For what purpose?"

"He was my servant ten years ago. Let's say I am a little curious…Don't worry, you can watch."

"Alright," Angela responded and summoned him. It has been ten years since Shirou saw Archer, and now he witnessed his crimson figure once again. A tall, mysterious man with proud eyes and a confident stance. Shirou remembered fighting him on the night he summoned Saber. Archer remained reclusive and even criticized Shirou a couple of times, mocking his beliefs. Nevertheless, he sacrificed his life during the battle with Berserker, and for this, Shirou was grateful. Now, they were on opposing sides.

"What now?" Archer said with annoyance. "I don't see Iseri, so why are you calling?"

"Those two wanted to see you for the sake of their nostalgia."

"Is that so?" Archer turned around and looked at Rin with no emotion in his eyes whatsoever. "Who are you?" He said those words and made Rin take a reflexive step back as she realized that he did not recognize her. Now, Shirou began to notice something else about him. This detached demeanor, this emptiness in his eyes…Shirou expected to sense some familiarity, but this was a different feeling. It was as if Shirou stared into the eyes of someone who understood him in a way no one else could, a reflection of his soul.

"You don't remember us?"

"I don't know you, simple as that. We are temporary allies for now, but it doesn't mean I will indulge your whims."

"Calm down, smart guy; I only want to ask one thing," Rin spoke up. "When I summoned you in the previous war, you had some notable memory problems. You told me that you didn't remember your past and identity. Is it the same now?"

"Huh…Maybe you were once my master after all." Archer chuckled. "Yes, my memory remains murky, but I still have a clear goal in mind, the one that isn't relevant to the battle against our shared enemy, so I won't burden you with it." He was not going to budge, and while Shirou wanted to take Archer at his word, there was something peculiar about him. Shirou simply could not force himself to look away. The same was true for the mysterious servant, as he focused exclusively on the young man before him. Did Archer change, or did he always look so similar to Shirou? Soon, Angela broke the silence.

"My first intention was to summon Iskandar and give Hector another servant, but fate itself had other plans. I won't lie; I was disappointed at first, but Archer did well in dispelling my doubts. And that is all that matters…Now, if you'll excuse us, there is a battle to prepare for."

…

Drowning in despair…

Another flash of horror before Hector's eyes, another mortifying image. He could hear his own heavy breaths as the young, weak boy tried to swim upwards towards the sun. To survive, he had to abandon everything he held dear. His home, his friends, his parents…All were buried deep underwater. A part of his wanted to drown together with them, to release this pain and succumb to oblivion, but Hector had the resolve to go forward. He wanted to fight for his life, no matter how miserable and full of loss it would be. Eventually, he saw the angelic figure above him, his savior, his mentor, his mother…

"Shh…It's okay, you're safe now." She said in a soothing tone as she hugged the crying boy. Hector was broken and weak, still occasionally shivering, unable to process what was going on around him.

"My…Mom…Dad, they…" Everything he knew was gone. A terrible tragedy, a destructive calamity that washed Hector's life away, taking him to the deepest pits of darkness and leaving only one way out, the one in front of him.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't save them in time…I'm so, so sorry."

"I…I want to see them…"

"Take a deep breath; I promise it will be alright. I promise…You will be alright." This beautiful voice that allowed him to live through that day, the voice that Hector felt erode over the years, felt it turn bitter and spiteful. Was Sakura right?

Did Angela drag him from one sea of despair to another?

"Are you alright?" El-Melloi's voice forced Hector out of his trance, bringing him right back to reality. It immediately reminded him of the nearing battle and the gruesome challenge he had yet to overcome.

"Yes, I'm fine." The man said dismissively. "How are the preparations going?"

"Almost everything is ready. Assassin is already scouring the city for Iseri, and our mages are setting up a perfect trap. And you? Are you ready?"

"Yeah," Hector responded, trying to sound as confident as he possibly could, and soon, the two of them made haste to the skyscraper's center. Hector knew he disappointed Angela a few times before, but now was his chance to make things right and dispel her doubts.

Soon, Hector noticed all of the mages working on a ritual. Sakura, Rin, Shirou, and Angela were conjuring up a defensive spell that would take the form of a bounded field. They all worked together without second thoughts. It was a wonderful sight to behold, although Hector knew that the moment this alliance was no longer necessary, they would continue the war once again. Angela would not hesitate to kill anyone gathered here if it meant getting closer to the Grail…Apart from Hector. Not after everything they've been through; she just wouldn't. He looked forward, noticing Marianne and two servants, Romulus and Iskandar.

"Is everything ready?" El-Melloi asked the moment they approached.

"I believe so," Marianne responded. "The moment Iseri comes here, the trap will be set."

"And then we will crush him once and for all," Romulus added with pride. They were confident, even if still cautious, and this kind of focus was exactly what they needed. The rider seemed especially upbeat as he noticed Hector.

"Finally done sulking, boy? Wonderful, time for us to begin the true conquest and bring this titanic enemy down!" It seemed as if he had completely forgiven Hector, using a command seal as he once again welcomed his master into the fold. It was a heartwarming feeling indeed.

All of them were in positions, ready to fight. Four servants exuded enormous amounts of energy, and the mages had to do an exceedingly good job to be able to hide it from Iseri. The mages were spread all around the roof, maintaining their portion of this massive bounded field.

The servants were ready to fight, with Archer and Caster staying behind to support them while Rider and Lancer were standing up front, ready to be the first line of defense. The dreadful silence befell, and now all that was left was waiting.

"Can you feel it?" Gilgamesh spoke quietly with his usual undertones of arrogant mockery. "Our prey is here."

First, it was the Assassin that quickly approached the pinnacle, jumping from one level to another, luring the unbound wind towards them. Hector could feel the chaotic currents around him, gradually gaining form and power. Hector had to be resilient to stand tall in the face of it. He could see the Hurricane swirling, as well as the silhouette of a murderer emerging within. His wind was emerging all around the skyscraper, trapping them at the heart of the whirlwind.

"My, what a gift! All masters and their servants in one place…I take it this is where that dog was leading me? And all of this so that you could challenge me? I am flattered, truly…But flattery will not save you!"

"Now!" Marianne gave her command.