Shirou had been sitting out on the veranda for a while now, long enough that Maiya was getting worried. Not so much about him getting abducted; between the Bounded Field and having three Servants on watch, she'd know instantly if anyone tried to approach her nephew. The bigger problem was how they'd barely exchanged five words since the group's trek to the dojo. Maiya couldn't fault him for giving her the silent treatment after everything he'd learned, and sadly, there was still so much more. So, the best she could think of was provide Shirou with some space and hope she hadn't lost another family member.

But the former mercenary wasn't keen on dwelling on such an outcome, so she decided to keep herself busy. This time of year, dusk was already minutes away, which meant the battles would start any second now. She therefore headed into her room and knelt down to lift certain tatami mats in the back left corner to reveal an assortment of equipment she'd been saving for this.

Maiya deftly set one box beside her before opening the other and removing two pistols and ammunition clips. Closing that one, she retrieved another case carefully housing grenades and placed it beside the longer one. Her hand hovered over the final item, a rosewood case of average size and great significance. After a moment, she took it out, too, and replaced the mats. That done, she did a quick cursory scan of the weaponry, unsheathing her Fangs and placing them onto the mat, too. Old habits die hard, Maiya mused as she inspected a Glock.

"You do remember normal guns don't work on Servants, right?" She started and spun around to see Kakashi leaning against the doorframe. He was still wearing the casual outfit picked out from Kiritsugu's old clothes, and Maiya had to tear her focus away from how good that waistcoat fitted him.

She fixed her eyes back on the gun and shrugged a bit for the sake of nonchalance. "Not on Servants, maybe, but Masters tend to be a little more vulnerable to a bullet in the head." She rapped a finger against the wooden case. "And from what I've been told, some bullets can be pretty potent."

Assassin X chuckled bittersweetly at the implications; it sounded like Kiritsugu had told Maiya quite a bit about the last night of the Fourth Grail War. I never thanked him, either, for having my back, the Servant reminded himself. And now I'll probably never get the chance… He glanced down in an effort to not dwell on yet another failure, his gaze landing on the twin daggers of last night. "Don't think I've seen those before." He even opened his Sharingan to study the blades, that powerful eye widening slightly at registering Magical Energy within them. Mystic Codes…? Not to mention the energy was of a… familiar "shade."

"One last memento from Kiritsugu after he… died." Her finger slid into the ring for a few twirls. "It was his suggestion, an 'in case of emergency, break glass' sort of idea." The dagger spun to a half in an upright grip, allowing Maiya to study the blade. "I'd say a brand-new Grail War counts as breaking the glass-worthy."

"No argument there." Assassin X remained at his spot, silently watching the woman work. Just as either might've felt awkward, he cleared his throat. "You, uh, definitely made an impression on Saber X earlier today."

Heat inadvertently traveled to Maiya's cheeks at remembering how her composure slipped. And in front of him, no less… "I…" Her embarrassment gave way to an exhaustion that had lived inside her for five years. "I just couldn't stand there and listen to someone else say Kiritsugu didn't care." She reached for the largest case, opening it and pulling out the disassembled parts of a custom Steyr rifle. While she went on, her fingers went through ingrained motions piecing together the new model. "Saber X, Berserker, Illyasviel… They don't know how desperately he packed his things for each trip to Germany. They didn't see the defeat in his eyes every time he came back emptyhanded. If it hadn't been for Shirou, Kiritsugu would've shoved the Contender into his mouth long ago!"

She shoved the empty clip into its slot with a bit more force than necessary. Taking a breath and releasing (some of) the emotion, the grown-up killer drifted back to a certain period. "The worst was seven years ago. Kiritsugu had narrowed down the castle's location, devised countermeasures for just about every trap and security the Einzberns could've conceived and more. He went for that flight with the most hope in his eyes I… I think I've ever seen in him." Maiya set aside the gun, a tremor slipping into her next words. "He came back… alone… barely alive… and devastated. Something happened on that last trip, interference he called it. He said he'd come so close but…" Her breath hitched, an almost perfect reproduction of Kiritsugu's own description back then. She could still remember discreetly ushering him to a clinic because some of the wounds he'd suffered had opened up.

Kiritsugu had never elaborated on what exactly had happened that time, too defeated as he was. Even the pack had been reluctant to divulge details, mostly sniffling in a way that made Maiya stop questioning them.

"Kiritsugu did try again afterwards," she continued as evenly as she could manage, "but his efforts were… half-hearted in comparison. Soon he couldn't use magecraft or the jutsu you taught him anymore, and with Shirou here, he…he-" A gentle grip closed on her shoulder just as the tears might've begun to flow. Maiya accepted the pressure with a grateful nod but kept her head turned away; bad enough to break down in front of… him. No sense shattering the last of her dignity by showing Kakashi her face. "At least his last days were peaceful."

Kakashi nodded patiently to her explanation, his own core aching at how his old Master and comrade must've felt. Not to mention the pain in Maiya's voice. She still loves Kiritsugu so much after he's gone… He drew his shoulders together. Well, get over yourself, Hatake. You already knew you wouldn't have a chance with Maiya, so move on and focus.

He patted her shoulder, then let go to reach for the arsenal. "Come on, let's get this hardware cleaned up lest your sister arrives and gets a heart attack from seeing it lying around." The joke earned him a weak half-smile from Maiya, and the two promptly arranged the weapons so they wouldn't be visible as soon as the door was opened. Still within easy reach when needed, of course.

Maiya kept her Fangs on her person as they left the room, her ears perking up a distant conversation. "Shirou's with the others, right?"

"Bumblebee's been by his side since we came back to the house," Assassin X confirmed. He omitted the part, though, where Artoria assured him that she and Bee could take care of Shirou. All with a knowing grin on her face… The King of Knights playing matchmaker… What is the world coming to? "You've called up a steadfast Servant from the looks of it."

"Trust me, I was as surprised as you," Maiya muttered, her eyes wandering down to her Command Seals. "It took everything I had not to order him to pop his head off at his summoning." Yeah, their first talk had been almost as awkward as how Kiritsugu had described his first encounter with his Servants. "I must be prejudiced because I find it hard to believe a soul like Bumblebee comes from the same universe as Megatron."

An involuntary shiver swept through both of them at the mention of that "Heroic" Spirit. "Well, if I recall correctly, Megatron mentioned him leading a war for his homeworld." Kakashi shrugged. "Call me crazy, but I'll bet our new friend was on the opposing side." They hadn't really had a chance to hear the additional Saber X's story yet, come to think of it. So much else to discuss…

They wandered the halls of the house not quite ready to step outside, each quietly enjoying the other's company. Then a different memory surfaced in Kakashi's mind. "…What about… that bond Irisviel brought up in our last conversation with her? Have you…?" His words drifted away, nothing else coming to mind from how Maiya was already shrinking together.

She drew in a breath to steady herself. "There hasn't been much free time between my life here and what… sparse trips I took to try and score a lucky break with the Einzberns. But I've still kept a couple of our old contacts. I've managed to do some digging around and…" The onetime mother tried to swallow the lump in her throat. "I have… a few leads." She pressed her face into her hands with a frustrated sigh. "Well, to be honest with you, Kakashi, I've got too many leads. Even if I narrow it down to country and date of birth, the records are spotty at best and…"

"And you're not the only one who had to give up a son during that period." She nodded slowly at Kakashi's summarization of her struggles. Just as they'd explained to Irisviel all those years ago, children separated from their mothers and molded into killing machines were sadly all too common in this world. Trying to find a single boy whose name Maiya didn't even know… It wasn't even looking for a needle in a haystack, it was looking for one specific strand of hay in a damn haystack! She needed more time, more eyes and hands, more…

She hung her head. All just excuses for failing her promise to a lost... friend and not helping the only biological family she might have left. And to compound how pathetic she was, she was this close to breaking down in front of her crush. Perfect.

If Maiya had looked up, though, she would've found Assassin X watching her in both sympathy and guilt. Just as he made to speak, she went on. "You know, as much as I still appreciate Irisviel's words, it's just… I barely have anything to show for my efforts. I'm not even sure he's still alive, let alone where he is, and even if I did find him… would I have anything to offer him after all this time?" No doubt the tension between her and Shirou wasn't helping matters right now. But for that worry at least, the Servant had an answer.

Kakashi nudged her shoulder, and when Maiya looked up, he gestured at the walls around them. "You can offer him a home. A family. And a loving mother."

Maiya snorted despite herself, turning away all the same. "What makes you so sure about that last one, Kakashi? You haven't seen me these past ten years."

"Maiya Hisau, I've seen your bonds with Shirou, Taiga and my boys. That's all the proof anyone needs." Her insides did a little somersault from the sincerity and the smile in the ninja's words. Damnit, ten years later and you're still driving me crazy when you say stuff like that, you jerk… A bitter grin flitted across her face for half a second, glad he couldn't see it. Stop making an undeserving woman like me fall in love with you.

"You know I just shattered Shirou's image of the man who was his savior and idol, right?" Maiya still pointed out while leading them on towards the outside. She needed to move again, maybe outpace these damn weights on her conscience.

But Assassin X simply shrugged. "Idols are overrated." He was rewarded with another snort and, emboldened by the sound, went on. "I mean, Saber of all people could surely tell you about the perils of being placed on a pedestal. It has its merits, sure, but given the circumstances, you were right to bring Shirou into the fold now. Especially if the alternative was letting Kirei whisper poison into his ear." Maiya's amusement gave way to a cold glare at the thought, Assassin X nodding in turn as he slid the door open for her. The sun had gone down. It was time for the battles again. "Besides, Shirou obviously still cares about you."

She stepped out into the front yard even while eyeing him half-skeptically, half-hopefully. "What makes you so sure?"

"Well for one thing," an eye-smiling Kakashi followed her, "he still calls you Aunt Maiya." He took a few more steps out before turning around while Maiya stayed stock-still, processing that observation. After a few moments, he then nodded to a lit part of the house. "Looks like he's keeping himself busy again."

Maiya finally recovered from the relief blossoming inside her and stepped closer so she could follow his gaze. She shook her head mirthfully upon realizing where the windows led. "The kitchen is that boy's temple and kingdom." And it was almost dinnertime. She'd probably hear Taiga's bike sputtering soon…

"He's definitely earned some fealty in there," Assassin X chuckled. "That was some of the best-" He stopped as her instincts flared up and lunged towards Maiya. "Look out!"

The woman barely had a chance to process his arms around her and his chest suddenly in front of her face as the air distorted out of the corner of her eye. A barely audible thnk sounded next to her ear, and Maiya twisted her head to find Kakashi holding a dark throwing dagger just millimeters from her. It was roughly the same length as one of her Fangs, but the blade was thinner and had a hook at the end, making for tricky removal if it had hit its target.

Assassin X had already noted the same details as he flipped the weapon around, gauging its weight and balance in the process, and hurling it back to where it came from. A shadow on the neighboring rooftop flattened as the dagger sailed over him, but the hook sliced open part of his hood, exposing for a single instant a white mask carved in the shape of a skull.

The final detail that confirmed the attacker's classification: "Assassin." Kakashi gently positioned Maiya behind him, his casual wear already shimmering into his combat gear. "Stay here and warn the others," he called over his shoulder while in mid-leap, "I'll handle this!" Then he sprang after the retreating shadow.

Maiya had already sent a telepathic warning to Saber X, so she backed cautiously towards the house, her own dagger in hand, fighting the urge to race after Kakashi. There was no way she could keep up if he went full speed, and even if she caught up, she'd only be a distraction for him. Maiya had already almost gotten him killed once due to her carelessness; she'd be damned if she let it happen again.

"Aunt Maiya!" Both Sabers burst out the door battle-ready, Shirou rushing after them. "Are you okay? Where's Kakashi?" The same questions, while unsaid, were in Saber's eyes.

"It's the other Assassin." Maiya explained hurriedly to the trio. "He tried to blindside me as soon as I stepped out of the house. I'm okay, Shirou," she assured him with all the calm she had. "He bolted, and Kakashi's chasing him right now."

Saber turned towards the outer wall, expanding her senses the best she could. She found herself missing the mental link between her and Kakashi of the prior War, the lack of communication now all the more glaring. Then again, she had a good idea where and what her friend was up to. "Shirou, stay by Maiya and Bumblebee-" She turned and found the boy already running ahead. Right. Different Master, Saber reminded herself as she sprinted after.

Shirou could hear Aunt Maiya calling him back, and somehow, he felt Saber and Bumblebee just a few steps behind him as he rushed out onto the sidewalk. Maybe it's my body or my Circuits adjusting to this whole Master thing, he wondered even as he tried to detect Kakashi's presence. He couldn't just let the shinobi fight alone. Not when he still had so many questions about Kiritsugu. Not when he'd protected Aunt Maiya. Not when he was a comrade.

The air rushed past him, and he heard Saber's voice. "Shirou, stay back at the house!" Her commanding tone made the Master pause for a moment, then he saw in which direction she was aiming and made to follow-

"Going somewhere?"

He barely had time to register the unknown voice when blue encompassed all of his vision and heat washed over him. A tug on his shirt pulled Shirou away from the wall of blazing flames that had suddenly appeared in front of him. Unlike the usual red or orange, though, these crackling plumes were a bright azure and somehow all the more threatening for it.

Shirou blinked, his vision slowly recovering enough for him to make out Saber standing to his left, invisible sword at the ready. The cool metal at his neck made him tilt his head back to see Bumblebee crouching beside him, one hand still gripping his collar, the other pointed down the street.

Where a man, no, a Servant was sauntering towards them like he had all the time in the world, right hand tucked into his pocket, left swaying by his side as smoke wafted from it.

He stood at least a head taller than Shirou and wore a dark-blue coat over a white V-neck vest. The coat's sleeves ended at the elbows in large metallic cuffs, and both shoulders had visible stitches on top while the hems were ripped three times, the four tails rustling with each stride. His dark-blue pants were fastened by the waist with a brown belt and tucked into black boots, along with similar stitches above the knees.

But what truly made this Servant stand out wasn't this choice in fashion, his shaggy black hair or the three-pronged piercing on the right side of his nose. It was the scars. Charred purple skin covered his arms right up to the wrists, and Shirou saw it reaching up beneath his shirt to all around his neck and lower jaw. Two sunken pits of that scarred skin were right under his lidded turquoise eyes, with metal staples ringing the bottom as well as along the cheeks, down his jaw and along his wrist. They looked like they were the only things holding his skin together.

"Shirou," Saber enunciated with frightening calm, "stay close to Maiya. Don't let your guard down for a moment." Her Master got up and warily backed to where his aunt now stood, eyes darting between the fire and its creator. Meanwhile, the King of Knights adjusted her stance while her newest comrade deployed those firearms by his wrists and aimed them at their "guest."

The enemy Servant raised his left hand again, the yet-undamaged skin there a striking contrast against his scars. Blue flames flickered to life in the palm and illuminated his face.

A cold smirk slowly emerged between unmarred and burned skin. "Lovely night for a cremation, isn't it?"

'So, where we headed now?'

Her Servants on either side of her in spirit form, Rin Tohsaka continued sauntering through Miyama as though she hadn't heard Lancer X's question. They had finished clearing a building of comatose victims from an intoxicating witchcraft; the disgusting sight still made her lip curl half an hour later. 'Uh, Rin? Did you figure out who Caster is already?' Her Servant's badgering wasn't quite as welcome as she'd care to admit given her current line of thought.

But rather than state it out loud, Rin shoved all this aside and answered, "Not yet. The fumes were too murky for me to pick up anything decisive about her identity." The scores of Dragon Blade Warriors they'd plowed through indicated a Caster, and Archer had deduced from the sizable poison component in the trap, coupled with the love-destroying element, that they were most probably a female.

'Same,' Archer added his own two cents, 'but at least we established their trail leads towards Ryuudou Temple.' Rin nodded at that; now that she knew what to search for, she could still make out wisps of life force flowing off for the distant mountain. Part of her wondered idly if Issei Ryuudou may be involved in this before nearly bursting in laughter. Emiya might've been an unexpected twist, but the good little Student Council president a Master? Hah! Yeah, right. 'Looks like we made a mistake fighting instead of retreating last night.'

"I wouldn't call fighting Berserker and Saber X to a draw a mistake," the Master countered with a sense of loftiness. Yes, they had… some assistance via Emiya's Servants, and Ruler X's intervention had pretty good timing, but Rin Tohsaka wasn't about to claim she'd needed that much help. "I think we acquitted ourselves pretty well." That much was surely true.

Archer disagreed, though. 'If Caster can perform a curse like that in a building so far from her base, she must have a wide range of influence. Meaning she could've been observing the fight.' Well, Caster wouldn't have been the only one given how heated it got, Rin surmised.

'In that case, she was probably already watching us when we took on Lancer earlier,' Lancer X pointed out. 'She'd have gotten a good reading of our skillset then, and it's not like we could've just slipped away back at the church, what with Saber X targeting us.'

'Even so, battling him and Berserker made us dig into our resources. And we didn't even manage to finish off one of them before Ruler X put an end to the battle.'

'But we did learn their True Names and party tricks. Plus, I managed to get a good feel for your style and you mine, Archer. I think we make a pretty good team, and we're only gonna get better from here. Who knows, a little more practice and we might even match Saber and Assassin X's teamwork!'

A wave of irritation rippled through the air, slightly amusing Rin. Not so fun when someone's always backtalking you, is it? Still, they both made good points, and their debate itself highlighted the pros of mixing Archer's cynicism with Ruby's optimism. "On that note, it looks like Emiya's not so helpless after all." She was still mulling over that odd little trick he'd used to escape Saber X back in the forest. It wasn't teleportation but a high-speed movement, but Rin didn't get the sense it was connected to Reinforcement. How did it work…? Moreover, "His Servants work together perfectly," she noted frowning, "and there's that aunt with an extra Servant she pulled out of nowhere. A Saber, too, according to Ruler X." All those times she'd stopped at the pawn shop, and she never recognized…

She closed her eyes and refocused. "Either way, Caster's probably squirrelled herself and her Master away at Ryuudou Temple. I'd rather not walk blindly into a witch's domain," apprehension flashed from Ruby's side, which Rin took as agreement, "especially since we still don't know who her partner might be." Of the X Servants, she only knew three not counting the Ruler or that woman's mechanical bodyguard. The Archer, Rider, Caster and Berserker had yet to be discovered. "We need more information."

Archer hummed in approval. 'Good to see you know better than to dive into things headfirst. And maybe we could have another team spring whatever traps Caster has set.' A sneaky tactic, but given the circumstances, Rin did recognize its merit. 'Is that why you're leading us to that boy's house?' Her step nearly faltered, but she kept her gaze ahead. 'Don't get me wrong, he makes an excellent patsy. If we were to send him at Mt. Ryuudou, no matter how lucky he is with his support, it would definitely deplete both sides.'

'Hey, that's a little drastic,' his partner protested (a second before Rin might've). 'We could talk to Shirou's team and form a team up to take down Caster and whatever teammates she has. They seemed to like us already before we helped each other in fighting that Einbernie girl's Servants. I'm pretty sure we can trust them.'

'Only in the short term.' Rin sighed to herself. Right, this was the downside of having an idealist and a cynic working together. 'Like them or not, those Servants want the Grail themselves. It would only be a matter of time before we have to fight them anyway. And it's foolish to go after the most dangerous enemy while having one right beside you, one easily taken care of no less.'

She could feel Ruby winding up for another argument, but Rin had heard enough. "Both of you stop bickering. We can get rid of Emiya whenever we want, and until then, he and his group can be of use to us. But it'd be a shame to waste what good will we've developed with them too quickly. Besides, I'd like to find out what other tricks he has stashed up his sleeve."

Technically, it was a compromise between both points, but neither Servant seemed fully placated. 'And what will you do if Shirou Emiya decides after all to truly fight as a Master?' Despite Archer posing the question, she could feel both of their full attention on her. 'Do you have what it takes then?'

Rin kept her face neutral even as she contemplated the question. She could sense Ruby's apprehension about this, and for good reason; the silver-eyed Heroic Spirit had seen her Master at her most vulnerable. Could you really do it? She felt Ruby wordlessly asking her. Could you kill the same boy whom you put so much time and energy into saving not long ago? The Huntress' compassion and silent message reminded her of another Lancer…

And just like that, she felt her heart harden. "If Emiya stands in my way, I'll kill him." Rin Tohsaka declared coolly. "I refuse to let someone who doesn't give this the proper weight interfere with my goals." She sensed Archer's silent approval at her decision.

She paused at hearing a light shuffle nearby, but then her attention was seized by a surge of disdain radiating from her other Servant. 'Right, because the cutthroat approach is so much cooler.' There that unexpectedly snarky side of Ruby's was again. 'Tough kids don't bother caring about how high a body count they rack up. That's what makes them tough, right?'

Rin wasn't the only one rankled by her tone. 'It's not about being "tough," Lancer X, it's about getting the job done.' Despite him being incorporeal, she could practically see Archer glaring at his partner. 'At the end of it all, we need to be the last team standing in order to win. Doing that means getting our hands dirty, especially if you want to make your wish.'

'I get that,' defiance practically rippled in the air even before Ruby materialized with her hands on her hips, "but that doesn't mean our go-to strategy has to be 'kill everybody in our way.' Excuse me if I don't want to win the Grail by climbing over a pile of dead bodies."

"I wouldn't have someone aspiring to be a Huntress would be so squeamish," Rin retorted, her eyes narrowing at the girl. "What, are you only comfortable chopping up Grimm and monsters? You don't like getting blood on that 'baby' of yours?"

The red-cloaked Lancer glared right back at her. "I was taught as a Huntress to protect lives, not take them. Guess they don't cover that in Mage-101." Rin's nostrils flared, but Ruby wasn't done. "Come to think of it, you and Archer get pretty bent out of shape whenever we talk about Shirou and his team. Are you sure there's nothing personal in all this, or maybe-"

"You're treading on really thin ice right now, Lancer X!" Her Master practically snarled out the last two words even as her partner appeared with a similar scowl. "There's nothing between me and Emiya other than we're rival Masters. I don't take lives needlessly, but my conscience isn't so fragile that I can't stomach a little dirty business to win the Holy Grail-"

"Oh, really?" All three froze at the unfamiliar voice chiming in. "Good to know."

Archer was the first to react, privately cursing himself for letting his attention get stuck on the argument. Still, he managed to call up Kanshou and Bakuya in time to block the huge metallic fist surging towards Rin's head. The strength and weight behind the punch nearly knocked him off his feet, but he managed to hold his ground long enough for Ruby to get Rin to safety in a flash of Petal Burst. Another flash, and she was back, swinging Crescent Rose.

That arm swung up to meet the scythe just below its blade, preventing it from cutting the Servant. Archer darted to the left while Lancer X fired a shot, the sudden twin strike forcing their assailant to jump away. A few strands of red hair and fur fluttered to the pavement as they watched the new Servant warily.

Their attacker was easily taller than Archer and a bit burlier, too. His dress attire was rather punkish, between the red fur coat draped over his shoulders, the rectangular goggles on his forehead, the black open vest exposing his abdomen, and the yellow lizard-print pants fastened by a belted war kilt. Brown boots stomped on the pavement as he drew closer. Long flame-like red hair spilled from his head, and jagged scars were scattered across his body, like the two over his left eye. But the most striking detail was his massive mechanical left arm; apparently a prosthetic judging from the metallic wires Lancer X could just make out on his left pectoral. His purple lips were drawn back in a bloodthirsty grin.

Right, Rin eyed the dark sky, it's night again. The Grail War's back on track. She hastily cast a Bounded Field over them so as to keep the upcoming battle beneath notice. The enemy Servant seemed to pick up her spell somehow, for he sneered at her. "Making sure no bystanders might barge into our fight? And here I thought you were a stone-cold cutthroat bitch." He spat on the ground. "Pathetic."

"You should clean out your ears, Servant," Rin looked down her nose upon him; not easy considering he had a good fifty centimeters on her, but effort counts. "I just said I don't take lives needlessly. I'm a magus, not a butcher."

"Sounds like pussy talk to me." Their new opponent rolled his shoulders, metal clanking with the left one, before he stalked towards the battle-ready duo. "Let's see if you losers show me as good a time as that blue fuck did a couple nights ago."

That little tidbit made Lancer X shift her stance. He picked a fight with Lancer and survived, huh? No easy feat, she knew while remembering the spearman who'd survived facing her and Archer simultaneously. And judging by the guy's build and scars, especially that arm, he was probably used to getting into tough brawls. He clearly had even fewer qualms about killing than her teammates. Better to not play around.

A telling glance to Archer, who nodded after a moment. His reaction honestly brought relief to Ruby; as much as they argued about tactics and how ruthless they'd need to be to win, she still wanted to be good partners with him. And it's not like her start with Weiss had been any smoother… Lancer X refocused. They both knew what to do, so time to take this guy down.

She drew Crescent Rose behind her and lunged, first to the left, then to the right, drawing the thug's gaze while Archer traded his swords (which he still wouldn't her look at, the jerk) for his bow. Then as she was almost within reach, Lancer X squeezed the trigger, the resulting shot sending her and Crescent Rose up for a diagonal slash. Simultaneously, Archer fired the arrow he'd lined up while her cloak was still fluttering in the enemy's line of sight.

The Servant had tried to punch Lancer X with his metal arm when she'd fired, and now he was dead to rights from either her scythe or Archer's arrow. Still grinning, he raised his flesh-and-blood arm. Purple electricity crackled between his fingertips as he uttered one word: "Repel."

An invisible force struck Ruby, sending her tumbling backwards in midair. The same happened for Archer's metallic projectile, and he was forced to roll to safety before it hit the ground and detonated. He studied the point of impact briefly, then turned to see Ruby had managed to stick her own landing rather gracefully. Right, Archer reminded himself with a flicker of mirth, she told me one of Beacon's first lessons is about landing strategy. The moment passed, though, as he returned his glare towards their charging enemy.

Rin watched from the sidelines as that energy crackled in his right hand again. A nearby streetlight was ripped out of the ground, nearly colliding with Lancer X while Archer ducked from an overhead blow. Part of the metal pole clipped her shoulder, drawing a small grunt from her which Rin noticed. Archer almost being reeled into that crushing grip confirmed it: This guy has some kind of magnetic ability. He didn't really send Ruby flying before but Crescent Rose, which is made of metal like Archer's arrows. And it looks like anything affected by this power is charged so it, even if ordinary, can damage a Servant.

Well, it was certainly an inconvenient trick, given how both of her Servants wielded metallic weapons. And the fact they were in a modern setting with buildings and objects comprised of metal did not help the situation either. They could find a way around this, though, Rin told herself. Lancer X had been friends with a girl who had a magnetic Semblance, if she recalled correctly. She was already starting to adjust. Same with Archer. They could take this jerk.

Only then did Rin notice other Servants' presences in Miyama Town. And a couple hostile ones near- Damnit, Emiya, she swore as she tried to force down her panic. One problem at a time.

Taiga Fujimura's trusty scooter sputtered nicely along the street. She sighed eagerly underneath her helmet. Just two more corners, and she'd finally be home, safe from all the homework and tests. She was already looking forward to Shirou's first-class cooking and pestering her Big Sis for details about Dubai and her relationship with their new guest. Oh yeah, she still had two matches ahead of her, gotta make sure Mr. Kakashi and Miss Atria really are trustworthy!

A shadow flitted over her, making the English teacher glance up. It was dark out, so maybe just a cloud passing or- Her eyes widened as a shape came ever closer. "Wha-" Caught off guard, Taiga's grip on the handlebars slackened, and she nearly lost control of the scooter. A second pair of hands steadied her, and she looked up to stare into a pair of heterochromatic eyes. "…Mister-?"

"Apologies, Miss Fujimura." A familiar voice echoed in her ears, then her thoughts swam away amid a peaceful current. "I'm afraid this isn't a good place to be right now…"

Assassin X watched as Taiga's brown eyes fluttered shut beneath those goggles, then he gently but quickly set her and her scooter to the side as another pair of dirks whistled towards him. The genjutsu would put her in a peaceful slumber and erase her memories of seeing the Servants fighting. I wish I could leave behind a clone or one of the pack to keep an eye on her, Assassin X lamented while springing up a house, but I can't waste energy needlessly. At least the Bounded Field I set up (thanks again, Irisviel) should keep the fight private.

The moment he was above the house, he hurled a trio of shuriken at Assassin who veered left, letting them fly harmlessly past him. They gave Assassin X the chance to close the distance a little more, and his right fist clipped his counterpart's chin. Assassin turned with the blow and threw a spinning kick which the shinobi narrowly ducked under, but it nearly left him wide open for a jab to the face with another dirk. He flipped away with a cut by his left ear.

Well, Artoria already got to face her counterpart last night. Guess it was only a matter of time before the same happened for me. Assassin X's hands wove through a flurry of signs as he backtracked along the roof. "Ninja Art: Tile Shuriken!" Shingles rose free of their holdings around him, hovering for a split second before whirling towards Assassin. The latter's eyes widened beneath his mask; no doubt he sensed the bit of od empowering them, turning the ordinary tiles into projectiles capable of harming even a Servant. He tried to evade them, but Kakashi had deliberately a widespread attack. A few tiles sliced through his robes and drew blood.

His cuts were shallow, though, and he was already gripping two dirks between his left fingers. He's been fighting exclusively with his left hand, Assassin X noted dodging the twin-pronged thrust and driving him back with a kick. His right hand is still covered in bandages. Is it that he can't use that limb, or is it hiding something like a special power?

A flash of blue coupled with a whiff of smoke caught his attention; he turned back to see fire burning near the house. The others-! Kakashi made to rush after them when a dagger buried itself in the roof by his right foot. Reluctantly, he returned his attention to the lunging Assassin. Divide and conquer, huh? As the two Assassins grappled, the foreign found their fight being steadily drawn away. Sorry, guys. Looks like I'm got my hands full for now.

Saber charged towards the newcomer as he snapped his hand forward. The fire he'd cupped became a torrent that surged towards her, and it was only due to her Instinct that she managed to twist out of the way. Even then, some flames managed to lick her left side.

She rolled away with a pained grunt. His flames… They're not just of a different color but far hotter than any regular fire. Saber studied the burns on her shoulder and leg. But my Magic Resistance ought to be high enough to shield me from practically all fire spells. Her eyes widened before narrowing at the enemy Servant. Unless…

He simply sneered at her. "Since when do you need magic to start a fire?" Translation: His pyrokinetic ability wasn't of magical origin and therefore couldn't be countered by Magic Resistance. And it appeared he had fire to spare as his hands ignited like twin blue torches.

But Saber wasn't about to let him roast her alive. She darted right to evade one fireball and lunged to reach her foe before he could throw the second. He narrowly stepped out of range with a new cut in his coat, snapping the flames in his hand down to create a barrier between them. Saber backed away, heat washing over her. He's a long-range fighter, she discerned. He's keeping his distance rather than trying his luck against me, and between his build and those scars, he doesn't strike me as particularly resilient. An irritating matchup for Saber.

The other Servant backed away, his right arm rearing back for another blast, when he had to duck from a volley of blue energy. Saber X fired a couple more shots from his wrist while running, then he promptly shifted into his car form and sped straight towards their enemy. The latter barely rolled out of the way and retaliated with a wide burst which forced Bumblebee to reverse. He returned to robot form and blasted again through the flames.

Shirou tried to keep track of the battlefield despite the increasing flames. "If this keeps up, this guy's going to burn the whole neighborhood down!" This certainly explained the scorched buildings that kept popping up these days. He turned to Aunt Maiya. "Should we try putting the fires out?"

"They're Servant-made," she shook her head, "and even then, flames that burn blue are too hot for us to approach carelessly. Hopefully, they'll go out on their own or if their creator is killed." The detachment in her words made Shirou a little uneasy, but given the circumstances, he acknowledged the point.

And it didn't look like their "guest" was ready to kick the bucket anyhow. Nor did he seem to think the battlefield was hot enough yet. He unleashed a bigger stream of fire at Saber who made to dodge again, only to stop. Why isn't she- Shirou's thoughts came to a halt upon noticing the Servant was looking partly behind her. Where a neighboring house stood. If she dodges, that house will be set on fire, Shirou realized before glaring at her smirking opponent. And he knows that, too.

So, Saber crouched and drew her sword down to her left side. She'd picked up a few tricks in handling fire during the Fourth War, after all. As the attack approached, she performed a rising diagonal slash, Invisible Air drawing in the blue flames and pulling them along. Then with a defiant yell, Saber shifted into an overhand blow downwards. The flames collided and were dispersed from the sheer force.

The other Servant barely had a chance to glare at her before a metal fist surged into his fists. He tumbled coughing away while Bumblebee retracted his arm. "Maybe you should've kept your partner around. Then we could take you all down in one move."

"Eh, take your shots when you see them, you know how it is." The burnt man shrugged even as he staggered grunting to his feet, wisps of smoke drifting from his arms. "But that Assassin guy wasn't my partner." He nodded in Saber X's direction. "She is."

A feral growl was the only warning Bee got before a shadow fell over him, rolling away as sharp metal splintered the pavement. He got to his feet and aimed his wrist blasters at the woman ripping her weapon free with a cruel shriek.

This Servant was about as tall as the scarred one, but it wasn't as easy to tell with how she hunched forward. She was clad in thick crimson Viking leathers that emphasized her toned muscles pretty well. Both the skirt around her waist and the wrappings around her forearms were adorned with metal spikes, and heavy horn-studded pauldrons with rims of fur shielded her shoulders. A thick blood-red hood was pulled over her head, obscuring most of it save for a messy braid of blond hair hanging down from her left side and a snarling mouth that might've been pretty were it not for the fang-like teeth she bared at the Sabers. Her fingers were wrapped tightly around a double-bladed axe, its edges jagged and the color of blood.

Definitely Berserker X.

She made to pounce on Saber X with a vicious howl, but her axe was intercepted by Saber's blade. Sparks flashed as the weapons strained against one another, then Saber was forced back, grunting as she parried another swing and narrowly dodged a third. A few strands of hair fluttered to the ground. It was quickly clear to Saber that this Viking was stronger, faster and more aggressive than her.

But she wasn't the first Berserker Artoria Pendragon had fought. With a twist of her sword, she diverted the axe into the ground and slashed across the other woman's stomach. If she hadn't stepped back, the hidden steel would've disemboweled her. The blood spurting from her wound did nothing to dissuade a growling Berserker X, but then she was roundhouse kicked away by Bumblebee who simultaneously blasted at the madwoman's partner. The latter in turn returned fire, forcing the other three Servants to break apart.

Berserker X bounded away from the conflagration with some flames flickering atop her right pauldron. Not that she cared, but the sight of them, plus the scorch marks approaching yet another house, angered Shirou all the more. "What the hell is wrong with you?" He yelled at the instigator despite Maiya motioning for him to stay back. "Your own comrade almost got caught in that blast! Is that how a hero acts wherever you come from?!"

"Oh, please." The burnt Servant scoffed as he turned to the Master. "Don't read too much into that 'Heroic Spirit' bullshit. I never said I was one, and for good reason. You'll learn soon enough there's no such thing as a real hero." He practically spat out the last word while his half-lidden eyes flashed slightly. It was the most emotion he'd shown all evening other than deadpan contempt.

And that anger and bitterness in his eyes was the clue Saber needed to deduce his class. "You're an Avenger, aren't you? Avenger X." His attire, his non-magical pyrokinesis, his mannerisms; none of it was like anything she was familiar with of her world.

"Give the girl a cigar." If she'd hoped this epiphany would've rattled him, she would've been mistaken. Avenger X was already back to his dry self, flames dancing between his fingers. "I'll even light it for you." Berserker X hefted her axe with a snarl, prompting him to sigh. "Okay, fine. You can have Saber." As she stomped towards the shorter Servant, the pyromaniac shifted his attention to Saber X. "I've got a score to settle with the junkyard reject, anyway."

"Sticks and stones," Bumblebee quipped. He found little humor in the situation otherwise, though. The fight had turned into an even two-on-two, and he got the sense that neither X Servant had shown their full hand yet. Well, neither had he, but the situation wasn't quite that dire yet.

And as Berserker X's axe blades ignited with crimson flames and Avenger X shot twin flamethrower attacks at him, the Autobot scout transformed again while bracing himself. Both he and Saber knew this fight was only going to get more intense from here on out.

The same could be said for another battle that was steadily drawing closer to the Emiya residence. The street was littered with broken scraps of metal and debris, and one or two houses were sporting thankfully only cosmetic damage. Rin surmised it wouldn't pose too much of a challenge for the church's cleanup efforts. Of course, her team wasn't done yet with putting down the brute responsible for most of the damage.

The enemy Servant charged laughing at Lancer X who darted away and swung, Crescent Rose meeting that metallic arm before it was repulsed with a crackle of purple static. Archer appeared behind him and made to chop his head off, but an elbow collided with his torso, staggering him and nearly leaving him wide open. Fortunately, Ruby's scythe hooked around the left arm, and with a shot, the bigger Servant was tossed cursing across the street. She briefly checked on her partner who wordlessly confirmed he was okay, then they took aim and shifted to ranged attacks.

Their target guarded himself with his bigger arm as he got to his feet, a black sheen covering the metal. Electric sniper rounds bounced off of his defense, and he even stood his ground when one of Archer's arrows blasted against him, though it did unsettle him. Lancer X moved to press the advantage, but a shout of "Repel" and multiple metal fragments flying at her forced her to move evasively.

Rather than try to put more distance between them, he smirked at the approaching red blur. "Attract." A parked car Ruby just passed was suddenly lifted and pulled towards him, nearly smashing into her back were it not for Archer's cover fire. The resulting shockwave seemingly unsettled her, prompting the other redhead to swing his prosthetic anew. Then she fired Crescent Rose at the ground, catapulting the Huntress over and behind him for another recoil-boosted slash. The Servant cursed from the gash in his back and tried to spin around, but two more arrows blasted him further away while Lancer X zipped back to her team.

By now, they'd determined some level of this Heroic Spirit's abilities. 'He's a destructive heavy hitter with little regard for collateral damage,' Archer reported while rolling his right shoulder. 'The magnetic forces he projects are strong, too. Strong enough to move objects as heavy as cars and potentially rip our weapons right out of our hands.' He was applying Reinforcement just to keep a sturdy grip; being deprived of four Projections of Kanshou and Bakuya was quite enough, thank you.

'I've managed to keep a better grip on Crescent Rose than you,' Ruby agreed, 'but it's not easy doing that and fighting at the same time. But I think he needs to choose whether to pull in or push away something. His power's not active all the time, but like an on-off switch.'

'And it looks like the wider he expands his area of effect,' Rin chimed in, 'the less precise he is.' She had ducked and dodged enough debris to determine his area of effect and how little the thug cared about making a mess. She eyed the surrounding houses with a little worry. 'The magnetism has a wide area of effect, though.' If it hadn't been for Ruby and Archer's efforts, this part of Miyama would've become a lot more postapocalyptic.

'Shifting or breaking his concentration seems to dispel his power,' Archer concluded as the enemy righted himself, his silver eyes scanning the asserted cuts and bruises across his body. 'And tough as he is, he's not indestructible. Hit-and-run tactics are our best option, keep him from concentrating too much.'

'Sounds like a-' Lancer X's reply cut short as trashcans, two cars and at least one streetlight were blasted their way. Thinking quickly, she activated her Semblance and swept up both Archer and Rin just before the impromptu projectiles smashed apart the wall behind them.

The instigator of this little barrage tracked the cluster of rose petals as it blurred over to another part of the intersection before it shifted into three figures. Right in front of the other party… Out loud, he called over, "Cute little party trick, brat, but if you want to take me on, you're gonna need a lot more than some flowers and a hedge-trimmer." He cracked his neck as fresh mana flowed into his battered body, restoring it. Yeah, yeah, time to get serious.

"He says while getting a patch job." Archer frowned despite his quip, watching the wounds disappear; his Master must've resupplied him, but the Servant of the Bow couldn't pick up any other magus signatures nearby save for the boy's and that of his aunt. And he surely wouldn't want anything to do with this bas-

"And you've got no shame hiding behind your doll of a partner, do you?" That insult made him glare at the other Servant. "Taking shots from the sidelines and letting her take all the risks… After scrapping with the other guy, I thought this world has some real men in it, but it looks like the gardening doll here got saddled with a useless pussy."

"Big talk from a scrap-throwing bully," Ruby shot back before Archer could reel his temper in. "And Archer's a lot of things, but he's not a coward. Or useless." As he processed the words, the local Servant couldn't help but send an appreciative chuckle over their link. I don't deserve her… he lamented to himself.

Whatever relief Rin felt at knowing her team was still cooperative, she set aside for the moment. "It's not like you've had that impressive a showing yourself. For all your insults, you're barely holding your own against us," she scoffed at who she surmised this Servant to be, "Berserker X." Communication was no guarantor for sanity, after all.

But he barked a laugh. "Right about the X, but wrong class." He lifted his right arm above his head and intoned again, "Attract." More metal rose up and traveled towards him; cans, streetlamps, pieces of scrap, even a car or two was being pulled in. The houses closest to him began to shudder as well, cracks appearing in their walls. It was only thanks to Rin (and one other) desperately reinforcing the Bounded Field that the buildings weren't ripped apart.

Archer and Lancer X both had to strain against the force trying to take their weapons away. While they dug in their heels, the pieces reached the source of the magnetic pull and began to affix themselves to one another and the brute's arm. The more Rin and her Servants watched, the more metal was collected, and the more it all began to take on a particular, colossal shape.

"The name's Gunner X," the redheaded Servant sneered as his new arm loomed over them, "and that's all you're getting. After all, what more do I need to tell three soon-to-be dead fucks?" He reared back, then the scrap-made hand curled into a fist and rumbled with surprising speed at them. "Punk Gibson!"

A heavy crash sounded out long enough for the Assassins to hear it despite being very nearly on the border between Miyama and Shinto. Kakashi spared a single glance towards the collection of smoke and fire, his Sharingan discerning Servant signatures familiar and alien. Miss Tohsaka's party is also fighting there, huh? Just a block away from the house.

His worries lingered on his team even as he jumped over another pair of dirks and somersaulted into a kick that forced Assassin back. I can't afford to waste time here. I can't fail again. As he landed, he threw his own knife which sailed past the hooded Servant's head, only for the paper bomb he'd tied to it to detonate. The explosion blasted away his hood, fully revealing the bald head with a skull-shaped mask affixed over the face, blood slowly painting over the white. The sight of him confirmed to Assassin X that this definitely wasn't the Assassin of the Fourth War. Most likely they were part of the same brotherhood. He flipped away from a thrust, then slipped behind a roof on his right as another flurry of daggers embedded themselves in his hiding spot.

Assassin approached the roof warily, plucking loose his dirks as he passed them. He could only carry so many at any given time, and while his partner had provided him with a useful enchantment to retrieve them more easily, he preferred keeping count of them like this. Nice and tidy.

Then Assassin X bounded over the rooftop and him, unleashing a powerful gust of air mixed with dust particles. "Wind Style: Dust Storm Jutsu!" Assassin didn't so much as twitch, though, as the wind stream passed around him without effect. Protection From Wind served him well against such attacks.

However, the dust within the winds obscured his vision slightly, nearly leaving him wide open to a strike from Lightning Blade. If it hadn't been for the telltale chirping he had heard the prior night while observing Berserker's decapitation, Assassin would've lost more than his left leg.

Both Heroic Spirits of Assassination quickly separated again, exchanging knife throws that left the blades clashing against one another and spiraling harmlessly away. Assassin hobbled rather steadily on his right foot on a rooftop, silently watching Assassin X land another opposite from him, the last flickers of electricity crackling between his fingers. His leg cold be restored with time and mana, but for now, his agility was compromised. And his enemy was visibly keen on reuniting with his team. No more playing around, Cursed Arm Hassan decided as his left hand gripped the bandages around his left arm.

The cloth was tugged away, allowing Kakashi to finally see that his counterpart wasn't missing an arm at all, though he couldn't say for certain it had originally been his. The appendage unfolded itself by the elbow by twisting and coiling like a long dark snake, fingers dancing about at the tip. It flailed about once before lashing towards him, the Sharingan barely warning him in time. Assassin X still could only just limbo under the deadly arm as it snapped past him, a single fingertip brushing his chest.

Both Assassins knew then and there the battle was over.

The hand promptly retracted to in front of Cursed Arm Hassan's face. A distorted sound like but unlike a heartbeat reverberated inside his target's body as particles swirled together between that hand's fingers into the shape of a heart.

The work of Zabaniya: "Delusional Heartbeat."

Before the Copy Ninja could react, his grip closed on the artificial heart, crushing it. Demonic mana surged for a split-second through the ether… Then there was a gaping bloodstained hole in Assassin X's chest. And his heart was pulp.

Blood trickled through Assassin's fingers. He dispassionately watched his counterpart's heartless body sway about, ready to teeter over any moment now- Poof!

His eyes widened beneath his mask as smoke billowed from Assassin X's body, then it was gone. Along with the crushed remnants of his heart. Comprehension slowly dawned upon the Servant of the Shadows. "Ah… a decoy," he murmured, replaying the events of their fight in his mind, the moment Assassin X had briefly ducked out of sight behind the roof. He created the duplicate while I wasn't looking to keep me busy. No doubt the original has rejoined his team by now. Meanwhile, Hassan was too far away and in no condition to catch him before he reached the Emiya house. And he'd unveiled Zabaniya…

Hassan-i-Sabbah nodded in unashamed respect. "You are every bit the adversary they warned me of, Kakashi Hatake."

Wind met flame again and again as Saber and Berserker X exchanged blows. The Viking's axe continued to blaze no matter how many times it struck, the shrieks of metal mixing with its wielder's vicious howls to create an absolutely terrifying symphony. Saber weathered it just as she did the attacks, blocking and riposting as she kept her own temper in check. She couldn't afford to waste strength given her current circumstances. Some chops and kicks slipped past her guard, but nothing too serious yet.

As she kept that axe at bay, the King of Knights studied her opponent. Berserker X had the advantage in physical stats, but Saber could still match her with Mana Burst and strategy. But despite her obvious madness, there was technique within her strokes. She aimed at visible gaps in Saber's armor and mixed her obvious swings with feints, punches and kicks. The other woman even displayed some ability to read and counter Saber's moves, though she kept misjudging her sword thanks to Invisible Air. Currently, the blondes were evenly matched for the most part.

Meanwhile, their partners were playing a lethal, long-range game of tag. Avenger X had more firepower and destructiveness, but Saber X's rapid shifting between robot and car forms provided him with an edge in mobility, allowing him to weave around and under the flames mostly unsinged. In between transformations, his wrist blasters chased the Heroic Spirit of Vengeance, quite a few bolts hitting their mark despite the heat haze. These hit-and-run tactics prevented an increasingly irritated Avenger X from simply torching the whole place.

Plus, they proved Bumblebee worthy of his namesake.

Avenger X twisted away from twin energy blasts before shooting another flamethrower after that damn kiddie-sized sports car, his free hand wiping blood away from his jaw. He'd already let him slip through once, and while this Saber X might've been a poser, he had one hell of a right hook. Hence the ring of fire encompassing him. The villain heard his arms starting to sizzle, though, and while his other partner could patch him up, time was running out. This takes any longer, it'll attract other players and/or vultures.

So, he took a step forward, crossed his arms in front of his face, and snapped them out while releasing his Quirk into a massive, sudden wave of blue flames that struck Saber X right as he changed to robot form. Avenger X smirked in delight at the downed machine, embers licking his chassis. "Thought I wouldn't pick up on your timing despite your buzzes, huh?" He sauntered over and aimed his left hand, ignoring the smoke coming from it; one point-blank blast would melt this sucker away. "A downed bee is a dead bee."

A wincing Saber X pushed himself up in time for a metal pipe to come down on that fire-holding hand. Glowing circuit-like lines were running along the makeshift weapon, leading back to the one swinging it- "Shirou?!"

The boy barely registered Bee's voice as he swung his pipe again, clipping Avenger X's chin as the latter backed off with a scowl. I knew it, Shirou returned his glare while shifting to a classic Kendo stance, those scars aren't just for show. This guy's not that tough a Servant. He'd been watching the ebb and flow of the battle, waiting for the moment to join in. He mightn't have a chance against Berserker X, but this bastard, he was fragile enough and arrogant enough that Shirou could make a difference. And if it meant protecting a comrade…

"Don't, this isn't your fight-" A new wall of flame erupted in front of Saber X, cutting him off from the human and the Servant. "Scrap!" He aimed his right blasters through the blue blaze while Shirou swung again. Avenger X sidestepped both his attack and Bee's fire, blasting back at the latter with his left hand while his right caught the pipe in mid-swing.

Shirou strained against the other's grip, but hard as he tried, the pipe wouldn't budge. The burnt Servant cocked an eyebrow at him, his hand glowing blue. "You're even dumber than you look." Searing heat shot through the metal instantaneously, forcing Shirou to let go with a hiss. "Or are you just tired of breathing?" Avenger X drawled while the pipe melted through his fingers into a pool of slag. He threw a fireball too fast for Shirou to avoid without hastily making two Shadow Clones to take the hit. Sorry, guys, he thought as they dispersed.

The flames and resultant smoke made it hard for Dabi to see what just happened. In fact, the heat was so hazy he could've sworn that idiot Master had tripled all of a sudden. Then the air settled enough for him to clearly make out the redhead stumbling away, the robot stepping in his place. He readied his next blast lazily when a gunshot followed by a shout sounded out.

"Damnit, Shirou, stay back!" The boy reflexively flinched from Aunt Maiya's admonishing tone. She sprinted past him with her right hand aiming a Glock and her left holding one of those two daggers she carried with her nearly everywhere.

He scoffed at the bitch rushing him with her gun out, bullets passing harmlessly through him. Does she really think she can hurt a Servant with her toys? He slashed a wave of fire which she narrowly rolled under and came up, dagger hissing towards his neck. Mostly out of instinct, Avenger X leaned away, but much to his surprise, the blade sliced into his skin. "What the f-?!" Pain shot through him at the metal's contact as the bitch rolled past him. He rounded on the bitch, already summoning enough fire to immolate her bony little-

That's when a sandalled foot collided heel-first with his nose.

Saber for her part had wanted to come to her Master and comrades' aid, but she found herself stuck in a blade lock with Berserker X. Gritting her teeth, she tried to drive the taller woman back even while her attention kept wandering to the other fight. Then something glinted, and Berserker X twisted her head to dodge the oncoming blade.

One of Assassin X's kunai sliced through her hood without doing any harm, but it was all the help Saber needed. She swiftly took her right hand off Excalibur, allowing Berserker X's axe to gain ground, caught the kunai in midair, twirled it into a reverse grip, and stabbed it into her opponent's left thigh. Berserker X lurched with a pained howl while Saber took the opportunity to break away and join the others.

Maiya had already been readying a Substitution as the heat reached her, but a familiar presence paired with the sound of crunching cartilage (she'd broken enough noses over the years to recognize it) made her cancel the jutsu. She turned just as Kakashi landed next to her with a backflip and an eye-smile. "Sorry I'm late. Had a little chat with a colleague."

"Seeing as I'm not a pile of ashes," Maiya settled for a half-smirk, "I'd say your timing couldn't be better." She quickly grew serious. "Is the other Assassin dead?"

"Afraid not, and I couldn't catch him either." Assassin X's hand inadvertently drifted to his chest as his clone's memories rippled through him. "A pity. That Servant's got one nasty Noble Phantasm."

She nodded towards the source of increasing heat. "I'd like to say we've had it easy, but between the inferno on two legs for an Avenger and a stereotypical Berserker, I'd be lying." Maiya then shot a cold glare at her ward. "And of the bone-dead stupid stunts you could pull, Shirou…"

The boy for his part ignored the (ironically) cold sweat on his back to defend himself. "Bee needed my help, Aunt Maiya. And you guys said I should wait for the right time to fight."

"And you believe challenging the Servant who's been trying to incinerate us these past eight minutes is 'the right time'?" Even Saber was staring at him with half-lidded eyes. "We also, specifically, told you not to try and fight Servants."

"Oh, come on, Avenger X needs to be stopped, and he's fragile-"

"Yeah, fragile by Servants' standards!" Bumblebee added incredulously. "Not that I don't appreciate your helpfulness, Shirou, but-"

Before the argument could go any further, a cough drew the four's attention to Assassin X. "Maybe we could postpone this discussion for a more peaceful setting." They all quickly saw what the shinobi meant: A growling Berserker X yanked the kunai out of her leg and threw it hard enough to pierce through a nearby minivan while Avenger X rose to his feet, blue fire dancing around his body as he crunched his nose back into place with a glare. Violet particles of mana danced around both of them, their wounds sealing and their strength returning.

"Guess they're all set for round two." Kakashi nodded pointedly to Bee who slung the kid over his shoulder and sprinted through the dying flames back to the house, his Master right behind him. "Now, please stay there, both of you, and don't get involved unless you spot their Master." Shirou opened his mouth- "Maiya will confront them. You watch and learn."

A chastened Shirou Emiya reluctantly stepped back and kept quiet save for some grumbling about being treated like a kid. Maiya shot him a gimlet eye that softened again as she recognized her adoptive nephew was indeed paying attention to their three comrades.

Saber was already meeting Berserker X's charge anew, but this time, she had Saber X backing her up. Meanwhile, Assassin X calmly monitored a flame-enshrouded Avenger X.

"Yeah, watch and learn, boy." Dabi glared at the bitch who'd stabbed him; her wound was the only one what remained, and it hurt like hell. His arms lashed out, weaving streams of blazing fire at the two Masters. "For tonight's class, we'll be covering how heroes burn away to nothing!"

As the flames approached, Shirou watched in awe as Kakashi blurred in front of them. "Water Style: Water Wall!" He then created a torrent of water that expanded and collided with Avenger X's fire, steam erupting from the twin elements' impact.

Avenger X just smirked. "Nice try, but you can't put out my flames that easily." Sure enough, the wall of water was steadily evaporating in wake of the inferno. Meanwhile, the steam cloud had grown so dense he could barely make anything out. Then the villain caught a blue and silver blur in the corner of his eye and narrowly rolled under a slash from Saber, the invisible blade pulling some black hair with it. Berserker X was right behind her.

With the fire attack cut off, Assassin X darted out of the smoke cloud while tossing a spread of shuriken. Berserker X shattered them all with one swing of her axe, but it caught her attention enough for Saber X's vehicle mode to ram her in her stomach, reassuming his robot form to grab her, flip forward and throw her roaring across the street. He landed in a crouch, her axeblade scraping against the asphalt until she stopped, and charged snarling back.

Assassin X barred her path with a broad wall of earth; nothing she couldn't smash her way through in two seconds, but those seconds allowed the trio to corner Avenger X. The air became superheated as their scar-laden target glared from one to the other, flames swirling around his arms. Neat divide-and-conquer reversal, he concentrated as they prepared to attack, but if you think you've seen the worst of what I can do, you're sorely mis- Then the wall on his left exploded.

All five Servants halted in their tracks and shielded themselves as rubble and dust flew everywhere, heralding a familiar Servant duo in red and their Master tumbling out into the open. Shirou was close enough that he could see rose petals dancing around them while a bright pink field of four petals was straining against a giant metal fist.

Said fist slowly retracted from them, allowing the Servants to regain their footing. Archer lowered his arm which in turn dispersed the shield, and Lancer X cast a worried look towards their wobbly third party member. "I'm alright," Tohsaka waved her off while managing to stay upright. "j-just focus on that bastard!" She then noticed her current location and someone moving to her side. "Ah, Emiya…" She tried to regain her dignity. "Fancy running into you."

"Yeah, what a surprise when I live here-" Emiya's snark died away as his eyes widened and he suddenly grabbed her shoulder. "Look out!" Rin didn't even resist the tug like she would've, at first because the moment felt… familiar. ("Look out!" A tug, a car's engine…)

Then it was on account of the oncoming gust of blue fire, and memory time had to wait. Without thinking, Rin tugged her arm free and shoved against the boy's chest, her other arm raised to cast a defensive spell. "Stay behind me, Emiya!"

Luckily, Shirou had pulled Tohsaka out of the direct line of fire, requiring her to only shield them from the side. The flames licked her barrier but did no damage. For a second, he almost saw something white shimmering around the girl, then it was gone. Perhaps it was just a side effect from this weird ache in the back of his mind…

Rin quickly checked herself for injuries and found to her relief none save for some slight bruises. Huh, guess my defenses are even stronger than I thought. She turned around, cleared her throat and attempted a conversational tone. "I see you've been busy this evening, too."

Shirou stared at Tohsaka incredulously and maybe a little impressed. Maiya told me magi are cold-blooded, but she's got some sang-froid, too. That said, he didn't want to make light of their situation. "Well, we've got a berserk Viking woman and a pyromantic asshole for an Avenger X on this end." He pointed towards said Servants who had successfully regrouped, his own comrades doing the same. Tohsaka's Servants were watching the new hole warily.

The burnt one eyed the newcomers with an unimpressed demeanor. "A Red Riding Hood cosplayer and some guy trying to make the Ganguro look appealing for men, dancing to the shrieks of a high school alpha bitch…" he drawled. "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots."

Rin scowled at him for her moniker while Lancer X adjusted her stance, but it was Archer who retorted. "This coming from the goth punk who played with gasoline too much as a kid."

"Easy does it, kiddies." Assassin X waved one hand placatingly, the other gripping a kunai as he moved closer to his human comrades. "No need to be so sensitive about your looks."

"You of all people should shut up," Archer and Avenger X snapped at him simultaneously before glaring at each other. The latter Servant idly noticed this "Aunt Maiya" narrowing her eyes at them. Saber for her part didn't react at all. That plus the distance between the human and Assassin X, their subtle concern for one another which included Saber in no way made some infinitesimal part of the Counter Guardian… relax.

Assassin X was still near the top on his list of targets, of course.

And another who was fairly high on said list had plowed his way onto the new battlefield and was busy trying to smash Ruby into pulp. Archer quickly bought her some room with a trio of arrows that Gunner X blocked with his right arm, allowing his partner to retreat via Petal Burst. However, more metal was gathering around that prosthetic left arm, rapidly expanding it until it was equal in size to his right.

Teams Tohsaka and Emiya quickly repositioned themselves to account for the new threat, Bumblebee motioning for the Masters to stay on the sidelines. Avenger X clicked his tongue annoyed at the sight of the scrap-armed Servant. "Couldn't you clowns have at least killed that nuts-and-bolts dumbass before barging into our business?"

"Nice seeing you again, too, you roasted bastard," Gunner X growled, metal grinding together inside his super-sized "fists." "Don't think I'm letting you run off this time." He then pulled back both arms before swinging them together so they encompassed nearly every other Servant. "Punk Vise!" All of the Servants managed to jump over or slip under the hands in time, but the collision itself released a shockwave that blew them away and even knocked the humans off their feet.

Archer turned his fall into a roll and stuck the landing, mentally perusing his arsenal as well as the situation. One arm was enough to punch through three petals of Rho Aias, and he probably could've gone further if he felt like it. For just three seconds, he let his gaze roam to the boy and his amazing guardian ninja… then shifted it to Avenger X. Too many variables.

Shirou and Maiya helped each other up as Kakashi quickly drew Berserker X away, her having landed close to the Masters. He then turned to Tohsaka who promptly got to her feet on her own with a haughty look. He almost rolled his eyes when a heavy clanging sound made him focus on the caped cyborg trading blows with Saber and Lancer X.

"So, this is your team's playmate for tonight, Tohsaka?" Rin eyed the boy with some surprise and amusement despite the tension; she found Emiya displaying some sass once again… intriguing. And two people could play the snark game-

"He goes by Gunner X." Ruby explained for her Master, unaware of the split-second irritation shot her way. "Be careful, he's got some freaky magnetic powers-"

"Wait… did you say magnetic?" Lancer X wasn't the only one who stiffened at that voice. She and almost all of her friends/allies turned in horror to a visibly apprehensive Saber X. The Heroic Spirit comprised entirely of metal mumbled, "Scrap…"

Gunner X sneered cruelly at him. "Great idea."

A crackle of purple mana, and before anyone could react, Bumblebee was swiftly pulled into the pirate's right grasp. Colossal fingers squeezed him tightly, drawing groans both metallic and verbal from him. But Gunner X had something more fun in mind. He raised the Cybertronian Servant high above his head, then swung him down. "Slam Gib-" A kunai zipping at him made him click his tongue before catching it in his mouth. Stupid ninja-

Only then did he see the little ball strung up in its ring.

The smoke bomb released its red payload right in the pirate's face, causing him to spit out the kunai between his coughs. His grip on Saber X didn't loosen, but Saber severed the hand with one swing of her sword as she sprinted past it. A Shadow Clone of Assassin X caught his falling comrade while the original provided his partner with cover fire. "You okay?"

"A bit battered," Bee grunted, "but I've felt worse. At least I've still got my pipes…" He then turned sheepish at the odd look he got. "Said that last part out loud, huh?"

Meanwhile, Gunner X was a bit shaken from the smoke bomb, forcing him to rely on other means to sense Saber's approach. She'd already chopped her way through a great deal of the metal h'ed collected. The South Blue pirate brought about his left arm to block her attacks as well as her partner's, concentrating via his right one to rip away that damn invisible sword… But nothing happened. "The hell…?"

Saber could feel the magnetic pull on her armor, but between Magic Resistance and Mana Burst, it was nothing she couldn't resist. Moreover, she sensed her blade was totally unaffected by it. It will take far more than your trick than deprive me of Excalibur, Gunner X.

Growling, the brute turned his power on the metal she'd already sliced apart, levitating it around her. "Genocide Raid!" The scrap closed in on her, grinding against one another, and if it hadn't been for Bumblebee and Kakashi blasting open a hole big enough for her to slip through, even Saber would've suffered severe injuries from Gunner X's attack. Undeterred, he unleashed Repel on the compressed metal, firing it at the trio who barely got out of the way. The makeshift payload sped on past Lancer X and Archer, headed straight for the last two Servants present. Avenger X shot a vertical line of flames up and down the mass, allowing Berserker X to pulverize it with one furious swing of her flaming axe.

Molten bits of scrap flew all over the place, crashing into homes, setting trees aflame, and tearing up the sidewalks and streets. "Stop!" Shirou desperately cried out despite both Aunt Maiya and Tohsaka's protests. "If you have to fight, do it somewhere else! There are innocent people in this neighborhood, people who have no part in this insanity!"

Archer scoffed quietly to himself. Stupid boy… "They know, Shirou," he dimly heard Saber explain. "They simply don't care." Then again, the Viking lunatic seemed more driven by fury than genuinely callous. The truth, however, remained as the King of Knights had stated: none of these attackers gave a damn about how many deaths they'd be responsible if all the Servants cut loose. Trying to reason with them was a fool's hope.

Thus, Archer did the sensible thing and surmised their situation: Him and Ruby near Rin. And as much as her idealism rankled him, he knew she had his back. And… vice versa.

Saber stood alongside Illegal Saber X and Assassin X close to the boy and the woman Maiya. Possibility of the teams uniting against their common enemies and winning, moderately high.

On one end, Berserker X and Avenger X. On the other, Gunner X. At least two Servants fully capable of razing the entire neighborhood without losing a wink of sleep over it. Well, not that Servants needed to sleep, usually, but you get the point.

"Didn't you get the memo, you little shit?" Gunner X grinned, magnetic forces surging around him. Step by step, metal both used and new wrapped around his arms again, not quite as much as before, but definitely enough to crush these scrubs into paste. "This is the Holy Grail War. Kill or be killed." The sidewalk crumbled beneath his boots as he charged towards them, declaring, "If you don't have the stones to put your life on the line or go for the kill, then you've got no business fighting in it!"

Motioning for Bee to stay back lest the fiend try to capture him again, Artoria Pendragon stepped forward at the same time as Ruby Rose. The girls traded a surprised glance that shifted to mutual respect as they faced the approaching threat together.

But before Gunner X could get within reach, an invisible pressure struck him, pushing him back. "The fuck-?!" As his anger grew, he made out a new Servant's presence at the same time as all the others did.

"There's a little more to the Holy Grail War than just wanton bloodshed, Eustass 'Captain' Kid." Ruler X marched from around the corner towards them with a stern mien and his right hand outstretched. "Anonymity is to be maintained, due procedure to be followed." His brow furrowed further at the tallest Servant present. "And no unnecessary endangerment of life."

Gunner X quickly regained his balance and directed his glare at the one responsible. "Well, look who it is," he snarled, "the big bad Ruler X. Here to spoil everybody's fun again." She spat at the ground near the other Servant. "Finally decided to grow a pair and step up?" Crass though his phrasing was, Maiya had similar questions in mind. Why was Ruler X stepping in at all? Destructive though their battle was becoming, it hadn't attracted any witnesses. And this was still technically following "the rules…"

The dark-skinned Heroic Spirit didn't show any irritation or anger at the insult. "I was investigating light disturbances near the mountain while you lot started fighting. It took me a moment to recognize your signatures between the enchantments." Rin exchanged a look with her Servants. Could he have been following the same trail as they did today?

Damn, Avenger X grumbled to himself, looks like he didn't take Caster's bait. Out loud, he said, "Well, here we are. And we were getting along just fine before you showed up to play referee. Right?" He shot a sarcastic look to his enemies who didn't react. "Right. So, if you want to watch us fry these suckers," he made a shooing motion, "do so quietly in the corner."

Now he was the center of attention. "Even if I trusted you, your partner or him," Ruler X nodded sharply at Gunner X, "to rein in your destructive tendencies, I'm afraid I can't do that yet, Avenger X. Or do you prefer Touya Todoroki?" The Blueflame Villain twitched involuntarily at hearing that last name, which of course, the damn ghetto monk noticed. "No? Then perhaps Dabi. That's the name you chose for yourself, didn't you?"

Assassin X's Sharingan locked onto the addressed Servant, noting the fiery energies swirling inside his scrawny frame, practically begging to get out. No surprise a guy like him would decide to call himself "Cremation." Despite his mirth, he braced himself for the eruption.

But it never came. "Cute," Avenger X ground the word between his teeth as he let his temper leak out a bit. Berserker X growled beside him while the air became a little warped from the heat they were emitting. "So, what's it gonna take for you to back the fuck off and keep your mouth shut? The night's not that young anymore, and we've got Servants to barbecue."

"Not until you and Gunner X tell me how you were summoned and who your respective Masters are." Shirou, Ruby and even Bumblebee couldn't help but shiver from that commanding voice (Rin was quietly taking notes). Ruler X wasn't asking.

Not everyone was so easily intimidated. "What's it to you?" Gunner X scoffed.

Ruler X's head faced him. "As a Gunner, you're a sub-class of Archer, but there's already an Archer X roaming the streets." He returned his attention to the other pair. "And Avenger isn't among the mandatory seven classes, making both of you surplus to the roster and thereby technically illicit." He nodded briefly towards one nonaggressive Servant. "But unlike this Saber X, I can sense you were both brought about through the Holy Grail's power." He stepped further into the middle of the battlefield. "So, before you may continue fighting, I'd like an explanation."

As he finished speaking, Mace Windu expanded his senses with The Force. The two official Masters and Ruby Rose were definitely taken aback at these revelations, as was Bumblebee to a lesser extent. So was his hidden audience. By contrast, Counter Guardian EMIYA was curious but a guarded variety, like he didn't want to expose himself. Artoria Pendragon, Kakashi Hatake and the woman who had illegally made herself a Master, however, they showed no surprise at this situation. In fact, they seemed to have deduced it themselves.

The greatest emotion came from Eustass Kid who threw his head back to cackle like the violent pirate captain he had been. "Oh, you want an explanation, do ya, bastard? Maybe if you asked with pretty please?" Finally, he calmed himself enough to leer down at Ruler X. "I never needed anybody's permission to do anything in my old life, and I sure as fuck don't need yours now." He raised his metal-encased arms into fists ready to crush.

Ruler X narrowed his eyes, the heightened tension provoking Berserker X to stalk towards with bared teeth. "Let at the Ruler trying to play tough," Avenger X snorted beside her, "pretending he has any power over me." He smirked as those eyes snapped towards him. "You might have Command Seals, but they aren't for me or the psycho-magnet, are they? You can't make us do a damn thing."

No denial or counter, much to Shirou's concern. He technically owed Ruler X for saving their lives last night, even if it had been coincidence. So, he made to step in or at least tell Kakashi and Saber to back the guy up when Aunt Maiya turned to him and shook her head. Don't worry, her eyes told him. Ruler X wouldn't have intervened if he can't fight.

Archer had telepathically advised Ruby (and Rin, too, just in case) similarly.

Despite the imminent danger, Ruler X watched the three rogue Servants evenly. "Curious," he finally said after a long pause. "Berserker X is difficult, but you two…" His dark eyes flickered from Gunner X to Avenger X and back. "I can tell what you're thinking. It's curious how the both of you have the exact same three ideas, and all of them are wrong."

"Is that right?" Avenger X scoffed, a few flames lazily dancing along his fingers. "And what exactly are we thinking, tough guy?"

Ruler X flipped up a thumb. "You both think being powerful and ruthless means you can do whatever you want." He folded his thumb and flipped up his index finger. "You think Command Seals are the extent of my authority."

More than one eyebrow was raised among the Korun Servant's audience when he folded that finger and presented the next one. "And you think you're going to kill me."

…Rin Tohsaka wasn't the only one who quietly burned this moment into her memory.

Gunner X's grin twitched into a snarl and back. "A Ruler and a comedian, huh?"

"And a prophet," the Champion of the Jedi Order added unperturbed by the rising threat level. His fingers closed around his lightsaber, the weapon that had been his most reliable companion through so many battles, and unclipped it from his belt. "I can see the future."

"Oh, yeah? So, you can see me pulling your spine out of your ass and strangling you with it?"

"I see you." Hurrikaine's violet blade flared to life illuminating Ruler X's frown. "Bleeding."

That was the last straw. With a vicious laugh, Kid Attracted more metal to his right arm before throwing the new Punk Gibson right at that smug black face.

Purple light flashed, and the giant arm was sliced and diced into harmless pieces of scrap.

"Motherf-" Ruler X closed the distance before he could even finish cursing. His right hand swept Hurrikaine to the side, slicing effortlessly through the metal arm. At the same time, his left fist snapped Gunner X's chin upward before shifting into a palm strike against his chest. The pirate flew backwards until he crashed into a wall, bricks crumbling around his slumped body. Blood dripped from his mouth with every huff as he glared hatefully at Ruler X.

The Jedi stared coldly back at him. "Told you."

A feminine roar heralded Berserker X clearing the distance between them in one bound, axe raised high above her head and still ablaze. Ruler X diverted her swing, letting the burning steel scrape along his lightsaber's blade, then retaliated. She barely blocked his slash and stumbled backwards as he followed. Their weapons clashed no less than a dozen times before the two flipped away from a furious Gunner X trying to smash them together into pulp.

Keeping one eye on his partner, Avenger X tracked Ruler X's movements. He waited until they were trading blows again, then readied a volley. Even a Ruler's Magic Resistance was useless against his Blueflame, after all.

But if the Servant of Vengeance thought he'd caught his target off guard, he was sorely mistaken. "By the power of my Command Seal…" twin crimson half-rings flashed above Ruler X's shoulders like some sort of deity's tenne. The Seals for the Servants… But what's the point? Maiya couldn't help but wonder. He just said none of them are meant for Avenger- "Berserker X, restrain Avenger X."

And as the wild Viking promptly whirled on the spot and tackled her cursing partner to the ground, Maiya merely blinked. Oh. …Well played.

She then turned to Shirou who still looked conflicted. "If we interfere in the fight now, Ruler X may have to consider it an 'official' battle," she explained over his protests. "One he can't participate in as an impartial Servant."

"But seeing as these guys picked a fight with him when he just wanted answers, and we're just bystanders," Kakashi took over "he's just defending himself during an investigation. Besides," he nodded towards the warrior returning his attention to chopping up Gunner X's assaults, "he seems to be on top of things." After a moment, Shirou nodded, finally placated.

"Get… off… me!" Dabi thrashed about beneath Berserker X, but he couldn't break free of her grip. Even though she herself was trying to resist the Command Seal's power, he was no match for her in physical might. It took all his strength just to keep that damn axe at bay. And blasting her off might make her go after me for real, Avenger X groused as spit dripped onto his face. Why do I always get paired with psycho blondes?!

In an effort to cut off the source, he shifted his right hand to the side and unleashed a stream of blue flames at Ruler X. The latter calmly waved his own hand, and the incandescent attack was redirected into the sky, as though caught up in a sudden updraft.

Metal clanked together as Gunner X's right "arm" shifted into a more cylindrical form with a collection of holes at the end. "Punk Pistols!" Lumps of collected scrap metal shot towards Ruler X only to be cut into smoldering fragments clattering harmlessly to the ground by Hurrikaine's blade. The dark-skinned Servant advanced with a stony expression that mirrored the vicious yet measured strokes of his swordsmanship.

Saber was no fan of letting others fight her battles, but she understood the practicality behind not interfering and causing complications for Ruler X. So, she settled for marveling at his bladework. Fast-paced, powerful, at times seemingly chaotic, yet not a single movement was wasteful. It was very much like Lancelot's style, except tempered with sanity. Saber wasn't surprised when she turned and found Assassin X's Sharingan glued to this martial mastery.

As were the "eyes" of a pitch-black goldfish floating in the air beside a wire-made dove.

His frustration mounting, Gunner X invoked his magnetic powers on that damn sword's hilt. When it wouldn't budge from the bastard's grip, he let himself get pulled towards it, the big Servant shooting at his prey with his left arm having picked up some nasty spikes.

Master Windu adjusted his stance and stabbed at the right moment. His lightsaber pierced through the arm and travelled into Gunner X's shoulder, drawing a roar of pain from him. The biological hand made a grab for his neck, so he reestablished distance with a boot to the ribs, pulling Hurrikaine free in the process. Ruler X still had questions for this pirate.

And for Avenger X. So, Ruler X splayed out his left hand at Gunner X, pinning him cursing to the street with The Force as he turned back to the struggling pair. "Feel like talking now?"

Taking an elbow to the face made Avenger X spit blood at his boots. "Screw… You!" Internally, though, he realized this wasn't going anywhere. He'd have to kill the bitch at this rate if the fight were to go on, and he still needed her. So, he sent a telepathic message: 'Get us out of here! Now!'

Mana surged through Berserker X's body, drawing a frown from Ruler X, but before he could react, she suddenly snagged Avenger X by his collar, hauled him up over her shoulder, and leaped away with a howl similar to that of a wolf. The Jedi made to follow, but as a parting gift, Avenger X released a massive wave of fire that forced all the Servants to guard themselves and their respective Masters. His concentration shattered, Gunner X was released and went right back to slinging metal at Ruler X while avoiding the fire.

Kid scoffed between his attacks on the black sonnuvabitch. "Cowards." That's when he felt a power overwhelming him. "Oh, hell no… Don't you fucking dare-"

Everyone else watched as Gunner X disappeared in a flash of red.

Ruler X glared at the spot where the rogue Servant had once stood. "So, he does have a Master somewhere. One with Command Seals." With a slight whoosh, Hurrikaine was sheathed and refastened to his belt. "And Berserker X was recalled by her Master. Damn."

Shirou righted himself from behind the wall Kakashi had made, his eyes wandering from one spot to the other. "Such is the power of Command Seals," Saber explained beside him. "Gunner X was likely ordered to appear before his Master, so he teleported directly to that location. By contrast, Berserker X's Master probably ordered her to retreat with Avenger X in tow." She shrugged. "The key lies in how one phrases the command, so please bear that in mind, Shirou." He nodded while storing the information away. It would likely come up again.

Meanwhile, Lancer X approached Ruler X cautiously. "So, uh, do you need us to help you chase them down or something…? I mean, not that I've got a problem with that…" she hastily added before clamming up as he turned to her with a look she'd often seen on Professor Goodwitch.

"I appreciate the offer," his frown softened, making Ruby sigh in relief, "but this is my business. You're all free to handle your own matters," he nodded at their surroundings, "as long as you keep collateral damage to a minimum." Rin looked relieved at that, too.

Ruler X then noticed a hefty amount of attention directed his way and faced the bigger group. One of them seemed uneasy in his presence despite his armor having been restored, so he assured him, "You're clearly not like those two, Saber X, and I know your origin as well as your place here. As long as you adhere to the Grail War's rules, I won't have a problem with you or your Master."

"Thanks," Bumblebee's faceplate retracted to reveal a grateful smile, "but, uh, while you're still here, that's not the only thing we need to discuss with you."

A black brow rose as the Saber's native counterpart stepped up. "We have information you may wish to hear, Mace Windu," she declared without preamble, "information that relates to this War as well as the last one." She nodded towards their battered surroundings. "It's perhaps all the more pertinent in light of all this."

Rin had been considering quietly leaving from all this excitement, but now she was rooted in place. The last Grail War? She knew Emiya's Servants were familiar with one another, but did they meet then? But how was that relevant to Ruler X? Emiya looked apprehensive all of a sudden, but curious, too. Like he didn't know what they were talking about and wasn't sure he wanted to know…

If Rin had looked behind her, she'd have found notice that exact same expression on Archer (though for slightly different reasons).

Maiya hadn't noticed it, either, despite watching the other team warily. "Maybe we should discuss this in a private setting-"

"N-no." She stopped and looked at her visibly conflicted nephew. "Tohsaka's a Master in this War, too, and whatever you have to tell Ruler X, Aunt Maiya, it sounds like it affects all of us. Besides," he coughed into his fist, "maybe this'll square whatever debts are between us."

Kakashi watched amused as the girl's cheeks flared up for a split second before she composed herself. "W-well, that depends on the information!" Stifling a chuckle, he patted an exasperated Maiya's shoulder. Ah, young romance. At least Shirou has a better shot than I do. Anyway, no objections save for (Archer's scowl) were raised to Team Tohsaka listening.

Mace's gaze traveled from one member of this group to the next while he opened himself to The Force again.

The youngest, the boy, kept glancing to the others with palpable confusion, but beneath that, he carried an honest, steadfast heart and a deep trust and concern for them. Along with a rather worryingly high desire to help, no, save others.

The foreign Servant, Bumblebee, was similar, though the confusion was traded by lingering pain from Eustass Kid's power and some apprehension in the Ruler's presence. Still, his first priority was standing by his allies.

His master, the woman who had taken a serious risk by going outside the Grail's authority and knew it. Yet alongside the defiance in her eyes was an ironclad devotion and protectiveness towards the boy… and one other.

Kakashi Hatake. An intelligent, resourceful veteran of conflict who carried many weights on his shoulders, some particularly recent and heavy. Yet his every concern was for his comrades, one in particular. But it wasn't attachment. Attachment wasn't selfless, after all.

And finally, King Arthur. Or rather, Artoria; Ruler X had perused legends of her in the local library today. And he knew of more than one story throughout the galaxy similar to that which she had likely endured in life. Now she stood before him as a Saber, stalwart and still believing in the ideals she had upheld in life. Despite her trials… Despite her losses…

Even so, the Jedi Master had misjudged others before. He couldn't take anything at face value, least of all as the appointed Ruler of this Holy Grail War.

Then what he saw became distorted and fragmented, the whole world seemingly like glass and shattering all around him… except where Saber stood. The "shards" hovered around her, some reflecting her image as broken, despondent. But others shone with an unyielding light and an absolute certainty that evil would not win, not now, not ever.

…I see. She's another shatterpoint. Thus, Mace Windu decided on a little test.

"Saber." The addressed Servant straightened upon Ruler X addressing her. "You seem to be the leader of your Master's team. So, I ask you:" He stared into her emerald eyes. "What assurances can you offer to help me trust your word and that of your teammates?"

She didn't need long to recognize the meaning behind this question. Even looking aside from her, Kakashi and Shirou associating with an "illicit" team, Ruler X still had no reason to take their word on anything. He couldn't rule out them spreading slander to discredit others. That may've already happened with Kirei Kotomine.

And yet, the Heroic Spirit of Arbitration was giving her a fair chance. He surely knew her True Name but showed enough courtesy to reveal it to her rivals. But how can I convince him? Saber wracked her brain for the right words. Kakashi was always better at this- A mental nudge made her look to her best friend who simply smiled. She soon returned it.

Finally, the King of Knights gave her answer: "I swear on the memory of the kingdom I served in life and all of the lives who dwelled within it." Her words were chosen with a diplomat's guile and carried an even, dignified tone. There was no need to be bombastic, no point in trying to intimidate a man of Ruler X's position and resolve. So, she strove for honesty and respect. "My comrades and I will tell you what we believe is the truth."

A corner of Mace Windu's mouth curled ever so slightly upwards. Artoria Pendragon… She would've earned herself a seat on the High Council in no time, he ruminated with a hint of melancholy. Hell, three years tops, and she'd have taken my place. Obi-Wan would've been in good hands once he became Grand Master.

A second later, he released such lamentations into The Force. No sense lingering on what-ifs and maybes. Besides, he had a new responsibility, and right now, it required him to listen.

Ruler X beckoned for Saber to continue, so she cleared her throat. "Kakashi Hatake and I were both summoned ten years ago during the Fourth Grail War." That sentence alone hooked both Ruler X's attention and that of Team Tohsaka. "We were partners then as well, and together we managed to be among the last Servants standing."

This much, Shirou already knew- "Wait, what the hell are you all talking about?!" But apparently, Tohsaka didn't. "The Fourth Grail War only had seven Servants, not fourteen!"

Rin had suddenly made herself the center of attention, but she didn't care right now. Saber and Assassin X knowing each other was one thing, but what she was saying, she'd never heard of anything like it! "I… I know there were only seven…" And yet those three adults by Emiya all looked so sure of it. "I met Father's Servant Jade," her frown briefly slipped into a snarl that made Ruby flinch, "she was Lancer-"

"Yes, Lancer X." Those three words from Assassin X stopped her in her tracks. "Your entourage is rather appropriate, Rin Tohsaka, because your father was the Master of the last War's Archer and Lancer X, too."

"And Lancer X was by far the more approachable of the two…" Saber added beneath her breath. That part, Rin didn't register. She was too busy trying to weigh this information against what she knew, what- …What Kirei had told her about the Fourth Grail War.

As their Master stepped back with a quiet scowl, Archer gently nudged a worried Lancer X away from her, keen to hear more.

When no further interruptions occurred, Saber went on. "To keep a long story short, we ended up with Archer and Rider X as our final opponents for the Holy Grail," Shirou listened knowing what she would say next, that Kiritsugu triggered the- "and only then did we learn that the Grail was… tainted."

…It was as if all of Miyama Town was suddenly muted. Not a sound was made as everyone processed the King of Knights' words. She in turn nodded to Assassin X who continued. "During the last battle, I was contacted by our Master, Kiritsugu Emiya. He told me about how while fighting the other last Master, Kirei Kotomine…" Shock rapidly became diluted with anger. "He… encountered the corruption inside the Grail. He realized then that it would twist wish made upon it into an excuse to wipe out humanity on this Earth." Auburn eyes were locked on him, and he kept his cool. "To prevent such an outcome, Kiritsugu wanted me to destroy the Holy Grail and the corruption with it."

Shirou's thoughts came to a grind halt as the words kept replaying in his head, bouncing against what that priest had said. The Grail rejected him… No, He rejected the corruption in the Grail… "I tried to lure the corruption out and destroy it," Kakashi continued in a more morose tone, "but in the process, the Grail was shattered and… We guess that's when the Fuyuki Fire broke out." Shirou watched him hang his head. "I… we tried to prevent it." A weight suddenly loosened itself from Shirou's heart. The fog that had gathered inside him this morning at learning about Kiritsugu started clearing, like back with what Saber told him. Kiritsugu… didn't cause the Fire.

So, Archer mused curling his lip at the boy's reaction, that event remains consistent despite there being more Servants. And that's why he gets to be so chummy with her. Part of him bristled at seeing Saber reach up and squeeze the ninja's shoulder while the woman gripped his other hand. Calm down, the Counter Guardian told himself. Now they all know about the evil sooner rather than later. That could help down the line.

Once reassured that Kakashi was in good hands, Artoria returned her attention to Ruler X. "We suspect the Grail had already been somehow corrupted before the Fourth War; Servants were summoned with obviously malevolent intentions, and a fifteenth Servant appeared in the second half. An Avenger X," she gestured to the contraption by his belt, "with a double-bladed crimson version of your weapon." She took a breath. "We realize this sounds far-"

"A double-bladed lightsaber?" Saber stopped as Ruler X's stare intensified. "With crimson blades? This Avenger X… What did he look like?"

"He dressed in dark robes and had dark skin with red markings on his face and small horns atop his head," She answered truthfully, recalling that fiend's details. "Both his legs were artificial, made of metal. He could move objects telekinetically like you, even strangle someone from afar, and was a deadly swordsman."

Ruler X stiffened, a frown emerging on his lips. "Darth Maul…" Those two words came out laden with an anger cold as ice, a shiver drifting through all who heard it.

The Jedi Master took a breath, released it along with his emotions. "My apologies. That Avenger was an enemy of my Order when we both lived. He killed a good friend of mine and caused another a great deal of misery." Guilt flickered inside him from the memory of failing to heed a warning, and he let that linger a little longer before releasing it, too.

Still, the other Servants recognized the moment of silence for what it was and respected it. After that moment, another thought came to Assassin X. "Excuse me, Lancer X? Ruby?" The silver-eyed girl turned to him attentively. "Pardon me a possibly private question, but during your summoning, did you arrive at the same time as your partner?"

Ruby Rose blinked at the question, visibly mulling it over, then she turned to a similarly confused Rin. Her Master nodded after a moment, permitting her to answer. "…Now that you mention it, no. Archer was already there when I showed up." She looked at her partner. "And it looked like you'd been around for a while."

"A minute, two at the most," Archer agreed tersely; he still preferred not to converse with or divulge any more information than necessary to the masked man who was currently exchanging knowing looks with Saber.

"Same with me," Kakashi noted to his friend. "You were already fighting Lancer solo before I arrived. I wrote it off as just another 'glitch' from the imperfect ritual, but…"

Shirou finally snapped out of his relief, eyeing one Servant, then the next. "What do you mean, Kakashi? Was there something different between now and… the first time?" he winced at his hesitation. Okay, I'm not completely to grips yet about Kiritsugu. Got it.

Saber regained his attention. "During the Fourth War, Assassin X and I were summoned simultaneously." She paused in thought before adding, "And I don't recall hearing of any delays for the other X Servants, either. You?" Assassin X shook his head before they turned back to a certain attentive Servant. "Apologies for the shift in topics, Ruler X, but you mentioned last night there was 'interference' when you answered the Grail's call."

"Severe interference." Ruler X scratched his chin while his frown deepened. "I could barely 'hear' the Holy Grail's petition for a Ruler in the first place, and if I hadn't tapped into… my ally's summoning ritual, I may not have arrived here in the first place." His eyes wandered to the distant Mt. Ryuudou. "I am being sustained with clean mana from the Grail, and X Servants were still summoned to this War and the prior one, but… I'm finding it hard to disprove your story of this 'corruption.' And judging by all these disturbances, the Grail's power remains tainted." Ruler X folded his arms inside his robe's sleeves. "And if I wasn't convinced of your team's story before, Saber, your description of Maul puts the last of my doubts to rest. Besides, I've sensed a… darkness hiding somewhere in Fuyuki."

Some relief swept through the two Servants and Maiya and Bumblebee. They'd feared this part would be harder, but Ruler X proved fairly reasonable after all. But that last tidbit of his wasn't good at all, and he recognized it too. "Is there anything else you can tell me?"

"One more thing." Now Maiya Hisau stepped up. "I worked with these two during the Fourth War but was incapacitated at the end, so I only know about these events from how Kiritsugu Emiya described them to me. But he also mentioned this corruption having a name: Angra Mainyu." She suppressed a shiver at saying those two words and the things Kiritsugu had told her. She wouldn't let it win. "It's the name of an ancient Persian legend. A god of evil."

God of evil…? Shirou stared at the rest of his team, largely shaken by the new facts on top of the old ones, yet somewhat amazed that two of them had tried to stop this evil. Bee traded a wide-eyed look with him, both thinking, What are these three and Kiritsugu up against?!

Lancer X was the most openly shocked at this revelation among "Team Red," but Rin didn't look much better, and even Archer was gripping his forearms rather tightly. The latter two's brains were working in overdrive, trying to determine the best course of action (though the intended outcomes differed).

Ruler X alone seemed unfazed, but his mind was steadily analyzing and strategizing. "…Thank you for telling me all of this," he finally said. "I need some time to meditate on your information." He was met with a chorus of understanding nods; said meditation may've been good for everyone. "Until we meet again, may fate be with you all."

But as he made to leave, one final time, he marveled at the many cracks and refractions around these gathered characters. So many shatterpoints walking about… Well, I suppose that's to be expected when legendary heroes all gather to a single place. As Master Windu walked away in spirit form, he already reached one conclusion: They must all survive.

And with his departure, the familiars of those teams watching left as well. Their owners were all surprised at this turn of events for one reason or another and had different reactions. Bazett for example immediately began reviewing with Hiccup and Toothless the briefing she'd received about the Grail Wars, then factoring in this "Angra Mainyu."

By contrast, a pensively frowning Illyasviel von Einzbern sat on her favorite couch, Saber X on her left side, Berserker standing behind them. Not a word was exchanged. For now.

That left two teams in the battered neighborhood. Three individuals stood in cautious silence, on guard for threats from outside this bubble as well as within, from the rattled rest. Assassin X and Maiya both kept an eye on Archer in particular, inscrutable as he stood, not even his concerned partner privy to his thoughts. Nobody really knew what to say or do next….

Suddenly, Lancer X perked up, sniffing at the air with a pleased hum. "Something smells good…" Her non-sequitur comment sort of burst the bubble, and Saber agreed with her after a moment of sniffing. Something did smell good.

Rin blinked as Emiya's eyes widened like saucers. "Oh, sh-" He nearly cursed before waving his hands at her. "S-sorry, can we go over all… this tomorrow? Both of our teams need to recover from the fight, and, well, it's not like this Grail War crap means school's cancelled." He sprinted towards his house. "Y-You know where to find me, good night, Tohsaka!"

…O-kay, Archer stared dully after the boy's exit. Then he recognized the smell. Fair enough.

"Wha-?" Rin Tohsaka, proud of heiress of the Tohsaka line, stood gaping like a fish. As if being around that boy hadn't played havoc with her expectations enough… "Oh, whatever, let's just go home." It wasn't like she could chase Emiya down anyway; the pawn shop woman was watching her like a hawk. Thus, she turned around and told Ruby and Archer, "Come on. The church will handle cleanup." They dutifully dissipated and followed her.

She just barely rounded the corner before nearly bumping into someone. "Sor- Sakura?!" Rin nearly shouted before dipping her voice to a whisper. "What the heck are you doing out here?!"

"I-uh, well…" Sakura Tohsaka fumbled her words under her sister's incredulous glare, "I was going for a walk, felt like checking up on the neighborhood… and I heard some commotion around here, and well…" She couldn't think of any really plausible, not after everything she'd just witnessed, so she settled for at least one truth. "…I was worried about you, Big Sister."

And with that, the last of Rin's energy left her in an explosive sigh. "…I appreciate that, Sakura. But I'm fine. And this… really isn't a safe time to be walking around at night." She took hold of her little sister's hand and pulled her along. "Come on. If you're that worried, we may as well spend tonight together. But you're telling Mother."

Sakura winced at the thought but nodded. "Fair enough." She discreetly looked her sister over for injuries and grew a little relieved at finding none. Protection spell worked even without my staff.

While the Servants were all faster than her, Maiya was still the first one inside the house. "Shirou! Where are you?!" She glanced desperately inside each room before fixating on the lit part. It led her straight to the kitchen. "Are you al- right…" Her voice trailed off as she spotted him Kakashi, Artoria, and Bee crowding behind her.

Shirou was crouching by the oven, slowly pulling something out. As they got closer, they saw it was a tray covered in piping hot, fresh chocolate chip cookies. He inspected each one before sighing in relief. "Man, glad I didn't wait another minute…" Sure enough, they were a little browner than necessary, but the smell was reassuring enough.

Saber stared mesmerized at the steaming pastries, just barely retaining enough dignity to not drool from the smell. Not that Assassin X and Saber X were faring much better, and the latter didn't even have a nose! (Or drool.)

Maiya for her part was too stunned to fully appreciate one of her favorite treats. "I, uh, already made the batter two nights ago," Shirou explained under her stare. "I wanted to surprise you after you got back from your… trip."

The ex-soldier felt like her throat had been punched. Preparing a gesture like this… when she'd shattered all of his beliefs. "Shirou, I- …I'm so sorry about everything. You deserve-"

"Look." Shirou cut her off. He carefully set the tray down on the counter and faced her. "Before those Servants attacked… I did some thinking. And… I still wish you and Kiritsugu had told me more about yourselves. But…" Again, fire. Smoke. Screams in the distance. "I know talking about… stuff like that… is never easy. And at the end of the day…" Shirou flashed her that rare, earnest smile of his. "you're still my Aunt Maiya."

Her wide green eyes might've shimmered a bit, but the boy couldn't be sure due to being pulled into a tight embrace. "I don't deserve you," she mumbled against his hair. "You're too good for someone like me. But there's nothing I wouldn't do for you. Know why? Because as much as Kiritsugu saved you, Shirou, you saved him. And me."

Shirou breathed deeply and hugged her back… before her embrace shifted into a slightly painful neck hold. "But don't think for a moment you're out of the doghouse for that crud you pulled tonight, buster." Aunt Maiya warned him icily. He tried to protest, but she was faster. "Cookies aren't enough to get you a stay of execution this time. No less because I'll be lucky if I get to enjoy two with Saber around," she added grumbling.

One glance towards the blue-clad Servant who, despite listening and smiling to the two's reconciliation, hadn't taken her eyes off the tray of cookies, and Shirou saw where Aunt Maiya was coming from on that point.

Then she released him. "How about we just enjoy the rest of the evening? No talking about anything you don't want to talk about, no more adventures tonight, just dinner and… a little peace and quiet." Maiya Hisau would give her life to make good on her words.

Shirou nodded and smiled. "Sounds great. But I'm cooking."

"We'll-" Maiya's words got stuck in her mouth as two hands gently steered her away into the kitchen. She inclined her head stiffly back to see… him.

"I'll help him out," Kakashi assured her with a chuckle in his voice, "you ladies can sit down and relax." She and Saber deserve it after all the excitement, he added to himself.

Eventually, Maiya relented, enticed by the cookies which Saber had already assembled in a fresh bowl. "Don't eat them all or you'll ruin your appetites," the Copy Ninja called over as they helped themselves. Bumblebee for his part was delighted at tasting his first cookies. Meanwhile, Assassin X slipped on an apron like Shirou assuring he wanted to help; both Servants had switched back to casual clothing. "Sweets aren't really my thing anyway." More for me then, Artoria decided for once unashamed of her own greed.

"Really?" Shirou turned to him in genuine curiosity while considering what tonight's meal would be. "Then what is your favorite food, Kakashi?"

He hesitated, not wanting to impose any more on his Master, but the allure of Shirou's cooking proved too powerful. "Salt-grilled saury and eggplant miso soup."

Shirou nodded at the familiar dishes while rooting around in the fridge. "Good to know. Ah, and look at that: we've still got some fresh eggplant." While Kakashi brightened at the implication, Maiya was already planning her next trip to the fish market.

After he assembled the ingredients, the two males began working together quite together, though the older one noticed a stiffness in his friend's movements. "Still shaken by everything, huh?"

"Is it that obvious?" Shirou sighed as he set up the rice cooker. "So many things… For one, I just can't believe violent monsters like Avenger X or Gunner X could be heroes."

Assassin X shrugged wearily. "Hero is a very flexible concept, Shirou. And it's largely dependent on others' perspective. In older times, a barbarian who killed a thousand warriors on a battlefield would've been called a great hero. Couple generations later, people would use the same moniker for a man who prevented a war with cordial words and a few handshakes."

He cast a telling glance upon his Master. "A hero can be anyone. Even a broken man doing something as simple as saving an orphaned kid from a fire and then welcoming him into his own home." He tried to smile at the startled boy but couldn't help adding to himself, Or a useless "prodigy" who failed the people that mattered most to him time and time again.

But Shirou picked up on the intended message. Leaving aside that "Angra Mango" or whatever god of evil aside, the fights against those psycho "heroes," watching Ruler X in action, that weird moment with Tohsaka…

At the forefront of his confusion was everything he'd learned about Kiritsugu. Everything he he'd known, now with even more, technically good stuff but still- Shirou sighed. Then Saber's advice came to him again: "…if you really want to learn more about your father, you should talk to my partner." And after a moment of thought, Shirou decided to do just that. "So… My dad was your Master. He was a father before he… saved me." He stilled, bracing both hands against the counter. "And… He was a hired gun who targeted magi."

"He was… complicated." Kakashi shook his head before continuing. "I know that sounds like an oversimplification, but it's the truth. Kiritsugu Emiya was many things, not all of them admirable." The Copy Ninja met Shirou's gaze and didn't look away. "And not all of them terrible. I'm afraid, Shirou, that very few people in life are absolutely good or absolutely evil, though many certainly try." A regretful sigh escaped him. "Kiritsugu would've rather saved a life than take it. And the happiest time of his life was in the days he spent with his family."

The young Master tried not to blush from what his Servant inferred. To distract himself, he set a saucepan onto the stove and applied some oil, tofu already set aside. "He told me… he once wanted to be a Hero of Justice."

Kakashi nodded. "He did. But… he was put too many times into a situation where he had to choose one evil or another." He felt the inquisitive looks from the Sabers as well as Shirou, even a little from Maiya. He could still recall those vivid dreams of Norikata Emiya, Natalia Kaminsky and… Shirley perfectly. It didn't feel right to speak of them, though. Not without the permission of those memories' owner. So, he said, "Even so, no matter how much the world broke him, Kiritsugu's deepest wish was to save it."

Shirou nodded, quietly dicing up the eggplant. His motions were calmer now, Assassin X noted, but he felt like he could do a little more. An idea came to him as he filled a pot with water. "Why don't you tell me how you knew Kiritsugu Emiya, Shirou? I'll tell you about him in return, and you can decide for yourself what kind of man he was. Besides," he flashed his Master an eye-smile, "I'd like to know how my friend spent his final years."

So, in a way, I'd helping Kakashi, too... The boy who had survived the Fuyuki Fire mulled the offer over before returning his comrade's expression. "Deal."

From her spot at the table, Maiya Hisau silently observed the two with a rare, elated smile while Artoria and Bumblebee exchanged pleased looks (and not just because of cookies).

The front door banged open, and Taiga Fujimura's voice rang through the house. "I'm hoooooome~!" A couple of loud sniffs, then, "AND I SMELL COOOOOOOKIES!"

Fist met palm. "Knew I'd forgotten something…" Kakashi muttered a bit sheepishly.

Ah, this was fun to write. For so many reasons.

Kudos to those who recognized Dabi's involvement. Some might protest my choice of class for him, and I assure you, I've done the research about Avengers and given this due thought. And I'm not going back on my choice. It'll make sense in due time. At risk of sounding like Dutch van der Linde, please have a little faith in me!

For those of you who may wonder, Avenger X's flames aren't hampered by Magic Resistance, but those who read Fate/Zero Paradox know the latter Skill does protect against The Force (provided MR is of equal or higher rank). Why? Because of their respective origins. The Jedi and Sith are considered "space wizards" by many in the SW galaxy, so with The Force seen as some esoteric hocus-pocus, it can be considered magic in the Nasuverse. It's a similar case with Devil Fruit powers (just look at Wano residents), so Magic Resistance can dampen the effects; Gunner X's power is a Noble Phantasm, after all. Quirks on the other hand, as flashy and logic-twisting though some may be, are basically genetic abnormalities. Like heterochromia. Nothing magical was ever linked to them save for some Heroes/Villains who went with a magic theme, so the Nasu-system can't classify it as pseudo-magic.

And yes, Divine Constructs, even metal ones like Excalibur, are unaffected by Gunner X's Magnet-Magnet Fruit.

Now then, the sheet some of you might've been waiting for:

Ruler X-

Class: Ruler

Master: None, Summoned by Sakura Tohsaka

True Name: Mace Windu

Titles: Master of the Jedi High Council, Champion of the Jedi Order

Sex: Male

Source: Star Wars

Region: Harunn Kal

Alignment: Lawful Good

Strength: B

Endurance: A

Agility: B

Mana: A

Luck: C

NP: A+

Class Skills-

Magic Resistance: Grants protection against magical effects.

A+: A leading Master of his Order's Council and among its most famous and respected warriors, Ruler X is naturally protected against even High-Thaumaturgy and Greater Rituals. He can confront sorcerers from the Age of Gods with no hesitation and will do so for the sake of civilization.

True Name Discernment: Is a Class Skill of the Ruler class where status information such as one's identity, Skills and Parameters are automatically revealed to the owner of this Skill when directly encountering a Servant.

B: If summoned as a Ruler, during a direct encounter, a Servant's true name and entire status information will be automatically revealed. In regard to Servants with concealment abilities, a Luck Check is required to bypass those abilities.

God's Resolution: Is a Class Skill of the Ruler class and is the privilege of the Ruler presiding over the Holy Grail War: the right to use Command Spells against Servants. Each Ruler is normally granted two Command Spells for each Servant that participates in the Holy Grail War.

B: Ruler X may wield two Command Spells for each regular Servant at his own discretion but cannot repurpose them for any reasons.

Personal Skills-

The Force: Refers to the user's innate connection to a special energy field which is formed and flows through all living things. Those who can tap into this power may be able to perform incredible feats including Mana Burst, Clairvoyance, Presence Detection, Throwing (Retrieval), and more.

A: Among other powers, Ruler X can sense other beings' presence and potential threats, exert impressive telekinesis, bolster his own physical abilities, and even perceive the future to an extent. Additionally, he possesses a rare innate ability to determine "shatterpoints," the precise vulnerable points of an individual, object or possibly even an event. He can then exploit these points to break apart the concept in question. Ruler X honed his connection to The Force from a young age and all throughout his life, eventually becoming Master of the Jedi High Council, the Order's second-highest rank. In accordance with these achievements, he was second in authority, power and skill only to his Grand Master, a being several centuries his senior.

Voyager of the Galaxy: A variant of Voyager of the Storm for space travel. Because the ability as a group leader may also be necessary, high rank also has the effects of both Charisma and Tactics.

A: Ruler X has always believed in the peacekeeping aspect of his Order's mission, but when galactic war loomed, he accepted this as another trial of life and became one of the galaxy's most esteemed generals. He is an accomplished pilot of spacecraft, a shrewd strategist and an experienced diplomat, having once successfully mediated a dispute between a rebel leader and the senator of a world while it was under siege.

Vaapad: Refers to a rare and extremely deadly form of swordsmanship, as well as a state of mind. Its core concept is to draw upon one's own ferocity and inner darkness while confronting that of the opponent at the same time, turning it against them in a sort of feedback loop. The wielder must essentially accept their own dark side and harness it during battle without succumbing to it. A powerful yet risky Skill.

A+: Ruler X created Vaapad to harness his innate aggression and is perhaps the one Jedi who fully mastered this form. His attacks become A-rank, potentially A+, while the probability of his opponent(s) losing self-control increases the longer the battle continues, akin to Mad Enhancement's negative effects. It takes extreme discipline to resist this temptation, and even Ruler X may lose himself if he is not careful. Fortunately, Ruler X's training and adamant dedication to the light serves as a counterbalance to Vaapad's ferocity.

Protection From Arrows: Is the ability to deal with projectiles, an increased defense against ranged attacks by predicting the projectiles' trajectories through exceptional means, such as hearing the sound of air being cut, or sensing the killing intent of the enemy.

B: Ruler X can easily parry most projectiles with Hurrikaine, his reflexes honed through decades of training, adventure and The Force's precognitive powers. One of his final feats in life was redirecting a point-blank assault of magical lightning to its progenitor, an evil sorcerer who was left permanently scarred. Ruler X may even be able to deflect attacks without drawing his Noble Phantasm.

Noble Phantasms-

Hurrikaine: "Tact of the Violet Blade": B~A (Anti-Unit): Like nearly all Jedi, Ruler X wields a personally crafted "lightsaber" for more aggressive situations. His, though, bears the unique (and famous) distinction of producing a blade of amethyst plasma rather than the more common blue or green. The color symbolizes how Ruler X taps into the dark side of The Force during battle yet remains committed to the light, and Hurrikaine's cutting power equals the prowess with which it is wielded, befitting the Champion of the Jedi Order. Its rank rises to A when facing enemies with an Evil Alignment. Ruler X struggled in his youth with constructing his lightsaber, requiring a crystal greater than the average khyber with which the weapons manifest their blades. He travelled to the planet Hurrikaine and received a special crystal after a grueling adventure, the final piece he needed to build the tool he had envisioned. Hurrikaine has been wielded by Ruler X through countless battles (though he never actually named his lightsaber), even deflecting a vicious lightning attack back to its source in Ruler X's final battle.

?: A++ (Anti-Army): ?

Special thanks to ActionTReaction for inspiring me with the name for Windu's lightsaber. On the subject of lightsabers, btw, in my mind, those wielded by Masters, sufficiently famous Knights/Padawans and Sith qualify as Noble Phantasms. Base level would be C-rank, but Saber-class Jedi/Sith elevates it to B. And those who were especially famous like Master Mothereffing-Windu here would wield A-rank lightsabers, plus they might have special tricks like in Hurrikaine's case. Depends on the legends associated with them. Some long-lineage blades like Anakin's lightsaber or the Darksaber ought to be especially potent.

I included Vaapad as a Personal Skill because he is credited as both the man who came up with it and the only Jedi who didn't ever go bat-shit using it. Of course, he is also eligible for Berserker class thanks to this Skill's volatility.

And some of you might ask which Star Wars lore I'm drawing inspiration from, Canon or Legends. My answer: Whatever I damn well please.

I have accidentally good timing, by the way, for this chapter. Easter is a holiday of hope, and the events that transpire here, between Shirou and Maiya in particular, match how despite… everything happening in the wider world, I'd like to believe in hope.

Happy Easter 2025!